THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HVAC DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROL: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS & DESIGN
The Only HVAC DDC Book You’ll Ever Need!
The Fundamentals of HVAC Direct Digital Control: Practical Applications & Design
Fourth Edition | Frank Shadpour, PE, ASHRAE Fellow
Order your copy of the go-to guide for designing smarter and more efficient building automation systems. This comprehensive resource is packed with real-world examples, proven techniques, and easy-to-follow explanations that make even the most complex concepts accessible and understandable. Whether you're just beginning your journey in HVAC or you are a seasoned engineer with years of experience, this book is the one essential resource that you will find yourself returning to time and again. It is trusted by universities and widely used by professionals across the industry, all while being written by an expert who has extensive experience in the field. Gain the knowledge you need to design and build superior systems that work efficiently and effectively.
Important: Only purchase the Fourth Edition of the book. Older versions still sold online are outdated and should be avoided.
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“This is the definitive textbook for Engineers, Educators, & Training Programs!”
- Michelle
The Ultimate Guide to HVAC DDC Design:
Practical, Proven, & Powerfully Different
What Makes This Book Different?
More than a standard textbook, this comprehensive learning tool features clear chapters with impactful information and hands-on experiences. It includes real photos, design diagrams, and practical exercises to help you grasp HVAC DDC concepts confidently.
Industry-Leading Training
This book is the perfect training textbook for colleges, universities, and technical institutions. It’s also an essential resource for engineering firms, facility teams, and contractors looking to educate and certify their staff in modern HVAC and DDC system design.
What Is Inside Every Chapter?
This resource offers a user-friendly learning approach, including abbreviations, summaries, and design diagrams. Real-world photos link theory to practice, while dos and don'ts promote best practices. Tips on sustainability and practice problems aid skill development.
Standardize Your Design
Is standardizing your HVAC and building automation design important? This book is your solution—unify design and installation, eliminate rework, save time, and bring clarity, consistency, and control to every system you design, build, or manage.
A Deeper Dive into HVAC DDC
The textbook is organized into six sections that progressively build a comprehensive understanding of HVAC DDC systems.
Section A introduces the fundamentals of DDC, controllers, control theory, and the role of sustainability and commissioning in building automation.
Section B explores DDC networking, web services, and open protocols like BACnet, LonWorks, and the Niagara Platform.
Section C focuses on hybrid systems, covering both pneumatic and electric control components.
Section D examines key control elements such as valves, dampers, and various sensors, offering valuable quick-reference material.
Section E presents real-world scenarios and design examples, making it a practical guide for applying DDC concepts.
Section F concludes with a look at construction documents and specifications, featuring a sample HVAC DDC specification for hands-on reference.
What People Are Saying
“The Fundamentals of HVAC Direct Digital Control makes both an excellent reference book for HVAC practitioners, as well as an excellent and accessible introduction book for new professionals entering the HVAC field.”
— Svetislav Maric, Ph.D., Dir., Engineering & IT Programs, UCSD Extension
“This book makes the understanding of HVAC DDC possible and is a must-have. I have referenced it for years as a Facilities Manager and as an HVAC/Energy/Facilities Instructor.”
— George Gemberling III, Assistant Dir., Project Management Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department / UC Riverside Extension Instructor
“Whether you are studying for the PE exam, working in the field as a technician, or simply wanting to understand and reverse engineer your system, this book will take you from good to great!”
— Vanessa Gong, Manager, Construction, 7-Eleven
“The book’s ease of use and the practicality of the information presented have made me more effective at making decisions related to our HVAC systems.”
— Chris Manis, LEED AP BD+C, Vice Chancellor, Facilities, SDCCD
Elevating Education: Who’s Adopting the Gold Standard
The following colleges, universities, and companies are elevating their HVAC programs by integrating this textbook, recognized for its real-world relevance, technical depth, and unmatched industry value, into their curriculum and training programs.
Featured: University of California, San Diego
Learn HVAC Design & Controls from the Expert Who Wrote the Book
Join Frank Shadpour, PE, ASHRAE Fellow, in his fully online HVAC Systems Design & Control Program—built around his industry-leading textbook. Open to students worldwide, this dynamic course delivers in-depth, practical training in HVAC theory, codes, system design, energy analysis, and performance-based contracting. Whether you're a recent graduate, working engineer, or facility professional, you'll gain the skills to design smarter, more efficient systems and make informed, real-world decisions that save energy and reduce costs.
ATS
Brownson Technical School
Cuyamaca College
College of the Desert
Community College of Baltimore County
Control Technologies
Mountainland Technical College
Next Level
Renton Technical College
Riverside City College
SC Engineers
Stationary Engineer Local 39
University of California, San Diego
About the Author
Frank Shadpour, PE, ASHRAE Fellow, is a nationally recognized Mechanical Professional Engineer with over 40 years of expertise in mechanical, plumbing, and building automation systems engineering and commissioning. As the President of Shadpour Consulting (SC) Engineers, a leading engineering firm based in San Diego, California, Frank delivers innovative, energy-efficient solutions that consistently meet client needs on time and within budget. His diverse project experience spans healthcare, education, government, defense, life sciences, and high-tech sectors.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree from the University of Redlands. A respected leader in both professional and academic circles, Frank serves as Program Chair of the ASHRAE College of Fellows and teaches the HVAC Systems Design & Control Program at the University of California, San Diego Extended Studies, organized around this textbook that incorporates cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies.
Beginning his career as an HVAC technician, Frank brings invaluable hands-on experience in system startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning, which continues to inform his practical, real-world approach to engineering and education.