[KNOWLEDGE] COMPARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AHU, PAU AND MAU IN CLEANROOM HVAC SYSTEM DESIGN

14-06-2024

Training document

SOURCE: COLLECT

In designing an HVAC system (ventilation, heating, and cooling system) for a clean room, choosing between important equipment types such as AHU (Air Handling Unit), PAU (Primary Air Handling Unit) and MAU ( Make-up Air Unit) plays an important role.

Each type has its own advantages and limitations and a comparison between them is necessary to ensure an efficient and effective system. Let’s learn about these 3 devices through the article below.

1.AHU (Air Handling Unit)- Clean room air handling equipment

AHU (abbreviation for Air Handling Unit) is an air handling unit: the main function is to supply air and return air, while controlling the temperature and air flow to Maintains room temperature, pressure and cleanliness through the HEPA filter cartridge.

2. PAU (Primary Air Handling Unit)

PAU (short for Primary Air Handling Unit) is usually a preliminary fresh air treatment device. After processing, the air will be sent to the AHU and FCU. This device does not have the function of cooling or cooling the air. In the room, other refrigeration devices must also be used. This device cannot be used independently but must be combined with other refrigeration devices. Normally, the air supply temperature is about 22-29 degrees, based on technology. Connect other refrigeration equipment, complete new equipment.

3. MAU (Make-up Air Handling Unit)

MAU (short for Make-up Air Handling Unit), it is used in laboratory factories with toxins, viruses in the air, etc. The amount of air leaving the room is large to avoid cross-contamination or affecting personnel working in the room. The device provides 100% fresh air into the room and exhausts most of the air in the room. This device uses an inverter, mist air supply, high cooling capacity, quickly reduces room temperature, no need for other cooling equipment in the room, can be used independently. At the same time, the inverter’s external cooling capacity is based on the constantly changing outdoor fresh air temperature and automatically regulates the heat energy supply. Normally, the air supply temperature can be down to 12 degrees.