With low and zero energy buildings becoming more prevalent, there are many issues that arise with installation, startup, commissioning and operations and maintenance. To help ensure that the design intent of these more complicated systems is understood, an O&M “mini-conference” is being offered as part of ASHRAE’s 2012 Winter Conference, Jan. 21-25.

The mini-conference takes place Jan. 22-23 and is held in conjunction with the Technical Program of the ASHRAE Winter Conference, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, Ill. The mini-conference kicks off with a debate on building operations and several sessions addressing current practices and tools.

“The mini-conference offers an opportunity to have an in-depth conversation for interested professionals in an abbreviated period of time,” Sarah Maston, Technical Program track chair of Operations & Maintenance, said.

The mini-conference addresses lessons learned, improvement of process and team communications and effort to improve the installation, startup, O&M of HVAC systems.

In particular, the importance of test procedures for HVAC systems for is addressed on Monday, Jan. 23, in “Air-Handling System Leakage: Benefits and Costs of Field Tests.” Such procedures are necessary because as much as one third of a system’s airflow can leach through the air distribution system, which can lead to loss of comfort and heating or cooling capacity; increase air conditioning and heating bills; and contribute to indoor air quality problems. The session highlights the benefits and costs of performing system leakage tests from the perspective of a testing, adjusting and balancing contractor, an association of sheet metal contractors and researchers, as well as an upcoming standard from ASHRAE and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) pertaining to testing procedures and requirements for total HVAC system air leakage in commercial buildings. The session is held 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. at the Palmer House Hilton.

Additional sessions include:

•       “What is the Right Degree of Automation in Building Operations: A Debate and Discussion”

•       “Has Your TRAINing Left the Station?”

•       “Fault Detection and Energy Audits”

•       “Energy Savings and Performance Improvements through O&M”

•       “Maximizing the Benefits of Commissioning: Incorporating Design Reviews and the Building Envelope into the Commissioning Scope”

•        “Vibration Induced Noise and Mechanical Equipment Vibration Isolation, Balance and Predictive Maintenance”

•       “YEA for Air Cleaning!”

•       “Approaching Net-Zero and Maintaining Your Course: O&M Tools to Maintain Building Performance”

•       “The New Age of Water Treatment for Mixed Metal Systems and High Efficiency Aluminum Boilers” – a free session to be held at the AHR Expo, McCormick Place

Additionally, the Chicago Virtual Conference is included with a paid Conference registration—comp and single day registration excluded—and includes on-demand access to all speakers’ audio presentations synced to their presentations.  Attendees and speakers can post comments on the presentations for a two-week period following the completion of the Conference.  Those not attending the Chicago Winter Conference in person may register for the Virtual Conference only. Register at www.ashrae.org/chicagovirtual.

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