How to calculate capacity of an AHu or Air Handling Unit?
Calculating
the capacity of an air handling unit (AHU) involves determining the amount of
air that needs to be moved and the resistance to flow that exists in the
system. Here is a step-by-step process to calculate the capacity of an AHU:
1. Determine the volume of air that needs to be moved:
This is typically expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and is based on the
size of the space being conditioned, the number of occupants, and the type of
use (e.g. office, laboratory, manufacturing).
2. Calculate the system's resistance to flow: This
involves determining the resistance of the filters, ducts, diffusers, and other
components in the system. This resistance is expressed in inches of water
column (in. w.c.).
3. Determine the fan laws: The fan laws are mathematical
relationships that describe how changes in fan speed, airflow, and power
consumption are related. These relationships can be used to calculate the
capacity of the AHU.
4. Calculate the required fan power: The required fan power
can be calculated using the fan laws and the resistance to flow, as well as the
desired volume of air flow. This will give you the required horsepower or
kilowatt rating of the fan.
5. Select the fan: Based on the calculated fan power,
you can select a fan that is capable of meeting the requirements of the system.
This may involve evaluating different fan types (e.g. centrifugal, axial,
etc.), fan sizes, and fan speeds to determine the best fit for the application.
6. Confirm the results: Once the fan has been selected,
it's a good idea to perform a verification of the system's performance using a
test and balance process. This involves measuring the actual airflow, pressure,
and power consumption of the fan and comparing it to the calculated results.
This
is a general process for calculating the capacity of an AHU. The specific
details of the calculation will vary depending on the type of AHU, the design
requirements, and the specific components in the system.
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