PERFORMING EFFECTIVE BUILDING SYSTEM

RECOMMISSIONING STUDIES

Joseph J. Watson, P.E.Booth # 312

Commissioning - Follows construction process from pre-

design through construction and acceptance. A systematic process of ensuring that all building systems perform interactively according to the contract documents, the design intent and the owner’s operational needs.

Definitions

E3 DESIGNS

Re-commissioning - Occurs after construction as an

independent process usually focusing on energy using equipment. Systematically optimize existing building systems to function according to the criteria set forth in the original project documents

Definitions

E3 DESIGNS

Retro-commissioning - A systematic process for optimizing all

building systems by improving their operation and maintenance to ensure their performance meets the owner’s current facility requirements.

Definitions

E3 DESIGNS

Continuous Commissioning - Registered trademark at Texas A&M.

Focuses on continuously monitoring HVAC operation and control to maintain long term savings through improved system reliability and building comfort

Definitions

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste

Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste

Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure

Provides complete building benchmark

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste

Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure

Provides complete building benchmarkProvides staff training to increase skill levels

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste

Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure

Provides complete building benchmarkProvides staff training to increase skill levelsProvides budget support for capital planning

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems

Improves efficiency and reduces energy wasteReduces maintenance costs and premature

equipment failureProvides complete building benchmarkProvides staff training to increase skill levelsProvides budget support for capital planning Ensures a healthy, comfortable, and

productive work environment

Benefits of Re-commissioning

E3 DESIGNS

E3 DESIGNS

HVAC/Control SystemsBuilding EnvelopeLighting SystemsElectrical SystemsWater SystemsRenewable Resources

Systems to be Re-Commissioned

E3 DESIGNS

Identify critical systems to be evaluated

Review control drawings and sequences of operation

Setup critical trend points in building EMS

Install independent data loggers to verify IAQ

Review operating information with building operatorsIdentify methods to improve system performance

Provide executive summary identifying low cost O&M changes and potential capital projects

Capital projects evaluated using Life Cycle Costing

Provide benchmark of annual energy use by system component

Provide verification of previous energy saving efforts

HVAC/Control Systems Assessment

E3 DESIGNS

Identify air leakage paths between indoor and outdoor including exterior doors, window joints, duct penetrations, interior doors, conduits passing through floors, elevator shafts, and roof vents

Assess the effects of building HVAC and stack effect pressures on air leakage characteristics

Evaluate possible air sealing measures to curtail uncontrolled air leakage and drafts

Determine financial justification of air sealing measures using Life Cycle Costing

Building Envelope Assessment

E3 DESIGNS

Survey existing lighting system in each space including:Location and use of spaceSurface type to determine reflectivityMeasure of actual lighting levels

Compare existing lighting levels with the current standards

Recommend a lighting retrofit that addresses photometric brightness, reducing glare, minimizes shadows, and reduces energy use and maintenance costs

Evaluate economic justification through life-cycle costing

Lighting System Assessment

E3 DESIGNS

Survey existing electrical components using non-invasive thermography

Evaluate existing components including:Assessment of current operating conditionsMaintenance and obsolescence concernsRemaining useful life

Generate a report which includes:Equipment locationColor thermal imageVisual imageDescription of evident problemRecommendations of corrective actions

Electrical System Assessment

E3 DESIGNS

Review two years billing information and compare to database of facilities of similar size

Perform a site survey to identify domestic fixture components in the domestic water system, building irrigation systems, and special use areas like kitchens and showers

Determine water usage related to building HVACCalculate total usage of domestic water,

irrigation, and HVAC and compare to actual usage to determine unaccounted water use

Recommend system upgrades that have been field proven

Evaluate recommendations based on Life Cycle Costing

Water System Assessment

E3 DESIGNS

Collect monthly energy use and cost Evaluate building site for renewable

resource applications including:Wind powerSolarGeothermal

Use computerized modeling software to evaluate renewable resource opportunities

Evaluate recommendations based on Life Cycle Costing

Renewable Resource Assessment

E3 DESIGNS