When designing commercial HVAC damper applications, many factors are considered that impact actuator selection. Every actuator manufacturer has an applied torque limit to consider. When factoring in the controllability of a damper, the control system is simply sending a control signal to “an actuator” to drive “a damper.” The control signal is not affected that multiple damper sections or multiple actuators must operate as “one” device. Damper manufacturers also have specific product considerations such as rough opening with dampers, manage shipping size limits, damper assembly configurations, and damper performance. Application, product, and manufacture terminology vary when discussing large dampers or high torque applications.

The integration of digital communication into devices and equipment provides flexibility in creating innovative HVAC solutions that can control, monitor, and/or be maintained from anywhere. Building Management System (BMS) operators benefit from device data that is easily accessible for monitoring and system control. Facility managers gain valuable insights regarding equipment operation and performance. All device data is leveraged to enable timely fault detection and assist in system diagnostics. Available information includes sensor values, control input, device position, min/max ranges, and other operational parameters.

Belimo released standalone airflow measurement and control actuators with digital communications for rotary, linear, and induct applications. Select actuator models have pressure independent control characteristics combined with an integrated differential pressure sensor to calculate and deliver designed flow regardless of pressure fluctuations in the system.

Belimo celebrates 100 million actuators delivered worldwide, continuing its success story of optimizing energy efficiency in buildings without sacrificing comfort. At the beginning of this year, Belimo delivered its 100 millionth actuator; in doing so reached another milestone in the company's history. Belimo, the Swiss world market leader for field devices for controlling and regulating heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, confirms its growth course by reaching this milestone along with meeting the demand for innovative products that sustainably increase comfort, energy efficiency and safety in buildings.

One of the most prominent buzz terms in the HVAC market is the Internet of Things referred to as IoT. IoT is a digital network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and many other items. These connected smart devices use electronics, software, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data. In simple terms, the Internet of Things are products or devices that talk to each other.

If you have a smartphone that communicates with a thermostat, able to checked on a buildings system operation parameters remotely, or used the location services function on your smartphone, you have used IoT. These applications are just a small sampling of IoT and the value that it brings to people’s lives.