Demand Controlled Ventilation

®
System Design
PROVIDING THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF AIR, IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME

S
SAVING
AVING ENERGY
ENERGY COSTS
COSTS WHILE
WHILE OPTIMIZING
OPTIMIZING INDOOR
INDOOR AIR
AIR QUA
QUALLIIT
TYY
 TA B L E O F C O NT E N TS

1. IN TRO D U C T I O N
1.1 Why a Handbook on Ventilation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.2 CO2 as an Important Control Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.3 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1.4 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

SECTION I
B a c k g r o u n d o n C O 2 a n d Ve n t i l a t i o n C o n t r o l
2. CO2 BASICS
2.1 The CO2 DCV Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.2 Atmospheric CO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.3 Indoor CO2 Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.4 CO2 Differential and Ventilation Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.5 CO2 Control Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.6 CO2 as a Contaminant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2.7 DCV Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3 . V E N T I L AT I O N , B U I L D I N G C O D E S A N D C O 2
3.1 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.2 The Evolution of Mechanical Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.3 CO2 Control ... A New Idea? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.4 Ventilation Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.5 CO2 and ASHRAE Standard 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3.6 DCV and Building Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.7 The Maturation of a Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

SECTION II
DCV Appli ca tio n Fundamentals
4 . D C V A P P L I C AT I O N G U I D E L I N E S
4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.2 CO2 Control and Standard 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.3 DCV Design Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.4 Design Steps for DCV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.5 Step 1: Is the Space Appropriate for DCV? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.6 Step 2: Determining Outdoor Air Ventilation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.6.1 DCV or Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.6.2 Constant Volume Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.6.3 Multiple Zone VAV Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.7 Step 3: Calculating Base Ventilation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.8 Step 4: Select DCV Control Strateg y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.9 Step 5: Locating CO 2 Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.9.1 In-Space or Duct Mounted Sensors? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.10 Sensor Location - Constant Volume Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
4.10.1 Sensor Selection - VAV Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Use of the information contained in this Manual is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after independent review of its
accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Carrier, including its employees and agents, assumes no responsibility for consequences resulting
from the use of the information herein, or in any respect for the content of such information, including but not limited to errors or omissions.
Carrier is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such
information. No guarantees or warranties, including, but not limited to, any express or implied warranties of merchantabilities or fitness for
a particular use or purpose, are made by Carrier with respect to such information.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
5 . D C V C O N T R O L S T R AT E G I E S
5.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5.2 Step 1: Consideration of Outdoor Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5.2.1 Direct Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5.2.2 Measurement or Assumption of Outside CO 2 Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5.3 Step 2: Establishing the CO2 Equilibrium Anchor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
5.4 Step 3: Control Strategy Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5.4.1 Three Control Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5.4.2 Consideration of Control Response Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
5.5 Set Point Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
5.6 Proportional Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
5.7 Proportional-Integral Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
5.8 Two Stage Control for Zone Based VAV Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
5.8.1 Establishing Zone and System Set Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
5.8.2 Sizing of Zone Heating Coils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

SECTION III
Design Examples
E X A M P L E 1 : S I N G L E Z O N E R E TA I L S PA C E
6.1 Application: Retail Clothing Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
6.2 Step 1: Is the Space Appropriate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
6.3 Step 2: Determine Ventilation Requirements for the Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
6.4 Step 3: Determine Base Ventilation Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
6.5 Step 4: Determine Control Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.5.1 Considering Outside Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.5.2 Determine CO2 Control Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.6 Step 5: Locate Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.7 Installation Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

E X A M P L E 2 : S I N G L E A I R H A N D L E R S E RV I N G M U LT I P L E Z O N E S — S C H O O L

7.1 Application: Four Classrooms Served By One Air Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

7.2 Step 1: Is the Space Appropriate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
7.3 Step 2: Determine Ventilation Requirements for the Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
7.4 Step 3: Determine Base Ventilation Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
7.5 Step 4: Determine Control Strateg y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
7.5.1 Considering Outside Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
7.5.2 Determine CO2 Control Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
7.5.3 Selecting the Control Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
7.6 Step 5: Locate Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
7.7 Installation Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

E X A M P L E 3 : M U LT I P L E Z O N E O F F I C E W I T H VAV
8.1 Application: 14 Zone Office with VAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
8.2 Step1: Is the Space Appropriate for DCV? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
8.3 Step 2: Determine Ventilation Requirements for the Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
8.3.1 Maximum Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
8.3.2 Minimum Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
8.4 Step 3: Determine Base Minimum Ventilation Rate for DCV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
8.5 Step 4: Determine CO 2 Control Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
8.6 Step 5: Locating CO 2 Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
8.7 Installation Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
A P P E N DI X A: Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
A P P E N D IX B: ASHRAE 62 Interpretations IC 62-1999-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
A P P EN D I X C: CO2 Equilibrium Anchor Points for Alternative Activity Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
A P P EN D I X D: Sequences of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
A P P E N DI X E: Guide Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
A P P EN D I X F: Background on CO 2 Sensor Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
A P P EN D I X G: DCV Compatible Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
1 . 1 W H Y A H A N D B O O K O N V E N T I L AT I O N C O N T R O L
This handbook is designed to give the user a
strong understanding of a simple but powerful method
of active ventilation control with carbon dioxide (CO2)
that can ensure good air quality to code requirements,
save energy and enhance occupant comfort.
Active, zone level ventilation control is both a
new and an old concept. Windows were the first effec-
tive method of ventilation control. Every building built
before the 1920s incorporated operable windows,
which provided both light and a method of ventilation
control that allowed variable control of fresh air on a
room-by-room basis. As central mechanical systems
for heating and cooling became more common, active
zone/room based control of ventilation was lost and
replaced by a centrally delivered, fixed ventilation rate
intended for the entire building. The result was better
temperature control but a loss in flexibility in ventila-
tion control. This passive, fixed ventilation approach
was applied with mechanical systems, because until
recently there was not an inexpensive method of
measuring and controlling ventilation at the zone level.
As described in this handbook, indoor CO2 levels
have been used as an indicator of outside air ventila-
tion rates for over 90 years. Carbon dioxide ventilation
control or demand controlled ventilation (DCV) allows
for the measurement and control of outside air ventila-
tion levels to a target cfm/person ventilation rate in the
space (i.e., 15 cfm/person) based on the number of
1 .2 C O 2 A S A N I M P O RTA N T C O N T RO L S T R AT E G Y
Carrier Corporation believes that ventilation control
with CO2 (CO2 DCV) is an important building control
technique that can be applied in to most buildings
and types of building occupancies. Carrier believes
so strongly in this approach that now every piece of
Carrier equipment that provides ventilation has an
input and built-in control strategy to utilize CO2 con-
trol. It is a proven method to control outdoor air based
on actual occupancy. DCV meets the code, it saves
money, and it doesn’t guess.
Carrier is particularly excited about the high
degree of comfort that can be provided to multi-zone
spaces that utilize VAV systems with active ventilation
control with CO2. By integrating zone control of both
1 .3 OVERVIEW
This Handbook is divided into three sections:
Section I which includes Chapters 2 and 3, establish-
es the background necessary to understand how CO2
DCV works and how it is applied under current codes
and standards.
Section II which includes Chapters 4 and 5
addresses the application fundamentals necessary
to properly design a HVAC system with DCV.
1.4 SUMMARY
This handbook is intended to provide a clear
engineering rationale for CO 2 based DCV that can
be used by the HVAC industry to properly apply this
promising technology. Much has been written on the
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
people in the space. It is a direct measure of ventila-
tion effectiveness and is a method whereby buildings
can regain active and automatic zone level ventilation
control, without having to open windows. Recent
technical developments in CO 2 sensor design and
advancement in equipment control now provide an
opportunity for this active ventilation control within a
competitive market environment.
Zone level control of ventilation can also avoid
the cost often related to over ventilating a building
continually to ensure that one critical zone receives
adequate fresh air under all operating conditions. CO2
based ventilation control is a dynamic system that
responds to how the building is used and occupied.
It is a real time control approach that offers a vast
improvement over ventilating a building at a fixed rate
based on some pre-construction constant occupancy
assumptions. The fixed ventilation approach depends
on a set-it-and-forget-it methodology that is completely
unresponsive to changes in the way spaces are utilized
or how equipment is maintained.
This handbook was undertaken because there is no
single source that designers can rely on to understand
and design HVAC systems incorporating CO2 ventilation
control. This handbook represents the state of the art in
the use of CO2 based ventilation control and has drawn
on numerous technical papers, codes and standards as
well as a wealth of field applied experience.
temperature and ventilation it is possible to measure
and control ventilation to ensure that adequate
fresh air is actually delivered to all spaces. Previous
approaches could only ensure adequate fresh air at
the air intake but could not quantify if that fresh air was
actually being distributed to the spaces that needed it.
Zone ventilation control with DCV removes the
traditional dependence that ventilation has had on
space conditioning load. It is now possible to control
fresh air and space conditioning to a zone independ-
ently using the same VAV box. The result is that the
designer does not have to oversize outside air intake
capacity to handle low load conditions. Significant
energy can be saved over traditional VAV approaches.
Section III addresses three different design exam-
ples using the guidelines established in section II.
The Appendix to this handbook also provides a
valuable point of reference to the reader and provides
more details on DCV applications for special circum-
stances, detailed sequence of operation for various
types of equipment, and additional details on the
sensors and equipment offered by Carrier for DCV.
topic of DCV as a good idea. This handbook begins
with the conclusion that CO2 DCV is a good idea and
then answers the nuts-and-bolts questions of how to
apply it.
1
2 C A R R I ER D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
 I

B AC KG RO U N D O N C O 2 A N D V E N T I L AT I O N C O N T R O L

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 3
I

4 C A R R I ER D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
2.1 THE C O2 D CV CONCE PT
Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) based demand controlled
ventilation (DCV) is an economical means of providing
outdoor air to occupied spaces at the rates required
by local building codes and ASHRAE Standard 62,
“Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.” Engi-
neers and building owners both lament the high cost
of conditioning outdoor air, and the inexact control
methodologies that often result in significant over
ventilation of spaces. CO2-based DCV offers designers
and building owners an ability to monitor both occu-
pancy and ventilation rates in a space to ensure there
is adequate ventilation at all times. Typically, most
ventilation systems are set up and adjusted only when
they are installed. DCV offers a higher level of control
in that it monitors conditions in the space and constantly
I
adjusts the system to respond to real time occupancy
variations. The result is that target cfm-per-person
rates as established by local codes and standards
are maintained based on actual occupancy. Costly
over ventilation that typically results from a fixed
ventilation strategy (design occupancy X cfm/person)
is avoided and energy usage can be reduced.
Measurement of CO2 concentrations is an
accepted scientific methodology to determine the
actual ventilation rate in a building. The use of CO2 to
control ventilation rates in buildings is also recognized
as a valid control approach in ASHRAE Standard 62
and in model building codes used as reference by
most local code bodies.

2 . 2 AT M O S P H E R I C C O 2
CO2 is one of the most common compounds in FIGURE 2.1
our atmosphere. It is also cited by many as a general C O 2 C O N C E N T R AT I O N S M E A S U R E D I N
H AWA I I O V E R 4 0 Y E A R S
indicator of the buildup of greenhouse gases and
global warming. Figure 2.1 summarizes data collected
from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii over the
past 40 years. 1 The chart shows the gradual increase
of CO2 concentrations by 1 to 2 ppm per year. Given
its isolated location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
these concentrations likely represent the lowest con-
centrations that will be found worldwide. In urban
areas outdoor CO 2 levels typically range from 360
up to as high as 450 to 500 ppm due to the presence
of localized sources of CO2 which can include any
combustion device or process. Higher outdoor levels
can also be measured when in close proximity to a As a result, outside CO2 levels tend to be ubiquitous
source of CO 2 such as an idling vehicle or a furnace and fairly constant over large geographic regions.
or combustion exhaust. Because of this consistency, it is possible to use CO2
Because of its low molecular weight CO2 will as a baseline reference for outside air for the purpose
readily diffuse and equalize within an open space. of measuring and controlling ventilation.

2 . 3 I N D O O R C O 2 C O N C E N T R AT I O N S
Indoors in commercial buildings people are the FIGU RE 2.2
principal source of CO 2. Plants, due to their low level C O 2 P RO D U C T I O N A N D A C T I V I T Y L E V E L
of metabolic activity contribute an insignificant amount
of CO 2 to indoor spaces. Unvented combustion Activity Level

sources can also contribute to indoor CO2 concen- Very Light Moderate
Light
trations but are generally not present in commercial
buildings. In fact highly elevated levels of CO2 (e.g.,
3000 to 5000 ppm) can indicate the presence of
potentially dangerous combustion fumes. CO2 is one
of the most plentiful byproducts of combustion and 1.25
can account for 8% to 15% by volume of the content
of a combustion exhaust.
1.00 40
For ventilation control, it is people as a source
of CO2 that we are interested in. People exhale
predictable quantities of CO2 in proportion to their 0.75 30

degree of physical activity. This relationship is

shown in Figure 2.2 and is taken from Appendix D 0.50 20

of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, “Ventilation

For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.”2 0.25 10

0 1 2 3 4 5

Physical Activity - MET Units

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT IO N S Y S T EM D E S I G N 5
I Because CO2 production is so consistent and
predictable, it can be used as a good indicator of
general occupancy trends. For example, if the number
of people in the space is doubled, the amount of CO2
produced will double. If one or two people leave a
space the CO2 production will decrease correspondingly.
It is important to note that an indoor CO2 measurement
does not provide enough information to actually count
people but it can be used in combination with outside
2.4 CO2 D I F F E R E N T I A L A N D V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E S
Figure 2.3 shows the typical pattern of buildup of
CO2 in a space with office type activity (1.2 MET). The
chart assumes a steady-state condition where a con-
stant occupancy is present and the ventilation rate is
constant. Once people enter a room, CO2 concentra-
tions will begin to increase. These levels will continue to
increase until the amount of CO2 produced by the space
occupants and the dilution air delivered to the space are
in balance. This is called the equilibrium point.
FIGURE 2.3
C O 2 E QU I L I B R I U M L E V E L S A N D P E R P E R S O N
V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E S
2,500
2,120
2,000
1,500
1,050
1,000
700
500
350
500
0
Time
Note:Assumes office type activity level (1.2 MET)
As can be seen from Figure 2.3 the equilibrium
point corresponds to a specific ventilation rate per
person in the space. The equilibrium level for a
particular space can be calculated using a simple
mass balance equation found in Appendix D of
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999. 3
Vo = N/(Cs – Co)
Where:
Vo = outdoor air flow rate per person
N = CO 2 generation rate per person
Cs = CO2 concentration in the space
Co = CO2 concentration outside
Note that the activity level for the space is a compo-
nent of calculating N. This will be discussed in greater
detail later in this handbook.
The equation can also be restated so that the equilib-
rium level (Ceq) for a particular ventilation rate can be
calculated.
Ceq = Cs = Co + N/Vo
6 C A R R I ER D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
air concentrations to calculate, measure and control
ventilation rates.
An indoor CO 2 measurement is a dynamic
measure of the number of people in a space (exhaling
CO2) and the amount of outside air at baseline CO2
concentration that is being introduced for dilution via
mechanical ventilation and/or infiltration. The result is
that it is possible to determine cfm/person ventilation
rates in a space by measuring the CO2 differential.
The relationship between indoor/outdoor CO2 differen-
tial and ventilation rate is independent of population
density. However, population density will affect the
time it takes for CO2 to build up to an equilibrium level.
This equation only applies when equilibrium conditions
exist. This is particularly important when trying to infer
space ventilation rates from a spot measurement when
non steady-state conditions exist. 4 To make an accu-
rate determination of cfm/person rates one should take
CO2 measurements when occupancy has stabilized.
Measuring CO2 concentrations that are still in transition
to an equilibrium level can result in over estimation of
the ventilation rate. Applied properly, spot measure-
ments can be extremely useful in helping to qualify if
a space is over or under ventilated.
The ANSI/ASHRASE Standard 62 states that:
“Comfort (odor) criteria with respect to human
bioeffluents are likely to be satisfied if the
ventilation results in indoor CO2 concentrations
less than 700 ppm above the outdoor air
concentration.” 5
FI GURE 2.4
C A R R I E R 7 0 0 1 H A N D - H E L D C O 2 M O N I TO R
Appendix D of Standard 62 provides an example
that shows how this 700 ppm level is derived from
the 15 cfm per person minimum ventilation rate estab-
lished in the standard. The calculation below assumes
an activity level of 1.2 MET which would be considered
equivalent to office type activity. Average CO2 pro-
duction at this activity level (as provided in Figure 2.2
taken from Appendix D of Standard 62) is 0.30 l/min or
0.0106 cfm. Outside CO2 concentrations are assumed
to be 400 ppm. If this is the case then the CO 2 level
for a 700 ppm differential would be 1100 ppm.
Ceq = Co + N/Vo
= 0.000400 + (0.0106 / 15)
= 0.000400 + 0.000707
= 0.001107
= 1107 parts per million (ppm)
2.5 CO2 C O N T R O L C O N S I D E R A T I O N S
When using CO2 to control ventilation rates in
a building, the use of the equilibrium level is used
differently than it would be when using a portable
monitor to determine ventilation rates based on a
spot measurement.
While it is possible to provide a CO2 control strat-
egy where outside air would only be introduced once
the equilibrium level is reached, it may not achieve
the best results. This is because of the lag time that
may result between when people enter a space and
2.6 CO2 A S A C O N TA M I N A N T
Carbon Dioxide is not considered a health threat-
ening contaminant at the levels normally found in
buildings (400 – 3,000 ppm). In fact, in industrial envi-
ronments OSHA has established an 8-hour exposure
level of 5000 ppm and a 15-minute maximum exposure
limit of 30,000 ppm. 6 In commercial buildings CO 2 is
used as an indicator of the per-person ventilation rate
in a space, not as a contaminant.
So why is it that many people have observed that
as CO2 levels rise above 1000 ppm range, increased
drowsiness, lethargy and discomfort can occur? This
is because CO 2 is an indicator of ventilation. As CO2
levels rise above 1100 ppm (a 700 ppm differential
between inside and outside) ventilation rates begin to
drop below 15 cfm/person. While CO2 is building up
other space and people related contaminants are also
increasing. It is these other contaminants that are
2.7 DCV BENEFITS
Compared to a fixed ventilation approach, DCV
offers considerable advantages. Carbon Dioxide
based DCV does not affect the design ventilation
capacity required to serve the space; it just controls
the operation of the system to be more in tune with
how a building actually operates.
• Excessive over-ventilation is avoided while still
maintaining IAQ and providing the required cfm-
per-person outside air requirement specified by
codes and standards. Operational energy savings
of $0.05 to $1.00 per square foot annually can
result. This observation has been verified in a
recent literature review on CO2 control that
sighted numerous studies where energy savings
from DCV control approaches ranged from 5%
to 80% versus a fixed ventilation strategy.8
System paybacks can range from a few months
to two years and are often substantial enough to
help pay for other system or building upgrades.
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E SI G N
If the above calculation were performed for
I
20 cfm per person the inside outside differential
would be approximately 500 ppm or an absolute
level of 900 ppm (assuming 400 ppm outside).
Chapter 5 discusses how this equilibrium level
is used as part of a control strategy.
when CO2 levels reach the appropriate equilibrium
set point (e.g., 700 ppm inside/outside differential).
When applying ventilation control with DCV the
equilibrium level actually becomes one component or
anchor point in a CO2 control algorithm. The actual
choice of algorithms will be discussed in Chapter 5
and is based on providing a control strategy that is
responsive to changes in occupancy so that the target
per person ventilation rate can be provided within a
reasonable lag time.
creating the physiological effects. The buildup of CO2
is an indicator of low ventilation rates that generally
will result in higher levels of all types of contaminants
and a greater level of occupant dissatisfaction.
An excerpt from an interpretation to ASHRAE
Standard 62-99 provides a good summary of how
CO2 is used in the standard:
“700 ppm above outdoors is the steady-state
carbon dioxide concentration differential corre-
sponding to a constant ventilation rate of 15
cfm/person of outdoor air in a space occupied by
sedentary adults. Chamber studies have shown
that 15 cfm/person and indoor carbon dioxide
concentrations that are about 700 ppm above
outdoors correspond to 80% satisfaction of visitors
to such a space with respect to body odor.” 7
• The payback from CO 2 DCV will be greatest in
higher density spaces that are subject to variable
or intermittent occupancy that would have nor-
mally used a fixed ventilation strategy (e.g.,
theaters, schools, retail establishments, meeting
and conference areas).
In spaces with more static occupancies (e.g.,
offices) DCV can provide control and verification that
adequate ventilation is provided to all spaces. For
example a building operator may arbitrarily and acci-
dentally establish a fixed air intake damper position
that results in over or under ventilation of all or parts
of a space. A CO2 control strategy can ensure the
position of the intake air dampers is appropriate for
the ventilation needs and occupancy of the space
at all times.
• In some buildings, infiltration air or open win-
dows may be a significant source of outside air.
7
I A CO2 sensor will consider the contribution of
infiltration in a space and only require the mech-
anical system to make up what is necessary to
meet required ventilation levels. These savings
are in addition to those quoted above.
• CO2 monitoring and control is considered
an important part of green building design. It
is one of the criteria that can now be used to
meet the LEED™ (Leadership In Energy And
Environmental Design) criteria for green
building design.9
• When integrated with the appropriate building
control strategy, ventilation can be controlled
on a zone-by-zone based on actual occupancy.
This allows for the use of transfer air from
under-occupied zones to be redistributed to
areas where more ventilation is required.
• A control strategy can be used to maintain
any per-person ventilation rate. As a result
this approach is highly adaptable to changing
building uses and any changes that may occur
in future recommended ventilation rates.
• DCV can provide the building owner/manager
with valuable information about occupancy
trends and the status of equipment operation.
This information can be documented and
recorded by a digital building control system.
CO2 demand control ventilation is a real-time,
occupancy based ventilation control approach that can
offer significant energy savings over traditional fixed
ventilation approaches. Properly applied, it allows for
the maintenance of target per-person ventilation rates
at all times. Even in spaces where occupancy is static,
CO2 DCV can be used to ensure that every zone within
a space is adequately ventilated for its actual occupancy.
Air intake dampers, often subject to maladjustment,
or arbitrary adjustments over time can be controlled
automatically, avoiding accidental and costly over or
under ventilation.

1
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations (ppm) derived from in situ air samples collected at Mauna Loa
Observatory, Hawaii. Source: C.D. Keeling, T.P. Whorf, Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of
California, La Jolla, California USA92093-0244.
2
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, ASHRAE, 1999.
3
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, ASHRAE, 1999.
4
Persily, A, Evaluating Building IAQ And Ventilation With Indoor Carbon Dioxide, ASHRAE Transactions, 1997.
5
Section 6.1.3. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, ASHRAE, 1999.
6
OSHA, Chemical Information Manual, OSHA Instruction CPL2-2.43A, July 1, 1991.
7
Interpretation To ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality,
Interpretation No: IC 62-1999-05.
8
Emmerich, S and Persily, A. Literature Review On CO2 Based Demand Controlled Ventilation.
ASHRAE Transactions 1977, American Society Of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
9
US Green Building Council, LEED Green Building Rating System Reference Guide 2.0, June 2001.

8 C A R R I ER D E M A N D C O N T ROL L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
3 . 1 V E N T I L AT I O N
In early part of the last century, in the days before
central air-conditioning systems, ventilation was a
much more natural subject than it is today. Not that
ventilation has become unnatural, but prior to World
War II, central air-conditioning was rare. Buildings
were cooled using natural ventilation and the modern
contaminants that today may lead to Sick Building
3 . 2 T H E E V O L U T I O N O F M E C H A N I C A L V E N T I L AT I O N
Willis Carrier’s research and experimentation in
building air conditioning began in 1902 with an idea to
use evaporative cooling for humidity control in a print-
ing plant. His scientific engineering process helped to
establish “further study of the need for devising suit-
able equipment for carrying out air conditioning
processes as well as to identify the need of various
industries for maintaining atmospheric conditions,
independently of external weather variations” (Carrier,
1936). By 1920 Carrier ’s work had advanced into
comfort cooling applications and created a need to
define thermal comfort and ventilation requirements.10
The important technological advance that made
mechanical ventilation possible was the development
of the electric power industry. But even then, mechan-
ical ventilation was slow to catch on. If you look at
buildings constructed in the early part of the 20th cen-
tury you will notice that most floor plans are generally
variations of narrow rectangular areas with the dis-
tance from one exterior wall to the opposite exterior
wall not more than about 50 feet. Even the very
3 . 3 C O 2 C O N T RO L . .. A N EW I D E A ?
The Mechanical Engineers’ Handbook (Marks,
1916) which featured Willis Carrier as a contributing
editor, was one of the first engineering guides to men-
tion CO2 measurement as a reference for ventilation
relative to the number of occupants in a space:
“Air is rendered unwholesome by perspiration, by
respiration, excessive heat, humidity, effluvia from
the human body and other impurities directly or
indirectly imparted by the occupants of a room.
The percentage of carbonic acid may be regard-
ed as a measure of the vitiation from respiration
and from combustion, but not from the heat and
moisture resulting from the same source. Air may
be polluted with dust and other harmful matter of
which CO2 gives no indication. CO2 tests should
3 . 4 V E N T I L AT I O N S TA N D A R D S
Recommendations for minimum quantities of out-
door air date back to the early 19th century when
Thomas Tredgold (1836), an English mining engineer,
published an estimate of 4 cfm (1.9 L/sec) per person
based on metabolic needs. In 1895, the American
Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers (ASHVE)
adopted a minimum recommendation of 30 cfm (14.2
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT IO N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
I
Syndrome were unknown. In the typical prewar office
building, odors, tobacco smoke, and combustion
byproducts from heating appliances were the principal
contaminants of concern. Ventilation was achieved
naturally through windows and doors. Infiltration, by
design, was often the only source of fresh air in
winter months.
largest buildings were arranged with H-shaped,
T-shaped, or U-shaped floor plans. The reason was
to keep all the building occupants within reasonable
distance to a window for both ventilation and light.
During World War II, ventilation became an
important issue. Buildings and factories operating
at night during the war had to do so under blackout
conditions. Manufacturing facilities for war production
were often erected without windows, forcing engi-
neers to consider mechanical ventilation as a source
of fresh air and temperature control. Generally, air
was provided in sufficient volume to keep the average
interior air temperature at about 10ºF (5.6ºC) above
the outdoor air temperature. Even as late as 1957,
F.W. Dodge Corporation in their architectural record
book, Buildings For Industry, discussed ventilation
requirements in national defense terms stating: “If
windows are provided in the building most of the
ventilation may be taken care of by them. But in the
case of blackout buildings some mechanical means
must be provided.” 11
be used only for checking the renewal of air and
its distribution within the room.The production of
this gas can only be assumed as a basis for cal-
culating the air supply where respiration and com-
bustion (gas lights) are the preponderating factors
of vitiation; in such cases the CO2 should not
exceed 8 or 10 parts in 10,000 [800 to 1,000 ppm].” 12
The 1929 New York City Building Code echoed
Marks’ Handbook reference to CO2 levels and ventilation:
...ventilation consisting of transoms or other similar
devices opening into rooms ventilated directly to
the outer air or of other methods capable of main-
taining a carbon dioxide content of the air of not
more than one part in one thousand [1,000 ppm]...13
L/sec). Later, in 1914, ASHVE proposed a model code
requiring 30 cfm (14.2 L/sec) per person as the mini-
mum. By 1925, 22 states had adopted the requirement.
The first ASHRAE Standard 62 appeared in
1973 titled Standards for Natural and Mechanical
Ventilation. The standard provided minimum and recom-
mended outdoor airflow rates “for the preservation
9
I of the occupants’ health, safety and well-being” in a
variety of different spaces. Standard 62-1973 defined
a prescriptive approach, meaning that the airflow
rates were prescribed (as rules), and became the
basis for most state codes. In 1981 the standard was
updated and re-titled as ASHRAE Standard 62-1981,
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The net
effect was a general reduction in outdoor air usage.
In the 1989 update to ASHRAE Standard 62 the
minimum acceptable ventilation rate increased from
5 cfm (2.4 L/sec) to 15 cfm (7.1 L/sec), which has
since been widely accepted. Evolution of the minimum
ventilation rate is shown graphically in Figure 3.1.
3.5 C O 2 A N D A S H R A E S TA N D A R D 6 2
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 (Standard 62)
took the first step in integrating CO2 into modern day
standards by establishing that CO2 concentrations
should not exceed 1000 parts per million. Appendix D
of the standard was also created as a reference to
the standard to explain the fundamental relationship
between CO2 and ventilation as described in Chapter
2 of this handbook.
In 1999 Standard 62 was updated to become
Standard 62-99. In this update the provisions for
CO2 were changed slightly. The 1000 ppm level was
modified to a 700 ppm differential. The exact wording
of the standard is as follows:
“Comfort (odor) criteria with respect to human bio-
effluents are likely to be satisfied if the ventilation
results in indoor CO2 concentrations less than
700 ppm above the outdoor air concentration.” 13
As discussed in Chapter 2, a 700 ppm differential
between inside and outside concentrations is consid-
ered equivalent to 15 cfm/person when people are
involved in office-like activity (1.2 MET). So where
did the original 1000 ppm level come from?
Originally the 1000 ppm guideline, which was
also used in some of the handbooks and standards in
the early 1900’s assumed an outside level of around
300 ppm (300 + 700 = 1000). With the rise of global
CO2 levels at about 1 to 2 ppm per year the previously
assumed 300 ppm outside level was no longer correct
(See Chapter 2 for more information on rising global
CO2 levels). Currently a value of 400 to 450 is gener-
ally used for outside concentrations.
When CO2 was first addressed in Standard 62,
some confusion resulted because the Standard was
somewhat ambiguous as to whether CO2 was to be
considered a contaminant, a surrogate for air quality or
a ventilation parameter. To many it was unclear whether
10 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S I G N
FIGURE 3. 1
E V O LU T I O N O F M I N I M U M V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E S
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
1825 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 2000
Year
Source: Janssen 1999
FI GURE 3.2
C O 2 R E L AT E D A S H R A E I N T E R P R E TAT I O N S
IC-62-1999-03
Ventilation criteria of the Standard is likely to be satisfied if
CO2 levels in EACH space do not exceed 700 PPM above
outdoor air C02 levels. The 700 ppm differential noted in the
standard is not a time weighted value or a ceiling value. CO2
levels should only be considered during times of occupancy.
IC-62-1999-04
The 700 ppm CO2 differential noted in the standard is a
guideline based on maintaining adequate ventilation to control
perception of human bioeflluents, not a ceiling value for indoor
air quality.
IC-62-1999-05
If filtration means are used under the Air Quality Procedure
to remove human bioeffluents and odors the 700 ppm
differential value for CO2 may not be applicable. It is primarily
intended for use with the Ventilation Rate Procedure.
IC-62-1999-15
CO2 control cannot be used to reduce ventilation below Table
2 values (CO 2 DCV is normally used to maintain table 2 val-
ues based on real-time occupancy using the ventilation rate
procedure). CO 2 cannot be used as the sole means of claim-
ing compliance with the Indoor Air Quality Procedure because
there are generally other contaminants of concern that must
be measured and controlled using this procedure. CO2 filtra-
tion is not an appropriate way of complying with Standard 62.
IC-62-1999-24
It is not necessary to apply equation 6.1 if the required rates of
acceptable outdoor air in Table 2 are provided to EACH space.
IC-62-1999-32
Defines the parameters to apply CO2 based demand con-
trolled ventilation. Interpretation 24 above confirms if Table 2
rates are supplied to each space then the multiple space
equation is not needed.
CO2 sensing and control was to be applied under the
Ventilation Rate Procedure (prescriptive) of the stan-
dard or the Air Quality Procedure (performance based).
The confusion led to several requests for inter-
pretation to ASHRAE 62 committee. A request for
interpretation is a procedure where any individual can
ask a question to clarify the intent of the Standard.
Interpretations are asked as yes or no questions and
submitted to the ASHRAE committee responsible for
maintaining ASHRAE Standard 62.
The use of the CO2 in Standard 62 has been
the subject of 6 of the 38 interpretations requested of
Standard 62. Figure 3.2 provides a table identifying
and briefly describing the various interpretations that
have addressed CO 2 related issues.
3.6 D C V A N D B U I L D I N G C O D E S
While ASHRAE Standards identify what is good
practice for HVAC design engineers, local codes
ultimately dictate how buildings must be designed.
In fact, many codes indirectly draw from ASHRAE
Standard 62 to establish ventilation requirements in
buildings. ASHRAE Standard 62 is not used directly
in codes because it is not written in the language
necessary for code enforcement.
The majority of local and state code making bodies
do not usually have the expertise and resources to
write their building codes from scratch. As a result,
three model codes have been established that develop
standardized building code documents that can be
adopted in whole or in part by local jurisdictions.
These code bodies are known as BOCA (Building
Officials and Code Administrators International),
ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials)
and SBCCI (Southern Building Code Congress
International).
Recently these three model code bodies have
jointly adopted the International Mechanical Code
(IMC) which establishes minimum regulations for
mechanical systems using prescriptive and perform-
ance related provisions. Like the ASHRAE 62 stan-
dard, the IMC also provides provisions for modulation
of outside air based on occupancy as long at target
cfm-per person ventilation rates are maintained.
This is addressed in section 403.3.1 of the 2000
International Mechanical Code that states:
3.7 T H E M AT U R A T I O N O F A T E C H N O L O G Y
Demand controlled ventilation using CO2 has
been a well-understood principle for over 100 years.
However its application and the sensor technology
price-performance ratio have only evolved over the
past few years. DCV is now an attractive alternative to
the traditional approach of providing a fixed ventilation
rate based on an assumed maximum occupancy.
Ventilation control with DCV is a recognized ven-
tilation control approach in ASHRAE Standard 62-99.17
It is a recommended operational approach to control
ventilation based on occupancy in the International
Mechanical Code and as a result is now being updated
into many local building codes.18 Leading states like
California have also integrated DCV as part of the
state building code as a method of reducing energy
use yet ensuring indoor air quality.19
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
All interpretations, including those developed
I
as part of the 1989 standard have now been accepted
as part of the relatively new ASHRAE Standard 62-99.
All current interpretations are provided with every
copy of the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62 sold by
ASHRAE. All interpretations are also available on
ASHRAE’s web site (www.ashrae.org).
The minimum flow rate of outdoor air that the
ventilation system must be capable of supplying
during its operation shall be permitted to be
based on the rate per person indicated in
Table 403.3 and the actual number of occupants
present. [Emphasis added]15
The IMC has also created a commentary docu-
ment to provide clarification to the intent of the code.
In reference to section 403.3.1, the commentary uses
CO2 control as an example of a ventilation system
that can provide a specific “rate per person” based
on the “actual number of people present.” An excerpt
from the commentary is provided below.
“The intent of this section is to allow the rate of
ventilation to modulate in proportion to the num-
ber of occupants. This can result in significant
energy savings. Current technology can permit
the design of ventilation systems that are capable
of detecting the occupant load of the space and
automatically adjusting the ventilation rate
accordingly.
For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors
can be used to sense the level of CO2 concentra-
tions, which are indicative of the number of occu-
pants. People emit predictable quantities of CO2
for any given activity, and this knowledge can be
used to estimate the occupant load in a space.” 16
Low cost CO 2 sensors for DCV first appeared
on the market approximately 10 years ago. As any
new technology, these first products encountered
initial market resistance. In the case of CO2 sensors,
price, calibration frequency or their size and appear-
ance were issues. There are still products on the
market that have these same problems.
Carrier has discovered that these issues can
be solved with the right technology. Economical
sensors are now available that can self calibrate
and offer thermostat-like dependability at thermostat-
like prices. The CO2 measurement technology is no
longer a barrier to utilizing this promising ventilation
control approach.
11
I
10
Jansen, J. E. 1999. “The History of Ventilation and Temperature Control,”ASHRAE Journal 41, no. 10: 47-52.
11
Buildings for Industry. 1957. F.W. Dodge Corporation.
12
Marks, Lionel S., Mechanical Engineers Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc. 1916.
13
New York City, 1929 NY Building Code.
14
Section 6.1.3. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, ASHRAE, 1999.
15
International Code Council, 2000 International Mechanical Code, 2000.
16
International Code Council, Commentary to International Mechanical Code, 2000.
17
ANSI/ASHRAE, Standard 62-1999 Interpretation IC-62-1999-33, American Society Of Heating Refrigeration
And Air Conditioning Engineers.
18
Section 403.3 of the International Mechanical Code and associated Commentary.
19
California Energy Commission, Title 24 Non Residential Building Standards, Section 121, Ventilation
Requirements, 2001.

12 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y ST E M D E S IG N
 II

D C V A P P L I C AT I O N F U N D A M E N TA L S

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 13
II

14 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
4 . 1 O V E RV I E W
This chapter provides the framework necessary
for integrating DCV into a HVAC system design
including evaluating potential for DCV, sizing systems,
establishing a base ventilation rate and locating sensors.
4.2 C O 2 C O N T R O L A N D S TA N D A R D 6 2
DCV as a ventilation control strategy was clarified
in 1997 in interpretation IC 62-1999-33 (formerly IC
62-1989-27). A copy of this interpretation is provided
in Appendix B to this handbook. This interpretation
identified the ground rules for using CO2 as a method
of controlling ventilation based on real-time occupancy
within a space.
1 . The use of CO 2 is applied using the Ventilation
Rate Procedure of Standard 62, which establishes
specific cfm/person ventilation rates for most
applications. By definition, ASHRAE Standard 62
says that acceptable indoor air quality is achieved
by providing ventilation air of the specified quality
and quantity (Table 2 in the Standard) to the
space. The standard states: “The Ventilation Rate
Procedure described in 6.1 is deemed to provide
acceptable indoor air quality, ipso facto.”
2 . CO2 is applied using the provisions of section
6.1.3.4 of the standard that address variable and
intermittent occupancy. The CO2 control strategy
can be used to modulate ventilation below the
design ventilation rate while still maintaining
Table 2 ventilation rates (e.g., 15 cfm per person).
Sensor location and selection of the control
4.3 D C V D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S
Demand controlled ventilation does not add signif-
icant complexity to HVAC design. It is no coincidence
that section 403.3.1 of the International Mechanical
Code that is relevant to CO2 control is called “System
Operation”. CO 2 DCV is primarily an operational
parameter that should not significantly affect the
design of the system except in the implementation
of the control strategies to regulate ventilation levels.
DCV is part of an overall control strategy for a
building and should be considered complimentary to
other building control functions. Such strategies include:
4.4 D E S I G N S T E P S F O R D C V
DCV is an approach that affects how the system
is operated, not how it is designed. As a result there
are only a few issues to consider when designing a
DCV system. There are five simple steps to designing
DCV applications:
1 . Verify that the application is appropriate for DCV.
2 . Estimate the building occupancy and calculate
the required outdoor airflow for each space based
on ASHRAE Standard 62 or other appropriate
(local) code requirement.
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
Chapter 5 will provide more details on implementing
the proper control strategy and Chapters 6-8 will
provide examples of DCV designs for three different
types of HVAC systems.
II
algorithm should be based on achieving the rates
in Table 2. The control strategy should also be
developed considering inside/outside CO2 differential.
3 . The control strategy must provide adequate lag
time response as required in the Standard.
4 . If CO2 control is used, the design ventilation rate
may not be reduced to consider peak occupancies
of less than 3 hours (often called diversity). In
other words, the variable provision of 6.1.3.4 can-
not be applied to lower the estimated maximum
occupancy for the purpose of reducing the design
ventilation rate while using DCV.
5 . CO2 filtration or bioeffluents removal methods
other than dilution should not be implemented in
the space.
6 . A base ventilation rate should be provided during
occupied periods to control for non-occupant
related sources.
7 . Where applicable the multiple spaces provision of
6.1 should be applied.
• Apre-occupancy purge to clear out contaminants
that may have built up overnight during system
shut-off.
• Economizer operation to take advantage of
times when outside air can be used for free
cooling (will override CO 2 control).
• High and low temperature limits used to protect
equipment from extreme temperatures that may
significantly exceed design conditions.
3 . Determine the appropriate base ventilation rate
for non-occupant related sources. This will be
the minimum ventilation rate provided during all
occupied hours.
4 . Determine the appropriate control strategy to use
for the application and equipment used.
5 . Select type of sensor and determine sensor location.
15
 FIGURE 4.1
DCV DESIGN STE PS

1 2 3 4 5
Choose Control
Determine if Determine Space Determine Base Strategy Select Sensors
DCV is Ventilation Ventilation Rate • Set Point and Determine
II Appropriate Requirements for
Non-Occupant
• Proportional
• Proportional-
Sensor Location

Related Sources Integral

4.5 S T E P 1 : I S T H E S PA C E A P P RO P R I AT E F O R D C V ?
The intent of demand controlled ventilation is not
to blindly or irresponsibly reduce outdoor airflow to an
occupied building in the name of energy savings. It is
a reasoned, logical application of technology to actu-
ally meet the letter of the standard and save energy in
the process. DCV is a reliable method of maintaining
a target cfm-per-person fresh air dilution rate based
on actual occupancy. This is in contrast to providing
a fixed dilution rate based on an assumed maximum
occupancy.
DCV has been regularly applied to most buildings
with high occupant densities and frequently variable
occupancy. As CO2 sensing and control devices have
become more economical, the list of viable applica-
tions has grown to include buildings with relatively
static total occupancies who want to utilize an active
approach to ensure target ventilation rates are main-
tained at all times in all spaces.
It is important that building designers and opera-
tors understand the difference between a passive,
fixed-ventilation strategy and the active ventilation
strategy of using CO 2 to control ventilation on a real
time basis.
The former approach requires faith that, assuming
that the building is properly commissioned, airflows
will continue to be delivered at the design ventilation
rate for the life of the building. In reality, air intakes
can be adjusted by well meaning building operators
to “tweak” the system either for increased comfort or
energy savings. In many cases a building can end up
significantly over or under ventilated. Occupancy pat-
terns and densities may also change over time and
render the originally established fixed rate inappropriate.
Given it is an active control system; DCV auto-
matically adjusts ventilation to the appropriate levels
for the space based on actual occupancy. The need
for operator adjustments of the ventilation system is
unnecessary. It is for this reason that CO2 DCV is
now being considered in many applications that
have more static occupancies like offices and
school classrooms.
The chart in Figure 4.2 provides recommenda-
tions on what type of spaces are most suitable for
a DCV control strategy. Most applications indicated
as “possible” may be suitable applications, but should
be evaluated by the HVAC system designer. Separate
factors may govern system selection, such as, manda-
tory ventilation requirements other than ASHRAE
Standard 62, pressurization between spaces (e.g.,
between kitchens and dining rooms), regular periodic
release of building-related contaminants that are a
health hazard to occupants, and extensive require-
ments for local exhaust.

16 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
FIG URE 4.2
R E C O M M E N D E D A P P L I C AT I O N S F O R D C V

II

4.6 S T E P 2 : D E T E R M I N I N G O U T D O O R A I R
VENTILATION RE QUIREMENTS

4.6.1 D CV OR DIVE RSI T Y • Can be applied to most types of spaces regard-

less of occupancy characteristics.
While CO2 DCV is one method of controlling for
intermittent and variable occupancy the ASHRAE stan-
• Ventilation is controlled based on actual occu-
dard also provides for another approach for some very
pancy variation. With diversity, ventilation
specific types of uses. It is important to note that the
remains fixed for all operating conditions. If
designer can apply one or the other methods but not
occupancy density or patterns change from initial
both. The other method often called “diversity” allows
design assumptions, DCV will automatically
for spaces to be ventilated at their average occupancy
adjust the system. If diversity assumptions are
(though no less than 50% of maximum occupancy)
used, air quality may be compromised if actual
as long as occupancy duration is 3 hours or less.
usage is different from design assumptions.
It is important to note that while the ASHRAE
Standard 62 makes provisions for diversity, the IMC
• A space CO2 measurement provides a measure
and most local codes make no provisions for this
of outside air delivery ventilation effectiveness to
method. Engineers should be certain local codes
a particular zone, ensuring the ventilation system
allow diversity calculations before incorporating it into
is responsive to occupancy within the space.
their system design. The primary advantage of inte-
Assumptions of diversity cannot account for actual
grating diversity is that in some limited applications
ventilation demand or air distribution effectiveness.
design ventilation rates and related equipment sizing
may be reduced.
The biggest disadvantage of DCV related to a
The advantages to using a DCV approach over
diversity assumption is that use of DCV will only affect
a diversity assumption include:
the operation of equipment and can not be used to
influence equipment sizing.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 17
 4 . 6 . 2 C O N S TA N T V O L U M E S Y S T E M S
With the exception of the use of diversity dis-
cussed above, sizing for constant volume systems
is identical to normal practice of multiplying the target
ventilation rate for the space times the maximum
number of occupants in the space. This value becomes
the design ventilation rate and typically is a fixed
II volume of air delivered during all occupied periods.
When applying DCV, the design ventilation rate becomes
the maximum ventilation position in a modulating
ventilation strategy.
4 . 6 . 3 M U LT I P L E Z O N E VAV S Y S T E M S
When variable-air-volume (VAV) systems for
multiple space occupancies were first conceived, out-
door air delivered to each space varied as a function
of the supply airflow. Supply air was varied in propor-
tion to the thermostat’s call for heating or cooling. In
this case the designer would have to ensure that the
system, under all operating conditions (e.g., part load
conditions) continued to maintain the proper design
ventilation rate to each zone. This process is described
in section 6.1.3.1 of ASHRAE Standard 62.
In this type of application, the calculation (e.g.,
Equation 6.1 in Standard 62) of required outside air
capacity involves an iterative series of calculations to
ensure that adequate ventilation air is introduced at the
central air handler to ensure that even the most “critical
space” (least likely to receive adequate ventilation) is
satisfied. This often can result in over-ventilation and
resulting wasted energy in other non-critical spaces.
It can also negate any ventilation reduction that may
have resulted from the consideration of diversity.
A recent innovation in VAV system design is the
ability to modulate a zone VAV box to consider both
temperature control and CO 2 for ventilation control.
4. 7 S T E P 3 : C A L C U L A T I N G B A S E V E N T I L A T I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S
In the ASHRAE interpretation IC-62-1999-33 that
clarified the use of CO2 DCV with Standard 62, a com-
ment was provided that the designer should ensure
that in cases of low occupancy “a non-zero base venti-
lation rate” is provided “to handle non-occupant related
sources whenever the space is occupied.”
So, a DCV system must be designed to maintain a
minimum ventilation airflow rate to control non-occupant
related contaminants that may be given off by furnish-
ings, equipment or other materials within the space.
This should not be confused with the minimum outdoor
air rate required by ASHRAE Standard 62 or other
codes. The base ventilation rate is the lowest point
to which CO 2 controls may modulate outdoor airflow
during occupied hours.
Minimum ventilation airflow must be adequate to
achieve several goals:
• Balance supply, exhaust and building pressur-
ization requirements
• Establish the lowest outdoor air rate permissible
during times when the building is sparsely occu-
pied (i.e., immediately prior to or after business
hours, weekends, and holidays)
18 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
In this type of system, ventilation is not limited by the
space load requirements but is controlled separately
using a CO 2 sensor in each major occupied zone. In
this case the signal from the CO2 sensor modulates
the local VAV box and the outside air intake to ensure
all spaces have adequate ventilation.
A common question that arises is, should a
designer use the multiple spaces sizing approach
described in section 6.1.3.1 for ASHRAE Standard 62
with a zone level DCV control strategy.
In traditional VAV approaches the designer must
estimate what the critical space will be under various
conditions and then design to worst case circum-
stances to ensure the critical space always receives
the appropriate amount of fresh air. With VAV DCV
outside air delivery is actually measured in every
zone and the VAV box is modulated to control for
both space conditioning load and ventilation.
Since a VAV system with DCV is actually measur-
ing ventilation and controlling ventilation rates to the
space independent of temperature, the multiple spaces
equation is not necessary. This was clarified in a
recent interpretation to the Standard, IC-62-1999-24,
which stated that the 6.1.3.1 sizing is not necessary if
the required ventilation rate is delivered to the space.
In operational situations where a specific space
may have satisfied cooling needs but still requires
ventilation, localized reheat can be applied. The energy
impact of reheat for a zone is usually far less than
over ventilating the entire building to satisfy one zone.
As a result, sizing for a multiple space VAV DCV
application is similar to current practice for most juris-
dictions. The ventilation requirements are calculated
for the space based on recommended target cfm per
person ventilation rates established by local codes or
standards and multiplied times the maximum intended
occupancy for the space.
The designer should consider the age, condition,
and contents of a building when establishing the
minimum ventilation airflow rate. A new or remodeled
building with newly installed furnishings and finishes
will experience higher concentrations of building-related
contaminants than will an older building and may ini-
tially require a higher base ventilation rate over the
first few months of operation.
Retail sales areas, such as furniture and carpet
stores, may experience relatively high concentrations
of building-related contaminants regardless of the
building age. Experience with DCV systems to date
suggests that the minimum ventilation flow for older
(well aged) buildings should not be less than 20 to
30% of the design ventilation rate. For new buildings
this rule of thumb may be higher at about 40 to 50%
of the design ventilation rate.
The question of base ventilation rates for sources
within a space has been a topic of some debate.
However, ASHRAE is about to circulate for comment
a series of proposed changes to the ventilation sec-
tion of Standard 62 that include establishment of a
base ventilation rates for sources within the space,
expressed in terms of cfm/ft2. The chart in Figure 4.3
combines the draft recommended base ventilation
FIGURE 4.3
B A S E V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E S R E C O M M E N D E D I N A C H A N G E T O
S TA N D A R D 6 2 C U R R E N T LY O U T F O R C O M M E N T

II

rates from the proposed change with current ventila- The following process will take care of setting the
tion requirements in the Standard 62/IMC and calcu- base ventilation rate for a VAV system:
lates what the base ventilation rate should be as a
percent of the OA design capacity.20 Looking at the 1 . Set all zone dampers to their design base
numbers, the 20-30% of design appears to be a good ventilation rate. (See Chapter 6 on determining
conservative rule of thumb for most applications. It is base ventilation rates for VAV systems.)
important to note that these levels represent a draft of
a proposed standard and in no way reflects if or when 2 . Ensure the VFD or inlet guide vanes have
it will be part of an upcoming standard. modulated to maintain the design static pressure
Setting the base ventilation rate in a constant vol- set point.
ume or VAV system has caused some confusion on
whether or not to specify a device to monitor airflow in
3 . Traverse the Outside Air Duct and set the AHU
the outside air duct to ensure that the base ventilation
controller’s Outside Air damper actuator to
rate is being met during all load conditions. Going to
maintain the system design base ventilation.
this level of expense isn’t necessary. This setting can
This will typically be set as a percentage of
easily be handled during the test-and-balance phase
damper position.
of the project.
Setting the base ventilation rate in a constant vol-
Since the lowest volume of air the VAV system
ume system can be done by calculating the base ven-
can produce at any given time equates to the base
tilation rate as a percentage of the total supply airflow
ventilation rate, the above setup will ensure that the
and setting the outside air damper to this percentage.
outside air damper will always deliver the base venti-
For a more accurate value, the outside air duct can be
lation rate, even at very light loads.
traversed for the base ventilation airflow, and then the
outside air damper can be set to match this reading.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 19
 4.8 S T E P 4 : S E L E C T D C V C O N T R O L S T R A T E G Y
The control strategy used to modulate ventilation rates based on actual occupancy and will significantly
based on CO2 levels is the most critical step in the DCV affect the possible energy savings achievable over a
design process. The control strategy affects the respon- fixed ventilation approach. Chapter 5 provides details
siveness of the ventilation system to control ventilation on selecting the most appropriate control strategy.

II 4.9 S T E P 5 : L O C AT I N G C O 2 S E N S O R S
Much of the same logic that goes into selecting • A sensor should be installed in each zone
a thermostat location can be applied to selecting an that is separately controllable (e.g., multi-zone
appropriate location for a CO2 sensor. The key is to systems or variable-air-volume systems with
select a location where the sensor can accurately multiple zones).
measure the CO 2 concentration and is representative
of the area or zone served. The exact criteria will vary • Avoid locations near doorways, operable
between different buildings and system types. In each windows or air vents.
case, the designer must apply good engineering judg-
ment to assure that both the sensors and the complete FI GURE 4.4
ventilation system performs effectively. C O2 S E N S O R P L A C E M E N T
In general, a CO 2 sensor will be less susceptible R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
to stratification issues than temperature sensors due
to the tendency of gases to quickly equalize within a
space. A special consideration for CO 2 sensor place-
ment is to ensure it is not located in an area where
people might be directly breathing on the sensor
(e.g., near water cooler/coffee service areas).

4 . 9 . 1 I N - S PA C E O R D U C T
MOUNTED SENSORS?
Measurement of CO2 in the space using wall-
mounted sensors is preferred for the same reason that
temperature sensors are mounted within the space.
In multiple space applications, duct-mounted
sensors may reflect an average of all spaces and will
not provide indication of ventilation requirements in
individual zones. The result is that ventilation to the
individual spaces (i.e., the “critical” space) may not be
maintained and compliance to ASHRAE 62 require-
ments will be compromised.
Space-mounted sensors can also give a good
indication of the ventilation effectiveness in the space
and will operate the system based on the characteristics
of the space. Duct-mounted sensors cannot indicate
Duct-mounted CO2 sensors are best suited to
ventilation effectiveness.
single zone systems that run continuously.
The principal driver for use of duct-mounted sen-
Guidelines for installation of duct-mounted sensors
sors has been to reduce costs by reducing the number
are provided below.
of sensors required for a job. In the past few years,
CO2 sensor pricing has dropped dramatically meaning
• Duct-mounted CO2 sensors should be located
that the cost difference between using duct-mounted
to serve a single zone, or multiple spaces within
and multiple space-mounted sensors is a minimal
a single zone that have similar activity levels.
portion of job cost. Some sensors now even combine
temperature and CO2 measurement functionality to
• Locate the sensor as near as possible to the
further reduce purchased and installed cost.
space being served.
Some general guidelines for placement of wall-
mounted sensors is provided below.
• When using duct-mounted sensors for a
demand controlled ventilation system, the
• Select a location that is reasonably centered in
designer must consider ventilation effective-
the zone.
ness in the occupied space (just the same
as is necessary when using the Ventilation
• When a single sensor serves multiple spaces,
Rate Procedure).
the space most sensitive to the ventilation rate
should be selected.
• Locate duct-mounted sensors where they are
accessible for inspection and maintenance.

20 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S IG N
4.10 S E N S O R L O C AT I O N - C O N S TA N T V O L U M E S Y S T E M S
A single CO2 sensor is suitable for open areas up
to about 5,000 square feet. If a building is designed
with a large open area as a single zone greater than
5,000 square feet, multiple CO2 sensors should be
used. If a large open area is conditioned with multiple
units (e.g., multiple rooftop units) each separate unit
should be equipped with a CO2 sensor that is located
centrally in the area conditioned by that unit.
In systems that have multiple zones, but only
one location to control the flow of outdoor air (e.g.,
constant-volume, single-zone rooftop units), multiple
CO2 sensors may be required. This is especially true
if there are different zones in the space with different
occupancy patterns. In this situation a CO2 sensor
should be placed in each of the major occupied zones
and the outdoor air delivery should be modulated
off the sensor with the highest reading. Inexpensive
transducers are readily available that are able to take
multiple analog signals and pass thorough the signal
that is highest to the equipment. Figure 4.4 provides
additional guidance.
II
4.10.1 S ENS OR SE LEC TION -
VAV S Y S T E M S
In variable-air-volume systems, CO2 sensors
should be located in each major zone of occupancy. In
some cases this may mean that one CO2 sensor can
be used for multiple VAV boxes if all serve a common
area with similar occupancy patterns and densities.

20
This proposed change for the standard is called 62n. While not addressed in this handbook, the proposed
changes also alter the recommended cfm/person requirements for most applications. The reader can
check with ASHRAE or the ASHRAE web site for the latest information on the proposed 62n addendum to
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 21
II

22 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
5 . 1 O V E RV I E W
DCV involves more than just measuring CO2.
The designer must implement an effective control
strategy to ensure that target cfm-per-person ventila-
tion rates are maintained to match occupancy within a
reasonable lag time. This chapter specifically address-
es the steps involved in selecting an appropriate DCV
strategy. These steps include:
1 . Since ventilation control using CO2 is based on
an inside/outside differential (discussed in
5. 2 S T E P 1 : C O N S I D E R A T I O N O F O U T D O O R C O N C E N T R AT I O N S
Since DCV is based on determining and control-
ling ventilation rates based on an inside/outside differ-
ential of CO 2, the designer must consider how to inte-
grate outside concentrations into the control strategy.
There are two possible options for accounting for
outside concentrations.
• The designer can mount a sensor in the outside
air to measure outside concentrations and design
the system to consider real-time inside/outside
differential measurement.
• The designer can take a measurement or make
a conservative assumption of what outside con-
centrations will be for that region.
5.2.1 DI RECT MEAS UREME NT
At first glance, the most obvious approach to con-
trol ventilation based on CO2 is to actively measure
outdoor levels and active control based on the real
time CO2 differential measured. In this type of appli-
cation a CO 2 sensor must be selected that is capable
of withstanding the wide range of conditions found in
outside air.
This approach is the most expensive of the two
approaches examined and for most applications
overkill because “globally” outdoor levels do not vary
significantly. Outside air sensors are best considered
when outside levels at the air-intake are found to vary
significantly due to localized sources of combustion
(e.g., loading dock or vehicle idling area).
If high variations of CO2 are measured, it is a
strong indication that other harmful combustion related
contaminants are also present. Excessive levels of
CO2 in outdoor air may be used as a trigger to close
down air intakes until a localized source is dissipated.
As discussed in Appendix F, Carrier does offer an
outdoor CO2 sensing option for outdoor air, but it
5.3 S T E P 2 : E S TA B L I S H I N G T H E C O 2 E Q U I L I B R I U M A N C H O R P O I N T
Chapter 2 of this handbook explained the rela-
tionship between CO 2 levels and ventilation rates. It
described how CO 2 concentrations in a space at a
known activity level could be related to the ventilation
rate of the space. In this step the CO2 equilibrium
anchor point will be established.
It is important to note that the equilibrium anchor
point is not necessarily a control set point but rather a
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
Chapter 2), the designer must decide how to
account for outside concentrations.
2 . Determine the equilibrium anchor point for the
control strategy that corresponds to the cfm-per-
person ventilation requirements for the space.
II
3 . Select the appropriate control strategy for the
application and type of equipment used.
should only be considered if the possibility of significant
variations in outdoor air concentrations is anticipated.
5.2.2 M EA SUREME NT OR
ASS UM PTI ON O F OUTS IDE
C O 2 C O N C E N T R AT I O N S
In most areas designers can utilize a strategy
where outside ambient concentrations are assumed
for the purpose of implementing a control strategy.
The key is to pick a level that represents average
regional concentrations. This level can be determined
by making periodic measurements throughout the day
over a number of days with a hand held CO2 sensor.
Alternatively, a safe assumption is that outside levels
are 400 ppm.
It is unlikely that concentrations in any urban area
will be lower than 360 ppm (the lowest level measured
in the middle of the Pacific ocean – see Chapter 2). If a
control approach assumes an outside level of 400 and
outside levels are actually 50 ppm lower, the net result
will be that cfm/person ventilation rates may be lower
by about 1 cfm per person. This error is generally well
within the tolerances of any HVAC control system and
will have a negligible effect on indoor air quality.
If CO2 levels tend to be slightly higher, the net
effect is that for every 50 ppm the actual outside level
is over the assumed outside level, the space will be
slightly over ventilated by 1 cfm/person. It is highly
unlikely that outside levels will ever be over 500 ppm,
unless a localized source of combustion exists. If out-
side levels are higher by 100 ppm, the result is over
ventilation by about 2 cfm per person, again a negligi-
ble amount that errors on the side of more ventilation.
If a control strategy is based on an assumed
baseline of 400 ppm or derived from local measure-
ments, variation in outside levels will never result in a
significant impact on cfm per person ventilation rates
that might impact indoor air quality.
reference for establishing the control strategy. This
anchor point will influence how the control strategy
will modulate ventilation. It is not necessarily used as
the control point. The anchor point does become the
maximum permissible CO 2 level that the DCV control
strategy will allow.
ASHRAE Standard 62 (Section 6.2.1) states that
a differential concentration not greater than 700 ppm
23
 indicates that comfort (odor) criteria related to human
bioeffluents are likely to be satisfied. But, 700 ppm is
not intended as a universal rule of thumb and may not
be appropriate in all circumstances. As described in
Chapter 2, the 700 ppm differential is considered equiv-
alent to 15 cfm per person if the activity level in the
space is similar to an office like environment (1.2 MET).
For spaces with a higher activity level than 1.2
MET the second option is to use the equilibrium con-
trol point calculated for 1.2 MET. This approach will
result in over ventilation above the target ventilation
rate but this could be desirable. The 15 cfm/per per-
son ventilation guidelines established in the Standard
62 were based on studies of occupant satisfaction

II If local codes require a different ventilation rate

other than 15 cfm/person a different CO2 control point
related to perception of body odor for individuals in
office type environments.22 CO2 production is one
must be selected. Figure 5.1 provides a reference for parameter of metabolic activity. If activity increases
the equilibrium control rate for a range of cfm/person other gases and bioeffluents will be produced in
ventilation rates. The background to how these con- increasing quantities as well. As a result higher venti-
centrations are established is discussed in Chapter 2. lation rates may be necessary to maintain the satis-
The values in Figure 5.1 are inside/outside differential faction levels of perceived odors within the space.
values and must be added to the outside level to
determine the actual equilibrium anchor point. FIG URE 5.1
DIFFERENTIAL EQUI LI BRIUM CONTROL P OINTS
If activity levels are significantly different than that F O R VA R I O U S V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E S ( 1 . 2 M E T )
of an office type activity then CO2 production will also
be different and the resulting CO2 equilibrium control
point will be different for a given ventilation rate.
The volume of CO 2 expelled from a person, male
and female, is fairly uniform for adults and children
age 18 and older. The rate of CO 2 generation is a
proportional function of the metabolic rate, which is
directly related to a person’s physical activity. The
ASHRAE 1997 Fundamental Handbook (Chapter 8)
contains a detailed discussion of metabolic heat
generation for various activities. 21
If a space is likely to have a higher activity level
than that of an office space (1.2 MET) the designer can
consider one of two options. The first option is to calcu-
late a new set point for the cfm/person target ventilation
rate based on the higher activity level. Appendix C of
this handbook provides details on how to do this.

5.4 S T E P 3 : C O N T R O L S T R AT E G Y S E L E C T I O N
5 . 4 . 1 T H R E E C O N T R O L S T R AT E G I E S FI GURE 5.2
T H R E E D C V C O N T R O L S T R AT E G I E S
There are three recommended control approaches
for utilizing DCV that are dependent on the application
and type of equipment used in the space. These three
approaches are detailed below. Design Ventilation Rate

1 . Set Point Control

2 . Modulated Proportional Control
3 . Modulated Proportional-Integral Control

Agraphical representation of the three approaches

is provided in Figure 5.2. Each is discussed in greater
detail in the sections that follow. Detailed sequence of
operation for these control strategies are also provided
in Appendix D of this handbook. Base Ventilation Rate

5 . 4 . 2 C O N S I D E R AT I O N O F
C O N T RO L R E SP ON S E T I M E
An important consideration in the selection of a
control strategy is to ensure it is reasonably responsive
to changes in the space so that if occupancy changes
the system will react in a reasonable amount of time
to ensure the target cfm/person ventilation rate is met.
ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 (6.1.3.4) discusses
provisions for leading and lagging ventilation as part
of the overall discussion of intermittent and variable
occupancy. It is important to note that this is a recom-
100 300 500 700
Inside/Outside Differential CO 2 ppm
Outside CO2 Concentration
mendation, not a mandatory requirement of the
standard.23 Appendix G of the Standard 62 provides
the rationale applied in ASHRAE’s recommendations
for ventilation lead and lag times. Readers should
refer directly to Standard 62 if they require further
information on calculating lag times.

24 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
 Lagging ventilation is acceptable only if the
following conditions are met:
• Contaminants are dominantly a function of people
and their activities.
• Contaminants do not represent a short-term
health hazard.
• Contaminants are dissipated during unoccupied
times so that the indoor air quality is equal to
acceptable outdoor air.
DCV is a perfect example of where lagging venti-
5.5 S E T P O I N T C O N T R O L
Set point control is the simplest control strategy.
When the CO2 concentration in a space reaches the
equilibrium anchor point, a damper opens or a fan brings
in outside air. Only in set point control will the control
point equal the equilibrium anchor point. In its simplest
design the outside air delivery increases from the base
ventilation rate to the design ventilation rate for the
space. The damper remains open or the fan continues to
deliver outside air at the design ventilation rate until the
CO2 concentration drops to a predetermined concentra-
tion lower than the set point. The upper set point is set at
the CO2 equilibrium anchor point for the space (corre-
sponding to the target ventilation rate) or slightly below.
The difference between the upper set point and the
lower set point is the dead-band (see Figure 5.2).
CO2 sensors used for set point control should
have an adjustable set point and an adjustable
5.6 P R O P O R T I O N A L C O N T R O L
A proportional control system begins opening the
outdoor air damper or starts a variable-air-volume fan
when the CO2 concentration rises to a CO2 Control
set point, typically 100 to 200 ppm above outdoor levels.
Increasing CO2 concentrations in the space will cause
the outdoor air damper to increase outside air ventila-
tion to the space. The upper set point is typically
5.7 P R O P O R T I O N A L - I N T E G R A L C O N T R O L
AProportion + Integral (PI) control system differs
from a proportional control in that the modulation of the
damper is affected by the level of CO2 but also how
quickly concentrations change. This type of system can
be highly responsive to significant changes in occupancy.
Typically when a proportional-integral control is used
the control band is decreased so that modulation of the
outside air does not occur until the CO2 concentration
rises to within 100 ppm of the CO2 control point. PI con-
trol has a distinct advantage over proportional control:
it shortens the proportional bandwidth by a significant
amount and, at the same time, provides a tighter level of
control. In a PI control system, there is only one set point
since the integral portion of the controller will modulate
the damper to respond to the CO2 control point.
The closer the control point is to the equilibrium anchor
point the more chance there is for lag in the response of
the control, particularly in low density applications. This is
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
lation would be appropriate because it is an occupancy
based ventilation approach.
Designers should note that the base ventilation rate
can satisfy part of the lag requirements but the response
of the sensor to changes in occupancy is also an impor-
tant consideration. In the discussion that follows each
control strategy is discussed with regard to the best
applications to ensure adequate lag time response.
For those interested in modeling and evaluating II
the lag time response of various control strategies for
various applications, Carrier’s Ventulator™ DCV Energy
Analysis Program can provide a graphical indication
of how quickly each of the three control strategies
discussed below will respond for a given application.
dead-band. Adjustment of both the set point and dead-
band are necessary to assure the system supplies the
required ventilation rate a reasonable lag time. If the
dead band is too large the ventilation will exceed the
required lag time. If the dead-band is too small, the
outdoor air damper or fan will cycle too frequently.
As a rule of thumb, facilities with high occupant
densities that reach peak levels quickly may be the
most suitable candidates. Low- and moderate-density
occupancies or applications with very high ceilings
(greater than 10 feet) will exhibit slower rises in CO2
concentrations and may have excessive lag times. For
example, set point control is probably not appropriate
for a gym class of 20-30 people in a large gymnasium.
Typically set point control would be used only
where one air handler serves a single zone.
selected to be at or slightly below the CO2 equilibrium
anchor point. When the indoor CO2 concentration is at
this upper set point, the amount of outside air should
be equal to the design ventilation rate for the space.
Proportional control approaches work well for
virtually all applications including offices, schools
and meeting rooms, theaters and gymnasiums.
especially true during morning hours when occupancy
starts and outside levels must build up to the set point
before ventilation above the base rate is introduced. This
can be compensated for by initiating a pre-occupancy purge
to ensure a reservoir of fresh air is in the space when occu-
pants arrive. The establishment of a slightly higher base
ventilation rate may also provide the same effect.
PI control is suitable where energy savings and comfort
conditions are a primary concern. The time-based nature of
the integral control and its effect on the reaction time of the
system under control must be taken into consideration when
implementing PI controls. As long as the system under con-
trol can maintain the ASHRAE recommended lag times, PI
control provides the best performance from both a comfort
as well as a total energy savings perspective.
As discussed previously, Carrier’s Ventulator
program can simulate various controls in a space and
give some idea of lag time response.
25
 Most digital based control systems such as Controllers allows the user to select a proportional or
Carrier’s ComfortID™, PremiereLink™ and Comfort proportional-integral DCV control strategy.

5.8 T W O S TA G E C O N T R O L F O R Z O N E B A S E D VAV C O N T R O L
In this type of system the VAV box is modulated air-conditioning unit. The second is the zone set point,
both by a temperature sensor and a CO2 sensor. which governs terminal unit operation in VAV systems.

II There are two design situations unique to the applica-

tion of zone level DCV control utilizing a VAV system.
1 . Zone level VAV systems are unique in that the
control strategy must modulate both ventilation to
individual zones and the total amount of outside
air introduced by the system air handler. Different
control points must be established for these two
components of the system. The next section
discusses how to establish these set points.
2 . Since this type of VAV system utilizes both CO2
and temperature inputs, the designer must also
consider how to temper additional ventilation
demand to the space if the temperature load is
satisfied. This usually involves ensuring that zone
heating coils have enough capacity to temper
additional amounts of zone ventilation air.
For spaces that have no air conditioning load but
require ventilation the designer has two choices. Use the
central system heating capacity or provide heating at the
VAV box to warm air being delivered to the space. Compar-
ing these two options, zone heating is the clear winner.
• The energy impact is minimized because heating
is limited to the zone and not the entire system.
• Cooling demand from other zones can still be
satisfied while heating air to serve a zone requiring
ventilation but not requiring space conditioning.
The two set points are established so that there is
a two-stage response with either the central system or
zone providing the initial response. Priority of response
is controlled by providing a lower control set point for
the system component that will lead the response. If the
If the VAV boxes incorporate zone heating then the VAV
box will respond initially and therefore will have a lower
set point than the central system. If the VAV boxes do
not incorporate heating then the central system will pro-
vide the initial response and will have a lower set point.
Some general guidelines for establishing the set
points are provided below.
• First Stage Response: Set point is 150 ppm
below Equilibrium anchor point for the target
ventilation rate.
• Second Stage Response: Set point is 75 ppm
above first stage response.
The sequences of operations provided in
Appendix D provide greater detail on setting up this
type of system. Your Carrier controls specialist can
also assist in the establishment of set points and a
control strategy that is best for your application.
5.8.2 SIZIN G OF ZON E
H E AT I N G C O I L S
For applications that integrate zone heating the
designer must take into account 2 scenarios when
sizing zone heating:

It is important to note that ASHRAE Standard 90.1
“Energy Standards For Buildings” which is often referenced
by local codes, restricts the use of zone reheat except in
cases where it is necessary to provide the ventilation rates
required in ASHRAE Standard 62.24 This application would
qualify for this ventilation exception. Section 5.8.2 provides
guidance on sizing of zone heating capacity.
5. 8.1 E S TA B L I S H I N G ZO N E A N D
SYSTEM SET P OINTS
The DCV system set points are established after
the outdoor air CO 2 concentration and CO 2 control
point are known; all control functions occur between
these two points. Two or more set points may be
necessary to control a DCV system. The first is the
system set point, which governs operation of central
equipment such as the air-handling unit outdoor air
damper, or the outdoor air damper on a rooftop
• Heating during base ventilation model
Base ventilation mode heating will have a CFM set
point that is sufficient to maintain the airflow across
an electric duct heater (if so equipped) and maintain
the heating set point in the space, while minimizing
air distribution noise and drafts. This is identical to
how engineers currently size zone level heating.
• Heating during design ventilation model
Design ventilation mode heating has the added crite-
ria of ensuring the BTU capacity of the heating coil
is sufficient to overcome the additional CFM require-
ments when the zone is providing design ventila-
tion. This can be done by calculating the maximum
CFM set point at design ventilation, then selecting
the heating coil to match this level of airflow.

21
ASHRAE, Fundamentals Handbook, Chapter 8, American Society Of Heating And Refrigeration Engineers, 2000.
22
Berg-Munch B, GH Clausen and P.O. Fanger 1983 Ventilation And Body Odor, Proceedings of an Engineering Foundation
Conference On Management Of Atmospheres In Tightly Enclosed Spaces, pp 45-50, ASHRAE and Cain, W.S. et al 1983,
Ventilation Requirements In Buildings — I. Control if occupancy odor and tobacco smoke odor, Atmos. Env 17(6) 1183-1197.
23
Interpretation To ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, Interpretation No: IC 62-1999-24
24
ASHRAE/ANSI Standard 90.1, “Energy Standard For Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings,” Section 6.3.2.1(a)(1).
American Society of Heating Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Engineers.

26 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S IG N
 III

DE SIGN E XAMPLE S

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 27
III

28 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S I G N
SINGLE ZONE RETAIL SPAC E
6.1 A P P L I C A T I O N : R E TA I L C L OT H I N G S T O R E
This example looks at the application of a large
single zone space utilized for a retail-clothing store.
The store includes a 4100 ft2 retail floor, 12 dressing
rooms covering 600 ft 2 and a 400 ft 2 storage area.
Each area is partitioned off but left open to the 16 ft
high ceilings. The space has a design density of 30
people/1000 ft2 resulting in a total design occupancy
of 158 people.
The procedure used in this example would be
similar for other applications where one or more air
handlers condition a large single zone. These types
of spaces would include:
• Theaters
• Other Retail Applications
• Large Ballrooms or Conference Areas
• Cafeterias
• Multi-Purpose Gymnasiums
6.2 STEP 1: I S T H E S PA C E A P P RO P R I AT E ?
Like many retail spaces, this clothing store is sub-
ject to highly variable occupancy, which can occur at
various times throughout the day. The combination of
variable occupancy with design density of 30 people
per 1000 ft2 makes this a good application for DCV.
Figure 4.2 in Chapter 4, confirms this conclusion.
6.3 S T E P 2 : D ET E R M I N E V E N T I L AT I O N R E QU I R E M E N T S
F O R T H E S PA C E
Given all but 400 ft2 of the 4,200 ft2 space is
used for public access for design considerations we
will assume that the entire area is retail space. Table 2
from Standard 62 suggests that retail space should be
ventilated at 0.3 cfm/ft2. As a result total outdoor venti-
lation requirements for the space would be 1260 cfm.
The reason the ventilation rate is stated in the
standard and some codes as a cfm/ft2 value is that
this ventilation rate was intended to take care of con-
taminants created by both people and materials within
the space when a fixed ventilation rate is provided.
With DCV, a portion of the design ventilation rate will
be provided continuously for materials and a portion
will be variable for people.
6.4 STEP 3: D E T E R M I N E B A S E V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E
In retail store applications, due to the high density
of retail goods, the resultant off gassing of contaminants
may require a higher base ventilation rate than would
typically be applied to other applications. Figure 4.3
shows that a ventilation rate for the space of 0.12 cfm/ft2
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
FI GURE 6.1
R E TA I L S T O R E F L O O R P L A N
Retail Floor
CO2 Sensor
III
Storage
Dressing
Rooms
Many types of retail space also tend to have their
front doors open to encourage customer traffic. Fresh
air entering through the doors can be measured by the
CO2 sensor and eliminate the need for a portion of
mechanical ventilation that would have to be provided
if the doors were closed.
According to Table 2 in Standard 62, this type of
space typically has a design occupancy of 30 people/
1000 ft2 or 126 people (30 X 4.2 thousand ft2 = 126).
As a result the target per-person ventilation rate for
the space would be 1260 cfm divided by 126, which
would equal 10 cfm/person.
While strictly speaking a ventilation rate of 1260
cfm could be used, the store owner is very concerned
about occupant comfort in the space and in order to
ensure a good shopping environment has asked for
a design that will provide the Standard 62 minimum
of 15 cfm per person, which would result in a design
ventilation rate of 1890 (30 people/ft2 X 15 cfm = 1890).
is the recommended base ventilation rate for retail
spaces. As a result, the base ventilation rate to
control non-occupant related sources would be
approximately 500 cfm.
29
 6.5 STEP 4: D E T E R M IN E C O N T RO L S T R AT E G Y
6.5.1 CONS IDERIN G OUTS IDE
C O N C E N T R AT I O N S
After periodically measuring outside concentra-
tions at lunchtime in the area of the site over a week,
outside CO2 concentrations appear to range from 400
to 420 ppm. Since the levels appear fairly consistent
the designer has assumed outside levels will be
400 ppm.
The designer will also be using Carrier’s CO2
sensor that utilizes the ABCLogic™ self-calibration
feature. To ensure the most accurate operation of this
feature a pre-occupancy purge of the system that will
automatically occur every morning to ensure inside
III CO2 levels are equivalent to outside levels. This will
also ensure that any contaminants that have built up
over closing hours are ventilated out of the space
before occupancy begins.
6.5.2 D ETE RMIN E
C O 2 C O N T RO L P O I N T S
As discussed in Chapter 5 the equilibrium anchor
point is determined based on the target cfm/person
ventilation rate of the space and the activity level of
the space.
6.6 STEP 5: LO C AT E S E N S O R S
Asingle CO2 sensor should be able to handle an
open area of about 5,000 ft2. As a result one sensor is
recommended for this application. The location of the sen-
sor will be on a centrally located support post. The sensor
will be mounted approximately 6 feet from the floor in an
6.7 I N S TA L L AT IO N S U M MA RY
The air handler would be set up as follows:
• The DCV strategy would be timed to operate
during all occupied hours. The economizer
would be programmed to override DCV control
if outside air could be used for free cooling.
• A pre-occupancy purge would be included in the
sequence of operation of the air handler.
• The maximum position of the air handler’s out-
door air damper for delivery of ventilation under
the DCV strategy would be 1890 cfm (based on
15 cfm/person and a design density of 30 people/
1000 ft2). (Step 2)
30 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S IG N
Given the activity level in a retail space is not
generally strenuous and very similar to the activity in
an office type environment, we will assume an activity
level of 1.2 MET. Using Figure 5.1 the equilibrium
anchor point expressed, as an inside/outside differen-
tial would be 1060 ppm for a ventilation rate of 10 cfm/
person and 700 ppm for 15 cfm/person. Assuming an
outside level of 400 ppm this would make the equilib-
rium control points as follows:
10 cfm/person = 1060 + 400 = 1460 ppm
15 cfm/person = 700 + 400 = 1100 ppm
C O N T R O L S T R AT E G Y S E L E C T I O N
Set point control would not be a recommended
approach because of the high variability of occupancy
and large space volume, which would slow the rate of
CO2 buildup in the space.
In this particular installation the signal is being
provided directly to a Carrier 48/50 series rooftop unit.
This unit has a direct input for the proportional signal
from the Carrier CO2 sensor. As a result a proportional
control strategy will be used.
area that will be open to the space but is located so
that an occupant cannot directly breathe on the sensor.
Atemperature sensor will be located in the same area.
One option for this application is to use Carrier’s com-
bined CO2 and space temperature wall mount sensor.
• The base ventilation rate would be set to 500
cfm (Step 3).
• The air handler would be set up to begin modu-
lation of outside air when inside concentrations
were 100 ppm over outside concentrations (500
ppm). The damper position on the air handler
would be proportionally modulated so that when
levels reached the equilibrium anchor point of
1100 ppm the design ventilation rate of 1890 cfm
would be provided.
• The CO2 sensors would be placed as shown in
Figure 6.1.
SINGLE AIR HANDLER
S E RVING MULTIPLE ZO N E S — S C H O O L
7.1 A P P L I C AT I O N: F O U R CL A S S RO O M S
SERVED B Y ON E AIR HAND LE R
This example looks at an addition to a school FIGURE 7.1
where four classrooms are being added onto the DC V FOR A FOUR CLASSROOM SCHOOL
end of an existing building. One rooftop air handler ADDITION
will supply air to all the zones. In this example, the
amount of outside air delivered to the space can
only be controlled at the air handler air intake.
Each of the classrooms are 900 square feet in
size and are designed to hold 35 students apiece. All
of the classrooms are general-purpose classrooms
and are not intended for special applications such
as art or science labs.
Classroom 1

CO2 Sensor
Classroom 2

CO2 Sensor
III
This example is representative of the process
that would be involved for any space that has multiple
occupancy zones served by one air handler where the
only control of outside air is at the air handler. Similar
applications to this might include:

• Non VAV multi-zone spaces with different occu- CO2 Sensor CO2 Sensor
pancies in each zone such as a doctor’s office.
Classroom 3 Classroom 4
• Multiple tenants served by a common air handler
such as a strip mall.

• Control of ventilation to a multi-floor building

where air delivery can only be modulated for each
individual floor, such as a small office building.

7.2 STEP 1: I S T H E S PA C E A P P RO P R I AT E ?
In this high school application, class size will be outfitted with the latest in multimedia equip-
can vary by period and schedules change every ment and will be in high demand for after-hours use.
semester, meaning that occupancy is variable and Given the high variability of likely occupancies and
unpredictable. The school also holds night classes demands on the space it is unlikely that all four rooms
and makes some rooms available for local clubs and will likely have identical occupancy patterns. As a
organizations on a periodic basis. These new rooms result, this is an excellent application for DCV.

7.3 S T E P 2: D E T E R M I N E V E N T I L AT I O N R E QU I R E M E N T S
FO R T H E S PAC E
The ventilation requirements for classrooms are 4 classrooms). As a result the design outside air
15 cfm/person according to local codes and Standard ventilation requirement for the space will be 2100 cfm.
62. Design occupancy is 140 people (35 people X

7.4 STEP 3: D E T E R M I N E B A S E V E N T I L AT I O N R AT E
Figure 4.3 suggests a base ventilation rate of represents about 20 % of the total design ventilation
0.12 cfm/ft2 for classroom applications where students rate for outdoor air. The base ventilation rate for the
are 9 years of age or older. This represents a base air handler will be rounded off to a requirement of
ventilation rate for the 4 classrooms of 432 cfm, which 450 cfm.

7.5 STEP 4: D E T E R M I N E C O N T RO L S T R AT E G Y
7.5.1 CO NS IDERIN G OUTS IDE between 415 ppm and 455 ppm with the average
C O N C E N T R AT I O N S being 432 ppm.
Because CO2 concentrations appear fairly stable
Outside concentrations were measured with a
in the area the control strategy will assume a conser-
hand held sensor in the morning and afternoon peri-
vative value for outside concentrations of 400 ppm.
odically over 2 weeks by one of the classes as part of
a science project. Outside levels were found to range

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 31
 If outside concentrations are actually 432 ppm
the selection of this as an assumed outside level will
result in a slight over ventilation of the space of less
than 1 cfm per person.
A short pre-occupancy purge cycle will also be
initiated in the morning to ensure inside levels have
dropped down to background concentrations. This
will ensure that the ABCLogic™ feature in the sensor
maintains its calibration automatically.
7.5.2 D ETERMINI NG CO2
C O N T RO L PO I N T S
In this application all the zones have a target
ventilation rate of 15 cfm/person. As a result the
equilibrium anchor control point would be calculated
III by adding the assumed outside concentration to the
CO2 differential value for 15 cfm per person. We will
assume an office type activity resulting in 1.2 MET of
7.6 STEP 5: L O C AT E S E N S O R S
In this instance sensors could be mounted in the
space or in the duct. As discussed in Chapter 5 the
problem with duct-mounted sensors is that they reflect
an average of concentrations within all spaces. If only
one classroom is occupied and the others are vacant
the average may indicate acceptable levels of ventila-
tion while the actual conditions in the occupied class-
room may indicate severe under ventilation.
To avoid the problems associated with averaging
duct concentrations one sensor will be installed in
7.7 I N S TA L L AT I O N S U M M A RY
The air handler would be set up as follows:
• The DCV strategy would be timed to operate
during all occupied hours. The economizer
would be programmed to override DCV control
if outside air could be used for free cooling.
• A morning pre-occupancy purge would be
included in the sequence of operation of the
air handler.
• The maximum position of the air handler for
delivery of ventilation under the DCV strategy
would be would be 2100 cfm. (Step 2)
32 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
activity. As a result we can use the ASHRAE recom-
mended differential of 700 ppm. The equilibrium control
point becomes 1100 ppm (400 + 700 = 1100).
7.5.3 SE LEC TING THE
C O N T R O L S T R AT E G Y
Set Point control would probably work very well
for a single school classroom given the relatively high
density of the space and small volume of air. This
strategy could become much more complicated when
trying to control ventilation for four spaces simultane-
ously and may result in excessive damper movement
and wear as the damper continually opens and closes.
For this application proportional modulated con-
trol was chosen because the rooftop system selected
has proportional modulation capability (Carrier model
48/50 series). More details on how the sensors are
configured to the air handler are provided below.
each space just above where the thermostat is placed
on the wall. The four room sensors will be connected
to an inexpensive 4 into 1 transducer that will compare
the signal coming from the four CO2 sensors and pass
through the signal that has the highest concentration.
In this way the designer can be sure that each individ-
ual space will always be adequately ventilated.
• The base ventilation rate would be set to
450 cfm (Step 3).
• The air handler would be set up to begin modu-
lation of outside air when inside concentrations
were 100 ppm over outside concentrations (500
ppm). The damper position on the air handler
would be proportionally modulated so that when
levels reached the equilibrium anchor point the
design ventilation rate of 2100 cfm would be
provided.
• CO2 Sensors would be placed as shown in
Figure 7.1.
M U LTIPLE ZONE OFFICE WITH VAV
FIGURE 8.1
E X A M P L E O F F I C E L AY O U T

Combined
CO2 and Temp
Sensor

III

8.1 A P P L I C AT IO N : 1 4 ZO NE O FF I C E W I T H VAV
This section works through a design example of
a VAV system incorporating zone level CO2 control
utilizing Carrier’s ComfortID™ System. Figure 8.1
shows the first floor plan of the example office
building that is served by a single, VAV central-station
air-handling unit, and has been subdivided into four-
teen zones. The design occupancy for the space is
56 people.

8.2 S T E P 1 : I S T H E S PA C E A P P R O P R I AT E F O R D C V ?
In this office space application, actual room occu- work on the weekend on a periodic basis. While the
pancy can vary from design and during the day based individual office spaces may experience somewhat
upon meetings, luncheons, and other typical office predictable occupancies, the common areas such
activities, meaning that occupancy is variable and as the reception area and the conference rooms are
unpredictable. The office also has a lower level of subject to a high degree of variable occupancy. As
occupancy on weekends as some employees may a result this represents a good application for DCV.

8.3 S T E P 2 : D E T E R M I N E V E N T I L AT I O N R E Q U I R E M E N T S
F O R T H E S PA C E
This step will cover both sizing of the VAV boxes
and determination of the ventilation requirements for
the space.
Determining the design outdoor airflow and sizing
VAV terminal units is a relatively simple iterative process.
The outdoor air handling unit design outdoor airflow
is derived starting with adding the required outdoor
airflow for each space and then considering distribu-
tion system limitations. The VAV terminal sizes are
developed from the design outdoor airflow and the
primary supply air requirement for each zone. VAV
terminal units must be sized to satisfy heating, cooling,
and ventilation requirements, keeping in mind their
relationship to the complete system.
Figure 8.2 provides a breakdown of sizing for
each zone for maximum and minimum loads as well
as outdoor air ventilation requirements. The required
outdoor airflow is 1,263 cfm and the maximum primary
supply air determined by the HVAC load calculations
is 14,235 cfm.

C A R R I E R D E MA N D C O N T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T EM D E S I G N 33
 8 . 3 . 1 M A X I M U M A I R F L OW FIGURE 8.2
T E R M I N A L B OX S I Z I N G C A L C U L AT I O N S
Traditionally, terminal units are selected to supply
the maximum of either the cooling or the heating air-
flow requirement for temperature control. When sizing
for temperature and ventilation control it is important
to maintain similar percentages of fresh air delivery at
each box. This means that boxes with a significantly
higher ratio of outside air to total airflow should be
oversized to reduce the percent outside air closer
to that represented by a majority of the boxes.
Steps to calculate the maximum terminal unit
airflow capacity:

1 . Calculate the ventilation requirements for each

zone by multiplying the required ventilation rate
III per person times the design occupancy. Column B
in Figure 8.2 shows this calculation.

2 . Calculate airflows necessary to satisfy heating

and cooling requirements (e.g., using Carrier’s
E20-IITM software). Sum the revised supply air-
flows for each space to determine the maximum
supply to each zone. This is shown in Column C
in Figure 8.2.

3 . For each zone determine if the outside air or

supply air requirements are greater and size the
maximum flow to meet the largest of the two.
This value is shown in Column D. These are the
maximum airflow rates that should be specified
for each terminal unit.

4 . Add appropriate contingencies. The values

shown in Column D do not include any contin-
gencies. It is common to add small contingencies
to the maximum terminal unit supply capacity
(e.g., 10%). Column E takes into account nominal
box sizes.

5 . Calculate the percent of outside air as fraction
of the total airflow to the zone for each box. This
calculation is shown in Column G of Figure 8.2.
In this example zones 7, 8 and 13 have a signifi-
cantly higher airflow than the rest of the boxes.
The designer should oversize these boxes to
reduce the percent outside air to levels closer
to the average of all boxes.
controlling airflow down to about 160 cfm. The unit
may actually be capable of closing the airflow to zero,
but between 125 cfm and zero, the control capability is
lost. If the unit had a 10:1 turndown, its control range
would be between 800 and 80 cfm.
After determining the maximum supply airflow
to each zone as described above, calculate the
minimum airflow as follows:

8 . 3 . 2 M I N I M U M A I R F L OW 1 . Assume a desired minimum airflow for the air-

The minimum terminal unit airflow must be selected
to provide adequate airflow for heating coils (especially
electric coils. The lower limit must also be within the
terminal unit control range. Most common terminal units
are capable of 5:1 turndown; however, newer, more
efficient units are capable of 10:1 turndown. Turndown
is the ratio of the maximum controllable flow to the
minimum controllable flow. For example, a VAV terminal
unit rated at 800 cfm with a 5:1 turndown is capable of
handling unit and calculate initial estimates of
the minimum supply airflow to each space.
2 . The HVAC load calculations will determine the
supply airflow necessary for the building peak
load. Typically the minimum is about 25 to 50
percent of the maximum. The values shown in
Column E are based on an assumed minimum
flow of 25% of the adjusted maximum supply.

34 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y ST E M D E S IG N
8.4 ST E P 3 : D E T ER M I NE B AS E M I NI M U M V E N T I L AT I O N
R AT E F O R D C V
The concept of base ventilation rate is discussed Before we can settle on this as the base ventila-
in detail in Chapter 4, Section 4.7. The base ventila- tion rate we have to make sure that adequate outside
tion rate is a minimum continuous ventilation rate air is also provided to provide make-up air to bathroom
provided during all occupied hours to control non- exhausts and general building pressurization. This is
occupant related contaminants that may be given calculated as follows:
off by equipment, furnishings or other building com- Since the base ventilation rate of 360 cfm is
ponents. For this application we will follow the rule greater than the requirements for bathroom exhaust
of thumb recommended in Chapter 4 and design the of 200 cfm and building pressurization, the base mini-
base ventilation rate so that 30% of the total design mum ventilation rate at the air handler will be 360 cfm.
ventilation rate will be used for base ventilation. As Should the base ventilation rate equal to a lower
shown in Figure 6.4, the design ventilation rate for value than the building exhaust plus pressurization,
the space is 1,263 cfm so the base ventilation rate the base ventilation rate would be set to be equal to
would be about 360 cfm. this higher value.
III
8.5 STEP 4: D ET E R M I N E CO 2 C O N T RO L S T R AT E G Y

The fact that this is a variable air volume system
serving an office space makes this an ideal candidate
for PI control.
PI control will provide the highest degree of
comfort conditioning and energy savings.
The Carrier ComfortID VAV/Terminal controllers
provide PI control at each terminal box. Carrier Air
Handler controllers such as the Comfort Controller
6400 provide PI control for the outside air dampers
at the air handler.
C O N S I D E R AT I O N O F O U T S I D E A I R
As in the previous examples, periodic outside
measurements showed that the outside air CO2 con-
centration levels hover around 400 ppm, making the
use of an outside air CO2 sensor unnecessary. The
control strategy will assume outside levels of 400 ppm.
• The Zone set point is 150 ppm below the average
of all zone equilibrium anchor points, which in
this case is 780 ppm for zones 1-4 and 7-14.
Zone 6 is 957 ppm.
• The System set point should is set 75 ppm
higher than the average of the zone set points
for all zones in the system, which in this case
is 869 ppm.
FI GURE 8.3
C O 2 E QU I L I B R I U M P O I N T C A L C U L AT I O N
F O R E A C H ZO N E

DE TER MINE C O2 CONTROL P OINTS

The office building shown in this example has
fourteen zones and design occupancy of 56 people.
To set up the control system, the CO2 control point
must be determined for each space, and the average
CO2 control point for each zone. Figure 8.3 summa-
rizes the ventilation rates and CO2 equilibrium set
points required for each zone assuming an activity
level of 1.2 MET (office type activity) and a 400 ppm
outside CO2 concentration.
The DCV system in this example uses only two
control points one for spaces with a 15 cfm per per-
son and one for spaces with a 20 cfm per person
Z O N E H E AT S I Z I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S
requirement.
The system will be designed with a Zone Level As previously stated, the additional airflow
Heating System where the VAV box will be designed required when each terminal box is providing design
to provide the first stage of response to a demand for ventilation must be taken into consideration when
more ventilation. As discussed in Chapter 4 this type sizing zone heating coils.
of system has the following characteristics.

C AR R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T EM D E S I G N 35
 8.6 ST E P 5: LO C AT I N G C O 2 S E N S O R S
To ensure each space receives adequate ventila-
tion in a multiple space application it is important that
CO2 sensors are located within each occupied zone.
The rationale for this was discussed in Chapter 5.
This will typically equate to one sensor for every ter-
minal box. Sometimes, in a conference room being
fed with 2 terminal boxes, for example, there may
be occasions where one CO2 sensor can be located
with more than one terminal box. This would also be
true of a large common area served by a number of
VAV boxes.
In instances where separate offices are served by
one terminal box as is the case with Zones 2 and 11
in Figure 8.1, there are a few options. Ideally one sen-
III sor should be placed in every office or zone (Figure
8.4). However, in most instances occupancies in
rate for the zone should be adjusted to meet the
design occupancy ventilation requirements.
In instances where a single zone serves two
rooms that may have very different occupancies such
as Zone 8 (see Figure 8.1), a CO2 sensor is placed
in each room. A simple transducer is used to take the
signals from the two sensors and pass through the
highest signal to the VAV box that is serving both
rooms. If only one temperature sensor is designated,
in most cases loads and occupancies will be similar
and one CO 2/temperature sensor will suffice.
FIGURE 8.4 FIGURE 8.5
C O2 S E N S O R S I N C O2 S E N S O R S I N
E AC H S U B Z O N E COM MON RET URN DUCT

these offices will be at similar times. More practically

the placement of the CO2 sensor should be governed
by the same criteria as temperature sensor placement.
The most common approach would be to install the
CO2 sensor in one of the offices that would be con-
sidered most representative location (Figure 8.1).
If the offices within the zone had a common ducted
return, a third alternative may be to locate the CO2
sensor in this common return. However, due to issues
discussed in Chapter 4 regarding duct measurement
this should be considered the last alternative (as
shown in Figure 8.5). If the zones share a common
plenum return for the space, duct-mounted sensors
are not recommended.
In both the single sensor and the return air sen-
sor scenarios mentioned above, the base ventilation

8.7 I N S TA L L AT I O N S U M M A RY
The VAV system would be set up as follows:
• The DCV strategy would be timed to operate
during all occupied hours. The economizer
would be programmed to override DCV control
if outside air could be used for free cooling.
• Amorning pre-occupancy purge would be
included in the sequence of operation for
the system.
• The maximum position of the air handler for
delivery of ventilation under the DCV strategy
would be would be 1263 cfm. (Step 2)
• CO2 / Temperature Sensors would be placed as
shown in Figure 8.1.
• Since each of the VAV boxes will be designed
with heating capacity, a control strategy was
selected that would initiate control from the VAV
box initially. If CO2 levels continued to rise after
response from the VAV box additional air would
be introduced at the air handler. The control
response will be the Proportional-Integral algo-
rithm provided by Carrier’s ComfortID system
with the zone and central setpoints shown in
Figure 8.3.

• The base ventilation rate would be set to

360 cfm (Step 3).

36 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S IG N
G LO S S A RY
CO2 set point: the CO2 concentration measured in a space that initiates an
action by the control system.

base ventilation rate: a base level of ventilation provided during all occupied
hours to control non-occupant related contaminants that may be released by
building materials, furnishings or equipment in a space.

demand controlled ventilation: modulation of the outdoor air volume

mechanically supplied to a space based on the actual occupancy of the space
so as to provide ventilation at a per capita rate prescribed by code or standard.

design occupancy: the maximum number of occupants of a given space,

the quantity of which is used for ventilation system design purposes.

design ventilation rate: the volume of outdoor air used in HVAC calculations
to size HVAC equipment and components.

differential equilibrium anchor point: the equilibrium anchor point expressed

as an inside/outside differential CO 2 value.

equilibrium anchor point: the equilibrium CO 2 concentration in a space that

develops as a function of the physical activity of the occupants when providing
outdoor air ventilation at a prescribed rate.

minimum ventilation airflow: the minimum volume of outdoor air that should
be admitted to a space during either occupied or unoccupied times. Sometimes
referred to as the base ventilation rate.

pre-occupancy purge: a control sequence where outdoor air is admitted to

a building at the design outdoor air rate (or some other defined rate) prior to
arrival of the building occupants. The pre-occupancy purge is intended to dilute
building-related contaminants that may have accumulated in the building during
unoccupied hours when the HVAC system has been off.

primary air, primary supply air: the total volume of conditioned air delivered
to a space from a central source such as an air-handling unit. Primary air does
not include recirculated air such as plenum air induced by a fan-powered terminal
unit in a VAV system.

required outdoor airflow: the volume of outdoor air required by code or standard
to be supplied to a space based on the number of occupants in the space. It is the
product of the outdoor air rate and the design occupancy.

system set point: the CO2 control set point that a VAV system controller
maintains by modulation of the outdoor air damper.

target ventilation rate: the volume of outdoor air admitted to a space expressed
on a volume per person or volume per floor area basis (i.e., cfm/person,
L/s-person, cfm/ft2, and L/s-m 2).

zone set point: the CO2 control set point that a VAV zone controller maintains
by modulation of the primary air damper and/or the terminal unit fan.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D CO N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT IO N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 37
38 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
ASHRAE 62 INTERPRETATIONS IC 62-1999-33
INTERPRETATION IC 62-1999-33 OF ASHRAE STANDARD 62-1999
VENTILATION FOR ACCEPTABLE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
TRANSFER TO 62-1999 APPROVED: August 14, 2000
Originally issued as interpretation of Standard 62-1989 (IC 62-1989-27) on January 26, 1997, but transferred
to Standard 62-1999. Since no changes were made to the relevant sections of Standard 62-1999, no revisions
were made to the interpretation as part of this transfer.
Request from: Mike Schell, Engelhard Sensor Technology, 6489 Calle Real, Goleta, CA93117.
References: This request refers to ANSI/ASHRAE 62-1989 subclauses 6.1.3 Ventilation Requirements, 6.1.3.4
Intermittent or Variable Occupancies, and Figure 4 Maximum Permissible Ventilation Lag Time.
Mr. Schell's letter provides the following background in two parts:
Engelhard Background No. 1: In Interpretation IC 62-1989-23 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, the
comment in support of Answer 5h states that the use of demand control with the Ventilation Rate Procedure
where the variable provision of 6.1.3.4 is applied is improper. "Comment. If the total outdoor air supply based
on the occupied space is reduced during periods of less occupancy by demand control, it is improper to also
apply the variable provision of 6.1.3.4."
Answer 5h supports the use of demand control with the Ventilation Rate Procedure as long as demand
control is properly applied, the variable provision of 6.1.3.4 is not applied, and other requirements are met.
This request seeks to clarify the requirements for proper use and implementation of demand control with the
Ventilation Rate Procedure.
Engelhard Interpretation No. 1: It is consistent with the Ventilation Rate Procedure that demand control be
permitted for use to reduce the total outdoor air supply during periods of less occupancy, providing the following
conditions are met:
a) The variable provision of 6.1.3.4 is not applied to lower the estimated maximum occupancy for the
purpose of reducing the design ventilation rate.
b) CO2 is not being removed by methods other than dilution ventilation, such as gas phase sorption
filtration (interpretation IC 62-1989-7).
c) The designer has not routinely presumed that lag ventilation will result in acceptable indoor air quality,
but has considered the potential for "appreciable buildup of contaminants during the unoccupied hours,"
for instance "from materials of machines in building, microbial contaminated areas, or activities of mainte-
nance personnel" (Interpretation IC 62-1989-7).
d) Where required, the multiple spaces requirements of 6.1.3.1 are used to determine the system outdoor
air quantity using the corrected fraction of outdoor air.
e) Sensor location and set points are selected on the basis of achieving the rates in Table 2.
f) Method of demand control of outdoor air intake is properly implemented (See Engelhard Interpretations
No. 2 and 3 below).
Question 1: Is Engelhard Interpretation No. 1 correct?
Answer: Yes.
Comment: However, good practice and the rationale on which the ventilation rates in Table 2 are based, indicates
the need for a non-zero base ventilation rate to handle non-occupant sources whenever the space is occupied.
Engelhard Background No. 2: The considerations presented in the first sentences of Section 6.1.3.4,
Intermittent or Variable Occupancy, must always be taken into account when considering the use of demand
control based on CO 2 levels. Designs must take into account the need to ensure increased outdoor air intake
within the maximum permissible ventilation lag time as shown in Figure 4 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1989.
Engelhard Interpretation No. 2: It is consistent with the Ventilation Rate Procedure that demand control be
permitted for use to reduce the total outdoor air supply during periods of less occupancy if it is properly imple-
mented using a make or break CO2 controller to call for the design ventilation rate in accordance with the
requirements of the Ventilation Rate Procedure and Table 2.
Question 2: Is Engelhard Interpretation No. 2 correct?
Answer: Yes.
Engelhard Interpretation No. 3: It is consistent with the Ventilation Rate Procedure that demand control
be permitted for use to reduce the total outdoor air supply during periods of less occupancy, if it is properly
implemented using a Proportional, Proportional-Integral, or Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller to control
outdoor air intake, using the difference between indoor and outdoor CO 2 levels to meet the requirements of
the Ventilation Rate Procedure and Table 2.
Question 3: Is Engelhard Interpretation No. 3 correct?
Answer: Yes.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 39
40 CA R R I E R DE M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
CO 2 E QUILIBRIUM ANCHOR POINTS FOR
A LT E R N ATIVE AC T I V I TY LEV E L S
ASHRAE Standard 62 1999 (and 1989) Appendix D FIGURE C-1
provides a mass balance equation that defines the out- M E T L E V E L S C O R R E S P O N D I N G T O VA R I O U S
door airflow rate necessary to maintain a steady-state ACTIVIT Y LEVELS
CO2 concentration:

Vo = N / (C s – Co)
(ASHRAE Standard 62 Equation D-1)

where

Vo = outdoor air flow rate per person (liters/min.)

N = CO2 generation rate per person (liters/min.)
Cs = CO2 concentration in the space (liters CO2/
liter air)
Co = CO2 concentration outdoors (liters CO2/liter air)

Rearranged, the steady-state differential concentration

is a simple relationship between the desired ventilation
rate and the CO 2 generation rate per person:

(Cs – Co) = N / Vo

Example:

An activity level of 1.2 met units equates to a breath-

ing rate of .30 L/min. A typical ventilation rate for an
office or classroom is 15 cfm or 7.08 L/s per person.

(Cs – Co) = N / Vo
= 0.30 L/min / (7.08L/s x 60 s/min)
= 0.000706 L of CO2 per L of air
= 706 parts per million (ppm)
= 706/1,000,000

Figure C-1 shows the typical metabolic heat gen-

eration for various activities. The usefulness of this
table depends upon how reliably an activity can be
defined. For well-defined activities having a metabolic
rate less than 1.5 MET, the data is sufficiently accurate
for most engineering purposes. When the metabolic
rate is greater than 3.0 MET and the activities are
uncertainly defined or can be accomplished by a
variety of methods, the values may be in error (±50%)
and must be applied with a degree of engineering
judgment.
Based on this equation the Equilibrium Anchor
Points for various levels can be calculated based on
activity level as provided in Figure C-1, which is taken
from the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook. Figure
C-2 provides calculated differential equilibrium anchor
points for a wide range of activity levels and ventila-
tion rates.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D CO N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT IO N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 41
FIGU RE C-2
C A LC U L AT I O N O F D I F F E R E N T I A L E Q U I L I B R I U M
ANCHOR POINTS

42 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S I G N
S E QUENCES OF OPE R AT I O N
O V E RV I E W
The HVAC system sequence of operation steps
for normal thermal control is unchanged by incorpo-
ration of DCV. The CO2 sensors represent a third
function that may override the normal thermal controls
in some situations. The sequences included below
discuss the ventilation functions only and must
be added to the designer’s description of thermal
controls to create complete sequences of operation.
C O N S TA N T- VO L U M E – S TA R T- U P
P U RG E C YC L E
1 . When the AHU starts, the outdoor air damper
shall open, initiating a timed purge cycle. The out
door air damper shall modulate to maintain the
mixed airflow at ______ percent outdoor air. The
outdoor air percentage shall be calculated as the
following ratio: %OA = (MATº - RATº) / (OATº -
RATº). The purge period shall be adjustable and
shall initially be set for ______ minutes.
2 . The AHU shall modulate its preheat control to
maintain the discharge air temperature set point
if the mixed air temperature falls below the AHU
discharge air temperature set point. At the con-
clusion of the timed cycle, the outdoor air damper
shall modulate closed to maintain the base venti-
lation rate of ______ percent outdoor air, and the
demand controlled ventilation control algorithm
shall be enabled.
C O N S TA N T- VO L U M E –
SINGLE-ZONE AND
M U LT I - Z O N E A P P L I C AT I O N S
1 . All zones served by a given air-handling unit
(AHU) shall be polled and the highest CO2 sensor
reading shall be sent to the unit (outside air
damper) controller. This CO2 reading shall be
compared to the CO2 set point at the system
controller. If the reading is below the CO2 set
point, the AHU shall maintain the base ventilation
rate at ______ percent outdoor air. If the reading
is above the set point, the outdoor air damper
controller shall modulate the dampers open utilizing
a proportional-integral (PI) loop to reduce the
CO2 concentration in the space.
2 . The AHU shall modulate its preheat control to
maintain the discharge air temperature set point
if the mixed air temperature falls below the AHU
discharge air temperature set point. Once the
space CO2 level drops below the CO2 set point,
the outside air dampers shall modulate to maintain
the base ventilation rate.
3 . If the AHU is equipped with economizer control
and the economizer determines that it is beneficial
to use outside air for cooling, the economizer
shall override the demand controlled ventilation
algorithm to modulate the dampers open to their
maximum position.
C A R R I E R D E MA N D C O N T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N SY S T EM DE S I G N
VA R I A B L E - A I R - VO L U M E
D CV SYSTEMS
1 . Each variable-air-volume zone controller shall
monitor primary air flow, space temperature, air
handler status and mode, supply air temperature
(as applicable) and shall position its terminal
damper based on its proportional-integral-derivative
(PID) temperature control algorithm to maintain
the desired zone temperature set point. Each
zone controller shall include the inherent ability to
override the temperature control loop and modulate
the terminal’s damper with a proportional-integral
(PI) loop, based on a CO2 sensor with its associ-
ated set point schedule, in conjunction with the
normal temperature control loop. The zone con-
troller shall be capable of maintaining a ventilation
set point through a demand controlled ventilation
(DCV) algorithm in conjunction with the air-handling
unit to fulfill the requirements of ASHRAE standard,
62-1989 “Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality” (including Addendum 62a-1990).
2 . The DCV control function shall determine the
zone ventilation airflow based on the CO2 zone
sensor input signal. When the DCV function
is enabled, the zone controller shall override
(increase) the primary airflow in order to provide
additional ventilation if the airflow is insufficient to
meet the zone CO2 set point. The control algorithm
shall use a proportional-integral (PI) algorithm to
determine the required airflow in order to prevent
the CO2 sensor reading from exceeding the
desired zone set point.
3 . Whenever the system air-handling unit (AHU) is
operating, the system controller shall maintain the
base ventilation rate (minimum ventilation rate)
unless overridden by a pre-occupancy purge
sequence or the DCV function.
4 . All zone controllers working with a given AHU
shall be polled and the highest CO2 sensor reading
shall be sent to the system controller. This CO2
reading shall be compared to the system CO2 set
point. If the reading is below the system CO2 set
point, the AHU shall maintain the base ventilation
rate. If the reading is above the set point, the
AHU damper controller shall modulate the outside
air dampers open using a proportional-integral
(PI) loop to maintain the zone CO2 at the zone
set point.
5 . The system controller shall modulate the AHU
preheat control to maintain the discharge air
temperature set point if the mixed air temperature
falls below the discharge air temperature set
point. The outside air damper position shall close
with a decreasing CO 2 sensor signal down to the
base ventilation rate. The zone controller shall
contain a provision to operate modulating type
heat to maintain the space temperature at the
midpoint between the heating and cooling set
43
 points during DCV operation. The zone controller
shall have the capability to define a maximum
primary airflow limit (ventilation) to protect the
zone from overcooling for those units that do not
include local heating. DCV control shall be auto-
matically suspended if the space temperature
falls below the heating set point and the outdoor
air damper shall return to the base ventilation
position.
6 . If the AHU is equipped with economizer control
and the economizer determines that it is beneficial
to use outside air for cooling, the economizer
shall override the DCV algorithm to modulate
the dampers open to their maximum position.
7 . Operation shall be dependent upon the equipment
mode of operation, so that the DCV function will
only operate during occupied periods when the
outdoor air damper is actively providing ventilation.
DCV control shall be disabled if the CO2
sensor fails.
44 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y ST E M D E S I G N
P R O D U C T I N T E G R AT E D
C O N T RO L L E R S
The unit controller shall have the capability to
provide demand controlled Ventilation (DCV) function
using the input signal from a CO2 sensor located in
the conditioned space. Control functions shall include
outdoor air damper modulation, monitoring, and alarm
generation. The unit controller shall maintain an
adjustable CO2 set point by overriding the mixed-air
damper position and modulating the damper further
open to provide the required ventilation. The DCV
algorithm shall automatically limit the amount of out-
door air to prevent the mixed-air temperature from
falling below 50ºF. The unit controller shall also have
the ability to limit the maximum amount of outdoor air
during DCV operation. If heating is available during
DCV operation, the heating valve [face and bypass
damper] shall modulate to maintain a minimum supply
air temperature of 65ºF, if neither heating nor cooling
is required by the space. If the space temperature
exceeds an adjustable high limit value or falls below
an adjustable low limit value, or if the space humidity
exceeds the humidity set point, the algorithm shall
disable any DCV damper override and maintain the
normal minimum ventilation set point or to the config-
ured mixed-air temperature set point until the space
temperature and/or space relative humidity returns
to normal.
GUIDE SPE C I F I C AT I O N S
The following guide specifications should be
included with the project HVAC controls specifications.
SENSORS
Wall-Mounted Combination Sensors:
1 . Wall-mounted combination sensors shall contain
a space temperature sensor and Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) sensors in a single, decorative housing.
The CO2 sensor shall use single-beam absorption
infrared diffusion technology (non-dispersive
infrared), and shall have integral programming
to perform automatic baseline calibration without
user interface. The recommended manual recali-
bration period shall not be less than five years.
Other features of wall-mounted combination sensors
shall include:
a. Operating conditions: 60 to 90ºF (15 to 32ºC),
and 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing.
b. Power supply: 18-30 VAC, 50/60 Hz [18-42
VDC polarity protected].
c. CO2 sampling method: diffusion.
d. CO2 sensor output: 4 to 20 mA or 0 to
10 volt signal.
e. CO2 measurement range: 0-2,000 ppm.
f. Sensitivity: ±20 ppm.
g. Accuracy: ±100 ppm at 60 to 90ºF
(15 to 32ºC); and 760 mmHg.
h. CO2 sensor calibration: single point calibration
via push button and LED.
i. Space temperature sensor: 10K ohm ±2% at
77ºF (25ºC) thermistor with pushbutton
override [and a temperature set point adjust-
ment potentiometer].
2 . Combination sensors shall be provided with the
manufacturer’s recommended Carbon Dioxide
calibration kit. The quantity shall be suitable to
initially calibrate each sensor provided for
the project.
Wall-Mounted Carbon Dioxide Sensors:
1 . Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors shall be manu-
factured in a decorative, wall-mounted housing.
The CO2 sensor shall use single- or dual-beam
absorption infrared diffusion technology (non-
dispersive infrared), and shall have integral
programming to perform automatic baseline
calibration without user interface. The recom-
mended manual recalibration period shall not be
less than five years. Sensors shall be equipped
with an LED display. Other features of wall-
mounted Carbon Dioxide sensors shall include:
a. Operating conditions: 60 to 90ºF (15 to
32ºC), and 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing
b. Power supply: 18-30 VAC, 50/60 Hz half-
wave rectified [18-42 VDC polarity protected]
c. CO2 sampling method: diffusion or flow-
through.
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
d. CO2 sensor output: 4 to 20 mA or 0 to
10 volt signal.
e. CO2 measurement range: 0-10,000 ppm.
f. Set point: adjustable.
g. Sensitivity: ±10 ppm.
h. Accuracy: ±50 ppm (0-2000 ppm), ±5% of
reading (2000-10,000 ppm).
i. CO2 sensor calibration: single point calibra-
tion via push button and LED
j. Relay contacts: normally open or normally
closed, 2 amps at 24 vac.
2 . Carbon Dioxide sensors shall be provided with
the manufacturer’s recommended calibration kit.
The quantity shall be suitable to initially calibrate
each sensor provided for the project.
Duct-Mounted Carbon Dioxide Sensors:
1 . Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) sensors for duct-mounted
applications shall be identical to the wall-mounted
sensors specified above except as described below.
2 . The CO2 sensor shall be mounted in an enclosed
aspirator box that mounts directly to the duct. The
aspirator box shall be equipped with an induction
tube to direct a side-stream of air from the duct
through the CO 2 sensor. A hinged, clear access
door shall be installed on the front of the aspirator
box to permit access to the sensor and to permit
viewing the sensor without opening the door.
3 . CO2 sensors for duct-mounted applications shall
be designed for flow-through sampling.
C O N T RO L L E R S
The following paragraphs describing DCV
requirements for solid-state, microprocessor (direct
digital) controllers, and should be inserted as supple-
ments to the project controller specifications. They are
not intended to describe the complete requirements
for controllers.
Zone Controllers:
1 . Each single-duct [fan-powered] zone controller
shall be specifically designed to provide demand
controlled ventilation (DCV) operation using a
proportional-integral (PI) control loop. All DCV
application software shall be resident in the zone
controller’s memory and shall be factory-tested
and factory-configured. The zone controller shall
be capable of stand-alone operation and shall
execute the DCV control functions without being
dependent on a network system, additional hard-
ware, or intermediate controllers.
2 . Zone controllers shall be capable of being added
to a system network without additional hardware.
They shall be designed for connection to other
zone controllers and to a common system controller
45
to perform DCV control functions as part of an integral
ventilation system.
3 . Zone controllers shall be designed to interface
directly with the specified CO2 sensors.
4 . Zone controllers shall be capable of maintaining
a ventilation set point through a DCV algorithm
in conjunction with system controller to fulfill the
requirements of ASHRAE standard, 62-1989
“Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”
(including Addendum 62a-1990). The algorithm
shall also be capable of modulating the terminal
unit heating to maintain the space temperature
between the heating and cooling set points. For
terminal units without supplementary heating, the
zone controller DCV algorithm shall have a primary
airflow limit to protect the zone from overcooling.
5 . DCV control sequences shall be as specified
herein [or as indicated on the drawings].
System Controllers:
1 . System controllers shall be specifically designed
to provide demand controlled ventilation (DCV)
operation using a proportional-integral (PI) control
loop. All DCV application software shall be resident
in the system controller ’s memory and shall be
factory-tested and factory-configured. The system
controller shall be capable of stand-alone operation
and shall execute the DCV control functions with
out being dependent on a network system, addi-
tional hardware, or intermediate controllers.
2 . The system controller shall be designed for
connection to zone controllers to perform DCV
control functions as part of an integral ventilation
system.
46 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S IG N
3 . The system controller shall be designed to inter-
face directly with the specified CO2 sensors.
4 . The system controller shall be capable of main-
taining a ventilation set point through a DCV
algorithm in conjunction with zone controllers
to fulfill the requirements of ASHRAE standard,
62-1989 “Ventilation For Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality” (including Addendum 62a-1990).
5 . DCV control sequences shall be as specified
herein [or as indicated on the drawings].
Unit (Product Integrated) Controllers:
1 . The unit controller shall be a solid-state micro-
processor controller using direct digital control
and software specifically designed to provide
demand controlled ventilation (DCV) functions.
The controller shall be factory-installed and wired
within the unit, and shall be furnished complete
with all application software to perform DCV
functions. The unit controller shall be pre-configured
and pre-tested for DCV operation.
2 . The controller shall maintain an adjustable CO2
set point by control of the mixed-air damper
position. The unit controller shall also have the
ability to limit the maximum amount of outdoor air
during DCV operation, and modulate heating to
maintain a minimum supply air temperature.
3 . The unit controller shall be designed to interface
directly with the specified CO2 sensors.
4 . DCV control sequences shall be as specified
herein [or as indicated on the drawings].
B AC KG ROUND ON CO 2 SENSOR T E C H N O LO G Y
T E C H N O LO G Y pulse. A small piezo-resistor senses the pulse and
provides an input to a microprocessor, which then
Improvements in CO2 sensing technology and
calculates the CO 2 concentration.
inexpensive sensors are integral to implementation of
modern demand controlled ventilation. The first inex-
FIGURE F-2
pensive sensors intended for HVAC ventilation control P H OT O - A C O U S T I C C O 2 S E N S O R
became commercially available after 1990. Previously
only scientific and technical instruments, costing up to
ten times as much, were the only devices available.
Early commercial sensors required frequent calibration
that tended to discourage their use. Modern sensors
use a self-calibration algorithm that extends the manu-
al calibration schedule to about once every five years.

NON-DISPE RSI VE
IN FRARED DE TECTION
Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection is the
most widely used technology for indoor air quality
applications. NDIR sensors detect changes in CO2
concentrations by examining the increase or decrease
in light at the wavelength where CO2 absorption takes
place. Air is allowed to diffuse in a chamber that is
equipped with a light source at one end and a detec-
tor at the other end. The detector is covered with a
selective optical filter that permits light at only the spe-
cific wavelength absorbed by CO2 to pass through.
NDIR sensors are sensitive to the buildup of dust
particles in the sensing chamber and aging of the
infrared light source. Particle buildup is minimized by
use of a gas permeable membrane that permits gas
diffusion but blocks larger particulate matter. In the
Carrier CO2 Sensor, the effects of light source degra-
dation is eliminated by a feature called ABCLogic™
that recalibrates the sensor during the night when the
space is unoccupied and CO2 levels drop to baseline
outdoor levels. This feature eliminates the need for
manual calibration in most applications.
FIG URE F-1
NDIR CO2 SENSOR
PHOTO-ACOU STIC DET ECTI ON
Photo-acoustic sensors expose air in an open
chamber to flashes of light at the wavelength absorbed
by CO2. CO2 molecules absorb light energy, which
heats the sample chamber and causes a pressure
Photo-acoustic sensors are not affected by dust
or dirt, but are subject to light source degradation
similar to NDIR sensors. They are also very sensitive
to vibration, ambient acoustical noise, atmospheric
pressure changes, and temperature effects.
MIXE D GAS SENSORS (VOC)
Mixed gas sensors are also often called “VOC
sensors” or “air quality sensors” though mixed gas is
the most appropriate description. These sensors pro-
vide a reaction to various gases in the air. Depending
on what gases and the mixture the reaction will be dif-
ferent, but unfortunately not quantifiable. These sen-
sors may give off a large signal for a relatively benign
gas yet hardly reacts to other more toxic gases like
CO. Typically they provide a 0-10 volt output but there
is no way to relate a magnitude change in the sensor to
a definable measure of gas concentrations or air quality.
The sensors also are highly sensitive to humidity and
temperature and have significant drift problems.
Their best use is to detect significant short-term
changes in gas mixture concentrations but not the
actual concentration. A good example of where these
sensors could be used is to turn on fans in a printing
press area. When the printing press starts operating
the level of general gases will dramatically increase
because of the inks used. This increase will be detected
by the mixed gas sensor and if a certain increase over
baseline levels is detected a fan can be activated.
Mixed gas sensors have been tried with DCV
systems and shown to be relatively ineffective. They
are not CO 2 specific and cannot be related to ventila-
tion rates like a CO2 sensor can and as a result can-
not be used to assure target cfm/person ventilation
rates are maintained.

C A R R I E R D E MA N D C O N T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N SY S T EM DE S I G N 47
OT H E R S E N S O R S T Y PE S H OW I T WO R K S
Some sensors using electrochemical technology Outside levels of CO 2 are generally very low at
have recently appeared on the market. There is very around 400 to 500 ppm. Inside buildings people are
little experience with using this type of sensor to the major source of CO2. When a building is unoccu-
measure CO2. When used to measure other gases, pied for 4 to 8 hours CO2 levels will tend to drop to
electrochemical sensors tend to have a limited life outside background levels. This is especially the case
and require periodic calibration. if the building operational schedule includes a pre-
occupancy purge of fresh air into the building prior
C ARR IER SE NSO RS WI TH to the start of the day.
A B C LO G I C T M ABCLogic™ which stands for “Automatic
Background Calibration” utilizes the computing power
Use of CO 2 to control ventilation is one of the
in the sensor’s on-board microprocessor to remember
fastest growing areas in building control. A primary
the lowest CO2 concentration that takes place every 24
reason for this growth is that the technology has now
hours. The sensor assumes this low point is at outside
matured to the point where it is inexpensive, easy to
levels. The sensor is also smart enough to discount
use and reliable. Telaire leads this trend with a num-
periodic elevated readings that might occur if for exam-
ber of unique innovations in its sensor design. A key
ple a space was used 24 hours per day over a few
patented feature of Carrier ’s CO2 Sensors is called
days. Once the sensor has collected 14 days worth of
ABCLogic™. It enables CO 2 sensors to automatically
low concentration points it performs a statistical analy-
calibrate themselves once installed in the field. This
sis to see if there has been any small changes in the
feature eliminates one of the biggest concerns sur-
sensor reading over background levels that could be
rounding CO2 sensing… sensor drift and maintenance.
attributable to sensor drift. If the analysis concludes
ABCLogic™ is a standard feature on all permanently
there is drift, a small correction factor is made to the
mounted sensors (duct and wall mount).
sensor calibration to adjust for this change.
Virtually all gas sensors are subject to some sort
Figure F-3 shows CO2 concentrations as they
of drift. The degree of drift is partially dependent on
might occur over 14 days in an office space with peak
the use of quality components and good design. But
concentrations occurring in the morning and afternoon
even with good components and excellent design a
of each day. The dotted line is drawn through all the
small amount of drift can still occur in the sensor that
low points for each day as compared to an assumed
may ultimately result in the need for a sensor to be
background of 400 ppm. If a statistically relevant
recalibrated. Generally, recalibration involves a main-
change in the data shows a shift above or below back-
tenance person visiting each sensor in a building and
ground, a slight adjustment is made to sensor calibra-
performing a 5-minute to 20-minute re-calibration rou-
tion as shown by the solid level line. Every day the
tine using gas bottles and plastic tubing. The calibra-
sensor looks at the past 14 days worth of data and
tion process is simple but it can turn into a significant
determines if a calibration adjustment is necessary. A
expense if recalibration is required frequently. If the
similar type of approach of nightly calibrations is often
wrong choice of sensors is made, the expense of sen-
used for other HVAC equipment such as VAV boxes.
sor maintenance may wipe out any potential energy
savings that could come from CO2 based demand
controlled ventilation. FIG URE F-3
Approximately 7 years ago, Telaire developed A B C LO G I C P R I N C I P L E
TM

and patented the concept of a self-calibrating sensor.

1000
The first products manufactured with this feature (orig-
inally called TEMA) are still working in the field today 900
and accurately measuring CO 2. Most of these sen-
800
sors have never been field calibrated.
700

W H AT C AU S E S S E N S O R D R I F T 600

As discussed before, sensor design and compo-

500
nents have a lot to do with drift. At Telaire, our experi-
ence with building five generations of sensors for over 400

ten years has allowed us to select the components 300

and refine the design so that the primary contributor Days
Slight Long Term Sensor Drift Calculated Over Number of Days
to sensor drift is the normal and unavoidable aging TM
ABCLogic Corrected Baseline
of the infrared light source within the sensor. In the
Telaire sensor, the natural drift of the sensor is very
gradual at a few ppm per month with the greatest drift
occurring in the first few months of operation. This
drift can be up or down. Telaire’s self-calibration fea-
ture called ABCLogic™ is designed to correct all
sensor drift including aging of the light source.

48 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
MEAS URIN G INS IDE-OUTSIDE
DIFFERENTIAL
When using CO 2 to measure and control for
ventilation it is most important to consider not the
absolute ppm levels but the differential concentration
between inside and outside concentrations. In general
terms the higher the differential the lower the ventila-
tion rate. One of the additional benefits of ABCLogic™
is that the sensor is calibrates itself to outside levels
without having the expense and trouble of placing a
sensor in the outside air. The sensor assumes that
the lowest level is the outside CO2 level and assigns
a 400 ppm value to it. Any indoor CO 2 readings
above this level are proportional to the inside/outside
CO2 differential.
A P P L I C AT I O N S F O R A B C L O G I C ™
It is important to note that ABCLogic™ is
designed for use in applications where spaces are
periodically unoccupied for 4 hours per day or more
so that indoor concentrations can drop down to typical
outside levels. Use of a pre or post occupancy ventila-
tion purge is recommended as a good engineering
practice to deliver proper air quality and can help
ensure that the space regularly reaches background
conditions. If a purge is not used it is recommended
that the occupancy schedule for the building operate
the HVAC system for an hour or so after normal occu-
pancy ends to allow CO 2 levels to be reduced to
background. Some building operators may also want
to use CO 2 as the control parameter for activating the
HVAC system into an “occupied” mode.
COMMISSI ON ING SENS OR S
W I TH A B C LO G I C ™
When first installing CO2 sensors with
ABCLogic™, the sensors will use the first 14 days of
operation to calibrate themselves to local background
levels. Installers or building operators should not be
concerned if readings on the sensors appear unusually
high or low or if a lack of agreement between sensors
is found. The sensor you receive from Telaire has gone
through a complete quality check and has received
a factory calibration that has verified the sensor is
working properly. Each sensor will calibrate itself to
its environment over the first 14 days of operation.
Reasons that sensors in the same building may
read differently immediately after installation include:
• Concentrations in each space may be different.
• The installer may be blowing into the sensor
while working with it.
• If a sensor is dropped or jarred in shipment
a slight shift in the original factory calibration
may occur. ABCLogic™ will correct this shift in
14 days.
Figure F-4 shows the behavior of three Telaire
CO2 sensors with ABCLogic™ installed in the same
space over their first 14 days of operation. As can be
seen in the initial few days the sensor readings were
at times quite different and in some cases over 100
C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L ED V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N
ppm apart. However, by the 10th day all sensors
agreed very closely in their readings. This graph
is typical of the behavior of all Telaire sensors that
utilize ABCLogic™.
FIGU RE F-4
RE ADINGS OF THREE SENSORS
W I T H A B C L O G I C ™ OV E R 1 4 D AY S
O F I N I T I A L O P E R AT I O N I N A N O F F I C E
Day
The graph below shows almost three years of
testing where a gas of a known concentration (980
ppm) was flowed to sensors operating in the ambient
air of Telaire’s test lab. This test was performed every
7 to 15 days. As can be seen from the data, all sensors
have maintained calibration relative to a reference gas
to well within the ± 75 ppm specification of the sensor
throughout the duration of the test period. This long term
testing provides fundamental proof that ABCLogic™
can eliminate the need for calibration over extended
periods of time. Two years ago Telaire introduced a
first in CO 2 sensing, a 5-year calibration guarantee.
Further testing has now confirmed that ABCLogic™
should be able to maintain sensor calibration over
the lifetime of the sensor (typically 15 years).
FIGURE F-5
L O N G T E R M C A L I B R AT I O N V E R I F I C AT I O N
O F 3 SENSORS WIT H ABCLOGIC™
TIME (Days)
CARR IER HAND H ELD SE NSORS
Hand held sensor are important tools that can be
used by contractors or engineers to better understand
or assess the potential for DCV in and existing space
or to check on the operation of existing sensors. It
is also an excellent aid in helping customers better
understand the relationship between CO2, ventilation
and how people in a space feel about air quality.
Carrier offers the 7001 hand held monitor as a
rugged and inexpensive portable tool that can give
a fast indication of CO2 concentrations. If also has
the ability to calculate and display the actual cfm-
per-person ventilation rate in the space based on
measured indoor/outdoor CO 2 concentrations.
49
FIGURE F-6 FIG URE F- 7
C A R R I E R H A N D H E L D C O 2 M O N I TO R C O M B I N E D C O 2 A N D T E M PE R AT U R E S E N S O R
F O R ZO N E V E N T I L AT I O N C O N T RO L

Also available as an option for the hand held FIGURE F- 8

sensor is software to log the sensor to a PC, and a WA L L M O U N T C O 2 S E N S O R W I T H D I S P L AY
portable data logger with additional temperature and
humidity measurement capability that can be attached
to the back of the monitor.

WA L L - M O U N T E D C O 2 + T E M P
Carrier offers two models of a combination
CO2 sensor and space temperature sensor (Part No.
33ZCT55CO2 and 33ZCT56CO2). Both models contain
the temperature and CO 2 sensors in a single, wall-
mounted housing. The CO2 sensor uses Single Beam
Absorption InfraredTM diffusion technology (NDIR),
and patented ABCLogicTM (automatic baseline
calibration) for self-calibration.
CO2 sensor output can be either a 4 to
20 mA, or 0 to 10 volt signal. The space temperature
sensor is a 10K ohm thermistor. One model (Part No.
33ZCT56CO2) is equipped with a temperature set
point adjustment potentiometer. Both models have
a pushbutton override. Output signals from Carrier
combination sensors are sued as input to the Carrier
Comfort Network (CCN) controller to modulate out- The sensors may also be used for simple monitoring
door airflow and maintain temperature control.
and alarm functions. The sensor uses Dual Beam
Absorption InfraredTM diffusion technology (NDIR),
WA L L M O U N T C O 2 W I T H D I S P L AY and patented TEMA (time extended measurement
CO2 sensors (Part No. 33ZCSENCO2) are simi- algorithm) software.
lar to the combination sensors, but do not have the The CO2 sensor output can be either a 4 to 20
room temperature sensing capability. These sensors mA, or 0 to 10 volt signal. A relay is also available
also have a digital display that can either be hidden with the choice of normally open or normally closed
or visible by using one of the two display covers operation. The measurement range, output scaling
provided with each unit. and relay settings can all be adjusted by using the
They are designed to monitor the CO2 concen- on-board keypad and display. The factory setting is
tration in the air and interface with the CCN controller. 0-2000 = 0-10VDC.

50 C AR R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
D U C T M O U N T AC C E S S O RY FIGUR E F-10
V E N T U L ATO R S U M M A R Y R E P O RT
For duct-mounted applications, the CO2 sensor is
installed in an aspirator box (Part No. 33ZCASPCO2)
that mounts on the duct exterior. An insertion tube
directs airflow though the CO2 sensing element.

FIGURE F- 9
D UC T M O UN T ACCESSORY E N CLOSURE

The second component generated by the

Ventulator™ program shown in figure F-11 provides a
V E N T U L AT O R T M E N E R G Y graphed output of CO2 levels for fixed ventilation strat-
A N A LY S I S P R O G R A M egy, CO2 levels for DCV strategy, chart of mechanical
An additional valuable tool that Carrier offers to ventilation capacity utilized versus a fixed ventilation
support DCV is the Ventulator™ DCV Energy Analysis strategy and charting of cfm per person delivered
Program that can use local climatic and energy data minute by minute over the course of 24 hours. This
to estimate the energy savings possible utilizing a last graph can be used to better understand the lag
DCV ventilation control strategy versus a fixed venti- time provided by the control strategy selected.
lation strategy.
The program specifically calculates and compares FIGU RE F-11
the energy cost involved in heating and cooling out- G R A P H E D V E N T I L AT I O N A N A LY S I S O F D C V
side air based on local climatic data (hourly dew-point A N D F I X E D V E N T I L AT I O N S T R AT E G I E S
and dry-bulb temperatures). In most cases climatic
data is derived from averages of a number of
years reporting.
The program does not consider any other factors
associated with the heating and cooling of the building
except that when conditions permit, an economizer
control will be used for free heating or cooling. No
savings will be calculated when climatic conditions are
such that the economizer is operating. The program
is capable of simulating a single zone space with the
user inputting space volume, design occupancy and
occupancy pattern. Contact Carrier for more informa-
tion on the Ventulator™ energy analysis program.
Once the space and its occupancy is fully defined
the user can activate the analysis part of the program
that creates the energy analysis results. A variety of
reports are created and the user has the option of
selecting the specific reports to be collated into a final
report printout. There are three major components in
a Ventulator™ report.
The first component is a summary of results
including major assumptions and energy usage
and savings for the fixed ventilation and Demand
Controlled Ventilation scenarios as shown in
Figure F-10.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D C O N T R O L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 51
 The final component provides monthly bar
graphs of energy usage and savings in energy units
and dollar savings.
The Ventulator™ is available free to designers
from Carrier. Contact your Carrier representative to
obtain a copy.

FIGURE F-12
GRAPHED OUTPUT OF ENERGY COST
A N D S AV I N G S

FIGU RE F-13
C O2 S E N S O R S E L E C T I O N G U I D E

52 C A R R I E R D E M A N D C ON T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I ON S Y S T E M D E S I G N
DCV CO M PATIBLE EQU I P M E N T
C A R R I E R E Q U I P M E N T T H AT operation (in fan powered terminals), damper control
I S D C V R E A DY (dual-duct terminals), zone pressure control, and con-
trol system communication. ComfortID controllers are
All Carrier Rooftop Air Handlers, Central Station
a designed with stand-alone capability, meaning that
Air Handlers, and Unit Ventilators come from the fac-
all application software is resident in the controller’s
tory with pre-programmed DCV control algorithms.
memory. In this manner they are not reliant upon a
This includes the following models:
central building automation system to maintain control
in each of the zones.
48/50 E series Rooftop AHU
48/50 F series Rooftop AHU
48/50 HG series Centurion Rooftop AHU FIGURE G-1
C O M F O RT I D Z O N E C O N T R O L L E R
Carrier Rooftops offer high energy-efficiency and
lower utility costs through part load operation. Part
load efficiencies become extremely important when
implementing DCV, since the outside air load is dra-
matically reduced during normal operation.

39L Central Station AHU

39T Central Station AHU
39M Central Station AHU

Carrier Central station air handlers come

equipped with factory-mounted controllers specifically
designed to handle both VAV and constant volume
DCV applications.

40UV/UH Unit Ventilators

Product Integrated controls on Carrier Unit
Ventilators have DCV control routines that maintain
base and design ventilation rates for the area they
serve as well as control algorithms to maintain tem-
perature and humidity levels.
VAV C O N T R O L L E R S
Two controller types are involved in most DCV
VAV systems: the terminal controller and the AHU
controller. The zone (terminal) controller provides ded-
icated control functions for a single terminal unit (i.e.,
VAV and fan terminal units) including airflow modula-
tion, heating control, and ventilation control. The AHU
controller manages operation of the central air-handling
unit and dampers. In a DCV VAV system the zone
controller responds to the local CO2 sensor and is the
first line of response to a call for additional ventilation.
The AHU controller also monitors the CO2 sensor sig-
nals in each of the zones and modulates the outdoor
air damper as the second stage of ventilation control.
The AHU controller as well as the zone controller
can also be product-integrated controllers. These
devices are factory mounted on the piece of equip-
ment they control.
Z O N E C O N T RO L L E R S
Carrier ComfortIDTM zone controllers are micro-
processor-based devices that control the operation of
a single associated terminal unit. Their function is to
satisfy environmental requirements in a single zone
by regulating temperature, humidity, ventilation, fan
There are three primary types of ComfortID VAV
controls: 1) VAV single duct terminals, 2) VAV parallel
fan powered terminals, and 3) VAV series fan powered
terminals. ComfortID controllers can also be configured
for constant-volume (dual duct) applications. Typical
inputs to and outputs from the ComfortID zone con-
troller are listed in Figure G-2.
FIGURE G-2
T Y PI C A L C O M F O RT I D T M
INPUTS AND O UTPUT S
Inputs Outputs
Space temperature Primary air damper actuator
Primary air damper position Heating (modulating or staged)
Airflow Fan start/stop
Supply air temperature Secondary damper actuator
Primary air temperature Alarms
CO 2 concentration
Secondary airflow
(zone pressure or dual duct)
Interface hardware in the zone controller processes
analog and digital input signals, producing digitized
equivalents to calculate the required position or state
of controlled devices (i.e., dampers, control valves,
etc.). The controller scans the input signals, executes
control algorithm calculations, and produces output
signals for each loop. Output interface hardware
processes the digital signals, converting them to
analog voltage or current signals as necessary to
reposition the controlled device.

C A R R I E R D E M A N D CO N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT IO N S Y S T E M D E S I G N 53
A H U / RT U CO N T RO L L E R S FIGURE G-4
SYSTEM CONTROLLE R FUNCTIONS
Carrier AHU/RTU controllers, like zone con-
trollers, are microprocessor-based devices that use
digital technology to implement control algorithms
to multiple control loops. Their function is to provide
control and monitoring to central HVAC systems and
related equipment. They control cooling, heating,
ventilation, filtration, and ventilation for both constant-
volume and variable-air-volume systems. AHU/RTU
controllers also communicate with the building automa-
tion system for very large installations, and with zone
controllers to coordinate system-wide operations.

FIGURE G-3
C A R R I E R A H U / RT U C O N T R O L L E R . P R O D U C T I N T E G R AT E D
C O N T RO L L E R S
Product integrated controllers are designed for
dedicated service to a specific piece of equipment.
Carrier provides Product Integrated Controllers on
most equipment. Product Integrated Controllers have
some advantages over field-installed controls:

• Reduced cost: Installation of sensors and

actuators at the factory removes the cost of
field installation.

• Better performance: Factory-mounted controls

are tuned to their specific products.

• Easier start up: Factory-mounted controllers are

ready to go once power is applied.
AHU/RTU controllers are stand-alone devices
Available functions are usually fewer than
with control algorithms and software contained inte-
those of a universal controller, because the product
grally in the controller memory. The controller scans
integrated controller is tailored to the capability of a
the input signals, converts the signals to digitized
particular piece of HVAC equipment.
equivalents, executes control algorithms, and produces
output signals for each control loop. Digital output
signals are converted to analog voltage or current FIGURE G-5
signals as necessary to reposition the controlled C A R R I E R C O M F O RT L I N K P R O D U C T
device. Monitoring information is communicated I N T E G R AT E D C O N T R O L S
digitally to the building automation system.
The term direct digital controller (DDC) refers to
the ability of a controller to communicate digitally with
other controllers or to higher-level control systems
such as building automation systems. Although DDC
controllers are sometimes designed to be adjusted
through integral interface displays, they are typically
adjusted by way of a hand-held device, a portable ter-
minal, or the operator’s fixed control station (computer).
Preprogrammed control routines (firmware) are stored
in the controllers permanent memory and cannot be
changed except to adjust set points, operating limits, or
time-of-day parameters. User-programmable routines
(software) permit the operator to change the control
algorithm itself in addition to adjusting set points, limits,
and parameters. Typical control functions performed by
system controllers are detailed in Figure G-4.

54 C A R R IE R D E M A N D C O N T RO L L E D V E N T I L AT I O N S Y S T E M D ES I G N
T H E P E R F E C T V E N T I L AT I O N S O LU T I O N
F O R M A N Y B U I L D I N G A P P L I C AT I O N S

As the world leader in

E D U C AT I O N - Demand
Controlled Ventilation provides
the peace of mind to students
and educators that their class-
rooms are properly ventilated,
creating a productive learning
environment.
O F F I C E - Demand Controlled R E TA I L - Whether its time
Ventilation helps contain energy
costs by taking full advantage
of the HVAC system. Ventilation
air is provided where its needed,
when its needed.
to start a new day, have a
storewide sale, or stock the
shelves, Demand Controlled
Ventilation is up to the task
of providing the right amount
of fresh air to the retail store.
Heating, Ventilation, and
Air Conditioning, Carrier
is committed to continually
improving the quality of
comfort we provide to
our customers.
But our level of responsibility
extends well beyond…

Carrier Corporation has

R E S TAU R A N T- Fresh
air and good food go hand-
in-hand.Demand Controlled
Ventilation does its part by
providing the fresh air, where
and when its needed.
Your Satisfaction is Assured with Carrier Controls
T H E AT E R S - The highly
variable occupancy of theaters
is perfectly suited to Demand
Controlled Ventilation. DCV
saves energy while maintaining
total comfort conditions.
S P O RT S A R E N A -
Gymnasiums and arenas
benefit from Demand Controlled
Ventilation with reductions
in energy costs as well as
increased comfort conditions.
identified six specific areas
which directly impact how
we, as a world manufacturer,
balance our customers’ needs
for comfort with the environ-
ment’s needs for responsible
consumption.
These symbols graphically
represent our six areas of
concentration and will serve
as visual reminders of the
importance of managing
our finite resources.

From controlling a single piece of equipment to managing an entire building Each one of us at Carrier
complex, for greater energy-efficiency and comfort, Carrier offers the industry's Corporation believes that, for
broadest spectrum of HVAC control solutions. We will continue to set the generations to come, success
standard for control system technology as we strive to create the most will not only be measured by
comfortable, energy-efficient indoor environments possible. For more the quality of our products
information on the products and systems described in this handbook, and systems, but also by
contact your local Carrier representative or call 1-800-CARRIER or visit how we have improved the
www.carrier.com. quality life.

©2001 Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, NY Printed in U.S.A. 1001 811-10088