Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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AE 411 - Building Systems Control

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course familiarizes the students with a basic knowledge of HVAC system controls and control theory. Topics covered will be pneumatic, electric, and electronic control systems and components. Building energy management and its connection to control systems will be introduced. In addition to this, basic motors starters and power sources will be reviewed. Reinforcement of the various topics will be provided through laboratory tests and observations using the various HVAC equipment located in the Johnson Controls Energy Laboratory. (prereq: AE 3132 , AE 3612 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Have a basic knowledge of HVAC system control theory
  • Write a basic control specification for a variety of HVAC system types
  • Discuss the operating characteristics and proper application of control systems components
  • Design a basic control system using the proper interface devices between pneumatic, electric and electronic components
  • Read, interpret and evaluate existing control diagrams

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Basic HVAC engineering design process
  • Psychrometrics (thermodynamic properties of air)
  • Bernoulli and Darly-Weisbach properties of air
  • Physics of electricity. Ohms law; series and parallel connection, inductance, capacitance
  • Basic electronic circuit theory, such as silicon controlled rectifiers and wheatstone bridge theory
  • Basic understanding of HVAC system types, such as variable air volume and multizone systems, including operational and design characteristics

Course Topics
  • Basic control and theory and terminology (3 classes)
  • Elements of control systems (5 classes)
  • Control of electric power (3 classes)
  • Sub-system controls (3 classes)
  • Equipment control (3 classes)
  • Complete control systems (5 classes)
  • Management and control systems (3 classes)
  • Central plant control systems (3 classes)
  • 2 indeterminate 1 hr. exams and 1 final exam (3 classes)

Coordinator
Deborah Jackman



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