TECHNICAL FEATURE

ASHRAE www.ashrae.org. Used with permission from ASHRAE Journal, February 2014 at www.atkinsglobal.com. This article may not be
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Technical vs. Process Commissioning

Design Phase Commissioning
BY DAVE MCFARLANE, MEMBER ASHRAE; AND THOMAS FARMER, P.E., MEMBER ASHRAE

New building commissioning is a process with naval origins. A commis-

sioned ship is one that has been fully tested, adjusted, and proven under the
hands of a trained crew; its a thorough process carried out primarily after a
vessel has been constructed, christened, and launched.
In contrastand as noted in the first article of this ensures that every element of the Owners Project
series (Technical Commissioning in the June 2013 Requirement (OPR) document is accounted for in the
issue)an effective technical commissioning process buildings schematic design, which is the first stage of
must be integrated into the entire life cycle of a construc- the design process.
tion project, which for commissioning purposes can be Future articles will deal with construction phase and
divided into four phases: post-occupancy phase commissioning. As we move for-
1. Planning; ward, youll notice that the differences between techni-
2. Design; cal commissioning and process commissioning become
3. Construction; and more pronounced in the later steps of the Cx process.
4. Post-occupancy.
The second, third, and fourth articles in this series cov- Understanding Design Phase Commissioning
ered technical commissioning activities that take place ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process,
during the planning phase of the project. states, During the Design Phase the Owners Project
With this article, we move into the design phase of the Requirements are translated into construction docu-
projecttherefore, this portion of the technical com- ments . [The CxA verifies] the Basis of Design docu-
missioning process can be referred to as design phase ment with the OPR document [and performs a] commis-
commissioning (DPC). During DPC, the CxA carefully sioning-focused design review.
This is the fifth in a series of bimonthly articles that explain the technical commissioning process The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB)
for new buildings. Some of these articles content is based on ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005, The has also published a technical commissioning manual,
Commissioning Process (published 2005) and the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB)
publication Procedural Standards for Whole Building Systems Technical Commissioning for New Procedural Standards for Whole Building Systems: Technical
Construction (revised April 2013). In addition, some of the information in this article series has been Commissioning for New Construction (Fourth Edition, April
adapted from an unpublished NEBB standard titled NEBB Standard Owners Project Requirements
(OPR) Guideline (draft dated June 20, 2011); and from NEBBs Procedural Standards for Building 2013). NEBB describes design phase commissioning (in
Enclosure Testing (March 2013). part) as evaluating the design for conformance to the

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dave McFarlane is principal project director, and Thomas Farmer, P.E., is senior group manager at Atkins in Fort Myers, Fla.

52 A S H R A E J O U R N A L ashrae.org FEBRUARY 2014

OPR and [verifying that] the components, systems, and
assemblies in the design directly relate to the testability,
accessibility, maintainability, efficient operation, and
industry-accepted best practices [italics in original text].
Design phase commissioning is the process of compar-
ing each element of the design to the OPR... [and help-
ing] the design team [ensure that] the Basis of Design
meets the requirements of the [OPR].
Both definitions are rather flexibly worded and do not
define the details of the CxAs many DPC functions. For
example, DPC should include an independent review
of the contract documents to identify items that may
be missing or issues that may be improperly or incom-
pletely documented.
DPC is not an engineering peer review process.
Instead, the goal of DPC is to review the projects design
documents and identify issues during the schematic
design (SD) processwell before any actual design work
is completed. After all, to be successful, a project doesnt
need false starts or design rework. The ultimate objective is
a building that works properly, can be tested to verify cor-
rect operation, and then maintained on an ongoing basis.
DPC provides an important quality check that is miss-
ing from too many construction projects.
Whos Responsible?
I sometimes hear a CxA say, Well review the design
to ensure that the building has appropriate means and
devices that will enable specific tests to be performed
and conditions to be measured during commission-
ing. Well also review the drawings to ensure there are
adequate spaces and clearances for performing routine
maintenance. But the engineer of record is responsible
for the buildings design.
Its true that engineers are responsible for building
design. But the commissioning process exists because
traditional design, engineering, construction, and start-
up processes too often have delivered buildings that
dont meet owner expectations. A properly executed
commissioning process provides a system of checks and
balances that is more likely to yield the result the owner
is seeking.
Bottom line? The CxAs job is to drive the commission-
ing process.
Careful Document Review: Key to Success
On a problem project, everyone is potentially subject to
callbacks, review meetings, and litigation. So its in the
CxAs best interest to review the project documents as if
he or she were the projects designer.
The CxA needs to be confident that the building
will operate in accordance with the OPR document.
Therefore, the CxA team should be comprised of pro-
fessionals who are experts in the design and operation
of their various areas of specialization (architecture,
mechanical, electrical, etc.).
Its important to stress the impact of the OPR and BOD
documents in DPC. A well-written OPR clearly spotlights
a wide range of design specific considerations, and an
effective BOD document explains how the design team
will address those considerations.
The goal of commissioning is to produce a building
that works, so its unwise to begin DPC when the con-
struction drawings are already 50% complete. A design
change at that point in the project can become a costly
proposition for both the owner and the A/E firm, and
can create an adversarial relationship between them.
The commissioning process will fail if the CxA doesnt
question apparent inconsistencies. For example, an
air-handling system that generates 0.5 in. of static
pressure (124 Pa) cannot deliver the airflows required
for a system that is designed around 1.5 in. of pres-
sure (373 Pa). Such an error in specifying static pres-
sure would prevent the HVAC system from providing
design mandated airflow volume throughout the entire
building.
By beginning DPC during the schematic design pro-
cess, such mistakes can be found and corrected before
they become costly and burdensome. DPC continues
through the creation of the design development (DD)
documents and is finalized during the preparation of
the construction drawings (CD)but before the project
bidding process begins.
While effective DPC should include detailed reviews
of the projects architectural, mechanical, and electrical
(A/M/E) components, technical commissioning does not
typically include code, structural, or civil engineering
reviews (although such elements may sometimes be
evaluated for specific projects). Therefore, this series of
articles deals only with the A/M/E-related portions of the
construction process.
Architectural Design Review
The first category of DPC considerations the CxA must
evaluate relates to the buildings architectural design
elements. Based on our experience, some of the more
FEBRUARY 2014 ashrae.org A S H R A E J O U R N A L 53
TECHNICAL FEATURE
common architectural oversights
the CxA should look for include:
Infiltration rates that exceed ac- 1 barrier designs must match the energy/mechanical model and be appropriate for the building application and
cepted industry standards;
Improperly specified vapor/air 2
barriers;
Poorly defined thermal breaks at 3
windows, doors, walls, and rooflines;
and
Improperly located equipment 5
(which can transmit noise or vibra-
tions to occupied spaces).
Table 1 is a sample checklist of the
primary architectural elements the
CxA should review during DPC.
Mechanical Systems Review
A modern building incorporates Wall/roof, wall/floor, window, louver, and door caulking and sealing specifications must be able to achieve the
9
a broad spectrum of unique com- specified leakage rate.
ponents and control sequences. 10 Envelope leakage testing procedures must be properly specified per appropriate NEBB or ASTM standards.
As a result, its mechanical sys- 11 Structural bracing for mechanical equipment must be clearly specified and depicted.
tems are often more technically
complex than its architecture, so theres a lot that can
go wrong.
Some of the more common mechanical issues the CxA
should check for include:
Incorrectly specified HVAC systems;
Improperly defined zones;
Total variable air volume (VAV) that exceeds air-han-
dling unit (AHU) capacity, does not match the sum of the
individual components, or is outside industry-accept-
able limits;
Equipment velocities, pressure drops, or installation
techniques that do not meet industry standards;
Improperly calculated energy balances (in which the
components supplying the boilers, chillers and air han-
dlers do not correctly match the specified pumps, cooling
coils, reheat coils, and filters); and
Improperly specified start-up, flushing, and com-
missioning procedures.
Table 2 is a sample checklist of the primary mechanical
component specifications the CxA should review.
Control Sequence Review
Control sequences are normally unique to each build-
ing, and must be analyzed to determine their appropri-
ateness for each application. Common control sequence
issues include:
54 A S H R A E J O U R N A L ashrae.org FEBRUARY 2014
TABLE 1 Sample checklist of the primary architectural elements the CxA should review during DPC.
Roof R values, penetrations, reflectance, exterior wall insulation, perimeter slab insulation, and vapor
geographic location.
Window and door U values and shading coefficients must match the energy/mechanical model and be
appropriate for the building application and geographic location.
Spaces that require special equipment (such as computer rooms, elevator equipment rooms, kitchens, labs,
etc.) must be properly identified.
Thermal breaks at windows and door frames, roofs, and walls must be clearly defined and appropriate for the
4
building application and geographic location.
Vapor/air barriers that separate exterior conditions from conditioned interiors must be clearly defined and
appropriate for the building application and geographic location.
The buildings life-safety plan must clearly define egress, wall types, and any special system requirements
6
(such as smoke exhausts, controls, or pressurization). Review all applicable drawings to cross-check
mechanical and electrical systems that relate to the overall life-safety plan and the buildings air-distribution
requirements across rated partitions.
7
The locations specified for generators, air handlers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps must meet all of the
owners requirements for aesthetics, noise, vibration, and maintenance.
The project specifications for entry/exit infiltration rates must reflect the correct pressure (example: ASTM
8
Standard E1677-11 calls for a pressure of 0.30 inches H2O [75 Pascal]).
TABLE 2 Sample checklist of the primary mechanical component specifications
the CxA should review during DPC.
HVAC system specifications must be appropriate for the application and
1
geographic location.
2
Conditioning and zoning considerations (exposure, size, use, and occupancy)
and thermostat locations must be appropriate for the application.
3 System diversity must be within acceptable ranges for actual building operations.
Airflow volumes for supply and return air diffusers/grilles must match both
4
terminal devices and the central air equipment.
5
Diffuser sizing and capacity must produce adequate throw within allowable
noise criteria.
System flows must match equipment and system design and rated capacities
6
while meeting general industry-accepted practices for size and application.
Building pressurization airflows must account for exhaust and allowable leak-
7
age at designed wind velocities.
Pipe and duct velocities must be consistent with the OPR, the BOD, and ap-
8
plicable industry standards.
9
Equipment, coil, terminal inlet/outlet flow velocities, and pressure drops must
be within acceptable industry ranges.
10
The inlet and outlet configurations of fans, pumps, coils, filters, and other
equipment must not cause reductions in airflow volume.
11 Ducts and piping must be consistent with industry best practices.
Sequences written in complex or confusing language;
Contradictory or inconsistent requirements;
Sequences that describe opening control require-
ments but fail to describe shutdown requirements;
No instructions for power or equipment failure;
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TECHNICAL FEATURE
TABLE 3 Sample checklist of the primary control-sequence issues the CxA should
check during DPC.
Control schematics and sequences must be clearly written and specific to
the system, equipment, application, and operations. Control sequences should
1
be written in step-by-step form, using simple, clear, and concise language.
Sequences must cover all foreseeable scenarios, including life-safety events.
Sequences must specify proper control procedures for equipment start-up
2 and shut-down, as well as how to handle equipment failure during power loss
or malfunction.
Pressurization sequences and equipment components must be appropriate for
3 gauge test ports.
the application.
4 Temperature and pressure reset sequences must be described in detail.
Inadequately defined building pressurization se-
quences; and
Failure to specify temperature and pressure reset se-
quences.
Table 3 is a sample checklist of the primary control
sequence issues the CxA should check during DPC.
Plumbing Design Review
Plumbing is usually not as prone to problems as
other mechanical areas (perhaps due to the many code
requirements plumbing systems must satisfy). But
plumbing-related issues can prove problematic and
should be validated by the CxA, including:
Improperly sized fixture inlets;
Inadequate water pressure from supply source;
Lack of expansion tanks on closed systems; and
Failure to consider peak loads during special events.
Table 4 is a sample checklist of the plumbing concerns
the CxA should review during DPC.
Electrical System Design Review
Commissioning-related electrical issues can have
a major impact on whether a building can satisfy
owner expectations. Weve seen many problems that
seem to surface repeatedly, including:
Failure to coordinate electrical panels with mechani-
cal and/or architectural components;
Improperly sized emergency generators;
Incorrectly performed generator testing procedures;
Improperly performed electrical power quality test-
ing and connector adequacy testing; and
Different electrical specifications for mechanical
equipment and electrical service voltages.
Table 5 is a sample checklist of electrical system factors
the CxA should review during DPC.
56 A S H R A E J O U R N A L ashrae.org FEBRUARY 2014
TABLE 4 Sample checklist of the plumbing concerns the CxA should review during DPC.
Plumbing pipes and equipment sizes must match the requirements neces-
1 sitated by the specified water fixture units (WFUs) and drainage fixture units
(DFUs).
2
Water pressure (and any pressure boosters) must be sufficient for the system
configuration, building height, and fixture types.
3
Verify the need for (and specification of) expansion tanks and/or recirculating
pumps.
4
Verify that hot-water circulating pumps will have balance valves and pressure-
5
Verify that plumbing systems will be able to handle high-occupancy loads
during special events.
TABLE 5 Sample checklist of electrical-system factors the CxA should review
during DPC.
Verify electrical/mechanical design coordination, including equipment location,
1
voltage, and load and control specifications.
Verify all standby/emergency power requirements, including the redundancy
2 approach. Ensure that proper need and control strategies are in place for
backing up different levels of standby power.
3
Ensure that proper lighting-control designs and associated control strategies
are in place.
Verify correct fire-alarm sequences and interlocks are defined for specific life-
4
safety operations, such as standard alarming, shut-downs, smoke exhaust, etc.
5
Ensure that motor controls, starters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are
coordinated with the appropriate mechanical systems.
Verify that the specifications call for full-power electrical-system quality
testing, including:
Current load balance on each leg.
6
Current to ground measurements.
Voltage balance on each leg.
Current and voltage total harmonic distortion (THD).
Ensure that project documents call for load tests of uninterruptible power
7
system (UPS) equipment and battery discharge rates.
8
Verify that the documents call for an 8- to 12-hour standby/emergency
generator performance test using an appropriate load bank.
9
Ensure that connected-lighting load-density specifications do not exceed code
or LEED limits.
Verify that the documents specify permanent service-usage labels for all
10 electrical equipment and that all panel-board schedules are to be filled out at
project completion.
Ensure that the specifications call for all power connections over 5 horsepower
11 be photographed with a thermal-imaging camera while operating under full
load to identify hot spots and improper connections.
Project Design Manual
During DPC, the CxA should collaborate with the
owner and the design team to decide which documents
will be included in the project design manual (PDM) (or
systems manual within the LEED community). While
every project will have its own unique design manual,
certain documents should be included in every PDM.
In addition to the final OPR, BOD, and commissioning
plan, the PDM should include:
 TECHNICAL FEATURE

Final, approved submittals and shop drawings;
Final contract documents;
Record drawings (as-built);
Equipment manufacturers operation and mainte-
nance manuals;
Final commissioning report;
Operator training materials;
Recommended standard operating procedures
(SOPs); and
Pre-functional and functional
test reports.
outlines the design review, but calls for the actual review
to be performed by the design team, not the CxA.
Completing a detailed, technical review of the design
documents during the design phase will help the build-
ing project move forwardwith both the owner and the
design team being confident that potential design prob-
lems have been identified and corrected before actual
design work begins. Its one more step toward the overall
project objective: a fully satisfied building owner.

Dealing With Budget Constraints

Lets face it. Sometimes a tight
budget simply does not allow for
the comprehensive commissioning
process the owner really wants. So
if budget constraints dont permit a
DPC process thats complete in every
detail, the CxA must meet with the
owner to determine exactly what
will be fully commissionedand
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what will not. During that meeting,
its vital to identify which elements
of the review process are essential to
the owner, and which are optional.
The CxA must do everything pos-
sible to ensure that the owners
essential requirements are verified
during the Cx process.
After determining which ele-
ments of the project will (and will
not) be fully commissioned, the CxA
must clearly document whatever
limitations the owner has agreed
to. Clear documentation of those
limitations helps prevent later
misunderstandings.

Technical vs. Process Commissioning

The technical commissioning
approach to the design review is
more robust than process-based
commissioning. Thats because tech-
nical commissioning calls for the CxA
(or the CxA team) to be the expert
party conducting the design review.
In contrast, process commissioning
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