Control Sequences
Ensure HVAC Systems Are Tuned Accurately
A control sequence (or sequence of operation) is the logic that tells a fan when it needs to ramp up, when a chiller needs to stage on, when a valve needs to open, etc.. On the surface, it seems simple enough. But sequences typically written (and/or programmed) to “just work” or meet the design intent, without consideration for energy efficiency or the long-term cost to the owner.
We write full sequences for all a building’s HVAC systems, including air handlers, chiller plants, and boiler plants. Our sequences are written to not only meet the design intent, but to do so as efficiently as possible without compromising safety, stability, and reliability.
HVAC Systems
Fine-tuning control sequences for commercial HVAC systems involves optimizing the operational algorithms and settings that dictate how the system responds to various inputs like temperature, humidity, and occupancy levels. By adjusting these control sequences, facility managers can enhance system performance, improve energy efficiency, and provide a more comfortable indoor environment, all while potentially reducing operational costs.
Air Handlers
Managing control sequences for air handlers involves calibrating the settings that dictate how air is circulated, conditioned, and distributed throughout a building to achieve optimal comfort and energy efficiency. By regularly monitoring and adjusting these sequences, facility managers can ensure that the air handlers operate at peak efficiency, which can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Chiller Plants
Managing control sequences for a chiller plant involves optimizing the operating parameters such as setpoints, schedules, and load distribution among multiple chillers to ensure efficient cooling performance and energy usage. Regular adjustments and monitoring of these control sequences can not only prolong the lifespan of the chiller equipment but also significantly reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the plant’s operation.
Boiler Plants
Managing control sequences for industrial boilers entails optimizing factors like combustion ratios, fuel supply rates, and steam output settings to ensure maximum efficiency and safety during operation. By continuously monitoring and fine-tuning these sequences, operators can achieve optimal boiler performance, which can result in significant energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Control Sequences Control Everything
Fine tuning control sequences is a simple way to make the major motors in your facility more efficient. Some of the benefits of calibrating control sequences include:
More efficient motors and systems
The ultimate goal of any control sequence is to make motors run more efficiently and use less power to do so.
Less run time and energy usage
Optimizing the right motor schedules and sequences allows your equipment to run more efficiently.
Reduced energy bills
The result of properly tuned controls is a reduction in energy consumption and billing expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fine-tuning control sequences is a powerful strategy to optimize energy performance and comfort in commercial and industrial buildings. With the right expertise and continuous monitoring, significant energy and cost savings can be achieved.
Fine-tuning control sequences refers to the optimization of how HVAC components like chillers, boilers, and air handlers operate in response to varying conditions. This involves modifying control algorithms, set points, and operating schedules to ensure these components work together efficiently, providing the desired indoor climate with the least amount of energy consumption.
Properly tuned control sequences can significantly improve energy efficiency by ensuring that HVAC components operate only when necessary and at optimal levels. For example, fine-tuning can ensure that chillers and boilers operate at their most efficient points or that air handlers provide the right amount of ventilation based on occupancy levels.
While there are best practices and industry standards, each building is unique in terms of its design, usage, and energy requirements. Customized control sequences often yield the best results and are usually determined through energy audits or retrocommissioning processes.
The need for fine-tuning can arise from several factors including changes in building usage, occupancy, or after the installation of new equipment. As a general guideline, it's beneficial to review control sequences annually, but continuous monitoring can help in detecting sub-optimal performance more proactively.
The need for fine-tuning can arise from several factors including changes in building usage, occupancy, or after the installation of new equipment. As a general guideline, it's beneficial to review control sequences annually, but continuous monitoring can help in detecting sub-optimal performance more proactively.
Some challenges may include incomplete or inaccurate documentation of existing control logic, lack of expertise in advanced control strategies, and constraints of older control systems that may not be easily reconfigurable. Another challenge is balancing the needs of energy efficiency against occupant comfort and system reliability.
Sometimes, yes! With the advent of Building Management Systems (BMS) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, many adjustments to control sequences can be done remotely. However, some tasks may still require on-site inspection and testing, particularly for older systems or more complex changes.
Why FES?
We’re here to help! FES is a boutique engineering firm offering customized solutions that are specific to the needs of your building and personnel. After a thorough on-site evaluation, FES will provide a list of recommended energy efficiency measures available for implementation with internal resources (at your own pace), or you can choose to let us manage the project from start to finish. Our identified solutions will allow for more efficient building operation with improved reliability while reducing your overall utility costs.
