VAHU Vertical
Mini Air Handling Unit
The Polar Air VAHU is a vertical hybrid AHU–fan coil unit, offering high-pressure performance in a format suited to spaces where a vertical setup is more practical than a horizontal one.
With heating and cooling capacity up to 50 kW and an ESP range of 50–200 Pa (0.2–0.8 in.wg, recommended 150 Pa / 0.6 in.wg), it bridges the gap between a fan coil and a full AHU.
Its double skin casing with 25 mm (1″) NBR insulation provides a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer, keeping supply air closer to design values in both cooling and heating modes.
Top or down flow distribution options give flexibility to match different duct layouts and air delivery requirements in large projects such as hospitals, data server centers, and offices.
5 sizes available · 2-pipe or 4-pipe models · 5R & 5R+2 configurations
Advantages
Heating & Cooling
Capacities up to 50 kW provides powerful cooling in summer and reliable heating in winter, for year-round comfort.
Ideal for large indoor spaces, including business, healthcare and industrial buildings, including offices, hospitals, data centers and clinics.
Double Sandwich Design
Double skin casing with 25 mm (1”) NBR insulation forms a thermal barrier that limits heat gain and loss and keeps supply air closer to design values, especially in tropical or humid environments.
Compared to single skin FCUs, casing losses are reduced, improving efficiency in concealed ducted applications.
Multiple rows: 5R · 5R+2
Multiple coil row configurations provide greater surface area for heat transfer, delivering higher efficiency and more cooling and heating capacity.
The added surface also improves latent capacity for better humidity control and more consistent comfort across varying load conditions.
ESP Conditions
Medium to high external static pressures from 50 - 200 Pa (0.2 - 0.8 in.wg), recommended 150 Pa (0.6 in.wg).
Suitable for projects with extended ducting or complex layouts, including hospitals, office complexes and data server rooms where airflow must be sustained.
Design
With 2- and 4-pipe options and flexible top or down flow distribution, the VAHU adapts to different layouts easily.
Plus its hybrid design closes the gap between fan coil and AHU, giving you high performance and practicality in a vertical format.
Installation & Maintenance
Installation and servicing are easy with access to components from the bottom with a lift down panel.
Supplied ready to install, with internal steel drain pan, thick 25 mm (1”)
NBR insulation, manual air vent + water purge valve and G2 (MERV 4) filter.
Capacities
Metric
🍃 Airflow: 1286 – 8186 m3/h
❄️ Cooling: 9.6 – 50.5 kW
☀️ Heating: 9.2 – 47.6 kW
🔊 Sound pressure: from 64 dBA*
Imperial
🍃 Airflow: 737 – 4722 CFM
❄️ Cooling: 22797 – 155814 BTU/Hr | 1.9 – 9.9 Ton
☀️ Heating: 34498 – 242220 BTU/Hr | 2.9 – 20.2 Ton
🔊 Sound pressure: from 64 dBA*
* Sound pressure level measured at 1 m distance in a reverberation test room with the minimum volume of 200 m3.
- Compatible with renewable energy systems – works with solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, and other low-temperature sources for higher energy savings.
- Durable coil design – copper tubes and headers mechanically expanded into corrugated aluminum fins, pressure-tested up to 35 bar with a 16-bar operating limit.
- 0–10 VDC EC motor – delivers up to 30% energy savings compared to AC motors, with smoother speed control, quieter operation, and lower running costs.
- Manual air vent + water purge valve – enables quick and efficient system bleeding for hassle-free maintenance.
- Internal drain pan – in painted steel to safely collect and channel condensate, protecting interiors from leaks, water damage, and moisture issues.
- 25 mm (1”) NBR insulation – double skin thermal barrier that limits heat transfer through the casing, keeping supply air closer to design temperature, especially in humid conditions.
- G2 (MERV 4) filter – captures dust and larger particles to improve indoor air quality and protect the coil.
- I-Type Controllers: Infrared Handset or Wired Wallpad
- Valves: HYDRO+ VALVE Kit with 2/3-way body valve, on-off/modulating actuator (24V or 110-240V), BSPT or NPT connectors, connection piping kit, 2x shut-off valves, strainer and manual balancing valve
- Drain pan: stainless steel
- Electric heater: up to 9 kW
- Filter: G4 (MERV 8) or F8 (MERV 14)
- Air plenum: Supply/Return
- Integrated transformer: converts from 230V to 24V for valve and thermostat compatibility
- Disconnect switch: integrated in control box
- Customization: available upon request (minimum order quantities apply)
Polar Air Control Logic
Polar Air fan coil units provide exceptional control flexibility to meet various application needs. Choose between two types of PCBs.
I-Type Control
Exclusively developed by Polar Air for intelligent control that includes our ADBS technology for ΔT management and group control. Configuration for 2- and 4-pipe models.
Available through ModBus, or compatible with Polar Air Wired Wallpad or Infrared Handset.
24/7 programming
Auto & 3-Speed functions
Sleep function
Auto-Restart function
Dehumidification mode
Adjustable swing louver positioning
Condensate drain pump control
Error diagnostics on unit LED display or Wired Wallpad
Valve control
Dry contact for On/Off applications
Electric heater control
2 x 24V auxiliary contacts for ERVS or dampers
Building Management Systems (BMS) compatible via Modbus
Auto-Dynamic Balancing System with constant ΔT management
255 units group control via ModBus
32 units group control via Wired Wallpad
I-Type Control
Exclusively developed by Polar Air for intelligent control that includes our ADBS technology for ΔT management and group control. Configuration for 2- and 4-pipe models.
Available through ModBus, or compatible with Polar Air Wired Wallpad or Infrared Handset.
24/7 programming
Auto & 3-Speed functions
Sleep function
Auto-Restart function
Dehumidification mode
Adjustable swing louver positioning
Condensate drain pump control
Error diagnostics on unit LED display or Wired Wallpad
Valve control
Dry contact for On/Off applications
Electric heater control
2 x 24V auxiliary contacts for ERVS or dampers
Building Management Systems (BMS) compatible via Modbus
Auto-Dynamic Balancing System with constant ΔT management
255 units group control via ModBus
32 units group control via Wired Wallpad
W-Type Control
Simple yet flexible functionality that is easy to use, allowing for limited LED diagnostics and RPM configuration. Available for 2- and 4-pipe models.
Compatible with external thermostats from a variety of manufacturers.
Choose your own external thermostats
Configure the motor RPMs to your choice
Contact alarm for condensate drain pump and motor
Limited error diagnostics on unit LED display or Wired Wallpad
Project applications & references
Explore recommended applications and recent projects where it’s been successfully installed.
Government
Post Offices · Courthouses · Town Halls · Embassies · Prisons · Military & Emergency Spaces
Healthcare
Hospitals · Clinics · Nursing Homes · Treatment Centers · Laboratories · Morgues
Commercial
Supermarkets · Stores · Shopping Malls · Gyms/Sports Facilities · Museums/Theaters · Airports/Transport Terminals
Industrial
Factories/Plants · Data Centers · Warehouses/Distribution Centers · Wine Cellars/Wineries · Agricultural
Occidental Railspur
2024
United States
Washington
Retrofit · EC motor · cased model · office complex
Qawra Palace Resort & Spa
2024
Malta
Retrofit · EC motor · hotel banquet halls
Hennep Dispensary
2025
United States
Massachusetts
Retrofit · EC motor · recreational dispensary · Ceairtek brand
Taranaki Hospital
2023
New Zealand
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
2024
United States
Texas
Retrofit · EC motor · hotel facilities
Our PASELECT Software is specifically designed to help users choose the most suitable Polar Air fan coils for any project.
Downloads: IOMs, Revits & Guide Specs
Access product resources including installation and operation manuals (IOMs), Revit files, and guide specifications.
Revit Files: VAHU_Vertical Mini AHU_4-pipe
|Size: 3 MB - ENRevit Files: VAHU_Vertical Mini AHU_2-pipe
|Size: 2 MB - ENIOM: VAHU Vertical Mini AHU_METRIC_EC Motor
|Size: 2 MB - EN
Revit Files: VAHU_Vertical Mini AHU_4-pipe
|Size: 3 MB - ENRevit Files: VAHU_Vertical Mini AHU_2-pipe
|Size: 2 MB - ENIOM: VAHU Vertical Mini AHU_IMPERIAL_EC Motor
|Size: 3 MB - ENOur trusted network of authorized representatives ensures you receive exceptional customer service and product availability worldwide.
FAQs: vertical air handling fan coil hybrids
What is the benefit of top vs. down flow distribution?
The VAHU has options to select top or down flow distribution.
Top flow works best when ducts or risers run above the unit, common in high-ceilinged spaces or vertical risers. Down flow suits layouts where air needs to be delivered directly into lower-level ductwork or floor plenums, such as server rooms or compact plant spaces.
When would I use a VAHU instead of a horizontal unit like HAHU-B?
Choose VAHU when the site or ducting layout makes a vertical format more practical. For example, mechanical rooms with limited ceiling space, retrofit projects with vertical risers, or floor-by-floor zoning in large facilities.
Can VAHU handle large building applications?
Yes — with capacity up to 50 kW, VAHU is used in hospitals, government complexes, agricultural facilities, and data centres, where vertical installation and sustained airflow are required.
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