Key Items for Plan Review & Site Inspection: 2018 IECC

Commercial HVAC5/26/2021

Providing effective energy strategies for buildings and communities

ICC Preferred Provider # 2396ICC Course # 25590

SEDAC is a Preferred Education Provider with the International Code Council (ICC). Credits earned on completion of this program will be reported to ICC for ICC members. Certificates of Completion will be issued to all participants.

This workshop is approved for 1 LU/HSW CES credits from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Credits earned on completion will be reported for AIA members.

Presentation Education Credits

Learning Objectives

• 1. Understand energy code plan review requirements for commercial HVAC and service water• 2. Understand energy code site inspection requirements for commercial HVAC and service water• 3. Learn energy code compliance documentation processes for plan review and inspections for commercial HVAC and service water• 4. Explain commissioning documentation and process as part of site inspection compliance

Who We Are

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) is an applied research program at University of Illinois.

Our mission: Reduce the energy footprint of Illinois and beyond.

SEDAC is the Illinois Energy Conservation Code Training Provider

This training program is sponsored by Illinois State Energy Office

Energy Code Training Program

• Technical support energycode@sedac.org800.214.7954

• Online resources at smartenergy.Illinois.edu/energy-code

smartenergy.Illinois.edu/energy-code/

Code Accessibility – IECC and IL Amendments

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IECC2018P4 https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/codes/IllinoisAccessibilityCode/Documents/2018%20Illinois%20Specific%20Amendments%20with%20Modifications%20Shown.pdf

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CHIECC20190520S

SEDAC 2020/2021 Series Workshops

Key items for plan review & Inspection: 2018 IECC • Commercial HVAC: Today • Commercial Code Panel Discussion: June 15th

Registration: https://smartenergy.illinois.edu/energy-code-training/webinars

Or: https://smartenergy.illinois.edu/energy-code/workshops/

When Does the Code Apply?

• Building:• Accessory structures <120sf; finish work; window awnings <54” extension and without

supplemental support; moveable fixtures (cases, racks, counters, etc…)• Electrical:

• Repairs and Maintenance; Radio and Television transmitting equipment; temporary systems for testing electrical equipment or apparatus.

• Gas/Mechanical:• Portable equipment; piping within a permitted piece of equipment; replacement of parts

that don’t alter or make unsafe existing equipment; self-contained refrigeration ≤10lb of refrigeration

• Plumbing:• Minor leak repair (no replacement of materials); clearing of blockages.

Building Permit Application Triggers Energy Code

2015 International Building Code, Chapter 1, Section 105, 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit – subject to local codes but generally, the following list applies:

• Residential building is any detached 1- or 2-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) and Group R-2, R-3, and R-4 buildings 3 stories (4 in Chicago) or less in height above grade plane.

• Commercial is everything else.

How Do I Know if I Have a Commercial Building?

Per 2018 IECC C202 General Definitions: “All buildings that are not included in the definition of ‘residential building’.”

Plan Review –Applicable Code

Summary

• Construction documents must be provided to code official, prepared by registered design professional where required by local statutes.

• C103.2 Information on Construction Documents

• Drawn to scale, clearly depict details, and provide sufficient detail on building systems and features.

• Right-hand list contains required details

C103 – Construction DocumentsMechanical-related plan review items:1. Mechanical design criteria2. Mechanical and hot water system

details3. Economizer description(s)4. Controls narrative5. Fan power and controls6. Duct and pipe details including

sealing, insulation, and location

Referencing Between Drawings and Spec. Manual

• Best to have all code-compliance references in a single source to avoid missing documentation, including conflicting data, or the chance it may be missed by the reviewer, but not always practical.

• Can be in the specification manual or drawings, or both. If in both, include cross references to aid in speed of review.

• Drawings include Division/Section reference in Spec Documents for tabular information (material R-values, controls narratives, etc…)

• Spec Docs include drawing page for code compliance requirements (continuity of air/thermal barriers, mechanical equipment sizes/efficiency, etc…)

Plan Review - Code Compliance Summary Page

• Example from Chicago Bldg Dept. for Energy Code Specifically• Could be copied into plan page for easy reference for officials and designers

Plan Review -Mechanical

Mechanical Compliance Summary

• As with Architectural Summary for envelope, a summary can be inserted at the mech. schedule, or as the 1st mechanical page with other summary items.

• Summary covers C103.2 required information: design criteria, system types, efficiencies…

Mechanical System Sizing

• C403.1.1 Specifies ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 183 or approved equivalent

• Many familiar with residential Manual J and Manual S due to residential code, there are commercial equivalents

• Most commercial sizing completed by software

• eQuest• Energy Plus• Trane Tracer 700• Carrier HAP• Etc…

1. Building/space heating and cooling load summary report (example from Carrier HAP program)

2. Design total airflow3. Design min outdoor airflow4. System capacities5. System pressure drops

Documenting Load and Sizing Compliance

1

2 3454

http://ashrae-meteo.info/v2.0/

• Designers should supply input report from program so variables can be checked against intended design in plan drawings or specification manual.

Checking Inputs to Sizing Software

Best to document insulation, plug loads, lighting loads, and ventilation rates in easy-to-access tables for plan reviewers. Also document design weather conditions.

• Compare input reports to plan drawings for verification of inputs for models

System Control Narratives and Graphics

Control Graphic

Control Narrative

Usually in a controls drawing section or sub-section of mechanical, satisfies C103.2 information requirements for controls, economizer description, etc.

Duct Sealing

• Details commonly missing in drawings for sealing at joints between ducts, especially differing materials.

• Most details maintain proper duct radius and transitions, proper install of diffusers away from bends, etc…

• Duct sealing and joining depends on materials.

• Excellent flex-duct reference• https://flexibleduct.org/images/ADC~I

R5E.pdf

Minimum Pipe Insulation Thickness

Plan Review -Plumbing

Focus on detail drawings for proper insulation of pipes

• Highlight mitered insulation joints to ensure no compression, stressing, or other degradation of R-value from installation practices

• Also, detail use of fitted/formed insulation for valves, strainers, and other fixtures in piping to limit heat losses.

Mitered joints ensure no compression or splitting open of insulation.

Formed joints ensure proper fit around complex fittings, valves, etc...

Fitted insulation is easily removable, but more susceptible to damage over time, particularly dry rot

Minimum Volume/Length Between Heat Source and Fixture

C404.6.1: “Controls…shall start the pump based on the identification of a demand for hot water within the occupancy. The controls shall automatically turn off the pump when the water in the circulation loop is at the desired temperature and when there is not a demand for hot water.”

C404.7: “The controls shall start the pump upon receiving a signal from the action of a user of a fixture or appliance…The controls shall limit the temperature of the water entering the cold-water piping to ≤ 104 °F.”

C404.6.1 Circulation Systems & C404.7 Demand Recirculation

Plan Review –Software

Compliance

Plan Review with Software Compliance

COMcheck makes process easy with each code section’s documentation requirements in a checklist – can fill in location of information in plans/specs.

HVAC Compliance Report

• Fan System pass/fail is hidden in report (not highlighted like other reports)

• Verify system types match the schedules of equipment

• Same for boiler/chiller/DHW efficiency

Plan Review for Energy Modeling

As noted earlier for sizing calculations, input reports will need to be compared to plan drawings to ensure similarity

Plan Details/System Types Input Summary Table

Plan Review for Energy Modeling-Performance PathSubmittal drawings and checklists for two models needed – reference design and proposed design. Checklist should show compliance with Table C407.5.1(1) for both designs, submitted with drawings.• Mechanical ventilation identical both models• Proposed HVAC system shall be as designed,

reference system shall be determined by Table C407.21(2) – will result in same system equipment (chiller types, DX unit, heating source) and system type (VAV, CAV) with Table C403.3.2(1)-(3) minimum efficiencies.• May result in slightly different system type for

chilled beam/radiant systems.• Service Water type matches between models,

with Table C404.2 efficiency for reference model.

Reference

Proposed82% AFUE

85% AFUE

≤0.520 IPLV / ≤0.560 FL kW/ton

≤0.510 IPLV / ≤0.540 FL kW/ton

40.2 gpm/hp

41.0 gpm/hp

AHUCFMVAV CFMEqual

AHUCFMVAV CFMEqual

Compliance – Site Inspections

Mechanical Site Inspection: Equipment Sizing

• Check heating, chilling, and heat rejection equipment efficiencies against plan drawings

• Easiest method is to check as-built spec or schedule against in-building model number or O&M construction manual

?

Have seen installed size 2x’s larger than plan drawings.

Mechanical Site Inspection: Duct Insulation/Installation

• Properly insulated? Sealed? Installed?

?

Check as-builts for internal duct insulation, or duct labels indicating internal insulation value

Ducts properly sealed in conditioned space.

Ducts sealed and insulated, but not installed per manufacturer instructions.

Mechanical Site Inspection: Dampers

• Performance test for range of motion and proper air seal for dampers (OA/Exhaust/Ventilation).

• Commissioning report on proper ventilation rates at min/max damper positions.

Economizers–The Physics of Linkage Systems-David Sellers, Facility Dynamics Engineering

Mechanical Site Inspection: Fan Efficiency

• Refers to the fan efficiency requirements in C403.8.3.• NOT fan motor efficiency. This is fan wheel air-movement

efficiency (Fan efficiency grade: FEG)• Find in schedule of fan equipment in plan drawings, or spec.

manual for fan systems.

https://www.amca.org/assets/resources/public/userfiles/file/Nospreads_FanEfficGrades.pdf

Mechanical Site Inspection: Energy Recovery/Economizer

• Economizer required in IL for water-cooled if system capacity over 720 MBH (local water-cooled chiller) or 940 MBH (Air-cooled chiller or district CHW).

• Climate zone 4A can eliminate economizers if system efficiency 20% more efficient than code minimum for size.

• Energy Recovery required in IL based on 2 Tables summarized below: Table C403.7.4(1) and (2).

OperationPercent (%) Outside Air at Full Design Airflow Rate (CZ 4A and 5A)

≥10% <20%

≥20% <30%

≥30% <40%

≥40% <50%

≥50% <60%

≥60% <70%

≥70% <80% ≥80%

<8,000 hr/yr ≥26,000 ≥16,000 ≥5,500 ≥4,500 ≥3,500 ≥2,000 ≥1,000 ≥120>8,000 hr/yr ≥200 ≥130 ≥200 ≥200 ≥200 ≥200 ≥200 ≥200

Mechanical Site Inspection: Energy Recovery/EconomizerCalibrating damper controls as functional test. Ensure full range of motion and proper closure torque.

Commissioning check of energy wheel through BAS. See a problem?

• C408.2.1 Commissioning plan: narrative descriptions of system tests, functions, test conditions, and performance criteria

• C408.2.2 System adjusting and balancing: Essentially, just submit a TAB report from contractor.

• C408.2.3 Functional performance testing: Observe motion of dampers, check sensor readings for calibration, check BAS programming, etc…

• C408.2.4 Preliminary commissioning report: Itemized list of issues from functional testing and plan to correct.

• C408.2.5 Documentation requirements: Construction documents, TAB report, final commissioning report.

Mechanical Site Inspection: Commissioning Report

C408.2 Mech. systems and service water-heating systems commissioning and completion requirements.

C408.2.2 System Adjusting and Balancing

http://airpath.us/TAB_NEBB_PPT_by_Aipath_2010.pdf

Preliminary report will document design criteria, mark-up drawings, etc…

Report any changes from drawings and actual site conditions

C408.2.2 System Adjusting and Balancing

Preliminary report will also document design conditions for fans, water distribution systems, etc…

http://airpath.us/TAB_NEBB_PPT_by_Aipath_2010.pdf

C408.2.2 System Adjusting and Balancing

http://airpath.us/TAB_NEBB_PPT_by_Aipath_2010.pdf

C408.2.2 System Adjusting and Balancing

Flow in GPM

Head Loss in Feet

Valve position and size

C408.2.4 Commissioning Checklist Sample

Questions?

energycode@sedac.org800-214-7954