Air treatment unit and method for manufacturing such an air treatment unit

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an air treatment unit (100) comprising an adsorbent medium (20) having a first side (21), a second side (22) opposite the first side (21), and at least one peripheral side (23), the adsorbent medium (20) comprising a corrugated panel (24) forming a channel (25) extending through the adsorbent medium (20) from the first side (21) to the second side (22), characterized in that the air treatment unit (100) comprises at least one section (26) of an adsorbent medium with a solid powder coating (30) on at least one of said first side (21) and said second side (22).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an air handling unit and a method for manufacturing such an air handling unit. In particular, the present invention relates to an air handling unit and a method for manufacturing such an air handling unit as defined by the appended claims. BACKGROUND

[0002] Within the technical field of air handling, different types of air handling units are used, which comprise a sorption medium for sorbing or absorbing a gas. Such an air handling unit can for example be a desiccant wheel, in which the sorption medium, also referred to as wheel medium, is configured for absorbing moisture. The sorption medium typically comprises corrugated panels forming channels extending through the sorption medium. The sorption medium can have a brittle surface and a high level of material porosity. This brittleness needs to be addressed and is currently done by using a liquid coating layer for material surface reinforcement. By a proper surface coating, the sorption medium surface becomes more robust and the frictional resistance of the sorption medium surface is reduced, while the wear resistance of the sorption medium surface is increased.

[0003] A common coating process for air handling units is based on a spray technique with liquid coating. The coating is applied to the sorption medium surface via a nozzle or spray gun. This process is typically performed manually by an operator. This coating technique has a high tendency to clog and / or penetrate the channel openings of the sorption medium. The coating can in this way block the pores of the sorption medium so that moisture does not enter the sorption medium, whereby the dehumidification capacity of the air handling unit is reduced. This coating technique can also lead to an overuse of the coating, which leads to high coating costs. Furthermore, when using a spray technique of liquid coating, the working environment is poor and the environmental sustainability is negatively affected. SUMMARY

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the drawbacks and disadvantages in the prior art and to at least address the problems described above.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to achieve an air handling unit and a method for manufacturing such an air handling unit, which results in a robust and wear-resistant surface of the sorption medium of the air handling unit, while ensuring the functionality of the air handling unit.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to achieve an air handling unit and a method for manufacturing such an air handling unit, which will improve the working environment and reduce the manufacturing costs.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an air handling unit comprising an adsorption medium having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and at least one peripheral side, the adsorption medium comprising corrugated panels forming channels extending through the adsorption medium from the first side to the second side, wherein the air handling unit comprises at least one section of the adsorption medium having a solid powder coating on at least one of said first side and said second side.

[0008] Today, liquid paint coatings or paint are commonly used to cover the adsorption medium of an air handling unit by spraying or dipping. A common problem with such coatings is that the adsorption medium absorbs the paint due to the porosity of the adsorption medium, also known as wicking, and it is difficult to align and distribute a uniform coating on the adsorption medium. When the adsorption medium absorbs the paint, there is a risk of fibre rise, which will make the surface rough and irregular. In case the air handling unit is a rotary wheel, such fibre rise can lead to higher friction, and it can also affect the sealing capacity. A powder coating or powder finish is a coating applied as a dry powder, which is subsequently solidified by heat, thereby forming a solid coating on the coated object. By using a powder coating according to the present disclosure, a uniform coating distributed evenly on the adsorption medium is achieved. The powder coating is easier to apply on the adsorption medium in a uniform and predictable manner, and since the powder coating does not comprise a liquid, the powder coating reduces the risk of the adsorption medium absorbing the coating. Thus, using a powder coating will reduce or even eliminate the risk of fibre rise and clogging of the pores of the adsorption medium, and thereby reduce the risk of a rough surface, higher friction, and pressure drop. Using a powder coating on the adsorption medium will increase the surface wear resistance by enhancing the surface and making it smoother and more robust.

[0009] The adsorption medium can be referred to as a rotary wheel medium or a honeycomb medium, and the channels formed by the corrugated panels can be referred to as grooves. The adsorption medium can comprise a corrugated glass fibre structure containing a hygroscopic desiccant such as silica gel, lithium chloride, or a hydrophobic zeolite adsorbent. The first and second sides of the adsorption medium can be referred to as air inlet and air outlet sides.

[0010] The powder coating can be a polyester mono-coat powder coating, a polyurethane, and / or a polyester powder paint. Such a coating is naturally smooth and particularly suitable for temperature sensitive materials such as the adsorption medium. The powder paint can be any polymeric powder paint.

[0011] According to an example, the at least one section of the adsorption medium comprises a powder coating on the at least one peripheral side. Having a powder coating on the at least one peripheral side will improve the smoothness and strength of the peripheral side of the adsorption medium.

[0012] The air handling unit can be a gas adsorption wheel for dehumidification, wherein the at least one peripheral side extends substantially perpendicular to the radial extension of the wheel. The gas adsorption wheel can comprise two or more wheel segments assembled to form a complete annular wheel. Alternatively, the gas adsorption wheel comprises one annular wheel segment. The first and second side of the adsorption medium correspond to the first and second side of the gas adsorption wheel. The axial extension of the gas adsorption wheel extends between the first and second side. The surface on the first and second side of the wheel is substantially flat. The peripheral side of the wheel extends around the circumference of the wheel. The surface on the peripheral side is a curved surface. It should be understood that a wheel segment can comprise multiple peripheral sides, wherein one peripheral side will form part of the peripheral side of the assembled gas adsorption wheel. When assembled, the other peripheral sides of the wheel segment will each face a peripheral side of another wheel segment. The gas adsorption wheel can comprise a partition plate arranged between the peripheral sides of different wheel segments. Thus, the peripheral side of a wheel segment can abut a partition plate.

[0013] Alternatively, the air handling unit is a pad for evaporative cooling, wherein the at least one peripheral side extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second side. The adsorption medium of the pad can comprise four peripheral sides, all extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second side of the adsorption medium. Thus, the adsorption medium of the evaporative pad can have a substantially rectangular cuboid shape.

[0014] The powder coating can extend about 1 to 4 millimeters into the channels of the adsorption medium. Thus, the powder coating can be applied such that the powder coating covers the surface of the adsorption medium and also extends into the channels. Thus, the powder coating can extend from the opening of the channels and 1 to 4 millimeters into the channels. By limiting how far the coating is applied into the channels, the coating will not negatively affect the functionality of the air handling unit. Thus, by limiting how much of the interior of the channels is covered by the coating, the dehumidification, adsorption and / or absorption capacity of the air handling unit will not be adversely affected.

[0015] In one example, the solid powder coating is transparent. Currently used colored coatings can clog some of the channels, which will affect the functionality of the air handling unit. Furthermore, pigments have a large negative impact on the environment. Thus, removing the colored pigments from the coating will improve the functionality of the air handling unit, provide a more sustainable solution and reduce costs.

[0016] The air handling unit can further comprise markings on at least a portion of at least one surface of the adsorption medium, the markings being produced by means of laser or hot stamping. Today's processes for manufacturing air handling units with adsorption medium typically comprise spraying a coating on the adsorption medium. The coating is applied for the purpose of hardening the surface of the adsorption medium, but the coating typically also comprises colour pigments for identification. Thus, the coating is typically a coloured coating in which a certain colour corresponds to a certain adsorption medium configuration. The air handling unit can be configured in different ways depending on the application for which the air handling unit is to be used. The corrugation (folds or channels) size of the adsorption medium will vary with the material treatment of the adsorption medium. Thus, the adsorption medium configuration of the air handling unit can relate to the channel size and / or the material treatment of the adsorption medium. It is necessary to identify the specific adsorption medium configuration during the manufacturing process, when assembling the air handling unit and at the user's premises, in order to know where which adsorption medium section is mounted. Furthermore, it is facilitated for service and maintenance if there is a marking of the adsorption medium configuration on the air handling unit. Marking at least a portion of at least one surface of the adsorption medium by means of laser or hot stamping will enable identification of the adsorption medium configuration and thereby not require colour pigments in the coating.

[0017] The marking can be achieved by means of treating the surface at elevated temperature and in this way removing a microscopic layer of material. The marking can comprise slightly burning the top surface of the adsorption medium with a fine and programmable laser beam. The general technique of laser marking or laser engraving is considered to be well known and will not be discussed in detail herein. By laser marking or hot stamping at least a portion of the surface of the adsorption medium, surface defects can be removed and the surface will even become smoother. By smooth is meant that the surface has no perceptible protrusions, elevations or depressions. A smoother surface will increase the sealing capacity and reduce friction. The marking can be configured to enable identification of the adsorption medium. The marking can be a pattern, code or any other graphical marking suitable for recognizing, identifying or tracing the adsorption medium and thus the air handling unit comprising the adsorption medium. The marking can be configured to enable optical identification of the adsorption medium. Thus, the marking can comprise a QR code, a bar code or similar. The marking can in this way indirectly comprise information about the manufacturing batch of the adsorption medium or any other information related to the adsorption medium. This can be advantageous for e.g. traceability.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an air treatment unit as disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of applying a coating powder on at least one of a first side and a second side of at least one section of adsorption medium; and solidifying the coating powder to produce a solid powder coating. The solidifying can be performed by means of a heat source heating the applied powder to a temperature between 150 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius, preferably between 180 degrees Celsius and 230 degrees Celsius. The heat source can be an infrared lamp, an ultraviolet lamp or a heat gun or similar. When the powder is solidified, the powder turns into a solid film or a solid coating. The step of solidifying the coating powder can comprise adjusting the heat intensity of the heat source, the angle of the heat (beam) relative to the surface of the adsorption medium on which the coating powder is applied and / or the distance between the heat source and the surface of the adsorption medium. It should be understood that the features and advantages discussed in relation to the above air treatment unit also apply to the method for manufacturing such air treatment.

[0019] The step of applying the coating powder can comprise applying an electrostatic charge on the adsorption medium or grounding the adsorption medium and subsequently spraying the coating powder onto the adsorption medium by means of an electrostatic spraying device. Thus, the coating powder can be applied by means of an electrostatic powder coating process and the electrostatic spraying device can be an electrostatic spray gun or a corona spray gun. The powder particles are made electrically charged, whereby the powder particles will repel each other and spread out when the powder particles are expelled from the electrostatic spraying device. The adsorption medium is oppositely charged to the powder particles or grounded. In this way, a Faraday cage effect is achieved and the powder will be attracted to the adsorption medium, which results in a more even coating than wet spraying and the powder will adhere to the adsorption medium in a controlled manner. Typically, due to the so-called Faraday cage effect, the electrostatic field will tend to concentrate on the edges of the channels of the adsorption medium and due to the electrical resistance created by the channels, the electrostatic field also concentrates on the surface of the adsorption medium. The electric force will always follow the path of least resistance, so the powder will follow the electric field lines to pile up on the channel edges and a reduced amount of powder will drift into the channels. By increasing the voltage, the electric field will be stronger and the powder particles will more easily stay in the electric field without penetrating the adsorption medium channels. Thus, using electrostatic coating reduces the risk of clogging the channels of the adsorption medium and the functionality of the adsorption medium will not be affected. The process allows for precise control of the thickness and distribution of the coating. It should be understood that different application methods based on electrostatic spray guns and counter electrodes connected to the adsorption medium and / or grounding can be used for applying the powder coating. The adsorption medium is not as electrically conductive as a metal, but the adsorption medium is electrically conductive enough to be able to attract the electrically charged powder particles. This will increase the likelihood of the coating ending up on the adsorption medium compared to a liquid coating that will be more likely to also be applied on surrounding objects.

[0020] The step of solidifying the coating powder can comprise controlling how far into the channels of the adsorption medium the solidification is performed. The coating powder that is only heated and thereby solidified will become a solid coating or film that covers the inner walls of the channels of the adsorption medium. Thus, by controlling how far into the channels the solidification is performed, it is controlled how far into the channels the coating is applied. This can be done by controlling the angle of the heat provided by the heat source relative to the surface of the first and / or second side of the adsorption medium and / or by adjusting the distance between the heat source and the surface of the adsorption medium and / or by adjusting the strength of the heat source. Thus, by controlling the solidification, it is determined how much of the inner walls of the channels the coating covers and thereby how much of the functionality of the adsorption medium the coating will influence. The step of solidifying the coating powder can comprise controlling the solidification such that the solid powder coating extends 1 to 4 millimeters into the channels of the adsorption medium. Thus, the solidification should be performed 1 to 4 millimeters into the channels and on the outer surface of the adsorption medium. This can be achieved by applying the heat at an angle of between 30 to 90 degrees relative to the surface of the adsorption medium. Additionally or alternatively, this is achieved by applying the heat at a distance of between 20 to 40 centimeters from the surface of the adsorption medium. However, it is understood that the suitable distance between the heat source and the adsorption medium depends on the strength of the heat source.

[0021] In one example, the method further comprises blowing loose coating powder out of the channels. After the solidification of the coating powder has been performed, the coating powder that is located inside the channels but has not yet solidified can be blown out of the channels. In this way, the non-solidified powder can be recycled and used again. This will result in less waste and lower costs for coating the adsorption medium compared to spraying paint. This also facilitates the manufacturing since the powder can be removed afterwards and thereby does not influence the functionality of the adsorption medium since it is not important that the powder is completely prevented from entering the channels during the step of applying the powder.

[0022] The method can further comprise blowing compressed air through the adsorption medium before applying the coating powder. By blowing air through the adsorption medium, it can be ensured that the adsorption medium is free from dust and other external particles that can influence the smoothness of the applied coating.

[0023] The step of applying the coating powder can further comprise applying the coating powder on at least one peripheral side of at least one section of the adsorption medium.

[0024] The method can further comprise hardening the solid powder coating in a convection oven. After the coating powder has been solidified and optionally the remaining powder inside the channels has been blown out, the adsorption medium can be placed in a convection oven to further harden the coating and improve the smoothness of the coating.

[0025] In one example, the method comprises marking at least a portion of at least one surface of the adsorption medium by means of a laser or hot stamping. This is performed in a suitable manner prior to the application of the coating powder. The step of marking the at least one surface can be an iterative process in which the entire surface is first laser marked at a relatively low first intensity and / or power to smooth the surface, and subsequently a mark is created by performing the marking on specific parts of the surface at an increased second intensity and / or power. Alternatively, the marking is performed in one step in a manner alternating between different intensities and / or powers.

[0026] The method as described herein can be automated, and thus can be performed by means of a robot. In this way, the manufacturing of the air handling unit can be time efficient and cost efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of examples of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate by way of example the principles of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures la-lb schematically illustrates an air handling unit according to an example of the present application;

[0029] Figures 2a-2b schematically illustrates an air handling unit according to an example of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an air handling unit according to an example of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a method for manufacturing an air handling unit according to the present application; and

[0032] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of a solidified powder coating on an adsorption medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present application will become easier to understand from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose only preferred embodiments of the disclosure. From the guidance in the detailed description, one skilled in the art understands that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention(s) disclosed herein are not limited to the particular

[0035] Figures la-lb An air handling unit 100 according to an example of the present invention is schematically illustrated. Figure la is a side view of the air handling unit 100. The air handling unit 100 includes an adsorption media 20 having a first side 21, a second side 22 opposite the first side 21, and at least one peripheral side 23. The adsorption media 20 generally includes a corrugated fiberglass structure containing a hygroscopic desiccant such as silica gel, lithium chloride, or a hydrophobic zeolite adsorbent. The adsorption media 20 includes a channel 25 (see Figure lb extending between the first side 21 and the second side 22. Accordingly, the opening of the channel 25 is generally on the first side 21 and the second side 22 of the adsorption media 20.

[0036] The air handling unit 100 also includes at least one section 26 of the adsorption media having a solid powder coating 30 on at least one of the first side 21 and the second side 22. The powder coating 30 can be clear or include a colored pigment. The at least one section 26 of the adsorption media can also include the solid powder coating 30 on the at least one peripheral side 23. The powder coating 30 can cover the interior walls of the channel 25 of the adsorption media 20 about 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters. Accordingly, the powder coating 30 can cover the surface of the adsorption media 20 and reach about 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters into the channel 25.

[0037] Figure lb An enlarged view of the adsorption media 20 of the air handling unit 100 is shown. This figure illustrates the channels 25 of the rotary media 20 formed by corrugated panels 24 stacked on one another. The adsorption media 20 is configured differently depending on the application it will be used for. Channel or flute size is one aspect that varies between different adsorption media 20.

[0038] Figures 2a-2b An air handling unit 100 according to an example of the present invention is schematically illustrated. The air handling unit 100 can be configured as disclosed in Figures la-lb Figure 2a ​In the example, the air treatment unit 100 is a gas adsorption wheel. The gas adsorption wheel 100 has a first side 21, an opposite second side 22 and at least one peripheral side 23. In this example, the peripheral side 23 is a circumferential side extending substantially perpendicular to a radial extension of the wheel 100. Gas adsorption wheels are well known in the art and typically comprise at least one regeneration section 11 and one process section 13, as shown in this drawing. In addition, the gas adsorption wheel 100 can comprise a purge section (not shown). Although Figure 2a In the example, only one regeneration section is shown, but the disclosure herein is also compatible with wheels having several regeneration sections and / or separate regeneration sections. Furthermore, the disclosure herein is compatible with wheels having separate purge zones and / or other zoned wheels. Figure 2a In the example, the arrows P and R represent the flow of process air through the process section 13 and the flow of regeneration air through the regeneration section 11, respectively.

[0039] The channels 25 of the adsorption medium 20 can extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the gas adsorption wheel 100. Alternatively, the channels 25 extend through the adsorption medium 20 of the gas adsorption wheel 100 in a radial direction and / or in an axial direction and / or in any direction.

[0040] The gas adsorption wheel 100 comprises at least one section 26 of adsorption medium having a solid powder coating 30 on the first side 21 and / or the second side 22. Typically, the entire adsorption medium surface comprises the solid powder coating 30 on the first side 21 and / or the second side 22.

[0041] In the example, the air treatment unit 100 is a gas adsorption wheel. The gas adsorption wheel 100 has a first side 21, an opposite second side 22 and at least one peripheral side 23. In this example, the peripheral side 23 is a circumferential side extending substantially perpendicular to a radial extension of the wheel 100. Gas adsorption wheels are well known in the art and typically comprise at least one regeneration section 11 and one process section 13, as shown in this drawing. In addition, the gas adsorption wheel 100 can comprise a purge section (not shown). Although Figure 2b In the example, the air treatment unit 100 is a gas adsorption wheel. The gas adsorption wheel 100 has a first side 21, an opposite second side 22 and at least one peripheral side 23. In this example, the peripheral side 23 is a circumferential side extending substantially perpendicular to a radial extension of the wheel 100. Gas adsorption wheels are well known in the art and typically comprise at least one regeneration section 11 and one process section 13, as shown in this drawing. In addition, the gas adsorption wheel 100 can comprise a purge section (not shown). Although

[0042] Figure 3 An air treatment unit 100 according to an example of the invention is schematically illustrated. The air treatment unit 100 can be as described above Figures la-lb or Figures 2a-2bThe air handling unit 100 is configured as disclosed in the background. In this example, at least one section 26 of the adsorption medium comprises a marking 40. The marking 40 is produced by means of laser or hot stamping. The marking 40 can be configured to enable identification of the adsorption medium configuration of the air handling unit 100. In this example, the entire surface on the first side 21 and the second side 22 of the adsorption medium 20 is marked, and the marking 40 comprises a lighter honeycomb pattern on a darker background. This marking 40 thus corresponds to a specific adsorption medium configuration of the air handling unit 100, where the adsorption medium configuration can involve material handling and / or channel dimensions of the adsorption medium 20. The darker parts are achieved by using a higher intensity and / or power. The air handling unit 100 comprises a powder coating 30 applied on the marking 40.

[0043] Figure 4 A method for manufacturing an air handling unit 100 according to the present application is schematically illustrated. The method is for manufacturing an air handling unit 100 as disclosed in any of Figs. 1 to Figure 3 The method comprises the steps of applying s101 a coating powder on at least one of the first side 21 and the second side 22 of at least one section 26 of the adsorption medium, and solidifying s102 the coating powder to produce a solid powder coating 30. The solidifying s102 can be performed by means of a heat source heating the applied powder to a temperature between 150 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius. The heat source can be an infrared lamp, an ultraviolet lamp, or a heat gun, etc. When the powder is solidified, the powder turns into a solid film or a solid coating 30.

[0044] The step of applying s101 a coating powder can comprise applying an electrostatic charge on the adsorption medium 20 or grounding the adsorption medium 20, and subsequently spraying the coating powder onto the adsorption medium 20 by means of an electrostatic spraying device. Thus, the step of applying s101 a coating powder typically comprises charging the powder particles so that the powder particles repel each other. The adsorption medium 20 is oppositely charged or grounded to the powder particles. In this way, a Faraday cage effect is achieved, and the powder will be attracted to the adsorption medium 20. Thus, the step of applying s101 a coating powder can involve creating a Faraday cage effect. By increasing the voltage, the electric field will be stronger, and the powder particles will more easily stay in the electric field without penetrating the adsorption medium channels 25.

[0045] The step of solidifying s102 the coating powder can comprise controlling how deep the solidification is performed in the channels 25 of the adsorption medium 20. With regard to Figure 5 How this is achieved is further described.

[0046] The method optionally comprises blowing loose coating powder out s103 from the channels 25 of the adsorption medium 20. After solidifying s102 the coating powder applied on the adsorption medium 20, the coating powder that is located inside the channels 25 but has not yet solidified can be blown out from the channels 25. In this way, the non-solidified powder can be recycled and used again.

[0047] The method can further comprise blowing compressed air s104 through the adsorption medium 20 prior to applying s101 the coating powder. By blowing air through the adsorption medium 20, it is ensured that the adsorption medium 20 is free from dust and other external particles that can affect the smoothness of the applied coating.

[0048] The step of applying s101 the coating powder can involve applying the coating powder on at least one peripheral side 23 of at least one section 26 of the adsorption medium.

[0049] The method can further comprise hardening s105 the solid powder coating 30 in a convection oven. After solidifying s102 the coating powder and optionally blowing s103 the remaining powder inside the channels 25 out, the adsorption medium 20 can be placed in a convection oven to further harden the coating 30 and improve the smoothness of the coating 30.

[0050] Optionally, the method comprises marking s106 at least a portion of at least one surface of the adsorption medium 20 by means of a laser or hot stamping. This is performed in a suitable manner prior to applying s101 the coating powder. Thus, the marking 40 can be provided underneath the solid powder coating 30.

[0051] Figure 5 A section 26 of the adsorption medium is shown during the method step of solidifying s102 as described with respect to Figure 4 The step of solidifying s102 the coating powder applied on the adsorption medium 20 can comprise controlling how far the solidification is performed in the channels 25 of the adsorption medium 20. The solidification is performed by means of a heat source 200. The controlling how far the solidification is performed in the channels 25 can be done by controlling the angle a of the heat provided by the heat source 200 relative to the surface of the adsorption medium 20 and / or by adjusting the distance D between the heat source 200 and the surface of the adsorption medium 20 and / or by adjusting the heat intensity of the heat source 200. The figure shows the heat as illustrated by the large arrows provided at three different angles a relative to the surface of the adsorption medium. From left to right in the figure, the angle a is 90 degrees, 80 degrees and 40 degrees. As an example, the angle a is in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees. The distance D between the heat source 200 and the adsorption medium 20 can be between 20 centimeters and 40 centimeters, but depends on the heat intensity of the heat source 200.

[0052] It should be noted that the examples shown in the attached drawings are for illustrative purposes only and that many other alternatives can be envisaged within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air handling unit (100) comprising an adsorbing medium (20) having a first side (21), a second side (22) opposite the first side (21), and at least one peripheral side (23), the adsorbing medium (20) comprising corrugated panels (24) forming channels (25) extending through the adsorbing medium (20) from the first side (21) to the second side (22), characterized in that, The air handling unit (100) comprises at least one section (26) of adsorbing media with a solid powder coating (30) on at least one of the first side (21) and the second side (22).

2. The air-handling unit (100) of claim 1, wherein, The powder coating (30) is a polyester single-coat powder coating, a polyurethane and / or a polyester powder paint.

3. The air handling unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one section (26) of adsorbing media comprises a powder coating (30) on the at least one peripheral side (23).

4. The air handling unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The powder coating (30) extends about 1 to 4 millimeters into the channels (25) of the adsorbing media (20).

5. The air handling unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The solid powder coating (30) is transparent.

6. The air handling unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a marking (40) on at least a portion of a surface of the adsorbing media (20), the marking (40) being produced by means of laser or hot stamping.

7. The air-handling unit (100) of claim 6, wherein, The marking (40) is arranged below the solid powder coating (30).

8. The air-handling unit (100) of claim 1, wherein, The solid powder coating (30) is transparent, and wherein the air handling unit (100) further comprises a marking (40) on at least a portion of the surface of the adsorbing media (20), the marking (40) being produced by means of laser or hot stamping.

9. A method for manufacturing an air handling unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - applying (s101) a coating powder on at least one of a first side (21) and a second side (22) of at least one section (26) of adsorbing media (20); and - curing (s102) the coating powder to produce a solid powder coating (30).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The step of applying (s101) the coating powder comprises applying an electrostatic charge on the adsorbing media (20) or grounding the adsorbing media (20), and subsequently spraying the coating powder onto the adsorbing media (20) by means of an electrostatic spraying device.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The step of curing (s102) the coating powder comprises controlling how deep curing is performed in the channels (25) of the adsorbing media (20).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: - blowing (s103) loose coating powder out of the channels (25).

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: - blowing (s104) compressed air through the adsorbing media (20) prior to applying (s101) the coating powder.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising: - applying (s101) a coating powder on at least one peripheral side (23) of the at least one section (26) of adsorbing media.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising: - hardening (s105) the solid powder coating (30) in a convection oven.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising: - marking (s106) at least a portion of at least one surface on the adsorption medium (20) by means of a laser or hot stamping.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The step of marking (s106) at least one surface on the adsorption medium (20) is performed prior to applying (s101) the coating powder.

18. The air-handling unit (100) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The air treatment unit (100) is a gas adsorption wheel for dehumidification, wherein the at least one peripheral side (23) is a circumferential side extending generally perpendicular to a radial extension of the wheel.

19. The air-handling unit of any of claims 1-8, wherein, The air treatment unit (100) is a pad for evaporative cooling, wherein the at least one peripheral side (23) extends generally perpendicular to the first side (21) and the second side (22).

Images