MEMBRANE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENERGY EXCHANGER

An energy exchange system is configured to exchange heat and moisture between a first fluid and a second fluid. The energy exchange system comprises first and second membranes. A fluid channel has a width defined between the first and second membranes, the fluid channel configured to allow the first fluid to flow therethrough, the first fluid contacting the first and second membranes to exchange energy between the first fluid and the second fluid on an opposing side of each of the first and second membranes, and the first and second membranes separating the first fluid from the second fluid. A membrane support assembly is positioned within the fluid channel. The membrane support assembly comprises a plurality of planar struts. A width of at least one of the planar struts is equal to the width of the fluid channel, the planar struts configured to span between the first and second membranes and support the fluid channel. A plurality of turbulence promoters is connected to and integrally molded and formed with the plurality of planar struts as a single piece. Each of the plurality of turbulence promoters has a central longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of each planar strut. A width of at least one of the turbulence promoters is less than the width of the fluid channel. The plurality of turbulence promoters is configured to promote fluid turbulence within the fluid channel, wherein the fluid turbulence within the fluid channel enhances transfer of heat and moisture between the fluid channel and the first and second membranes. The turbulence promoters include an asymmetrical shape relative to the central longitudinal axis of the turbulence promoter, the asymmetrical shape having a semi-elliptical shape at a leading end of the turbulence promoter.