AHU (Air Handling Unit) and Chiller are essential components of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems used in commercial and industrial buildings to regulate and maintain indoor air quality and temperature.

What is a Chiller?

A chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a refrigeration cycle. This cooled liquid, usually water, is then circulated through a building or industrial process to provide cooling. Chillers are critical in maintaining the desired temperature in large facilities, manufacturing processes, and data centers.

  • Air-Cooled Water Chiller: This type of chiller uses air to dissipate the heat absorbed from the liquid. It is commonly used in environments where water availability is limited or where the chiller needs to be installed outdoors.
  • Water-Cooled Water Chiller: In this system, water is used to dissipate the absorbed heat, typically with the help of a cooling tower. Water-cooled chillers are generally more efficient than air-cooled chillers and are preferred for large-scale applications.
  • Air Cooled Screw Chiller and Water Cooled Screw Chiller: These are advanced types of chillers that use screw compressors, known for their energy efficiency and ability to handle large cooling loads.

What is an AHU (Air Handling Unit)?

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a device used to regulate and circulate air as part of an HVAC system. The primary function of an AHU is to condition the air, meaning it controls the temperature, humidity, and air quality before distributing it throughout the building.

  • Cooling Coil: The AHU contains a cooling coil where the chilled water from the chiller circulates. As air passes over the cooling coil, it loses heat and cools down before being distributed to different areas of the building.
  • Filters: AHUs also filter the air to remove dust, contaminants, and allergens, improving the indoor air quality.
  • Fans and Blowers: These components help in circulating the air through the ducts and into the building’s spaces.

How AHU and Chiller Work Together

The AHU and Chiller work in tandem to provide effective cooling:

  1. Chilled Water Production: The chiller cools the water by absorbing heat from it and then dissipates this heat either into the air (in an Air-Cooled Water Chiller) or into water (in a Water Cooled Water Chiller).
  2. Air Conditioning: The chilled water is then pumped from the chiller to the AHU, where it flows through the cooling coil. As air is drawn into the AHU, it passes over the cooling coil, where the heat is absorbed by the chilled water, cooling the air.
  3. Air Distribution: The cooled air is then distributed throughout the building via ducts, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. The AHU may also integrate with other systems, such as Dehumidifiers, to control humidity levels.

Conclusion

The combination of an AHU and a chiller is fundamental to efficient HVAC systems in large buildings and industrial settings. Together, they ensure that indoor environments are maintained at comfortable and safe temperatures, improving air quality and supporting various processes. Whether you need an Air Cooled Screw Chiller in Ahmedabad or a Water Cooled Screw Chiller, understanding the role of these components is crucial for selecting the right equipment for your facility. For more information, explore our offerings from leading Chiller Manufacturers In Ahmedabad and Chiller Dealers In Ahmedabad.