HEATING & HOT WATER


Get your heating system winter-ready with hydronic balancing


Winter might seem a long way off, but now is the ideal time to consider hydronic balancing to ensure your customers’ heating systems operate at maximum efficiency when the cool weather kicks in, says Phil Harrison, managing director of Taconova UK


T


he cold darker months of winter may still be a little while away, but August will soon be gone, the clocks will have fallen back an hour, and winter will once again descend upon the UK. And last winter was particularly tough. The cold temperatures, made to feel even colder by inflated energy prices, put a huge strain on many people’s heating systems – not to mention their bank accounts. Although Taconova can’t solve the energy crisis, as building services professionals, it is possible to help customers prepare for the next cold snap by getting their heating system running efficiently.


Hydronic balancing plays a crucial role


Hydronic balancing, or hydraulic balancing, is the process of optimising the distribution of water in a building’s heating or cooling system by equalising the pressure to provide the intended indoor climate in the most energy- efficient way. Whether it is through traditional radiators or underfloor heating systems (or both), a precisely balanced system is essential for ensuring each room in the building reaches its intended and desired temperature.


Hydronic balancing of existing systems


Implementing hydronic balancing can be quite time-consuming, especially in complex existing systems. Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, and the same principle applies to heated water circulating through a building’s pipework. As the water travels from the energy source to various rooms, it needs to navigate through different lengths of pipe, around bends, and via branches, valves and heat exchangers. These areas all create resistance and hinder the flow. As a result, some rooms may struggle to reach the current temperature. It’s common for people to address these issues by increasing the circulation pump speed or raising the supply temperature. However, this approach not only leads to higher energy consumption but can also result in persistent flow noises around the building. To balance an existing system, a thorough inspection of the entire piping network needs to be conducted to ensure that each heating circuit receives the right amount of water and


heat. The objective is to synchronise the flow paths of the hot water. It is important to have accurate information about the nominal flow rates of the system and each individual pipe section, such as pipe diameters. While this data is usually available in new installations, it’s not always so easy to find in existing systems. The required volume flows can be determined by performing a heating load calculation (according to BS EN 12831). The specific heat demand for each individual room is derived from a precise calculation of the heat requirements. In cases where this data is not readily available, the existing heating surfaces can be determined using a calculation form, like the one on Taconova’s website (in the “Download Centre” among the “Technical aids”). The required volume flows are calculated based on the temperature difference, the determined specific heat demand, and the specific heat capacity of the heat transfer medium. Fortunately, the advanced technology of modern heating circuit distributors equipped with intelligent components can make the process much easier, quicker, and guarantee reliable hydronic balancing.


Actuator valves for underfloor heating


When it comes to underfloor heating, a reliable distribution of heat is crucial. In addition to the main distribution system, there is a need for precise control on a floor-by-floor basis. This is where an actuator valve comes in.


Taconova has designed and manufactured the TacoDrive which regulates the volume flow in combination with a room thermostat and is installed in the return flow of the heating circuit distributor. TacoDrive combines a heating circuit valve and thermal actuator into a very compact actuator valve allowing for quick adjustments when necessary. Furthermore, the glass top provides a convenient way to visually inspect the actual valve position – whether open or closed – and the performance of the actuator. It also has a “First Open” function, which allows manual adjustment to open in the event of a power outage. This feature ensures that the connected circuits can still be filled and flushed without requiring power supply.


Reliable and comfortable regulation


When it comes to adjusting the volume flows during the initial setup of underfloor heating


18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER AUGUST 2023


the TopMeter allows installers to adjust the flow directly at the distributor bar using the intelligent balancing valve. The newer TopMeter Plus has an added benefit of being able to save any adjustments made. Under the red adjustment cap, a grey locking ring secures the settings once they’re finalised. Even when the flow rate is locked, the valve can still be shut off. When it’s time to reopen, the valve can be opened fully to restore the previously saved setting. This new memory function is particularly useful in apartment buildings or commercial properties, as the last set flow rates can easily be retrieved whenever needed.


Efficient distribution


As the demand for efficient heating solutions increases in both new builds and renovations, more contractors, specialist planners, and consultants are turning to Heat Interface Units to help maximise the delivery of heat through their buildings.


By combining various functions within these decentralised HIUs, it’s possible to handle controlled heat transfer, domestic hot water heating, consumption data, and calculate energy costs on demand. They also provide protection against legionella and can be seamlessly integrated with various heat generation methods, like heat pumps. Modular HIUs, like Taconova’s TacoTherm Dual Piko or Nano, follow the continuous flow principle to distribute heat and handle decentralised preparation of domestic hot water in a building. Modular units are easy to install and can precisely regulate the temperature at the hot water outlet, either electronically or without requiring any additional energy through a proportional quantity controller. With a high degree of prefabrication and


reconfiguration, units can be tailored to fit specific requirements, which makes installation much simpler.


Get ahead of winter


The advantages of hydronic balancing are extensive and can provide long-lasting benefits to end-users. Taconova can ensure new heating systems are balanced quicker and more efficiently. Its range of reliable, low- maintenance, and highly efficient intelligent building technologies can help save customers time, effort, and money.


So don’t leave it until after the summer to optimise your customers’ heating system, act now and help them enjoy cosy temperatures and lower heating bills this winter.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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