English
The standard radiator valves have electrically-controlled actuators, which are produced in a variety of types (different sizes, power consumption, opening and closing time, control mode, supply voltage, idle position, possibilities of various types of screwed fitting, and the price).
For standard applications (hot water panel radiators) the following drives can be used:
The CFox drive C-HC-0201F-E or the C-HC-0101F (in preparation) and if the wireless option is required, it is possible to use
an RFox battery-powered drive R-HC-0101F.
The first two drives are powered directly from the CIB, they are motoric with continuous opening from 0 to 100 %.
The R-HC-0101F drive is powered by one or two AA 3.6 V batteries.
The C-HC-0201F-E drive has an extremely small power consumption (about 0.6 W in motion); mechanically it is identical with the RFox drive R-HC-0101F.
The C-HC-0201F-E drive is smaller, in motion it has a higher power consumption, it enables the connection of 2 external sensors (temperature, window contact) and there are a number of adapters available for various valves and valve inserts.
Another option is to use electrically controlled drives switched by relay outputs or controlled by 0÷10 V analogue output.
Due to electrical safety (children's access to the drive) we prefer 24 V power supply, in spite of the inconvenience of having to obtain a 24 V power source and provide the distribution.
230 V voltage is available at any place of installation, and it is not necessary to provide a 24 V power source and the power distribution.
Continuous control 0 ÷ 10 V regulation is more comfortable, but the prices are the highest.
We recommend the Alpha AA drives. These drives have a very wide range of adapters for common and less common radiator valves, their design looks good and there are several variants of powering and control.
In addition to the drive it is necessary to order a valve adapter depending on the specific manufacturer and the type of radiator valve. For detailed information on AA drives and valve adapters see Chapter this article.
When designing the heating control system, a specialist must assess the following:
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The types of valves, the method of fixing the drive and adapting the dimensions.
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The condition of the valves, provided they have already been in operation (before fixing electrical drives, it is necessary to verify whether impurities in the heating medium have not caused stiffening of the valve cone).
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Limitation of maximum differential pressure in the heating system in situations, when all or almost all valves are closed and the circulation pump is still running. A possible remedial measure can be installation of a bypass valve or a pump with electronic speed control and a suitable characteristics of pressure versus flow.