Center for Energy and Environment

1. Center for Energy and Environment Energy Efficient Operations Presentation to ASHRAE Energy Expo October 2, 2013

2. A Valuable Addition to the Building Commissioning Process • During commissioning projects the commissioning agent develops a deep understanding of the facility • Mechanical systems • Building envelope • Lighting • Occupant patterns • Those systems that work right don’t generate recommendations • Energy efficient operations is a part of all systems • But, much of the knowledge is not transferred to anyone by the commissioning agent

3. For Existing Buildings • Assumes Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) • Transfer of knowledge is needed • Adds value to the customer • Demonstrates expertise of the commissioning agent • Leads to high performing buildings • Peter Herzog has been the driving force in this field for over 40 years

4. Energy Efficient Operations: The Process • Understand the building structure and systems (EBCx) • Analyze the operations (EBCx) • Train the staff • Document the results in a manual • Continue the cycle

5. Individualized training • 80:20 rule • Energy intensive operations • Common types of deficiencies • Needs of the operator • Based on observations during EBCx project • Systems • Staff • Operations

6. Training Module Example: Checking performance with the BAS • Depends on operator’s level of expertise • What to check is often less important than how to check it. • Remove barriers related to intermittent activities • Utilize established training methods • Repeat three times • Break down into simple steps • Clearly state the objective

7. Using the BAS to Review Schedules Goal: On at 7AM, off at 10 PM

8. Owner’s Facility Requirements • Based on interviews and documents in new buildings • Owners, occupants and operators • Existing buildings (when occupied) should define OFR • Building must be operating at equilibrium • Agreement between owners, operators and occupants • Does not mean it is energy efficient • Occupant complaints or unstable conditions indicate non-equilibrium conditions • May be due to equipment or design issues • Typically a focus of EBCx project

9. Value of integrating with EBCx • Energy efficient operations will be identified in the equilibrium operations through rigorous investigation • Non-equilibrium operations will be investigated and solutions identified • Commissioning agent’s scope covers both • Energy Efficient Operations Manual is the tangible record of these findings, even after prescribed measures are implemented

10. Operators will differ in competency • Manual must be comprehensive • Level of detail depends to some degree on the operator • Check sheets must be tailored to the operator • How many things can they check, and how often? • What level of detail is needed in the instructions? • What is the logging system? • What is done with the results? • Facility size may provide a rule of thumb • Large 24x7 facility probably has a full staff with specialists • Small 50 hr/week facility may have a part time staff, or it may be a secondary responsibility of someone else

11. State of Minnesota Buildings: Most common energy saving opportunities

12. Measures with the largest impact These observations are based on 218 buildings at 49 sites containing 18.5 million square feet Average EUI (site energy use) of these buildings is 107 kbtu/sq. ft.

13. Why Customize? Heating Systems

14. Summary: Energy Efficient Operations • Program developed for building operators to assure persistence of savings following SB2030 new construction and PBEEEP projects • Site specific • Half day of hands on training • Manual and Check Sheets provided • Series of monthly webinars on general energy efficient operations management topics • AHU’s Economizers, Fans, Motors, VFD’s • Building automation systems • Heating and cooling plants

15. Energy Efficient Operations: After the Visit • Requires a relationship • Provide requested Job Instruction sheets • Reminder to submit check sheets (or in PM system) • Maintained in a database • Provide long term support • Mechanical engineering expertise • Controls issues • General energy management • Sharing of new developments and best practices

17. Verification Check sheet Check mark under Section 41.2 if delta T is greater than 10 degrees: No corrective action is needed.

18. Thank you Chris Plum Center for Energy and Environment 612-335-5825 cplum@mncee.org