Automatic hydraulic balancing
- Efficiency for your heating system
Automatic hydraulic
balancing – Efficiency for your heating system
A heating system that works efficiently not only creates a cosy room climate, but also uses less energy. Hydraulic balancing ensures that all the radiators or the heating loops in an underfloor heating system are optimally supplied with heat – no room gets too hot and none remains cold. In addition, hydraulic balancing is one of the prerequisites for a large number of state subvention programmes. Homematic IP room climate products feature automatic hydraulic balancing – certified by the TÜV!
The TÜV and the Fraunhofer IEE confirm: Balancing according to procedure A and B (in accordance with technical rule of VdZ, German Association for Buildings and Energy)
Uniform heat distribution in every room
Energy savings through optimised operation
TÜV Rheinland and the Fraunhofer IEE confirm automatic hydraulic balancing
Independent studies by TÜV Rheinland and the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology have confirmed that the Homematic IP smart radiator thermostats and the 12-channel, motorised floor heating controller are able to perform automatic hydraulic balancing in an unbalanced heating system: The intelligent control system dynamically adjusts the flow of each radiator or heating circuit to the actual heating requirement of the respective room. This ensures that the heating really is always set efficiently - every day and in any weather.
What is hydraulic balancing?
Hydraulic balancing is a technical process that ensures that all radiators and underfloor heating systems in a home receive exactly the amount of heating water needed to ensure an even distribution of heat. Without this balancing, the heating water tends to take the path of least resistance, causing rooms near the boiler to be oversupplied and more distant rooms to be undersupplied. This can significantly impair heating comfort and lead to unnecessary energy losses and higher operating costs.
How does hydraulic balancing work in your smart home?
Homematic IP enables hydraulic balancing to be performed automatically in heating systems. Various components are used for this which together ensure optimum heat distribution and energy efficiency.
Radiator thermostat/radiator
Smart radiator thermostats from the Homematic IP range perform automatic hydraulic balancing by continually measuring and regulating the room temperature. They incorporate integrated sensors that monitor the temperature in the room and analyse how much hot water must flow through the radiator to achieve the desired setpoint temperature. This is performed in real time by adjusting the thermostatic valve, which then optimises the flow of hot water.
Self-learning algorithms: Over time, the thermostat learns how the room heats up and adjusts the heating times accordingly to minimise energy losses. For example, it starts to heat a room earlier if it notices that this particular room heats up more slowly, or adjusts the flow of water to avoid overheating.
Underfloor heating
The Homematic IP underfloor heating controller regulates the flow of water in the individual underfloor heating circuits to ensure a uniform distribution of heat. It receives the temperature data from the wall thermostats installed in the rooms which continually measure the room temperature and transmit this information to the controller.
Based on this data, the controller, in conjunction with the stepless and motor-regulated valve drives automatically adjusts the flow rate to achieve the setpoint temperatures in each room. This process distributes the heat uniformly, ensuring efficient control of the underfloor heating and minimising energy losses.
Hydraulic balancing in comparison – Classic valves vs. smart thermostats
Hydraulic balancing ensures efficient heat distribution and saves energy. While conventional valves require careful planning and calculation, smart thermostats offer an automated solution. The key differences are summarised below to help you in your decision-making.
Planning and calculation
With presettable valves
- Calculation of the necessary flow volumes
- Dimensioning the valves in accordance with the calculations
These tasks require specialist knowledge and are usually carried out by a plumber.
With Homematic IP smart radiator thermostats
- Fundamental planning is largely eliminated
- Thermostats adjust automatically to the conditions
- No complex calculations necessary
Can be performed by the end user with the support of the app.
Installation
With presettable valves
- Replacing the existing valves with presettable valves
- Draining or freezing of the hot water pipes necessary
- Installation requires manual skills
A plumber is required for professional installation.
With Homematic IP smart radiator thermostats
- Replacing the old thermostats with the smart models
- Draining the heating system is not necessary
- Easy installation, often without tools
In most cases, can be performed by non-specialists.
Setting and start-up
With presettable valves
- Manual setting of the valves according to the calculation
- Fine-tuning through measurements and adjustments
Requires experience and should be performed by a specialist.
With Homematic IP smart radiator thermostats
- Start-up via the Homematic IP App
- Automatic calibration and adaptation to the room temperature
- Tailored settings can be made via the app
User-friendly, and can be performed without specialist knowledge.
Everyday operation
With presettable valves
- Static settings: Automatic adjustment to changing room heating requirements not possible.
- Specialist knowledge required: Changes must be made manually at the valve by a specialist.
- No extra convenience: No programmable functions or remote control.
With Homematic IP smart radiator thermostats
- User interaction: The temperature can be adjusted manually at the thermostat, via the app and by voice command.
- Programmable heating profiles: Individual heating profile settings for each room.
- Remote access: Heating can be controlled when out and about via smartphone.
- Additional functions: Open-window detection, holiday mode, integration into Smart Home systems.
- Energy savings in everyday operation: Through optimised heating times and adaptive regulation.
In summary
Manual adjustment with pre-settable valves usually requires the help of a professional, because the calculations and valve settings are complex and time-consuming. The Homematic IP smart thermostats do away with the vast majority of this manual work. The system takes care of the calculations, settings and monitoring, making balancing not only more convenient, but also more efficient – without the need for a specialist for everyday tasks.
