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Phase I – Project Review and Site Inspection

The objective was to collect pertinent data such as equipment size, piping configuration, and pumping schemes so that we could develop a chiller plant load profile. We reviewed equipment shop drawings, operation logs, and interviewed operating personnel so that we were able to find out all we could about the chiller plant operation as well as historical operation. We took field measurements, performed dead head pressure tests, and using our vibration analysis tools, we measured the current vibration on all pumps & chilling equipment.

The first phase also included commissioning and system balancing. The initial commissioning process focused on the chiller plant as installed. This included acceptance testing, capacity testing, internal failure & recovery tests, and reporting & annunciation of alarms under abnormal conditions. These results were analyzed and documented. Also, integration testing was provided, which tested the interaction between the systems with one another and was demonstrated under normal & abnormal operating conditions.

Phase II – System Energy Upgrades and Computer Modeling

Under this phase, a computer model of the chiller systems and piping distribution was created. The model truly provided insights to system operation that could otherwise not be obtained. We reviewed and made improved efficiency and operation recommendations for the new steam boiler plant. We prepared an operating schematic from our field data and reviewed all documentation on site including O & M Manuals, shops drawings, and parts lists. Energy upgrade options were evaluated. Retro-commissioning focused on energy and efficiency upgrades as well as improved system operation through control sequencing. Energy efficient upgrades implemented under this phase were validated and fine tuned under the commissioning process. This phase of commissioning took place after upgrades were completed as recommended from our initial site inspection and project review.