VA-89-07-4 -- Design Documentation Instead of Design/Build Documentation for Controls PDF

Historically, when the HVAC engineer reached the end of a design project, the engineer provided some sort of general description of how he or she wanted the system to operate. Even though the engineer provided very specific details on piping, equipment, electrical requirements, etc., controls were handled essentially as a design/build pro]ect. The controls contractor was usually responsible for design, installation, troubleshooting, and training.

The problem with this approach is that the design engineer does not develop the necessary understanding of control systems. As controls became more complicated and their performance expectations increased, communication between the engineer and the controls contractor became more difficult.

Building owners are now starting to insist that the engineer be able to resolve the control problems that occur. As engineers begin to design rather than describe control systems, the type of documentation required will change. This paper will describe the effect this change is having on documentation.