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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

An Introduction...

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.

Our Results