How is good catering similar to a quality hydraulics installation?
When you go to a wedding or catered event, where do you stand? Near the kitchen exit, of course, because that’s where the full, hot trays arrive. It’s the same for fluids in thermal installations: they always look for the easiest way, even if it’s not the most efficient.
This brings us to a common but little-attended problem: hydraulic balancing. What happens when this is not done correctly in an installation?
Some spaces receive too much flow, causing noise, overheating or excessive cooling.
Others suffer from insufficient flow, leaving users uncomfortable and uncoordinated systems.
Worst of all, all this happens while energy consumption soars and the lifetime of equipment is compromised!
Have you experienced this?
- Have you slept in a hotel with excessive fancoil noise?
- Is there a space in your office that is always too hot or too cold?
Hydronic balancing is like that maître d’ who distributes the plates efficiently, ensuring that each table gets its fair share. It is key to achieving optimum performance in air conditioning and refrigeration installations.
Did you know that…? A well-balanced installation can:
- Improve energy efficiency by up to 20%.
- Significantly reduce user complaints.
Why do we forget something so essential?
- More visible aspects are prioritised, such as the power or design of the terminal units.
- There is a lack of awareness of the real impact on performance and costs.
- Many professionals see it as a ‘minor technical adjustment’, when it is key to the success of the system.
Practical solutions
- Appropriate valves: Automatic or dynamic balancing valves make the job much easier.
- Accurate flow calculation: Good initial design avoids future headaches.
- Continuous monitoring: Modern systems can detect and correct imbalances in real time.
Prepared by: Manuel García Jiménez
