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Electrical Theory & Applications for HVACR
Chapter 5: Automated Control Systems
Page 99
Automated Control Systems
5
This chapter provides an overview of control standards and the various types of control systems
available to homeowners.
WHY HAVE AUTOMATED CONTROLS
Due to the need to reduce energy consumpƟon, controls used in the HVACR field are constantly
evolving. Electronic processor technology has made it possible to turn analog household thermostats
into microcomputers. With this technology, the ability to control comfort condiƟons has expanded to
home computers and smart phones. Smart thermostats are energy management systems that can be
connected to a home’s network via cable or wireless internet, giving homeowners the ability to
control their HVAC systems from anywhere with internet access.
It is vital for today’s technicians to be computer literate and to have a basic understanding of
electronics, integrated circuits, microprocessors, digital controls, wireless controls, and network
communicaƟon systems.
Modern HVAC controls encompass much more than just a heat/cool thermostat; they allow
homeowners greater flexibility, comfort, and energy efficiency. New controls can be used with simple
heaƟng and air condiƟoning systems, or with mulƟlevel buildings that have hundreds of processors.
In these complex systems, several processes and sequences are oŌen occurring at once. Modern
control systems allow these processes to be automated and controlled with a precision that was
unavailable in the past. Building systems can be checked at a glance, and some systems can noƟfy the
technician of exisƟng problems. If a problem is detected, it may be possible to temporarily resolve
the issue by overriding a fault from a remote place. Time and money are saved when automated
systems report small problems before they become large ones.
BUILDING AUTOMATION
Building automaƟon refers to an intelligent network of electronic devices designed to monitor and
control the mechanical, electronic, and lighƟng systems in a building. A building automaƟon system
(BAS) is an example of a distributed control system.
BAS can perform many vital core funcƟons such as:
Keeping the building climate within a specified range.
Provide lighƟng based on an occupancy schedule.
Monitors HVAC/R system’s performance and device failures.
Provides email and/or text noƟficaƟons to the proper person.
BAS funcƟonality reduces building energy and maintenance costs. A building controlled by a BAS is
oŌen referred to as an intelligent building system or a smart home.