Basic Documentation
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Siemens  VAV Compact Controller Modbus RTU  A6V10631862_en--_e 
Smart Infrastructure    2021-10-26 
2.6  Measuring principle 
A measuring device for acquiring the differential pressure – usually a measuring 
cross, measuring orifice or Venturi tube in the airflow – represents the basis for air 
volume flow measurement. 
The air volume flow is measured indirectly with a differential pressure sensor. Since 
the measured value is the differential pressure p, the air flow is derived from this 
value using the VAV box characteristic. Accordingly, the VAV box OEM has to 
provide the combination of pnom and Vnom, out of which the air volume flow in 
m
3
/h or l/s can be calculated.  
The air volume flow value (relative or absolute) can be transmitted over the bus 
together with the actual value of the damper position (in %) to be used by a 
supervisory controller or for management purposes. The differential pressure 
sensor operates long-term stable and without recalibration. 
In critical cases material compatibility tests should be made while considering 
harmful substances and concentrations. 
The parameter Vn is used to adjust the operating range of the differential pressure 
sensor (0…300 Pa) to the actual VAV box nominal pressure pnom at the factory. 
The effect of Vn is illustrated in the diagram below. 
Assume that a VAV box is designed for a nominal pressure of Δpnom = 120 Pa. 
Then Vn must be set to 1.58: 
 
100
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
90
Differential pressure 
sensor 
Note 
Setting the 
characteristic value Vn 
Effect of Vn 
Calculation of Vn 
(Δpnom = nominal 
differential pressure) 
Calculation example 










