Retrocommissioning (RCx) Siebel Center for Computer Science

Retrocommissioning (RCx)Siebel Center for Computer Science

Damon E. McFallEIT, LEED AP

Presentation Goal

• Truthfully present known facts and demonstrate the fundamental need for verifying design, components, installation and initial commissioning

• Take away something that will benefit our industry and improve future deliverables to the University

Presentation Content

• Brief history of Siebel Center• Brief history of Retrocommissioning at

Illinois• Review of major systems and changes• Savings accrued to date and projected

Timeline & History for Siebel Center

• Cost for construction: $80 Million• Built from 2001 – 2004• Dedicated April 29, 2004 (Building ~5.5 yrs

old)• A/E dismissed from project before completion• In the years that followed department forced

to pay hundred’s of thousands for completion of work

• Vicki Gress, Rick Henderson, Jackie Kurn & Teresa Schurg accept to work with the Retrocommissioning Team in July 2009

Timeline & History for RCx at Illinois

• Began in August 2007 with one dedicated team

• Began 2nd Team in February 2009• Accumulated savings…– Saved first million by October 2008…– Second million by May 2009…– Third million by October 2009…– Fourth million by March 2010???

• Arrived @ Siebel in August 2009, even though told “don’t go”…

Timeline & History for RCx at Illinois

• Began in August 2007 with one dedicated team

• Began 2nd Team in February 2009• Accumulated savings…– Saved first million by October 2008…– Second million by May 2009…– Third million by October 2009…– Fourth million by December 2009?

• Arrived @ Siebel in August 2009, even though told “don’t go there”…

Retrocommissioning Team at Siebel• Composite RCx Team

– Damon McFall (Team Leader)– Mike O’Brien (DDC Programmer)– Frank Boland (Pneumatic Temp Controls Tech.)– Todd Nicholas (DDC Electrician)– Chuck Jenkins (Sheet Metal)– Additional Support (Management, Students,

Shops)

Overall Systems to Review

• Control System• AHU Systems• Chilled Water System• Reheat System• Perimeter System• VAV & Individual Room Systems

Control System

• Schneider Electric’s Andover Continuum Control System

• HVAC Controls, Door Controls share server• Web pages available – not working properly;

operating system updating• Siebel funded to get Web Client updated to

latest version• Pulse Width Modulation – Who really gets it?

Pulse Width Modulation is based on the principle that a sinusoidal waveform overlaps higher frequency triangular osscilation.

• Floor Level Occupancy Override• Room by room override to satisfy occupants



AHU Systems Review

• (8) 100 hp Supply Fans with VFDs @ 60 Hz• (8) 40 hp Return Fans with VFDs @ 60 Hz• Constant 54ºF DAT• Every transducer and sensor was out to lunch• Building extremely negative• Preheat Circulating Pumps = On if OAT<65• TAB report…• 20% minimum constant outside air at large

auditorium• Cooling electrical room with conditioned air

RCx & AHU Systems

• Recalculated building load calculation• Rebalanced all 470 rooms• (8) 100 hp Supply Fans with VFDs @ 30 Hz• (8) 40 hp Return Fans following suit• DAT dependent on RAH ► 55 or 60• Transducers calibrated to use full range!• Cleaned outside air louvers / changed Controls• Preheat Circulating Pumps maintain MAT• CO2 sensor, VFDs for large auditorium unit• VFD and duct revisions for EF4



RCx & Chilled Water System

• Building chilled water valve bouncing• Why???• dP transmitter whacked• Transducers incorrectly calibrated– Actuator = 8 to 13 psi range– Transducer set up at 8 to 13– Recalibrated actuator = 4 to 14– Recalibrated Xducer = 3 to 15– Using full range of control!



RCx & Reheat System

• Pump with VFD @ 60 Hz• dP transmitter whacked• Found a vacuum at the transmitter– Farther upstream at 4” pipe: Vacuum

• System not filled properly; leaks?– HX; no. Other; no…

• Bad pump seal!!!

What would cause that?



RCx & Perimeter System

• Pump with VFD @ 60 Hz• dP transmitter whacked• System not filled completely– Previous work on system (then not filled)

• System fluid boiled at one point– How? Result?– Electro-pneumatic (EP) switch installed by

RCx to prevent future occurrence



RCx & VAV System

• Unitary controllers were provided• Plugged reheat coils (flushing each one)• Thermostats (too smart…for majority)• Control Sequences– Dead band missing (ASHRAE 90.1?)– Unoccupied setback– Heating program

• Reheat Coil Valves are leaking through

RCx Efforts Rewarded - CHW

Siebel Center for Computer Science Chilled Water

0

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RCx Efforts Rewarded - ELEC

Siebel Center for Computer Science Electricity

05,000

10,00015,00020,00025,00030,00035,00040,00045,000

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RCx Efforts Rewarded - STM

Siebel Center for Computer Science Steam

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llars Before RCx

After RCx$36,0

00!

Maintaining the Savings

• Building Systems Manual

• Web Graphics

Summary of Positive Results @ Siebel

• Actual Utility Savings Aug-Nov: $155,481• Energy Saved: 21.9% or 6,492 MMbtu• Actual Costs to Date: $232,094• Total Square Foot: 266,825… approx.

$1.00/SqFt.

Summary of Positive Results for RCxTotal Cumulative Savings

$2

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$2

,79

2,0

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07 08 09

RCx Gaining National Recognition

• Recognition for Facilities Management Excellence by Building, Operating & Management as one of the very best in facility management today

• Will be recognized at National Facility’s Management & Technology 2010 in March in Baltimore, Maryland

• Presented in April’s Building Operating Management issue

Thank you! ¡Gracias!

[email protected]

Documents

Retrocommissioning (RCx) Siebel Center for Computer Science