Continuous Commissioning
What is Continuous Commissioning®?
The Continuous Commissioning® process is a specialized form of ongoing commissioning that focuses on system optimization with the goals of resolving building operating problems, improving comfort, minimizing energy consumption and cost, and providing knowledge-based hands-on training.
This trademarked process was developed by the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station’s Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL). Established in 1985, the ESL utilizes a collective of Texas A&M faculty (Engineering, Architecture), researchers and students to study, develop and implement methods of reducing energy consumption in buildings. The ESL operates within a “Teaching Hospital” concept that focuses on advancing the industry and providing practical training. ?The process is typically divided into three phases after the initial identification of a project opportunity. The phases emphasize thorough documentation and teamwork with the operations staff.
When is Continuous Commissioning Appropriate?
Continuous Commissioning can be implemented in a variety of ways:
- Stand-alone energy conservation measure for new buildings or central plants to improve performance above normal installations
- Stand-alone energy conservation measure for older, existing buildings or central plants
- Energy conservation measure as part of a major capital retrofit energy efficiency program
- Process to commission retrofits to ensure optimum operation and energy savings
Phases of Continuous Commissioning®
Continuous Commissioning® typically consists of three phases.
Assessment
- Comprehensive engineering analysis?
- Identify optimal schedules and operating parameters based on actual building conditions and current occupancy requirements?
- Integrated systems approach for optimization and persistence of energy savings
- Development of recommended CC® measures and estimated energy savings with simple payback
Implementation
- Site visits for data collection and O&M staff training?
- Recommendations for customized control sequence changes?
- Verification of key devices, sensors and implemented modifications to system control?
- Detailed reports documenting entire process and updates to sequences of operation
Ongoing Monitoring
- Building performance benchmarking and tracking
- Analyze trend data to identify issues
- Periodic site visits
- CC® measure performance verification and fine-tuning
- Monitor space conditions for thermal comfort
The Tools
What makes Continuous Commissioning® unique.
Opportunity Assessor
Objectives
- Identify building candidates
- Identify whole building savings potential
Deliverables
- Preliminary Assessment Report
How it Works
Opportunity Assessor uses measured energy consumption along with some basic information about the building to identify the potential savings opportunity for it.
WinAM
Objectives
- Assess existing equipment condition & control
- Assess existing equipment installation and configuration
- Assess CCx measure savings potential
Deliverables
- Assessment Report
- Retrofit Opportunities
- CCx Measures Matrix
- CCx Measures Savings Estimate
How it Works
WinAM provides a detailed assessment through the creation of a calibrated hourly-simulation model which is used to predict savings by applying various energy efficiency measures.
Implementer
Objectives
- Implement targeted functional performance testing and issue resolution
- Implement optimized sequences of operation
- Implement M&V plan
- Implement training plan
Deliverables
- Commissioning Issues Log
- Trend Plan
- Training Material
How it Works
Implementer is a building automation system trend-analysis tool. It acquires, stores, time-aligns, analyzes and visualizes trend data. The tool is used to recommend setpoint adjustments and troubleshoot operational problems while tracking CC Measure performance.
Validator
Objectives
- Monitor HVAC system operation
- Monitor whole building energy usage
- Periodic site visits
- Monitor CC measure performance and tune setpoints
- Identify new CC measures
- Monitor space conditions for thermal comfort
Deliverables
- Energy Savings Report
- Interval On-going Cx Report
- Ongoing Cx issues log
How it Works
Validator creates inverse models, and estimates realized savings from the implementation phase utilizing an agreed-upon algorithm.