Design of direct digital control systems for building control and facilities management

The development of a fully operational design of a direct digital control (DDC) system for use as a standard building control and facilities management system is described. The design basis is provided by a modular multitasking controller based on a 16-b microprocessor, the Intel 80C88. In conjunction with the microprocessor, standard electric and electronic peripheral control devices are utilized and investigated. Actual working models have been designed and fabricated as tools to help develop and demonstrate the functionality of the concepts. It is hoped that the written material, as well as the working models, may be incorporated in the classroom as an aid for both electrical and mechanical engineering students planning to enter the consulting or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industries