Potential Applications
The Whole-Building Diagnostician (WBD) demonstrates the potential for automated diagnostic technology and provides a methodology and underlying analytic engine that ultimately can be deployed in several different ways. The technology is available for commercialization; for information, contact Carl Imhoff or Michael Brambley at PNNL.
The WBD and its diagnostic modules could be deployed in a variety of ways to support more effective building operation and maintenance:
- Commissioning - During commissioning, the Outdoor Air Economizer (OAE) diagnostic module helps ensure that air handlers are installed and operating properly. It processes data and identifies problems, which are then corrected as part of the commissioning process.
- Operation - The WBD could be deployed by control system installers or manufacturers as an embedded part of a control system, building automation system, or supervisory software. The Whole-Building Energy (WBE) module would provide automated monitoring of whole-building energy performance, and the OAE would provide fault detection and diagnosis for air handlers. The WBD would provide on-demand support to building operators or facility managers. Operations staff could access diagnostic results as often as desired to support operation of their facilities. By monitoring performance and diagnosing problems continuously, the WBD helps ensure that equipment is maintained and operated properly, providing the equivalent of continuous commissioning in real time.
- On-board equipment diagnostics - The OAE could be deployed as part of the controls system for packaged HVAC units. In this mode, diagnostic results could be provided in near real-time or stored for periodic downloading by building personnel or service technicians.
- Centralized diagnostic services and facility management - If used at a central location by a maintenance-service provider or manager of several properties or a campus, the WBD could process data from several different buildings. This would reduce the need for frequent site visits, improve operation and maintenance, and lower operating costs..