AHU Technology Trends in South America: How High-Efficiency Coils Are Reshaping HVAC Systems 

Introduction

The HVAC market in South America is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by rapid urbanization, the expansion of data centers, and increasing energy costs, demand for high-performance Air Handling Units (AHUs) is rising across countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile.

At the center of this evolution is a growing focus on energy efficiency, system reliability, and compact design. While AHU systems consist of multiple components, one element is becoming increasingly critical: the cooling coil.

This article explores the latest AHU technology trends in South America—and what they mean for coil selection, system performance, and long-term operational efficiency.

1. Rising Demand for Energy-Efficient AHU Systems

Energy consumption remains one of the biggest challenges for HVAC operators in South America. With electricity costs fluctuating and sustainability targets tightening, end users are prioritizing AHU systems that deliver maximum cooling capacity with minimal energy input.

This trend directly impacts coil design:

• Higher heat transfer efficiency

• Optimized fin spacing and tube configuration

• Reduced airside pressure drop

A well-designed cooling coil can significantly improve the overall efficiency of an AHU, lowering operational costs over the system’s lifecycle.

2. Compact and Modular AHU Design

Space constraints in commercial buildings and industrial facilities are driving the adoption of compact and modular AHU systems.

For manufacturers and system integrators, this creates a challenge:

How to maintain high cooling performance within a limited footprint?

The answer lies in high-performance coil engineering:

• Enhanced heat exchange surface area

• Optimized coil circuitry

• Precision manufacturing for tight installation tolerances

Compact AHUs require coils that can deliver more capacity per cubic meter, making coil design a key differentiator.

3. Data Center Expansion and High Sensible Cooling Demand

South America is seeing strong growth in data center infrastructure, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. These facilities require highly specialized HVAC systems with:

• High sensible cooling capacity

• Precise temperature control

• Continuous operation reliability

In this context, AHUs and CRAH (Computer Room Air Handler) units rely heavily on advanced cooling coils to maintain stable thermal conditions.

Key coil requirements include:

• High sensible heat ratio (SHR)

• Consistent performance under variable loads

• Compatibility with chilled water systems

This makes coil selection not just a component decision—but a critical system design factor.

4. Corrosion Resistance in Harsh Environments

Many regions in South America face challenging environmental conditions, including:

• Coastal humidity

• Saline air exposure

• Industrial pollutants

These factors can significantly reduce the lifespan of standard HVAC components.

To address this, modern AHU systems increasingly require corrosion-resistant coils, featuring:

• Epoxy or protective coatings

• Hydrophilic aluminum fins

• Enhanced material durability

Choosing the right coil treatment can dramatically extend service life and reduce maintenance costs.

5. Why Cooling Coils Are the Core of AHU Performance

While fans, filters, and control systems all play important roles, the cooling coil is the heart of any AHU system.

Its performance directly affects:

• Cooling capacity

• Energy efficiency

• Airflow resistance

• System reliability

A poorly designed coil can lead to:

• Higher energy consumption

• Insufficient cooling

• Increased maintenance frequency

On the other hand, a high-quality coil ensures:

• Stable and efficient operation

• Lower lifecycle costs

• Better system integration

For this reason, HVAC engineers and OEM manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on coil design and supplier selection.

6. RefriCore: Advanced Coil Solutions for AHU Systems

At RefriCore, we specialize in the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency cooling coils for AHU and CRAH applications.

Our solutions are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the South American market:

• Custom coil design for AHU manufacturers (OEM support)

• High-performance coils for data center cooling

• Corrosion-resistant coatings for harsh environments

• Optimized designs for energy efficiency and compact systems

With extensive export experience and a strong focus on quality, RefriCore supports HVAC partners in delivering reliable, efficient, and future-ready AHU systems.

Conclusion

As AHU technology continues to evolve in South America, the role of the cooling coil is becoming more critical than ever.

From energy efficiency and compact design to data center applications and environmental durability, coil performance is at the center of every major trend.

For HVAC manufacturers, contractors, and system designers, investing in the right coil solution is no longer optional—it is essential for staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Looking for High-Performance AHU Coils?

RefriCore provides customized cooling coil solutions for AHU and HVAC systems across South America.

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how we can support your next system design.