Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 - (Page 30)

BY KENNETH KUTSMEDA, PE, KlingStubbins, Philadelphia Commissioning on-site electrical systems By adding commissioning to the overall design and construction of a facility, power systems become more reliable. ommissioning is the systematic process by which a piece of equipment, system, or facility is tested to verify that it functions in accordance with the design intent and owner’s operational requirements. In the past, the primary focus of commissioning has been on HVAC systems, but because of the need for increased electrical system reliability and complexity, owners are now starting to realize the importance and benefits of commissioning on-site electrical systems. Some of the advantages include: • Electrical systems that meet the operational needs of the owner • Reduced downtime due to power outages caused by utility loss and/or failures within the electrical system • Coordinated electrical systems that balance protection with reliability and meet C the recent code requirements and standards for critical facilities • Confidence that the electrical systems will operate correctly when required • Knowledge of and experience with the operation of the electrical equipment. Many share a common perception that commissioning is the final stage of a project, performed when a facility is complete or nearly complete. This perception is not true. Commissioning is a process, and in order to maximize commissioning success, it must begin in the pre-design phase of a project and continue through construction until that final verification is executed. ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, “The Commissioning Process,” breaks down the process into the following phases: • Pre-design • Design • Construction • Operation. Although this guideline was developed for the commissioning of HVAC systems, it is a very comprehensive description of the commissioning process, and the phases it outlines can be used as the basis for commissioning on-site electrical systems. Pre-design phase In the pre-design phase, the owner’s requirements and expectations for the facility are defined. It is important for those performing commissioning (commissioning agents, or CxA) to be involved in this phase so that they can understand the design objective and operational intent of the facility. In this phase, the commissioning scope and budget for the project are determined, and a preliminary commissioning plan is developed identifying the role of the commissioning agent. 30 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • SEPTEMBER 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 Contents Viewpoint Letters News M/E�Roundtable Selecting Appropriate Egress Strategies Commissioning On-Site Electrical Systems Mentoring Control Engineers and Technicians Casting Call for Cx Case Study New Products Equipment Lifecycles Advertiser Index Green Space

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

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