1. Volume Control Dampers

• Purpose: Regulate the volume of air passing through the ductwork. They can be manually or automatically adjusted to balance the airflow in different zones of the system.
• Types:
  • Single-Blade Dampers: A single blade that rotates to open or close the duct.
  • Multi-Blade Dampers: Multiple blades that move in parallel to regulate airflow, providing more precise control.

2. Motorized Dampers

• Purpose: Automatically control airflow based on signals from a control system. These dampers are often used in automated HVAC systems where precise control is required.
• Features:
  • Actuators: Motorized dampers are equipped with actuators that receive signals from the HVAC control system to open or close the damper as needed.
  • Automatic Operation: They adjust airflow automatically, often in response to changes in temperature, pressure, or occupancy.

3. Fire Dampers

• Purpose: Prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork by automatically closing in the event of a fire.
• Types:
  • Curtain Fire Dampers: These have a curtain-like design that drops and closes the damper when a fusible link melts due to high temperatures.
  • Blade Fire Dampers: Composed of blades that close when the fusible link is activated, sealing the duct to stop the fire’s spread.
• Regulatory Compliance: Fire dampers must meet specific safety standards and are typically required by building codes.

4. Smoke Dampers

• Purpose: Control the spread of smoke through HVAC systems during a fire. They close off sections of ductwork to contain smoke in a specific area.
• Operation: Smoke dampers are activated by the building’s fire alarm system or smoke detectors and can be either motorized or equipped with a fusible link that closes the damper when triggered.

5. Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers

• Purpose: Serve dual functions by preventing the spread of both fire and smoke. These dampers are commonly used in areas where both fire and smoke control are required.
• Features:
  • Integrated Design: Combines the features of fire and smoke dampers into one unit.
  • Activation: Can be activated by temperature (fire) and/or smoke detectors.

6. Backdraft Dampers

• Purpose: Prevent reverse airflow in ducts, allowing air to flow in one direction only.
• Applications:
  • Exhaust Systems: Often used in exhaust systems to prevent outside air from entering the building when the exhaust fan is not running.
  • Ventilation Systems: Also used in ventilation systems to prevent air from flowing backward into the system.

7. Pressure Relief Dampers

• Purpose: Automatically open to relieve excess pressure within an HVAC system.
• Applications: Used in systems where maintaining a specific pressure is crucial, such as cleanrooms or laboratories.
• Operation: The damper opens when the pressure exceeds a set threshold, protecting the system from damage.

8. Balancing Dampers

• Purpose: Fine-tune the airflow within duct systems to ensure even distribution across all zones.
• Types:
  • Manual Balancing Dampers: Adjusted manually during the commissioning of the HVAC system to achieve the desired airflow balance.
  • Automatic Balancing Dampers: Adjust airflow automatically based on system requirements.

9. Zone Dampers

• Purpose: Control airflow to specific zones in an HVAC system, enabling different areas to be heated or cooled independently.
• Operation: Typically motorized and controlled by a thermostat or zone controller, allowing for individual climate control in different areas of a building.
• Applications: Commonly used in zoned HVAC systems for residential and commercial buildings.

10. VAV (Variable Air Volume) Dampers

• Purpose: Regulate the volume of air delivered to a space based on the current load requirements, helping to maintain the desired temperature.
• Operation: These dampers are integral to VAV systems, adjusting the airflow to each zone in response to the space’s heating or cooling demand.
• Energy Efficiency: Helps in optimizing energy use by reducing the amount of air that needs to be conditioned.

11. Isolation Dampers

• Purpose: Isolate sections of the HVAC system for maintenance, repair, or to stop the flow of air to unused areas.
• Features: Can be manually or automatically operated, and are often used in systems where certain areas may need to be isolated without affecting the entire system.

12. Opposed Blade Dampers

• Purpose: Provide finer control over airflow by having blades that rotate in opposite directions when opening or closing.
• Applications: Used in situations where precise airflow control is required, such as in VAV systems.

13. Barometric Dampers

• Purpose: Regulate the pressure difference in duct systems, opening or closing based on the pressure levels.
• Applications: Common in systems that need to maintain a specific pressure range, like in some ventilation systems.

Each type of damper plays a specific role in ensuring the HVAC system operates efficiently, safely, and effectively, contributing to the overall comfort, safety, and energy efficiency of the building.