Control Systems 195

Chapter 11

Control Systems

C ontrol Systems:
Pneumatic
Electric
Electronic—Direct Digital Control (DDC)

Figure 11-1. Proportional, integral and derivative (PID) control. Con-

trol point, setpoint (SP), and drift (offset) from setpoint to control
point.

195
196 HVAC Fundamentals

HVAC CONTROL SYSTEMS

The purpose of an HVAC automatic control system is to

start, stop or regulate the flow of air, water or steam and to pro-
vide stable operation of the system by maintaining the desired
temperature, humidity and pressure. The automatic control sys-
tem is a group of components, each with a definite function de-
signed to interact with the other components so that the system is
self-regulating. HVAC control systems are classified according to
the source of power used for the operation of the various compo-
nents. The classifications and power sources are:

Pneumatic Systems: Compressed air.

Electric Systems:
Low voltage electricity (normally 24 Volts)
Line voltage electricity (normally 110 to 220 Volts)
Electronic Systems (DDC): Low voltage electricity (normally 5 to
15 Volts).
Electric- or Electronic-to-Pneumatic Systems: Electricity and com-
pressed air.

PNEUMATIC CONTROL SYSTEMS OPERATION

Main Air
The source of the compressed air in a pneumatic system is an
electrically driven, reciprocating, positive displacement air com-
pressor generally sized at 25 horsepower or less. Compressors are
normally sized so that they do not operate more than one-third of
the time. This extends compressor life and allows sufficient time
to cool the air in the receiver tank. The receiver tank receives and
stores the compressed air from the compressor for use throughout
the system. In order for the pneumatic components to function
correctly the compressed air used to operate the system must be
kept clean, dry and oil-free. Therefore, a number of devices are
installed in the system to dry the air and remove oil, vapors, dirt