Ilmanvaihdusyksiköt

Ilmanvaihdusyksiköt, often referred to as ventilation units or air handling units (AHUs), are essential components in modern buildings responsible for the controlled intake of fresh outdoor air and the exhaust of stale indoor air. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.

The primary function of an ilmanvaihdusyksikkö is to condition the air before it is supplied to the building's occupied spaces. This conditioning typically involves several stages. Firstly, outdoor air is drawn into the unit and filtered to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. This filtration is vital for occupant health and preventing the accumulation of contaminants within the building's ductwork.

Secondly, the filtered air is often heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature using heat exchangers. In many modern units, heat recovery technology is integrated. This means that heat from the outgoing stale air is transferred to the incoming fresh air, significantly reducing the energy required for heating or cooling and thus improving the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Finally, the conditioned air is distributed throughout the building via a network of ducts, while simultaneously, stale air is drawn from various rooms and exhausted outside. The precise balance of supply and exhaust air is carefully managed by the unit's control system to ensure adequate ventilation rates and positive or negative pressure conditions as required by the building's design. Different types of ilmanvaihdusyksiköt exist, ranging from simple exhaust-only systems to sophisticated, fully integrated units that provide heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification.