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Direct Digital Control

Direct digital control (DDC) refers to a system that uses digital devices like microprocessors to automatically control a process based on certain conditions. DDC systems monitor various factors like temperature, humidity, and air movement and make adjustments when conditions are outside acceptable levels. DDC is also used in safety systems to monitor things like oil well pressure and take action if pressure exceeds safe limits, allowing intervention before human involvement. DDC uses control loops involving sensors, controllers, and controlled devices to regulate things like indoor air temperature in HVAC systems. Data is measured, processed, and used to trigger control actions. DDC systems can also generate alarms if issues are detected and store trend data to analyze equipment performance and energy consumption over time.

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386 views10 pages

Direct Digital Control

Direct digital control (DDC) refers to a system that uses digital devices like microprocessors to automatically control a process based on certain conditions. DDC systems monitor various factors like temperature, humidity, and air movement and make adjustments when conditions are outside acceptable levels. DDC is also used in safety systems to monitor things like oil well pressure and take action if pressure exceeds safe limits, allowing intervention before human involvement. DDC uses control loops involving sensors, controllers, and controlled devices to regulate things like indoor air temperature in HVAC systems. Data is measured, processed, and used to trigger control actions. DDC systems can also generate alarms if issues are detected and store trend data to analyze equipment performance and energy consumption over time.

Uploaded by

apurvred
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL

(DDC)

Definition of

DDC

Direct digital control refers to a system in which a digital device such as a microprocessor or a computer automatically controls some process based on certain conditions. The control is accomplished by digital electronics that read or control both digital and analog signals.

An Example of DDC
For instance, a direct digital control system meant to monitor and maintain a certain air temperature, humidity, and air movement within a building can monitor various factors. Should the temperature rise above or drop below acceptable levels, direct digital control systems can make the proper adjustments such as adjusting air conditioner or turning on more radiators or encouraging air circulation by turning on an array of fans and air ducts etc.

Another application of DDC


Many safety systems can also benefit from DDC technologies For instance, a safety instrumented system might monitor the wellhead pressure of an oil well and take action if the pressure of that well exceeds safe limit. This system can monitor safety and detect malfunctions long before human intervention is possible. This type of control may be essential to high-risk jobs such as drilling and extracting oil.

DDC Loop for HVAC


A control loop is the interaction between the sensors, the controller and the controlled devices. An example of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) control loop would be indoor air temperature regulation. Control in a (HVAC) system involves measuring and collecting data, processing the information and causing a control action. The components of system control include the sensors, the controller, the control loop and the data types. The controller compares the input from sensors with a set of instructions such as set point, throttle range and required action. Then the controller produces an output signal that will cause the required action to satisfy the condition.

DDC for an Air Handling Unit

Schematic Diagram of control loop for HVAC

Alarm Generation and Trending


The ability for a system to signal an alarm if there is a problem detected is very useful. Many systems have the ability to route the alarms to various locations within a network for immediate response. Data and alarm histories can be stored and analyzed for trends in equipment performance over time. By storing trends, energy consumption patterns can be analyzed. These trending capabilities allow a diagnostic study and troubleshoot for system and control problems. Equipment can also be centrally turned on or off in applications where schedules frequently change.

Data Communications
Many types of direct digital control are possible largely because of data communications and microprocessor technologies. Devices maintaining control, work faster and more efficiently and communicate with remote locations such as a home computer or central monitoring facility. Having data communicated faster between the many components of a system means faster control and faster configuration of the proper parameters.

DDC Algorithms

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