Design Optimization And Analysis Of A Single-System Air Handling Unit (Ahu) For Efficient Air Distribution In Commercial Buildings

Abstract

Air Handling Unit (AHU) is defined as a self-contained unit that the conditions of air vary while passing through it
and reach to the desired temperature and humidity. To perform variations in weather conditions various processes
such as heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and mixing are applied. In this research thermodynamic
modeling and analysis of air handling units approaching minimum energy consumption is achieved. The objective
function for analyzing is pressure drop of air crossing coil per cooling and heating load of the system. This function
comprises all thermal and geometrical parameters of the coils such as coil surface area, number of rows, fin
spacing and air side pressure drop of the coil. The optimization results are to compose of minimum pressure drop,
optimum area, and optimum number of rows and fin spacing. The effects of varying the cooling and heating load,
fin efficiency and the surface area of the coil on fan power consumption are investigated as well. A comparison of
simulation results to experimental results, gained with a test bed. This method is used to design the unit in modeling
tool CATIA, which is simple method as compared with the other design methods. These work gives the combination
of theoretical and software tool to provide a comparative analysis in the ANSYS for the Air handling unit.