AHUs, sometimes known as "air handlers," are a component of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which provides, circulates, and removes air from buildings.
The casing (also known as the box) of an air handling unit is made of double-skinned insulated panels (also known as insulated sandwich panels) and a structural structure.
AluZinc, aluminum, and galvanised steel are the most popular framing materials.
Galvanised steel for the inner skin and prepainted galvanised steel for the outer skin make up the majority of materials used for panel skin. The inside skin of sanitary AHUs occasionally consists of stainless steel.
Sandwich Panel PU
Mineral wool or injected sandwich PU (Polyurethane) foam are the materials utilised to insulate the panels. The casing will house each component, including the fan, filter, cooling and heating coil, etc. A base (or chassis) is put in place on top of the casing.
However, most air handling units consist of an insulated box that houses filter racks or chambers, a fan (or blower), and occasionally heating, cooling, sound attenuators, and dampers (that can be operated manually or automatically to regulate or prevent specific air flows).
Air Handling Units
Air handling units can be supplied in a range of sizes and with a variety of capabilities. Dehumidification may be a feature of air handling devices in particular circumstances, such as in swimming pools.
The unit itself may produce its own heating and/or cooling, or it may link to the building's chillers or boilers to do so.
Function of Air Handling Units
Air handling units can be used to feed and remove air directly to a space or they can be installed on a roof (rooftop units or RTU).
Typically, air handling units are connected to the ductwork within the building that supplies air to and extracts air from the interior.
Fan coil units (FCU) are air handling systems that merely have a fan and a heating or cooling element that are installed inside the room they are servicing.
In order to reduce the quantity of air conditioning needed, air handling systems can be used to mix a percentage of "stale" air within a structure with fresh air.
They may also involve heat recovery, which warms supply air by recapturing heat from return air.
Fans can run at a single speed, a defined speed range, or a variable frequency drive. Inlet vanes and outlet dampers are further devices that can regulate flow rates.
Reduce the Noise of Air Handling Equipment
Air handling equipment produces disruptive noise (and vibration), which can be exacerbated by ductwork that runs through acoustically distinct locations.
Acoustic attenuators might be employed in this situation. Additionally, vibrations can be produced.
By placing flexible pieces between the unit and the ductwork and by separating the unit from the building structure, this vibration can be mitigated.
Because of the noise, vibration, and occasionally scents they produce (usually when they are supplying kitchens), air handling units that are positioned outside of buildings may be the subject of complaints from nearby residents.
To minimise this disturbance, it is crucial that these units be properly designed, installed, and maintained.
The use of "wet" technologies, such as water evaporative cooling, can be harmful to your health. Businesses that use these systems must do a risk assessment and set up procedures to guarantee that there is no harm to the public's health.
Summary
In conclusion, air handling units (AHUs) are essential components of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, providing efficient air circulation and maintaining optimal indoor air quality in buildings.
With their double-skinned insulated panels, structural framework, and various components, AHUs play a crucial role in delivering, circulating, and removing air.
They offer flexibility in size and capabilities, accommodating features like dehumidification and heat recovery.
By adhering to industry standards and guidelines, AHUs contribute to creating a healthy and efficient indoor environment for buildings of all types.
TCW GROUP manufactures and supplies sandwich panels PU and mineral wools to all well-known international AHU brands for use as AHU casing.