In buildings equipped with hydronic radiators, heating control is often localized and difficult to monitor. Setpoints are adjusted directly on each thermostatic valve, without always taking into account occupancy schedules, the actual needs of each room, or the energy strategy defined in the Building Management System.
The LoRaWAN thermostatic valve allows these radiators to be connected to the BMS without adding communication wiring in each room. This enables the integrator to send settings remotely, collect useful data, and control the heating on a zone-by-zone basis.
But how does this architecture work? What control modes can be used? And what parameters need to be checked before deploying dozens or hundreds of connected thermostatic heads?
Why connect water-filled radiators to the BMS ?
In a commercial or multi-unit building, not all rooms have the same heating needs. A meeting room may remain unoccupied for much of the day, a hotel room must be prepared before the guest arrives, and a classroom does not need to be heated the same way during class, at night, and during school breaks.
A general control system, applied to the entire building, does not always allow for these differences to be taken into account. Conversely, room-by-room control gives the BMS the ability to adjust the heating based on:
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Hours of Operation
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the temperature measured in the room
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Guidelines for comfort and energy savings
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periods of absence
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the possible opening of a window
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the building's overall energy strategy.
The goal, therefore, is not simply to make the radiator “connected.” It is to integrate a new control component into an existing BMS architecture in order to better coordinate the production, distribution, and emission of heat.
What is a LoRaWAN thermostatic valve?
A smart thermostatic valve—also known as a smart thermostatic head—is attached to the radiator valve body. Its motor actuates the piston to adjust the flow of hot water through the radiator.
The product typically includes:
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a temperature sensor
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a motor that allows the valve opening to be adjusted
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a local control interface
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battery power
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a radio module for communicating with the monitoring system.
Using the LoRaWAN protocol, the thermostatic head can exchange information over long distances while maintaining a power consumption level suitable for battery operation. This feature is particularly useful in renovation projects, where running new cables through bedrooms, offices, classrooms, or living spaces would be too complicated or too expensive.
The Enless LoRaWAN thermostatic valve is designed for water-filled radiators and operates on the EU868 band. It can be used with a private LoRaWAN infrastructure or with a managed LoRaWAN network.
How does the architecture between the valve and the BMS work?
In a private architecture, communication generally follows four steps.
1. The valve measures and regulates the temperature
Installed directly on the radiator, the valve measures the temperature near the radiator. Depending on the selected operating mode, it either applies a temperature setpoint locally or executes an opening command transmitted by the BMS.
It can also provide various pieces of information useful for operations: temperature, battery level, engine position, setpoints, or operational alerts.
2. Data is transmitted via LoRaWAN
The valve transmits its radio messages via LoRaWAN. Thanks to the range of this technology, a single infrastructure can cover a large number of rooms, even in buildings where deploying a short-range radio solution would require more intermediate equipment.
However, actual coverage depends on the site’s configuration: wall thickness, floors, utility ducts, metal structures, gateway location, and radio configuration. A site survey or coverage test is recommended before any large-scale deployment.
3. A gateway receives messages
The LoRaWAN gateway collects data from valves and other sensors installed in the building. In a private network architecture, it can be paired with an embedded or remote LoRaWAN network server.
An open LoRaWAN architecture also allows for the use of different types of sensors on the same infrastructure. The project is therefore not necessarily limited to heating: sensors for temperature, humidity, CO₂, occupancy, door/window status, or metering can all share the same network.
To learn more, see the presentation onEnless's private LoRaWAN architecture.
4. The information is made available to the BMS
The decoded data must then be presented to the BMS in a usable format. Depending on the chosen gateway and architecture, the data can be made available to the PLC or the supervisory system using a protocol suited to the building.
BMS s can then:
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read valve temperatures and statuses
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monitor battery levels
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send new instructions
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Incorporate radiators into occupancy schedules
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create alarms or control scenarios
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coordinate the heating system with other building systems.
The Enless LoRaWAN gateway receives and processes data from LoRaWAN devices so that it can be integrated into a BMS architecture.
Two ways to control a thermostatic valve from the BMS
The choice of control mode depends on the building's architecture, the desired level of control, and the intelligence already present in the BMS.
Mode 1: The " BMS " transmits a setpoint temperature
In this first mode, the BMS sends the desired room temperature to the valve. The valve then uses its temperature sensor and internal algorithm to automatically adjust the motor’s opening.
This approach limits the amount of logic that needs to be programmed into the h BMS. The h remains responsible for scheduling, setpoint changes, and overall strategy, while local control is handled at the radiator level.
This approach is particularly suitable when the integrator wants to:
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quickly implement room-by-room control
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avoid constantly calculating an opening position
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maintain a local response to temperature changes
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centralize the instructions without centralizing every decision made by the engine.
Mode 2: The " BMS " controls the percentage of aperture opening
In the second mode, the control logic is located in the BMS. It calculates the required opening level and transmits a percentage value directly to the valve.
The thermostatic head then becomes an actuator. This mode offers the system integrator greater flexibility, allowing them to coordinate the opening of radiators with other data or equipment: temperature measured at another location, occupancy status, heat generation, outdoor temperature, or load shedding strategy.
However, this approach requires a more in-depth design of the control scenarios. The system integrator must define the calculation logic, the command frequency, and the behavior to be adopted when communications are temporarily unavailable.
LoRaWAN Class A: What Impact Does It Have on Management?
The Enless valve operates in LoRaWAN Class A mode. In this mode, a downlink command can be received after the valve transmits an uplink message.
Control must therefore be designed with the configured transmission frequency in mind. A battery-powered valve is not intended to continuously receive commands like a wired device that is constantly on the lookout. The best approach is to set a frequency that aligns with the building’s heating needs, the expected responsiveness, and the desired battery life.
In most heating applications, the temperature changes slowly enough to allow for effective control without unnecessarily increasing the number of radio transmissions. However, the system design must be validated for each project.
In which types of buildings should LoRaWAN thermostatic valves be used?
This system is primarily designed for buildings with a hydronic heating system and a large number of radiators that need to be controlled individually.
Offices and Commercial Buildings
BMS can tailor the settings to work schedules, periods of inactivity, and the needs of each zone. Room-by-room control ensures that an occupied office, an empty meeting room, and a temporarily closed space are not treated the same way.
Schools and Public Buildings
School calendars, vacation periods, and varying room usage make centralized management of lock settings particularly useful. Locking local settings and providing mechanical protection are also important in areas accessible to the public.
Hotels and Residences
The setting can be adjusted based on the occupancy of the room or unit. The operator maintains a centralized view of the entire property while allowing the occupant a limited range of adjustment, if necessary.
Healthcare Facilities
Remote control makes it possible to limit certain interventions in occupied areas and to adjust temperatures to suit the uses of different spaces. However, the choice of measurement location and the control strategy must be carefully considered.
Multi-family Housing
In an apartment building, the solution makes it possible to monitor a large number of radiators and better organize maintenance campaigns. The level of control granted to residents must be defined at the project design stage.
How can I check compatibility with existing radiators?
Before selecting a thermostatic head, you must check the mechanical connection of the valve on the radiator. The M30 × 1.5 standard is widely used, but other valve bodies require an adapter.
The Enless valve comes with an M30 × 1.5 connection. Adapters are available for several standards, including:
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Danfoss RA
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Danfoss RAV
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Danfoss RAVL
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M28 × 1.5
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Caleffi
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Giacomini.
To avoid errors during installation, it is recommended that you take inventory of the valve bodies on site. A photograph of the valve with the old head removed, along with the manufacturer’s part number and the thread size, will help you identify the correct adapter.
A mechanical test on a few representative radiators also helps validate the mounting, piston stroke, and calibration before rolling out the installation on a larger scale.
What features make it easier to manage the fleet?
In addition to engine control, several features contribute to service continuity and usage management.
Open Window Detection
When a rapid drop in temperature is detected, the valve can temporarily suspend heating to minimize energy waste caused by an open window.
Anti-seizing system
The motor periodically moves the piston to reduce the risk of it seizing up after a long period of inactivity, particularly outside the heating season.
Restrictions on Local Settings
The integrator can control which adjustments the occupant can make. The lock function also helps prevent unintentional or unauthorized changes.
Mechanical Protection
In schools, public spaces, or community buildings, a protective case can safeguard the device from impacts, theft, and attempts to damage it.
Local Configuration
The MyEnless app allows you to configure the valve via Bluetooth and access the functions needed for its commissioning or maintenance.
Battery Life and Maintenance: Factors to Consider
The Enless LoRaWAN thermostatic valve is powered by three replaceable AA batteries. Their operating life depends, among other things, on:
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the frequency of transmissions
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the frequency of commands sent to the motor
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the number of movements performed
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on using summer mode
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the quality of the radio link
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temperature conditions
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the type of batteries used.
Autonomy should therefore not be evaluated based on a generic value that is detached from the usage scenario. For a major project, it is best to define the expected operating parameters and then estimate maintenance needs based on that scenario.
Battery replacement must also be incorporated into the operational plan: ensuring access to the battery racks, grouping maintenance tasks, monitoring battery levels, and identifying the affected equipment.
Points to Check Before Deployment
Before deploying a LoRaWAN thermostatic valve architecture on a large scale, the integrator must verify the following:
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the type of heating system and the compatibility of water-filled radiators
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the valve bodies and necessary adapters
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the number of radiators and their distribution throughout the building
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LoRaWAN coverage in the various areas
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the control method selected for each application
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the frequency of transmissions and the expected responsiveness
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the gateway and the interface with the BMS
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schedules and management plans
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the rights granted to occupants
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the battery maintenance and replacement strategy.
A pilot test conducted in a representative area allows for validation of the entire system: mechanical compatibility, radio quality, data integration, transmission of commands, and the actual thermal behavior of the components.
A control solution designed for system integrators BMS
The LoRaWAN thermostatic valve transforms a water-filled radiator into a device that can be controlled remotely and integrated into the building’s energy strategy. It allows for room-by-room control without adding communication wiring, while giving the integrator the choice between local setpoint control and direct control of the valve’s opening percentage.
The Enless TX VALVE 600-060, manufactured and assembled in France, combines LoRaWAN EU868 communication, a stepper motor, Bluetooth configuration, protective features, and a selection of adapters for the major thermostatic valve standards.
Discover the Enless LoRaWAN Thermostatic Valve
To explore a complete architecture—valves, radio coverage, gateway, and integration with BMS —you can also contact the Enless team.
Frequently Asked Questions About LoRaWAN Thermostatic Valves
What is the difference between a thermostatic valve and a LoRaWAN thermostatic head?
In everyday language, both terms are often used to refer to the smart device installed on the radiator. Technically, the motorized thermostatic head attaches to the valve body and acts on its piston to regulate the flow of hot water.
Is a LoRaWAN thermostatic valve compatible with all radiators?
It is designed for water-filled radiators equipped with a compatible valve body. The standard connection for the Enless valve is M30 × 1.5. Adapters are available to accommodate several other standards, but compatibility must be verified before installation.
Can the valve be integrated into an existing BMS ?
Yes, provided that the architecture includes a LoRaWAN infrastructure and a solution that makes the data and commands available to the BMS. The exact interface depends on the gateway and the protocols used in the project.
Can the BMS r directly set a target temperature?
Yes. The BMS can send a temperature command that the valve implements using its sensor and internal control algorithm.
Can we directly command the valve to open?
Yes. The " BMS " can also transmit a valve opening percentage to the motor. In this case, the control logic is defined in the " BMS."
Does the valve operate on a public or private LoRaWAN network?
The Enless LoRaWAN valve can communicate with a public or private LoRaWAN infrastructure that is compatible with its frequency band and radio settings.
How do I set up the Enless valve?
Local configuration and update operations are performed using the MyEnless app, via the valve's Bluetooth connection.
How can we prevent occupants from freely adjusting the temperature?
The local adjustment range can be locked in place, and a lock function prevents unauthorized changes. A protective housing is also available for harsh environments.
