Glossary: RLT components explained simply
What does RLT mean?
RLT stands for Raumlufttechnik (room air technology). It includes all technical systems that move, treat, or exchange air in indoor spaces in order to create a pleasant and healthy indoor climate.
Typical RLT components
| RLT Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Ventilation / Air-conditioning units: | Supply fresh air, remove exhaust air, partly with heat recovery |
| Fans: | Move air through ducts and rooms |
| Filters: | Remove dust, pollen, germs, and odors |
| Heating and cooling coils: | Heat up or cool down the air |
| Humidifiers / Dehumidifiers: | Regulate air humidity |
| Air ducts & outlets: | Distribute air, control air volumes and direction |
| Sensors & control technology: | Measure and regulate temperature, air quality, and humidity |
Application Areas for RLT Components
| Application Areas for RLT Components |
|---|
| Office and administrative buildings |
| Hospitals and care facilities |
| Industrial and production halls |
| Shopping centers |
| Residential buildings with controlled ventilation |
In the following, the key HVAC components of three selected application areas are examined in more detail, highlighting their specific functions and benefits in each environment.
1. Office and Administrative Buildings
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Air handling unit (AHU) | Fresh air supply, exhaust air, heat recovery |
| Filters (F7, F9) | Remove pollen, dust, and pollutants |
| Heating/cooling coils | Regulate supply air temperature |
| Sound attenuators | Reduce noise levels |
| Air ducts & outlets | Distribute air throughout the building |
| Variable air volume (VAV) controllers | Regulate air volume per room |
| CO₂ sensors | Demand-based ventilation |
| Control and automation systems | Automatically adjust to demand |
2. Industrial and Production Halls
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Industrial ventilation | Fresh air supply, removal of fumes |
| Extraction systems | Localized exhaust of contaminants |
| Filtration systems (HEPA, activated carbon) | Remove dust and gases |
| Heat recovery systems | Recover and reuse energy |
| Air conditioning units | Process or workplace cooling |
| Humidification systems | Prevent electrostatic dischargeg |
| Explosion protection dampers | Safety measure when handling hazardous substances |
3. Hospitals and Operating Rooms
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Cleanroom ventilation | Low-germ air, high air exchange rate |
| HEPA filters (H13/H14) | Filtration of viruses and bacteria |
| Laminar flow outlets | Germ-free air curtain above the operating table |
| Temperature and humidity control | Optimal conditions for staff and patients |
| Pressure control systems | Prevent air exchange with adjacent rooms |
| Monitoring systems | Continuous monitoring of air quality and filter status |
Summary
| Application Area | Typical Components |
|---|---|
| Office Buildings | Air handling unit, filters, cooling coils, CO₂ sensors |
| Industrial Halls | Extraction systems, filters, heat recovery, cooling |
| Hospitals / Operating Rooms | HEPA filters, laminar flow, pressure control, cleanroom ventilation |
Conclusion: RLT components are key building blocks for healthy, clean, and efficient air in all types of buildings – from offices to operating rooms.
