Application and Advantages of Electric Valves in the Heating Industry​

​Introduction​
In the heating industry, various advanced equipment and technologies are constantly being introduced to achieve efficient, precise, and energy-saving heating effects. Among them, electric valves, as key components, are playing an increasingly important role. Electric valves control the opening and closing of valves through electric actuators. They can not only realize simple on-off actions but also some regulating electric valves have precise valve position adjustment functions, thereby effectively regulating parameters such as the flow rate and pressure of the medium in the pipeline. Their application range is wide, covering central heating systems, household heating systems, and the supporting use of various heating equipment, providing strong support for the optimization and upgrading of the entire heating industry.​
Applications of Electric Valves in the Heating Industry​
Central Heating Systems​
Regulation of Hot Water Flow in Heat Exchange Stations: In central heating exchange stations, electric valves are installed on the pipelines of the primary and secondary networks. Based on data such as outdoor temperature, heat network return water temperature, and feedback on heat demand from the user side, electric control valves can precisely adjust the hot water flow. For example, when the outdoor temperature drops, the control system sends a signal to the electric valve to increase its opening, allowing more hot water to flow into the secondary network to meet the user’s increased demand for heat; conversely, when the temperature rises, the electric valve reduces its opening to avoid excessive heat supply. In some large – city central heating projects, the rational installation of electric control valves in heat exchange stations can effectively balance the heating load in various regions and ensure the stable operation of the entire heating network.​
Isolation of Heat Network Faults: Electric gate valves or electric globe valves are often used at key nodes of heat network pipelines. When a fault occurs in a certain area of the heat network, such as pipeline leakage or equipment damage, the corresponding section of the electric valve can be quickly closed through remote control to isolate the faulty area from the normally operating heat network. This not only reduces energy waste and economic losses caused by hot water leakage but also facilitates maintenance personnel to safely and efficiently inspect and repair the fault, minimizing the downtime of the heat network and ensuring normal heating in other areas. For example, in the actual operation of a heating company, a sudden pipeline leakage accident occurred in the primary heat network. By promptly closing the nearby electric gate valve, the expansion of the accident was successfully avoided, and the heating was restored after a short – term repair.​
Heat Distribution in Different Regions: For multiple regions covered by a large – scale central heating system, there are differences in building types, insulation conditions, and actual user needs. Electric valves can adjust the distribution of hot water flow at the branches of the heating pipe network according to the specific conditions of each region. For instance, due to the different business hours and personnel activity patterns of commercial areas compared to residential areas, their heating demands also differ in terms of time and intensity. Through the electric control valves installed on the branch pipelines of commercial areas, the hot water flow can be flexibly adjusted according to the business hours and indoor temperature settings of the commercial areas, ensuring sufficient heat supply during business hours and appropriately reducing the heating load during non – business hours to achieve rational energy distribution.​
Household Heating Systems​
Precise Control of Indoor Temperature: In residential buildings with household heating, electric two – way valves or electric thermostatic valves are installed at the inlet of the heating pipeline in each room. Users can set the desired temperature through the indoor thermostat, which transmits the temperature signal to the electric valve. When the indoor temperature is lower than the set value, the electric valve opens, and hot water flows into the radiator to increase the indoor temperature; when the temperature reaches the set value, the electric valve closes to stop heating. This precise temperature control method not only meets the personalized comfort needs of users but also avoids energy waste caused by excessive heating. For example, in some communities using household metered heating, residents can freely adjust the temperature of each room according to their living habits, achieving both energy conservation and comfort.​
Switching of Energy – Saving Modes: Some advanced electric valves have multiple working modes, enabling the switching between energy – saving mode and normal heating mode. When users are away from home for a long time, they can switch the electric valve to energy – saving mode through a mobile APP or an intelligent control system. At this time, the electric valve appropriately reduces its opening to keep the indoor temperature at a low level that does not affect the safety of equipment and pipelines, such as maintaining the temperature at around 12 – 15℃. Compared with the normal heating mode, this can significantly reduce energy consumption. When users are about to return home, they can switch the electric valve back to the normal mode in advance through remote control to quickly raise the indoor temperature to a comfortable level. This intelligent switching of energy – saving modes provides users with a convenient and efficient energy – saving means.​
Prevention of Heat Backflow: In household heating systems, especially in the vertical heating pipelines of high – rise buildings, heat backflow may occur due to pressure differences between floors, affecting the heating effect and causing energy waste. Electric check valves installed on the indoor heating pipelines can effectively prevent this situation. Electric check valves only allow hot water to flow in the normal direction. When there is an abnormal reverse water flow trend, the valve automatically closes to block heat backflow, ensuring the independent and stable operation of each household’s heating system and maintaining the normal indoor heating temperature.​
Supporting Heating Equipment​
Boiler Feed Water Control: In heating systems with boilers as the heat source, electric valves are used to control the feed water flow of the boiler. Connected to the boiler’s water level control system, electric control valves can automatically adjust the opening of the feed water valve according to changes in the water level inside the boiler. When the water level drops, the electric valve opens wider to increase the water supply; when the water level rises to the normal range, the electric valve reduces its opening to keep the water level stable. This precise feed water control not only ensures the safe operation of the boiler, preventing faults caused by water shortage or overfilling but also ensures efficient combustion of the boiler and maintains stable heating capacity. For example, in the self – contained heating boiler systems of some industrial enterprises, the application of electric feed water valves has effectively improved the reliability of boiler operation and the stability of heating.​
Regulation of Heat Medium in Heat Exchangers: In heat exchangers of heating systems, electric valves are used to regulate the flow of heat medium (such as steam or high – temperature hot water) to control the temperature of the secondary side hot water. When the temperature of the secondary side hot water needs to rise, the electric control valve increases the flow of the heat medium; otherwise, it reduces the flow. Through this precise regulation, the temperature of the hot water output by the heat exchanger can always be maintained within the set range to meet the needs of the heating system. At the same time, combined with an intelligent control system, the flow of the heat medium can be adjusted in real – time according to changes in outdoor temperature and user load, realizing the efficient operation of the heat exchanger and improving energy utilization efficiency. For example, in the heat exchange stations of large communities, the precise regulation of the heat medium flow in the heat exchanger by electric control valves ensures stable and comfortable heating effects for the entire community.​
Bypass Regulation of Circulating Pumps: During the operation of circulating pumps in heating systems, there may be situations where the flow is too large or too small, affecting the normal operation and energy consumption of the system. Electric control valves installed on the bypass pipelines of circulating pumps can adjust the bypass flow according to the actual needs of the system. When the system flow is too large, part of the water flow returns through the bypass pipeline, reducing the load on the pump and lowering energy consumption; when the system flow is insufficient, the bypass opening is reduced to allow more water flow to participate in the circulation, meeting the heating demand. This bypass regulation method helps maintain the circulating pump operating under efficient working conditions, prolongs the service life of the pump, and optimizes the hydraulic balance of the entire heating system. For example, in the renovation projects of heating systems in some old communities, the addition of electric bypass control valves has effectively solved the problems of high energy consumption of circulating pumps and hydraulic imbalance in the system.​
Advantages of Electric Valves in the Heating Industry​
Precise Control​
Precise Flow Regulation: Regulating electric valves can achieve continuous and precise regulation of hot water flow in the pipeline, with a control accuracy of ±1% – ±5% (depending on different models and brands). In heating systems, this high – precision flow regulation capability is crucial. For example, in central heating systems, by precisely adjusting the hot water flow from the heat exchange station to each user area, it can ensure that each area obtains appropriate heat, avoiding overheating or overcooling, and effectively improving the uniformity and comfort of heating. In household heating, users can precisely adjust the hot water flow of indoor radiators through the cooperation of thermostats and electric valves, realizing fine control of indoor temperature and meeting the personalized needs of different users for indoor environmental temperature.​
Stable Temperature Control: Electric valves, together with temperature sensors and controllers, form a closed – loop control system, which can monitor and regulate the water temperature in the heating system in real – time. Taking the heat exchanger as an example, by precisely regulating the flow of the heat medium through the electric valve, the temperature fluctuation range of the secondary side hot water can be controlled within a very small range, and the temperature deviation can generally be controlled within ±1℃. A stable water temperature supply is of great significance for ensuring heating quality and improving user comfort. Whether in cold winters or transitional seasons with large temperature changes, it can ensure that the indoor temperature is stable near the set value, avoiding the indoor temperature from fluctuating due to water temperature changes, and creating a comfortable and stable indoor environment for users.​
Pressure Balance Regulation: In large – scale heating pipe networks, due to complex pipeline layouts and uneven user distribution, hydraulic imbalance is prone to occur, leading to excessive or insufficient pressure in some areas and affecting the heating effect. Electric balancing valves, as a special type of electric valve, can automatically adjust the valve opening according to changes in the pipe network pressure, balance the pressure of each branch, and ensure the uniform distribution of hot water to each user. They have high regulation accuracy, can effectively eliminate pressure imbalance in the pipe network, and ensure the stable operation of the system under different working conditions. For example, in the heating systems of some high – rise buildings, the installation of electric balancing valves has solved the pressure difference problem caused by different floor heights, enabling users on each floor to enjoy good heating effects.​
Energy Saving and Consumption Reduction​
Realization of On – Demand Heating: Electric valves can automatically adjust the hot water flow according to real – time data such as outdoor temperature, indoor temperature set value, and system load changes to achieve on – demand heating. During periods of high outdoor temperature, the valve opening is automatically reduced to reduce hot water supply and avoid heat waste; during cold periods, the opening is increased to ensure sufficient heat supply. This precise heat supply method can significantly reduce energy consumption compared with the traditional fixed – flow heating mode. According to actual operation data statistics, the energy consumption of heating systems using electric valves to achieve on – demand heating can be reduced by 15% – 30% compared with traditional systems, effectively saving energy resources and reducing heating costs.​
Reduction of Invalid Circulation: In heating systems, when some areas or users do not need heating, electric valves can timely close the corresponding pipelines to prevent invalid circulation of hot water. For example, in household heating systems, when users are at work during the day or away for a long time, they can close the electric valves in the room, stopping the heating pipeline in that room from supplying heat and avoiding heat waste in unoccupied areas. At the same time, for some seasonally used buildings or areas, such as schools during winter and summer vacations and commercial complexes during non – business hours, closing the corresponding heating areas through electric valves can effectively reduce the circulating water volume of the entire heating system, lower the energy consumption of pumps, and achieve energy – saving operation.​
Optimization of System Operation Efficiency: The application of electric valves helps optimize the overall operation efficiency of the heating system. By precisely controlling the flow rate and pressure, equipment such as circulating pumps and boilers can operate under efficient working conditions. For example, electric bypass control valves can automatically adjust the bypass flow according to the system flow demand, ensuring that the circulating pump works near the best efficiency point and reducing the energy consumption of the pump. At the same time, for heating systems using frequency conversion technology, the cooperation between electric valves and frequency conversion equipment can adjust the operating parameters of the equipment in real – time according to the actual load, further improving the energy utilization efficiency of the system and reducing energy consumption and operating costs.​
Automation and Remote Control​
Centralized Monitoring and Management: Electric valves support the access of standard signals such as 4 – 20mA and Modbus, and can be connected to distributed control systems (DCS) or programmable logic controllers (PLC) to realize centralized monitoring and management of the entire heating system. Managers of heating enterprises can monitor the opening degree, operating status of all electric valves, and related parameters such as temperature and pressure in real – time in the control center, and uniformly dispatch and manage the entire heating network. Once an abnormality is found in a certain area or equipment, the electric valve can be operated through remote control to timely adjust the heating parameters, solve the problem, and improve the operational reliability and management efficiency of the heating system.​
Remote Operation and Fault Diagnosis: With the help of remote control technology, operators can remotely open, close, and adjust the opening degree of electric valves without arriving at the site. This is particularly important when dealing with emergencies or performing system maintenance. For example, when a heating pipeline leaks, the relevant electric valve can be quickly closed through remote control to prevent the accident from expanding. At the same time, some high – end electric valves are integrated with sensors, which can feed back the operating status of the valve in real – time, such as opening degree, torque, and temperature. Through the analysis of these data, early diagnosis and warning of valve faults can be realized, and maintenance personnel can be arranged to deal with them in a timely manner, reducing the impact of equipment faults on the operation of the heating system and improving the quality of heating services.​
Integration with Intelligent Building Systems: In intelligent buildings, electric valves can be integrated with building automation systems (BAS) to realize the coordinated control of the heating system with other building equipment. For example, it can be linked with air conditioning systems and ventilation systems to comprehensively adjust the operating status of each system according to indoor environmental parameters and personnel activity conditions, realizing intelligent energy management of the entire building. At the same time, users can also remotely control the indoor electric valves through smart home terminals, flexibly adjusting the indoor heating status according to their own needs, and improving the user experience and the intelligence level of the building.​
Durability and Reliability​
Adaptation to Harsh Working Conditions: The medium in heating systems is usually high – temperature hot water, and during operation, it may face complex working conditions such as pressure fluctuations and water quality changes. Electric valves are fully considered in design and manufacturing, using high – temperature resistant, high – pressure resistant, and corrosion – resistant materials. For example, the valve body is made of cast steel, stainless steel, etc., and the sealing parts are made of special rubber or graphite and other high – temperature resistant materials. The application of these materials enables electric valves to operate stably for a long time under harsh heating working conditions, with high durability. For example, in some industrial heating systems, the medium temperature is as high as 150℃ or more, and the pressure exceeds 1.6MPa, but electric valves can still work reliably to ensure the normal heating of the system.​
Long Service Life: The mechanical structure of electric valves is compact and reasonable, and the transmission parts are precision – machined and well – lubricated to reduce wear during operation. At the same time, the electric actuator adopts advanced technology and reliable motors, with good stability and anti – interference ability. Under normal circumstances, the service life of the sealing parts of electric valves can reach 5 – 10 years (depending on working conditions), and the overall service life can be as long as 15 – 20 years. A long service life not only reduces the frequency of equipment replacement and maintenance costs but also reduces heating interruptions caused by equipment failures, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the heating system.​
Fail – Safe Design: Some electric valves have a fail – safe function, which can automatically switch to a preset safe state in case of abnormal situations such as power failure, signal interruption, or actuator failure. For example, some electric two – way valves adopt a spring return design. When the system loses power, the valve automatically closes to prevent hot water from continuing to flow in, avoiding potential safety hazards caused by valve out of control. This fail – safe design improves the reliability of electric valves in emergency situations, ensuring that the heating system can operate safely and orderly when a fault occurs, and minimizing the impact on users.​
Conclusion​
To sum up, electric valves are widely used in the heating industry. They play an irreplaceable role in macro – control of central heating systems, personalized temperature control of household heating systems, and precise matching of various heating equipment. Their many advantages such as precise control, energy saving and consumption reduction, automation and remote control, durability, and reliability not only improve the operating efficiency and heating quality of the heating system, bringing users a more comfortable and stable heating experience but also help heating enterprises realize intelligent management, reduce operating costs, and reduce energy waste, which is in line with the current development trend of green, energy – saving, and high efficiency. With the continuous progress and innovation of technology, the application prospect of electric valves in the heating industry will be broader, and it is expected to inject new vitality into the sustainable development of the heating industry.​