What is a Pre-Cooling Air Unit? In the HVAC industry, "PAU" refers to "Primary Air Unit" or "Precooling Air Unit." This device is designed to pre-treat outdoor fresh air prior to its delivery to the main air handling unit (AHU). Essentially, it serves as an initial fresh air treatment unit that typically filters and dehumidifies the air, but does not provide full cooling.
Usage PAU units are specifically designed for extreme weather conditions to complement AHU units. Typically installed in buildings, this system is utilized for ventilation, air treatment, and pre-cooling purposes. The PAU unit takes in outdoor air, slightly cools it through filtration, and then directs it to the air handlers, helping to minimize cooling demands and reduce energy consumption by air handling equipment.
Construction PAU units are typically designed in two main types: