Free, on-line tool to help engineers write bid specifications for HVAC Control
projects. CtrlSpecBuilder (Control Specification Builder) prepares open (non-proprietary and
not sole-source) specifications based upon ASHRAE Guideline 13-2000, Specifying
Direct Digital Control Systems. User options make it simple to include
new technologies such as BACnet and Web-based controls in the
specifications, and to specify energy saving options such as demand
limiting, optimal start, and setpoint optimization.
The completed specification includes overall project, hardware, and
software requirements as well as a sequence of operations and a points
list for every unique type of equipment included in the project. The
specification is prepared in word processor format and can be downloaded to the user�s computer.
Screen Shots
Keywords
HVAC controls, specifications, CSI Section 15900 HVAC Instrumentation
and Controls
Validation/Testing
N/A
Expertise Required
No special expertise is required to use the site; however, knowledge
of HVAC controls and of construction specifications is needed to make
meaningful choices.
Users
Unknown. Users are not required to register and may use the site
anonymously. More than 250 accessed the site the first two days after it launched.
Audience
engineers who write HVAC control
specifications
Input
he user should have knowledge of the HVAC equipment that is being
specified for the project. Typically this information is available on the
project drawings, and in the mechanical equipment section of the
specification. The user enters data to the site through checkboxes and
droplists, with a few text entry fields for unique information such as the
project name and project number.
Output
The output is provided as a Microsoft Word document, compatible with
MS Word 2000 or later. An on-screen preview is also available, with a
hyperlinked table of contents.
Computer Platform
Web-based
Programming Language
Java
Strengths
The program prepares HVAC control specifications, including a
sequence of operations and a points list for every unique piece of
equipment in a project. Options make it easy to specify BACnet, Web-based controls, optimal
start, setpoint optimization, and other energy-saving features.
Weaknesses
The program is most efficient when used to specify simple,
straightforward, low cost control algorithms. It can be used to specify custom control algorithms, but this requires more time to type in the custom sequences and puts the burden on the user to ensure the sequence is complete, correct, and consistent with the user-defined points list.
Contact
Availability
The program may be accessed free of charge through the web site. It is currently in beta testing, with new features being added regularly, and is projected to be feature complete on 1 September 2003.
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