Air handling unit cfm

Types of Air Handling Units

An air handling unit CFM, also known as an air processing unit, is part of an indoor central air conditioning system designed to handle and condition indoor air to keep a building environment livable. There are different kinds of air handling units:

• Renovated AHU

  This unit is a more advanced version of the original version. In the Renovated AHU, some parts are changed to make the unit more efficient. This means it probably uses a different kind of fan, motor, or filter than in the older model. By making these upgrades, the Renovated AHU can do a better job of controlling the air in a room by improving airflow and increasing how well it cleans the air.

• Modular AHU

  A modular air handling unit is like a puzzle where each piece does something special for the air in a building. The important pieces or modules are the filter module, fan module, cooling module, heating module, energy recovery module, and special module. The filter module cleans the air coming from outside by removing dirt and dust using different types of filters. The fan module moves the air around with the help of a fan. In some buildings, the fan module can also include parts that reduce energy use, like variable frequency drives (a technique to control the speed of electric motors) or high-efficiency fans. The cooling module cools down the air using either traditional chillers or new coolers that use water from rooftop evaporative coolers. The heating module warms up the air using ducted gas furnaces, electric coils, or hot water from a boiler. The energy recovery module saves energy by using the air that leaves the building to cool or heat the fresh air coming in. Lastly, the special module can have extra things like humidifiers or dust removal devices. Together, all these different modules make sure the air in the building is clean, comfortable, and healthy for everyone inside.

• Fan-Driven AHU

  The main job of a fan in an air handling unit is to move air around the space. There are two popular types of fans used in air handling units: centrifugal fans and AC permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors. Centrifugal fans are designed in a way that the air flow comes out sideways, which makes them ideal for pushing a lot of air with high pressure. This is super important for air handling units that need to let out more pressure to keep a good airflow, especially when dealing with higher resistance systems like ducted systems. On the other hand, AC permanent split capacitor motors are special types of electric motors with a permanent capacitor (an electrical device used to store energy) that helps the motor run quietly and coolly. These motors are reliable and popular in many units because they can last a long time with regular use. Together, these two types of fans play their parts perfectly in ensuring that air handling units do a great job of circulating air.

Specification & maintenance of air handling units

Air handling units are available in a wide range of specifications to meet different applications and requirements. The main specifications that generally apply to all AHU units are size, configuration, capacity, and temperature and humidity control.

• When it comes to size, both small and large AHUs are available. For instance, a 20,000 CFM air handling unit represents the air handling unit's capacity (in cubic feet per minute) to move and filter a volume of airflow.
• AHUs are available in different configurations. The most common configurations include a horizontal ducted configuration that is parallel to the building length and a vertical ducted configuration that is perpendicular to the building length. Also, an AHU can be made up of central antechamber and main chamber, sentado, and Central Direct.
• The capacity of air handling units is indicated in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Capacity may vary from 1,000 CFM to 120,000 CFM. Different capacities serve universities, schools, hotels, mixing spaces, hospitals, and more.
• AHUs offer temperature and humidity control by combining various systems such as cooling, dehumidification, heating, and humidification.

Air handling units require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and energy efficiency. It also helps to minimize unnecessary and sudden repair costs. Here are some AHU maintenance tips:

• Change air filter regularly: Housing units come with an air filter, which plays a key role in removing dust and pollutants from the air. The filters need to be changed on a periodic basis to make sure that dust does not clog up. Doing so ensures that a maximum and clean flow of air is made available by the AHU.
• Clean blowers and motors: Every now and then, the motors and blower wheels need to be cleaned. Only then will the air handling unit work at its full capacity.
• Clean coils and condensate pans: It is extremely important to clean the coils of an AHU because they are the major areas for heat exchange. Similarly, the debris inside the condensate pans needs to be cleaned regularly, or else water will start to accumulate and damage the AHU.
• Clean the entire unit from inside and outside: Regular cleaning of the AHU from both inside and outside is equally important. This includes removing dust from the filtering section, blower motor, heat exchange section, and drain valves.
• Check lubrication: Moving components of an air handling unit, such as motors and blowers, require lubricant. It's vital to check the grease and oil levels from time to time and replenish them as needed.

Scenarios of air handling unit CFM

Proper air handling is vital for many industries and buildings. Here are some usage scenarios for this equipment.

• Commercial buildings

  A large commercial building needs to bring in fresh air and keep good ventilation for everyone. It must be able to let in a lot of air, which is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). To do this, air handling units are used. Companies look for units that can handle the high CFM levels needed for their whole building. The unit brings in fresh air and cools or heats it before people inside receive it. This ensures that all rooms will have the right amount of ventilation and comfort.

• Data centers

  The amount of air that needs to flow through a data center is very high because there are many computer servers packed closely together. Server computers generate a lot of heat that has to be removed quickly so they don't overheat. Data centers depend heavily on the functioning of the air handling units. It is critical that the units be able to move a huge volume of air, as indicated by their CFM ratings. The air-handling device keeps the servers cool by circulating a large quantity of air, ensuring that they operate correctly and without heating issues.

• Industrial manufacturing

  In an industrial factory producing goods, many pieces of equipment and processes generate dust and other contaminants. Factories need to have good ventilation, removing airborne particles, and bringing in clean air. An air handling unit with high CFM is crucial. It absorbs and filters the dusty indoor air and then blows out some high volumes of fresh, clean air. This solution enhances the factory workers' comfort, health, and productivity. Ventilation also helps safeguard production equipment and the quality of the items manufactured.

• Hospitals

  Hospitals must ensure that patients are always receiving the right amount of clean air. Ventilation systems also need to ensure a low transmission risk of infections and other diseases. Air handling units are available and are used because they can handle large amounts of air measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The device is in charge of appropriately circulating air throughout the various hospital wards and rooms. This circulation enhances the patients' comfort and well-being and lowers the internal transmission risk.

• Transportation terminals

  Air handling units with high CFM work well in transportation hubs like airports, bus stations, and train stations. Many vehicles carry large numbers of travelers and produce significant traffic indoors. The CFM rating of the units operating in these transit places indicates that the units need to filter and move huge volumes of polluted indoor air. The stations need to provide a pleasant and healthy environment for commuters.

How to choose air handling unit CFM

• AHU layout and design:

  It is important to know the layout and design of the AHU. Does it make more sense to intake and exhaust air through a vertical or horizontal configuration? What specific factors should we focus on for our facility's needs? The vertical one tends to occupy a small footprint, which is more suitable for the limited space of high-density urban areas. In addition, it can be placed on the roof. Horizontal units are taken up more on the ground but have better accessibility, so they are more suitable for scenarios where needed units with large capacities. Both designs can meet the demands of different facilities.

• AHU type:

  Two types of air handling units are commonly used: centralized and decentralized. A centralized air handling unit CFM is located in one central place. It is suitable for large areas that need to ensure air quality over an entire space. Centralized units can also integrate with zoning systems for flexible temperature control in different parts of a building. On the contrary, decentralized units, which are located independently in different parts, are close to where people are working. Therefore, they can achieve better energy efficiency and more localized ventilation.

• VAV AHUs:

  A VAV (Variable Air Volume) air handling unit is a type of air handling unit that varies the volume of air it delivers to a space in response to changes in that space's cooling or heating needs. A VAV AHU may be a good choice if critical factors include energy efficiency and flexible occupancy variations. VAV air handling units can help buildings reach higher levels of energy efficiency by reducing fan power consumption and air volume delivered to spaces when full occupancy is not required.

Air handling unit CFM Q&A

Q1. Why is the AHU CFM calculation important?

A1. The CFM value of an air handling unit is used to measure the amount of air the unit is capable of moving. Knowing the correct AHU CFM ensures that there will be enough air flowing throughout the desired space to provide optimal ventilation and a good indoor climate.

Q2. What happens if the CFM is too high?

A2. If the AHU CFM is too high, the energy consumption of the air handling unit will increase. This can also lead to over-ventilating the space, resulting in higher operating costs for the business or building. Excessive ventilation can also lead to issues like drafts and overly dry air. It is important to adjust the speed of the fan to achieve the desired CFM.

Q3. What does 1000 CFM of air volume mean?

A3. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, and it is a method of measuring the volume of airflow. It is also a way of determining the amount of exhausted or ventilated air in a given space. In simple terms, if an air handling unit or space has an airflow measurement of 1000 CFM, it means that 1000 cubic feet of air will flow in or out of that space in one minute.