Instructors can use the following 13 lessons to educate students on the direct digital control (DDC) industry using the PT-181 portable simulator. Watch the video with Matt Dobson as he goes over the different lessons.
Lesson #1: First Things
This lesson should include:
- Lesson format and flow
- Optimizing video/lecture experience
- Review of basic electrical theory and electrical safety
- Essential DDC terms and vocabulary
- Familiarization with training workstation
- Activity and self-test
Lesson #2: Overview of HVAC Equipment and Applications
This lesson should include:
- Basic needs: temperature, humidity, air quality
- Temperature: various heating methods
- Temperature: various cooling methods
- Humidity: humidification/dehumidification methods
- Air quality: ventilation, CO2, IAQ methods
- Energy savings and other considerations
- Activity and self-test
Lesson #3: Overview of DDC Devices and Components
This lesson should include:
- Control essentials: input, output, logic
- Input devices: what we need to know
- Output devices: what we do with what we know
- Logic: how we do it
- Activity and self-test
Lesson #4: Overview of DDC Network and Communication
This lesson should include:
- Communication Methods: We Need to Talk
- Languages: BACnet, LON, Modbus and Friends
- Transmission: Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232 and Others
- Hardwired vs. Wireless: Applications, Pros, Cons
- Past and Future: Legacy Systems and Future Possibilities
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #5: Introduction to DDC Controllers
This lesson should include:
- DDC Controller Fundamentals and Capabilities
- Welcome to the Niagara Framework
- A Closer Look at JACE Controllers
- The PC to JACE Interface
- Workbench: The Engineering Tool
- Platforms: The JACE’s Skeleton
- Stations: The JACE’s Vital Organs
- IO: The JACE’s Head and Body
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #6: A Closer Look at a Station
This lesson should include:
- Navigation: No Place Like Home
- Services: Doing All the Chores
- Drivers: Connecting All the Players
- Logic: The Programmers Canvas
- Files: The Pantry
- Station to Station: The Enterprise
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #7: Programming Fundamentals
This lesson should include:
- Sequence of Operation: Prerequisite of All Programs
- Logic Flow: What Goes In, Must Come Out
- Programming Methodologies: Lines, Ladders, Objects
- What’s the Point: Real and Virtual Points
- Control Palettes: The Object Programmer’s Library
- Inny vs. Outy: Program Links
- FACETS: Let’s Be Clear on This
- Light Em Up: The Most Basic Digital Program
- Turn Em Up: The Most Basic Analog Program
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #8: A Sampling of Basic DDC Programs
This lesson should include:
- Motor Stop/Start and Run Proof Program
- Thermostatic Control Program
- Proportional (Analog) Control Program
- Programs That Have Math and Logic Components
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #9: Understanding the BMS
This lesson should include:
- The Head of the Household: BMS Types
- Whose Job Is It?: Central Control vs. Local Control
- The Vitals: Components of a BMS
- Get the Picture: Graphical Overlays
- Time to Wake Up: Schedules
- We Have a Problem: Alarms
- How Are We Doing?: Trends
- Who’s on Deck?: User Administration
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #10: Troubleshooting DDC Systems
This lesson should include:
- The DDC Tech Tool Box
- The Quick “Vitals Check” Approach
- The Elimination/Illumination Process
- The Fix: Implementing the Solution
- Finishing Well: Verifying and Documenting the Solution
- Activity and Self Test
Lesson #11: Fan Coil with DX Cooling and Electric Heat
This lesson should include:
- Get Your Act Together: Gathering All the Needed Info
- In & Out: Assigning Your IO
- Say What?: Converting the SOO into a Program
- Get to the Point: Creating and Linking All Objects
- Picture This: Graphic Visualization and Control
- Activity and Self-Test
- Clean Your Room: Delete Program and Restore Defaults
Lesson #12: An Overview of HVAC/DDC Controls Manufacturers
This lesson should include:
- The Heavy Hitter’s: Knowing the Major Players
- Proprietary vs. Open Approaches
- Keeping Up with the Jones’: Staying Informed
- Opportunities Abound
- Activity and Self-Test
Lesson #13: HVAC and DDC Employer Expectations
This lesson should include:
- Flexibility: Key to Longevity
- Job Descriptions: Written vs. Reality
- Keys to Success: The Learning “Loop”
- The Next Step: The HVAC/DDC Service Technician
- Activity and Self-Test
If you’re interested in including this training unit into your curriculum, then give us a call today at 716-699-2031 to request a quote.