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Improving Building Control and System Operation Through the Continuous Commissioning® Process: A Case Study
Date
2003
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu)
Abstract
Utilization of the Continuous Commissioning®
process is presented in the case of the Consolidated
Mission Support Center office building at Travis Air
Force Base in Travis, California. The CC® process
was applied to the building in early 2003. The
examination of the heating, ventilating, and airconditioning
(HVAC) and control systems revealed
several areas where considerable improvement could
be made, including air handling unit (AHU)
operational parameters, terminal box and water loop
operation, and Energy Management and Control
System (EMCS) functionality. It also aided in the
identification of mechanical systems needing repair.
The optimization of the HVAC systems and
advanced utilization of the EMCS reduced the
combined heating and cooling energy consumption
by 26% without capital intensive upgrades. Cooling
energy decreased by 10%, heating energy was cut by
over 40%, and fan power decreased by 28%. A
hidden benefit to the implementation of the CC®
process is the reduction in the human capital required
to operate the building. Prior to commissioning,
significant time was spent changing system operating
setpoints in an attempt to save energy. These efforts
are no longer required.