Methods for Automated and Continuous Commissioning of Building Systems

Technical Report · Wed Apr 30 04:00:00 EDT 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/810800· OSTI ID:810800

Luskay, Larry ^[1]; Brambley, Michael; Katipamula, Srinivas

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1. Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute

Avoidance of poorly installed HVAC systems is best accomplished at the close of construction by having a building and its systems put ''through their paces'' with a well conducted commissioning process. This research project focused on developing key components to enable the development of tools that will automatically detect and correct equipment operating problems, thus providing continuous and automatic commissioning of the HVAC systems throughout the life of a facility. A study of pervasive operating problems reveled the following would most benefit from an automated and continuous commissioning process: (1) faulty economizer operation; (2) malfunctioning sensors; (3) malfunctioning valves and dampers, and (4) access to project design data. Methodologies for detecting system operation faults in these areas were developed and validated in ''bare-bones'' forms within standard software such as spreadsheets, databases, statistical or mathematical packages. Demonstrations included flow diagrams and simplified mock-up applications. Techniques to manage data were demonstrated by illustrating how test forms could be populated with original design information and the recommended sequence of operation for equipment systems. Proposed tools would use measured data, design data, and equipment operating parameters to diagnosis system problems. Steps for future research are suggested to help more toward practical application of automated commissioning and its high potential to improve equipment availability, increase occupant comfort, and extend the life of system equipment.

• Research Organization: Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute (US)
• DOE Contract Number: FC05-99OR22674
• OSTI ID: 810800
• Report Number(s): DOE/OR22674/610-30040-01; ARTI-21CR/610-30040-01
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21CR
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ARTI
AUTOMATED
BUILDING
COMMERCIAL
COMMISSIONING
CONTINUOUS
CONTRACT
CONTROL
DAMPERS
DATA
DESIGN
DIAGNOSTIC
ECONOMIZER
EFFICIENCY
FAULTY
FUNCTIONAL
HARDWARE
HVAC
MAINTENANCE
METHODS
PACKAGES
PEC
PERFORMANCE
PNL
RECOMMISSION
RECORD
REMOTE
SERVICES
SETPOINT
SETTINGS
SOFTWARE
STRTEGIES
SYSTEMS
TESTING
VALVES
VENTILATION