M & E

Enhancing Interpretability of Data-Driven Fault Detection and Diagnosis Methodology with Maintainability Rules in Smart Building Management

Authors: Michael Yit Lin Chew and Ke Yan

Source: Journal of Sensors, Volume 2022 | Article ID 5975816 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5975816

Abstract:

Data-driven fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods, referring to the newer generation of artificial intelligence (AI) empowered classification methods, such as data science analysis, big data, Internet of things (IoT), industry 4.0, etc., become increasingly important for facility management in the smart building design and smart city construction. While data-driven FDD methods nowadays outperform the majority of traditional FDD approaches, such as the physically based models and mathematically based models, in terms of both efficiency and accuracy, the interpretability of those methods does not grow significantly. Instead, according to the literature survey, the interpretability of the data-driven FDD methods becomes the main concern and creates barriers for those methods to be adopted in real-world industrial applications. In this study, we reviewed the existing data-driven FDD approaches for building mechanical & electrical engineering (M&E) services faults and discussed the interpretability of the modern data-driven FDD methods. Two data-driven FDD strategies integrating the expert reasoning of the faults were proposed. Lists of expert rules, knowledge of maintainability, international/local standards were concluded for various M&E services, including heating, ventilation air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, fire safety, electrical and elevator systems based on surveys of 110 buildings in Singapore. The surveyed results significantly enhance the interpretability of data-driven FDD methods for M&E services, potentially enhance the FDD performance in terms of accuracy and promote the data-driven FDD approaches to real-world facility management practices.

Grading Maintainability parameters for sanitary-plumbing system for high-rise residential buildings

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, Sutapa Das, Nayathara De Silva, Foon Fong Yee

Source: BEAR 2008: Proceedings of the International Conference on Building Education and Research, 2008, Kandalama, Sri Lanka, pp. 887-900

Abstract:

Sanitary-plumbing system can waste energy and even become a source of fatal contamination unless designed, constructed or maintained properly. Human health and convenience are the two critical issues and it is important to identify, analyse and quantify the maintainability parameters of complex sanitary-plumbing systems to meet requirements of today’s bigger and better buildings. This research was undertaken to investigate the common defects in sanitary plumbing system in high rise residential buildings and their causing factors which may be the critical maintainability parameters of sanitary-plumbing systems. From the detailed case studies of five residential buildings in Singapore, a total of 113 defects were identified for ten major components of sanitary-plumbing system. Out of them 56 were graded as significant by 33 experienced facility managers based on frequency of occurrence and their adverse effect on: economy, system performance, environment and health. Poor maintainability consideration in design stage was apparent from the comprehensive defect analysis. The defect commonly found in almost all the components was the “inaccessibility” for regular inspection and maintenance.

Keywords: Contamination, Defect analysis, Maintainability, Sanitary-plumbing, System performance

Quantifying Maintainability Parameters for Vertical Transport System

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, Sutapa Das, Nur H.B. Sulaiman

Source: 11DBMC International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and components, 2008, Istanbul, Turkey.

Abstract:

Elevators or lifts from the vertical transportation spine of modern high rise buildings. Safety and convenience being two critical issues, it is important to identify the associated risk factors. To complement the technological advancements of system design and greater users’ expectation, there is a noted absence of maintainability aspect which not only ensures efficient system performance but also lowers the total life cycle cost through smooth operation and minimal maintenance. To address this knowledge gap, this research was undertaken to identify, analyse and quantify serious defects prevalent in the vertical transport system of commercial buildings of Singapore.

From detailed case study at five commercial buildings, total 114 types of common defects were identified for five main components including machine room, car, hoistway, landing and pit. Out of them, 28 were graded as significant by 40 experienced facility managers in a five point Likert scale in terms of frequency of occurrence, and adverse effect on: economy, system performance and safety & comfort. Comprehensive defect analysis established that inadequate or careless maintenance was the main cause for most of them. This study provides foresight of the long term effect of the decisions made during design, construction and operation-maintenance stage and forms the basis of good practices for efficient and safe functioning of highly maintainable vertical transport system. This generic method is applicable for any other building services.

Keywords: Defect analysis, Life cycle cost, Maintainability, System performance, Vertical transport

Maintainability Aspects of Central Chilled Water HVAC System

Authors: M.Y.L. Chew, Sutapa Das

Source: CITC IV: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century Accelerating Innovation in Engineering, Management & Technology, 2007, Gold Coast, Australia, pp. 741-748

Abstract:

Heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is often operated and maintained inefficiently due to the knowledge gap between design guidelines and maintenance practices aided with fault detection techniques. To address this issue and to develop a guideline for good practices, this study examined the maintainability parameters for central chilled water HVAC system – most common option for modern buildings. During site investigations at eight commercial buildings in Singapore, six major components of HVAC system were studied and 87 common defects, their causes and consequences were identified. Among those, 60 were short-listed as significant, based on a questionnaire survey of 40 facility managers and maintenance personnel who ranked the common defects for frequency and impact on economy, system performance, indoor environmental quality and occupants’ health and well-being. A parallel study on three buildings was focused on tangible cost implications including repair, replacement, liability and premature failure. Both surveys concluded that design followed by operation and maintenance practices were crucial. Air handling unit and/or fan coil unit was the most critical component causing 30% defects and 48.2% of total cost. Based on this research, a comprehensive guideline for good practices was developed including 48 parameters related to the whole lifecycle of HVAC system

Keywords: Building Defects, Commercial Buildings, HVAC System, Life Cycle Cost, Maintainability