Advanced valve actuation system with integral freeze protection

An HVAC valve and actuator assembly with integral freeze protection, the assembly comprising:

• a valve configured to control a flow of water or a water mixture into a water coil;
• a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve;
• a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the water or water mixture flowing through the valve;
• a second temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of air surrounding the water coil;
• a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of the water or water mixture through the valve;
• wherein the valve actuator includes a control module configured to receive data from the first and second temperature sensors and from the flow meter, and further configured to determine, based on data received from the flow meter and first and second temperature sensors, a likelihood that the water or water mixture in the water coil will freeze;
• and
• wherein the valve actuator operates the valve to allow a minimum flow of the water or water mixture through the valve and water coil sufficient to prevent the water or water mixture in the water coil from freezing.