An air intake is a device used to draw fresh air from the atmosphere, which is then distributed throughout the building. It can be installed in industrial, commercial, or residential buildings. Typically, it is mounted on rooftops or external walls near the Air Handling Unit. The intake openings are equipped with specialized louvres or mesh screens designed to prevent foreign objects, such as insects, rain, snow, leaves, or other debris, from entering the system.
In mechanical ventilation systems, the air intake can also be integrated into existing ventilation setups equipped with filters, heat recovery units (recuperators), and other components. The AHUBASE / AHUBASE FLEX roof support offered by HVAC Ratherm is an ideal solution for mounting support structures for equipment and installations located on both flat and pitched roofs. The stability and even load distribution provided by the AHUBASE / AHUBASE FLEX support ensure the correct and secure installation of air intake units.
It is important to note that air intakes cannot be installed arbitrarily on a building's wall or roof.
In accordance with the Polish Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of April 12, 2002, regarding the technical conditions for buildings and their location, air intakes must be positioned according to § 152:
Point 3: "Air intakes located at ground level or on the walls of the two lowest above-ground floors of a building should be situated at a horizontal distance of at least 8 m from streets, parking lots with more than 20 spaces, waste collection areas, sewage vents, and other sources of air pollution. The distance from the lower edge of the intake opening to the ground level should be at least 2 m."
Point 4: "Air intakes located on the roof should be positioned so that the lower edge of the intake opening is at least 0.4 m above the mounting surface, and a distance of at least 6 m from sewage vents is maintained."
TYPES OF AIR INTAKES
Air intakes are classified into various types based on their installation method and intended application.