Developing tools to improve HVAC commissioning : the annex 40 approach

The Energy Conservation in Building and Community Systems program of the International Energy Agency has set up a research working group (Annex 40) on Commissioning of Building HVAC Systems for Improved Energy Performance. The objective of this new Annex is to develop, validate and document tools for commissioning buildings and building services. The paper describes the annex work which includes 5 tasks: 1) the commissioning process 2) manual commissioning tools 3) building energy management system assisted commissioning tools 4) use of models for ommissioning 5) commissioning projects. The work on commissioning process starts with the description of the different tasks included in commissioning. Then the parameters which could lead to different level of commissioning activities are discussed. Finally the different work assignment between a commissioning authority and usual partners in a construction project are discussed. The objectives of the other activities of the annex are presented in a more synthetic way.