Retrocommissioning Lessons from the Field

Eveline Killian, CEMCx Associates, LLC

AIA Quality Assurance

The Building Commissioning Association is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of the Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

2

3

At the end of this session participants will be able to:

See the benefits of: • Retrocommissioning small commercial buildings• Developing a collaborative team • Staying flexible with expectations• Choosing the measures carefully

And…be forewarned of some stumbling blocks

Learning Objectives

4

Presentation OverviewExample Projects

Lessons Learned

5

Howard Opera House

6

Problem Statement

• Constant speed pumps

• Manual diverter valve

• Failing controls

• Open ductwork to MEP

7

RCx Solutions

• VSDs on cooling tower and main pumps

• Removal of diverter valve

• Boiler circulating pump

• Central Plant controls

• Controlled OA dampers

8

Realized Savings

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000A

pr-1

3

May

-13

Jun-

13

Jul-1

3

Aug

-13

Sep

-13

Oct

-13

Nov

-13

Dec

-13

Jan-

14

Feb-

14

Mar

-14

kWh

Pre- and Post-Installation Monthly kWh

Pre kWh Post kWh

9

Fletcher Free Library

10

Controls Upgrade Savings

Average annual utility bill savings of 18%.

11

Operational Performance Support Services Contract

• Monitor HVAC system operation & utility bills

• Maintenance program definition & oversight

• Assessment of unplanned maintenance items

• Further energy savings identification

• Long-term capital planning for HVAC system costs

12

Performance Monitoring Successes

• Chiller compressor failure Early cooling tower failure warning.

• HVAC-1 economizer/fan speed control.

• Exhaust fan failure discoveries.

• Resolution of draft issues at circulation desk.

• Freezestat failure discoveries.

13

Typical RCx Measures

• VSDs on pumps

• Controls

• Setpoint changes

• Pipe insulation

• Economizer

• System harmonizing

14

Stumbling Blocks• Scope increases during

project• Narrow our attention…

and then… refer to firstbullet

• Contractor schedule pushed out

• Plans were incomplete, took long to piece together

15

What Went Right

The people!• Quality

contractors

• Flexible team

• Collaborative team

• Good communication

16

Lessons Learned

17

Lesson #1: Gauge the OwnerDetermine:

• their version of the problem

• their openness to new efficiency ideas

• if there are others who could influence the project and involve them early

Hear and address their concerns immediately

18

Lesson #2: Good Contractors

Create a team you can trust and then listen to their ideas throughout the project

19

Lesson #3: Stay FlexibleIf it’s an old building, things WILL come up unexpectedly – stay flexible and creative, and convey this mindset to the owner.

HoweverDon’t necessarily promote this attitude to the contractors – you’ll be bombarded with suggestions and change orders!

20

Lesson #4: Choose Measures Wisely

• Present at least two tiers in the proposal:• Tier 1: conservative approach

that addresses their concerns • Tier 2: deeper cost-effective

opportunities• Tier 3: long term opportunities

• Don’t push – they’ll balk

• Don’t try to do it all – they’ll balk

21

Lesson #5: Choose Owners Wisely

If you can, pick owners that:• care about their

building, not just their bottom line

• have the support they need to make it happen

• will potentially lead to more projects

22

Why It’s Worth Doing

• Commercial Buildings consume nearly 20% of all energy used in the United States.

• We spend more than $200 billion each year to power our country's commercial buildings.

• “A typical commercial building could save 20% on its energy bills simply by commissioning existing systems so they operate as intended.”

Source: U.S. DOE - http://www4.eere.energy.gov/alliance/node/9

Company NameWebsiteEmail Address

Eveline Killian, CEMSenior Engineer

www. cx-associates.comeveline@cx-assoc.com802-861-2715 ext. 15