Crankcase Heaters and Compressors | HVAC Refrigeration

Crankcase Heaters and Compressors | HVAC Refrigeration. Hello, I have a question about crankcase heaters and compressors. I am aware that they keep the refrigerant from saturating in the compressor when not running. However, if the refrigerant is R-22, it becomes saturated at approximately 40 degrees. We know the a/c is only operating at warm ambient temperatures. When it is off for the evening hours & the ambient temps stay above 40 degrees, why would one need to have a crankcase heater? Why do we need it on during this temperature range, or are crankcase heaters designed to be activated only during the colder months? Also, if one installs unregulated crankcase heaters (always operating), can this be a negative factor for the compressor life? (more…)

Outside Air Temperature-Humidity Sensor | HVAC Control

Outside Air Temperature-Humidity Sensor Outside Air Temperature-Humidity Sensor  - The outside air temperature sensor uses a thermistor to read the outside temperature. This sensor also senses humidity using a humidity transducer. The temperature and humidity readings are collected by a direct digital control system and used in a program. Aside from using this information for user interfaces, the information is also used in a control program to open and close an outside air damper.  (more…)

HVAC Control Programming DDC Logic 2

Programming DDC Logic 2 - Analog Network Input

Programming DDC Logic 2
Programming DDC Logic 2 - The analog network input is similar to an analog input except this input is not hardwired to the local controller but on a remote controller in the network. It is very important that the communication works effectively for this analog network input to work. An example of this is the outside air temperature which is hardwired to a DDC controller in the penthouse of a multistory building.

The building engineer only wants the boilers to fire if the outside air temperature is less than 55° F. Instead of having an outside air temperature device hardwired to the boiler controller an analog network input can be placed into the boiler controller program and linked to the outside air temperature reading which is in the penthouse controller where the outside air temperature thermistor is hardwired. This saves devices and wires necessary for optimum control.

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Duct Temperature Sensor

Duct Temperature Sensor - Thermistor Temperature Sensing DeviceDuct Temperature Sensor - The duct static temperature sensor measures air temperature in the ductwork. The solid-state temperature sensing devices are commonly used in HVAC applications that are controlled by direct digital control or a modern building automation system. At the base of the box is a probe that sticks into the air stream of the ductwork. As the air passes over it, the probe changes resistance. (more…)