Achieving Better Building Performance and Savings Using Optimal Control Strategies

Abstract

The Continuous Commissioning (CCSM) process has become a very important energy conservation topic for new and existing commercial buildings. This process can yield substantial operating savings, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced occupant comfort. It also provides solutions to reoccurring building maintenance problems. One tool that can be implemented during commissioning work is a nearoptimal global set point method in an Energy Management Control System (EMCS) Direct Digital Controller (DDC). This algorithm is based on mathematical models for the chillers, boilers, chilled and hot water pumps, and air handler fans that relate the power of these components as a function of the chilled water and hot water differential temperature. The algorithm will minimize the total plant power consumption. These optimal control strategies make the CC process more effective. The Texas A&M University Systems State Headquarters is an office building, with a total floor area of approximately 123,960 ft2. An integrated commissioning of the HVAC systems was performed for this building. This paper describes the commissioning activities and demonstrates how newly developed optimized control strategies improved the building comfort conditions and reduced utility costs during and after the commissioning period.