The return air CO2 sensor should NOT affect the OA volume in any way when below a certain setting (usually about 800 ppm).
The percentage of outside air (outside, return, and relief damper positions) should control via a normal economizer cycle; preferably an enthalpy economizer.
If the return air CO2 concentration exceeds 800 ppm, the enthalpy economizer cycle should be SLOWLY overridden. This control should be a proportional control relative to the CO2 concentration. Here’s an example: if the return CO2 concentration is 800 ppm, the dampers should remain at minimum, or at their current value. If the return CO2 concentration rises to 900 ppm, the economizer dampers should be at 50% outdoor air. If the return CO2 rises to 1,000 ppm, the economizer dampers should be at 100% outdoor air. Once return air CO2 drops below 775 ppm (adj.), the CO2 control is disabled.
The CO2 economizer control shouldn't exceed five minutes from minimum to full outside air. IF the designer uses CO2 control as a method of overriding the enthalpy economizer, the cooling and heating coils need to be sized for full outdoor design conditions for that area. They should also have the ability to operate well at part-load conditions.
-CB