Control Systems 201

lating signal to the actuator by way of a transducer (electrical-to-

pneumatic or electrical-to-electrical). The transducer maintains
the computer output signal until readjusted by the computer.
Other DDC systems may change the control signal by a series of
on-off or open-closed signals to bleed air out of, or put air into the
actuator. In all cases there is some interfacing signal device re-
quired to isolate the computer output circuitry from the control
signal circuitry.
The DDC system can utilize many forms of logic to control
the output from a given input. The input signal can be modified
considerably by various logic statements as desired, thereby pro-
viding a great amount of flexibility in establishing the sequence of
operation. With a practical understanding of the HVAC system,
the system operator is able to fine tune the control system to
provide the most efficient operation possible.
A DDC controller’s output signals (in volts direct current) for
both direct acting and reverse acting operation are:

Temperature D/A Output R/A Output

72° F 6 vdc 9 vdc
75° F 7.5 vdc 7.5 vdc
78° F 9 vdc 6 vdc

ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS

Most DDC systems, in addition to providing local loop con-

trol, provide energy management functions that are usually asso-
ciated with supervisory type energy management systems.
Historically, energy management systems (EMS) were installed
separate from, and in addition to, the local loop controls to pro-
vide these functions. This resulted in a local pneumatic control
system which was interfaced to a computer system to provide the
energy management functions. Now a DDC system can provide
both these functions in one system. The energy management func-
tions provided by these systems include cooling demand control,
202 HVAC Fundamentals

hot and cold deck reset, chilled water reset, dead band, duty cy-
cling, optimized start/stop, etc.

Cooling Demand Control

The DDC system can automatically reduce the fan speed
and/or increase the cooling temperature to unload the refrigera-
tion compressor(s). This provides a percentage of load reduction
as opposed to the simple on/off function.

Hot and Cold Deck Reset

Because the local loop control is being set by the DDC sys-
tem, the hot/cold deck temperatures can be controlled directly,
which allows the hot and cold valves to be positioned indepen-
dently of each other. The heating valve can be commanded, for
example, to be closed during the cooling season so there is no
overlap of the heating and cooling functions.

Chilled Water Reset

By directly controlling the capacity of the chiller, the water
temperature can be set at any value desired. This can be a func-
tion of outside air temperature, building load, or a combination of
both. It assures the most efficient operation of the chiller no mat-
ter what the load or outside temperature may be.

Dead Band
By direct control of the setpoints of the various systems, a
dead band can be programmed into the control algorithm to pro-
vide a separation of the heating and cooling setpoints, i.e., the
heating setpoint may be set at 70°F and the cooling set for 75°F.
Between these two temperatures, the system commands the heat-
ing valve and cooling valve closed.

BENEFITS of DDC

The benefits of DDC include simplicity of operation (with

one system providing control and energy management), tighter,