Air handling units (AHUs) are devices that are used to regulate and circulate air within a building or other enclosed space.
They are applied in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to the below applications:
- HVAC Systems: AHUs are an integral part of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They help regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a building, ensuring that occupants are comfortable and healthy.
- Industrial Processes: AHUs are used in a variety of industrial processes to maintain a specific temperature, humidity, or air quality. They are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and other industries that require precise environmental control.
- Clean Rooms: AHUs are an essential component of clean rooms, which are highly controlled environments used in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The AHUs in these facilities must maintain extremely low levels of particulate matter, temperature, and humidity.
- Laboratories: Laboratories require highly controlled environments to conduct experiments and research. AHUs are used to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, as well as to provide ventilation to prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous chemicals or fumes.
- Hospitals: Hospitals require a high level of air quality to prevent the spread of infection and disease. AHUs are used to filter and circulate air throughout the building, ensuring that patients and staff breathe clean, healthy air.
- Commercial Buildings: AHUs are commonly used in large commercial buildings such as office towers, shopping malls, and airports. They help regulate the temperature and humidity, as well as circulate fresh air throughout the building.
Usually, there are two different AHUs, one is the chilled water type, which is usually working together with chillers; the other one is the direct expansion type, which can connect with condensing units, including VRF condensers. End users can choose either type depending on the whole HVAC system design.
In a word, AHUs play a very important role in maintaining indoor air quality, regulating temperature and humidity, and providing ventilation, and energy recovery. They are used in a wide range of applications and are essential for ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of building occupants.
