Free choice of energy efficiency labels.
As has been the case for years with electrically operated household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines), energy efficiency classes provide a reliable guide for air handling units. These classes are clearly defined: Energy efficiency for air handling units (AHUs) is regulated by several directives.
Know How
Energy efficiency classes according to EUROVENT.
EUROVENT's energy efficiency classes have been divided into two labels since 2020: the summer label and the winter label, with the winter label continuing to be regarded as the main label on the European market. This division allows the energy efficiency of an AHU to be taken into consideration under two different conditions; Making the classification more realistic and thus more meaningful when viewed over the entire course of the year. For both energy efficiency classes according to the EUROVENT method, six ratings (A+ to E) are possible in each case.
At EUROVENT, the compensation procedure applies. Here, not all individual reference values of the desired energy efficiency class have to be met. For example, a heat recovery coefficient of the heat recovery system (HRS) that is too low can be compensated by a better (lower) power consumption of the fan motor. This applies to both labels (summer and winter). The compensation of the influencing variables air velocity, the pressure loss of the heat recovery system, the (dry or humid) heat recovery coefficient of the heat recovery system and the efficiency of the fan is based on the conversion into uniform pressure drop allowances. The weighting of these allowances is based on the primary energy demand.
In order to use this process, members must undergo a rigorous certification process. In addition to the annual monitoring of the design software, this process also includes testing of specified performance data by means of measurements on real equipment. This monitoring may only be carried out by accredited testing institutes (e.g., TÜV).
Energy efficiency classes according to the German RLT-Herstellerverband.
The energy efficiency classes according to the German AHU manufacturers' association (RLT-Herstellerverband) are based on the minimum requirements of ErP Directive 1253/2014/EC, which have been legally required since January 1, 2016. AHUs without an ErP tier fall under rating B and may no longer be placed on the market in the European Economic Area. In addition, the defined classes for air velocity must be observed. In contrast to the EUROVENT procedure, all required performance requirements for the award of the efficiency rating of the AHU manufacturers' association must be fulfilled; i.e., there is no compensation based on primary energy demand.
Not to be confused with the energy efficiency classification of the manufacturers' association is the “Regelkonformität” (Regulatory Compliance) label of the same association. This label refers to Guideline 01 of the manufacturer's association. In it, the association describes generally accepted rules of technology and makes specifications if standards and guidelines offer scope for interpretation. This description has no influence on the certification and is not legally binding. The “Regelkonformität” label is only intended to provide information that the respective AHU manufacturer has determined in its own testing that the AHU complies with all criteria of the RLT (AHU) Directive 01.