HVAC Control Systems

Catalog description

In this course, students will gain an understanding of basic automatic control theory, control system components, and control system design for applications related to building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The course builds on knowledge of HVAC system function and design obtained in prior courses in the curriculum and prepares students for advanced design courses and the capstone project. The course begins with an introduction to concepts and terminology of automatic control, followed by detailed study of control system components: sensors, controlled devices, and controllers. Understanding of these fundamentals is then applied to the development and documentation of controls for common HVAC systems and the commissioning of control systems. Relevant standard and guideline documents are referenced as appropriate. Students gain skills to design, document, and analyze the performance of building control systems. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe the characteristics of dynamic control systems and illustrate typical responses; identify, explain, and select the components of a control system; select and explain appropriate control strategies and sequences of operation; design and specify complex building automation systems for a variety of building types; and assess and contrast HVAC control sequences.