Control System Components Sensors

Controllers Controlled Devices Control

Agents Control Functions Control System
Characteristics Closed Loop Control Open
Loop Control ON/OFF Control Proportional
Control Control System Requirements


List and describe common HVAC control system components.
Compare common control system components found in
heating, cooling, humidification, and ventilation systems.
List and describe common methods used to control
temperature, humidity, and pressure.
Identify common control system characteristics.
Describe common control system arrangements.
Identify common control system requirements.

sensor
controller
controlled device
control agent

Heating systems
hot water, steam, electric heating elements, or
combustion
Cooling systems
chilled water, direct expansion cooling or
outside air
Humidification
low-pressure steam, hot water vapor

room controller or thermostat
return air sensor or controller
safety controls
humidity sensor or controller
pressure sensor

setpoint
control point
offset
feedback

closed loop
open loop
ON/OFF
proportional
(analog)

provides safe, automatic and accurate
regulation of environmental conditions
poses no immediate risk to building
occupant health
operates automatically
accuracy is measured and provided to the
customer

What is the function of a controller?
to compare a signal to a setpoint value and send an
appropriate output signal

What is open loop control?
no feedback occurring between the controller, sensor, and
controlled device