In 1992 Level energy technology developed a counterflow heat exchanger and obtained patents on both the geometry and the production method. The counterflow recuperator was a significant improvement on the then commonly used cross flow heat exchangers. In 1999 production of the plastic counterflow heat exchanger started. These recuperators are mainly used in centralised heat recovery units in residential buildings. Level is the founder of heat recovery from ventilation air with high efficiency (>90%). Among others Storkair, Itho and Stiebel Eltron were the first manufacturers to launch a HRV-unit based on the Level heat exchanger.
Since 2002 Recair in Waalwijk manufactured the recuperators according to our patents. The first type of heat exchanger, the HR160, has been produced and sold over 160.000 times. In 2005 Level acquired Recair (together with it's management) from Zehnder to become an independent supplier. Level was responsible for innovation and development.
In 2006 Peter Hoogendoorn (Level) developed a greatly improved geometry, the RS160. In total >1.000.000 heat exchangers have been manufactured according to Level patents. Other manufacturers started producing heat exchangers with the same outer shape. All the currently available plastic heat exchangers are produced by thermoforming, a succesful and reliable production method.
In 2017 Level developed the next generation heat exchanger. Using innovative production techniques, an improved and more robust heat exchanger can be produced. Patents have been obtained on both geometry and production technology. The next level
heat exchanger is characterised by a higher quality in performance, effectiveness and pressure drop as well as in firmness, robustness and size accuracy. Level produces the Next Level
heat exchangers in its own production facility.