P2-5. Pattern Recognition-Based FDD > Conclusions

Conclusions:

The diagnostic approach is suitable for periodic or continuous monitoring. The rule-based algorithms could be implemented in existing building control systems or component controllers, or used for processing at a central service center.

Diagnostic rules are now available from this project for automating FDD for a much broader set of HVAC equipment and systems than previously. These could be used to create a software tool suite that would provide automated continuous monitoring and diagnostics for most building systems, helping to alleviate the many undetected problems that persist in commercial buildings.

Commercialization potential:

Architectural Energy Corporation is exploring adding these diagnostics, as well as others from its ENFORMA HVAC Analyzer software, into a web-based diagnostic service. The web-based service will be available for licensing by third-party application service providers or as a service directly from AEC.

Recommendations:

Additional research on the effect of sensor calibration and sensor placement is needed to understand the impact of these factors on false alarms and missed faults.

Additional research is needed to develop a method to detect short-term anomalous chiller behavior.

Benefits to California:

Based on new data regarding the characteristics of California building stock and statewide energy use, the projected benefits of this project are updated as follows:

Updated Baseline:

The original baseline conditions and projected outcome were based on national estimates because there was no reliable data for California as a whole. During the course of the Program, the Commission has established a data set for California from which the original estimates can be improved. See Appendix I.

The original estimate was based on applying diagnostic methods to all types of HVAC equipment and components. The diagnostics selected during work on Project 2.5 apply only to central plant equipment components including chillers, boilers, condenser water pumps, chilled water pumps, and cooling tower pumps and fans. The statewide electric energy consumption of these components was estimated to be 6,030 GWh and 3,592 MW peak demand in Year 2000.

Updated Outcomes:

Large buildings with central plants are typically controlled with building automation systems. These systems have supervisory computers that can host diagnostic methods documented in Project 2.5. Central systems are installed in larger facilities, such as large office buildings. Applying the diagnostic methods to 50% of the large office, college, and hospital buildings in California within the next 10 years, should result in savings of at least 123 GWh/yr. There are other building types that have central plants, and the methods are likely to be applied to those facilities as well.

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