The HRM Energy Recovery Heat Pipes Series is designed for projects where supply and exhaust air streams run side by side or directly above and below each other. They’re especially valuable in labs, hospitals, and other environments where cross-contamination must be avoided. With no moving parts, long service life, and low maintenance requirements, HRM units provide best-in-class energy recovery while keeping supply air isolated.
Coilmaster’s HRM Energy Recovery Heat Pipes Series uses a loop circuit design that recovers both heating and cooling energy without requiring seasonal changeover or tilt mechanisms. The heat pipes work without external energy input, relying on the phase change of the working fluid to transfer heat effectively. With no moving parts, upkeep is limited to standard coil cleaning.
Configurations include options that allow for equal heating and cooling recovery (HRM-H™) or optimization for either the more prominent heat or cooling recovery while still allowing for appreciable recovery the rest of the time (HRM-Z™).
HRM-H™
HRM-Z™
HRM-O™
HRM units combine a thin, space-saving footprint with long-lasting copper tube construction. Multiple-charged circuits resist wear and minimize leakage risk, while repairs are simple compared to aluminum designs.
Integrated partitions prevent cross-contamination between exhaust and supply air. Foam-filled separation options are available for critical applications, and all HRM products are certified ZERO EATR (Exhaust Air Transfer Rate).
HPT heat pipes are performance certified to AHRI Std. 1060 and ETL listed to UL Std. 207 and CSA Std. C22.2#140.3
Why is certification and listing important:
HRM heat pipes use a passive heat pipe heat exchanger design to transfer heat through a continuous phase change cycle. As warm exhaust air passes across the heat exchanger, the internal working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes. The vapor rises through the pipe and moves toward the cooler supply side, where it condenses and releases that heat into the incoming air stream.
The condensed fluid then returns to the warm side and repeats the cycle. This heat pipe energy recovery process occurs without mechanical input, relying entirely on passive operation. By transferring heat energy between isolated air streams, the system reduces the load on HVAC equipment and improves overall energy efficiency.
HRM heat pipes provide energy recovery without the complexity of mechanical systems. Compared to water run-around loops or plate heat exchangers, this heat pipe technology eliminates pumps, piping, and additional controls, reducing both installation cost and long-term maintenance.
With no moving parts, the system avoids common failure points and does not require freeze protection. The sealed design also ensures isolated air streams, preventing cross-contamination and maintaining indoor air quality. This makes HRM heat pipes ideal for healthcare, laboratory, and industrial environments.
In addition, heat pipe heat exchangers can recover waste heat from exhaust air more efficiently than many conventional heat pipe or heat wheel systems, supporting consistent performance and reduced energy consumption across a wide range of applications.
HRM heat pipes are designed to deliver reliable heat recovery across varying operating conditions. Typical effectiveness depends on airflow, air temperature, and system configuration, with balanced systems providing strong recovery in both heating and cooling modes.
Configuration options such as HRM-H and HRM-Z allow the system to prioritize specific recovery needs while maintaining overall performance. Coilmaster HPT heat pipes are performance certified to AHRI Standard 1060, providing verified data for comparison and design.
By recovering heat from exhaust air, the system reduces heating and cooling demand, helping improve system efficiency and lower overall energy usage.
Selecting the correct HRM configuration depends on the air stream layout and performance priorities. HRM-H is designed for balanced heat recovery in side-by-side air streams arranged in a vertical plane. HRM-Z provides optimized recovery when either heating or cooling demand is dominant, while still allowing partial recovery in the opposite season.
For applications with over-and-under air streams, HRM-O provides one-way heat transfer suited to that arrangement. Evaluating airflow, temperature conditions, and desired recovery performance helps determine the best configuration for each system.
HRM heat pipes are designed for long-term reliability with minimal maintenance. With no moving parts, the system reduces service requirements compared to mechanical energy recovery systems.
Routine maintenance is limited to periodic cleaning of the heat exchanger surface to remove dirt and debris and maintain proper airflow. Durable construction and sealed pipe circuits help ensure consistent heat transfer performance and long service life, even in demanding environments.