An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a key component designed to regulate and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Typically housed in large, modular box-shaped units, AHUs contain essential elements for purifying, air-conditioning, and renewing indoor air within buildings and commercial premises.

AHUs play a crucial role in maintaining optimal environmental conditions, especially in critical settings such as data centers. They ensure the reliable performance of information technology equipment (ITE) hardware by creating a controlled atmosphere for temperature, air quality, and humidity.

Main functions of an AHU

Beyond ventilation, AHUs perform several vital functions, including:

• Air Filtration & Quality Control: Equipped with air purification filters, the AHU ensures clean and purified air reaches the interior. The efficiency of these filters determines the level of air cleanliness.

• Temperature Regulation: The AHU helps regulate interior temperatures, ensuring a comfortable thermal environment by adjusting air conditioning systems for both hot and cold conditions.

• Humidity Control: By monitoring and maintaining relative humidity levels, the AHU ensures a comfortable indoor climate, enhancing occupant comfort.

AHUs are essential for spaces with limited natural ventilation and high foot traffic, such as data centers, hotel dining areas, conference rooms, restaurants, and convention halls. They are also used in environments with stringent hygiene requirements, including laboratories, clean rooms, and operating theatres. Furthermore, AHUs can be integrated with radiators or underfloor heating systems to ventilate such spaces efficiently.