Analysis of an Information Monitoring and Diagnostic System to Improve Building Operations

Date Published
10/2001
Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
DOI
10.1016/S0378-7788(01)00068-8
LBL Report Number
LBNL-46038
Abstract

This paper discusses a demonstration of a technology to address the problem that buildings do not perform as well as anticipated during design. We partnered with an innovative building operator to evaluate a prototype information monitoring and diagnostic system (IMDS). The IMDS consists of a set of high-quality sensors, data acquisition software and hardware, and data visualization software including a web-based remote access system, that can be used to identify control problems and equipment faults. The information system allowed the operators to make more effective use of the building control system and freeing up time to take care of other tenant needs. They report observing significant improvements in building comfort, potentially improving tenant health and productivity. The reduction in the labor costs to operate the building is about US$ 20,000 per year, which alone could pay for the information system in about 5 years. A control system retrofit based on findings from the information system is expected to reduce energy use by 20% over the next year, worth over US$ 30,000 per year in energy cost savings. The operators are recommending that similar technology be adopted in other buildings.

Journal
Energy and Buildings
Volume
33
Year of Publication
2001
Issue
8
Pagination
783-792
Keywords
Organizations
Research Areas
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