Powering HVAC Systems of the Future with BlueEdge^® Solutions

Unlock HVAC Potential with BlueEdge Technologies

Tony Lopez is a Sales Manager at Badger Meter with extensive experience supporting commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in optimizing building performance. In this interview, he discusses how BlueEdge^® solutions—including ultrasonic and electromagnetic flow meters, energy monitoring tools and continuous water-quality technologies—are helping HVAC systems reduce waste, improve thermal performance and support long-term operational reliability across diverse applications.

Ultrasonic Flow Meters

What long-term benefits does the Dynasonics^® TFX-5000 provide, and how easily can it be installed in both new and existing HVAC systems?

The Dynasonics TFX-5000 Ultrasonic clamp-on flow and energy meter delivers precise, continuous visibility into key performance parameters, helping operators maintain efficient hydronic operation, reduce energy consumption and extend equipment lifespan. Its non-invasive design simplifies installation—often under an hour with no tapping, drainage or system shutdown. After entering system details into the SoloCUE^® software, the technician clamps the sensors onto the pipe and mounts the transmitter, making the TFX-5000 ideal for both new builds and retrofit projects.

How does the TFX-5000 provide measurement accuracy, and what conditions or system integrations does it support?

The TFX-5000 uses transit-time ultrasonic technology, comparing upstream and downstream signal travel times to calculate flow velocity and produce reliable volumetric readings—without penetrating the pipe. It performs effectively on standard homogeneous pipe materials used in heating and cooling systems; the main exception is rubber-lined underfloor heating pipes, which can interfere with ultrasonic signal transmission. Dynasonics meters integrate easily with major BMS platforms through Modbus^®, BACnet^®, EtherNet/IP^® and other protocols, and can also connect to cloud-based data platforms via AquaCUE^® and ORION^® Cellular endpoints.

Electromagnetic Flow Meters

What are the advantages of electromagnetic flow meters, and how can ModMAG^® improve HVAC systems?

Electromagnetic flow meters are the leading meter choice for recording the flow volume of electrically conductive liquids in a wide range of industries, including HVAC and building management. Also known as “mag meters,” they are proven to decrease system maintenance and improve accuracy. Whether you are looking to improve accuracy, decrease system maintenance or meet the demands of challenging liquid conditions, the Badger Meter range of ModMAG electromagnetic flow meters delivers the performance and precision HVAC systems require.

The ModMAG offers HVAC systems obstruction-free flow and very high accuracy, along with a zero straight-run requirement—an important engineering advantage during initial design stages or in retrofit applications where space is limited. The class-leading ModMAG range can deliver accuracies of ±1% even with zero straight run, and when straight piping is available, accuracies of ±0.2% can be achieved. Being very robust, ModMAG meters are well-suited for HVAC plantroom conditions, and with the battery-powered IP68 option, they are also ideal for remote locations such as large district heating networks.

While mechanical meters or fixed orifice plates can be used for spot measurements, real-time flow data from ModMAG helps BMS systems verify that the HVAC plant is operating within its designed parameters. High and low flow alarms support good engineering practice, help prevent over-capacity operation, protect system efficiency and assist with EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance. The non-intrusive, open flow tube design also promotes uninhibited flow and reduces maintenance since there are no moving parts to wear over time. In addition to HVAC and building management, electromagnetic flow meters are invaluable across industries such as water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, mining and chemical processing, highlighting their importance in modern industrial processes.

How does the ModMAG technology work?

These volumetric flow meters operate under Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, measuring flow velocity as conductive liquid passes through a magnetic field. Signal voltage is influenced by the liquid’s velocity, the magnetic field strength and the distance between internal electrodes. As fluid moves through the field, a voltage is induced across electrodes positioned at three and nine o’clock; this voltage is proportional to flow velocity. In wafer-style magnetic flowmeters, the magnetic field spans the entire flow tube, exposing the measuring element to hydraulic conditions across the full cross-section and enabling stable, repeatable measurement.

How do ModMAG meters accommodate varying water qualities or installation conditions?

Because electromagnetic technology relies on conductivity, consideration must be given to the type of fluid being measured. These meters can reliably measure fluids with up to a 50% glycol mix at low temperatures, though conductivity decreases as glycol concentration rises. Standard HVAC water is generally a good conductor due to dissolved minerals and salts. Deionized or demineralized water—sometimes used in boiler feed applications—is a poor conductor because purification removes these minerals, making it incompatible with electromagnetic flow meters.

Electromagnetic flow meters are also widely used in industries handling conductive fluids, such as water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, mining and chemical processing, underscoring their versatility and importance in modern industrial processes.

Water Quality Monitoring

How does monitoring water quality support the performance of ultrasonic and electromagnetic flow meters in HVAC applications?

Water quality directly affects how efficiently HVAC systems operate and how consistently flow meters can perform. Corrosion, scaling and chemical imbalances can distort system hydraulics, reduce heat-transfer efficiency and create conditions that challenge both ultrasonic and electromagnetic measurement. Continuous water-quality monitoring helps operators detect these issues early, maintain stable system conditions and protect the accuracy and longevity of their flow meters. When paired with high-quality flow instrumentation, water-quality insights provide a more complete view of system performance—supporting commissioning-level efficiency and improving long-term reliability.

What benefits does MetriNet^® bring to HVAC systems?

The MetriNet multiparameter water-quality monitor provides live, continuous insight into the conditions that influence HVAC system health—including corrosion risk, scaling potential and chemical stability. By offering a constant “health check” on both open and closed-loop systems, MetriNet helps operators identify imbalances early and prevent damage to critical components.

Monitoring dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and pressure helps to maintain chemical balance and identify early signs of deterioration. Continuous data allows operators to adjust treatment programs and flow conditions before damage occurs—protecting efficiency and equipment life. This level of visibility supports more efficient flow measurement, protects overall system longevity and contributes to a more reliable, sustainable HVAC operation. By safeguarding both the hydronic network and the future of the building, MetriNet plays an important role in optimizing modern HVAC performance.

Final thoughts

BlueEdge^® technologies give facility teams the intelligence they need to design, operate and maintain HVAC systems with greater precision and efficiency. By combining advanced flow measurement, energy monitoring and continuous water-quality insights, operators can reduce waste, enhance reliability and support long-term sustainability goals across diverse building environments.