HVAC Building Controls - Building Automation - DDC - Direct Digital Control
Modern buildings use DDC controls for building automation systems. Building automation systems offer energy savings because they are energy management systems. These systems allow management to automatically control many processes involved with HVAC systems, lighting, and emergency systems.
HVAC Systems - All processes are automatic and set to a DDC program in the controls. This is done by a computer and proprietary software and hardware. There are three distinct protocols which are shared by different manufacturers so systems can be intermixed. Additionally, there are building automation systems bridge programs which integrate the different DDC protocols to each other so points can be read into different DDC software programs. Outside air and humidity can be read and applied to energy saving programs within the BAS system. Thermostat set points can be restricted preventing occupants from adjusting the thermostats outside of the restricted range. Schedules can be set into the DDC program so in unoccupied times all non-essential HVAC Systems shutdown.
Lighting Systems - lighting systems, both inside and outside, can be set to a schedule so in unoccupied hours minimal lighting is on. Motion sensors can also be hooked up to DDC and monitored for usage. Programs can be set up to bill tenants for energy use for lighting and other energy consuming systems.
Emergency Systems - modern energy management systems can also control and monitor emergency systems. Fire alarms and stairwell pressurization along with security systems can be integrated to the DDC control system to automatically control critical emergency processes and alert necessary personnel in the event of an emergency.
