HVAC Instrumentation and Control

In HVAC Instrumentation and Control, you'll learn ...

• Define the basic blocks of a control system
• Distinguish between open loop and closed loop systems
• Describe different types of temperature, humidity, pressure and flow sensors
• Define set point, control point, offset and throttling range

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 6 PDH

Length: 96 pages

HVAC systems are designed for peak conditions. Because these conditions prevail only for a small period during the year, the HVAC equipment must operate most of the time at lean capacity. The function of the control system is to adjust the equipment capacity to match the load. Automatic controls are necessary not only to achieve the design conditions in the conditioned space but are also required for efficient operation of the HVAC system. The main parameters to be controlled in air conditioning systems are temperature, pressure, humidity, air quality and thermal energy distribution.

This 6 -hour course covers the basic control fundamentals of automatic controls in an HVAC system. Emphasis is placed on the control principles, terminology, basic components, control devices and direct digital control systems. Numerous illustrations and examples have been included to enhance the understanding of the course material. This course is aimed at the personnel who have some limited background in the air conditioning field or who may be having difficulty relating controls to air-conditioning equipment. The course is suitable for students, mechanical, electrical, controls and HVAC engineers, architects, building designers, contractors, estimators, energy auditors and facility managers.

It is important to note that the primary factor influencing the effectiveness of HVAC systems is the proper mechanical design itself. The HVAC system must be properly designed to satisfy the process or comfort requirements. Only when this criterion is satisfied can a suitable control system be applied.

Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained

This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:

• Define the basic blocks of a control system
• Distinguish between open loop and closed loop systems
• Describe different types of temperature, humidity, pressure and flow sensors
• Define set point, control point, offset and throttling range
• Determine controller action for the given application
• Distinguish between direct and reverse reset
• Distinguish between mixing and diverting valves
• Define flow coefficient, valve authority, controllability, rangeability and turndown ratio
• Describe the sizing of control valves
• Define proportional control, PI control and PID control
• Describe direct digital control terminology, hardware and control network
• Cite the energy saving benefits of DDC systems

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 30 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.