Benefits of Building Automation Systems - Modern buildings use DDC controls for building automation systems. Building automation systems offer energy savings because they are energy management systems. These systems allow management to automatically control many processes involved with HVAC systems, lighting, and emergency systems. The systems are generally hooked up to the internet so monitoring and control can be done worldwide. (more…)
HVAC Control and Direct Digital Controls 2 - An HVAC technician who knows nothing about HVAC control systems would wonder how these HVAC control systems work. To understand HVAC controls, one must understand basic electricity and circuits.
DDC Controlled Chilled Water Actuator
DDC Controlled Chilled Water Actuator | HVAC Automation. This chilled water actuator is attached to a valve which supplies chilled water to the air handling unit. The air handling has a chilled water coil. The actuator modulates the valve based on a set point inside the DDC program. If the program has trim and respond capabilities the set point will rise up and down based on demand. Demand from the VAV boxes or the HVAC zones. Most DDC controlled actuators work off of a DC volt or current signal. (more…)
Boiler Piping Plant Renovation - Hot Water Boiler Piping for a commercial boiler application. Boiler project being renovated and getting all new DDC controls for optimum hydronic control and efficiency. Boilers are an excellent way of providing good hot water heating to a large building or community.
In this case, new boilers were installed to replace the old inefficient boilers. The piping was rearranged and a hot water boiler economizer preheater added to make efficiency better. New controls were added for remote monitoring and control and to improve efficiency. Lastly, the entire plant got a makeover to make things more reliable, efficient, and modern. (more…)
Variable Air Volume Systems - Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems are the best way to zone especially in large buildings. A VAV system with the proper controls and setup will help the building owner realize large savings in energy usage. There are many VAV systems out there set up in different ways. The most common set-up (for DDC) is, of course, usually the cheapest to install.
They have an air handler (DX or Chilled Water) which supplies the VAV Boxes with fixed pressure and temperature of the conditioned air. The VAV Boxes have electric reheat which will heat the air if that particular zone calls for heat (it is not uncommon to also find VAV boxes that have hot water reheat although this usually costs more to install but can save in energy costs). More on how VAV boxes work.
DDC Integration | HVAC DDC Controls - This is an electrical project which is in the process of changing the old control system to a new DDC control system. Installing new controls in an occupied building takes plenty of planning to avoid interruption in air conditioning or heating. The old control system was a basic electro-mechanical control system which little more than just basic building management control.
In HVAC a variable speed drive is a speed control system for electric motors. The variable speed drive (VSD) or variable frequency drive (VFD), among other names (adjustable-frequency drives (AFD), AC drives, micro-drives, or inverter drives). The application of variable speed drives has brought about a new way of engineering buildings and control systems HVAC.
The flow of water and air can now be regulated precisely using VSD’s and state-of-the-art control systems. By combining VSD’s with state-of-the-art control systems, large savings in energy usage can see realization because the exact quantity of flow of water or air can be delivered to satisfy demand.
Demand-based control is energy efficient. VSD’s can be stand-alone or controlled by a building automation system.
HVAC School Education | Heating and Cooling - A solid career in HVAC career begins with a good education in a good HVAC school. You can start at different levels and work your way up with a career. As you work your way up you will want to continue your education not only to increase your skill level but also to keep up with emerging technology.
A good technician or engineer has a good solid education in HVAC behind them and they always continue to seek out new knowledge by continuing their education in their field of expertise. (more…)
