How does an HVAC system ensure fresh and healthy air?
An environment with good air quality promotes our health, well-being, and productivity. Poor indoor air, on the other hand, can lead to concentration problems, fatigue, and health issues. To create a comfortable and healthy indoor climate in enclosed spaces, a ventilation and air handling system (HVAC system) is used.
What is an HVAC system?
A ventilation and air handling system (HVAC system) is primarily used in buildings to improve indoor air quality. It is designed for the ventilation, heating, and cooling of office buildings, shopping centers, hospitals, and other public facilities.
HVAC systems are often also referred to as air conditioning systems because they not only provide ventilation but can also regulate room temperature.
An HVAC system can be used centrally for the entire building or decentralized for individual areas or rooms.
Comparison of HVAC systems and process air technology
HVAC systems and process air technology (PLT) are two different types of ventilation systems used for different purposes. While HVAC systems are designed for the ventilation and air conditioning of buildings, PLT systems are mainly used for extracting dust, welding fumes, and emulsion mist in industrial processes. Despite their different applications, there are some similarities and differences between these two technologies.
Similarities
HVAC and PLT systems play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality. These ventilation systems ensure optimal fresh air supply, effectively remove used or harmful air, and help create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
Differences
HVAC systems are primarily responsible for conditioning, cleaning, and ventilating occupied spaces. In contrast, PLT systems are used for specific production process needs, such as extraction, filtering harmful substances, drying, air transport, and ensuring compliance with limits set by law.
Efficient production processes through HVAC systems and process air technology
Ventilation and process air systems often work closely together to create optimal conditions for industrial production processes. The perfectly coordinated control of HVAC systems and process air technology—such as those offered by ESTA—combines health protection with a comfortable indoor climate for employees.
For example, exhaust air cleaned by PLT systems can be fed into HVAC systems via heat recovery to efficiently heat indoor spaces. Moreover, both systems contribute to the effective removal of pollutants and the overall improvement of air quality. Careful planning and coordination of these systems are essential to unlock synergies and boost both productivity and employee well-being in the workplace.
ESTA provides powerful solutions in the field of process air technology that can be seamlessly integrated with existing HVAC systems.
ESTA System design
Different types of HVAC systems
Air conditioning systems (full air-conditioning systems), on the other hand, combine all functions: fresh air supply, exhaust air removal, heating, cooling, humidifying, and dehumidifying. By precisely controlling temperature and humidity, they ensure a constant and comfortable indoor climate.
HVAC systems can be divided into different types, each serving specific functions to improve air quality:
Exhaust air systems are designed solely to remove used or contaminated air. They operate with fans that extract air from a room and discharge it outside.
Ventilation systems (supply and exhaust systems) provide controlled fresh air supply and exhaust air removal. Many modern systems are equipped with heat recovery, which allows the energy from the exhaust air to be used to preheat or partially cool the incoming fresh air.
Partial air conditioning systems offer, in addition to ventilation, at least one more air conditioning function such as heating, cooling, humidifying, or dehumidifying. While they can adjust the indoor climate to some extent, they do not offer full climate control. For example, a partial air conditioning system might supply fresh air and provide cooling, but it would not include air humidification or dehumidification.
| TYPE | FUNCTION |
|---|---|
| Exhaust systems | No air treatment |
| Ventilation systems | Fresh air supply Exhaust air removal |
| Partial air conditioning systems | Heating and humidifying/dehumidifying/cooling Cooling and humidifying/dehumidifying Humidifying and dehumidifying |
| Partial air conditioning systems | Heating, cooling, and dehumidifying/humidifying Heating, humidifying, and dehumidifying Cooling, humidifying, and dehumidifying |
| Air conditioning systems | Dehumidifying Humidifying |
Applications of HVAC systems and process air technology
Office buildings
The applications of HVAC systems are versatile and span across various industries and buildings. In offices, good air quality promotes the health and productivity of employees. Ventilation systems with heat recovery continuously supply fresh air and remove used air. In modern office buildings, partial air conditioning systems are useful when additional heating or cooling is required.
Healthcare sector
In the healthcare sector, sterile indoor air is important to prevent infections. Hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies require especially clean air as well as precise control of temperature and humidity. Full air conditioning systems with special filters ensure the highest air quality in these settings.
Industry & manufacturing
In industry and manufacturing, heat and dust are often generated through the use of machines and material processing. Particularly sensitive production areas, such as in the electronics or pharmaceutical industries, also require precise control of temperature and humidity. Partial air conditioning systems are used here to ensure optimal conditions. Central extraction units provide an effective complement to HVAC systems by immediately removing locally generated pollutants.
Residential buildings & hotels
In residential buildings, natural ventilation is often not enough to prevent mold or high CO₂ levels. Ventilation systems with heat recovery minimize heat loss and ensure a comfortable climate, especially in passive houses. In larger residential complexes, partial air conditioning systems are useful because they can selectively cool or heat individual rooms or areas.
Shopping centers & recreational facilities
In shopping centers, cinemas, and restaurants, air quality quickly deteriorates due to high visitor numbers. Efficient ventilation provides fresh air and removes odors or pollutants. Partial air conditioning systems are the preferred solution here, as they handle fresh air supply as well as heating and cooling functions.
