RLT-Guideline 01

General requirements
for Air Handling Units

Issue February 2018

For the latest version, please refer to the internet.

Adaption to new filterstandard

EN ISO 16890
Including requirements from
EN 16798-3 and new VDI 6022

Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte e. V.

AHU Manufacturers Association
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Preface
With the present RLT-Guideline 01 ‘General requirements for Air Handling Units’ the Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte e. V.
(AHU Manufacturers Association) provides the basis for a high quality standard.
This guideline contains all relevant standards and, in the case of incongruent statements and gaps in the provisions, defines the acknowl-
edged rules of technology.
The RLT-Guideline 01 is a logical development that has evolved from the ‘Güte- und Prüfbestimmungen’ for ‘RAL-Geräte’ (Quality and Test-
ing Guidelines for RAL-approved units) published by us for the first time in 1995. It provides uniform, comparable criteria and thereby is a
reliable guide for selecting standard-compliant and energy-efficient air handling equipment that meets hygiene requirements. The intro-
duction of energy classes A+, A and B takes into account recent legislation that requires clear and comprehensible statements to be made
regarding energy efficiency. All requirements for the use of energy efficiency labels on AHUs of the Association of AHU Manufacturers are
cited in the RLT-Guideline Certification with detailed explanations.
The guideline will be supplemented and brought up to date to reflect advances in technology.
Other guidelines of the Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte e. V. have been published to date on the following topics relating to
central air handling units:
RLT-Guideline 02: Explosion protection requirements for air handling units
RLT-Guideline 03: EC conformity assessment of air handling units
RLT-Guideline 04: Ventilation systems with smoke extraction function
RLT-Guideline Certification: Audition guideline and certification program for the evaluation of the energy efficiency of air handling units

Bietigheim-Bissingen, February 2018

Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte e. V.

Reproduced with permission of the DIN, Deutsches Institut für Normung e. V. (German Standardisation Institute) and VDI.
DIN and EN standards should only be applied in their latest version, which can be obtained from Beuth Verlag GmbH, Burggrafenstraße 6,
10787 Berlin, Germany.
This RLT-Guideline can be downloaded free of charge from the homepage of the Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte e. V.
(www.rlt-geraete.de).

Table of contents
1. Purpose and scope 2
2. Legislation, regulations, standards, guidelines and data sheets 2
3. Terms and definitions 2
4. Energy efficiency classes 3
4.1 Specific Fan Power (SFP) 3
4.2 Energy efficiency classes A+, A and B 3
4.3 Regulation conformity for RLT-Guideline 01 3
5. AHU requirements 4
5.1 Casing 4
5.2 Air connections / air openings 1
5.3 Dampers and mixing sections 1
5.4 Filter section 1
5.5 Heat recovery section 1
5.6 Air heating and cooling section 2
5.7 Sound attenuator section 1
5.8 Humidifier section 1
5.9 Fan section 1
5.10 Additional equipment and documentation 1
6. Appendix 2

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

1. Purpose and scope 3. Terms and definitions

This guideline applies to all Air Handling Unit (AHU) and require- Access doors:
ments for its construction. An AHU is any part of a ventilation / air Doors have hinges and a maximum of 3 locks.
conditioning system in accordance with EN 13053. This guideline Access panels:
comments on the energy, hygiene and mechanical properties of Inspection door are metal cover sheets fixed with metric internal or
AHU’s. external hexagon screws or Torx screws or toggle closure. Screws
with slot or crosshead operation or tapping screws are not permis-
In this guideline, the Herstellerverband Raumlufttechnische Geräte sible for inspection covers.
e. V. provides an overview of the acknowledged rules of technology Accessible (walk-in) units:
for AHU units. Where standards and guidelines do not make clear Units from a clear internal height from 1.6 m.
statements on certain points, but only put forward Coating:
recommendations or give classifications, this guideline provides Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet with powder coating or 2-coat wet
concrete specifications. painted with primer and top coat (minimum 60 m) or with contin-
uous coating (minimum 25 m) or materials with corrosion protec-
RLT-Guideline 01 is intended as a guide for investors, users, tion class III in accordance with DIN 55928-8.
architects, planners, installers, servicers, maintenance companies Drainage properties of condensate tray:
and manufacturers in order to ensure that AHU’s equipment Condensate tray must have a slope to all sides and have a drain.
reflects state-of-the-art in air technology. Draining is considered sufficient where any water remaining due to
surface tension can be dried off completely by running the system
This RLT-Guideline 01 does not contain any information on special
dry. This requirement is deemed to have been met when, after
explosion protection requirements or maintaining functionality of
adding 5 l of water for each 1 m2 of tray base area, at least 95% of
AHU’s when used for smoke extraction. These topics are dealt with the water will drain away within 10 minutes.
in RLT-Guideline 02 and 04. Grooves and indents:
Construction-related indentations should be avoided or filled. An
exception is indentations owing to radii of rolled steel sections, as
2. Legislation, regulations, standards, guidelines and data sheets sealing can only be applied outside the radii. Where the base has
no grooves (e.g. owing to sealing rubber) it is not necessary to do
The following standards and guidelines were taken into considera-
any filling.
tion for the purpose of compiling this guideline.
High-performance cooler:
– VDI 3803 sheet 1 (02/2010) Cooling coil with a dry pressure loss of more than 200 Pa.
Air-conditioning systems - Structural and technical principles Internal air temperature:
– VDI 3803 sheet 5 (01/2013) In order to determine the internal air temperature where the exter-
Heat recovery systems in AHU-plants nal air is sucked in via a mixing chamber, the entry temperature of
– VDI 6022 sheet 1 (01/2018) the pre-heater is used.
Minimal requirements for materials:
Hygienic requirements for ventilating and air-conditioning
If the usage of stainless steal is required in this guideline, the mini-
systems and air-handling units
mal quality of 1.4301 must be used. If the usage of aluminium is re-
– EN 1822-1 (01/2011)
quired in this guideline, the minimal quality of AlMg must be used.
High efficiency air filters (EPA, HEPA and ULPA) Tubular rivets:
– EN 1886 (07/2009) Tubular rivets are rivets with a mandrel that is completely removed
Mechanical properties and measuring methods after setting the rivet, leaving a hole through the rivet. Only those
– EN 13053 (02/2012) rivets are permissible on which the mandrel is mechanically locked
Ventilation for buildings - Air handling units - Rating and after setting, which means that it cannot fall out. Rivets have to be
performance for units, components and sections splash-proof. The mandrel of the rivet must not protrude from the
– EN 16798-3 (11/2017) rivet head after setting (but it may break at a lower point).
Performance requirements for ventilation and room- Units with extended hygiene requirements:
conditioning systems Unit for which the general requirements in the standards with re-
– DIN 1946-4 (12/2008) spect to hygiene of AHU equipment are not sufficient. This may be
Ventilation and air conditioning systems in hospitals AHU equipment for areas such as hospitals, clinics, doctors’ surger-
– EN 1751 (06/2014) ies with operating room, outpatient operating centres, facilities for
Aerodynamic testing of dampers and valves the preparation of medical products, production of medicines in
– EN 13501-1 (01/2010) chemists and in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fire classification of construction products and building Units with other functions:
elements Units with other thermodynamic functions, other than air heating,
such as air humidification, air dehumidification, air cooling etc.
– EN ISO 16890-1 (08/2017)
Weatherproof units:
Air filters for general ventilation
Units for stationing in the open without additional housings or shel-
– RLT-Guideline Certification (11/2017)
ter from buildings.

General Mechanical Performance Hygiene

requirements Performance data requirements
EN 13053 EN 1886 EN 13053 EN 13053
EN 16798-3 DIN 1751 EN 16798-3 VDI 6022
VDI 3803-1 EN 13501-1 VDI 3803-5 DIN 1946-4
RLT 01 RLT 01 RLT 01 RLT 01

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

4. Energy efficiency classes 4.3 Regulation conformity for RLT-Guideline 01

4.1 Specific Fan Power (SFP) Under the following conditions, the manufacturer is entitled to
point out the conformity the guideline RLT 01:
The EN 16798-3 'Energy performance of buildings - Ventilation for
− The AHU-unit fulfils all relevant criteria of this guideline
buildings - Part 3: For non-residential buildings - Performance re-
− At least one energy efficiency class A+, A or B regarding the
quirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systems' de-
RLT-Guideline Certification is achieved
scribes Specific Fan Power (SFP) in the context of energy con-
sumption. It describes eight SPF classes (section 6).
In this case, the AHU-unit, as well as all regarding technical docu-
𝑃𝑚 mentation, can be marked with the R-label. The label used there-
𝑃𝑆𝐹𝑃 =
𝑞𝑉 fore is shown below.
With the marking of the AHU with the regulation conformity label
With
shown below the member commit that all criteria are complied
𝑃𝑆𝐹𝑃 [W/(m3/s)] Specific Fan Power with and that this is ensured by a self-verification.

𝑃𝑚 [W] Electric power input; including correction

factors (see RLT-Guideline Certification)
𝑞𝑉 [m3/s] Nominal air volume flow

When assuming a system efficiency rating of 0.60 it is possible to

calculate the approximate overall pressure increase of the fan.
∆𝑝𝑓𝑎𝑛 = 𝑃𝑆𝐹𝑃 ∙ 𝜂𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙

With
∆𝑝𝑓𝑎𝑛 [Pa] Overall fan pressure increase
𝑃𝑆𝐹𝑃 [W/(m3/s)] Specific Fan Power
𝜂𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 [-] System efficiency rating fan/motor/drive

The pressure increase available has to overcome both the

pressure drop of the components in the unit (internal) as well as
that of the duct system (external). Since no quantified data have
been given for the pressure drop of the duct system and this is
not within the unit manufacturer’s ’sphere of responsibility’, the
SFP values are not suitable for evaluating the energy efficiency of
an air handling unit.

4.2 Energy efficiency classes A+, A and B

If a manufacturer fulfils the criteria from the RLT-Guideline Certi-
fication, he can mark his unit, as well as all regarding technical
documentation, with the energy efficiency class calculated by the
RLT design software.
The labels used therefore are shown below.

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5. AHU requirements
5.1 Casing
Table 1: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Surfaces and materials
01 Double-skinned panels with sandwiched insulation (including where frame insu- EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
lated).
02 Thermal insulation fitted without cavities. RLT 01
03 The use of single-skin plastic panels for components in contact with the air, e.g. in RLT 01
heat exchangers, is not permitted owing to fire risk and hygiene considerations.
04 Insulation material building material class A1 or A2-s1 d0. EN 1886 (10) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
Exception: Combustible materials building material class A2, B, C-s3 d2 are admissi- EN 13501-1
ble if unit is separated to room by fire and smoke protection damper. For coatings
thickness ≤ 0,5 mm materials E-d2 admissible.
05 Minimising combustible materials.1) EN 1886 (10) VDI 3803-1 (4.4.1)
06 Abrasion resistant, emissions free, odourless material non-metabolsable by micro- EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
organisms. Do not use seals that absorb moisture or provide a nutrient substrate VDI 6022 (6.1.1)
for micro-organisms. DIN 1946-4 (6.1.2)

07 Interior wall surfaces smooth and without any open adsorptive areas. Porous mate- VDI 6022 (6.1.1) EN 13053 (6.2)
rials in the air flow (except sound absorbers) are not permitted. VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
DIN 1946-4 (6.1.2)
08 Surface characteristics internal and external (incl. base frame) at least hot-dip gal- EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
vanized steel sheeting. Inner skin of components immediately downstream of the VDI 3803-1 (4.4.1)
humidifier to be hot-dip galvanized and coated (section 3).
Casing indicator values
09 Casing indicator values have to be identified with the extension (R) for real units EN 1886 (4)
and (M) for model box.
10 Mechanical strength class D2 (R) (section 6). VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (5.1)
DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
11 Casing air leakage class L3 (R) (section 6). Permitted overall leakage max. 2% of the VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (6.1.1)
nominal volume flow.
12 Filter bypass leakage (400 Pa): EN 1886 (7.1.2) EN ISO 16890
− Filter class ISO ePM1 ≥ 80% max. 0,5 %
− Filter class ISO ePM1 ≥ 70% max. 1,0 %
− Filter class ISO ePM1 ≥ 50% max. 2,0 %
− Filter class ISO ePM2,5 ≥ 50% max. 4,0 %
− Coarser filter max. 6,0 %
13 Thermal transmittance (section 6). VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (8.2.1)
− T5 (M): units without thermodynamic air treatment
− T4 (M): units with air heating and other functions
14 Thermal bridging factor for suction intake chamber and downstream parts of casing VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (8.2.2)
(section 6). DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
− TB3 (M) when internal air temperature < -7 °C
− TB4 (M) when internal air temperature -7 °C to + 5 °C
15 Thermal bridging factor for cooling components and downstream parts of casing VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (8.2.2)
(section 6). DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
− TB3 (M) when internal air temperature < 7 °C
− TB4 (M) when internal air temperature 7 °C to +13 °C
16 Sound insertion loss De (M) has to be stated for 125 Hz to 8,000 Hz. VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (9.5)

1) Combustible materials are inadmissible for units with air temperatures of 85 °C or if combustible materials can settle.
Low quantities (sealing, handle, store, measuring device, thermal decouplings, covers) of combustible materials are admissible.

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Continuation of table 1: General requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Access doors and access panels
17 For casing parts with a mandatory thermal bridging factor TB3 (M) or better, the sight VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
glass has to be double-glazed; also, the respective framing must not form an additional
thermal bridge.
18 Up to a clear internal unit height of less than 1.6m, removable access panels are per- VDI 6022 (6.3.5)
mitted; for taller units doors have to be provided (section 3).
19 Doors to components causing a danger must be openable only with a tool and must EN 1886 (11) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
bear a warning sign showing the danger (for example on fans). If this is not possible,
the fan has to be equipped with suction, blow-out and belt protection.
20 Sealing gaskets / paint coating must no get damaged by the door closers over a longer RLT 01
period.
Access doors of accessible (walk-in) units must be openable from the inside VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
21
(section 3).
22 Protection against injury when opening doors on the positive pressure side. No devices EN 1886 (11) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
must be used that can be deactivated (e.g. a chain that can be disconnected).
Further requirements
23 Protection against injury from sharp edges or pointed objects. EN 13053 (6.2) EN 1886 (11)
VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
24 All components have to be designed in such a way that they are accessible for mainte- EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
nance and cleaning through doors or access panels from the air inlet side and the out- DIN 1946-4 (6.1.1)
let side. Alternatively, up to a clear unit height of 1.6 m, components can be designed VDI 6022 (6.1.1)
for pulling out (section 3).
25 Maintenance platforms for units more than 3 m in height. VDI 3803-1 (5.2)
26 When installing the units on site, no additional insulation and cover measures are per- RLT 01
mitted for the joints of the casings (an exception is the floor area for units with ex-
tended hygiene requirements).
27 In accessible (walk-in) units, openings in the floor and openings in maintenance areas VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
require gratings.
28 Floors to be without grooves or indentations so that they can be wipe-cleaned without EN 13053 (7.3) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
leaving any residue (section 3). VDI 6022 (6.3.5)

Table 2: Additional requirements for weatherproof units

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Thermal transmittance (section 6) VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (8.2.1)
− T5 (M): units without thermodynamic air treatment
− T3 (M): units with air heating and other functions
02 Thermal bridging factor (section 6) VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 1886 (8.2.2)
− TB5 (M): units without thermodynamic air treatment
− TB3 (M): units with air heating and other functions
03 Outer skin hot-dip galvanized and coated (section 3). VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
04 Weatherproof roof with overhang and drip edge. VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
05 Doors with stay mechanism. VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
06 Weatherproof units must not be used for structural functions or as part of the roof EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
for the building.
07 Outdoor air intake chamber with condensate tray in stainless steel or aluminium; VDI 3803-1 (5.1) EN 13053 (6.2)
drainage in accordance with section 3.

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Table 3: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Casing air leakage: VDI 3803-1 (5.1) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
− ClassL2 (R) (section 6) EN 1886 (6.1.1)
Casing air leakage for clean rooms : EN 13053 (7.6)
− Class L1 (R) (section 6)
02 Thermal insulation (section 6): DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
− T3 (M): for all units.
03 Side panels and all components whose surfaces are lying in the air flow, hot-dip galva- DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1 VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
nized and coated. Floor incl. drawer rails as well as all surfaces in the floor range touch-
ing condensate made of stainless steel or aluminium (chapter 3).
04 Materials with resistance to disinfectants, sealing gasket with closed cell structure. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
05 All parts of the unit must be accessible for cleaning on the suction and pressure sides; EN 13053 (7.2) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
access via doors or, for units with a clear internal height < 1.6 m possible via access pan-
els. Alternatively it is possible to design components for pulling out (attention to pipe
connections).
06 Doorlocks have to be suitable for cleaning, resistant to disinfectants and abrasion-proof RLT 01
(e.g. die cast aluminium) if on the inside.
07 Hollow rivets are not permitted on the inside of casing (section 3). RLT 01
08 − Cables to be installed outside the unit if possible RLT 01
− Inside units, cables should not be installed in ductwork
− Where cables are installed inside the unit, distances should be kept as short as
possible
09 The surfaces should not encourage the deposit of dirt particles. DIN 1946-4 (6.1.2)
10 It is preferable that components are installed within the unit. DIN 1946-4 (6.3)
11 The sealing devices for doors may be inserted by push-fit, clamping or foaming (sealings DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
glued in are not permitted).
12 Filter bypass leakage: DIN 1946-4 (6.5.3)
− All filter classes max. 0.5% of the nominal volume flow.
13 − Outside air suction range with floor as tub DIN 1946-4 (6.5.2)
− Connecting pipe made of stainless steel or aluminium
− tub: length min. 0.5 m; discharge behaviour acc. to Chapter 3
− condensate tubs at least for following components: Outside air suction chamber,
cooler, humidifier, heat recovery (air inlet and outlet side)
14 Outdoor air intake chamber with access panel or door (section 3). DIN 1946-4 (6.5.5)
15 All components have to be protected from dirt and damage during construction time. DIN 1946-4 (6.1.3)

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.2 Air connections / air openings

Table 4: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Air velocity max. 8 m/s (except fan outlet). EN 13053 (6.6.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9)
02 − Recommended inflow angle to opening min. α = 25° EN 13053 (6.6.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9)
− Recommended outflow angle from opening min. β = 35°1)
03 Impact sound insulation (no contact with metal). VDI 3803-1 (5.2)
04 Equipotential bonding. VDI 3803-1 (5.2)
05 Surfaces outside and inside in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting. RLT 01
06 Outdoor air intake opening: VDI 6022 (6.3.1)
− Air ductwork to the AHU as short as possible VDI 6022 (6.3.4)
− Draining and cleaning facility for water that may have entered
− Drainage not to be connected directly to the wastewater drainage system
− Inspection opening at the chamber or overwork
Exhaust air discharge opening:
− Draining for water that may have entered

Table 5: Additional requirements for weatherproof units

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Weather-proofing device on suction and pressure side with wire mesh (max. 20 × 20 EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.1)
mm) accessible on one side for cleaning. Weather-proofing device also effective DIN 1946-4 (6.2)
when system not in operation. Lower angle of rain hood min. 45°.
02 Max. air velocities in weather-protection device EN 13053 (6.2) VDI 6022 (6.3.4)
Outdoor air:
− 2.5 m/s with louvres
− 3.5 m/s with droplet eliminator
− 4.5 m/s with rain hood
Exhaust air:
− 4.0 m/s with louvres
− 5.0 m/s with droplet eliminator
− 6.0 m/s with rain hood
03 Exhaust air opening discharge: preferably above roof and higher than the outdoor air RLT 01 VDI 6022 (6.3.4)
intake opening. DIN 1946-4 (6.2)
04 Outdoor air intake opening (pointers for system design): VDI 6022 (6.3.1) DIN 1946-4 (6.2)
− Should be positioned to ensure that negative effects from local sources of
emissions are kept small
− Not in the proximity and the main wind direction of wet cooling towers
− Where air intake is above the roof keep max. possible distance to the roof sur-
face min. 1.5 times the expected snow cover (≥ 0.3 m)
− Distance to exhaust air discharge opening min. 2 m
− Distance to adjacent buildings min. 8 m
05 Surfaces outside and inside min. hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting and RLT 01
coated (section 3).

Table 6: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Elastic connection of unit with material with closed cell structure without grooves DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
and indentations (no flexible connector with folds).
02 Outdoor intake opening min. 3 m above ground level. DIN 1946-4 (6.2)
03 Surface quality: RLT 01
− outside min. hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting
− inside min. hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting and coated (section 3)

1)The text and diagram regarding the angles are contradictory in EN 13053. VDI 3803/1 has adopted the version of the diagram from EN 13053. RLT-01
relates to the text of EN 13053 which in our opinion is correct.

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.3 Dampers and mixing sections

Table 7: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Air leakage class 2 for dampers that are closed while the system is in operation, e.g. EN 13053 (6.6.2) EN 1751 (C.2)
mixing dampers or bypass dampers. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9)
02 Dampers must be provided to prevent air flowing through the unit when it is not in VDI 6022 (6.2.2) DIN 1946-4 (6.4.1)
operation or being serviced.
03 Outdoor air damper to be fitted on the inside or in double-skin construction with in- VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.6)
sulation in the gap.
04 Air velocity for dampers max. 8 m/s (except recirculation air and bypass dampers). EN 13053 (6.6.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9)
05 − Recommended inflow angle to damper min.  = 25° EN 13053 (6.6.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9
− Recommended outflow angle from damper min. β = 35° 1)
06 Possibility for the installation of a damper actuator (providing space or locating axis VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9)
further out).
07 Surface finish hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting. RLT 01
08 Units with a mixing chamber where temperature layering can be expected are rec- VDI 3803-1 (5.2.4)
ommended to have the heating element downstream from the fan.
09 The position of the damper must be visible from the outside of the damper. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9) DIN 1946-4 (6.4.1)

Table 8: Additional requirements for weatherproof units

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 All dampers to be installed on the inside. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.9) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.6)
02 Surface finish outdoor air damper hot-dip galvanized and coated (section 3). RLT 01

Table 9: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Air leakage class to the room: class 4 (’airtight’ damper) all other dampers at least EN 13053 (6.6.2) EN 1751 (C.2)
leakage class 2 Exception for special requirements – all class 4. DIN 1946-4 (6.4.1
02 Surface finish hot-dip galvanized and coated (section 3). RLT 01
03 No gearwheels are permitted in the air flow. DIN 1946-4 (6.4.1)
04 Dampers on all air intake and outlet openings; DIN 1946-4 (6.5.6)
Outdoor air dampers to be arranged at the unit inlet.
05 Surface finish of outdoor air dampers in stainless steel or aluminium. DIN 1946-4 (6.4.2)
06 In the event of a power cut, the outdoor air dampers have to close automatically. DIN 1946-4 (6.4.2)

1)The text and diagram regarding the angles are contradictory in EN 13053. VDI 3803/1 has adopted the version of the diagram from EN 13053. RLT 01
relates to the text of EN 13053 which in our opinion is correct.

8
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.4 Filter section

Table 10: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Indicator values
01 Only air filters tested in accordance with EN 779 or EN 1822 are permitted. These VDI 6022 (6.3.9) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
have to be marked individually and visibly. EN 13053 (6.9)
02 The following filter classes must be used at a minimum: EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
− at the supply air inlet and extract air intake min. ISO ePM10 ≥ 50%, but better VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
ISO ePM1 ≥ 50% (additional coarse filters are permitted) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
− recommended is class ISO ePM2,5 ≥ 50% in the extract air before the heat re- EN ISO 16890
covery unit
− Second filter stage ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%, but better ISO ePM1 ≥ 80%
− In case of single-stage supply air filtering min. ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%
Moreover, minimum filter classes depend on outdoor air quality (ODA) and the re-
quirements for room air (IDA). The choice of air quality class should be specified to
the equipment manufacturer.
03 After active carbon filter, a filter stage min. ISO ePM1 ≥ 70% has to be arranged. For RLT 01 VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2 )
outside air category ODA 3, active carbon filters shall be used. EN ISO 16890
04 Filter area for bag-type filters: EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
− min. 10 m2 per 1 m2 filter intake area (based on 610 × 610 mm). DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
05 The design pressure loss is given by: EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
p Start + p End
2
In the absence of any other stipulations a volume flow change of ± 10% due to filter
soiling is acceptable.
06 Max. permitted maximum final pressure loss: EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
− Filter class ISO ePM1 ≥ 70% 300 Pa EN ISO 16890
− Filter class ISO ePM1 ≥ 50% 200 Pa
− Filter class ISO ePM2,5 ≥ 50% 200 Pa
− Filter class ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% 200 Pa
− Coarser filter 150 Pa
07 Filters should maintain the filter class throughout their service life. VDI 6022 (6.3.9) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
Arrangement in the air handling unit
08 Filter changes should be from dusty air side or by pulling the filter out. VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
09 The first filter stage should be arranged at the intake side. The second supply air filter EN 13053 (6.9.2) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
stage should be placed at the output side. A filter stage should also be placed down- VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
stream of a belt drive (except flat belts without lateral restraint). The air extraction of VDI 6022 (6.3.9 )
kitchens should have a grease filter as the first filter stage.
10 The following filter steps must be used at a minimum: RLT 01 VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
− behind the recirculation air damper if present ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
− for mixed air operation ISO ePM1 ≥ 50% DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
− for extract air with particle loading (ETA 3) ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% EN ISO 16890
− with evaporation cooling ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%
− with danger of nutrient input ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%
11 Access via a door that is larger than the outside dimensions of the filter element to EN 13053 (6.9.1) VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
be changed. For changeable filters there should be enough space in front of the filter DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
to perform the change. Filters should be visible and accessible for inspection at any VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
time, in units taller than 1.6 m on both sides through doors.
12 In case the following air conditions prevail for a long time, the filters should be pro- VDI 6022 (6.1.1) EN 13053 (6.9)
tected (e.g. pre-heating by 3 K): VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
− relative humidity > 80 % at air temperature > 0 °C DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
− relative humidity > 90 %
13 Additional air disinfection components have to be placed on the positive pressure VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2) EN ISO 16890
side downstream of the last filter stage (min. ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%).

9
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Continuation of table 10: General requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Further requirements
14 Sealing rubbers must be of a closed-cell structure (incl. proof). Filter materials must EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
not be a nutrient for micro-organisms. VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
15 Surface finish of filter support frame: hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting. RLT 01
16 In the floor area, only filter units with standing pockets are permitted. VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
17 A permanent tight fit must be guaranteed for the seal. If springs and clamps act op- EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
posite the direction of the air flow, an additional device is required for maintaining VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
the system leak proof on a permanent basis. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
18 Independently of filter resistance, the following max. service periods are recom- VDI 6022 (7.6.8) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
mended:
− First filter stage: 1 year
− Additional filter stage resp. exhaust air filter: 2 years
19 Inspection window (diameter min. 150 mm) incl. illumination from a clear internal VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2) EN 13053 (6.9)
unit height of 1.3 m. VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
DIN 1946-4 (6.5.13)
20 Filter pressure drop monitored and displayed on site with pressure tapping point. EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
21 For germ killing by UV-rays, values of 7 to 70 Ws/m2 are required. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
Pay attention to an even arrangement of the UV-beamers in the chamber.
22 For filters made of combustible materials, downstream grid (mesh size max. 20 × 20 EN 1886 (10.6)
mm in system) or behind a suitable component preventing combustible particles
from being entrained into the air inlet duct.

Table 11: Additional requirements for weatherproof units

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Surface finish outdoor air filter frame hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
(section 3).

Table 12: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Surface finish of filter frame hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating (section RLT 01
3).
02 Inspection window (diameter min. 150 mm) incl. illumination with smooth surface. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.13) EN 13053 (7.4)
03 Only reversible sealing devices (fitted by push-fit, clamping) or foaming are permitted DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
on filter frames. Glued sealing gaskets are only permitted on the filter.
04 Filter exchange only admissible on dust-air side [not extensible for room class Ia and DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7.1)
Ib (section 6)]. The respective space requirement (min. 1 filter pocket length) has to
be provided in front of the filter unit.
05 If filters have an anti-bacterial coating, proof of effectiveness and toxic safety is re- DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7.3)
quired.
06 Arrangement of the third, normally final filter stage in the unit is only possible with DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7.4)
expert report. Material of suspended particle filter hydrophobic.
07 The following filter classes must be used at a minimum: DIN 1946-4 (Tab. 1) EN 1822-1
− For room class Ia and Ib 3-stage filtration min. ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% (ePM1 ≥ 50% EN ISO 16890
recommended) / ePM1 ≥ 80% / H13
− For room class II 2-stage filtration min. ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% (ePM1 ≥ 50% recom-
mended) / ePM1 ≥ 80%
08 The following filter classes must be used at a minimum: DIN 1946-4 (Tab. 1) EN ISO 16890
− Infection room: H13 in outlet air
− Isolation room: final min. ePM1 ≥ 80% if necessary H13 in inlet air
09 In recirculation units the first filter stage can be omitted when there is no humidifica- DIN 1946-4 (Tab. 1)
tion at the cooling unit.
10 Filter pressure drop meter without barrier fluid. DIN 1946-4 (Tab. 1)

10
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.5 Heat recovery section

Table 13: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Combined units with supply air and extract air must be fitted with heat recovery. EN 13053 (6.5.1) VDI 3803-1 (4.3.1)
Exceptions: very high exhaust air, inefficiency and lack of space, unless no heat recov-
ery falls under the scope of EU Guideline 1253/2014.
02 A system selection acc. to following exhaust air qualities is recommended. The choice RLT 01 VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
of ETA class should be specified to the equipment manufacturer. (Chapter 6): VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
− ETA 1: Leakages to be calculated into nominal volume flow
− ETA 2: on air inlet side of heat recovery, overpressure is required
− ETA 3: complete air inlet side with overpressure to exhaust air for humidity
transfer max. 5 % leakage
− ETA 4: dirt transfer is completely avoided. Systems with an intermediate me-
dium shall be used
Heat recovery systems in which it is not possible to prevent the mixing of extract air
with outdoor air should only be used where recirculation air would be permissible.
03 Condensate tray in stainless steel or aluminium; drainage in accordance with section EN 13053 (6.5.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
3. In rotary heat exchangers the trays are only mandatory where condensate occurs.
04 Surface finish of rotary and plate heat exchangers: RLT 01
− Frame in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting
− Lamella/plates: coated or aluminium or made of plastic non-metabolsable by
micro-organisms
05 Non-return valve and self-filling if with siphon. RLT 01
06 The requirements for heat pipe and heat transfer system are similar to those for heat RLT 01
exchangers.
07 It is recommended to equip heat recovery systems additionally with an extract air hu- EN 13053 (6.5.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
midification system, in order to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
08 Pressure tapping points on all 4 air flows. EN 13053 (6.5.2)
09 The heat exchanger should be sealed to the housing with gaskets. EN 13053 (6.5.2)
10 Where no air circulation is provided, the rotors should be equipped with a purge sec- EN 13053 (6.5.2)
tor.
11 Heat recovery systems with transfer of pollutants and/or odours from the extract air VDI 6022 (6.3.14) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
to the outdoor air are only permitted where air recirculation is permitted.
12 When rating preheater capacity, anti-icing protection and start-up operation have to VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
be taken into account. After heater has to be rated without condensation.
13 For plate heat exchangers from a construction depth of 900 mm on referred to 4 mm VDI 3803-1 (5.2.6)
lamellae distance, special measures are required (for example divided). For larger la-
mellae-distances, the admissible construction depth can be chosen proportionally
and linearly larger.
14 To ensure the performance, the leakage (see Chapter 6) of the heat recovery unit VDI 3803-5
must be taken into account during the preparation of the planning documents: RLT 01
− with a heat recovery unit the characteristics must be adjusted, e.g. the details
of the degree of temperature variation must be based on the standard volume
flows changed by the leakage figure
− with fans the actual volume flows must be used to design the pressure loss
and power requirements
If data is not available, with rotational heat transmission and switch over reservoirs
a leakage of 10% needs to be assumed on each air side. This means that with a de-
sign of heat recovery unit and fans an increase with outside air and outlet air of 10%
each must be considered. If the leakage of the heat recovery was not considered by
the equipment manufacturer it must be mentioned. In this case it is assumed that
the leakage was already considered in the planning.

11
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Continuation of table 13: General requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
15 The following values of heat recovery systems must be indicated: EN 13053 (6.5.2)
− Temperature transfer degree ηt in dry conditions VDI 3803-5
− Pressure loss of heat recovery system including demister, damper, filter, etc.
(sum of outside air and outlet air), caused by Heat Recovery
− Electric power input Pel caused by pressure losses, including auxiliary powers
for heat recovery system
− Energy efficiency ηe (= efficiency of heat recovery system ηWRG)
16 Transfer of fire between exhaust air and inlet air must be excluded (e.g. fire-protec- EN 1886 (10.7)
tion dampers, separated heat exchangers).
17 Necessary intake and exhaust flow chambers shall be considered with minimum in- RLT 01
flow angle from previous component to heat recovery system α = 35°and minimum
outflow angle from heat recovery system to following component  = 25°.1)
18 The rotary heat transmitter must be operated in counter flow. In systems with out- RLT 01
side air usage only, it is recommended to arrange the fans to minimise the transmis-
sion of the inlet air and minimise leakage.
19 In heat recovery systems in order to simplify power measurements on site or in the RLT 01
laboratory deviating from EN 308 the following conditions are possible:
− Temperature difference AU-entry to FO-entry 20 K (AU not necessary +5 °C)
− Conditions without condensation
− With KVS systems the power measurement shall be done with the actual gly-
col percentage in water (0% is also possible). If there are differences to the de-
sign concentration the power figures for the prevalent percentage of glycol
shall be declared by the manufacturer

Table 14: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Surface finish of rotary and plate heat exchangers: RLT 01
frame made of hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting and coated (section 3)
Lamella/plates coated (section 3) or made of aluminium or made of microbial materi-
als not replaceable with plastic.
02 Installation rails in stainless steel or aluminium. RLT 01
03 Condensate tray on supply air and extract air side in stainless steel or aluminium, DIN 1946-4 (6.5.5)
drainage outlet DN 40, drainage behaviour in accordance with section 3.
04 In rooms where no cross-room air recirculation is permitted only such systems are DIN 1946-4 (6.5.9)
permitted that will not allow the transfer of particles from the extract air to the sup-
ply air.
05 Heat recovery systems should be placed on the outdoor air side downstream of the DIN 1946-4 (6.5.9) EN ISO 16890
first filter stage. Extract air filter min. ePM10 ≥ 50%. When indirect evaporation cool-
ing is used, filter class ePM1 ≥ 50% is recommended.

1) Position of the angle in accordance with the text relating to the dampers in EN 13053. The size of the angle differs in relation to the dampers as the inflow
is decisive for the function in the case of the heat recovery system while the function of the subsequent components is decisive in the case of the dampers.

12
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.6 Air heating and cooling section

Table 15: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Materials and surfaces
01 Materials should be corrosion resistant, fins should be technically smooth (without EN 13053 (6.4.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.3)
punchings, burr-free and without inner splices in direction of air flow). The usage of DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
corrugated lamellae is permitted. VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
02 Installation rails for cooling coils in stainless steel or aluminium. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
03 Heater surface for Cu/Al or Cu/Cu: RLT 01 DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
− Fins: aluminium or copper
− Frame: hot-dip galvanized
− Pipework: copper
− Collector: coated black steel or galvanised steel or copper
04 Cooler with St/Zn hot-dip galvanized. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
05 Cooling coils surface with Cu/Al or Cu/Cu: EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
− Fins: aluminium or copper RLT 01 DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
− Frame: stainless steel or corrosion-resistant aluminium (min. AIMg): with
Cu/Al hot-dip galvanized and coated (section 3) is also possible if it does not
have to be pulled out for cleaning
− Pipework: copper
− Collector: copper
06 Condensate tray in stainless steel or aluminium; drainage in accordance with section EN 13053 (6.4.4) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.5)
3. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
07 Minimum fin spacing: EN 13053 (6.4.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.3)
− min. 2.0 mm for cooling coil without dehumidification VDI 6022 (4.3.15)
− min. 2.5 mm for cooling coil with dehumidification DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
− min. 4.0 mm for outdoor air heaters
− min. 2.0 mm for other heat exchangers
08 waterside pressure drop design conditions (not heat recovery): RLT 01
− Heating coil: max. 20 kPa
− Cooling coil: max. 50 kPa
09 Maximum ribbed construction depth for cleaning into the core: (referred to 2 mm la- EN 13053 (6.4.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.3)
mellae distance. In case of larger lamellae distances, the admissible construction DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
depth can be chosen proportionally and linearly larger): VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
− 300 mm with offset pipes
− 450 mm with pipes in line
For requirements higher than these, the heat exchanger should be split.
Further requirements
10 Recommendation for cooling coil position: VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
− Cooling coil with dehumidification on suction side (reheating effect of fan)
− Cooling coil without dehumidification on discharge side (higher temperature
difference)
11 Heat exchanger capable of being entered from both sides or up to a clear internal EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
unit height of 1.6 m for pulling out, without having to remove other attachment VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
parts. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
12 No water drops to carry over into downstream sections. EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.3)
13 Droplet eliminators should only be used where necessary. Cooling coils without drop- EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
let eliminators are to be preferred. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
14 Corrosion-proof droplet eliminators with pull-out function for cleaning, with access EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
via door or access panel (section 3). Fins demountable for cleaning. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
15 Penetration of cooler connection pipe through wall to be insulated. The connection EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
pipes of heat recovery heaters also have to be insulated.
16 Non-return value and self-filling if with siphon. A direct connection to the VDI 6022 (6.3.15)
wastewater network is not permitted.
17 Heat exchangers have to be sealed with gaskets to the unit casing in order to prevent EN 13053 (6.4.3)
bypass leakage.

13
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Continuation of table 15: General requirements (Further requirements)

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
18 Cooling coils with dehumidification must not be located immediately upstream of fil- EN 13053 (6.4.4) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.5)
ters or silencers. Heaters or fans have to be installed in between. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
19 For drop separators made of combustible materials, downstream grid (mesh size EN 1886 (10.6)
max. 20 × 20 mm in the system) or suitable connected component preventing com-
bustible particles from being entrained into the air inlet duct.
20 For heat exchanger inflow below, return flow above for better ventilation (exception: VDI 3803-1 (5.2.3)
steam).
Electric air heaters
21 Safety devices for electric heaters: VDI 3803-1 (4.4.5) EN 1886
− Safety temperature limiter with manual reset with type approval certificate
switch off temperature 110 °C
− Note on the unit pointing out that flow control is necessary
− Note on the unit pointing out that fan overrun is necessary
22 Distance to the next building component min. 300 mm for electric heater surface RLT 01
temperatures > 100°C.
23 Air heater with surface temperature > 160 °C: EN 1886 (10.5)
− In air flow downstream temperature monitor
− (automatic switch off > 110 °C)
− Flow monitor (automatic switch-off in case of missing air flow)

Table 16: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Heater: Collector made of steel galvanized and coated or copper. RLT 01
02 Cooling coil surface with Cu/Al or Cu/Cu: RLT 01 DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
− Frame: in stainless steel or corrosion-resistant aluminium or equivalent
− Fins: coated or in corrosion-resistant aluminium or Cu
− or: heat exchanger completely coated with epoxy resin provided it does not
have to be pulled out for cleaning
03 Drop eliminator frame in corrosion-resistant materials, e.g. stainless steel or alumin- RLT 01
ium.
04 All condensate connections to be located on the same side. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.1)
05 Cleaning must be possible for all parts in the wet area. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.2)
06 Cooler and drop eliminator to be located upstream of the second filter stage. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.2)
07 Lamellae distance cooler min. 2.5 mm. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.2)
08 Cooler must be visible from both sides. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8.2)

14
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.7 Sound attenuator section

Table 17: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Minimum distance to components : EN 13053 (6.10) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.8)
− upstream: 1.0 × max. width of splitter (except filter)
− downstream: 1.5 × max. width of splitter
02 Pressure drop max. 80 Pa VDI 3803-1 (5.2.8)
03 Surface quality material to be permanently abrasion-resistant and made of material VDI 6022 (6.3.12) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.12)
that is durable when exposed to cleaning processes (e.g. glass fibre). EN 13053 (6.10)
VDI 3803-1 (5.2.8)
04 Splitters to be demountable for cleaning without having to remove other parts. EN 13053 (6.10) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.8)
VDI 6022 (6.3.12)
05 Attenuator should be located in the air handling unit, directly near the fan, and be- EN 13053 (6.10) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.8)
tween the first and second filter stage. They must not be placed directly downstream VDI 6022 (6.3.12)
from the dehumidification cooler or humidifier. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.12)
06 It is recommended to use flow profiles (e.g. also rounded splitters). EN 13053 (6.10) VDI 3803-1 (5.5.2.8)
07 With an silencer in the system, measures must be taken (e.g. pre-heating by 3 K), if VDI 6022 (6.1.1)
the following air conditions are maintained for a long time:
− relative humidity > 80 % at air temperature > 0 °C
− relative humidity > 90 %
08 Surface finish of splitter silencer baffles: frame, chamber sheets and flow profiles RLT 01
hot-dip galvanized.
09 Insertion loss silencer at 63 Hz to 8 kHz to be determined. VDI 3803-1 (4.7.2)

Table 18: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Installation rails in stainless steel or aluminium. RLT 01
02 Surface quality of silencer baffles: frames, chamber sheets and inflow profiles hot-dip DIN 1946-4 (6.5.1)
galvanized and coated.

15
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.8 Humidifier section

Table 19: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Humidifiers must not be placed directly upstream of filters or attenuator (exception: EN 13053 (6.8.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
steam humidifiers). VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
DIN 1946-4 (6.5.7)
02 All components must be demountable. All parts in contact with water to be accessi- EN 13053 (6.8.3) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.11)
ble for inspection and cleaning and consisting of corrosion-resistant and disinfectant- VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
resistant material. VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
03 Supply air units to have at least two filter stages (first stage min. ePM1 ≥ 50%). EN 13053 (6.8.1 ) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
(Exception: with steam humidifiers only one filter stage) EN ISO 16890
The humidifier to be placed between the filter stages.
04 Sealing compounds must not be of material that can be metabolised (incl. test certifi- VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
cate). Plastics are no breeding ground to micro-organisms.
05 Seal must not absorb moisture or provide a nutrient substrate for micro-organisms. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10 )
06 Finish of inner surfaces of components downstream of the humidifier to be hot-dip VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10 )
galvanized and coated (section 3).
07 Max. number of germs of the circulation water: VDI 6022 (6.3.7) EN 13053 (6.8)
− relating to the total colony number 1,000 cfu/ml.
− relating to Legionella spp. 100 cfu/100 ml.
08 Humidifier fitted with condensate tray with drain and siphon (with non-return valve). VDI 6022 (6.3.7 )
09 The relative humidity downstream from the humidification section must not exceed VDI 6022 (6.3.7 ) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.11)
90 %. It must be ensured that drops of water could not reach the following compo-
nents.
Nozzles / evaporation humidifiers
10 The humidifier needs to be emptied and dried completely when the system is not in EN 13053 (6.8.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
use (e.g. by overrunning the fan). When the unit is switched off, the humidifier must VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
switch off automatically. All components in contact with water to have sufficient
slope. It is recommended to use UV degermination.
11 Sloped condensate tray; drainage in accordance with section 3. EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
12 Droplet eliminator and flow straightener should be demountable for cleaning. VDI 6022 (6.3.7) EN 13053 (6.8)
EN 1886 (10.6 ) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.8)
13 Inspection opening EN 13053 (6.8.3)
14 Inspection window (clear width min. 150 mm) with means of darkening including illu- EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
mination. There must be no light coming in through the housing of the illumination. VDI 6022 (6.3.5)
It must be possible to detect the operating status of the illumination from the out- VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
side.
15 Pump to be protected against running dry. EN 13053 (6.8.3)
16 Deconcentration device. EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
17 Inside surface quality: EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
− Washer and high-pressure evaporator: stainless steel or aluminium or GRP VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
− Contact humidifier: hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating (section 3)
18 For contact humidifier and drop separator made of combustible materials, down- EN 1886 (16.6)
stream grid (mesh size max. 20 × 20 mm in system) or suitable component installed
downstream preventing burning particles from being entrained into the air inlet duct.
Steam and ultrasonic humidifiers
19 The length of the humidification section has to comply with manufacturer’s instruc- EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 6022 (6.3.7)DIN
tions and/or droplet separators have to be installed. Homogenous distribution over 1946-4 (6.5.11)
the unit cross-section must be assured.
20 Inspection window (clear width min. 150 mm) incl. illumination. EN 13053 (6.8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
VDI 6022 (6.3.5)
VDI 6022 (6.3.7)DIN
1946-4 (6.5.13)
21 Condensate tray in stainless steel or aluminium with slope; drainage in accordance EN 13053 (6.8.3 VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)
with section 3. VDI 6022 (6.3.7)
22 Inner surface quality hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating (section 3). EN 13053 (6.8.3 VDI 3803-1 (5.2.10)

16
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Table 20: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Surface quality stainless steel. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.11)
02 In OR-section only steam humidifiers are permitted. To be placed before the second DIN 1946-4 (6.5.11) EN ISO 16890
filter stage (class ePM1 ≥ 80%).
03 Equipment with tray on air inlet and outlet side in stainless steel or aluminium, con- DIN 1946-4 (6.5.5)
necting pipe min. 40 mm with siphon. Drains with different pressure level with single
siphon, drainage behaviour acc. to Chapter 3.
In case of breakdowns in the system, the formation of condensate in the supply sys- DIN 1946-4 (6.5.11)
04
tem must be prevented.

5.9 Fan section

Table 21: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
Arrangement in the air handling unit
01 Supply air fans should be so arranged that the suction side leakage is minimised. EN 13053 (6.3.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.1)
02 Where there are two stages of filtering, the supply air fan should be placed between EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.2)
the first and second filter stage. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)
03 A filter stage should also be placed downstream of fans with belt drive (except flat VDI 6022 (6.3.13)
belts without lateral restraint).
04 The fan should be so arranged inside the unit, that an even inflow and outflow is EN 13053 (6.3.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.1)
achieved.
05 Distance on the negative pressure side: RLT 01
− from components or walls in axial direction min. 0.5 × impeller diameter
− in radial flow configurations min. 1.5 × impeller diameter or flow intake device
06 Distance on the positive pressure side: RLT 01
− from components: open impellers min. 1 × impeller diameter
− from components: other fans outflow angle min. α = 45°
− from walls: for open impeller the manufacturer’s instructions should be com-
plied with regarding distance on the positive pressure side
Fan features and accessories
07 In the case of belt drive, fan and motor incl. motor clamping device mounted on hori- RLT 01
zontal base frame.
08 Where motor driven by belt, up to motor size 200, motor should be movable parallel RLT 01
to the axis (motor-pivot not permitted).
09 Where operated by belt, clamping bushing system should be used. RLT 01
10 Inspection window (diameter min. 150 mm) incl. illumination from a clear internal VDI 3803-1 (5.2.1) EN 13053 (6.3)
unit height of 1.3 m. EN 1886 (11)
VDI 6022 (6.3.5)
11 Motor protection from 0.25 kW. RLT 01
12 Lockable maintenance switch near the fan. EN 13053 (6.3.1) EN 1886 (11)
VDI 3803-1 (5.2)
13 Equipotential bonding. RLT 01
14 Equipment with air flow meter. RLT 01
15 Fans with housings to have condensate drainage and from size 400 additionally in- VDI 6022 (6.3.13) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)
spection opening.
16 Electric power consumption classes P1-P7 are to be determined with the correction RLT 01 RLT-Guideline Certi-
factors described in the RLT-Guideline Certification. fication (7.3)
17 Fans with backward curved blades are preferred. Energy saving motors are recom- EN 13053 (6.3.1) VDI 6022 (6.3.13)
mended. It is recommended that free running impellers are used for total pressures VDI 3803-1 (5.2.1)
< 1,500 Pa.
18 It is recommended to use fans without belt drive (especially open impeller). VDI 6022 (6.3.13) DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)

17
RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Continuation Table 21: General requirements

No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
19 For selecting the fan the dry cooler pressure drop is to be used unless there are other EN 13053 (6.3.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.2.11)
instructions.
20 Fan heat (1 to 2 K) has to be taken into account for rating. VDI 3803-1 (5.2.1)
21 Surface quality: RLT 01
− Fan impeller generally protected against corrosion
− Fan housing in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting
− Base frame of fan and motor in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting
− Installation rails in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting
22 Doors to components which present a risk must only be openable with tools. In addi- EN 1886 (11)
tion, the door must have a warning sign on it which refers to the danger (e.g. fan).
23 For the details of the operating values of fans it is recommended to follow the accu- RLT 01
racy class 1 as per DIN 24166.

Table 22: Additional requirements for units with extended hygiene requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Surface quality: DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)
− Fan impeller generally protected against corrosion
− Fan housing in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating (section 3)
− Base frame of fan and motor in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating
(section 3)
− Installation rails in hot-dip galvanized steel sheeting with coating (section 3)
02 Up to a casing height of 1.0 m and with spiral housing fans it should be possible to RLT 01
pull out the fan/motor unit.
Gliding surfaces of the pull-out rails to be corrosion-resistant and abrasion-resistant,
e.g. stainless steel.
03 Inspection window (clear diameter min. 150 mm) incl. illumination with smooth sur- DIN 1946-4 (6.5.13) EN 13053 (7.4)
face.
04 There must be good access for service and maintenance. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)
05 Provision of air flow meter devices with display. DIN 1946-4 (6.5.13)

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

5.10 Additional equipment and documentation

Table 23: General requirements
No. Requirements Standard Supp. standard
01 Sensitive components to be fitted with transport guards (e.g. fans on spring insula- EN 13053 (8.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
tors) – appropriate notice to be attached to unit. Very sensitive parts of the unit, at
the joints, to be protected against damage.
02 Eybolts, timbers / pallets for forklift trucks or crane transport. EN 13053 (8.1) VDI 3803-1 (5.3)
03 Durable name plate with durable inscription and fixing, stating the following as a EN 13053 (6.9.2) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
minimum: EN 13053 (8.3) VDI 6022 (6.3.9)
for filters: DIN 1946-4 (6.5.10)
− Nominal air flow, number of filters, filter type, dimensions, filter class, me- DIN 1946-4 (6.1.4)
dium type, initial pressure loss, final pressure drop
for fans:
− Type and year of manufacture
− Nominal air flow
− Total pressure increase
− Nominal and maximum speed
− Nominal motor power
− Turning direction arrow on the housing
− Durable inscription of components stating function
04 Units to be identified with energy efficiency class labels A+, A or B. RLT 01
05 Scale drawing of unit with all main dimensions and dimensions for duct connections. EN 13053 (8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
06 Spare parts list. EN 13053 (8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
07 Instructions for installation, commissioning and maintenance. EN 13053 (8.3) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
08 Doors to components which present a risk must only be openable with tools. In addi- EN 1886 (11) VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
tion, the door must have a warning sign on it which refers to the danger (e.g. fan).
09 The unit and its components should be cleaned after manufacture. Transport of units VDI 6022 (6.1.2) DIN 1946-4 (6.1.3)
in dry and clean conditions, protected from the weather. Units to be protected VDI 6022 (6.4)
against dust and dampness when stored on building sites.
10 The values listed for the criteria in the RLT-Guideline Certification shall be given in RLT 01 RLT-Richtlinie Zerti-
the technical datasheet). fizierung (6)

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Table 24: Instructions for installation, commissioning and maintenance

No. Sections and requirements to be covered in the instructions. Standard Supp. standard
01 Table of contents. VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
02 Use in accordance with design purpose: Contents should also be described graph- EN 13053 (5.4)
ically, to ensure that the AHU and its components are used in accordance with their VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
design purpose.
03 Safety: VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
− Risk potential presented by air handling unit (type, severity, source, conse-
quences)
− Warnings (use signal words and symbols)
− Protective measures taken and their benefit
04 General information: VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
− Area of application
− Accessories
− Taking unit out of service during maintenance/servicing
05 Storage, transport and installation: VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
− Storing units and components
− Building site transport of units and components
− Fixing points for lifting devices (illustrated by drawing)
− Transport guarding devices
− Installation of units indoors and outdoors
− Foundations
− Impact sound isolation
− Potential equalisation
− Air connections
− Water connections
− Wastewater connections (condensate-, drain-, overflow pipes, siphon)
− Media connections (hot water, cold water, refrigerant, steam)
− Fuel connections (oil, gas)
− Filters
− Frost protection
− Space requirement for operation and maintenance
06 Commissioning and maintenance/servicing VDI 3803-1 (5.4) VDI 6022 (6.5)
− Maintenance (type and frequency) for each component in the form of a table EN 13053 (8.1)
− Inspections (type and frequency) for each component in the form of a table
− Repair operations
− Cleansing agents, disinfectants
07 Decommissioning, dismantling, disposal. VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
08 Emergency: VDI 3803-1 (5.4)
− Fighting fire
− Emission of noxious substances in case of fire
09 Address of manufacturer. VDI 3803-1 (5.4)

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

6. Appendix Table A8: Classes of average air velocity levels inside the casing
(EN 13053)
Table A1: Mechanical stability (EN 1886)
Class air velocity in the unit, regard to the filter
Casing class max. relative deflection [mm/m]
unit or ventilation unit, if no filter is pre-
D1 4 sent [m/s]
D2 10
V1 ≤ 1.6
D3 >10
V2 > 1.6 to 1.8
Table A2: Casing leakage under negative pressure V3 > 1.8 to 2.0
V4 > 2.0 to 2.2
Leakage class Max. leakage rate at - Filter class as per
V5 > 2.2 to 2.5
400 Pa test pressure EN ISO 16890
V6 > 2.5 to 2.8
[l/(sm2)]
V7 > 2.8 to 3.2
L1 0,15 ISO ePM1 > 80%
V8 > 3.2 to 3.6
L2 0,44 ISO ePM1 ≥ 70%
V9 > 3.6
L3 1,32 Coarser filter
Table A9: Classes of power consumption of drives (fans)
Table A3: Casing leakage under positive pressure (EN 1886)
(EN 13053)
Leakage class Max. air leakage rate at + 700 Pa test pres-
Class Pm max. [kW]
sure [l/(sm2)]
P1 ≤ Pm ref × 0.85
L1 0.22
P2 ≤ Pm ref × 0.90
L2 0.63
P3 ≤ Pm ref × 0.95
L3 1.90
P4 ≤ Pm ref × 1.00
Table A4: Thermal transmittance (EN 1886) P5 ≤ Pm ref × 1.06
Casing class Thermal transmittance [W/(m2K)] P6 ≤ Pm ref × 1.12
P7 > Pm ref × 1.12
T1 U ≤ 0,5
The electrical power consumption depends on the respective air
T2 0.5 < U ≤ 1.0
flow and the static pressure increase of the fan.
T3 1.0 < U ≤ 1.4
Pressure losses for fan guard and -baffle plates are not con-
T4 1.4 < U ≤ 2.0
T5 no requirements tained in the static pressure increase, but shall be considered as
fan losses.
Table A5: Thermal bridging factor (EN 1886)
 p 
0 , 925

Pm ref =  stat  × (qv + 0,08 )

0 , 95
Casing class Thermal bridging factor kb [-]  450 
TB 1 0.75 ≤ kb < 1.00
TB 2 0.60 ≤ kb < 0.75 Pm ref [kW] electrical power consumption
TB 3 0.45 ≤ kb < 0.60
pstat [Pa] static pressure increase of the fan
TB 4 0.30 ≤ kb < 0.45
TB 5 no requirements qv [m3/s] air flow

Table A6: Dampers (EN 1751) Table A10: Classes of heat recovery (EN 13053)
Leakage class Max. leakage rate at test pressure 500 Pa Class Energy efficiency e 1:1
[dm3/(sm2)] H1 ≥ 71
4 4 H2 ≥ 64
3 20 H3 ≥ 55
2 100 H4 ≥ 45
1 500 H5 ≥ 36
H6 no requirement
Table A7: Classes of insulation material (EN 13501)
 1
Class Description e = t × 1 − 
A1 not combustible  
A2-s1 d0 e [%] Energy efficiency (= WRG efficiency of heat recov-
A2 no significant contribution to fire growth ery system)
B t [%] Temperature efficiency under dry condition
C-s1 d0...C-s3 d2  [-] Coefficient of performance
If the airflows are not balanced and no specific HRS values are
D-s1 d0...D-s3 d2 contribution to flashover
available, the values may be calculated by the empiric formula:
E...E-d2 0, 4
 extract air mass flow 
F not class A1 to E (easy combustible) t = t 1:1 ×  
 supply air mass flow 
s = smoke development (s1 to s3)
d = dripping behaviour (d0 bis d2)

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Table A11: Specific fan power per fan (EN 16798-3) Table A15: Extract air classification (EN 16798-3)
Class specific fan power per fan [W/(m3/s)] Category Description
(for any additional values see tab. A12) ETA 1 Extract air with low pollution level
SFP 1 < 500 ETA 2 Extract air with moderate pollution level
SFP 2 500 to 750 ETA 3 Extract air with high pollution level
SFP 3 751 to 1.250 ETA 4 Extract air with very high pollution level
SFP 4 1,251 to 2,000 Table A16: Exhaust air classification (EN 16798-3)
SFP 5 2,001 to 3,000
SFP 6 3,001 to 4,500 Category Description
SFP 7 > 4,500 EHA 1 Exhaust air with low pollution level
EHA 2 Exhaust air with moderate pollution level
Table A12: Additions on specific fan power (EN 16798-3) EHA 3 Exhaust air with high pollution level
Component Added SFP-class EHA 4 Exhaust air with very high pollution level
[W/(m3/s)] Table A17: Classification of outdoor air (EN 16798-3)
additional mechanical filter stage + 300
Outdoor air Description
HEPA filter + 1,000
class
gas filter + 300
ODA 1 Pure air which may be only temporarily dusty
heat recovery class H2-H1 + 300
(e.g. pollen)
very high-performance cooler + 300
ODA 2 Outdoor air with high concentrations of partic-
Additions shall be considered if the component is fitted in the
ulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants
AHU (possibly also outside the AHU). No additions for sections
ODA 3 Outdoor air with very high concentrations of
kept empty.
particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants
Table A13: Guiding values of electric power input classes
Table A18: Classification of inlet air (EN 16798-3)
(VDI 3803-1)
SUP 1 Supply air with very low concentration of dust
Air flow AHU without AHU with AHU with
thermod. air air heating other func-
or fine dust and/or gaseous impurities
[m3/h] SUP 2 Supply air with low concentration of dust or
heating tions
fine dust and/or gaseous impurities
2,000 - 10,000 SFP 5 SFP 6 SFP 6
SUP 3 Supply air with moderate concentration of dust
10,001 - 25,000 SFP 5 SFP 5 SFP 6
or fine dust and/or gaseous impurities
25,001 - 50,000 SFP 4 SFP 5 SFP 5
SUP 4 Supply air with high concentration of dust or
> 50,000 SFP 3 SFP 4 SFP 4 fine dust and/or gaseous impurities
Table A14: Examples for pressure drops for specific components SUP 5 Supply air with very high concentration of dust
in air handling systems or fine dust and/or gaseous impurities
Component Pressure losses [Pa] Table A19: Basic classification of indoor air quality
low normal high Indoor air Description CO2-concentration
Ductwork supply 200 300 600 class over ODA [ppm]
Ductwork extract 100 200 300 IDA 1 high indoor air quality ≤ 400
Heating coil 40 80 100 IDA 2 medium indoor air quality 400 to 600
Cooling coil 100 140 200 IDA 3 moderate indoor air quality 600 to 1,000
Heat recovery unit H3 100 150 250 IDA 4 low indoor air quality > 1,000
Heat recovery unit H2-H1 200 300 400
Humidifier 50 100 150
Air washer 100 200 300
Air filter (final pressure):
ISO ePM10 ≥ 50% 100 150 250
ISO ePM2,5 ≥ 50% 100 150 250
ISO ePM1 ≥ 50% 100 150 250
ISO ePM1 ≥ 70% 150 250 400
HEPA filter 400 500 700
gas filter 100 150 250
Silencer 30 50 80
Terminal device 30 50 100
Air inlet and outlet 20 50 70

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RLT-Guideline 01 – General requirements for AHUs

Table A20: Definition of air types (EN 16798-3) Table A23: Translation table of filter classes between EN 779 and
EN ISO 16890 (FGK StatusReport 44 und EVIA FAQ)
Abbr. Description
ODA Outdoor air Bezeichnung Mindestqualität gemäß
DIN EN 779 DIN EN ISO 16890
SUP Supply air
G1 ISO coarse < 30%
IDA Indoor air
G2 ISO coarse ≥ 30%
TRA Transferred air
G3 ISO coarse ≥ 45%
ETA Extract air
G4 ISO coarse ≥ 60%
RCA Recirculation air M5 ISO ePM10 ≥ 50%
EHA Exhaust air M6 ISO ePM2,5 ≥ 50%
SEC Secondary air F7 ISO ePM1 ≥ 50%
LEA Leakage F8 ISO ePM1 ≥ 70%
INF Infiltration F9 ISO ePM1 ≥ 80%
EXF Exfiltration
MIA Mixed air
SRO Single room outdoor air
SRS Single room supply air
SET Single room extract air
SEH Single room exhaust air

Table A21: Room classes in buildings and rooms of health care

(DIN 1946-4)
Room class Description
Ia Operating rooms: protection area with low tur-
bulence replacement flow (TAV)
Ib Operating rooms: system with mixed or replace-
ment flow
II Other rooms: used for medical purposes

Table A22: Characteristic numbers of heat recovery systems (VDI

3803-5)
Performance characteristic numbers for the comparison of
heat recovery systems with defined operating conditions.
ηt = Φt Degree of temperature change (previously heat re-
covery efficiency)
Ψ Degree of humidity change (previously moisture re-
covery figure)
ε Performance number
ηe Energy efficiency (=ηWRG efficiency of heat recovery
system)
– Degree of heat availability (unsuitable for AHU
units)
– Reference operating condition
Energy characteristic numbers balanced over a year, to ex-
press the efficiency and use of the heat recovery system.
εa Annual work number
Na Annual degree of cover
Φa Annual degree of temperature variation
ηa Annual degree of efficiency
The leakage numbers describe the increase of flow in compari-
son with the leak free system.
The recirculation number describes the recirculation percent-
age in the outdoor air.
L1 Leakage number exhaust air flow
L2 Leakage number outdoor air flow
U Recirculation air number

23
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