What sensible recovery means
A sensible air-to-air heat exchanger transfers dry-bulb heat between the exhaust and supply air streams through a solid partition such as a corrugated aluminum or polymer plate. It changes temperature only - it does not move moisture. Sensible plate and heat-pipe cores typically recover 60 to 90 percent of the available temperature difference, depending on flow arrangement.
What total (enthalpy) recovery adds
A total or enthalpy core also transfers latent heat by moving water vapor. Rotary wheels with desiccant coating and cross-linked polymer membrane plates can recover both temperature and humidity, raising overall energy recovery when the exhaust is humid. The penalty is added complexity and, for wheels, a small risk of air carryover between streams.
Which one to choose
Use sensible recovery for dry, non-condensing exhaust such as data-center cooling, oven and dryer ventilation, and any stream that may carry contaminants - a solid wall means zero moisture and zero cross-contamination. Choose enthalpy recovery for comfort HVAC and humid-climate ventilation where controlling both temperature and humidity saves the most energy. When the exhaust is contaminated or must not be recirculated, stay with a sensible plate core.