.

Program Name:  Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)-Electrical Engineering 

4th Semester

Course Name: Building Technology - 4

Topic Covered : DDC Controllers in Building Management Systems

(BMS) & Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
         

Student Name: Ayush Kumar Joshi Teacher Name: Dr. Dhawan Singh
Roll No.: 1910992153 Associate Professor
Branch: B.E. Electrical Chitkara College of Applied Engineering
Chitkara University

1
Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 1
What is DDC ?
DDC stands for Direct Digital Control
It is a programmable microprocessor based
controller which:

Reads data from the input devices

Process that data using programmed control

logic and

Control the equipment (like AHU) to achieve

desired outcome.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 2
DDC a briefer Introduction
• Large facilities require sophisticated controls to maintain comfortable temperature and
humidity levels while staying efficient and reliable.

• It’s for this reason that many industrial, commercial, and other buildings such as schools,
apartment complexes, and office spaces have dedicated direct digital control (DDC)
systems.

• DDC systems provide more precise control over HVAC and lighting operation, allowing

you to set different temperature zones, schedule and automate system operation, and
monitor performance over time.

• If your facility isn’t equipped with a DDC control system, installing one may be a
worthwhile investment.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 3
Features of DDC ?
Different type of DDC but all have following common
features:

DDC reads data from input devices using Analog or

Digital input,

DDC controls the equipment using Analog or Digital

outputs,

DDC supports some network protocol (like BACnet,

Lon) to communicate with Workstation or other
controller.

DDC Department
can be programmed using
of Electrical Engineering a software
- Chitkara tool program.
University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 4
Operating Principles of DDC
DDC systems consist of a central computer workstation that monitors HVAC, lighting, or other system functions
via a series of sensors.

These sensors transmit data back to the workstation, where sophisticated software monitors performance and
makes operational adjustments as necessary.

From the central workstation, staff can oversee HVAC system performance in real-time and perform manual
program changes when required.

DDC systems typically allow for a great deal of flexibility while their primary purpose is building automation
and systems integration, they also enable staff to respond to unique conditions, troubleshoot errors, and take
care of basic maintenance from a single point that provides system-wide visibility.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 5
Types of DDC ?

DDC types differ based on

the manufacture and the
application.

BACnet is an Open
Communication Protocol Lets Consider different
which is being widely used types of BACnet
in today’s Building Controller.
Automation.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 6
Types of DDC ?
Application Specific Controller (ASC):

1. Used for specific applications e.g. VAV boxes, FCU, Package Units etc.

2. Point Count is limited as per the application.

3. May be programmable or factory configured for the application.

4. Some also have built-in clock for scheduling.

5. Communicate through BACnet MSTP protocol.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 7
Types of DDC ?
Advance Application Specific Controller (AASC):

1. Have wider range of point counts/types with capability for points

expansion.

2. Support Scheduling, Trending and Alarming capabilities.

3. Programmable for different applications e.g. AHUs, PACUs, Chillers etc.

4. Usually Communicate using both BACnet IP & MSTP.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 8
Types of DDC ?
Building Controller (BC):

1. Used for routing information between different controllers and user, ASC

& AASC can be connected to these controllers through MSTP.

2. Also known as Global Controllers and their capabilities differ based on the

manufacturer.

3. These controller may have no point capability and used for only

supervisory control of ASC/AASC (e.g. Scheduling, Trending, Alarming)

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 9
Types of DDC ?

4. BC with point capacity are not much different than a flexible AASC. But

usually they have larger points capacity.

5. These controller might also provide functionality to integrate Modbus

and M-bus devices into the BMS.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 10
I/O Points ?
Most points in a building automation system can be classified as one of the following:

1. Analog Input (AI): Used to measure temperature, resistance, voltage, or current

2. Analog Output (AO): Used to control dampers, valves, VFDs, actuators, etc.

3. Binary Input (BI): Used for differential pressure switches, auxiliary contacts, etc.

4. Binary Output (BO): Used for pilot relays for general two-position control

Note: Some controller only supports expansion IO modules and don’t have built-in
points Or a Controller may have built-in points and also support expansion IO
modules.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 11
Points to be noted

The most important difference between analog and binary points is that analog points can represent a
range of values where binary can only represent 2 different states (typically off/on).


The difference between an input and an output is an input brings data from an end device back to your
BAS whereas an output will control an end device.


Most DDC controllers on the market today limit each point to one of these 4 variations. Those that do
offer universal inputs and outputs typically achieve this by using manual dip switches and jumpers on the
controller that offer some degree of flexibility.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 12
Products Uses in DDC

Honeywell Spyder Controller

(ASC)

1. Built-in IO Points on the

controller.

2. Support fixed number of

points (18 No. for PV6436AS)

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 13
Products Uses in DDC

Honeywell Excel Web-II (BC)

1. Support expansion IO modules

which communicate to the controller
over Panel Bus.

2. Some models additionally have

built-in points.

3. Supports large number of points

(600 points)

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 14
Benefits of Direct Digital Control Systems
DDC and other building automation systems offer several advantages for building
owners, maintenance staff, and facility managers. A well-designed DDC system will:

• Respond quickly to environmental changes, helping maintain more stable temperatures and,

ultimately, better occupant comfort year-round.

• Boost energy efficiency through programmable operations sequences.

• Keep operating costs down by ensuring HVAC systems are running at peak efficiency at all

times.
Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 15
Benefits of DDC Systems cont.….

•Reduce workloads by automating basic lighting and HVAC processes according to a set schedule.

•Assist with diagnostics, reducing downtime and alerting you when preventative maintenance is

necessary.

•Simplify retro-commissioning, as individual equipment and systems can be swapped out without

expensive infrastructural upgrades.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 16
Note

Direct digital control DDC system installation

technology takes outdated requires an advanced level of
building control tools and technical expertise to
brings them into the 21st minimize downtime and
century. By investing in a ensure compatibility across
DDC setup up front, it will the board, particularly in
save you money in the long older buildings where HVAC
run while making your systems have been installed
operation more intelligent and and upgraded a little at a time.
data-driven overall.

Department of Electrical Engineering - Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 17
Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology (CUIET) 18