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Commissioning Mechanical Systems

George E. Thomas, PE


Course Outline

This course focuses on establishing the minimum requirements for commissioning mechanical systems and provides the information necessary for the successful planning and implementation of these commissioning activities that are to support facilities. Part of the commissioning process (sometimes referred to as “acceptance testing”) includes all activities relating to the achievement phase of such projects as well as the verification phase, which includes testing, acceptance and final documentation.  At the conclusion of the commissioning process, the performance of mechanical systems should meet design intent as well as the owner and occupant needs.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

This course will provide a basic understanding of the following topics:

Intended Audience

This course would be of interest to Facility Engineers, Energy Professionals, Facility Managers, Energy Services Contractors, Energy Consultants, Project Developers, Utility Professionals, and Technicians.

Benefit to Attendees

The course will provide an understanding of the commissioning process and the various benefits commissioned mechanical equipment has to a facility.

Course Introduction

The purpose of mechanical systems commissioning is to increase the reliability of post-installation mechanical power systems by identifying existing problems and providing a set of baseline values for comparison during subsequent routine testing. This course provides procedures in developing a commissioning program and will include a “road map” detailing processes effective in verifying proper system installation.

Specific areas addressed include the verification of the installation of all equipment/components, interface connections between equipment and individual systems, and interconnection requirements. The course also describes the development of a test plan specific to each system and/or component, a critical element in the usefulness of any maintenance program. The plan includes acceptance and routine testing schedules, test forms to be used in recording the outcome of those tests (these forms are retained for comparison with previous and subsequent tests), and a listing of the required test devices. The importance of retaining accurate and complete testing records should not be underestimated, as the results of the commissioning tests become baseline test values, against which all later tests will be compared for the purpose of identifying any potential downward trend performance.  Accurate records ensure accurate trend analysis.

Course Content

In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:

Commissioning Mechanical Systems

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

The commissioning process applies to all phases of a facility’s life-cycle including program, design, construction, acceptance, post-acceptance phases and training of O & M staff, and can be applied throughout the life of the building. This course applies to assessment/testing of new construction (i.e., commissioning), reassessment/retesting of existing facilities, or facilities modified or fitted with new equipment (i.e., re-commissioning), and also to assessment/testing of operating facilities which were not commissioned when new (i.e., retro-commissioning). The requirements of this course are predominantly for operational verification purposes. It is assumed that detailed/comprehensive individual testing of equipment (prior to installation) has been completed as systems go online. The mechanical systems included pertain to basic type facilities.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.