Hydronic Balancing

Using Automatic Balancing Valves to Dynamically Balance Hydronic Systems

Sean Kalman Hays Fluid Controls

Agenda

Methods of Hydronic Balancing How Automatic Flow Control Works Automatic Flow Control Saves Money Where to Apply Automatic Flow Control Valves Selecting an Automatic Flow Control Valve

Automatic Balancing Valves

Methods of Hydronic Balancing

Balancing Valve Type Ball Valve Information Inexpensive & Inaccurate

Circuit Setter
Venturi

Automatic

Moderately Priced & Somewhat Accurate Higher Priced with Improved Accuracy First Cost eqivalent to Venturi, Lower TAB Cost

Automatic Balancing Valves

How Automatic Flow Control Works

When the Differential Pressure increases, the diaphragm presses up to and flexes against the orifice plate. This limits the area for the water to flow through.

Flow

When Differential Pressure decreases, the diaphragm relaxes, and increases the area for the water to flow through.

Automatic Balancing Valves

Automatic Flow Control Valves Save Money

Less Valves Required in System Higher Accuracy Lower Installation Cost Lower Test, Adjust & Balance Cost Lower Long Term Maintenance Cost Lower Pumping Capacity Requirement Can Be used in Variable Flow Systems
Automatic Balancing Valves

Typical Manual Balancing System

Circuit Balance Valves required at all terminal units as well as riser. System to be rebalanced when new terminal unit brought on line.

Automatic Balancing Valves

Automatic Flow Control System

Automatic Flow Control Valves only required at terminal units. No system rebalance needed when new terminal unit brought on line. AFCV dynamically adjust to maintain flow. No AFCV required on riser.

AFCV offers unmatched for your design. Automatic Balancingflexibility Valves

Automatic Is Accurate

Most manual valves give somewhere between 15% to 25% Automatic valves increase your accuracy to 10% as a general rule

Automatic Balancing Valves

Lower Installation Cost

5 Components 1 Package 4 Connections

17 Components 21 Connections
Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Valves Required with AFCV

In this manual system, 26 manually adjusted flow control valves are required. In the same system using automatic valves, only 18 valves are required. Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Valves Required With AFCV

No balancing valve required Automatic Balancing Valves in bypass with AFCV

Lower TAB Cost

Because AFCV are pressure independent, they are balanced from the time the pump is turned on. Thus, only flow verification is needed, saving as much as 60% over outdated manually adjusted valves.
1.5 Hrs to manually balance 1 coil. $50 / Hour Labor X 1.5 Hrs $75 Per Coil X 100 Coils $7500 Balancing Cost .5 Hrs to verify flow on AFCV. $50 / Hour Labor X .5 Hrs $25 Per Coil X 100 Coils $2500 Balancing Cost

Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Energy Consumed With AFCV

When your building load changes, AFCV can dynamically change to maintain your flow requirements. When the P decreases, the valves open to maintain a constant flow rate. When the P increases, the valves close slightly to maintain a constant flow rate. Manually adjusted valves cannot adjust to the changing P to maintain a constant flow rate. If P increases, so does the flow, if P decreases, so does the flow.
Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Energy Consumed With AFCV

Application: In an office building on a Spring day, the building may not be calling for less chilled water than what it was designed for. Except for a cafeteria which is at 100% capacity. By using AFCV, you can reduce your pump speed to meet only the chilled water need you have. With manually adjusted valves you do not have that luxury. In turn, reducing your pumping cost and saving money.

Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Energy Consumed With AFCV

Automatic Balancing Valves

Less Energy Consumed With AFCV

How Flow balancing cuts HVAC energy costs. (Use .06 kwh-hr cost) Flow Parameters Unbalanced Flow Balanced Flow Flow, GPM 1050 870 Pressure, ft of head 62 75 Power, BHP 21.8 19.8 Power Consumptioin, KWH 18.2 16.4 Cost Per KWH $0.06 $0.06 Annual Electrical Cost $7098 $6396 Annual Savings $0 $702 Annual Savings Percent 0% 9.9%

Automatic Balancing Valves

AFCV With Variable Speed Pumps

Automatic Can accommodate changes in system. Only AFCV can change to maintain exact flow rate. For use with 2 position valves is excellent application.

Automatic Balancing Valves

AFCV With Variable Flow Systems

Many engineers have suggested that AFCV is not suited for variable flow systems. Here are some reasons they are perfect for the job:

Control Valve has complete authority except when fully open and flow is beyond design. Prevents Overflow of coil. Aids in preventing valve cavitation. Aids in preventing premature erosion of control valve body.
Automatic Balancing Valves

Cost Savings With AFCV

27 Circuit Setters = $729 Installation Labor = $675 TAB Labor = $2,025 Total Installed Cost = $3,429

18 AFCV = $954 Installation Labor = $450 TAB Labor = $450 Total Installed Cost = $1,854

In this example, we saved $1575 first cost alone. Automatic Balancing Valves

Where to use Automatic Flow Control Valves

Water Source Heat Pumps Fan Coils VAV Box with Reheat Coils Air Handlers Unit Ventilators Cabinet Heaters Radiant Floor Heating Systems Hydronic Baseboard Heaters Cooling Towers Chillers
Automatic Balancing Valves

Automatic Flow Control Placement

In most applications, it is best to place the AFCV on the return side of a coil. This ensures that your water tube is full and providing maximum heat transfer. Supply side will work, but is not ideal as too much air or turbulence may occur.

Automatic Balancing Valves

Automatic Flow Control Placement

In an open system, the AFCV must be on the return side of the coils to ensure that the tubes are flooded and ensure maximum heat transfer.

In an closed loop system, the AFCV can be on the return side or the supply side of the coils. The best practice is still to have your AFCV on the return side.

Automatic Balancing Valves

AFCV For All Applications

A small inline valve will work in tight spaces A multipurpose valve provides unlimited options. Larger valves accommodate high flow rates.

Automatic Balancing Valves

Choosing The Right AFCV

Choosing the right AFCV is very important. Here are some items to consider when choosing an AFCV: Operating Range:
AFCV have a PSID range that they will operate within. Make sure the one you choose meets your needs.

Flow Rates Available:

Most AFCV manufacturers provide several flow rates to choose from. Some have a better selection than others. Make sure you are getting the flow rate you need.

Hassle Free Operation:

Ask the manufacturer if there are maintainance isssues with their valves. Will you have clogging problems or noise problems?
Automatic Balancing Valves

Automatic Flow Control Valves

Automatic Balancing Valves

Conclusion

AFCV are a good application in all types of systems. AFCV saves money on both installation and operation of system AFCV are best option for balancing of Hydronic HVAC systems.

Automatic Balancing Valves