Control Systems

573

Figure 22-16. Basic HVAC Control Applications (Concluded)

Figure 22-17. Ad-

vanced Lighting
Control Applica-
tions
574 Energy Management Handbook

Figure 22-18. Advanced HVAC Control Applications

Note for Advanced Routines: Many optimization routines rely on end-use polling of demand or valve/damper posi-
tions such as “most open valve” routines. This can be done cost effectively without actual measurement of position—by
polling the individual “percent commanded output.” This is referred to as “implied position” and is acceptable in most
cases in lieu of actual position. Note also that routines that use polling have the potential to be inefficiently operated if
one errant measurement exists. For polling space temperatures, for example, limiting the user adjustment is strongly
recommended in conjunction with demand polling of space controls. Additionally, it may make sense to “discard” the
high and low values from such polling to prevent errant operation. Some polling techniques wait to react until several
“calls” exist; this reduces the chance of an errant signal driving the entire heat/cool plant, but also introduces dissatis-
faction if a single and legitimate call exists, since the control system would ignore it.
Control Systems 575

Figure 22-18. Advanced HVAC Control Applications (Continued)

576 Energy Management Handbook
Figure 22-18. Advanced HVAC Control Applications (Continued)
• Projects with marginal return on investment (ROI)
look worse and may be eliminated.
The applied de-rate will depend on the level of un-
certainty. A high degree of uncertainty suggests the need
for a higher de-rate. A value of 30% is suggested for most
applications, although there are cases where no de-rate is
needed. One of the big uncertainties for savings associat-
ed with controls is whether the savings will last. Controls
are different from other “bolted down” changes, because
many of the optimizing features are software and can eas-
ily be changed.
Examples:
• Easy to Quantify. A lighting replacement project with
24-7 operation need not be de-rated at all since there
are few, if any, uncertainties. This is easy to quantify
since only one parameter has changed (light fixture
energy efficiency).
• Hard to Quantify. An Automatic Control project
that includes multiple control system improve-
ments implemented at the same time, such as vari-
able pumping, free cooling modes, supply air reset,
boiler lock-out, morning warm-up, and new quar-
ter-turn (no leak by) terminal unit control valves.
This adds uncertainty for what savings come from
individual measures. From a purely simplistic
standpoint, a project consisting of several control
improvements could be implemented one at a time
with six months of post-project measurement and
verification (M&V), changing only one thing at a
time. This would have the clear advantage of know-