CONTROL MODES
Control systems use different control modes to accomplish their purposes. Control modes in commercial applications include two-position, step, and floating control; proportional, proportional-integral, and proportional-integral-derivative control; and adaptive control.
TWO-POSITION CONTROL
GENERAL
In two-position control, the final control element occupies one of two possible positions except for the brief period when it is passing from one position to the other. Two-position control is used in simple HVAC systems to start and stop electric motors on unit heaters, fan coil units, and refrigeration machines, to open water sprays for humidification, and to energize and deenergize electric strip heaters.
In two-position control, two values of the controlled variable (usually equated with on and off) determine the position of the final control element. Between these values is a zone called the “differential gap” or “differential” in which the controller cannot initiate an action of the final control element. As the controlled variable reaches one of the two values, the final control element assumes the position that corresponds to the demands of the controller, and remains there until the controlled variable changes to the other value. The final control element moves to the other position and remains there until the controlled variable returns to the other limit.
An example of differential gap would be in a cooling system in which the controller is set to open a cooling valve when the space temperature reaches 78F, and to close the valve when the temperature drops to 76F. The difference between the two temperatures (2 degrees F) is the differential gap. The controlled variable fluctuates between the two temperatures.
Basic two-position control works well for many applications. For close temperature control, however, the cycling must be accelerated or timed.