What Is An Air Handling Unit: Working And Importance

An air handling unit (AHU) is a collection of elements mounted in big, accessible box-shaped containers called modules that house the necessary ventilation for purifying, air-conditioning, or refreshing the indoor air in a building or premises. Let’s learn more about air handling units. 

What Exactly Is An Air Handling Unit?

“AHU”  stands for air handling units. As the name implies, an air handling unit is a device that deals with air. The internal structure of AHU is very simple. The air handling unit (AHU) is the primary component of a building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In a nutshell, an air handling unit is a large indoor piece of commercial air conditioning equipment. 

Working Of An Air Handling Unit

The simplest method to describe how AHU in HVAC works is to go over the components and their functions:

Housing

The housing is typically constructed from metal. It acts as a protective measure against rust. In it, the AHU’s internal systems — such as its fan, filters, etc — are housed. Insulation inside the housing prevents condensation from forming on the coil and fans.

Fan

The AHU’s fan moves air throughout the structure. There are several types of fans available (forward bent, backwards curved, airfoil, and backward incline). The designer will utilise software to choose the appropriate fan based on the static pressure as well as air volume in the AHU.

Mixing Box

The mixing box is another component of the AHU where outside and return air are mixed before passing through the filters and heating/cooling coils.

Cooling Coil

Cooling coils dehumidify and chill the air. It will be necessary to employ a direct expansion cooling coil or a chilled water cooling coil, depending on the AHU system.

Humidifiers

A humidifier in the AHU regulates the moisture content of the air. However, this humidifier adds moisture to the air through these three different types: spray types, steam pan types, and steam grid types.

Filters

The filters are a crucial component of the AHU, meant to remove airborne particles like dust, pollen, and other pollutants in the air from entering the air-conditioned space. 

Importance Of An AHU In HVAC

One of the benefits of air handling units in HVAC is that they can be set in a single outside area. Furthermore, each indoor unit installed in a room requires maintenance, which costs money and takes time. Air handling equipment, on the other hand, enables pooling and positioning at a single outside site, allowing maintenance to be conducted there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AHU is an essential component of HVAC. It is in charge of moving and treating air within a building, ensuring that people have a comfortable and safe atmosphere. Owners and operators may ensure that their HVAC system is running efficiently and effectively if they understand the components and necessity of an AHU in HVAC.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the AHU in HVAC?

The air handling unit (AHU) serves as the heart of central air conditioning. It collects outside and room air eliminates dust and other particles, changes the temperature and humidity, and then distributes comfortable and refreshing air-conditioned air throughout the rooms via ducts.

How long does an air handling unit work properly?

When proper maintenance is considered, air-handling equipment can endure for more than 25 years. Without maintenance, the estimated lifespan is 1-5 years. Thus, with regular maintenance, one can expect longer periods of functioning.

Is AHU distinct from HVAC?

To put it simply, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) is the entire system that includes the air handling unit (AHU).