EN 13053 Performance

Air handling units (AHUs) are used to condition the air in buildings by providing heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification. AHUs are typically located in the basement or on the roof of a building, and they can be used to condition the air for a single zone or for the entire building.

AHUs are typically rated by their airflow capacity and their cooling capacity. Airflow capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and it is the amount of air that the AHU can move. Cooling capacity is measured in tons of refrigeration (TR), and it is the amount of heat that the AHU can remove from the air.

AHUs are also rated for their performance in terms of energy efficiency and noise levels. Energy efficiency is measured by the energy efficiency ratio (EER) or the coefficient of performance (COP). Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA).

The performance of an AHU depends on a number of factors, including:

• The type of AHU
• The size of the AHU
• The components of the AHU
• The operating conditions of the AHU

Types of AHUs

There are two main types of AHUs: constant volume AHUs and variable volume AHUs. Constant volume AHUs always deliver the same amount of air, regardless of the load. Variable volume AHUs can vary the amount of air they deliver to meet the load.

Size of AHUs

AHUs come in a variety of sizes, from small units that can be placed on a rooftop to large units that can be the size of a house. The size of the AHU will depend on the airflow capacity and cooling capacity requirements of the building.

Components of AHUs

AHUs typically consist of the following components:

• Fan: The fan moves the air through the AHU.
• Filter: The filter removes dust, pollen, and other particles from the air.
• Cooling coil: The cooling coil removes heat from the air.
• Heating coil: The heating coil adds heat to the air.
• Humidifier: The humidifier adds moisture to the air.
• Dehumidifier: The dehumidifier removes moisture from the air.

Operating conditions of AHUs

The performance of an AHU can also be affected by the operating conditions. These conditions include:

• Outdoor temperature
• Indoor temperature
• Humidity level
• Air quality

Rating and performance for units, components and sections

The rating and performance of AHUs is governed by a number of standards, including:

• EN 13053 – Ventilation for buildings. Air handling units. Rating and performance for units, components and sections
• ASHRAE Standard 169- Criteria for Selection and Application of Air Handling Units

These standards specify the requirements for testing and rating AHUs, as well as the minimum performance requirements.

Conclusion

AHUs are an important part of the HVAC system in many buildings. By understanding the rating and performance of AHUs, building owners and operators can select the right AHU for their needs and ensure that it is operating efficiently.