Air handling units with inverter

Boost efficiency with variable speed air handling units

Seasonal energy efficiency in buildings, capacity modulation, greater comfort with air handling units

Application description

Air handling units with integrated cooling are used in commercial applications for air conditioning in many different kinds of buildings, from small office buildings, fitness centres and medical institutions to skyscrapers.

A packaged air handling unit with integrated cooling is used to condition and circulate air as part of complete ventilation and air-conditioning system. This packaged system comprises fans, a cooling section, filters, and dampers. The unit connects to ductwork that distributes the conditioned air throughout the building.

Why choose Danfoss variable speed compressors for air handling units?

The Danfoss inverter compressor solution for commercial HVAC applications enables a system with an integrated cooling unit to modulate the air cooling capacity between 25% and 100% when a single compressor is used, and between 12.5% and 100% with tandem compressors (modulation range for large VZH compressors). The unit adjusts to the varying loads that the building needs during the day.

One of the main benefits of using Danfoss inverter compressors for this application lies in the energy savings obtained. The Danfoss inverter compressor solution provides significant improvements in seasonal energy efficiency. This Danfoss solution can create annual energy savings ranging between 15% and 35% compared to traditional liquid cooling systems, depending on the load profile and the climate. Capacity modulation will accommodate the varying loads in the system. 

Another important benefit is the compactness of the unit. The compact unit design reduces both transportation costs and the footprint for the system as a whole. Units like these can be installed inside the building in situations where traditional liquid cooling systems may need to be installed outside the building because of space constraints. 

We expect to see these energy-efficient packaged solutions being used for an increasing proportion of air treatment and conditioning installations. Installation is simpler than with traditional cooling systems, which typically combine a water-cooled chiller and water pump connected to a dry cooler and air handling unit. Installation costs can be reduced by 15 to 40%, and installation time is also less than that needed for traditional systems.

What other benefits are there for your customers when they choose Danfoss inverter compressors?

• Seasonal energy efficiency: the unit copes effectively with changes in temperature
• Partial load operation increases efficiency
• Capacity modulation: adaptation to widely varying cooling loads
• Increased comfort with stable indoor air temperature and precise air temperature control
• Better humidity control makes the unit suitable even for spa installations
• Less noise than with conventional on-off systems during partial load operation
• Lower environmental impact with R410A refrigerant

The most important benefits for customers

• Cost savings and reduced environmental impact

To illustrate the energy cost savings: for in an installation in Europe for a 2,000 m² floor space area, and with an energy cost of € 0.10 per kWh, the potential energy savings could range from €340 to €600 per year, depending on the location.

For further information, please contact us.