What is the term for an assembly of connected components through which air is conducted and exhausted?

The correct term for an assembly of connected components through which air is conducted and exhausted is "exhaust system." This term specifically refers to systems designed to remove air from a particular space, such as a building or an industrial environment, in order to manage air quality, control temperature, and eliminate pollutants or excess moisture.

An exhaust system is crucial in scenarios such as kitchens, bathrooms, and industrial facilities where the removal of undesirable air is necessary for health and safety reasons. It typically includes ducts, fans, and other components that work together to facilitate the efficient removal of air from inside to outside.

While an air distribution system involves the delivery of conditioned air throughout a space, it does not specifically address the exhaustion of air. Similarly, a ventilation network generally refers to the system as a whole for bringing fresh air in and exhausting stale air, but it lacks the focused definition that encompasses only the components involved in air being actively expelled. An air handling unit, on the other hand, typically refers to a more complex system that conditions and circulates air, and is often part of a larger HVAC system, incorporating both intake and exhaust functions rather than focusing solely on exhaust.