Hydraulic balancing – what is it for?
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Energy is usually transported through pipes. It is important to ensure that enough of this energy reaches every place where it is needed.
Most homes have their heating system in the basement. From there, hot water is distributed to the different radiators in a closed circuit. It must be ensured that the radiator under the roof receives as much energy as the radiator next to the heating system in the basement. Only then can the desired temperature be achieved in every room.
This is where things become interesting. Water always takes the path of least resistance!
This means that, if pipes of the same diameter and identical radiators are installed throughout the heating system, less heat generally reaches the upper floors or more distant radiators. This is because the water has to travel farther. The result is differences in pressure and volumetric flow within the heating system.
The purpose of hydraulic balancing
The aim of hydraulic balancing is for every radiator to receive the same amount of energy.
In the past, when heating costs and the environment attracted less attention, oversized pumps and pipes were used. This avoided the calculations required for hydraulic balancing. The heating supply temperature was set higher, and far more water circulated than necessary. The desired temperature was then set at the thermostat.
Related case studies
Source page: merus.de/hydraulischer-abgleich