Commercial HVAC commissioning is a crucial part of the functions of the HVAC systems, mainly after its installation. The term “commercial HVAC commissioning” can have various kinds of meanings, but mainly, it refers to the analysis and repair of the existing commercial HVAC systems of a building.
The actual goal of commissioning is to make sure an HVAC system can operate to its most efficient self. In maximum cases, the commercial HVAC commissioning can start with a proper review of the condition of the HVAC systems and completes the process of repairing the HVAC to accomplish the desired performance of the system.
After the completion of the careful inspection process, it is required to turn on all parts of the system to verify that the system can start up as per the specifications of the production company. Last is testing the portions by using scenarios designed to ensure that the system can function as expected, reacting properly to changing conditions in the environment of the building. The process of testing can be time-consuming but is very important for efficient operation and also customer satisfaction.
The main types of commissioning
There are three types of commissioning:
- Testing a new HVAC installation within a building is done to verify that it can easily meet the manufacturer’s and the owner’s specifications.
- Recommissioning- Testing an HVAC system that was commissioned previously to verify that it is still working in a proper way. It may include making small repairs or any type of upgrades in order to meet PECI, ASHRAE, and also the ACG codes as well as the needs of the owner.
- Retro-commissioning- Here, the testing process of the HVAC system of an old building that was repaired rather than replaced to verify that it is able to meet the owner’s requirements.
The procedure of commissioning:
Verifying the Installation
The verifying process of the proper installation starts with a thorough inspection to ensure that the accurate materials and parts have been installed and in the correct location, identifying whether the installation meets the proper specifications and requirements, and also creating documentation of all installed equipment.
Initial Start-Up
When starting the system for the first time, it is very crucial to follow the checklist of the start-up process, which is mentioned in the manufacturer’s documentation. It is possible to dissolve the manufacturer’s warranty if the initial start-up process is performed wrongly. The process of start-up, as per the sequence of operation, must be carefully documented.
After the start-up, operation sequence and shutdown process have been verified to ensure its proper functionality and are fully documented, and then only the process of testing, adjusting, and balancing can start.
Test, Adjust, and balance:
The airflow requirements for every device are tested according to the mechanical plan sheet. If the mechanical plan sheet is not available, balancing the unit according to the industry standard will be needed.
After the outside air and exhaust fans are being balanced, the building pressure is measured. This is a very crucial factor for the proper health and comfort of the public.
The last steps involve proper simulations of some specific environmental conditions in the building to verify that the equipment can be able to react appropriately, ensuring that when the same conditions happen again, the system can adjust properly and work consistently. If the results are not good, troubleshooting should be done to identify the actual reason and the need to fix it.
Conclusion
Therefore, the HVAC commissioning of a building is very important for getting proper satisfaction of the owner and energy efficiency, but it is a part that is often neglected. When a system has not been commissioned properly, there is no proof that it can work in the right way; and once the work is complete, the owner becomes responsible for anything that was not actually completed. Hence, for the best assistance, you can always call Airplex Mechanical.
