1.
INTRODUCTION
Air and water balancing are a method of regulating air conditioning air supply, return, and
exhaust or the flow of water through coils to achieve a neutral balanced and comfortably
conditioned commercial, institutional or industrial building.
An air and water balancing system in HVAC setups ensures efficient operation and comfort
by adjusting airflow and water flow rates to match each area’s needs. For air balancing,
technicians adjust diffusers, vents, and dampers to distribute the right amount of air to each
room, using instruments to measure and confirm the airflow is correct
Air balancing involves adjusting the system’s airflow so each room or zone gets the precise
volume of air it requires to meet temperature and comfort needs. Usually, this procedure
begins with the use of specialist instruments, such as anemometers (which measure air
velocity) or bolometers (which measure total air volume), to measure airflow.
Water balancing makes ensuring that the building's hydronic system provides the proper
water flow rate to all heating and cooling components, including air handlers, fan coils, and
radiators. This process begins with measuring the flow rate in pipes leading to each unit. By
adjusting manual balancing valves, technicians can control the water flow rate so that each
unit’s performance matches the design specifications. In more advanced systems, automatic
flow control valves keep flow rates stable even when pressure fluctuates, which often
happens in large buildings with variable demand on the HVAC system. Proper water
balancing ensures that each unit can heat or cool its designated space efficiently, reducing
strain on pumps and lowering energy consumption.
An HVAC system that balances the flow of water and air effectively maximizes efficiency,
reduces energy expenses, and keeps the building consistently comfortable. An imbalance in
either the water or air system can lead to uneven temperatures, wasteful energy use, and even
more rapid equipment wear and tear. Frequent balance checks aid in the system's adaptation
and long-term, effective operation, particularly following major occupancy changes or
renovations.
2. EQUIPMENT
I. Apparatus / device involving the balancing if air and water systems
2.I.1.Anemometer
Figure 2.1 Digital Anemometer
2.I.2.Measuring tape
Figure 2.2 Measuring tape
3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
I. Practical work is carried out under the supervision of a lecturer or workshop instructor.
II. Appropriate PPE is worn
III. The SOP of the equipment or instrument is read and understood
IV. Be aware of hazards in the work environment including electrical current.
V. Air and water distribution systems are checked
4. WORKING PROCEDURES
I. Perform the balancing of air system:
4.I.1.Initial start-up tests are made on chillers, AHUs, cooling towers and fan systems.
4.I.2.The main supply of the cooling system is switched on
4.I.3.all systems are ensured to be operated
4.I.4. Temperature and pressure readings of incoming and outgoing water for cooling
tower and AHU are taken after 30 minutes of chiller operation.
4.I.5. Length, width and height for channel size are measured using a tape measure.
4.I.6. The area of each diffuser is measured
4.I.7. Blower/fan motor readings are taken in rpm using a tachometer.
4.I.8. air velocity is sought to measure the rate of air flow.
4.I.9. Made sure the air diffuser was ready to use.
4.I.10. Divided the air diffuser into 9 sections/points.
4.I.11. Used Pitot tube reading to measure the air velocity.
4.I.12. all data in the table is recorded
4.I.13. the total experimental volume rate with the AHU volume flow rate is compared
II. Perform the balancing of water system:
4.II.1. cold water pump to the correct flow set in GPM.
4.II.2. leaving water temperature and returning water temperature condensers and
cooling towers are inspected
4.II.3. The water pressure out and back through the condenser and cooling tower is
checked
4.II.4. The temperature of the water at the inlet of the cooling coil is checked. increase
or decrease temperature from the observed source
4.II.5. The water pressure at the cold-water inlet and outlet is checked
4.II.6. The following are recorded and checked on each cooling element
4.II.6.1. Pressure drops of each coil
4.II.6.2. Pump operating suction and discharge pressures
4.II.6.3. Rated and actual running amperage of pump motor
4.II.6.4. Water metering device readings
4.II.7. Regulated water system adjustments to meet the indicated water quantity:
4.II.7.1. Adjust and maintain open valves to fully open position
4.II.7.2. Remove and clean strainers
4.II.7.3. Check pump rotation
4.II.7.4. Check expansion tanks to ensure that they are not water
4.II.7.5. Check air vent and determine that they ae operating correctly
4.II.7.6. Setting temperature controls for full cooling
4.II.7.7. Check operation of automatic valves
4.II.7.8. Check leaving water temperature and return water temperature through
chillers
Figure 4.1 Traverse reading in square duct
Figure 4.1 Traverse reading in round duct
5. RESULT
Air balancing System
AHU data (from AHU data plate)
Total CFM =3,500 CFM
Type of blower/fan =KAT15/11C
Blower/fan motor capacity =1.4914 kW
RPM blower/fan (rated) =889 rpm
Figure 5.1 Dunham-Bush AHU plate
DISCUSION
Fill in the blanks in the table below with the correct data
No. of Velocity (ft/min) Average Area of Volume
diffuse (ft/min) diffuser ( Flow Rate
2
r ft ¿ ( f t 3 /min ¿
1 178.5 129.6 448.8 387.38 1.112 430.77
177.1 858.3 468.5
149.4 706.1 370.1
2 826.7 472.4 339.6 479.04 1.328 636.17
817 301.1 252.4
769.6 181.2 351.4
3 137.5 143.5 102.5 206.73 1.366 282.4
146.6 152.5 529.5
148.8 125.7 374
4 976.3 478.3 490.1 543.68 1.279 695.37
771.6 204.7 208.6
738.1 708.6 316.9
Total Volume Rate =2044.71 f t 3 /min
6. CONCLUSION
1. Measurement capabilities of Pitot Tube Anemometer
a. Air flow volume
b. Velocity
c. Temperature, Humidity & Atmospheric measurement
d. Dew point temperature, Wet bulb temperature,
e. Static Pressure
2. Explain briefly the following device in term of function and working principle
Coil Stop Valve Bypass Valve Return line balancing
Valve
Function To shut off flow of hot allows some fluid to go to To balance the flow rates
or cold water in the application while the of multiple branches or
plumbing fixture excess fluid bypasses the circuits within the
system, ensuring each
application and returns to
receives its fair share of
the reservoir fluid without overloading
or underutilizing any
particular branch.
Working An electric current Part of the water will flow The balancing valve is
principle through the coil creates through the bypass valve installed on the return
a magnetic field. The and directly enter the return line of a loop, typically at
magnetic field exerts a pipe, where it will be mixed the end of a circuit,
force on the plunger. As with the return water at the where water flows back
a result, the plunger is user side and then enter the after passing through
pulled toward the center water pump and chiller, so heating or cooling coils
of the coil so that the that the amount of water or radiators. By creating
orifice opens passing through the chiller a controlled restriction,
will not change the valve helps balance
flow rates in different
parts of the system
7. REFERENCE
i. ZECO Valve Group. (2018, December 21). Balancing Valve Working Principle.
https://www.zhengfengvalve.com/news/balancing-valve-working-principle.html
ii. Beta Valve Systems Ltd. (n.d.). What is the function of the solenoid valve? Beta
Valve. https://www.betavalve.com/Wiki/83/What-is-the-function-of-the-solenoid-
valve
iii. www.NEWPAGES.com.my. (n.d.). TES - Pitot Tube Anemometer & Differential
Pressure Manometer (TES-3142) Pressure & Flow Melaka, Malaysia, Ayer Keroh
Supplier, Suppliers, Supply, Supplies | Carlssoon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
https://m.carlssoon-tech.com/index.php?
ws=showproducts&products_id=4097761&cat=Pressure-Flow
iv. Instruments, D. (2017, October 18). Duct Traversing for Average Air Velocity and
Air Volume – Dwyer Instruments Blog. https://blog.dwyer-inst.com/2017/10/18/duct-
traversing-for-average-air-velocity-and-air-volume/
v. FlowKinetics. (n.d.). Using a Pitot-Static Probe for a Duct Survey.
https://www.flowkinetics.com/pitot-static-probe-duct-survey.htm
