ARE 5421 - Design of Building Control Systems

2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits

Course Description
This course familiarizes the mechanical and electrical specialty student with a basic knowledge of HVAC, electrical, illumination, security, access control, fire alarm, and communication 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. Additionally, this course introduces automatic control issues related to energy conservation, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort in buildings. Topics include classification of low voltage control systems, control systems software and hardware, selection and sizing of sensors, actuators, and controllers, and understanding control diagrams and specifications. (prereq: either ARE 3451 OR ARE 3121 and ARE 3151) (quarter system prereq: AE 3421 or AE 3632, AE 3636)

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain MEP system control theory
Develop a basic control specification for a variety of MEP system types
Explain the operating characteristics and proper application of control systems components
Design a basic control system using the proper interface devices
Illustrate and evaluate existing control diagrams
Design of controls systems and applications across multiple disciplines
Implement mechanical system control criteria
Evaluate the operating characteristics and proper application of different control strategies
Use software logic to drive control device
Design the software and hardware for a basic control system
Devise detailed control specification for a variety of mechanical system types

Prerequisites by Topic

For Mechanical Specialty Students:

Basic principles of electrical engineering for buildings

For Electrical Specialty Students:

Basic principles of mechanical engineering for buildings

Course Topics

Basic control theory and terminology
Elements of control systems
Control energy sources and control devices
Sub-system controls
Equipment control
Complete HVAC control systems
Management and control systems
Central plant control systems
Electrical and Illumination control systems
Communication and other low voltage control systems
Access and security controls
Building Automation System (BAS) structure
Integration of non-HVAC control systems into a BAS
Review of basic control theory and terminology
Balance between thermal comfort and energy efficiency
Direct digital control systems
Control software and logic
Control hardware and field devices
Mechanical controls drawings
Selection of control devices
Specifying control software and devices
Advanced mechanical systems and controls logic
Controls optimization for energy efficiency
Controls and energy monitoring
Basic controls commissioning
Calibration and ongoing maintenance

Laboratory Topics

Weekly hands-on exercises and interactive problem-solving sessions that reinforce the weekly lecture topics, including:
- Control equipment identification
- System schematic design
- Building automation systems
- HVAC controls
- Lighting controls
- Access and security controls

Coordinator
Brian Pfeifer, P.E.

Announcement

The Raider Return

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Connect With MSOE

ARE 5421 - Design of Building Control Systems