What is an Air Handling Unit (AHU) and Its Function?
An air handling unit is equipment that is commonly used to supply fresh air to various areas within a building. The trend of installing AHU units is not limited to commercial settings but has delved into homes, businesses, offices, and any place where HVAC functions.
Here is an overview of key features and details about air handling units
Key Air Handling Unit Functions
An air handling unit is a significant part of HVAC systems which is used for regulating temperature and ensuring optimal indoor air quality. Here are some of the most important air handling unit functions:
AHU units manage ventilation by:
Taking in outdoor air and indoor air
Filtering it
Adjusting temperature and humidity levels
Distributing conditioned air to different rooms.
These units are ideal for environments with strict hygiene standards, such as healthcare and manufacturing industries.
AHU units are particularly suitable for spaces where occupancy is high and natural ventilation is low.
AHUs can effectively ventilate spaces with underfloor heating.
Where Should AHUs be Installed?
AHUs can be installed indoors and outdoors, depending on the requirements of the HVAC system. You can place the AHU outside the building to reduce noise levels.
You can also place the units inside for easier maintenance and better control over the indoor environment.
What are the Main Air Handling Unit Components?
An AHU comprises the following Air Handling Unit Components:
A Coma housing or cabinet containing a blower or fan.
Filters that remove externalities from the air and air purification systems.
Heating or Cooling Coils that adjust the air temperature as it passes through the system.
Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers to manage the humidity levels of the air.
Fans to circulate the air through the HVAC system.
Heating or cooling elements such as coils or heat exchangers
Dampers to regulate airflow.
Connection to the ductwork to distribute conditioned air to different areas.
How do AHUs Operate?
The primary goal of an AHU is to maximize energy efficiency. It captures waste heat and recycles it through heat exchanger coils. This process reduces the workload on heating coils and manages energy consumption.
During the cooling process, indoor and outdoor air are mixed to minimize the temperature contrast when reaching the cooling coil. This allows the unit to produce cool air using minimal energy.
Here is a step-by-step process describing how an air-handling unit functions:
Step 1 - Air Intake
This is where outside air is drawn in, filtered, and then distributed throughout the rooms. It can also draw in recycled indoor air.
Step 2 - Filtration
The air filtration system can capture air pollutants, depending on the desired air quality. Regular filter replacement is necessary.
Step 3 - Blower or Fan
This mechanical device pushes the air out of the AHU and into the ducts, from where it is distributed into the rooms.
Step 4 - Heat Exchangers
These Air Handling Unit Components help transfer heat between two fluids—air and coolant—through a solid barrier.
Step 5 - Cooling Coil
The coil cools the air passing through this unit. This process may produce water droplets, which are collected in a condensate tray that is well-equipped with a droplet separator.
Step 6 - Silencer
These materials significantly reduce the noise level generated by the AHU during operation.
Step 7 - Plenums
Lastly, Plenums are positioned in void areas to ensure uniform airflow throughout the system.
Principle of Operation of an Air Handling Unit
The operation of an AHU follows a simple repetitive cycle:
Drawing in the air from outside
Passing the air through a series of filters to remove any impurities
Heating or cooling the air to the desired temperature by passing through coils.
Distributing the conditioned air through ductwork.
HMX, a business unit of A.T.E., uses the highly successful DAMA technology, and follows these 12 principles:
Air pre-filter
Air blower
Filtered ambient air
HE1 - sensible heat exchanger for cooling air without adding water
Primary supply air is cooled without the addition of water
Secondary exhaust air is used to cool the primary supply air in the sensible heat exchanger
HE2 - adiabatic heat exchanger for cooling air
Conditioned air at the machine outlet
Water supply pump for HE1
Water supply pump for HE2
Water sump
Return of water from HE1 and HE2 to sump
Types of Air Handling Units
In terms of space, there are two primary categories of AHUs: packaged units and modular units. Packaged units are usually installed in smaller residential or commercial structures, whereas modular units are typically employed in larger industrial or commercial settings.
Additionally, AHUs can be classified into:
Horizontal and Vertical Units
Draw-through and Blow-through Units
Outdoor Air or Mixing Units
Single-Zone and Multi-Zone Units
Rooftop and Indoor Units
Custom-Built and Field-Built Units
Conclusion
One advantage of AHUs is the ability to install multiple units at a single outdoor location. It's crucial to have backup AHUs installed. AHUs can be set up inside or outside to reduce maintenance efforts and costs.
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