What is the difference between a typical BAS scenario and one that involves building analytics? And why did one library start to see its utility costs and trouble calls start to spiral upward? As you might imagine, the answers to these questions are related …
Since the early ’80s, building automation technology (BAS) have played an integral role in engineers’ ability to aid facility owners and operators in achieving operational efficiency, dependable comfort, and lower energy costs. However, despite significant capital investments, often times the full potential of these systems is not realized, resulting in less than optimal building performance.
Whether one calls it a commissioning action list, a master issues log, a deficiency list, a corrective action list, etc., every commissioning project includes a matrix of items needing attention by someone on the project team. This table is the responsibility of the commissioning professional to create, maintain, and share with the team.
One of the most important factors in the efficiency of any HVAC system is the selection and implementation of the proper control sequence of operations.
Whether kids like school or not, attendance is mandatory for many years. Academic performance during this time often influences eventual jobs, income, and life satisfaction. During the formative years, parents mandate adequate sleep and good eating habits to improve their children’s concentration.
When I got started in the HVAC business half a century ago, I was very fortunate to work for a small firm where I learned a lot about design engineering from some really knowledgeable and practical HVAC engineers. The business we were in was designing HVAC for hospitals, colleges, universities, research facilities, and museums. All of these facilities required very sophisticated central air systems, heating systems, and chilled water systems.
A few circumstances in a data center make it ripe for a CHP design to boost efficiency. Let’s get into the options within both relevant chiller types, why payback may be shorter than expected, and the assorted potential benefits from lower costs to higher reliability. Some tips from an array of manufacturers’ reps round out this useful investigation.
In the beginning, the goal is to enable the operations and maintenance staff to work with the system to give it the best chance to perform as designed. Later, the vision is a culture of continuous improvement that can withstand changes in technology and personnel. In between? Plenty of opportunity for thoughtful operations and standardized routines.
In general, we’ve made so many existing platforms “smart” in other industries (e.g., computers, phones, cars, and household appliances), but we’ve neglected the very thing that powers all the rest — electricity.
Last month’s column walked through the scenario of what might happen if the commissioning professional is not engaged until very late in the construction phase.