You are on page 1of 2

ALANO, JULIUS N.

BSEE 5-1

November 20, 2014


EE Tech. 5 (Bldg. & Ind. Automation)
Control Fundamentals

Definitions:
1. Automatic Control System is a system that reacts to a change or imbalance in the
variable it controls by adjusting other variables to restore the system to the desired
balance.
2. Algorithm is a calculation method that produces a control output by operating on an
error signal or a time series of error signals.
3. Compensation control is a process of automatically adjusting the setpoint of a given
controller to compensate for changes in a second measured variable (e.g., outdoor air
temperature). For example, the hot deck setpoint is normally reset upward as the
outdoor air temperature decreases. Also called reset control.
4. Control agent is a medium in which the manipulated variable exists. In a steam
heating system, the control agent is the steam and the manipulated variable is the flow
of the steam.
5. Control point is the actual value of the controlled variable (setpoint plus or minus
offset).
6. Controlled is a medium is the medium in which the controlled variable exists. In a
space temperature control system, the controlled variable is the space temperature and
the controlled medium is the air within the space.
7. Controller is a device that senses changes in the controlled variable (or receives input
from a remote sensor) and derives the proper correction output.
8. Cycle is one complete execution of a repeatable process. In basic heating operation, a
cycle comprises one on period and one off period in a two-position control system.
9. Cycling is a periodic change in the controlled variable from one value to another.
Out-of-control analog cycling is called hunting. Too frequent on-off cycling is
called short cycling. Short cycling can harm electric motors, fans, and compressors.
10. Cycling rate is the number of cycles completed per time unit, typically cycles per
hour for a heating or cooling system. The inverse of the length of the period of the
cycle.
11. Deadband is a range of the controlled variable in which no corrective action is taken
by the controlled system and no energy is used. See also zero energy band.
12. Deviation is the difference between the setpoint and the value of the controlled
variable at any moment. Also called offset.
13. Digital control is a control loop in which a microprocessor based controller directly
controls equipment based on sensor inputs and setpoint parameters. The programmed
control sequence determines the output to the equipment.
14. Droop is a sustained deviation between the control point and the setpoint in a twoposition control system caused by a change in the heating or cooling load.
15. Enhanced proportional-integral-derivative (EPID) control: A control algorithm
that enhances the standard PID algorithm by allowing the designer to enter a startup
output value and error ramp duration in addition to the gains and setpoints. These
additional parameters are configured so that at startup the PID output varies smoothly
to the control point with negligible overshoot or undershoot.
16. Electric control: A control circuit that operates on line or low voltage and uses a
mechanical means, such as a temperature-sensitive bimetal or bellows, to perform
control functions, such as actuating a switch or positioning a potentiometer. The
controller signal usually operates or positions an electric actuator or may switch an
electrical load directly or through a relay.

ALANO, JULIUS N.
BSEE 5-1

November 20, 2014


EE Tech. 5 (Bldg. & Ind. Automation)

17. Electronic control: A control circuit that operates on low voltage and uses solid-state
components to amplify input signals and perform control functions, such as operating
a relay or providing an output signal to position an actuator. The controller usually
furnishes fixed control routines based on the logic of the solid state components.
18. Final control element: A device such as a valve or damper that acts to change the
value of the manipulated variable. Positioned by an actuator.
19. Lag: A delay in the effect of a changed condition at one point in the system, or some
other condition to which it is related. Also, the delay in response of the sensing
element of a control due to the time required for the sensing element to sense a change
in the sensed variable.
20. Manipulated variable: The quantity or condition regulated by the automatic control
system to cause the desired change in the controlled variable.
21. Measured variable: A variable that is measured and may be controlled (e.g.,
discharge air is measured and controlled, outdoor air is only measured).
22. Modulating: An action that adjusts by minute increments and decrements.
23. Pneumatic control: A control circuit that operates on air pressure and uses a
mechanical means, such as a temperature-sensitive bimetal or bellows, to perform
control functions, such as actuating a nozzle and flapper or a switching relay. The
controller output usually operates or positions a pneumatic actuator, although relays
and switches are often in the circuit.
24. Proportional band: In a proportional controller, the control point range through
which the controlled variable must pass to move the final control element through its
full operating range. Expressed in percent of primary sensor span. Commonly used
equivalents are throttling range and modulating range, usually expressed in a
quantity of engineering units (degrees of temperature).
25. Proportional-Integral (PI) control: A control algorithm that combines the
proportional (proportional response) and integral (reset response) control algorithms.
Reset response tends to correct the offset resulting from proportional control. Also
called proportional-plus reset or two-mode control.
26. Proportional control: A control algorithm or method in which the final control
element moves to a position proportional to the deviation of the value of the
controlled variable from the setpoint.
27. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control: A control algorithm that enhances
the PI control algorithm by adding a component that is proportional to the rate of
change (derivative) of the deviation of the controlled variable. Compensates for
system dynamics and allows faster control response. Also called three modes or
rate-reset control.
28. Sensing element: A device or component that measures the value of a variable.
29. Setpoint: The value at which the controller is set (e.g., the desired room temperature
set on a thermostat). The desired control point.
30. Zoning: The practice of dividing a building into sections for heating and cooling
control so that one controller is sufficient to determine the heating and cooling.

You might also like