MONITORING HVAC SYSTEMS
are located to be quickly found – this is vital expensive-to-obtain information that is often lost when employees move on. Time intervals between data collection
should preferably be less than an hour (ideally 15 minutes says iSERVcmb), and should ideally be in the form of meter readings not just consumption over a time period – though pulse meter readings can be used. Data should be sent to iSERVcmb at least once a month via email. Direct data entry is possible via secure login facilities to the iSERVcmb database. Reports are generated as soon as monitoring
Sub-metering shows an AHU working outside offi ce hours
Inspections only identifi ed 37% of the measures that could have been taken to improve effi ciency in those systems
and any sensors to be logged. iSERVcmb has developed a standalone Excel spreadsheet for this purpose. Participants use this spreadsheet to upload details of their HVAC systems onto the iSERVcmb database. Once details are logged on the iSERVcmb database, the energy consumption of the HVAC components can be recorded and analysed by sending sub-hourly data from an automatic meter reading system to the iSERVcmb cloud-based servers. iSERVcmb prefers that participants record the consumption of as many components as possible but at a minimum they should at least record the chiller. The spreadsheets produced by the participating companies have already proven to be invaluable references, not only for understanding the HVAC system in a building, but also as business continuity documents, which allow information on where HVAC components, sensors and meters
data has been uploaded. Participants will receive feedback on a number of indicators, including annual consumption against bespoke benchmarks for the mix of HVAC components and end use activities served. Where possible and applicable, potential
ECOs will also be identifi ed, which could lead to energy savings of up to 60%, says iSERVcmb. A case study is also generated on each
Benefi ts to participants
The research runs until May 2014 and iSERVcmb is calling for owners or operators of HVAC systems to participate in the scheme. It has 300 systems in its database, but wants to reach 1,400 by the end of the project. It is also inviting HVAC system or component manufacturers, facility managers, and legislators or policymakers to join the scheme. Data collected remains secure and anonymous unless otherwise requested. Participation in iSERVcmb is free.
iSERVcmb says there are numerous benefi ts for participating building managers and owners: Information on unexpected changes in energy consumption
Bespoke energy consumption benchmarks for individual HVAC systems derived from the activities served
‘Real’ data from real systems makes the information easy to understand by all stakeholders, and provides confi dence that the
62 CIBSE Journal January 2013 performance benchmarks are achievable.
Benefi ts of allowing this approach for EU member states: Improvement of the effi ciency of the energy inspection process
Reducing compliance burdens on well-run HVAC systems
Achievement of lasting, cost-effective improvements in HVAC system energy effi ciency
Rapid identifi cation of good and best practice in HVAC energy use without favouring any technology or approach.
Benefi ts for participating equipment manufacturers: Independent verifi cation of HVAC component energy performance in practice
Marketing opportunities Opportunity to add value to HVAC products.
system, which, along with the data, remains anonymous unless otherwise requested. Some have been happy to make their data public, says Knight. ‘One well-known fi rm said they didn’t care about anonymity. If their system’s not performing well they want to do something about it.’ The use of the iSERVcmb is free until funding ends in 2014, after which participating organisations can pay a monthly subscription if they want to continue to monitor and oversee their HVAC systems in this manner. Data collected in iSERVcmb could potentially also be used in BIM. The fi elds used within iSERVcmb are intended to be compliant with Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) standards by the end of the project and therefore be integrated into BIM models. Knight says there is an opportunity for organisations to make large savings with little capital cost. ‘The return on investment is often less than three months. It’s a no-brainer. To achieve the energy savings you usually just need a regular update of systems’ performance to prevent them drifting out of control.’ CIBSE’s technical director Hywel Davies
says the project is vital. ‘Given the concerns about the mismatch between what the buildings are meant to use and really use, this is a really important and timely piece of research.’ ‘It’s particularly timely when you consider
the concerns about UK energy supply and the greater acknowledgement by government that reducing demand is a simple, cost-effective way of keeping the lights on.’ CJ
www.cibsejournal.com
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