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STATEMENT OF WORK

Project Title:

Development, Implementation, and Deployment of Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Vapor Compression Equipment

Contractor:

Purdue University
Ray W. Herrrick Laboratories
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-9157

Program Area:

Buildings

Partners:

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BF)
Field Diagnostics Services, Inc. (FDSI)

Project Description:

Create new tools and extension of methodologies for developing automated fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) systems; develop FDD algorithms for air-to-air and water-to-air heat pumps and walk-in coolers; and develop methods for replacing expensive pressure sensors.

Management Plan (Approach):

The unique nature of STAC requires that projects be supported by multiple State entities, and to the extent necessary any other entity. As indicated in the STAC Agreement, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to coordinate the execution of work under the Contract, incorporated by reference hereto. Contractor, in conjunction with the other State entities, and to the extent necessary any other entity, shall conduct the project in accordance with the Management Plan (approach) described below.

The contractor for this project is Purdue University, and the principal investigator is Professor James E. Braun. Purdue University will handle all contracting and subcontracting issues, reporting, monitoring tasks, etc. Each of the project participants will provide monthly e-mail progress reports to Purdue University that document the progress and obstacles toward meeting the overall project objectives in relation to the proposed timeline. A follow-up conference call will be held each month to discuss these reports and to make any necessary adjustments. This project will be conducted as a collaborative effort between Purdue University, Ben Franklin Institute, Field Diagnostic Services, and Honeywell International. Purdue will subcontract with Field Diagnostic Services and the Ben Franklin Institute. Ben Franklin Institute will, in turn, subcontract with several other organizations to assist in carrying out the tasks. Honeywell will provide in-kind technical support for implementation on Honeywell platforms and for field testing.

Task 1: Technology Development

The automated fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) development process involves formulating the FDD methodology; simulation development and testing; laboratory testing; and limited field testing. FDD tools and methodologies for servicing more common HVAC equipment will be extended for use with additional systems, including air-to-air heat pumps in the heating mode, air-to-water heat pumps in the cooling or heating mode, and small commercial walk-in coolers and freezers. Also, current FDD approaches, which rely on refrigerant pressure sensors, will be studied to determine how the pressure sensors can be replaced with external temperature sensors, thus significantly reducing implementation costs.

Task 1 will be performed primarily as collaboration between researchers at Purdue University and application engineers at FDSI. A Pennsylvania University, through matching funds provided by BF, will assist in performing the research.

Task 2: Technology Implementation

Diagnostic technologies will be implemented on the following four Honeywell platforms: (1) Portable Service Technician’s Hand Tool; (2) Thermostat; (3) Light Commercial Building Solution; and (4) Large Commercial Building Solutions. Success will be judged based on interviews with customers and Honeywell as well as quantified reports indicating equipment performance, improvements based on better service management, and energy saved.

Task 2 will be performed by FDSI with engineering and product support form Honeywell. FieldCentrix will assist in the portable hand tool development. Purdue will provide overall project management and support during this task.

Task 3: Technology Demonstration/Deployment

Building sites and mechanical service contractors will provide access to their businesses and homes to implement, test, evaluate, and demonstrate new technologies and products developed by this program. These tests and demonstration will be evaluated quantitatively with reports including equipment efficiency improvements and energy savings. Qualitative customer evaluations including intentions to move forward with expanded deployment of the technology will be included.

Task 3 will be performed primarily by a strong collaboration between BF and FDSI to implement the technology and evaluate its performance at the field test sites. Honeywell will help identify field test sites. Purdue will provide overall project management and support during this task.

Project Tasks, Status, and Deliverables

Last Updated: 10/24/06