FDD-Integrated Autonomous Commissioning

Lead Performer: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) — Berkeley, CA
FY19 DOE Funding: $275,000
Project Term: October 1, 2018 — September 30, 2021
Funding Type: Lab Call

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to develop automated fault correction approaches for building systems and integrate them with commercial fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) and building automation system (BAS) products. The approaches will cover non-physical fault types spanning HVAC and lighting control, scheduling, actuation, and sensing. The project team will achieve this method of autonomous commissioning by opening two-way interfaces between the BAS and the FDD tool. Current FDD products do not utilize this process, as vendors have focused mainly on core features of identifying faults through one-way BAS communications. Additionally, there will be a field validation component of this project in order to test the products in existing buildings.

This project will address a wide array of faults that can be fixed without physical intervention, i.e. controls, sensor, and stuck (not broken) actuator faults. The project team will publicly document the implemented solutions, their efficacy in delivering deep savings, and the associated operational benefits toward net neutral and grid-responsive building capabilities. Additionally, they will conduct a techno-economic analysis to quantify the broader market opportunity.

Project Impact

This project will advance FDD products that work across systems to improve the overall energy efficiency of commercial building by identifying faults that result in increased energy use. This technology will provide grid services and yield energy and cost savings for building owners.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Amy Jiron
Lead Performer: Jessica Granderson, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)