There has been a lot of discussion about the balancing problems in HVAC systems. It is important to solve hydronic balancing issues in HVAC systems and that will add comfort & become energy-efficient. You can reduce your cost of pumping energy consumption by installing the right control valves, proper designing and choosing the proper pumping system is also vital. Now comes the selection of the proper control valve for your system’s application in ensuring cooling performance and optimum heating. The control valves play a major role in balancing the system. The most common ways that are best for controlling flow in the system are: a) Automatic control valve – latest technologically advanced equipment b) manual control valve – balances the system done manually. Read this blog to know how the automatic control valves are better than the manual ones.
What are automatic control valves?
Both opening and closing of an automatic valve are done through hydraulic, electrical or pneumatic actuators. Usually, with the help of a modulating valve, it is done and that can also be set to a position in between completely opened or completely closed.
The pneumatically-actuated control valves are used for various controlling purposes in different types of industries. The hydraulic actuators respond to the changes in flow or pressure and close or open the control valve. Hydraulic automatic control valves do not need any external power source which means the pressure of the fluid is enough to close or open the valve.
What are manual control valves?
The manual valves are the valves that get operated through a manual operator (Like a hand lever or hand wheel). Manual valves are used in stopping & starting the flow though a few designs can also be used for manual throttling. Manual actuation of the valves involves physical, direct contact with its lever, handwheel or gear operator.
Differences in the working principle of both control valves
Automatic control valves – These valves maintain the flow rate with a range that is specified by the manufacturer even when the pressure varies in your system. Automatic valves offer stability to the system as they react to maintain the overall balance in the system (While some of the branches adjust). These control valves work efficiently like the pressure differential regulator as it helps in absorbing extra changes in the pressure within the valve by ensuring the constant flow rate operation.
Manual control valve – The manual flow control valve needs throttling valves and permits for flow in the system to get measured at every branch. The flow is measured & the valve opening gets modulated with the help of a test & balance contractor to get design flow rates. This operation can keep your system completely balanced in “full-load” conditions.
What are the major benefits of automatic control valves over manual control valves?
1) Provides better control of balance
Automatic control valves work best to maintain & ensure the constant flow in the system regardless of any variations in pressure. It guarantees that there will be no issues in balancing in the system which can be found in the manual control valves. In the case of manual control valves, any pressure changes can disturb the system. When you are using manual control valves, the system requires it to be adjusted as well as monitored for recuperating its balance while there is a disturbance.
2) Are cost-efficient
Automatic control valves can be a little bit more costly than manual valves but the point is you will require a few of them in the system. Automatic control valves can efficiently save your installation cost as very few of them need to get installed right at the terminal points. On the other hand, manual control valves require to be installed at every riser, distribution line & branch.
3) Ease of access and installation
Automatic control valves are very easy to install. They can be accessed without any hassle for maintenance. The flow cartridge of these valves can be changed in the same valve instead of replacing the complete valve body.
4) Not labour demanding
Automatic control valves once installed do not need any kind of balancing or intermittent maintenance or repair for monitoring like the manual valves need.
5) Provides the best stability
The usage of incorrect valve sizing can result in big balancing problems in the system but in the case of the automatic control valves, the valves are sized by design flow rate and provide far better stability to your system.
So after reading this blog you must have come to know how automatic control valves are better for controlling and balancing your system. Automatic control valves guarantee that the system runs aptly at every load condition.
