Balancing HVAC systems

HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) systems are typically closed curcuit systems from generaltion (i.e. water based screw chillers) through distribution (i.e. Air handling units - AHU) to the terminal equipment in rooms (i.e. fan coils). Therefore any differences in static pressure (resistance) or dyncamic change in pressure anywhere in the system will influence the water flow everywhere else in the system.

In hydraulic systems, static balancing is essential to ensuring that all coils and users in a hydraulic system receive the minimum required flow to maintain the desired room temperature. Static (fixed) pressure imbalances are caused by uneven pressure drop (resistance) in different sizes and placement of pipes, coils and all other equipment in the hydraulic system. This typically means that larger equipment in an uncontrolled system close to the pump receives an oversupply while (smaller) equipment further away receives an underflow of energy. Designers typically prefer to slightly oversize piping (to ensure supply safety in case of miscalculation and if the system later is expanded) and then control the fixed pressure imbalances using manual balancing valves on risers, mains and branches. ICV’s manual balancing valves effectively solve the static pressure imbalances in the hydraulic system. Static balancing valves solve the static pressure imbalances caused by the fixed equipment itself.

To solve dynamic (changing) pressure imbalances mainly caused when motorized modulating control valves (or other actuated equipment and valves) constantly adjust the flow to coils dynamic balancing is also required. Dynamic (changing) pressure imbalances occur in hydraulic systems when motorized control valves constantly modulate the flow of water to coils (i.e. air handling units, fan coils etc.) to adjust the room temperature. This typically results in always changing (under/over) flows, greatly reducing comfort, wasting energy, and putting a strain on equipment and motorized control valves which have to constantly modulate to compensate - reducing their lifetime.

ICV offers a full range of static balancing valves and dynamic balancing valves. And we support our customers with flow calculations and valve selection, as well as offer on-site balancing support and trouble shooting to ensure that both energy and comfort requiremens are met. The ICV PFM balancing tool using bluetooth to connect to handheld device or your mobile ensure safe and easy calibration of different pressure flows. The flow rate and Δp matrix of ICV’s balancing.