Categories: HVAC

AHU (Air Handling Unit) Design Basics: A Beginner’s Guide-2024

Introduction

The design guidelines and factors for an AHU Air Handling Unit is full foam for commercial or industrial HVAC systems are described in this document. Maintaining a building’s interior temperature, humidity levels, and air quality all depend heavily on the AHU.

AHU (Air Handling Unit) Design Criteria

Capacity Calculated based on building size, occupancy, and cooling/heating load requirements. Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
Air Quality Provides adequate filtration to remove particulate matter, allergens, and contaminants from incoming air. NA
Temperature Control Capable of heating or cooling air as per building’s needs, with precise temperature control. Degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F)
Humidity Control Regulates humidity levels within desired range for comfort and health. Percentage (%)
Energy Efficiency Design considerations include energy-efficient components and systems to minimize operational costs and environmental impact. NA
Noise Levels Incorporates measures to reduce noise levels for occupant comfort. Decibels (dB)

AHU Components Basic Description

Air Filters High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or equivalent for removing fine particles and allergens.
Heating/Cooling Coils Coils connected to a heating or cooling source to adjust air temperature.
Humidifier/Dehumidifier Integrates a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to control humidity levels based on climate and indoor conditions.
Fans Utilizes centrifugal fans to circulate air through the AHU and building ductwork.
Dampers Motorized dampers for controlling air flow within the AHU and adjusting airflow to different zones.
Controls An advanced control system, possibly with sensors, actuators, and a programmable logic controller (PLC).
Insulation Proper insulation of ductwork and AHU components to minimize heat gain or loss and improve energy efficiency.
Sound Attenuators Incorporates sound attenuators or silencers to reduce noise levels generated by the AHU.

AHU Design Calculation

Calculation Step Formula Result/Value
Building Area 10,000 square feet 10,000 sq ft
Occupancy 50 people 50 people
Sensible Cooling Load (Qs) Qs = Area × Occupancy × Sensible Heat Factor (SHF) 375,000 Btu/hr
Air Volume (CFM) Air Volume (CFM) = Sensible Cooling Load (Btu/hr) ÷ (1.08 × Temperature Difference) 17,361 CFM
AHU Capacity Selection Select an AHU capacity slightly higher than calculated value to ensure adequate cooling capacity 18,000 CFM
Verification Once installed, commission and test AHU to meet cooling load requirements Verify AHU performance
Note: The “Result/Value” column shows the numerical results or values obtained from each calculation step.

Types of Components with Photos

Direct Drive :

 All direct motor drive Air Handling Unit Blowers/Fans are supplied with suitable Electric motor with Fan cooling and also Flame Proof. In Air Handling Unit Blowers/Fans, Impeller are Directly mounted on Shaft of Electric motor. Electric motor in Direct drive Blowers are mounted on M.S. Fabricated Base Plate.

Belt Drive :

 All Belt driven Air Handling Unit Blowers/Fans are provided with EN-8 Steel shaft extension running in Ball bearing of different types like Pillow Block Pedestal, Sleeve Type Pedestal, Single bearing Type, etc. Air Handling Unit Blowers/Fans are provided with V type or Flat Pulley of suitable size. Complete Shaft and Bearing systems are mounted on M.

Cooling Coil ( DX & Chilled Water)

Filters HEPA / FINE / PRE Filter

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