BLDC Motor Actuator Improves HVAC Zoning Control in High-Rise Commercial Building

The Application

In a newly constructed high-rise commercial tower located in a tropical urban center, precise control of the building’s HVACmsystem was a top design priority. The system was engineered with multiple AHUs and zone dampers to ensure energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and centralized control. To automate airflow regulation across floors and zones, the mechanical contractor required an actuator that offered reliability, energy efficiency, and long service life.

The building’s HVAC system included dozens of VAV (Variable Air Volume) boxes and duct-mounted dampers that needed precise positioning in response to real-time occupancy and temperature data. The control system required actuators with quiet operation, zero maintenance, and stable performance over tens of thousands of cycles.

The Solution: AOITEC Brushless Electric Actuator

The system integrator selected AOITEC’s brushless electric actuator, specifically developed for HVAC applications. This actuator was deployed across multiple damper points, each responsible for controlling airflow within a specific office or corridor zone.

The brushless design provides several advantages in HVAC settings:

• Low-noise operation, ideal for office environments and conference rooms

• Extended service life due to reduced mechanical wear and no brush maintenance

• Precise control capability, supporting modulating and on/off signals via BACnet or analog input

• Low power consumption, helping reduce overall system energy usage

• Compact housing with universal mounting, allowing for flexible installation in ducts, ceiling spaces, and control cabinets

Implementation and Outcome

Our actuators were configured for modulating control (BLDC-M model) to respond to variable airflow demands, coordinated by CO₂ sensors and temperature controllers across each floor.

Key outcomes included:

• Enhanced occupant comfort through responsive airflow control

• Improved energy efficiency by preventing unnecessary HVAC load

• Zero observed actuator failures or drift during the first year of operation

• Reduced system maintenance and noise complaints compared to legacy motorized dampers

  
  

Conclusion

AOITEC’s brushless electric actuator proved to be a reliable and efficient solution for modern HVAC zoning control in commercial buildings. Its quiet, maintenance-free performance and precise modulation make it ideal for integration into smart buildings and energy-optimized HVAC designs.