A damper is a valve or plate that restricts or regulates airflow inside an air handler, chimney, duct, VAV box, or air-maintaining equipment. A damper can also be used to remove the conditioning, which could be heating or cooling from an unused room or regulating it according to room-by-room temperature and climate control. Dampers can be operated automatically as well as manually. Manual dampers are operated through a handle that is present outside the duct. Automatic dampers are driven by electric motors and regulate airflow, and are controlled by a building automation system or thermostat. A solenoid may also control the automatic dampers.
Different Types of Dampers
Control Dampers
Control dampers are installed at many points in the duct system to regulate the airflow through the system effectively.
These dampers are also helpful for being used in mixing zones for cooling and heating. Control dampers usually open and close their blades many times a day to complete their required tasks. There are different types of actuators that you can install to control the movement of the blades.
Balancing Dampers
The balancing damper’s function is to control the air pressure in rooms when installed on the ductwork. When there is air pressure imbalance, it can cause many disturbances for the people living in that place, like slamming of doors or random gusts of air, but they can create even more significant problems for the entire system. When the air pressure is imbalanced, it can make it hard to heat or cool a room which puts more pressure on the air handling units.
It is essential to consult technicians for balancing the air pressure of the dampers as they know how to adjust the angle of the damper blades. Once the air pressure is measured correctly, the angle of the blades is locked in place to retain the necessary air pressure. They are not permanently locked and can be unlocked later for some adjustments when needed.
Backdraft Dampers
Backdraft dampers are installed in the ductwork in specific areas and can control the airflow only in one direction. These dampers consist of shafts installed on one end of each blade. This design makes the blades function as a flap that only opens when air flows through it in the correct direction.
The backdraft damper blades will close when no air passes through or when it passes in the wrong direction. To assist or resist the opening action, you can install a counterbalance. Such dampers do not have actuators.
Multi-Zone Dampers
Multi-zone dampers are utilized in structures with a solitary air handling unit, for example, single-building schools or limited scope places of business. These dampers are huge congregations with various dampers, each attached to a particular zone. Multi-zone dampers associate with multiple pipes and control the progression of air for the whole framework. Multi-zone dampers will have various actuators, each controlling a particular zone. These dampers are frequently packaged with the air handling unit as a total bundle.
Industrial Dampers
Industrial dampers are designed to bear great air pressures and constant temperatures. They are constructed from thick gauge materials, primarily steel, to handle extreme conditions. All components are then joined through welding, which ensures maximum durability.
These dampers are usually used in areas that require serious airflow, like factories and power plants. The dampers used in industries are the heaviest.
