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VAV Solutions: Optimised airflow for energy efficiency and comfort

Theme
System personalisation
Reading time
5:00
Published
By
Per Nilsson

Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems are a strong part of modern HVAC design, offering dynamic airflow control that adapts to the changing needs of buildings. We explore what VAV systems are, their benefits and key products that will help meet demands of modern building design.

Why VAV Systems Matter



Modern buildings demand smarter climate control – balancing comfort, energy efficiency and adaptability. VAV systems meet this need by adjusting airflow based on real-time conditions like occupancy and temperature, helping reduce energy waste and improve indoor environments.

What is a VAV system?

 

Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems control the amount of air supplied to different building zones. A building has many zones or rooms with different necessities, but most of a building’s energy is used in areas where it is not needed. With a VAV system, the airflow is adjusted based on certain requirements like the occupancy levels, temperature, humidity and air quality. 

 

A traditional system would be a constant air volume (CAV) system. They deliver only a fixed amount of air regardless of the demand. In contrast, a VAV system modulates the airflow saving a considerable amount of energy whilst maintaining and even improving indoor air comfort. This is incredibly important for any modern-day building to operate efficiently but also apply to building standards too.

 

In commercial spaces like offices, shopping centres, hospitals, and schools, you will find that a VAV system is particularly important. The flexibility of VAV allows each room to have an individualised temperature control, creating a comfortable environment that will suit the building’s specific needs. All unnecessary energy usage is avoided.

 

 

5 Key Benefits of VAV systems

 

 

1.      Energy Efficiency – The key to optimising building sustainability

 

VAVs ability to adjust the airflow on the fly based on real time demand significantly helps any building to reduce its energy needs. By supplying only the required amount of conditioned air, the VAV system reduces the workload on air handling units (AHUs). This leads to lower energy usage and operational costs. Studies show that VAV systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional CAV systems, depending on building type and usage.

 

This efficiency supports compliance with sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM, helping buildings meet environmental targets.

 

 

2.      Improved Comfort – Making the indoor environment healthy to be in

 

It is such a simple concept but such an important one too when it comes to comfort in a building, especially the ones with varying occupancy and activity levels. VAV systems address this by ensuring that airflow and temperature are constantly adjusted to respond to the changing conditions in rooms. Whether a room is fully occupied or empty, the system can respond dynamically, maintaining optimal indoor comfort without wasting energy.

 

 

3.      Flexibility and Scalability – Adapt to the changing demands

 

VAV systems allow scalability which makes them an attractive option for buildings with changing layouts or expansion plans. Building managers can easily add or reconfigure areas without compromising indoor comfort. They ensure that comfort and energy efficiency are maintained as needs evolve.

 

 

4.      Noise Reduction – Silent operation for healthy hearing

 

Another factor that may seem quite minor but can be important for environments where noise disruption needs to be kept to a minimum. No one wants to hear a loud airflow system clunking and clanking around a building. With a VAV system, it reduces the airflow during times of low demand which helps to minimise noise levels that are caused by the over operation of HVAC components. Research published in ScienceDirect shows that exposure to construction noise can elevate heart rate, indicating increasing stress on occupants. Even moderate noise levels can disrupt concentration, sleep and overall wellbeing – especially in environments like schools, hospitals and offices.

 

This highlights why VAV systems, which reduce airflow during low demand and help minimise HVAC noise, are essential for creating healthier indoor environments.

 

 

5.      Integration with Smart Controls – FläktEdge, the perfect control system

 

The best VAV systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with advanced building management systems (BMS) and smart control solutions, such as our own system FläktEdge. This integration allows for enhanced control of air distribution, including the ability to monitor and adjust settings remotely. FläktEdge would be a fantastic partner with any of our VAV systems. This will significantly elevate the operation to a smart VAV system that can optimise performance and further reduce energy consumption.

FläktEdge

A cutting-edge digital connectivity solution designed to optimize control, efficiency, and performance across HVAC systems in commercial and industrial applications, giving you a complete visualization of the ventilation performance in a building.

 

This system has been developed to enhance automation, reliability, and real-time monitoring, while streamlining energy management and reducing operational costs – providing you with a smart, scalable, and future ready solution.

 

FläktEdge seamlessly integrates with a wide range of HVAC components, including air handling units, chillers, and ventilation systems, ensuring a unified and intelligent building climate. The modular architecture allows easy expansion, adapting to your facility’s evolving demands.

 

 

Features of the FläktEdge range include:

  • Advanced connectivity for real-time data insights
  • Cloud-based remote monitoring for enhanced system control
  • Seamless integration with existing building management systems
Discover FläktEdge

VAV Products: Smart Solutions for every space

 

In today’s buildings, energy efficiency starts with understanding how spaces are used. Offices, for example, often have an occupancy rate of 50-60%, yet airflow is typically designed for full capacity. In a VAV system, airflow can be reduced by 50%. A 50% airflow reduction is cutting energy consumption by as much as 80%.

 

Using presence sensors together with VAV terminal, airflow can easily be reduced to less than half of the air volume of an occupied room and just supply the required airflow to ventilate an empty room. This reduces the pressure over the fan in the air handling unit (AHU) and lowering operational costs. This dynamic control reflects real-time usage, making VAV systems ideal for offices, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities.

 

Our VAV solutions are built to adapt to these changing demands. Whether you’re optimising a compact workspace or managing airflow in a large-scale facility, our systems deliver precise control, seamless integration and measurable energy savings.

 

 

VAV Terminals: The key to efficient and adaptive air distribution

 

VAV terminals are an essential component of modern HVAC systems, designed to optimise airflow, temperature, and pressure in individual zones or rooms within a building. By regulating the amount of conditioned air delivered to each area, VAV terminals play a critical role in maintaining indoor comfort, improving energy efficiency, and adapting to dynamic environmental conditions. Their ability to respond quickly to these changing demands ensure consistent performance, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced occupant satisfaction.

 

At FläktGroup, we take pride in offering advanced VAV solutions tailored to the diverse needs of modern-day buildings. Our Optivent® Ultra is a standout product, with its cutting-edge control features and energy efficient design. Engineered for precision, the Optivent® Ultra delivers exceptional control over airflow, ensuring optimal indoor conditions at all times.

 

Available in a variety of sizes and configurations, the Optivent® Ultra is built to accommodate the unique requirements of any building. Its responsiveness to changing indoor conditions and ability to meet demands make it an effective HVAC design. With the Optivent® Ultra, we deliver innovation and efficiency, providing a reliable solution for modern air distribution challenges.

 

Optivent® Ultra – ULDA & ULSA

Precision airflow control for smarter, quieter and more efficient buildings.

 

The Optivent® Ultra range (ULDA & ULSA) is an advanced solution for pressure-independent VAV/CAV dampers, designed for Demand Controlled Ventilation. These dampers feature integrated airflow and temperature measurement, enabling accurate and responsive control across a wide range of applications.

 

Whether for supply or extract air, Optivent® Ultra ensures optimal indoor conditions while supporting energy efficiency and compliance for modern building standards.

 

 

Features of Optivent® Ultra ULDA & ULSA:

  • Ultrasound measuring is extremely precise allowing for a high level of accuracy for the whole airflow range
  • No physical pressure sensor inside the air steam means low sound level
Discover Optivent® Ultra

Why Choose FläktGroup for your VAV needs?

 

We combine decades of HVAC innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability and performance. Our VAV solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern buildings, offering:

 

  • Customised designs tailored to your building’s layout and usage
  • Expert support from design to installation
  • Integrated with smart controls for enhanced efficiency
  • Reliable performance backed by proven engineering

 

Whether you’re planning a new development or upgrading an existing system, our VAV solutions deliver the adaptability, efficiency and comfort your building needs

View our full range of Air Volume Dampers