One of IRS’s blue-chip clients were having issues in one of their conference suites, where they had complaints of low temperatures and drafts, and asked if we could assist.
One of IRS’s blue-chip clients were having issues in one of their conference suites, where they had complaints of low temperatures and drafts, and asked if we could assist.
The Air Handling Unit was controlled by a building management system which on face value was controlling the room at the required setpoint for the 6 hours we were on site.
Clearly the fact that complaints had been made there was an underlying issue, so we decided to install our portable monitoring equipment. The equipment took ½ hour to setup and remote monitoring over a week long period identified the issue.
The control of temperature being supplied to the room was fluctuating by 5°C even though the room temperature (return) was within design tolerance. Occupants that were in the vicinity of the supply grilles were feeling the fluctuation of temperature, which we believe was the cause of the problem.
Discussions with the controls company suggested that there was a complex strategy to control temperatures, which didn’t take into consideration the increased fresh air supply due to Covid 19 guidance.
By altering the control to simply sensing the air temperature returning from the room the fluctuation in supply temperature dramatically reduced.
Conclusion
The rectification of this issue was achieved by understanding the problem and monitoring in strategic places to simulate the occupancy conditions.
The results are:
- Happy Client
- Realtime analysis of issue
- Stability of air temperatures
- Reduction in energy
- No mechanical modifications.
Adhering to Covid 19 recommendations undoubtedly alters the balance of the entire AHU system and control. For less than £1,000 IRS can produce a graphical report on the temperature profile of your AHU and recommendations on how the system can be improved. As part of the completed report, we can also verify compliance to COVID requirements and energy saving initiatives…
Posted on 19/11/2021