The materials used in HVAC systems vary widely, mainly depending on the functional components (such as ducts, pipes, and heat exchangers) and the operating environment. The core requirements are corrosion resistance, good sealing, and excellent thermal conductivity/insulation performance.
Ventilation ducts are channels for air transport, and their materials must balance strength, airtightness, fire resistance, and thermal insulation.
Metal Materials:
Galvanized Steel Sheet: The most common type, low cost, high strength, widely used in commercial and public facilities. Antibacterial galvanized steel sheet ducts are commonly used in medical institutions in Shanghai.
Stainless Steel (SUS201/SUS304): Highly corrosion-resistant, suitable for high-requirement environments such as cleanrooms and laboratories; thickness is typically 0.5–1.2 mm.
Aluminum and Copper Alloys: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, often used in specialized industries or high-end projects.
Composite Materials:
Phenolic Resin Composite Board and Polyurethane Composite Board: Lightweight, with excellent thermal insulation properties, a thermal conductivity as low as 0.033 W/m·K, and Class A fire resistance, widely used in high-standard projects such as high-speed rail hubs.
Mechanized Magnesium Oxide Composite Board and Fiberglass Composite Board: Good fire resistance and sound insulation, commonly used in hospitals and office buildings.
Refrigerant and Water System Piping Materials: Used for transporting refrigerant or hot and cold water, requiring high sealing performance, pressure resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Copper Pipes: Most commonly used, especially in R410A systems which require oil-free inner-wall copper pipes to prevent impurities from entering the compressor. Common specifications are listed in industry standards (e.g., O60-H tempered softened annealed copper pipes).
Heat-resistant Polyethylene (PE-RT) Pipes: Used in hot and cold water systems; flexible, non-toxic, and non-scaling; suitable for underfloor heating and condensate drainage.
Stainless Steel Pipes: Used in highly corrosive or high-temperature environments; long service life but higher cost.