Publications

May, 2026

Journal

Field-based AFDD for refrigerant undercharge in residential HVAC systems: enhancing reliability through false alarm mitigation

This study evaluated rule-based and machine learning (ML) based automated fault detection and diagnostics (AFDD) algorithms for detecting refrigerant undercharge faults in residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, using actual building data and a minimal set of features. The ML-based algorithms included Decision Tree (DT) and K-Nearest Neighbor…

Apr, 2026

ORNL Report

Reported Energy and Cost Savings from the DOE ESPC IDIQ Program: FY 2024

Mar, 2026

Conference Paper

Assessing the Impact of Variable Air Volume Box Damper Stuck Faults Using a Building Automation System and Building Energy Simulation Model

The study examines the impact of variable air volume (VAV) damper stuck faults on the system operation, building indoor conditions, and reheating energy consumption. This study includes both experimental and simulation studies for five test scenarios, including a fault-free scenario. We implemented VAV damper stuck fault through the building automation system (BAS). Result…

May, 2025

Journal

Datasets of Faults in Variable Air Volume Terminal Units in a Multi-Zone Commercial Building

Faults in HVAC systems can decrease system efficiency and equipment lifespan, leading to 5%–30% of energy consumption being wasted in commercial buildings. We identified two common faults in HVAC variable air volume systems: a stuck damper fault in the variable air volume terminal unit and a discharge airflow sensor fault. We conducted three sets of damper stuck tests and…

Nov, 2024

ORNL Report

Review of Life Cycle Cost Analysis Tools

Nov, 2024

ORNL Report

Fault Dataset Development for VAV Terminal Units: Damper and Airflow Sensor Faults

Nov, 2024

Book

Advanced Building Technologies for Energy Savings and Decarbonization

The building sector is a major consumer of energy, making it essential to explore innovative strategies for reducing its environmental impact. As we shift our focus toward decarbonization and electrification, the need for advanced building operation techniques and equipment becomes increasingly urgent. These advancements are crucial for maintaining or enhancing indoor envi…

Oct, 2024

ORNL Report

Reported Energy and Cost Savings from the DOE ESPC IDIQ Program: FY 2023

Oct, 2024

ORNL Report

Residential HVAC Fault Detection: Field Data Analysis and Interviews with Smart Thermostat Manufacturers

May, 2024

ORNL Report

Preliminary Development Plan for an Advanced Life Cycle Cost Tool

Apr, 2024

ORNL Report

Residential HVAC Fault Data Collection Plan: Refrigerant Undercharge and Overcharge Faults

Apr, 2024

Conference Paper

Empirical Validation of Building Energy Modeling Input Parameters: Cooling Performance Curves of a Direct Expansion Coil