DOAS - Dedicated Outside Air System

Overview

A dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) is a complete unified unit that is designed to meet a wide range of heating, cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation requirements. These units deliver up to 100% outside air and are ideal for any variable air volume (VAV) or dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) application.

How it Works

The turnkey system features a total enthalpy wheel that spins between two air streams while moving energy that is both latent (moisture) and sensible (heat). The enthalpy wheel, which offers up to 80% total efficiency, greatly reduces the heating and cooling capacity requirements, resulting in lower operating costs.

A DOAS is built from the ground up to save energy and reduce operational expenses. With its rare earth magnet inverter scroll compressor that terminates excessive cycling and hard starts that lead to the life of the unit being extended. It can achieve the optimal efficiency under part-load settings with the help of the latest modulating technology.

It has components for optional hot gas reheat and fully regulating refrigeration that can deliver the precise volume of air needed at the required temperature and humidity. The unit can alter its heating and cooling capacity to match the necessary load thanks to variable speed components. This provides a consistent temperature throughout the space and avoids large temperature swings often associated with single stage equipment.

Authorized DOAS Suppliers

We are the authorized distributors for the leading American manufacturers of DOAS units. We’ll be pleased to provide the ideal unit for your application as authorized representatives.

For a fast quote or if you have inquiries about commercial or industrial DOAS, get in touch with us.

DOAS Manufacturers

We are official representatives of the DOAS manufacturers listed below. Click the link to learn more about the manufacturers’ warranties and other information.

DOAS Control Variables

The unit can be calibrated for 100% outside air or partial recirculation, both of which can provide tempered air. When set to partial recirculation the fan operates at a constant speed, however the damper modulates the outside air intake depending on how the kitchen hood is being operated.

Custom Design Options

Depending on your needs, a custom DOAS can be made for your application’s needs, including:

Choice of Condensers

Water source heat pump
Air cooled
Water cooled

Heating Options

Electric
Gas
Heat pump mode
Steam coils or hot water

Flexibility

DOAS units provide 100% OAU and are ideal for more applications. They offer larger tonnage ranges and nominal CFM than competing units.

Maintenance

Accessibility and safety are now easier than ever thanks to a hinged access door and touch-safe control panel.

Durability

Galvanized steel cabinet panels exceed 1000 hour salt spray testing and have a two-coat primer and primer-paint external finish.

Features

Listed below is the range and variations of DOAS units. Contact our official representative to find out which model is best suited for your application.

DOAS for Commercial Kitchens & Food Service Industry

DOAS units provide energy efficient solutions for commercial kitchens that require fresh air from outside to be tempered before entering the space, therefore vastly improving indoor air quality (IAQ).

Our industry-leading, energy-efficient Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) are the perfect solution for commercial kitchens that require a higher percentage of outside air. Air should also be fully conditioned for complete temperature and humidity control inside your kitchen and dining spaces.

Buildings that don’t follow codes with improper ventilation can cause health hazards for guests and staff (source).

Make sure you work with an trained professional when selecting the best DOAS unit suitable for the building.

DOAS vs HVAC Unit

The drawback of adding outdoor air to your building is that it may increase humidity indoors.

If the additional moisture is not controlled, it may foster the growth of viruses, mold, mildew, and other potentially dangerous organisms. Controlling the amount of moisture in the building is essential for preventing these byproducts from forming.

A typical HVAC air conditioner is designed with temperature change in mind, and may not be able to handle the additional moisture content

Yes, an HVAC air conditioner does remove some humidity from the air, but the majority of them are only designed to regulate temperature and not to remove moisture effectively. Instead, a system that can fully regulate both temperature and humidity must be put in place.

Restaurant Design With Make-Up Air (MUA) And Rooftop Unit (RTU)

There is typically a RTU that exhausts the air and a MAU that exhausts up to 80% of the air from the kitchen hood. The RTU is required to exhaust and make-up the rest of the air in the kitchen. There are limitations on the capacity of outside air they are capable of handling.

The diagram shows a commercial kitchen such as in a small restaurant or fast food chain.

DOAS for Restaurant Diagram

The diagram below demonstrates how a DOAS unit is capable of combining the role of a RTU and MUA in one unit. The unit also eliminates moisture before entering the kitchen, whereas a typical kitchen attempts to control it after.