Which servo drive to choose for electronically controlled flaps in the recuperat
Actuators for shut-off and mixing valves: a selection guide
We often receive questions from clients about actuators for closing or mixing dampers in ventilation systems with recuperation of family houses. We most often deal with clients with:
- closure / regulation of air flow in the unused part of the house
- closing the intake and exhaust branch, in case of unit shutdown (e.g. caused by power failure)
In this article, I would like to focus on the types of servo drives we sell and which servo drive is suitable to use in which case. In our e-shop you will find only servo drives from Lufberg . In the next part of the article, we will look at how to find your way around the names of Lufberg servo drives.
Servo drive in ventilation systems with heat recovery
The servo drive installed to the body of the air handling damper is used for automatic control of the damper. This means that the actuator moves the damper to the desired position, which is determined by the control system, sensor or other trigger.
The main function of the servo drive of the air handling damper in the residential sector is therefore the regulation and automation of the air flow to the given branch. The servo drive makes it possible to smoothly regulate the air flow in the duct. This is important for maintaining the desired temperature, humidity and air quality in the given space. Fire dampers are a special type of damper, which we will not cover in this article, because their occurrence is very rare in family houses.
Types of servo drives for air conditioning
Orientation in servo drive names can be a pain at first. But don't worry, with a little knowledge you'll soon be moving like a fish in water. Let's use the example of one servo drive to show what the individual letters and numbers mean.
DA08N24PIS
DA - Indicates the type of servo drive. In this case, it indicates that the actuator is for air dampers and water valves.
08 - Indicates the torque. In this case 8 Nm.
N - Indicates if the actuator is equipped with a return spring. In this case, it is without a return spring. The return spring ensures the movement of the damper even in the event of a power failure.
24 - Indicates the supply voltage. In this case 24V AC/DC. An important parameter due to the type of control.
PI - Indicates the servo control option. In this case, the servo is continuous and uses a voltage and current signal.
S - Indicates equipment with built-in switches. In this case, it is equipped with an auxiliary switch.
Which actuator should I use for my damper?
In distribution systems for ventilation with heat recovery in family houses, you will most often encounter the use of servo drives on closing or mixing flaps . The diameters of air ducts used in family houses and apartments are most often up to 200 mm in diameter and flow rates up to 500 m3/h. A damper with a torque of 2 Nm is sufficient for these parameters.
If the damper is equipped with a return spring, it is already necessary to choose a damper with a torque of at least 3 Nm .
You will mainly use the return spring for electronically controlled flaps for intake and exhaust, i.e. on the pipeline between the recuperation unit and the exterior). A return spring ensures that in the event of a power failure, the flap will automatically close and separate the interior from the exterior.
The supply voltage is basically entirely up to you and your choice, depending on which 230 or 24V is more suitable for you, or depending on the position of the servophone with regard to IP protection, etc. If you want to control the servo drive using a regenerative unit, it can often be powered directly from the unit. In this case, you will most often encounter a 24 V servo drive supply (e.g. Atrea Duplex units)
Actuator Control: A Selection Guide for Different Applications
The way to control the actuator varies depending on its use. Below you will find an overview of control types and examples of suitable servo drives for different applications:
Intake and exhaust flaps:
- Suitable control: 2/3 point
- Marking in the title: None
- Servo drive example: DA03S24
Mixing zone dampers:
- Suitable control: 2/3 point (for dividing the day and night zones)
- Return spring: Not required
- Servo drive example: DA02N24
Zoning of individual rooms (superior system):
- Suitable control: Continuous 0-10V
- Servo drive example: DA02N24P
Extraction from the fireplace (three-way mixing valve ):
- Suitable control: Continuous 0-10V
- Servo drive example: DA02N24P
Other tips:
- Consult an expert: For more complex applications, do not hesitate to contact an expert to help you choose the right actuator and control. Our technicians are ready to advise you on the phone and by e-mail.
- Read the manual: Always read the manufacturer's manual before installing and using the actuator.
- Check compatibility: Make sure the actuator is compatible with your control system.
Built-in switches can help with servo position indication. They are mainly useful for integration into superior systems.
If you are still confused about the choice of a suitable servo drive, we will be happy to help you.
You can contact us at info@luftuj.cz.
Published on 11/03/2024
Author of the article: Vojtěch Helekal - Luftuj sro
Proofreading: Ing. Pavla Skalická - Luftuj sro
