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ENGINEERING
An Alternative Approach to Writing HVAC Control Sequences
By RICK MEETRE, PE, CI
Wed, 2014-11-05 12:51
Introducing the output-oriented/prioritized method
EM, CBCP; Tripleteq LLC; Greenbelt, Md.
Reading and correctly interpreting a control-system sequence of operation can be difficult.
Misunderstandings are common and often result in poorly programmed systems. This article discusses an
alternative method of writing HVAC control sequences, one resulting in narratives at once concise—often,
less than half the word count—and precise, providing absolute clarity as to how a control system operates.
This method reduces complexity, optimizes control, and enhances system value while conserving cost, time,
and energy.
The Output-Oriented/Prioritized Control Sequence
Output-oriented/prioritized is a structured format for writing control sequences. Itis based on two
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principles: output-oriented organization and priority levels.
Output-oriented organization. In an output-oriented control sequence, the required operation of each
output point in a system (e.g., AHU-1 preheat valve) is described completely ina single list. Every condition
influencing control of the output points is discussed in the list and nowhere else.
Priority levels. Within each output point, conditions that may affect the output point are prioritized. For
the highest-priority condition that exists, the required output action is executed, and any remaining
conditions are ignored. For example, for an air-handling unit:
Supply-fan control
If the smoke detector activates, the supply fan shall be de-energized at its safety circuit,
Ifthe freezestat trips, the supply fan shall be de-energized at its safety cireuit.
Ifthe high-static safety trips, the supply fan shall be de-energized at its safety cireuit.
In oceupied mode, the supply fan runs continuously.
In unoccupied mode, the supply fan remains off, cycling on only when room temperature is below the
night heating setpoint.
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Preheat value
1. If the freezestat alarm trips, the preheat valve shall open 100 pereent.
2. If the supply-fan status is off, the valve shall modulate to maintain unit interior temperature at 45°F.
3. The preheat valve shall modulate to maintain a minimum preheat-coil discharge-air temperature of
50°F.
Chilled-water valve
1. If the freezestat alarm trips, the chilled-water valve shall close.
2. If the supply-fan status is off, the chilled-water valve shall close.
3. The chilled-water valve shall modulate to maintain supply-air temperature.
Outside-air damper
. If the freezestat alarm trips, the outside-air damper shall close.
. If the supply-fan status is off, the outside-air damper shall close.
. In unoccupied mode, the outside-air damper shall close.
|. If outside-air enthalpy is above 25 Btu per pound, the outside-air damper shall be minimally (15
percent) open.
. If outside-air enthalpy is below 25 Btu per pound, the outside-air damper will modulate between
minimally and fully open to maintain the supply-air-temperature setpoint and a minimum low-limit
mixed-air temperature of 50°F.
Pepe
Return-air damper
1. The return-air damper modulates inversely to the outside-air damper at all times.
Interpretation
Interpretation of the sample air-handling-unit control sequence above is demonstrated in the following
examples:
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1. An on-site engineer finds a supply fan is not operating. Following the sequence under “Supply-fan
control,” he checks smoke-detector status. It is normal, He then checks freezestat status. It is normal
as well. Proceeding down the list, he discovers the high-statie safety has tripped. There is no need to
go further; the high-statie safety needs to be reset.
2. While reviewing trend logs, a commissioning agent sees an outside-air damper was closed during
occupied mode. Following the sequence under “Outside-air damper,” she finds the freezestat tripped.
There is no need to read further; the freezestat needs to be reset.
Benefits
An output-oriented/ prioritized control sequence:
+ Ishighly structured and easily learned.
+ Is condensed, shortening the process of locating and interpreting an issue.
+ Is modular, allowing the use of standard libraries.
+ Can be used by building owners and operators as well as HVAC contractors in troubleshooting with
minimal training.
+ Can be formalized as a standard practice.
With an output-oriented prioritized control sequence:
+ The likelihood of misinterpretation is minimized.
+ Required actions are clear.
+ Standard English is used throughout.
+ Repetition is avoided.
+ Programming time is reduced, reducing cost for the owner,
The output-oriented/prioritized control sequence mimics how software developers in many other
disciplines of science and engineering approach complex software activities: by writing “structured English.”
This method produces a high-level English-language description of the flow of logic before coding.
To address needs that arise during commissioning and testing, consider writing into specifications a
provision allowing up to 10 percent modification of a sequence. Because the output-oriented /prioritized
approach is very precise, omitted or mistaken sequence statements will be obvious. Such a provision will
improve flexibility and aid cost control.
Conclusion
This article is meant to stimulate thought. There are a number of ways to approach the writing of control
sequences, many of which have merit. If you prefer to write sequences giving exact instructions, the output-
oriented/prioritized approach is worth considering. At the very least, consideration and practice of this
approach will allow specifying engineers to perceive control sequences from another point of view.
Rick Meetre, PE, CEM, CBCP, is an independent HVAC controls and energy consultant with 30 years of
senior-level experience. His areas of focus include HVAC-system commissioning, testing, and verification;
HVAC-controls design review; energy-metering and usage evaluation; and troubleshooting and solving
difficult HVAC-system problems.
Did you find this article useful? Send comments and suggestions to Executive Editor Scott Arnold at
scott.arnold@penton.co:
pone comipeibuleng- con osflternatve-apprcach-wiing:twac-control sequences Eryare8n015 ‘An Altoratve Apc oach to Writing HVAG Control Sequences
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