Low Power AHU

Low Power AHU Design by EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD

In the technical landscape of EECA 2024 and the updated MS 1525:2024, a Low Power AHU (Air Handling Unit) is no longer a luxury—it is a statutory necessity. Under the new Malaysian Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, designated buildings must maintain strict Building Energy Intensity (BEI) targets. Since AHUs account for a massive portion of an HVAC system's electrical load, lowering their "absorbed power" is the most direct path to a 4-star or 5-star energy rating.

At EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD, we engineer Low Power AHUs that push the boundaries of Specific Fan Power (SFP), often achieving ratings below 1.1 $kW/m^3/s$.

1. The Power-Saving Engine: IE5 EC Fan Arrays

The single most effective way to design a Low Power AHU is to transition from legacy belt-driven fans to Direct-Drive EC (Electronically Commutated) Fan Arrays.

• IE5 Efficiency: We utilize EC motors that exceed IE5 efficiency standards. Unlike standard AC motors that lose efficiency at lower speeds, EC motors maintain near-peak efficiency across their entire modulation range.

   

• Zero Transmission Loss: By mounting the fan impeller directly on the motor shaft, we eliminate the 5% to 12% energy loss caused by belts, pulleys, and external VFD inverters.

• The Redundancy Bonus: A "Fan Wall" (multiple smaller fans) allows the unit to run at its Best Efficiency Point (BEP) more consistently than one large, throttled motor.

   

2. Aerodynamic Casing & Thermal Integrity

A Low Power AHU isn't just about the motor; it’s about reducing the "work" the motor has to do. Every Pascal of internal pressure drop ($\Delta P$) translates directly into higher power consumption.

• L1-Class Leakage Control: Under MS 1525, air leakage is "parasitic" power waste. We utilize L1-class airtight seals, ensuring 100% of the treated air reaches the occupant rather than leaking into the plant room.

• TB2 Thermal Breaks: Our double-skin casing prevents heat gain from the ambient mechanical room. This keeps the cooling energy inside the air stream, reducing the load on the chiller plant and lowering the building's total BEI.

• Low Face-Velocity Design: By sizing the internal layout for a face velocity of < 2.0 m/s, we significantly reduce the friction across the filters and coils.

3. Comparison: Standard AHU vs. EKG Low Power AHU

4. Digital EnMS and Demand Control

Under EECA 2024, every designated building must have an Energy Management System (EnMS). A Low Power AHU acts as a digital nerve center:

• Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV): Integrated CO2 sensors allow the AHU to ramp down to 20% power when meeting rooms are empty, rather than wasting energy on over-ventilation.

• Real-Time kWh Monitoring: We integrate smart meters that feed real-time power data to the building’s BMS via BACnet IP, providing the verifiable data required for statutory energy audits.

• Static Pressure Reset: The system automatically lowers the duct pressure to the minimum required to satisfy the furthest zone, cutting energy waste in the distribution network.

Why Partner with EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD?

• Technical Integrity: We provide the SFP calculations and BEI impact reports required by Registered Energy Managers (REM) for mandatory 2026 reporting.

• 3D BIM Coordination: Our 3D modeling ensures that the "Golden Path" for airflow is preserved during installation, preventing energy-wasting sharp bends.

• BOMBA-Compliant Safety: All Low Power materials, including high-performance insulation and acoustic liners, are fire-rated (Class 0 or B1).

Is your facility's AHU infrastructure a "power hog" that threatens your 2026 energy compliance? Contact EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD today. We specialize in engineering AHU systems that are silent, maintainable, and ultra-efficient.