Does the Alpha direct Balance base station replace conventional hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B?

The Alpha direct Balance base station features an integrated control system for automated hydraulic balancing, which was recertified by TÜV Rheinland in 2026. The product can be used to carry out hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B, as set out in the ZVSHK/VdZ/VDMA technical regulation.

The Alpha direct Balance base station falls into the category of temperature-based methods. The system operates on the basis of temperature-dependent load balancing across the heating circuits, rather than on the calculation or setting of target flow rates in accordance with hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B. Its use therefore does not exempt the user from complying with the basic requirements for hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B. In particular, the base station can only influence the system components from the heating manifold onwards. Sections of the pipework network and components upstream of the heating manifold or the heat transfer unit are not taken into account by the control algorithm.

As described in section 8.03 of the BEG EM Minimum Technical Requirements, temperature-based methods only come into effect from the heating manifold onwards. As hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B takes the entire heating system into account, all system components upstream of the heat exchanger must also meet the requirements for hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B.

The use of the Alpha direct Balance base station therefore does not fully replace all the requirements for hydraulic balancing in accordance with Method B. The specifications set out in the relevant VdZ forms and technical regulations must still be observed. You can find detailed information on automated hydraulic balancing and government funding schemes in the chapter: Automatisierter hydraulischer Abgleich

Note on eligibility – as at August 2026 #

Carrying out a hydraulic balancing using a temperature-based method for the Alpha direct Balance base station is eligible for BEG funding.

Customers are currently eligible for BEG funding towards the purchase price of the products and for carrying out hydraulic balancing using alternative temperature-based methods, provided they complete Procedure B in full. Our products have been recertified by TÜV Rheinland on the basis of the new requirements set out by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), and their jointly published checklist.

The BAFA (the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) & BMWK checklist aims to provide clarity regarding the requirements that alternative hydraulic balancing methods under Method B must meet in order to be recognised as equivalent under the Federal Funding Scheme for Efficient Buildings (BEG).