Army RCx technical guide : a phased approach for in-house or contracted existing building commissioning

RCx (retro-commissioning and recommissioning) is a method that combines knowledge of heating, ventilating, and air-Conditioning (HVAC) fundamentals with specific testing and analysis techniques to optimize facility energy systems and solve comfort and operations and maintenance (O&M) problems. RCx uses instrumentation and automation systems to “talk” to the facility to determine how the system is operating and how it can operate better. RCx is Congressionally mandated at specific federal facilities and is regarded by industry as a next-generation building energy management system. Yet, performing, developing, or managing successful RCx projects can be a complex process that requires facilities staff to acquire technical and soft skillsets to identify, implement, and sustain often hidden opportunities. This RCx Technical Guide uses the latest industry guidelines, standards, and studies to present “how-to” instructions for Directorate of Public Works (DPW) personnel that break RCx into discrete phases that can be contracted or performed in-house in various combinations, to map resilient RCx programs across different sized and staffed asset management organizations. This technical walk-through of each RCx phase encountered in a typical RCx event is a vital part of the personnel development needed as facilities grow more complex and as staffing challenges continue. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. ERDC/CERL SR-18-1 iii