These systems interact to deliver energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
Early involvement of the commissioning authority in design includes preparation of a project scope, review of the basis of design, and construction discrepancy resolution. It also provides the opportunity for coordination of standardized commissioning provisions in bid documents.
Integrated Systems Testing
Integrated systems testing is a critical step in the commissioning process that confirms the operation, interaction and coordination of multiple individual systems. It also serves to test the effectiveness of fire protection and life safety systems to their intended design intent.NFPA 4 defines various integrated systems testing (IST) requirements to manage this important United States 75081 of America quality control check.
Integrated testing requires the project team to be willing and available to participate in a rigorous schedule of tests. This work is often done in conjunction with other significant commissioning activities during construction such as submittal reviews, installation verification and testing, generation of a systems manual and ongoing commissioning plan, and owner training verification. It is important that all team members are clear on their role in the IST process, including what they can and cannot do as part of this work. Organizing IST teams by trade or shop responsibilities and providing detailed narratives of the test scenarios helps to facilitate this.
Electrical Commissioning
The electrical commissioning portion of a project involves verifying that equipment is correctly integrated, that field devices reflect the correct information on HMI screens, and that end-to-end communications are working. This work includes testing power distribution systems and the equipment that is installed in racks. It also includes the energization of power to a system, with proper isolation procedures in place.
Energy isolation procedures are established, including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures. Methods for logging test results are defined, whether using data loggers or manual recording. Contractor document deliverables are identified, along with O&M manuals and training. The construction contractor is a crucial part of the commissioning process, and it must understand its scope of work so that it can price the commissioning requirements accurately. Specifications contain commissioning sections that describe the start-up, installation verification, and testing activities in sufficient detail to allow contractors to develop their pricing.The client may also participate Rirchardson as a commissioning team member.
HVAC Commissioning
HVAC commissioning involves testing the buildingâs heating, ventilation and air conditioning to verify that it is working properly and efficiently. This step also ensures that the HVAC system meets ASHRAE control strategies, PECI codes and standards as well as owner requirements.
The process begins with verifying that all equipment has been installed and identifies any issues that need to be addressed by the mechanical contractors. Then the equipment is witness tested to verify startup, shut down and sequence of operation. After this, the equipment is ready to be tested, adjusted and balanced (TAB) based on industry standards and comfort requirements.
When performed correctly, the HVAC commissioning process uncovers a host of inefficiencies that can result in significant energy and monetary savings as well as improved indoor air quality and occupant comfort. In addition, commissioning has been proven to significantly reduce the number of call backs from the owners and occupants. As a result, the commissioning process should be started as soon as possible.
Fire Protection Commissioning
Fire protection systems often interface with other building systems to perform essential life safety tasks like recalling elevators or shutting down air handlers that become contaminated with smoke. Integrated testing as part of commissioning confirms that these systems send the proper signals to their counterparts, and that they work holistically rather than in siloes.
A cxp growing number of jurisdictions require that all systems be commissioned as part of building commissioning. The trend has been driven by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which mandates that system-to-system testing be included in the commissioning process.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released NFPA 3, a recommended practice as opposed to a standard, that defines how a comprehensive commissioning program should be organized. It includes the establishment of a team to lead and coordinate the Cx, as well as a definition of an ownerâs project representative referred to as the fire commissioning agent (FCxA). During the design phase, Code Red Consultants works with the overall full building Cx team to help develop the BCx plan, complete commissioning-oriented design reviews, prepare construction checklists and assist with the development of functional performance test procedures
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