This study quantifies and predicts the pressure drop (ΔP) of membrane-based energy recovery ventilator (ERV) cores using a controlled dataset comprising nine cores with three face sizes (150, 250, and 350 mm) and three channel heights (H_c = 1.8, 2.0, and 2.6 mm), evaluated at 61 operating points spanning 56–547 m³ h^-1 (Re = 94.8–1604.9) at 25°C and 50% RH. The cores were constructed with a 0.033- mm cellulose membrane and a 0.06- mm spacer and were tested using a ±1% differential pressure sensor (expanded uncertainty U ≤ 5.0 Pa at 95% confidence); pointwise repeatability (standard deviation) was 0.16–4.54 Pa. Measured ΔP ranged from 18.1 to 296.3 Pa. To remove length effects, we used the equivalent pressure drop P_e = ΔP/L and developed two closed form multivariate polynomial correlations: Case 1 based on opening ratio (OR) and channel velocity (u_c), and Case 2 based on OR and Reynolds number (Re). Across the full dataset, both predictors showed high fidelity (R² = 0.996 and 0.991), with maximum absolute errors of 12.19 and 16.23 Pa, respectively. In our judgment, OR and u_c are the primary design variables for accurate, low- bias ΔP prediction in ERV cores. Therefore, we recommend adopting the Case 1 correlation particularly for ΔP < 100 Pa and selecting cores with larger H_c, where thermal efficiency targets permit, to reduce fan power. Overall, the dataset and equations provide practical guidance for blower sizing, core selection, and rapid design stage evaluation of ERV pressure losses.

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Major variables for predicting pressure drops in membrane-based air-to-air energy recovery ventilator cores