Retrocommissioning (Rcx) Mechanical Systems On A University Campus: Student Capstone Experience

Senior engineering students at Rochester Institute of Technology are required to complete a 22week culminating project prior to graduating. This multidisciplinary project assembles teams of students in various engineering majors to work together on an engineering design project sponsored by industry or an academic client. There are a wide range of projects available to students, and all stages of the projects are completed from introductory information given by the sponsor, development of possible design concepts, selection of final concept, analysis and completion of final prototype. In the following paper, the capstone design project process is presented from a student perspective, including a breakdown of the twelve-step process used by the design groups, a course assessment from the student team, as well as details of a specific project as it pertains to the various phases of design. The project involves the development of a retrocommissioning (RCX) test plan for evaluating an existing air handling unit (AHU) on a college campus, in order to reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and prolong equipment operation. The test plan is implemented and test results are analyzed as part of the student’s capstone design experience. In addition, a first and second law thermodynamic analysis is conducted. Based on the team findings, a comprehensive RCX test plan is developed for use on air handling units throughout campus and recommendations are made for retrofit design solutions to improve system performance.