26/10/2025
Fresh Air Handling Unit (FAHU) with Energy Recovery – Smarter Cooling for Hot Climates
In regions like the Middle East, summer outside air can reach 46°C. Introducing 100% fresh air directly into a building at this temperature places a huge load on the cooling plant.
A Fresh Air Handling Unit (FAHU) equipped with an Energy Recovery Unit (ERU) recovers energy from the cooler exhaust air and preconditions the incoming fresh air – dramatically reducing cooling demand.
🔹 How It Works (as shown in the diagram)
Supply Air Inlet (Fresh Air): 46°C
Exhaust Air Inlet (Toilet/General): 24°C
After Energy Recovery: Fresh air reduced to ~34.3°C before the cooling coil
Exhaust Air Outlet: ~35.7°C (heat transferred to exhaust stream)
Off Coil / Supply Air Outlet: ~13–14°C (conditioned air supplied indoors)
This sensible heat transfer lowers the fresh air temperature by 10–15°C before it reaches the cooling coil. As a result:
✅ Lower cooling coil load
✅ Reduced chiller capacity
✅ Lower operating cost
✅ Enhanced indoor air quality with 100% fresh air
🔹 Why It Matters
Significant energy savings in high ambient conditions
Improved IAQ with sustainable operation
Smaller plant sizing & better lifecycle cost
Fresh Air Handling Units with Energy Recovery are not just an option—they’re a necessity in hot climates for balancing comfort, IAQ, and efficiency.
