For successful hydraulic balancing of HVAC systems in a shopping center, the use of a portable ultrasonic flowmeter is essential. The principle of hydraulic balancing is based on the homogeneous distribution of flows in each circuit, to ensure optimal system operation. This device enables precise measurement of flow rates without shutting down the system, facilitating optimum adjustment of flow rates in each circuit. This ensures balanced thermal comfort, reduced energy consumption and enhanced HVAC system performance.
In a shopping center, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system is central to ensuring the well-being of occupants and the satisfaction of customers.
These systems are designed to maintain optimal indoor conditions, regulating temperature, humidity and air quality throughout the building.
Thanks to intelligent management of heating, air conditioning and ventilation, it's possible to respond efficiently to the specific needs of each space, while keeping energy consumption under control.
A high-performance HVAC system thus contributes to creating a pleasant, healthy and attractive environment, essential for commercial success and customer loyalty.
The shopping centers rely on tempered-loop hydraulic networks to supply the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems in the various shopping cells.
Each cell (catering, textile store, leisure, etc.) often has its own heat pump (PAC), connected to this common network.
But with each new store, thermal requirements change: new surfaces, new equipment, different uses.
As a result, the hydraulic network can quickly become unbalanced, leading to underperformance and even HVAC malfunctions.
A lack of balance can be caused by changes in the configuration or use of the space, resulting in temperature or flow imbalances.
Targeted balancing action is then required to correct these faults and ensure optimum flow distribution.
A high-performance HVAC system relies on the harmonious integration of several essential pieces of equipment.
Heat pumps play a major role in the production of heat or cooling, while heat networks ensure the efficient distribution of energy throughout the building.
Valves, taps and emitters enable precise adjustment of flow rates and temperatures, guaranteeing occupant comfort.
Modern technologies, such as smart, connected systems, optimize the management of energy consumption and facilitate the implementation of adjustments.
Air quality, temperature and comfort levels are constantly monitored to meet user expectations and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Precise hydraulic balancing of the system allows :
The objectives of hydraulic balancing in the commercial sector are to ensure energy performance, air quality, regulatory compliance and controlled energy consumption.
Balancing involves both the main and secondary loops of the network, to ensure even distribution of heat or cold.
Pump speed adjustment is sometimes necessary to optimize flow distribution and ensure efficient system operation.
The balancing process involves following a structured methodology, including precise adjustments and the possible use of specialized software to optimize plant operation.
But how can this fine-tuning be carried out without interrupting site activity or dismantling equipment?
Substations play a strategic role in the hydraulic performance of shopping center HVAC systems.
They regulate the pressure and flow of water in heating and cooling networks.
A well-designed and correctly installed substation ensures even heat distribution to every part of the building, while limiting energy losses.
Hydraulic balancing, carried out at substation level, ensures that each zone benefits from the flow rate and temperature adapted to its needs, thus optimizing energy consumption and the quality of thermal distribution throughout the network.
The clamp-on portable ultrasonic flowmeter is the perfect answer to this need for non-intrusive flow measurement:
The use of the portable ultrasonic flowmeter is very practical for hydraulic adjustments, as it simplifies on-site interventions.
This flowmeter is also an efficient and precise means of balancing heating or plumbing networks.
Its innovative technology, based on ultrasound, optimizes the energy efficiency of installations while guaranteeing the reliability of measurements.
By way of example, this type of flowmeter has been used to balance a heating network in a commercial building, enabling flows to be adjusted rapidly without interrupting operations.
As part of a large shopping center in operation, a thermal engineering firm was called in to resolve an imbalance in the tempered loop hydraulic network.
Several commercial units had recently been reorganized, with new signs, variations in surface area and changes in the configuration of interior units.
The result: under-performing PAC heat pumps, temperature discrepancies reported by operators, and zones with flow rates that don't match actual requirements.
The site manager was looking for a rapid intervention, with no downtime, and with one imperative: not to disrupt commercial activity during the diagnosis and adjustment phase.
The technical challenge was clear:
As a first step, the design office chose to rent a portable ultrasonic flowmeter.
The clamp-on flowmeter was installed in less than 10 minutes on the sections concerned, without draining or dismantling the piping.
Thanks to its intuitive interface, technicians were able to :
The entire operation was carried out over two days, without disrupting the operation of the signs.
The end customer praised :
Convinced by its ease of use, measurement reliability and operational benefits, the engineering firm then decided to purchase the flowmeter and integrate it into its HVAC rehabilitation and maintenance projects on tertiary sites.
A robust, precise tool for successful hydraulic balancing in all our commercial and industrial projects.Engineering office manager
Our portable ultrasonic flowmeters are designed to meet the field requirements of HVAC and energy professionals:
