HVAC Control Systems
An HVAC control system has four basic elements: Sensors, Controllers,
Controlled devices, Source of energy.
1. Sensor: It measures actual value of controlled variable such as temperature,
humidity or flow and provides information to the controller.
Analog sensors are used to monitor continuously changing conditions. The
analog sensor provides the controller with a varying signal such as 0 to 10V.
Digital sensors are used to provide two position open or closed signal such as a
pump that is on or off. The digital sensor provides the controller with a discrete
signal such as open or closed contacts.
Typical sensors used in HVAC systems provide measurements of temperature,
relative humidity, pressure, volume flow rate, air velocity, and liquid level.
2. Controller: It receives input from sensor, processes the input and then
produces intelligent input signal for controlled device.
3. Controlled device: It acts to modify controlled variable as directed by
controller. These include control valves, heating and cooling coils, dampers,
actuators, pumps & fans.
4. Source of energy: It is needed to power the control system. Control systems
use either a pneumatic or electric power supply.
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Aims of HVAC Control Systems: They are used for the following benefits:
Lower energy cost Lower operations cost
Increase flexibility Ensure quality building environment
Types of Control Systems: There are 5 different types of HVAC Control
Systems, as described below.
1. Direct Acting Systems: The simplest form of controller is direct-acting,
comprising a sensing element which transmits power to a valve through a
capillary, bellows and diaphragm. The measuring system derives its energy
from the process under control without amplification by any auxiliary source of
power which makes it simple and easy to use.
2. Electric / Electronic Systems
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In residential and small commercial applications, low voltage electrical
controls are most common. A transformer is used to reduce the 115/220 volt
alternating current (AC) to a nominal 24 volts. This voltage signal is controlled
by thermostats, and can open gas solenoid valves, energize oil burners or
solenoid valves on the DX coil, control electric heat, operate two position
valves and damper or turn on-off fans and pumps.
An electronic control system can be enhanced with visual displays that show
system status and operation.
3. Pneumatic Systems: The most popular control system for large buildings
historically has been pneumatics which can provide both on-off and modulating
control.
Compressed air with an input pressure can be regulated by thermostats and
humidistat. By varying the discharge air pressure from these devices, the signal
can be used directly to open
valves, close dampers, and
energize other equipment. The
copper or plastic tubing carry
the control signals around the
building, which is relatively
inexpensive. The pneumatic
system is very durable, is safe
in hazardous areas where
electrical sparks must be
avoided, and most importantly,
is capable of modulation, or
operation at part load condition. While the 24-volt electrical control system
could only energize a damper fully open or fully closed, a pneumatic control
system can hold that damper at 25%, 40% or 80% open. This allows more
accurate matching of the supply with the load.
Pneumatic controls use clean, dry & oil free compressed air, both as the control
signal medium and to drive the valve stem with the use of diaphragms.
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4. Microprocessor
Systems
Direct Digital Control
(DDC) is the most
common deployed
control system today.
The sensors and output
devices (e.g.,
actuators, relays) used
for electronic control
systems are usually the
same ones used on
microprocessor-based
systems. The
distinction between
electronic control
systems and
microprocessor-based systems is in the handling of the input signals. In an
electronic control system, the analog sensor signal is amplified, and then
compared to a set point or override signal through voltage or current
comparison and control circuits. In a microprocessor-based system, the sensor
input is converted to a digital form, where discrete instructions (algorithms)
perform the process of comparison and control. Most subsystems, from VAV
boxes to boilers and chillers, now have an onboard DDC system to optimize the
performance of that unit. A communication protocol known as BACNet is a
standard protocol that allows control units from different manufacturers to pass
data to each other.
5. Mixed Systems: Combinations of controlled devices are possible. For
example, electronic controllers can modulate a pneumatic actuator. Also,
proportional electronic signals can be sent to a device called transducer, which
converts these signals into proportional air pressure signals used by the
pneumatic actuators. A sensor-transducer assembly is called a transmitter.
