Companies are using fault detection and diagnostics to identify the fault that has occurred in the system.

FREMONT, CA: Most people have experienced their household appliances or electric devices not working as required. During such times it would have been better to know the issues with the machines so that it could be fixed. Most of the modern devices that are available provide features that can assist the user to settle them whenever there is a common problem. 

The concept of fault detection and diagnostics is not new. Companies try to find practical applications in several fields, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, nuclear, and national defense. However, in the past few years, there is one field where companies have increased their research and development. It is the field of buildings and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems.

What is the definition of Fault Detection and Diagnostics in Buildings?

The method of detecting errors in physical systems while attempting to recognize the source of the problem is known as Fault Detection and Diagnostics, or FDD. In buildings, these material systems consist of HVAC&R systems that are designed for maintaining the indoor environment that is comfortable for people, products, and equipment. The system will also preserve the lighting, elevators, and any other special equipment available in the buildings.

Presently Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics, or AFDD, has become more popular, especially in the building industry. However, the method of FDD refers to the process itself and AFDD relates to technologies used for applying in the FDD processes. Therefore, the AFDD tool is better for applying in the automated FDD with little human intervention.

The work of Fault Detection and Diagnostics

The method of FDD contains four significant processes, fault detection, fault isolation, fault identification, and fault evaluation. When it is identified that a fault has occurred in the system, it is isolated and classified based on the type of the defect, its location, and the time of detection. Fault isolation, along with fault identification, consists of understanding the size of the fault size and the way it behaves at different times, and it is generally known as fault diagnosis. Fault evaluation is used for understanding the impact of the fault’s effect on the performance of the system. It is also based on the different prioritization categories that include energy, comfort, environmental, and cost impact.

Why is it necessary to apply fault detection and diagnostics?

The harmful equipment and operational faults on the buildings use most of the energy. Therefore because of this, the commercial buildings lose wastes a lot of energy. However, the AFDD tools are proven solutions that help to enhance the performance of the building performance, increases comfort, decrease energy usage, and save time and money.

See also: Top HVAC Solution Companies