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BAS ACADEMY
WEEK 01 Stage 1 · Concepts 8 hours

Control Fundamentals

DELIVERABLE DP control-loop sketch, 2-minute owner explanation

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Level 1 badge: Control Basics

Learning objectives

  • >Define setpoint, process variable, error and control output, and identify each in a pump DP loop
  • >Distinguish two-position, floating, proportional, PI and PID control and where each is used in HVAC
  • >Explain why proportional-only control leaves offset, and what integral action fixes
  • >Describe how DDC replaced pneumatic and electric controls, and why hybrid buildings still exist

Sessions

Three 2-hour weeknight sessions plus a weekend block. Check each one off as you finish it.

Quiz

Score: 0 / 5 · aim for 4+

Answer in your notebook first, then reveal the answer and grade yourself honestly.

  1. Q1In a variable-speed chilled-water pump DP loop, what is the process variable and what is the controlled output?

    [ reveal answer ]
    DP is the process variable. Pump speed, through the VFD, is the controlled output.

  2. Q2Why does proportional-only control leave a steady-state offset?

    [ reveal answer ]
    The controller needs some error to produce any output, so the loop settles with a residual offset from setpoint.

  3. Q3What does integral action do, and what is one risk of too much of it?

    [ reveal answer ]
    It accumulates error over time and drives the offset to zero. Too much causes overshoot, oscillation or windup.

  4. Q4Name two ways to control a damper actuator other than a modulating 0–10 V signal.

    [ reveal answer ]
    Two-position (on/off) and floating (tri-state, drive open or drive closed).

  5. Q5Why is derivative action rarely used in HVAC loops?

    [ reveal answer ]
    HVAC processes are slow and sensor signals are noisy. Derivative amplifies noise and adds little.

// DONE WHEN

// STRETCH (OPTIONAL)

Building Automation Basics for the HVAC Tech (HVAC School podcast).