HVAC Spotlight on the Belimo LM24A: Industry-Leading Actuator 

Introduction: 

As the HVAC industry evolves, the demand for innovative and trustworthy solutions has never been higher. In this blog post, we will look at the Belimo LM24A, a cutting-edge actuator that has changed the way we control and monitor HVAC systems. With its compact size, excellent precision, and durability, the LM24A has become the preferred option for a wide range of applications. 

The Belimo LM24A is a highly-regarded actuator designed for use in various HVAC applications, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. As a leading player in the field of HVAC control and automation, Belimo has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and precision. The LM24A is a testament to this commitment, offering unparalleled precision, reliability, and energy efficiency. 

The goal of this blog article is to take a detailed look at the LM24A's features, advantages, and applications. We will look at the product's essential characteristics, emphasising its distinct selling factors such as its small design, high accuracy, and dependability.

(LM24A - Belimo Damper Rotary actuator 5 Nm, 150 s, 95° AC / DC 24 V)

Belimo LM24A & its Key Features:

The Belimo LM24A is a kind of Actuator used to manage dampers in HVAC applications and systems. To control the damper, this kind of Actuator turns it by a rotary motion. This is designed to rotate a valve or damper in a circular motion, as opposed to a Linear Belimo actuator such as the LH24A60 which is designed to move a valve or damper in a linear motion, typically along a straight line. Let's delve into some key features of the LM24A.

Operating Range and Precision 

This actuator has a precise working range of ±1% of the stroke length, providing exact control over movement. This accuracy is accomplished by the employment of modern mechanical and electrical components, which enable exact positioning and control.

Power Consumption and Energy Efficiency

The actuator is designed to be energy efficient, requiring just 1.5 W (normal) and 2.5 W (peak) at 24 V DC. Its low power consumption makes it an excellent choice for situations where energy efficiency is critical. The LM24A's energy-efficient design allows it to function for long periods of time without consuming too much electricity. 

Compatibility with Various Control Systems and Protocols

The Belimo LM24A rotary actuator is compatible with a wide range of control systems and protocols, including:

Analog control signals (0-10 VDC, 4-20 mA)

Digital control signals (RS-232, RS-485, and Modbus) BACnet, LonWorks, and Modbus protocols Compatibility with various control systems, including building automation systems (BAS), HVAC systems, and industrial automation systems 

This compatibility ensures that the LM24A can seamlessly integrate with a variety of control systems and protocols, making it a versatile and adaptable solution for a wide range of applications.

Interested in delving deeper into the specs? Check out the datasheet which displays all the details you may need.

Benefits: 

Improved System Performance Efficiency

Built to improve system performance by allowing precise control of airflow, temperature, and humidity levels. The actuator's innovative design allows it to correctly place dampers and valves, decreasing energy consumption and system strain. This improves system efficiency, allowing your facility to run at peak performance while reducing energy waste. 

Increased Reliability and Reduced Downtime

Designed to resist the challenges of continuous operation, resulting in dependable performance and reduced downtime. Its strong construction and high-quality components guarantee that the actuator can endure the rigours of regular operation, lowering the risk of mechanical failure and associated downtime. This leads into enhanced system availability, lower maintenance costs, and higher overall system reliability. 

Enhanced Precision and Accuracy 

The LM24A rotary actuator is intended to offer precise placement and control, ensuring that dampers and valves are correctly positioned to maximise system performance. This degree of precision and accuracy allows your system to run at peak efficiency, perfectly controlling temperature, humidity, and airflow. This, in turn, leads to better system performance, lower energy usage, and higher overall system efficiency.

Simplified Installation and Maintenance

Intended for easy installation and maintenance. Its small form and standardised mounting choices make installation easier, saving the time and effort needed to incorporate the actuator into your control panel. Furthermore, the actuator's modular design and easy-access components make maintenance simpler, eliminating downtime and the need for specialist tools.

Cost Savings through Reduced Energy Consumption

Most importantly, the actuator improves system performance while minimising energy consumption and waste. The actuator allows your system to run at peak efficiency by precisely managing airflow, temperature, and humidity levels, hence decreasing energy consumption and waste. This leads to considerable cost savings since your facility may function more effectively while using less energy.

 Applications:

The Versatility of the Belimo LM24A: A Look at Its Widespread Applications

 HVAC Systems: A Perfect Match

An ideal choice for HVAC systems, where precise control of temperature, humidity, and air flow is critical for maintaining optimal interior conditions. Whether in a home, commercial, or industrial location, the LM24A guarantees that air is circulated, heated, or cooled to the proper amount, creating a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for inhabitants.

 Industrial Automation and Control Systems (AHU)

An essential component of industrial automation and control systems. Its capacity to accurately manage temperature, humidity, and air flow makes it a critical component of air handling units (AHUs), ensuring that industrial operations operate smoothly and effectively.

Building Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) 

Often used in building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems (EMS). Its flexibility to interact with a variety of control systems and protocols makes it an excellent choice for managing and optimising energy use in commercial and industrial environments. 

Other Applications 

The Belimo LM24A's flexibility goes beyond its main applications. It is also used:

In data centres and server rooms, perfect temperature and humidity management is critical for sustaining maximum equipment performance.
Laboratories and cleanrooms require precise control over temperature, humidity, and air flow for delicate equipment and research.
In medical and healthcare environments, precise control over temperature, humidity, and air flow is critical for patient care and equipment operation.
Food processing and packaging require careful control of temperature, humidity, and air movement to preserve product quality and safety.

 Success Stories: 

To wrap this blog post up, let's take a look at some real-life examples of how the Belimo LM24A has been successfully implemented in our projects on site for commissioning.

Below is a picture of an LM24A fitted on a damper of an AHU. We successfully commissioned in March 2024. As part of the system start-up, we ensure that the dampers are fully open before activating the fans of the AHU. If you recall at the start of the blog, Actuator used to manage dampers in HVAC applications and systems. To control the damper, this kind of Actuator turns it by a rotary motion. This is designed to rotate a valve or damper in a circular motion- Belimos 5 year warranty gives our engineers assurance that the system will work reliably for years once we’ve completed the job!

(March 2024 - Commissioning for an AHU) 

(April 2024 - Commissioning for an AHU

This is for a small Heat Recovery Unit commissioning we did back in April 2024. Similar process to the commissioning we displayed above. One key component was different in the fact that this actuator was installed with an enclosure to weatherproof it from poor weather conditions that may affect its functionality and inevitably damage the product. Due to it being the standard LM24A which comes IP54 rated, you have to build it in a small enclosure when the AHU units are outside. An alternative Belimo solution would be the IP66 versions which come with an already built in enclosure such as the NM24P.

(Belimo IP66 NM24P Actuator)

Conclusion: 

In conclusion,  the Belimo LM24A rotary actuator revolutionises system performance by increasing efficiency, dependability, and accuracy. Its creative design, precision control, and modular construction make it ideal for a wide range of applications, including HVAC, industrial automation, and control systems. The LM24A enables facilities to operate at full capacity while lowering expenses by decreasing energy usage and waste. Whether you want to increase system efficiency, minimise downtime, or improve precision and accuracy, the Belimo LM24A is the right solution. With its versatility, dependability, and cost-effectiveness, it's no surprise that it's an industry leader and the go-to actuator in the HVAC industry.

Any inquiries? We’re always here to help, Contact:

support@i-acs.co.uk
sales@i-acs.co.uk