Monitoring-Based Commissioning applies to virtually all building systems where performance data can be collected and analyzed, with the greatest impact on energy-consuming and comfort-critical systems.
HVAC Systems receive primary MBCx focus:
Central plants: Chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and pumps are monitored for efficiency, sequencing optimization, staging control, and equipment degradation. MBCx identifies opportunities like resetting chilled water temperatures, optimizing tower approach, and load-based sequencing.
Air handling systems: Supply and return fans, economizers, heating/cooling coils, and dampers are monitored for proper operation, simultaneous heating/cooling elimination, excessive static pressure, and ventilation optimization.
Terminal units: VAV boxes, fan-coil units, and zone equipment are checked for proper operation, temperature control, reheat optimization, and airflow verification.
Controls sequences: Complex sequences (demand control ventilation, optimal start/stop, night setback, reset strategies) are verified through monitoring rather than assuming proper operation.
Lighting systems with networked controls can be monitored for occupancy sensor performance, daylight harvesting effectiveness, scheduling accuracy, and energy consumption patterns.
Domestic hot water systems are monitored for temperature maintenance, circulation pump operation, heat loss identification, and recirculation optimization.
Building envelope performance can be inferred through monitoring; excessive heating/cooling in perimeter zones suggests envelope issues; humidity problems indicate infiltration or vapor control failures.
Energy consumption at whole-building, system, and equipment levels is tracked to identify unusual patterns, compare to baselines, and quantify optimization savings.
Indoor environmental quality parameters, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and pressure relationships are continuously monitored to ensure occupant comfort and identify ventilation problems.
Plug loads and specialty equipment in facilities with significant process loads (kitchens, laundries, laboratories) can be monitored for operational efficiency and scheduling optimization.
Renewable energy systems (photovoltaic, solar thermal, geothermal, phase change, energy storage) are monitored to verify expected output and identify underperformance requiring attention.
The specific systems monitored depend on building type, available monitoring points, energy consumption patterns, and program objectives. The MBCx provider works with owners to prioritize systems offering the greatest optimization potential.
For comprehensive MBCx programs optimizing your building’s critical systems, contact Catalyst Commissioning Group at info@catalystcx.com.