35 4 HVAC Diagnostics and Controls Summary by Ali Irani | Session chair: John Ochsendorf Panel Introduction by Prof. Les Norford Prof. Les Norford introduced the last discussion topic, focusing on HVAC diagnostics and controls. The presentations and discussion in this section focused on emerging technologies such as using power lines as data sources and using sensors for load disaggregation. The focus of the section was also on better understanding HVAC systems, considering policy and occupant comfort, and developing frameworks to better control buildings and more intelligently diagnose problems. Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Technology (Prof. Steven Leeb) Prof. Steven Leeb first presented his work on non-intrusive load monitoring technology. This is primarily motivated by the reality that a building has to run correctly, however many controls are shockingly incorrect and set up wrong, which can have significant impacts on both operational energy usage as well as occupant comfort. Prof. Leeb’s work tries to identify dual uses in building systems, such as using power lines to transmit data. This non-intrusive load monitoring understands patterns of power usage as a way to determine building loads and identify signature load demands from various pieces of equipment. This kind of non-intrusive monitoring is ideal for mission-critical applications. In the case that the power lines can’t be accessed, remote sensing systems, such as the VAMPIRE sensing node can be deployed. Prof. Leeb is also considering a case study with a vacuum pump, in which understanding of vibrations can help diagnose the performance of the pump. In conclusion, simpler controls and diagnostics are better. Since people ultimately want operational capability out of their systems, it is important to identify key performance parameters to measure and understand fault detection. Discussion In the discussion, participants asked about the potential application of Fig 4.1 HVAC Diagnostics and Controls (Design: Nada Tarkhan)
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