ONYX Alpha
ONYX Alpha
Balanced filtered fresh-air supply and exhaust with total-heat recovery between the separated air streams.
Fresh-air ventilation with total-heat recovery
Alpha supplies filtered outdoor air and extracts stale indoor air in balanced volumes, recovering heat and moisture energy between the two separated air streams. It is applied where continuous ventilation is required — upstream of, or alongside, indoor-climate equipment — and is combined with a dehumidification solution when indoor humidity also has to be controlled.
Alpha runs two balanced air streams. Stale indoor air is extracted and passes one side of the total-heat exchange core on its way outdoors; filtered outdoor air passes the other side and is supplied to the space. Energy is transferred between the two separated streams, so incoming outdoor air arrives closer to indoor conditions than untreated direct fresh-air supply. The air streams themselves remain separated.
- Balanced fresh-air supply and exhaust at 350 m³/h each
- Total-heat recovery between the separated incoming and outgoing air streams
- Multi-stage filtration on the fresh-air path
- Reduced fresh-air thermal load compared with untreated direct outdoor-air supply
- LCD controller with RS485 / Modbus capability
Technical data
Published figures only.
- Function
- Fresh-air ventilation with total-heat recovery
Alpha is a ventilation unit. It has no dehumidification function and no dehumidification capacity.
- Fresh-air volume
- 350 m³/h
- Fresh-air external static pressure
- 120 Pa
Measured at rated airflow.
- Exhaust-air volume
- 350 m³/h
- Exhaust-air external static pressure
- 100 Pa
Measured at rated airflow.
- Power input
- 110 W
Measured at rated airflow.
- Sound level
- 36 dB(A)
Measured 1.5 m below the centre of the unit in a semi-anechoic chamber to GB/T 21087-2020.
- Net fresh-air ratio of supply air
- 97%
97% of the air delivered to the space is outdoor air; the remainder is internal carry-over within the unit.
- Enthalpy efficiency
- 67%
Enthalpy exchange efficiency under the rated cooling test condition. This is not a reduction in electricity consumption or running cost.
- Filtration
- Primary, medium-efficiency and high-efficiency stages, plus the total-heat exchange core
- Duct connections
- Ø160 mm
- Unit dimensions (L × W × H)
- 1160 × 799 × 255 mm
- Operating range
- Fresh-air operation −10 to 40 °C
Bypass operation applies at an indoor/outdoor temperature difference of 3 °C. Storage and transport −20 to 60 °C.
- Installation
- Ceiling-mounted, ducted, installed by qualified technicians
Full technical specifications are available following project consultation.
Capacity figures apply under rated conditions.
Installation architecture
Separate concealed ceiling-mounted ventilation unit with dedicated fresh-air and exhaust ductwork, installed independently of the air-conditioning system.
Most ONYX NOVA solutions are concealed ducted systems installed separately from the air-conditioning system. ONYX Zenith may also be integrated into an air-conditioning or wider HVAC system where the project design allows.
Confirmed functions
- Filtered outdoor-air supply to the space
- Extraction and discharge of stale indoor air
- Energy transfer between the separated incoming and outgoing air streams
- Balanced fresh-air and exhaust volumes
- Bypass operation when the indoor/outdoor temperature difference makes recovery unnecessary
Filtration stages
- Primary filter
- Medium-efficiency filter
- High-efficiency filter on the fresh-air path
- The total-heat exchange core transfers energy between the air streams; it is not a filtration stage
Controls
- 4-inch LCD control panel
- RS485 communication using the Modbus protocol for integration with a higher-level controller
Maintenance
- The primary filter is washable; the medium- and high-efficiency filters are replacement items
- The total-heat exchange core can be vacuumed or rinsed at low pressure and must be fully dried in shade before refitting
- Filter inspection, cleaning and replacement intervals depend on operating hours, dust load and site conditions. Follow the maintenance schedule established during commissioning and use approved replacement filters.
- High-pressure water must never be used on the core or the filters
- The unit must be isolated from the power supply before any maintenance
Installation requirements (for professionals)
- Ceiling-mounted installation by trained technicians, on a suitably rated fixing
- Connecting ducts at the supply and exhaust spigots must be at least 1 m long, since fan components are exposed at the spigots
- The unit must be earthed and connected through an isolating device in line with local wiring regulations
- Not suitable for installation in areas with corrosive atmospheres such as acids, alkalis or organic solvents
- Duct weight must not be carried by the unit body
Important engineering limitations
- Alpha does not control indoor humidity on its own and is not part of dehumidification sizing
- Where humidity control is required, Alpha is combined with a dehumidification solution such as ONYX Core
- Fresh-air and exhaust volumes fall as duct resistance rises with length, reduced diameter or additional bends
- Electrical supply data is confirmed in writing before installation and is not published here
Technical notes
- Specifications on this page are taken from the manufacturer product manual for ONYX Alpha.
- Alpha is a ventilation product with energy recovery. It is not a dehumidifier and has no published moisture-removal capacity.
- The enthalpy efficiency figure applies under the rated test condition and is not a claim of reduced electricity consumption or running cost.
- Supply-voltage data is withheld pending written confirmation from the manufacturer.
Technical note: Final equipment selection and expected performance depend on site conditions, system design, outdoor-air conditions and professional assessment.
Talk to a specialist
Leave your contact details and an ONYX NOVA specialist will contact you to discuss your property and the most appropriate next step.
Solutions
Where this unit is typically applied.
New Construction and Renovation
Plan humidity control before ceilings close.
Read moreSelected Commercial and Specialised Spaces
Applications reviewed individually before anything is proposed.
Read moreHumidity from Fresh Air
Fresh air is essential for ventilation, but in the UAE it can introduce a significant amount of heat and moisture into the building.
Read moreRelated reading
Background reading.
How does outdoor fresh air increase indoor humidity?
Fresh air is necessary for indoor air quality. Untreated, outdoor air in the UAE also carries a significant moisture load indoors.
Read articleWhen should humidity control be planned during villa construction?
The most straightforward stage is while services are being coordinated, before ceilings close.
Read article