DDC Controls
Upcoming dates coming soon!
Take this course when it’s offered next!
Course Overview
DDC system components, terminology and design options have created many challenges for engineers and facility operators. Open protocols have also increased customer expectations, but have added complexity to the planning and design process. If you plan, design or specify DDC systems, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of current technologies and options.
Master direct digital control systems by learning how to:
- Define your DDC requirements to control HVAC and related building systems
- Identify the hardware and software elements that make up a DDC system
- Evaluate the advantages and/or drawbacks of open systems (BACnet)
- Plan for IT and cybersecurity concerns
- Avoid common problems when controlling air handling units, VAV systems, central plants, and more
Who Should Attend?
- Consulting, design, and energy engineers
- Building owners, facility managers, and operating staff
- Commissioning authorities
- Contractors and building HVAC control service organizations
- Technicians responsible for the design, acquisition or operation of environmental control systems in commercial, institutional, or industrial facilities
Additional Information
Examine the capabilities of DDC systems and learn:
- The importance of having a planned system architecture
- If open protocols add value with respect to your requirements
- Control strategies for a variety of HVAC system types
This course will give you a broad range of knowledge to understand the principles and technical concepts used by various manufacturers. This understanding is essential to acquire, implement, and operate a cost-effective system. While various manufacturers are discussed during the course, the course content is not specific to any vendor.
A laptop computer or tablet is required for the course.
Course Outline
Download the full agenda in PDF format here
MONDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)
Course Overview
Introduction to DDC Systems
- Basic elements of control
- Feedback concepts
- Loop response
- Terminology
- Types of hardware, software, and firmware
Introduction to the Controlled Systems: Part 1, Load Dynamics
The Nature of the Problem
- Developing a Simple Control Loop
Supplemental Content: Introduction to the Controlled Systems: Part 2**
- Pumps and Fans
- Ducts and Pipes
- Heat Exchangers
- Refrigeration Cycles and Cooling Equipment
- Boilers and Heating Equipment
Input and Output Data Flow
- AI, DI, and PI
- Analog to digital conversion
- Sensor types, applications, accuracy, stability, calibration, and other factors
- Safeties, limit devices, and power monitoring
- AO, DO, and PWM
- Digital to analog conversion
- Transducers; damper and valve actuators
- Configuring network data flow
- Important performance factors
TUESDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)
Inputs and Outputs: The Field Perspective
- Where We Came From
- Averaging Sensors, Thermal Lags, Position Effect Proxies
- Calibration Offset vs. Multi-Point
- Actuators
- Code Issues and Terminal Strips
Supplemental Content: Pneumatic Controls**
System Architecture
- Network concepts
- Generic components
- Communication concepts
- Local vs. global information
- Installation issues
IT Considerations
Open Systems – the Myths and Realities
- Do you want an open system?
- Understanding IT vs. DDC
- Cautions and concerns
- Different levels of open systems
- Engineering issues
Cybersecurity
WEDNESDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)
System Architecture for BACnet
Supplemental Content: Network Architecture, from the Field Perspective**
Programming Tools
- Types of programming
- Logic diagrams and programming symbols
- Designing control logic
Controlling Analog Processes
- PID Control
- Open Loop vs. Close Loop Tuning
- Lags and the Two Thirds Rule
- Supplemental Content: Controlling Analog Processes – Lags**
- Supplemental Content: Controlling Analog Processes – The Impact of Lags, an Example**
- Supplemental Content: Controlling Analog Processes – Guidelines for Tuning Loops and Functional Testing**
Application Requirements: The System Concept
- Organizing your information
- Process by process approach
- Supervisory logic
- Working with System Diagrams
Controlling the Mixed Air Section
- Strategies and control logic
- Assessing an Economizer in the Field
- Supplemental Content: Mixing Air**
- Supplemental Content: Limiting Economizer Operation**
- Supplemental Content: Assessing an Economizer**
THURSDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)
Controlling the Air Handling Unit Section
- Heating, cooling, humidification, and reheat
Controlling the Fan
Controlling Constant Volume Systems
Central Plants: Pump Interactions and Affinity Laws
- Controlling a Condenser Water System
- Supplemental Content: Controlling Different Central Plant Technologies**
VAV Systems
- Terminal Unit Basics
- Supply and Return Fan Flow
- Loads and Coil Discharge Temperatures
- Minimum and Maximum Flow Settings
- Supplemental Content: Flow and Pressure Measurement**
FRIDAY (8 AM to 12 Noon)
Defining, Planning, Procuring DDC Systems
- Architecture; Types of Hardware
- Integration and/or Interoperability Concerns
- Operator Interfaces; Training
- Acquisition Strategies; Sole-Source vs. Multi-Vendor
- Open Protocols
- Key to Success
Specifying Your System
- System Descriptions
- Materials; Devices; Hardware & Software
- System Setup
- Specifying Commissioning of DDC
DDC System Commissioning
- Documentation Review
- Start-up Checks
- Functional Performance Tests (FPT)
- The Five Principles of DDC
**Supplemental Content is included in course materials, but may or may not be presented during class based on time and attendee questions/requests.
Instructors
Steve Briggs
Steve has been an Electrical Engineer with Facility Dynamics Engineering for 20 years. He formerly worked at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) campus of the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Champaign, IL.
For the past 15 years, Steve has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on the development of DoD Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) and Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) for Open Building Automation Systems based on BACnet, LonWorks, and the Niagara Framework. In the past, he has also authored similar Lon and BACnet-based guide specifications for Region 9 (West coast) of GSA.
J Santos
Jay Santos, PE, president, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Columbia, Maryland, is a consulting engineer with more than 25 years of experience in HVAC system troubleshooting, modernization, and automation, he has served commercial, institutional, and industrial clients worldwide. He is a highly respected educator, having supported the HVAC continuing education programs of several major universities.
David Sellers
David Sellers, senior engineer, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Portland, Oregon, has more than 30 years of experience with commissioning, design engineering, facilities engineering, mechanical and control system contracting, and project engineering. His work spans a wide array of facilities, ranging from hospitals and semiconductor clean rooms to commercial office buildings and research/pilot projects in the energy efficiency and sustainability arena.
Joy Altwies
Joy Altwies, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP+, is a program director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs. Since 2004, Dr. Altwies has developed and taught continuing education courses emphasizing high-performance building design and construction, mechanical system design and operation, energy efficiency, and commissioning. She is also the program director of the Master of Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE) degree program and an instructor of two graduate courses in the program.
DDC Controls
Course #: RA00259DDC Controls
Date: Mon. June 10, 2024 – Fri. June 14, 2024ID: RA00259-D063
Fee:
- $1,995
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials and certificate.
10% discount when three or more sign up from same employer ($1795.50).
- CEU: 3.6
- PDH: 36
DDC Controls
Date: Mon. June 12, 2023 – Fri. June 16, 2023ID: RA00259-C832
Fee:
- $1,995
-
Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials and certificate.
Team Discount: $1795 per person when three or more enroll from the same employer
- CEU: 3.6
- PDH: 36