Glycol is commonly used to prevent heat transfer fluids from freezing in heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems. It is typically found in systems where pipework is exposed to the exterior environment – rooftop units, free cooling, cooling towers – and also in green energy applications, such as solar thermal collectors. Glycol may also be used in district cooling systems – for example, in high rise properties – and low temperature energy networks serving a number of customers. However, the addition of glycol into any system can result in large errors in thermal energy measurement when using a meter intended for water alone.

Each year, building owners across the globe invest millions of dollars into heating and cooling system upgrades in an effort to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and remain green. All too often, however, these upgrades fall short of expectations, and owners are left right back where they were - struggling to improve the environmental friendliness and cost reduction of their operation.

Belimo Hydronic Simulator™ is a tool that simulates a hydronic system in a 4-story building with five terminal units on each floor. All terminal units, branches, and the raiser have a manual balancing valve that allows adjusting based on the valve opening. The Simulator identifies and illustrates when the system needs to be balanced and how the adjusting of the valve could impact the entire system. The main purpose of Belimo Hydronic Simulator is to educate on the importance of why pressure dependent valves are not recommended in a dynamic system.

Building codes require the installation of life safety dampers for several purposes. Most are used to prevent the spread of heat, fire, and/or smoke in a life-threatening event. There are four essential types of life safety dampers:
1) Ceiling radiation
2) Fire
3) Smoke
4) Combination fire and smoke

Three general applications:
1) Compartmentation to prevent heat, fire or smoke transfer across barriers
2) Smoke control systems to prevent smoke movement within spaces or exhaust to the outside
3) Fire extinguishing or evacuation systems

A craft brewery (microbrewery) produces small batches of beer and usually are independently owned. These breweries emphasize quality, flavor, and unique brewing techniques. The craft brewery movement has grown significantly with some breweries expanding production, distribution, and included tasting rooms.

Controlling and monitoring indoor levels of carbon dioxide is essential for everyone’s health, safety, and the energy efficiency of buildings. Similar to how we need to breathe fresh air, so do buildings. Ventilation in a building is the essential process of replacing stale air with fresh air. Without engineered ventilation, buildings become susceptible to stagnant air, mold, bacteria, and potentially harmful gasses like radon, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and carbon dioxide. Prolonged exposure to these elements can lead to “sick building syndrome” where occupants experience acute health and comfort effects.

HVAC system performance and comfort rely on accurate measurement and control of differential pressure.  Effective air distribution is achieved by closely monitoring and controlling air pressure.  By monitoring the airflow pressure across dampers, filters, fans, and between rooms, the HVAC system can efficiently and economically optimize building performance and reduce energy consumption.

In a water source heat pump (WSHP) application, a variable or constant speed pump accomplishes water distribution. The primary function of valves in a WSHP application is to allow a predetermined volume of water to enter each unit through either a water-to-refrigerant coil, water-to-air coil, or a water-to-water coil. The valves used are typically on/off control for full design flow when the WSHP starts. In most applications they are not required to control the amount of flow as in a traditional HVAC hydronic system.

Hydronic variable flow systems may reset supply water temperature, pump static pressure, or a combination of both to reduce plant energy consumption and to comply with building codes and standards. The information below illustrates how valve position feedback to the Building Automation System (BAS) is used to reset the pump pressure setpoint in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1 and California Title 24.