As a commissioning provider, you are essentially blind in evaluating modern HVAC performance if you do not have access to trend data from the control system (aka building automation system, or BAS). In this article, we’ll review the traditional approach to obtaining this data (the old way) then introduce a better way (the new way).
The Old Way
In new construction commissioning projects where an HVAC control system exists, it’s a common requirement for the BAS contractor to furnish a substantial volume of trend data for the commissioning provider’s review. It’s also usually required for certain trends to be configured and stored within the BAS front-end user interface for review whenever you want.
That’s the old way, and it rarely happens the way you want it to. Here’s why, then we’ll discuss the new way…
Trend Data from the BAS Contractor: If you are lucky enough to get trend data for your commissioning project, it often comes as a huge set of *.csv files. You then have to spend hours reviewing data points one by one and plotting graphs to make sense of it. The BAS contractor also spent time creating these for you this one time, distracting them from completing their work in the first place.
Trend Data within the BAS Front-End User Interface: Most completed BAS projects have a nice front-end user interface with floor plan and equipment graphics overlayed with live data point streams. Operators will rely on this to manage the facility. A handful of points are also set up as trends where data values are collected and stored over time for later review.
The first problem for commissioning providers is that this graphical user interface is one of the last things that gets completed within the BAS contractor’s normal scope of work. This is usually too late for being of any value for the commissioning provider, coming after the bulk of functional testing has already been scheduled for completion.
But if you’re lucky enough to see the BAS user interface set up prior to testing, the next issue you run into is that the owner’s IT network is not yet set up, so there’s no easy way for you to access the user interface. And without the network set up yet, there’s certainly no way for you to access the trend data remotely. Again, the commissioning provider is handicapped.
Ok, let’s say you miraculously gain remote access to the full BAS front-end prior to testing (not sure this ever happens). The next issue you run into is that the trend data is limited, and the visualization tools within the BAS front-end are clunky and slow. Normally you get maybe 5 key data points for an HVAC device, collected and stored in 15- or 30-minute intervals.
Most control systems make it fairly easy to review one point at a time, but it can be tricky to overlay multiple points in the same view. In order to properly evaluate equipment performance, you really need more like 10-15 data points for each piece of equipment, and a collection interval every 5 minutes or better on any sensor or modulating data point.
The New Way
Take control of your destiny. Don’t handicap your ability to properly evaluate HVAC performance by flying blind. Establish your own remote connection to the BAS network and collect the trend data yourself! It’s called Connected Commissioning.
Plug a cellular-enabled gateway into the BAS network (no need to worry about someone else’s internet connection) and get as much or as little trend data as you want, as much or as little automated testing, as much or as little fault detection, on anything connected to the BAS.
With a good cellular modem and router, you can establish a remote connection the BAS network when you normally go on site for a TAB verification site visit. No need to wait for the owner’s IT to connect the BAS network to the internet. No need to wait for the BAS contractor to set up trend collection and provide access to the front-end user interface. Instead, you get your trend data independent of the BAS contractor.
There are a number of technologies available in the market to collect, store and visualize time-series trend data. Considering that almost every modern HVAC control system uses BACnet as it’s communication protocol, you do not even need any proprietary software to get the data.
Turn-Key Trend Data Collection and Visualization
At OTTO, we make it even easier for commissioning providers to access good BAS data. With the $290/month OTTO Data Plan, you get your own cellular-enabled edge gateway (by Tosibox) that you can move from project to project as desired.
As part of the service, OTTO will set up the point mapping and trending within SkySpark (by SkyFoundry), the industry’s best trend-data visualization and analytics software, for you to access via any web browser whenever you want. The Data Plan includes a 75% discount if you want to upgrade to use OTTO’s Automated Functional Testing services or expand beyond the normal 2000-point trend data capacity. Cellular service is included.
Use the Data Plan on any type of commissioning project or energy service, not just for new construction. OTTO can connect to any BACnet or Tridium Niagara BAS.