Energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems are among the most critical components of building energy efficiency. Among these, balance valves play a key role in ensuring proper performance in heating, cooling, and hot water systems. First, a balance valve is an essential device for addressing hydraulic imbalance in heating, air conditioning, and hot/cold water systems. It helps achieve thermal balance by regulating flow and pressure, which is crucial for the efficient operation of these systems.
Second, balance valves are indispensable for accurate thermal measurement and billing in heating and air conditioning systems. Without solving the issue of uneven flow distribution, it's impossible to measure heat consumption accurately. This makes balance valves a vital part of system design and operation.
Third, balance valves help match the operating points of pumps, pipelines, and equipment, ensuring that all components work efficiently together. This leads to energy-efficient operation of the entire system, reducing power consumption and improving overall performance.
Fourth, balance valves contribute to the safe and reliable operation of heating and air conditioning systems, ensuring comfort for all users. Their widespread use has been proven through numerous projects, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing energy consumption, lowering costs, and increasing user satisfaction.
The first balance valve was invented and manufactured in China by Beijing IKON Environmental Technology Development Company. They developed both hardware (the balance valve) and software (intelligent instrumentation) to solve hydraulic imbalance issues. The company holds the first Chinese patent for balance valves and has received multiple awards, including the Chinese Patent Award for Excellence in Inventions and the Ministry of Construction’s Science and Technology Progress Award. These valves have been promoted as national new products and widely adopted across the country.
Since 1989, the company has continuously improved its balance valve technology, introducing third-generation models that are more compact, easier to adjust, and visually appealing. Over the past decade, millions of units have been sold, applied in over 2,400 projects across 30 provinces. Many of these projects have reported significant energy savings, economic benefits, and high user satisfaction.
Balance valves are now used in cities of all sizes, from megacities to small towns. In the Three North Region alone, about 70 cities have adopted them. Applications range from heating companies and residential areas to universities and industrial plants. Approximately 20 million square meters of heating systems and 10 million square meters of residential areas use balance valves. From Haikou in the south to Harbin in the north, balance valves are increasingly being used in air conditioning systems.
Government agencies and local authorities have also taken notice. Balance valves ensure stable indoor temperatures, reduce complaints, and provide social benefits, making them highly valued by officials at all levels. Heating companies and property management firms are also becoming more active in adopting them, as they lead to energy savings, reduced operational costs, and better system performance.
Design institutions are showing growing interest in integrating balance valves into building standards and design procedures, recognizing their significant impact despite low initial investment. Their inclusion in design codes is now common practice.
Several large-scale projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of balance valves. For example, in Langfang, the heating area reached 15,800 square meters, while in Shitang Camp, it extended to 600,000 square meters. Other examples include Xi'an Huanghe Instrument Factory, the Space Carrier Rocket Research Institute, and the compounds of the General Staff. These systems had serious hydraulic imbalances, leading to poor temperature control and high energy waste. After installing balance valves, room temperatures became more uniform, and energy consumption dropped significantly—up to 15% in some cases.
In Baoji Thermal Power Co., Ltd., the system operated with high flow rates and low temperature differences, resulting in inefficient pump performance. By adjusting resistance using balance valves, the system returned to its optimal operating point, reducing energy consumption by up to 31.5%. Similarly, in other projects, balance valves helped improve system efficiency, reduce the number of circulating pumps, and enhance overall comfort.
In heating systems, achieving balance can lower average room temperatures by 1–3°C, saving 5–30% in energy. For air conditioning, raising the temperature by 1–2°C can result in 10–20% energy savings. Overall, balance valves are essential tools for creating energy-efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective heating and cooling environments.
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