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Achieving Better Building Performance and Savings Using Optimal Control Strategies
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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
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.