Energy Efficient Operations: Giving facility operators the tools to optimize building performanceThe B3 Energy Efficient Operations Manual

Garrett MosimanCenter for Sustainable Building ResearchUniversity of Minnesota College of Designwww.csbr.umn.edu mosi0019@umn.edu

Based on the work and observations ofPeter HerzogHerzog / Wheeler Associates

2013 AEE / ASHRAE / USGBCEnergy ExpoOctober 2, 2013

ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION MANUALS

Why do we need them?What does one looks like?

Goal of Energy-Efficient Operation

To ensure that each significant energy-consuming device uses only as much energy as necessary to perform its intended function.

The Premise:A building is operating efficiently if each significant energy-consuming device is using only as much energy as is necessary to perform its intended function.

In the vast majority of buildings, energy-consuming devices are essentially unmanaged. Facilities managers rely on “signals” like lack of occupant complaints and premature equipment failure as proxies for success. While these signals are critical to success in building operation, they do not ensure that the significant energy-consuming devices are operating efficiently.

By instituting a system of simple, nontechnical, routine checks on significant energy users, energy savings of 20% - 25% can be realized.

Typical Operation and Maintenance Goals and Activities

1. Provide a Comfortable Environment2. Maintain a Safe Environment3. Avoid Premature Failure4. Maintain Equipment Capacity5. Maintain Energy-Efficient Operation

Achieving each goal requires the following:• Management commitment• Measurable accountabilities• An established process• Knowledge & training• Resources, tools and time

Modes of Operation for Energy-Consuming Equipment in Buildings

DETERMINES CRITERIA

OPERATESEQUIPMENT

EXAMPLES

Mode A Occupant Occupant Switched lightingComputersCopiersMisc. plug loadsLab hoodsKitchen exhaustKitchen equipment

Mode B Occupant BuildingEngineer

Scheduled lighting controlOccupancy sensor lighting controlAHU occupied/unoccupied scheduleSpace temperature setpointsVentilation air

Mode C Building Engineer

BuildingEngineer

AHU: Outside air control Mixed air control Preheat temperature Cooling setpoint Reheat control Supply air temperature control Fan speed controlChillerCooling towerBoilerHydronic loop controlExhaust fans

EXAMPLES OF EXCESS ENERGY CONSUMPTIONUNDETECTED BY TYPICAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES(WHY WE NEED A MANUAL)

AHU Energy-Wasting Malfunctions

Actual Operation – Daylight Controlled Lighting

Actual Operation – Daylight Controlled Lighting

Actual Operation – AHU Fans

Actual Operation – Plug Loads

Actual Operation – Plug Loads

Goal of Energy-Efficient Operation

To ensure that each significant energy-consuming device uses only as much energy as necessary to perform its intended function.

Energy-Efficient Operation Process 1. Identify candidates for Energy-Efficient Operation * High annual consumption of energy units and dollars * Possible excess energy use * Excess energy use could go undetected by typical operating practices

2. Perform periodic verification of Energy-Efficient Operation * Measure actual performance * Compare actual to required performance

3. Act to correct inefficient operation

Existing Building Commissioning Savings Opportunities (PBEEEP)

Our approach: the Energy Efficient Operations Manual(What a manuallooks like)

Nature of the Task:Timer-controlled devices

1. Negotiate the minimum-acceptable operating schedule with the occupants served by the device or system

2. Ensure that the agreed schedule is implemented in the control system3. Verify that the timer-controlled device switches “off” when signaled by the

control

Nature of the Task:Mixed Air Temperature

1. Compare the current Mixed Air Temperature (MAT) to its predicted value. This value changes relative to outdoor air temperature.

Science Teaching & Student Services Operating Manual

OAT HRT-40 43-48-35 45-49-30 47-51-25 48-52-20 48-53-15 50-54-10 52-55-5 53-560 54-575 56-58

10 57-5915 59-6020 60-6125 61-6230 62-6335 OFF40 OFF45 OFF50 OFF55 OFF60 OFF65 OFF70 OFF75 76-7780 77-7885 78-8090 79-8195 80-82

100 81-83

Science Teaching & Student Services Operating Manual

Energy Efficient Operation Manual – SB 2030

Typical Monitoring of Energy Efficiency:

This year’s energy use is down (or up) from last year’s energy use by _____________

Ideal Monitoring of Energy Efficiency:

By following our “Energy-Efficient Operation Manual”, we routinely verify that each

significant energy consumer is using only as much energy as is necessary to perform its intended function.

B3 Energy-Efficient Operation Manual Status

Current manuals may be created with available Excel templates for the first three modules (timer controlled lights, timer controlled AHUs, Mixed Air Temperature).

A website is under development that will facilitate three tasks for these three modules: • Creation of custom manuals (commissioning agent / design

engineer)• Prompting system and guidance for task completion (building

staff)• Monitoring and feedback for management (facilities manager)

Work is underway to develop additional modules (plug loads, daylight-controlled lights, hydronic heating, etc.), and a system to select appropriate modules for a particular building

Thanks!

2013 AEE / ASHRAE / USGBCEnergy ExpoOctober 2, 2013

Garrett Mosimanwww.csbr.umn.edu mosi0019@umn.edu