What is Air Handling Unit (AHU) and How Does it Work?

What is Air Handling Unit (AHU) and How Does it Work?

An air handling unit (AHU) is a piece of equipment used to condition and circulate air in a central air conditioning system. It usually consists of fans, heaters, coolers, filters and other components used to treat the air to the proper temperature, humidity and cleanliness.

The principle of operation is as follows:

Air flow: Fresh and return air from outside is drawn into the air handling unit through fans. The air is guided into the interior of the unit through the ductwork.

Filtration: The air is initially filtered through filters to remove particulate contaminants and impurities. Depending on the application requirements, coarse, medium and high efficiency filters may be used.

Heating/Cooling: The air passes through either a cooling coil or a heating coil for heat exchange, cooling or heating to the desired temperature. Cooling coils are usually connected to a chiller and heating coils can be connected to a hot water or steam system.

Humidification/Dehumidification: The air is passed through a humidifier or dehumidifier, as required, to regulate the humidity of the air. Humidifiers typically use steam or misting systems, while dehumidification can remove moisture by cooling the air so that it condenses.

Supply Air: Treated air is fed into a duct system and distributed to various spaces to ensure a comfortable indoor environment.

The basic purpose of an air handling unit is to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment by regulating the air temperature, humidity, air quality and airflow rate. It is widely used in different areas such as residences, commercial buildings, industrial premises and so on.