| Credits: | 1.0 |
| Lecture: | 5 hrs |
| Project: | 3 hrs |
| Group Exercises: | 2 hrs |
| Total: | 10 hrs |
Prerequisites: BOC 1001 or equivalent.
Class Description: Participants will learn the fundamentals of automatic control systems for building mechanical systems to target possible inefficiencies in their HVAC systems and to evaluate potential problems as part of an enhanced operation and maintenance program. Participants will be introduced to Building Automation Systems (BAS) and the graphic user interface as a cost effective tool to review real time building data, identify problems, and verify proper performance for air handling and central plant systems.
PROJECT: HVAC Controls Review
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of HVAC Controls Fundamentals a participant will be able to:
- List the main devices in a basic control system.
- List at least two tasks required in the preventative maintenance of control systems.
- Differentiate between analog, low voltage, pneumatic and digital control processes.
- Interpret basic control drawings, sequence of operations, and DDC graphics to identify HVAC control applications and explain control processes.
- Analyze graphical user interfaces from a building’s BAS system to gather data on building and system performance.
- Prepare screen check data forms to troubleshoot building and equipment level issues.
- Use BAS data to compare actual and expected modes of operation to verify operational efficiency.
- Identify BAS data inconsistencies using trend data to confirm system operations.
- Use key performance indicators in BAS data to troubleshoot system issues.
Textbook:
BOC 1004 – HVAC Controls Fundamentals Handbook, NEEC
Recommended Readings:
Control Systems for HVAC, Roger Haines
DDC-Online.org, Iowa Energy Center
Special Equipment for Instructors: None.
Evaluation:
a. Project 50%
b. Test 50%
Class Outline
1. Controls Fundamentals
1.1. Introduction to Control Systems
1.1.1. Energy Sources
1.1.2. Building Automation and Controls Systems
1.1.3. Control Systems Documents
1.1.4. Basic Control System Diagrams
1.1.4.1. Basic DDC System Diagram
1.1.4.2. Control Processes
1.1.4.3. Types of Controlled Devices
1.1.4.4. Types of Controller Inputs and Outputs
1.1.4.5. Basic Pneumatic System Diagram
1.1.4.6. Basic Electronic System Diagram
1.2. Closed and Open Loop Systems
1.3. Review and Knowledge Check
1.4. Sensors for HVAC Applications
1.4.1. Types of Controlled Variables
1.4.2. Communication Signals and Range
1.5. Basic Data Logging and Verification
1.6. Class Activity – Identify Controller Inputs and Outputs
1.7. Review and Knowledge Check
1.8. Control System Responses
1.8.1. Two-Position
1.8.2. Floating Control
1.9. Control System Actions
1.9.1. Direct Action
1.9.2. Reverse Action
1.10. Project Review
1.11. Section Summary and Knowledge Check
2. Computerized Control Systems
2.1. DDC Network Architecture
2.1.1. Level 1: Sensors
2.1.2. Level 2: Field Controllers
2.1.3. Level 3: Integration
2.1.4. Level 4: Management
2.2. Introduction to Building Automation Systems (BAS)
2.2.1. The Graphic User Interface (GUI) as a diagnostic tool
2.2.2. Preparation
2.2.2.1. Verification of GUI accuracy
2.2.2.2. Gathering building information
2.2.2.3. Documenting expected operation
2.2.3. Screen Check Forms
2.2.3.1. Types of equipment
2.2.3.2. Data to be recorded
2.2.4. Screen Check Process
2.2.4.1. Order of checks
2.2.4.2. Evaluation of data
2.2.4.3. Reporting
2.2.5. Trending
2.2.5.1. BAS capability
2.2.5.2. What to trend
2.2.5.3. Multi-point trends
2.2.5.4. Proving the trend
2.2.6. Section Summary and Knowledge Check
2.2.7. Class Activities
2.2.7.1. Activity 1A – Identify Component Location
2.2.7.2. Activity 1B – Converter Control with Reset Schedule
2.2.7.3. Activity 1C – Pneumatic Control System Maintenance
3. Controls Strategies for Improving Energy Efficiency of HVAC Systems
3.1. Common problems
3.2. Key performance indicators (KPI’s)
3.2.1. Definitions & example KPI’s
3.2.2. Using KPI’s to monitor and track performance
3.2.3. KPI case studies
3.3. Class Activities
3.3.1. Activity 2A – BAS Screen Data Check and Analysis of an AHU
3.3.2. Activity 2B – BAS Screen Data Check and Analysis of a VAV Fan
3.4. Section Summary and Knowledge Check
4. Course Project Assignment
4.1. Overview
4.2. Q&A