Consulting-Specifying Engineer - October 2007 - (Page 17)

M/E Roundtable B U I L D I N G A U T O M AT I O N S Y S T E M S Taking control of BAS BY MELISSA HILLEBRAND, Associate Editor Hydeman Santos Wichenko Participants Mark Hydeman, PE, FASHRAE Principal, Taylor Engineering, Alameda, Calif. Jay Santos, PE Principal, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Columbia, Md. Grant Wichenko, PEng President, Appin Assocs. Winnipeg, Manitoba T h i s m o nth’s pa n e l d i s c u s s e s b u i l d i n g a u to m ati o n sys te m s (BAS) and how engineers can meet expectations for these systems, in areas such as installations and retrofits. CSE : How can BAS designers meet an owner’s requirements on time and on budget? HYDEMAN: A successful controls project rests on the following pillars: a clearly defined scope of work; a competent and reputable controls contractor; and a thorough process for testing and verifying the installed system. In my experience, the quality of the installing controls contractor is more important than the system that is installed. Specify minimum qualifications for the contractor and the individuals involved in the project, and make sure that these qualifications are submitted for approval. Critical steps for control system testing and verification include: detailed review of the submittals; spot checks on sensor calibration and loop tuning; functional testing of the installed system and trend reviews of all system points during a two to three week period. SANTOS: Focus on the fact that this is the brain of the HVAC system, the part of the system that energizes everything, positions all actuators, provides safeties and interlocks and should be thoroughly designed before construction. Do not “punt” this responsibility to the contractor. Research the differences between various types of controllers offered by the manufacturers and respective strengths and weakness relative to network robustness. Investigate the variations between different types of sensors and their correct applications. Write specifications with clear direction on these issues relative to the application where they are being applied. WICHENKO: Many problems result from viewing controls as a commodity business. One is not simply buying hardware like pumps or drywall screws. Controls contractors provide hardware and software that become integral to the operation of the owner’s systems. By treating controls vendors as equals in a construction contract, the specifier is treating controls as a commodity business based on low price, not best value. I prefer to specify and procure controls on best value, not low price. Our firm works with the owner to determine the desired features and then we ask the vendors to show how they can provide these features. We have a scoring system to evaluate products. The owner now has a basis for comparison among the prospective vendors and knows in advance what Consulting-Specifying Engineer • OCTOBER, 2007 17

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Consulting-Specifying Engineer - October 2007 Contents On the Web In the News M/E Roundtable How To Beat the Energy Codes Professional Practices Codes & Standards A Capital Job on Engineered Buiding Systems Going Green in Data Centers Overcurrent Protection: Fuses or Breakers? Third-Party Liability Management Report New Products Product Spotlight Jobs/Classifieds Specifier's Notebook

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - October 2007

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