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A Crash Course in Building Automation Systems

With everything becoming automated by technology, it's no surprise that HVAC systems are next on the automation list. In fact, HVAC automation has been happening for a few years at this point, and it's only increasing further. But how can an HVAC system be automated on a large scale? The presenter in the video on this page discusses the basics of HVAC controls and how they can be used in building automation systems. There are many components to an HVAC system.


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All these parts can get very confusing very quickly, but it's important that we keep in mind what an HVAC system does: keep the climate stable. In order to do this, it modulates heat and cold and pushes it out into the system. Simple, right? This system can be automated by bringing in a ton of sensors. Thermostats in each area can detect temperature. Airspeed sensors detect if air is moving in a certain direction. Humidity and pressure sensors can determine the levels of humidity and pressure, respectively. All these inputs can be measured and acted upon in an instant using a computer system. For example, it's a bit too cold in room A, detected by the temperature sensor. The computer begins to heat air and push it towards room A. Room B detects airspeed, so the vent is shut automatically to only funnel air to room A. These building automation systems help keep climates even.