Flexible, high‑efficiency air handling to support airport expansion
Project overview
Project: Major UK Airport Extension
Application: Airport
Construction period: 2025–2027
Project background
A major UK airport is delivering a significant pier extension to accommodate increased flight capacity for a leading airline. The project required new air handling systems capable of meeting demanding efficiency targets while operating within tight spatial and ductwork constraints typical of a live airport environment. All works were carried out within a live airport environment, requiring careful coordination and minimal disruption.
Customer requirements
To meet operational, spatial, and sustainability demands, the project team specified:
- Six high‑efficiency Air Handling Units (AHUs)
- High levels of heat recovery
- Flexible intake and discharge connection locations to suit restricted ductwork routes
- A solution aligned with the client’s ambition to decarbonise the site where practical
Daikin Applied (UK) solution
Daikin Applied (UK) supplied six bespoke double‑deck AHUs incorporating:
- Plate heat exchangers for heat recovery
- Fan decks
- Reversible heating and cooling coils, matched with Daikin VRF condensers
To address site‑specific challenges, an additional tier was added to the units to incorporate integral plenums.
The bespoke design capability and integration with Daikin systems enabled a fully coordinated solution tailored to the project constraints.
Why this solution was selected
The solution met both the flexibility and efficiency requirements of the project while reducing installation and operational risk. The configurable intake and discharge arrangements enabled effective integration within the restricted ductwork layout, while the use of reversible heating and cooling coils supported the client’s decarbonisation objectives.
A safer, more practical design
The inclusion of an additional plenum tier delivered clear practical benefits:
- Eliminated the need for ductwork installers and other trades to work on top of the AHUs
- Reduced the risk of damage to the units during installation
- Improved health and safety by minimising work at height
Additional benefits
- Better coordination between services
- Reduced installation risk
- Enhanced long‑term protection of the AHUs