In today’s energy-conscious world, industries and commercial facilities are constantly looking for ways to reduce HVAC energy consumption while maintaining comfort and air quality. Treated Fresh Air (TFA) units, which are crucial for maintaining indoor air quality by introducing filtered and conditioned outdoor air, are often responsible for a significant portion of an HVAC system’s energy usage—especially in hot and dry climates. One innovative and effective way to enhance the efficiency of these systems is by integrating Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) modules for pre-cooling the incoming fresh air.
What is Indirect Evaporative Cooling?
IEC is a process that cools air without adding moisture. Unlike direct evaporative cooling, where water is added directly to the airstream, IEC uses a Polymeric plate heat exchanger to cool the primary air with separate stream of water & air which travels in adjacent Channel . This process results in temperature reduction without increasing humidity—making it ideal for applications where moisture control is important.
How IEC Modules Enhance TFA Unit Efficiency
Here’s how IEC modules make a difference when integrated with TFA units:
- Pre-cooling the Fresh Air Load
Outdoor air is often hot and dry, particularly in regions with arid climates with high sensible loads. IEC modules can bring down the temperature of this incoming air by 7–12°C before it reaches the mechanical cooling coil. This substantially reduces the load on the DX or chilled water coil inside the TFA unit.
- Energy Savings
By lowering the temperature of the intake air and removing the sensible load , the mechanical cooling system operates under lighter loads, reducing electricity consumption. In many cases, energy savings of 20–30% can be achieved depending on the ambient conditions and system design.
- Lower Peak Load Demand
IEC-assisted AHU systems can significantly reduce peak power demand, easing strain on electrical infrastructure and reducing utility bills—especially in commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities with large HVAC systems.
- Longer Equipment Life
With reduced compressor load and lower wear-and-tear on chillers and AHUs, the overall lifespan of HVAC components increases.
- Sustainable Cooling
Since IEC relies on water and ambient air rather than refrigerants and compressors, it’s a greener alternative and helps in meeting sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
Typical Integration in a TFA System
- The IEC module is installed ahead of the primary cooling coil in the TFA unit.
- Fresh air first passes through the IEC heat exchanger, where it is pre-cooled.
- The already cooler air then moves through the conventional coil for any further necessary conditioning.
- This hybrid approach ensures the fresh air delivered indoors is energy-efficiently cooled without compromising air quality.
- Retrofitting an existing air handling unit /Fresh air handling unit / treated fresh air unit is also possible.
Applications of IEC-Integrated TFA Units
It is an excellent upgrade over conventional TFAs and energy recovery wheels and extensively used in various manufacturing units:
- Industrial buildings with large ventilation requirements
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing and cleanrooms
- FMCG Units
- Food & Beverages units
- Glass & glass equipment manufacturing unis
Steel industries – in cooling of panel / server rooms
Download Brochure 
Customer Care