As the push toward Net Zero transforms buildings, the focus is no longer just on aesthetics but on redefining functionality. Central to this evolution is the pursuit of true energy efficiency—achieving significant carbon reductions without compromising comfort. Realising this vision demands increasingly innovative solutions. Gareth Ash, Marketing Communications Manager at Danfoss, delves into how dynamic hydronic balancing can be pivotal in this journey and highlights the insights behind Danfoss' Hydronic Intelligence™ strategy.
Buildings hold the key
Buildings are at the heart of the energy challenge. As the largest energy consumers in Europe, they account for 36% of the EU's climate emissions and represented 42% of its energy use in 2021[1]. This makes it clear that the journey toward decarbonisation must begin with transforming our buildings. Enhancing energy efficiency is a vital milestone on this path, enabling smarter energy use that could contribute up to one-third of the total emissions reductions required to achieve Net Zero[2].
Harnessing Water for Smarter, More Efficient Buildings
At Danfoss, we’ve spent decades driving energy efficiency in district energy networks, as well as in commercial and residential buildings, by focusing on an invaluable resource: water. With its unique ability to capture, transfer, and store energy efficiently, water plays a pivotal role in our solutions. Our journey began in 1943 with Mads Clausen’s invention of the radiator thermostat—a revolutionary innovation that has saved vast amounts of energy over the years. Building on this legacy, over 20 years ago, we pioneered dynamic hydronic balancing by introducing the first commercially viable Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICVs). These valves automatically optimise water flow in heating and cooling systems, enhancing energy efficiency and improved indoor comfort.
We’ve continued to push boundaries by automating hydronic balancing through digital IoT actuators. These advanced actuators communicate seamlessly with Building Management Systems (BMS), empowering building managers to monitor and optimise energy usage in real-time.
Dynamic hydronic balancing is a key component of our solutions for apartment buildings, ensuring optimal performance of hot water and heating systems. By precisely regulating water flow, we deliver heat exactly where and when needed, improving efficiency and occupant comfort. Automatic balancing valves such as Danfoss’ ASV
offer a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for achieving hydronic balance in two-pipe heating or cooling systems. These valves effectively address pressure fluctuations—the primary cause of system imbalances that lead to uneven heat distribution, noise, and increased energy consumption.
When combined with Danfoss RA-DV dynamic valves on radiators, the system achieves perfect balance under both full and partial load conditions.
For multi-occupancy buildings, further energy savings can be delivered using software tools like Danfoss’ Leanheat®; designed to optimise building operations. Leanheat leverages AI-driven IoT technology, to deliver energy savings of 10–20% while maintaining stable indoor environments. Its scalable, hardware-independent platform ensures adaptability to the specific needs of each project, enhancing energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and maintenance management across social housing developments. By integrating advanced digital technology with our innovative range of valves and actuators, we’ve enabled commercial building owners to achieve energy savings of 10–15%. For homeowners, our hydronic balancing solutions for radiator and underfloor heating systems. have reduced energy consumption by 11–22%. Additionally, for multi-tenant buildings, our dynamic, automatic temperature control solutions have delivered impressive energy savings of 10–40%, enhancing both efficiency and comfort
Striking the Perfect Balance Between Comfort and Efficiency
At the heart of our approach to dynamic hydronic balancing is another kind of balancing act—finding harmony between energy efficiency and everyday comfort. Modern life has fostered high expectations for convenience, from hot water on demand to air conditioning during heat waves and cosy warmth on cold winter nights. As we work to enhance energy efficiency in buildings, it’s essential to preserve the comfort level tenants, homeowners, and workers have come to rely on.
This is why accurate temperature control forms the foundation of Danfoss’ dynamic hydronic balancing solutions. Whether turning on a tap or adjusting a thermostat, users need assurance that temperatures are not only accurate for comfort but also optimised for safety and efficiency. To achieve this, we rigorously test our control valves and thermostats, , ensuring they deliver stable, reliable temperature control every time. The results of these tests show that our products consistently achieve temperature accuracy that is far above the industry standard, and a temperature control accuracy that is the best on the market. With this unwavering focus on accuracy and performance, we help buildings achieve energy efficiency without compromising the comfort people expect.
Introducing Hydronic Intelligence™
Hydronic Intelligence™ or HI! is Danfoss’ holistic approach to hydronic optimisation and decarbonisation. It’s how we address every aspect of hydronic systems—combining advanced components, controls, software, and services combine to deliver meaningful improvements in energy efficiency. By leveraging digital data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and precise monitoring, we’re unlocking the full potential of both residential and commercial buildings while helping district energy grids perform at their best.
We’re proud of our expertise in hydronic solutions, offering a portfolio that includes everything from components and controls to substations and software. But what sets us apart is our people—the experts with deep application know-how and the innovative mindset that drives everything we do. With HI!, we’re not just optimising buildings or improving source-side energy efficiency; we’re transforming energy systems to help meet decarbonisation goals. Partner with us, and let’s shape a more sustainable future together.
Say HI! to new possibilities. To find out more about Hydronic Intelligence™ – or HI! visit hi.danfoss.com.
Danfoss is an Industrial Associate of CIPHE, to see the full list of Industrial Associates check out the directory HERE
[1] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-efficient-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en
[2] https://www.whyenergyefficiency.com/