EA 1.3 Option B. I have gotten inconsistent reviews over separate projects on thermostat controlled VAV boxes. Is thermostat sensitive enough to fulfill 'space-sensing' requirement or do I have to use a motion controlled VAV box? In some tenant spaces, VAV system is controlled by DDC, and in turn by building BMS. We are not allowed to alter the building BMS, so basically we cannot alter existing VAV boxes by adding motion sensing capability.
I know of a couple projects have been approved using thermostats but my latest one has been selected for clarification due to thermostats not fulfilling ' space sensing' requirement.
Paul Conrad
Energy EngineerCLEAResult Consulting
346 thumbs up
December 15, 2010 - 8:45 am
So far as I'm aware, DDC thermostats fulfill this requirement. Again though, different reviewers look at different things. Inconsistency is pretty much the norm. My advice is to submit with Thermostats and if the reviewer asks for a change, deal with it then. Otherwise, your other option is to submit a CIR to get a ruling from the EA TAG, which would set the standard for all projects.
Paul