Building Automation System Maintenance
The ability of an Energy Management Control System (EMCS) to efficiently control energy use in a building is a direct function of the data provided to the EMCS. The value of an EMCS in making decisions is dependent upon the accuracy of the information in the system. Therefore, careful input of accurate, up-to-date data is essential.
For a number of reasons, the calibration of sensors is an often overlooked activity. However, sensors should be calibrated regularly as sensors out of calibration can lead to enormous energy penalties. Furthermore, as with steam traps, these penalties can go undetected for years without a proactive maintenance program.
Sensors and Actuators That Need Calibration
- Outside air temperature
- Mixed air temperature
- Return air temperature
- Discharge or supply air temperature
- Coil face discharge air temperatures
- Chilled water supply temperature
- Condenser entering water temperature
- Heating water supply temperature
- Wet bulb temperature or relative humidity (RH) sensors
- Space temperature sensors
- Economizer and related dampers
- Cooling and heating coil valves
- Static pressure transmitters
- Air and water flow rates
- Terminal unit dampers and flows.
Sensor and actuator calibration should be an integral part of all maintenance programs.
