Air handling units (AHUs) are equipment used to manage and improve the air quality in an enclosed space, such as commercial, industrial, office or even residential buildings. They are essential in ventilation and air conditioning systems, being used to ensure optimal conditions of thermal comfort and air quality.
The main functions of air handling units are:
1. Ventilation: AHUs ensure a constant flow of fresh air from outside to inside the building, replacing stale air and preventing the accumulation of carbon dioxide or other harmful substances. This process helps maintain a healthy level of oxygen in enclosed spaces.
2. Filtration: The air entering the building through the AHU passes through filters that remove dust particles, pollen, bacteria, viruses and other impurities. Filters can be of different types, depending on the desired level of purification, such as HEPA filters (for high-efficiency purification) or activated carbon filters (for odor removal).
3. Heating or cooling the air: The AHU may include a heat exchange system, which can heat the cold air from outside or cool the warm air, to reach the desired temperature inside the building. This can use various energy sources, such as outdoor air, hot water, geothermal energy or electricity.
4. Humidification or dehumidification: The treated air can be adjusted to have an optimal level of humidity. If the air is too dry (especially in the cold season), the AHU may include a humidification system. If the air is too humid (in humid climates), the system may include a dehumidifier to control the humidity and prevent mold growth.
5. Adjusting the ventilation speed: Some AHUs allow the speed of the fans to be adjusted to control the volume of air delivered indoors, depending on the needs of the building and environmental conditions (for example, depending on the number of people present or the temperature).
Types of air handling units:
- Heat recovery air handling units (HRV): These transfer heat from the exhaust air to the fresh air brought in from outside, saving energy and improving efficiency.
- Heat exchanger air handling units: These are similar, but include a more complex heat exchanger, which can also be used to recover humidity.
- Non-heat recovery air handling units: These do not recover heat from the exhaust air, being used in simple ventilation systems.
Applications of air handling units:
- Commercial buildings, offices and institutions
- Hospitals and medical facilities (where air quality control is particularly important)
- Factories and industrial facilities (to ensure clean air and a healthy working environment)
- Residential homes (especially in homes with centralized ventilation systems or in areas with high air pollution)
In conclusion, air handling units are essential for maintaining a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment, having varied applications in many types of buildings and industries.