HVAC Solutions
8 min read
Low Delta-T Syndrome & Dynamic PICV Balancing in Large HVAC Loops
How Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICV) eliminate hydronic overflow and restore designed chiller temperature differential.
1. The Cost of Low Delta-T Syndrome
When return water temperature drops below design specifications (e.g. 9°C instead of 12°C), chillers operate at partial thermodynamic loading while primary-secondary pumps run at maximum capacity, wasting immense pumping energy.
2. Pressure Independent Control Valve (PICV) Application
PICVs integrate differential pressure regulators with motorized control valves, maintaining exact flow rates through cooling coils regardless of fluctuating system pressures across other building zones.