Insulated Control Dampers

Models ICD
Thermally Insulated Reduced Condensation
Reduced Heat Transfer

March

2015

Damper Performance
Testing Criteria

AMCA has created a new certified rating to measure

the energy efficiency of dampers. Its called the
Thermal Efficiency Ratio (E) and it is detailed in
AMCA Publication 511-10.
A dampers Thermal Efficiency Ratio is a
comparison of the thermal performance
of the damper being evaluated with that
of a reference damper. The reference
damper, which is a 3V blade control
damper with blade and jamb seals, has
defined thermal performance that every
damper is compared to.

The Thermal Efficiency Ratio test takes place in an

insulated chamber (also known as thermal chamber)
that has one side missing (see below). The thermal
chamber has a heat source and a port from an air
chamber that is used to pressurize the chamber.
During the test the thermal chamber is pressurized to
1 in. wg (0.25 kPa). The heat source is used to create
a 30F temperature differential between the inside of
the chamber and the ambient conditions in the lab.
The power consumption necessary to create that
30F (-1C) temperature difference is measured and
recorded.

Substitution
Wall

Air from
Air Chamber

Ambient
Thermocouple

Chamber
Thermocouple

Heat
Source
Test
Damper
Insulation
Static
Pressure in
Chamber

The concept of the test is an energy balance. The

energy coming into the thermal chamber equals the
energy leaving the chamber. There are two sources
of energy coming into the chamber: the energy
being drawn by the heat source, and the energy
from the air coming into the thermal chamber via
the air chamber. There are also two paths for energy
to leave the chamber: The energy loss through the
chamber walls, and the energy loss through the
damper being tested. The energy loss through the
damper is a result of both the leakage of air through
the damper and the conduction of heat through the
dampers frame and blades. Leakage can account
2

for over 90% of the total energy loss on a leaky

damper or as little as 40% of the total energy loss on
a tight damper.
The test is first conducted with a substitution wall
covering the open side of the thermal chamber.
The substitution wall is constructed identically to
the walls of the chamber. Running this test allows
the thermal properties of the chamber itself to be
determined so that the energy loss through chamber
walls can be calculated and not counted against
the damper. After the test of the substitution wall
the reference damper and then the damper being
evaluated are tested.

Damper Performance
Testing Criteria - Pressure Drop
As mentioned, the Thermal Efficiency Ratio (E)
compares the energy lost through the damper being
evaluated with the energy lost through the reference
damper. The formula is:
E = (qref / qd 1) x 100
Where:
qref is the energy lost through the reference damper
qd is the energy lost through the damper being
evaluated.
Using this formula, a damper with the same
performance as the reference damper is 0% efficient.
A damper that loses half as much energy as the
reference damper is 100% efficient.

Because the Thermal Efficiency Ratio is the most

applicable to outside air dampers, Greenheck tested
the ultimate dampers for outside air applications,
the ICD series. The ICD-44, with its thermally broken
blades, was the first damper in the industry to have
its energy efficiency certified by AMCA . It achieved
Thermal Efficiency Ratio of 593%! In other words,
the ICD-44 lost about 1/6 as much energy as the
reference damper. The ICD-45 achieved an amazing
Thermal Efficiency Ratio of 941%.

Take advantage of this industry leading

certification today by including the AMCA 511
thermal efficiency certification in your engineers
specifications. Dampers shall be certified and
bare the AMCA label for thermal efficiency per
AMCA publication 511.

Pressure Drop
Pressure drop testing was conducted in accordance
with AMCA Standard 500-D using the three
congurations shown. All data has been corrected to
3
represent standard air at a density of .075 lb./ft
(1.201 kg/m3).
Actual pressure drop found in any HVAC system
is a combination of many factors. This pressure
drop information along with an analysis of other
system inuences should be used to estimate actual
pressure losses for a damper installed in a given
HVAC system.

Figure 5.3 Illustrates a fully ducted damper. This

three test congurations because entrance and exit

losses are minimized by straight duct runs upstream
and downstream of the damper.

Figure 5.2 Illustrates a ducted damper exhausting

air into an open area. This conguration has a lower
pressure drop than Figure 5.5 because entrance
losses are minimized by a straight duct run upstream
of the damper.
Figure 5.5 Illustrates a plenum mounted damper.
This conguration has the highest pressure drop
because of extremely high entrance and exit losses
due to the sudden changes of area in the system.

conguration has the lowest pressure drop of the

%

%

'JHVSF


%

'JHVSF


%

D=Duct length
W=Damper width
H=Damper height

'JHVSF



8

)



Pressure Drop Data

AMCA Figure 5.2 Pressure Drop

Dimension
Inches (mm)

12 x 12
(305 x 305)

Velocity - fpm
(m/s)

24 x 24
(610 x 610)

36 x 36
(914 x 914)

12 x 48
(305 x 1219)

48 x 12
(1219 x 305)

Pressure Drop - in. wg (Pa)

500 (2.5)

.03 (7.5)

.02 (5)

.01 (2.5)

.01 (2.5)

.03 (7.5)

1000 (5.1)

.11 (27.4)

.08 (19.9)

.05 (12.5)

.06 (14.9)

.14 (34.8)

1500 (7.6)

.25 (62.3)

.19 (47.3)

.11 (27.4)

.14 (34.8)

.32 (79.7)

2000 (10.2)

.45 (112)

.34 (84.7)

.21 (52.3)

.25 (62.3)

.57 (142)

2500 (12.7)

.71 (176.9)

.53 (132)

.33 (82.2)

.40 (99.6)

.89 (221.7)

3000 (15.2)

1.03 (256.6)

.77 (191.8)

.47 (117.1)

.57 (142)

1.29 (321.3)

3500 (17.8)

1.40 (348.7)

1.05 (261.5)

.64 (159.4)

.78 (194.3)

1.76 (438.4)

4000 (20.3)

1.83 (455.8)

1.37 (341.3)

.84 (209.2)

1.02 (254.1)

2.30 (572.9)

AMCA Figure 5.3 Pressure Drop

Dimension (in.)

12 x 12
(305 x 305)

Velocity - fpm
(m/s)

24 x 24
(610 x 610)

36 x 36
(914 x 914)

12 x 48
(305 x 1219)

48 x 12
(1219 x 305)

Pressure Drop - in. wg (Pa)

500 (2.5)

.01 (2.5)

.01 (2.5)

.01 (2.5)

.01 (2.5)

.04 (10)

1000 (5.1)

.04 (10)

.03 (7.5)

.02 (5)

.02 (5)

.06 (14.9)

1500 (7.6)

.09 (22.4)

.08 (19.9)

.04 (10)

.06 (14.9)

.14 (34.8)

2000 (10.2)

.17 (42.3)

.14 (34.8)

.08 (19.9)

.10 (24.9)

.25 (62.3)

2500 (12.7)

.26 (64.7)

.22 (54.8)

.12 (29.9)

.17 (42.3)

.40 (99.6)

3000 (15.2)

.38 (94.6)

.32 (79.7)

.18 (44.8)

.24 (59.8)

.58 (144.5)

3500 (17.8)

.52 (129.5)

.43 (107.1)

.24 (59.8)

.33 (82.2)

.79 (196.7)

4000 (20.3)

.67 (166.9)

.57 (142)

.32 (79.7)

.43 (107.1)

1.03 (256.6)

AMCA Figure 5.5 Pressure Drop

Dimension (in.)

12 x 12
(305 x 305)

Velocity - fpm
(m/s)

24 x 24
(610 x 610)

36 x 36
(914 x 914)

12 x 48
(305 x 1219)

48 x 12
(1219 x 3050

Pressure Drop - in. wg (Pa)

500 (2.5)

.05 (12.5)

.05 (12.5)

.03 (7.5)

.04 (10)

.05 (12.5)

1000 (5.1)

.23 (57.3)

.21 (52.3)

.14 (34.8)

.18 (44.8)

.22 (54.8)

1500 (7.6)

.52 (129.5)

.47 (117.1)

.33 (82.2)

.42 (104.6)

.51 (127)

2000 (10.2)

.93 (231.7)

.84 (209.2)

.58 (144.5)

.74 (184.3)

.90 (224.2)

2500 (12.7)

1.44 (358.7)

1.32 (328.8)

.91 (226.7)

1.16 (288.9)

1.41 (351.2)

3000 (15.2)

2.08 (518.1)

1.9 (473.3)

1.31 (326.3)

1.68 (418.5)

2.04 (508.1)

3500 (17.8)

2.83 (704.9)

2.59 (645.1)

1.79 (445.9)

2.28 (567.9)

2.78 (692.5)

4000 (20.3)

3.70 (921.6)

3.39 (844.4)

2.34 (582.9)

2.98 (742.3)

3.70 (921.6)

Greenheck Fan Corporation certifies that the model ICD-44 and ICD-45
shown herein is licensed to bear the AMCA Seal. The ratings shown are
based on tests and procedures performed in accordance with AMCA
Publication 511 and comply with the requirements of the AMCA Certified
Ratings Programs. The AMCA Certified Ratings Seal applies to Air Leakage,
Air Performance and Energy Efficiency ratings.

Leakage / Thermal Efficiency Data

Construction Features

AMCA Certified Leakage Data

Air leakage is based on operation between 32F (0C) and 120F (49C).
Tested for leakage in accordance with ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D, Figure 5.5.
Tested for air performance in accordance with ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D, Figures 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5.
Torque
Data are based on a torque of 9.0 in. lb./ft (0.56 Nm) applied to close and seat the damper during the test.
ICD-44/ICD-45

Leakage Class*

Maximum
Damper Width

1 in. wg
(0.25 kPa)

4 in. wg
(1 kPa)

8 in. wg
(2 kPa)

10 in. wg
(2.5 kPa)

48 in. (1219mm)

1A

*Leakage Class Denitions

The maximum allowable leakage is defined by AMCA as the following:
Leakage Class 1A 3 cfm/ft2 @ 1 in. wg (Class 1A is only defined at 1 in. wg).
Leakage Class 1 4 cfm/ft2 @ 1 in. wg
8 cfm/ft2 @ 4 in. wg
- 11 cfm/ft2 @ 8 in. wg
- 12.6 cfm/ft2 @ 10 in. wg

AMCA Certied Energy Efciency Performance

Greenheck Model ICD-44 has a Thermal Efciency Ratio of 593%.
Greenheck Model ICD-45 has a Thermal Efciency Ratio of 941%.
A dampers Thermal Efficiency Ratio (E) is a comparison of the thermal performance
of the tested damper with that of a standard reference damper, which is a 3V blade
damper with blade and jamb seals. A damper with the same thermal efficiency as the
reference damper would have an E of 0%. A damper that is twice as efficient as the
reference damper would have an E of 100%.
Test Information
Testing was conducted on a 36 in. x 36 in. (914mm x 914mm) sample in AMCA 500-D
figure 5.10 per AMCA standard 500-Ds Thermal Efficiency test.
Torque
Data are based on a torque of 9.0 in.lb./ft (0.56 Nm) applied to close and seat the
damper during the test.

Construction Features
There are four frame types available:
Quick Connect for easy connection to duct
Channel
Single Flange
Reverse Flange
The ICD-44 features an extruded aluminum frame.
The ICD-45 features an aluminum frame with two
polyurethane resin thermal breaks and insulated on
four sides with polystyrene.
Quick
Connect

Channel

Single
Flange

Reverse
Flange

Construction Features

Variable Symmetric Blade Design (VSB)

Greenhecks Variable Symmetrical Blade (VSB) design uses a combination
of three symmetrical blade sizes (4, 5, and 6 inches) to maximize the free
area at any damper height by reducing blade stop height. Traditional
damper designs use a single blade width that requires oversized blade
stops, limiting free area when the blades are open. The VSB design allows
for consistent operating characteristics regardless of airflow direction.
Increases Mounting Flexibility - Symmetrical blades have identical
operating characteristics regardless of airflow direction. This allows a
Greenheck control damper to be mounted in either direction of flow, an
advantage when installing with space constraints.
Increases Free Area - Traditional damper designs with a single blade
width require oversized blade stops, limiting free area when the blades
are open (Figure 1). Greenheck is able to reduce blade stop height,
which maximizes free area, and increases damper performance.
AMCA certified pressure drop lets you know that the published data is
accurate to help you better design your system.
Reduces Actuator Torque - If an unsymmetrical blade (Figure 2) closes
against airflow, a large amount of torque is needed because the air
distribution is unbalanced. Greenhecks VSB design balances airflow
on each side of a symmetrical blade, reducing the torque required
to operate the damper. The use of symmetrical blades has allowed
Greenheck to reduce the sizes and quantities of actuators used on our
dampers.

Figure 1
Airow works
against
actuator

Airow works
against
actuator

Actuator
Torque

Actuator
Torque
Airow
works with
actuator

Unbalanced Blade

Balanced Blade

Figure 2

Blades
The ICD series damper blades feature thermally broken airfoil shaped blade
with polyurethane foam.

Bearings
Dual bearing with acetal inner sleeve and flanged outer bearing features no
metal-to-metal or metal-to-plastic contact.

Bearing

Blade & Jamb Seals

Silicone blade and jamb seals stay flexible in cold temperatures.
The ICD-44 features silicone blade seal with 304SS jamb seals and optional silicone jamb
seals. The ICD-45 features silicone blade and jamb seals.

Linkage
Greenhecks ICD series dampers have blade linkage concealed
in the insulated frame. This prevents any transfer point for cold
or heat, unlike some of our competitors products. The linkage is
engineered to accurately control each and every blade without
need for adjustment.

Tag Label
Greenheck labels include the tag information for your order. This label provides
the damper model, size, actuator model, and purchase order number. This
label will help save time in the field when you have multiple locations for the
dampers on the jobsite. On ICD series dampers, you will see a QR code on
the label too. When you scan the QR code with your smartphone, you will be
directed to www.greenheck.com for model specific information.
6

Quick Selection Chart

ICD-44

ICD-45

Thermal Efciency Ratio

593%

941%

Maximum Velocity fpm (m/s)

4000
(20.3)

4000
(20.3)

Maximum Pressure in. wg (kPa)

8 (2)

8 (2)

-70 to 200
(-56 to 93)

-70 to 200
(-56 to 93)

Insulated Thermally Broken Aluminum

Aluminum

.125 in.
(3.2mm)

.125 in.
(3.2mm)

Channel

Quick Connect

Reverse Flange

Single Flange

Parallel

Opposed

Blade Type

Insulated Thermally Broken

Blade Material

Extruded Aluminum Airfoil

Blade Seal

Silicone

304SS

Silicone

Dual Bearing with Acetal Inner Sleeve

Plated Steel

304SS

Plated Steel

304SS

Anodize

Baked Enamel

Epoxy

Hi Pro Polyester

Industrial Epoxy

Temperature range F (C)

Frame
Frame Gauge

Frame Type

Blade Action

Jamb Seal
Axle Bearings
Axle Material
Linkage

Paint Finishes*

Kynar/Hylar (70%)

Minimum Size

Sizing
Inches (mm)

Channel, Single or
Reverse Flange

12 x 7
(305 x 178)

12 x 7
(305 x 178)

Quick Connect

12 x 6
(305 x 152)

12 x 6
(305 x 152)

48 x 74
(1219 x 1880)

48 x 74
(1219 x 1880)

Channel, Single or
Reverse Flange

144 x 148
(3658 x 3759)

144 x 120
(3658 x 3048)

Quick Connect

96 x 148
(2438 x 3759)

96 x 120
(2438 x 3048)

Maximum Single Section Size

Maximum Multi
Section Size

* Additional lead time is required. Consult factory.

X = Standard O = Optional = NA

The Greenheck Difference

Greenheck dampers bring the same quality engineering and manufacturing that has earned
Greenheck its position as an industry leader. Aggressive research and development keeps
Greenheck a major player in the damper industry. Greenheck has the most UL classified
and largest selection of AMCA licensed dampers in the industry.

In-House Testing
State-of-the-art laboratory and testing facilities have
always been important to Greenheck continuing
business success. A laboratory facility devoted
exclusively to development and testing of damper
related products for testing to the latest versions
of AMCA, ANSI, ASHRAE, UL, and other industry
standards of performance.

Enjoy Greenhecks extraordinary service, before, during

and after the sale.
Greenheck offers added value to our wide selection of top performing, energy-efcient products
by providing several unique Greenheck service programs.
Our Quick Delivery Program ensures shipment of our in-stock products within 24 hours of
placing your order. Our Quick Build made-to-order products can be produced in 1-3-5-10-15 or
25-day production cycles, depending upon their complexity.
Greenhecks free Computer Aided Product Selection program (CAPS), rated by many as
the best in the industry, helps you conveniently and efciently select the right products for the
challenge at hand.
Greenheck has been Green for a long time! Our energy-saving products and ongoing corporate
commitment to sustainability can help you qualify for LEED credits.
Our 3D service allows you to download at no charge lightweight, easy-to-use AutoDesk Revit
3D drawings for many of our ventilation products.
Find out more about these special Greenheck services at greenheck.com

Our Commitment
As a result of our commitment to continuous improvement, Greenheck reserves the right to change
specifications without notice.
Specific Greenheck product warranties are located on greenheck.com within the product
area tabs and in the Library under Warranties.

Prepared to Support
Green Building Efforts

00.DMP.1005 R3 3-2015 RG

P.O. Box 410 Schofield, WI 54476-0410 Phone (715) 359-6171 greenheck.com

Copyright 2015 Greenheck Fan Corporation