Supervisory Control Systems

Abstract

The increasing size of modern buildings and building complexes, and the difficulty of obtaining competent operating personnel have led to an increasing use of central supervisory control systems. These systems allow one person, at a central location, to monitor and control the operation of up to several thousand elements of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in the building or complex. The addition of alarm circuits and audio or audio-visual communications improves security as well as simplifying and improving the degree of control which can be maintained. The additional first cost of such a system can usually be amortized in a few years by more efficient maintenance and operation. Where numerous tenants are involved, the increased tenant satisfaction may be sufficient justification for the added cost.