Single Or Double Skin Air Handling Unit – Which One would you Buy?

If you are involved in the HVAC sector, you must have a clear understanding of what an Air Handling Unit (AHU) is.

Let’s Begin with The Definition. 

Also known as Air Handler, this device is a central air conditioner system, which is installed to circulate and regulate the air within a room as demanded by an HVAC setup. This machine contains a blower, a condenser and heater, chambers of filters, heat recovery systems, dampers, and sound attenuators. It is usually connected to a ventilation ductwork.

How is it Constructed? 

The device is placed in a chassis and set up using framing systems and insulated panels. Usually, galvanised steel is used for the construction. However, other materials like Aluminium, GI, Stainless Steel, and AluZinc are common as well.

Insulation is generally achieved using materials like wool, fibre, and Polyurethane. The choice of material depends on the type of thermal property, physical strength, and sound attenuation to be imparted. This also determines the cost of the device.

What are The Types of Air Handling Units? 

• Single Skin AHU 

This device comes as a single chassis made of Aluminium, Stainless Steel or GI. It has an airflow capacity range of 500 cfm – 30000 cfm and accounts for noiseless operation. For those who are looking for single skin air handling unit in India, this is a highly efficient device with CHW / HW / DZ heat transfer coils. Its filter class is of the EU 2 and 13 types and is very much corrosion resistant.

Its compact design makes it easy to operate. This apart, it is a robust, lightweight, and long-lasting HVAC supplement responsible for flawless performance. The best part is, it is easy to upkeep and does not feed on high power supply.

The purpose of this machine is to collect outdoor air and merge it with that coming from the building. This mixture is then heated or cooled and let out into the building.

• Double Skin AHU 

Unlike single skin air handlers, this device is integrated. It differs in its structure and construction. If you’ve ever observed a double skin air handling unit in India, you’ll know that it bears a self-supportive profile of extruded Aluminium. It contains insulated panels that are 25-45 mm thick. It also contains belt-driven curve blowers and dual slopping drain pan. Such AHUs are larger than the aforementioned type.

They, too, are highly efficient and contain CHW / HW / DZ coils. They usually have a flat Fitter section and provision of thermal break in their framework. They come equipped with air mixing chambers and can be manually controlled or automated.

What are The Application Areas? 

AHUs are an integral part of the following establishments and setups:

• Hospitals. 
• Laboratories. 
• Clean Rooms. 
• Operation Theatres. 

This apart, they are also extensively used in universities, offices, hotels, server rooms, and data centres. However, the best pronounced application is seen in the healthcare sector.

How to Select An AHU? 

• Select AHUs with coils that comply with the temperature differences in the area where you want them installed. 
• Filters should be picked as per face velocities. 
• Damper should be selected according to the RH needs. 
• Don’t forget to study the tonnage prior to selecting an AHU. 
• Check the acoustic performance as well. 
• Buy AHUs only from reputed manufacturers and suppliers. 

Which one do you think is a better AHU – single or double? Let know more http://pharmagrid.in/air-handling-units-india/.