VAV Test and Balancing

| Overview

The VAV Test & Balance feature enables installers to accurately balance airflow at VAV terminals in the field using Smart Node V2 devices with CFM enabled, controlled centrally through the CCU and executed via the App.

This feature eliminates manual trial-and-error balancing by combining real-time airflow measurement, automatic damper control, and dynamic K-factor calculation, ensuring consistent and repeatable commissioning results.

It is intended for installers and commissioning engineers to:

• Perform VAV balancing
• Calculate and validate the K-factor using measured airflow
• Verify damper, airflow, pressure, and relay operations
• Synchronize final balanced values back to CCU and cloud (Silo)

| Advantages

This feature:

• Automates airflow control during balancing

• Calculates the correct K-factor based on real measured airflow

• Provides live feedback (CFM, pressure, damper position)

• Ensures final calibrated values are stored and synchronized.

| How it Works

Enable Test & Balance from CCU

• Turn on the new Test & Balance toggle

Note: Only Smart Node V2 devices with CFM enabled become eligible.

Connect via the App

The installer uses Bluetooth to connect to Smart Nodes in advertising mode

• Hover over the information icon to know about the steps involved in the test and balancing.

  

• Permit access to the test and balancing via Bluetooth.

The app scans for devices 

And lists all the SmartNodes on the site.

• Click on the device to view details.

Device parameters are automatically read into the app.

Configure & Override (Optional)

Damper size, CFM limits, offsets, and control settings can be adjusted

Execute Test & Balance

Once the overrides to the configuration parameters are complete, click on 'Test & Balance' to initiate the test and balancing.

| Modes of Test Balancing

The following are the modes made available for the VAV test and balancing.

• Manual Damper Position

• Max CFM Cooling (240 cfm)

• Min CFM Cooling (50 cfm)

• Max CFM Reheating (250 cfm)

• Min CFM Reheating (50 cfm)

• Custom Target CFM

Based on the mode selected, the test and balancing app considers different parameters, and test the outcomes. 

| Manual Damper Position Mode Test & Balancing

Manual Damper Position is the default option for test and balancing; the user can manually modify the Damper Position & Reheat Position Changes.

Smart Node sends live airflow, pressure, and damper data. FAC App plots real-time graphs for visibility

Modified Damper position & Reheat Position.

Manual overrides allow damper, reheat, and fan testing.

| Max CFM Cooling Mode Test & Balancing

The users can test and balance the VAV system based on the max airflow cooling.

K-Factor Calculation

• Enter the measured airflow

Note: Smart Node automatically adjusts the damper using its PI loop based on the target CFM.

A new K-factor is calculated using airflow, pressure, and damper size

Complete & Sync

Once the test and balancing are completed

• Click Complete test & balancing to confirm the values from the test and balancing.

A pop-up with finalized values for Damper Type, Size, K-Factor, Max CFM cooling & Temperature Offset is displayed.

• Click Proceed to confirm the sync.

Only the final K-factor is written back to the Smart Node

All related parameters are stored in the cloud (Silo)

CCU syncs the updated values

Exit Test & Balance

• Disable Test & Balance in CCU.

• Devices exit advertising mode, confirming completion.

| Result

After completing Test & Balance:

• Each VAV terminal is accurately calibrated

• The K-factor reflects real field conditions

• CCU, Smart Node, and cloud data are fully aligned

• Future airflow control is stable and reliable