14 - CONTROLLING HYDRONIC SYSTEMS

Controls are the brains of hydronic systems. They regulate the time, and often the rate, at which water is heated by the heat source. They also regulate the timing, rate and location of heat delivery. Hydronic systems that have properly selected and adjusted controls can provide efficient energy transfer from the heat source(s) to the load(s), while also enhancing comfort and minimizing operating noise. Systems with poorly selected or improperly adjusted controls can be a constant source of frustration, wasted energy and compromised comfort.

This issue of idronics™ begins with a brief history of controls, and then moves into a discussion of the fundamental concepts and basic hardware that are the building blocks of control systems. A solid understanding of these fundamental concepts and devices is essential in designing and configuring complete control systems.