Describes a set of automated tests for use in commissioning the controls associated with coils and mixing boxes in air-handling units. The test procedures were developed using a computer simulation of an office building air conditioning system and were verified by manual testing in real buildings. A prototype automated commissioning system was then evaluated in blind tests on a large air conditioning test rig. Concludes that automated commissioning has the potential to reduce the cost and increase the thoroughness of HVAC controls commissioning. A prototype commissioning tool is under development based on the described approach.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, Commissioning, testing, controls, air conditioning, prototypes, automatic