Turn Your Data into a Crystal Ball

 

by Julianne Rhoads, CEM, Senior Data Analyst at Cimetrics, Inc.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 | 2:00-3:00pm (EDT) 

Fault detection and root cause analysis using big data provide a strategic approach to energy savings in high-performance buildings. Insidious HVAC faults are often superseded by reactive maintenance. By analyzing building data, large scale operational issues can be mitigated and persistent alarms can be minimized. Furthermore, predictive fault detection algorithms identify potential faults and equipment failures before they occur, allowing for predictive rather than reactive maintenance. By using state-of-the-art big data approaches that apply algorithms to system models, the effectiveness of predictive maintenance is greatly increased. The economic impact associated with these issues can be used to quantify building performance improvement potential. BMS data from representative government, pharmaceutical, and university facilities will be used to highlight the procedure for fault detection and predictive analysis. This presentation will discuss typical high-value controls, mechanical, and operational faults while stressing the benefits of utilizing big data for predictive maintenance such as increased equipment life, improved reliability and lower labor cost. 

Using aggregated facility data, I will explore fault identification and failure prediction, root cause analysis, and issue remediation. The presentation will then focus on quantifying the energy savings that result from the appropriate corrective actions. Lastly, I will cover the impact of data quality and reliability on our outcomes. Through the examples provided, this presentation will demonstrate how a methodical approach to BMS analysis and design can result in high-functioning, energy efficient building operation.

BIOGRAPHY Julianne Rhoads joined Cimetrics in 2017 and is responsible for energy analysis and reporting on more than 35 buildings, including over 4 million square feet of facilities in the higher education, healthcare, and pharmaceutical research sectors throughout the United States. Ms. Rhoads has identified and helped implement more than $3 million in annual energy savings. 

Prior to joining Cimetrics, Ms. Rhoads was responsible for designing Energy Performance Contracting projects at Siemens Industry, Inc. as an Energy Engineer. Julianne has recently presented on the topic of data analytics and fault detection at the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) Annual Conference in 2018.  Julianne holds an MS in Energy Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. While at UMass, Julianne designed and built a net-zero solar-powered home with Team Massachusetts for entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, and shared their team’s story at TEDxBoston. Julianne received her BE from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. She is a member of AEE and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM).