Quantico, VA
Re-tuning is a systematic process aimed at minimizing building energy consumption at no-cost or low-cost by identifying and correcting operational problems that plague buildings. Re-tuning relies on building automation system data to identify and implement control improvements at no cost (other than the time to program the changes). These low-cost or no-cost operational improvements ultimately improve the building's energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and improve occupant comfort. The objectives of the Re-tuning Challenge are to provide training on how the re-tuning process is completed or accomplished, enable estimation of outcomes from various re-tuning measure implementations, and help sites build the capability to perform re-tuning on their own (train the trainer).
Instructors
Nick Fernandez, Building Control Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Read Bio
Nick received a Master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland in 2008 at the Center for Environmental Energy Engineering. Throughout his 13-year career at PNNL, he has focused on research and project work on technical tasks, tools, and journal papers that solve problems through building energy simulation, typically involving the use of EnergyPlus. These efforts have had many applications, including but not limited to detailed models of specific commercial buildings, large-scale simulation of energy saving measures to determine national impact, commercial building energy codes, simulation of the thermal side of algae ponds and photobioreactors for biofuels production, simulation of a novel rooftop selective emittance cooling system, co-simulation of EnergyPlus and VOLTTRON for optimal dispatch of combined heat and power systems, and creation of the simulation backbone for a rooftop unit cost calculator tool. Nick is also the creator and lead developer of the Building Re-tuning Simulator, a standalone energy simulation tool, which streamlines the creation of an energy model from audit level data and details on control sequences, with a focus on quantifying savings from re-tuning measures and helping the user to optimize reset parameters and setpoints. The BRS is being converted to a Web tool hosted by FEMP for the purpose of efficiently evaluating the savings associated with Re-tuning measures for commercial buildings and also to serve as a Re-tuning training platform. Nick's other career focus has been performing Re-tuning evaluations. He is the project manager of two programs that identify and implement re-tuning measures in Federal office buildings and courthouses for GSA and is a technical lead for FEMP's Re-tuning Challenge.
Carolyn Goodman, PNNL Read Bio
Carolyn Goodman is a mechanical engineer with a M.S. in Energy Science, Technology and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. Since joining PNNL in 2021, Carolyn's work has focused on reducing energy consumption and improving resilience in new and existing buildings through application of the Re-tuning methodology. This includes data analysis and using the PNNL developed Building Re-tuning Simulator (BRS) for optimization of Re-tuning control sequences. Her research also focuses on intelligent load control and grid interactive buildings, enabling buildings to provide flexibility during periods of high demand. Prior to joining PNNL, Carolyn worked for a systems integrator developing automation solutions for municipal and industrial systems. In addition, she worked at an early-stage SBIR Phase II awarded start-up leveraging commercial refrigeration as a flexible electric load and distributed energy resource.
Kendall Kam, Program Manager for both the Treasure Hunt and 50001 Ready Programs, Department of Energy - Federal Energy Management Program Read Bio
Mr. Kam serves as the Program Manager for Treasure Hunt, an onsite three-day event that engages cross- functional teams of employees in the process of identifying operational and maintenance (O&M) energy efficiency improvements. This process empowers plant personnel to discover energy-saving opportunities while simultaneously building a culture of continuous improvement. 50001 Ready is the U.S. DOE's program that recognizes facilities and organizations that attest to the implementation of an ISO 50001-based energy management system. The program is a self-paced, no-cost way for organizations to build a culture of structured energy improvement that leads to deeper and sustained savings that does not require any external audits or certifications. Mr. Kam also served for 16 years as the Energy Program Manager for the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific). He provided utilities and shore energy program management leadership to Navy and Marine Corps shore activities in Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Singapore and Diego Garcia.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Understand the concepts behind the re-tuning approach;
- Recognize how to apply the re-tuning approach;
- Identify operational problems and deficiencies in their buildings;
- Recognize smart recommendations for improved controls and operational sequences;
- Identify how to apply the train-the-trainer approach: Attendees will be able to train others at their site in re-tuning best practices gained during this training.
