Commissioning Plan for MBO



Commissioning Plan for MBO

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to describe the commissioning process, objectives, and documentation that should be completed during the commissioning phase of a project. This paper will identify the benefits of the commissioning plan. It would also describe importance of the commissioning plan and its success. It would ponder over why a company must invest in this plan. In-order to achieve these objectives, we will analyze how commissioning procedures are applied at Mechanical Building Optimization Inc. (MBO). We will review current practices in place and provide feedback based on extensive research and analysis of the key components that lead to a successful commissioning and start up of a facility. The paper also discusses the process of building commissioning.

Introduction

Building commissioning is actually a verification process conducted in any new construction. The verification is related to the electrical, building envelopes, interior systems, plumbing, fire/life safety, utility plants, wastewater, building security and other controls. It is the verification that the building is constructed according to the owner's requirements and complied with the architects and engineers design. It is quality assurance step for any type of building being constructed. The main goal of the process of commissioning is to improve the project from the design stage to post construction and occupancy. In the process of commissioning, the building and its systems are documented, designed and installed in a systematic manner. Performance-related issues occurred during construction are easily solved because of commissioning. It saves energy, time and budget and makes the process efficient and effective.

In recent years, commissioning has been misinterpreted to deal primarily with the end of the construction phase within the project life cycle. However, commissioning is the process of ensuring that systems are designed, installed, tested, and capable of being operated and maintained to perform in conformity with the design intent. Commissioning starts with individual component testing, progressing through system/subsystem testing, integrated plant operation and performance testing, and ending with preparation for facility startup. These activities are general aspects of commissioning activities and can be more specific based on the prime contract between the commissioning contractor and a client. In less technical term, commissioning can be defined as a quality assurance process which aims to ensure that a facility is capable of operating successfully at the condition specified in the contract. (ASHRAE Published, 2011).

As demand for energy efficiency and the most cost effective alternative increases in the construction world, so also is the demand for a proper and effective commissioning process. With a clear commissioning strategy, startup and operation can be cost efficient and effective. This is because the maintenance function is immediately in place, along with long-term life-cycle cost benefit from preplanning prior to startup and operation.

Benefit of the Commissioning Plan

A commissioning plan has a significant number of benefits that relate to different variables. With a commissioning plan in-place, stakeholders of a project can avoid callbacks from contractors, and this can help reduce cost and improve efficiency. In addition, a commissioning plan can help ...