# Presentation: 233794

## Automated VAV Box Testing

- Jim Head
- Product Manager
- Product & Commissioning Tools Development
- Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

## Agenda

- Purpose of this presentation
- What is automated VAV box commissioning?
- Tool requirements
- Functional testing setup
- Testing processes
- Reports & data gathered
- Tips for effective use

## Purpose

- Inform you of progress in this field
- Overview of current technologies
- Share information from experiences

## What is Automated VAV box Functional Testing?

- A productivity tool to aid VAV box control commissioning
- An aid to for diagnosis of VAV box installation problems
- Software tools & processes used for functional performance testing of VAV boxes
- Useful for validation of manufacturer installed controls.

## Testing Process Requirements

- Non-intrusive to BAS
- Operates on common hardware platforms
- Unattended operation
- Can operate on host BAS or field specialist PC
- Simple to configure, operate and interpret  data.
- Minimal disturbance of building occupants during tests
- Vigorous testing of VAV box under actual conditions.
- Can test multiple VAV boxes during one session

## Functional testing environment

- Before testing:
- Air Handler operational
- VAV box controllers are: powered, with application & addresses set
- Room temperature sensors active or discharge air sensors installed and functional
- Specialist laptop is connected to the monitoring field panel and secured
- Testing parameters are defined in the tool

## Functional Test Process

- Functional testing may include*:
- Controller Calibration
- Air flow measurement calibration
- Damper operation and airflow tracking
- Heating function test (if equipped)
- Control Test  for fan powered box operation
- Heating mode
- Cooling mode
- * *Depending on type,application and Mfg of units*

## Reports and Data Gathered

- Test results are recorded electronically
- Views of data include:
- Individual VAV box view graphic
- Table view of all tested boxes
- Each VAV box is listed with a “pass”,“warning” or “fail” indication.
- Detailed graphs are generated for each box that shows test results.
- Suggestions for corrective actions are generated for failed boxes
- Reports can be generated as a reference for the building owner.
- Reports can serve as a benchmark to building performance standards

## Typical Application

## Parallel Fan Powered Box

## Sample Summary Report

## Sample Test Results Fan Powered Boxes

## Failed Box Report Indicating Air Damper Actuator Problems 

## More Damper Actuator Problems

## What does this one look like?

## Heating Function Tests

- Passed

## Heating Function Tests

- Failed

- Passed

## Experience From Field Tests

-  School building with 100 VAV boxes to test:
- An incorrect hot water reset program prevented VAV box reheats from getting sufficient hot water to maintain space set points.
- 4 boxes had actuators off the damper shaft
- Testing took about 4 hours

## Example Findings

- Mid size corporate office building
- 100 fan powered boxes to test
- All VAV boxes had incorrect setup that prevented electric heating stages to operate.
- Several VAV boxes had insufficient supply airflow for proper operation
- 2 damper actuators not connected to shafts
- Testing took approximately 7 hours

## Operation Issues Tips

- Run tests during each operational mode of AHU
- Heating Mode
- Cooling Mode
- Allow sufficient time for testing
- Testing is best done after hours (with the air handler running)
- Testing is considerably faster and with more accurate results if a discharge temperature sensor is present.
- Detective work using the reports pays off in finding problems
- Allow time for follow up repairs to control devices found by testing.

## Questions??

*Thank You*