PLC vs DDC COMPARISON

S# PLC
1) PLC's have very High scan rate. (Scan rates vary from brand to
brand).For example, If the application needs to count the pulses,
which has high frequency rate, then PLC’s, could be used. It is used
where the speed of the application/process really matters.
DDC
In general, HVAC application does not require high scan rates as the
process itself do not need it. Even if the DDC senses the temperature
bit late it is not a problem for the process; meaning if the actual
temperature happens at 1.00PM, and if the DDC senses at 1.02PM, it
is not a problem in HVAC as the HVAC equipment itself takes some
time for changing the temperature to required one. The said sensing
time is only for example purposes; Practically it would be in fraction
of milli seconds. DDC's have low scan rate compared to PLC's. For the
same example in the left, if DDC is deployed, it may be miss some
pulses and causes error in the readings.

2) PLC do not have inbuilt features for HVAC applications and needs DDC is built specifically for HVAC applications and in DDC there are
to be built from the scratch. many inbuilt programs/features related to HVAC and in turn reduces
programming time and cost. PLC manufacturer themselves
recommend DDC's for HVAC applications.

3) High cost. Low cost

4) Requires trained personnel for maintenance purposes as HVAC
engineers, technicians are not familiar with PLC’s as compared to
the DDC’s.
5) Typical Application: Manufacturing, Power, Petrochemical, Water
Industries where the process requires fast response time.
Since vast majority of HVAC applications use DDC, almost all the
HVAC Engineers, Technicians are familiar with DDC controls and
more user friendlier than PLCs’, thus maintenance is more easy and
convenient
Typical Application: HVAC, Building Automation systems