How Many Air Preheater Types Are There?

Air preheaters are critical components in industrial and power generation systems, designed to improve thermal efficiency by recovering waste heat from flue gases. There are primarily three main types of air preheaters: regenerative, recuperative, and heat pipe air preheaters. Regenerative air preheaters, such as the Ljungström type, rotate to transfer heat between flue gas and combustion air, achieving efficiencies up to 90%. Recuperative air preheaters use static heat exchangers, with tubular and plate designs being the most common, offering durability and lower maintenance. Heat pipe air preheaters leverage phase-change technology for high thermal conductivity, ideal for corrosive or high-dust environments.

According to industry reports, regenerative air preheaters dominate the market, holding over 50% share due to their high efficiency in large-scale power plants. Recuperative types are preferred in smaller industrial boilers, while heat pipe variants are gaining traction in chemical and petrochemical sectors for their leak-proof design. Leading manufacturers like Howden, Balcke-Dürr, and Air Preheater Company provide customized solutions, with global market projections exceeding $5 billion by 2027 (Grand View Research). Proper selection depends on factors like flue gas temperature, space constraints, and fuel type, making it essential to consult technical specifications or OEM guidelines for optimal performance and ROI.