What is an HVAC Zoning System?
Published by Lisa Hickey
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Many commercial facilities require different levels of heating and cooling in various areas of a building. A zoning system is appropriate for facilities where areas of the building are divided into heating and cooling zones based on specific needs. Hotels, hospitals, and apartments typically have different zones.
A zoned system employs a series of motorized dampers within the ductwork. The dampers are located between each zone and open or close the ductwork, channeling heating and cooling to specific areas. Zones can be further divided using Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes. A VAV system consists of multiple VAV boxes that modulate open and closed based on the individual zone needs. In the cooler months, the HVAC system equipped with an economizer can take advantage of the outside air for free cooling. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, provides procedures for calculating the minimum outdoor air volume for a system serving multiple zones.
Belimo's standalone airflow measurement and control actuators with digital communications are for rotary, linear, and in-duct applications. The actuator communicates directly with the Building Automation System (BAS) using BACnet, Modbus, or MP-Bus. Select models offer Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting for optimal system performance. Some actuators have pressure independent control characteristics combined with an integrated airflow sensor to calculate and deliver designed flow regardless of pressure fluctuations in the system. Actuators with industry-standard digital communications are the perfect solution for integration in constant or variable air volume systems.
Each zone has a programmable thermostat to control the dampeners' opening and closing, saving money by only heating and cooling specific areas. HVAC zoning systems require a little more maintenance because of the damper systems and the additional thermostats but will save on energy consumption and cost with an increase in occupant comfort for facilities requiring different areas with different heating and cooling.
Download the Belimo Damper Actuators brochure. Belimo damper actuators are designed for various HVAC applications to ensure performance, reliability, and lower power consumption.