Hydronic Balancing Part 8: Read & Set Proportional Balance Method

Hydronic Balancing Part 8:  Read & Set Proportional Balance Method

The task of proportional balancing is the first step to achieving an energy efficient pumping system.  It involves adjusting the system balancing valves to make certain that all zones get proportionate flow under design conditions.  Once this task is complete, it gives us the opportunity to trim the fat out of the system for greater efficiency... 

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Hydronic Balancing Part 7: When to Trim the Pump Impeller

Hydronic Balancing Part 7: When to Trim the Pump Impeller

Balancing isn’t just about adjusting valves. Sometimes (very often in fact) it is about evaluating the performance of the pump(s) under real world operating conditions. Remember what ASHRAE 90.1 has to say about Hydronic System Balancing: “Hydronic systems shall be proportionately balanced in a manner to first minimizethrottling losses; then the pump impeller shall be trimmed or pump speed shall be adjusted to meet...

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Hydronic Balancing Part 6: What Kind of Pumping System Do You Have?

Balancing contractors and facility operators would have a much easier time balancing a hydronic system if they were present during the system design process.  Unfortunately that is rarely the case so there is usually a certain amount of detective work that comes with balancing.  The biggest part of that is getting a handle on the overall pumping system.  You can’t effectively balance a system without understanding...

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Hydronic Balancing Part 4: How to Develop a System Curve

What is a system curve and how is it used to develop a balanced hydronic system?  

The “system curve” is a graphical representation of the head losses and gains of a particular piping system that result from changes in flow.  And it’s all based on this law:

As you double the flow through the piping the pressure drop increases by the square.  In other words, the pressure drop increases by four times what it was.

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