Automated Logic developed the ACxelerate Automated Commissioning Tool to eliminate the problems associated with improperly commissioned HVAC equipment, specifically for variable air volume (VAV) terminal units. Performance issues can occur upon installation and result in higher operating costs, lower energy efficiency and more change orders. According to the company, these issues can be avoided with the ACxelerate tool.

Commissioning is the process of verifying that all aspects of the HVAC installation are correct and meet the design specifications. Automated testing works well for VAV terminal units because the quantity, location and difficulty accessing them mean commissioning could take days or weeks. ACxelerate shortens the process to hours.

The tool can be scheduled or run on-demand. First, it discovers all VAV terminal units and air handling units in the WebCTRL system. Then it creates a data point map for testing. Functional tests exercise the dampers and reheat valves in the VAV system automatically. Next, it analyzes the test data based on known patterns and faults in VAVs, for example, the dampers and valves may be "stuck," "over-stroking" or "under-stroking." An intuitive health report is automatically generated for all VAVs once the testing is complete. The report includes dashboards, charts and graphs that indicate the specific faults in need of correction.

In new buildings, once the faults are corrected, a final report is generated to verify VAV system performance. In older buildings, the ACxelerate tool can be used periodically to ensure that the original VAV performance is maintained and the systems are optimized.

ACxelerate Automated Commissioning Tool is designed to test single-duct, dual duct and fan-powered (series and parallel) VAV terminal unit dampers and reheat valves. It is available as an add-on to the WEbCTRL v7 building automation system.

Automated Logic Corporation, a leading provider of innovative building-management solutions and is a part of Carrier, a global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.