The DSOM technology was awarded US Patent #7,016,742 on March 21, 2006.
Featured Technology - Centrifugal Chiller Diagnostician
Generally, due to the lack of automated diagnostics on centrifugal chillers, a mechanic trained in air conditioning and refrigeration troubleshooting is required to diagnose problems affecting efficiency of performance caused by age, improper operation and maintenance, and system leaks. Most diagnostics of centrifugal chiller problems are obtained by collecting data under full load conditions and analyzing it remotely. The centrifugal chiller diagnostician (CCD) collects and analyzes live data continuously from the centrifugal chiller's control and instrument panel over a local area network and can provide real-time diagnostics under partial and full load conditions. The CCD provides early notification to an operator of less than optimum conditions to allow any problems to be corrected while at an early stage increasing the performance and reliability of the unit. The CCD provides a generic diagnostic tool applicable to most major brands of centrifugal chiller units. It also provides, in effect, a validation tool that indicates that the machine is operating as designed.
A demonstration of this product is available over the web - please contact us for a copy.
PNNL Develops Centrifugal Chiller Diagnostician
Featured Document - Energy Management and Control System
Energy management and control system (EMCS) technology has evolved over the past three decades from pneumatic and mechanical devices to direct digital controls (DDC) or computer-based controllers and systems. Today's EMCS systems consist of electronic devices with microprocessors and communication capabilities and utilize widespread use of powerful, low-cost microprocessors and standard cabling communication protocols.
This document discusses functions and capabilities of a typical building/facility EMCS. The overall intent is to provide a building operator, manager or engineer with basic background information and recommended functions, capabilities, and good/best practices that will enable the control systems to be fully utilized/optimized, resulting in improved building occupant quality of life and more reliable, energy efficient facilities.
Most basic functions and some intermediate and advanced functions described in this document are generally required to operate buildings/facilities efficiently. A careful review of the site-specific requirements is recommended before picking the functional requirements of an EMCS. It should be noted that the basic functions described in this document are generally available in most EMCS systems, while the availability of the intermediate and advanced functions vary by manufacturer.
Energy Management and Control System: Desired Capabilities and Functionality
Featured Presentation
Campus Wide Load Shedding on DOD/DOE Site.
DSOM - An advanced supervision and diagnostic tool to reduce plant operating and maintenance costs and extend plant life
Operations and maintenance (O&M) can make or break a business - especially with today's rising energy costs. DSOM® (Decision Support for Operations and Maintenance) is a patent-pending expert O&M system that integrates plant operations, fuel management, and maintenance processes. The DSOM package provides operators with the information they need for cost-effecitve operating decisions creating savings in fuel, personnel, maintenance, and plant life extension.
To reduce plant bottom line costs by as much as 25 to 50 percent, the DSOM information management system
- improves process efficiency
- reduces O&M workload
- reduces maintenance parts and labor
- reduces energy consumption
- extends equipment life.
Advanced science applied to everyday operations
Linking plant operators, maintenance staff, engineers, and administrators in one enterprise-wide system, DSOM combines online condition monitoring and control of equipment with unique diagnostic routines developed in Battelle's leading edge laboratories. Originally created for efficient operation of nuclear power plants, the science at the core of DSOM has been adapted to cost effectively meet the needs of industrial processes, including power plants and continuous industrial processes. Diagnostic routines constantly watch the overall system performance and that of each key component to provide early warning of a degraded process. DSOM allows operators to make informed decisions about how to operate and maintain their plant most efficiently.
Real-time monitoring and process interface
A network of sensors constantly feeds information regarding the performance of the facility's components into a computer. Using advanced communication techniques, adapted from industrial process controls, DSOM talks to most monitoring and control systems mitigating the need for expensive instrumentation.
DSOM software collects and verifies operations data, analyzes them in a customized facility database and lets operators know, in real-time, if a system is malfunctioning or running below expectations. Beyond looking for early warning signs of problems, DSOM identifies conditions that could potentially lead to a problem, determines the root cause and prioritizes recommends solutions.
Condition-based management
DSOM is built around the concept of condition-based management. This approach focuses on finding the balance between high-production rates, machine stress and failure. DSOM's diagnostic capabilities prompt operators to make changes to keep systems operating at peak performance and avoid degradation and failures.
Custom graphic views
DSOM displays information regarding a system's health and potential problems in different ways matched to different needs within an organization. For example, one view is designed for operators while another is more useful to engineers. These intuitive, objective-oriented displays along with a point-and-click interface make the system easy to use, requiring little training.
Integrated Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Training, and Administration
A core philosophy of DSOM is that well informed personnel make better decisions. Efficient plant operations require a delicate balance of many interdependent aspects of facility operations. Process systems usually focus on immediate operation issues with occasional accommodations for maintenance and engineering. Rarely do they integrate training needs and the all important administrative functions, including the impact on the plant budget. DSOM brings all of these together in one platform, linking plant operators maintenance staff, engineers, and administrators in the same enterprise-wide system. With DSOM users can quickly see the budget impact of their decisions. Engineering drawings, calibration charts and manuals are just a click away.
Putting DSOM to work
DSOM has potential applications in nearly any industrial process. Examples might include power plant, central district heating and cooling, steel and aluminum production, pulp and paper plants, and pharmaceutical production.
PNNL-SA-34065
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