The main function of an Air Handling Unit (AHU) is to condition and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It ensures a controlled indoor environment by managing the air's temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and ventilation levels.
Key Functions of an AHU:
- Air Circulation:
- Moves air through the HVAC system to provide a continuous flow of fresh or conditioned air throughout a building.
- Air Filtration:
- Removes dust, allergens, and other contaminants using filters to improve indoor air quality.
- Heating and Cooling:
- Contains heating coils (electric, hot water, or steam) and cooling coils (chilled water or refrigerant-based) to adjust the air temperature.
- Humidity Control:
- Adds or removes moisture from the air to maintain a comfortable and healthy humidity level.
- Mixing Air:
- Mixes fresh outdoor air with recirculated indoor air to maintain ventilation and save energy.
- Ventilation:
- Supplies fresh air to dilute indoor pollutants and meet ventilation requirements for occupant health.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Often incorporates energy recovery devices, such as heat exchangers or enthalpy wheels, to reduce energy consumption by recovering energy from exhaust air.
Typical Applications:
- Office buildings
- Hospitals
- Manufacturing plants
- Schools
- Shopping malls
- Large residential complexes
The AHU plays a critical role in maintaining thermal comfort and indoor air quality, making it an essential component in modern HVAC systems.