Selection of procedures for air conditioning audit and definition of the associated training package

In the current transformation of the air conditioning (AC) market, important efforts should be achieved to improve the energy efficiency of these systems all along their life cycle. To detect and define the performance degradation of these facilities, a global approach has to be developed and the complexity of the systems implies the creation of reliable and efficient audit procedures and methods. In the AUDITAC project, we will describe the features of the two levels audit methods; pre-audit (or walk-through) and (detailed) audit. In order to support the harmonisation of the implementation of the AC systems inspection, starting from the inspection schemes already on the market, we assessed their effectiveness and establish a link with the operation and maintenance practices. The decision for renovation will be developed in its aspects of energy savings and economic feasibility. In order to disseminate and involve easily the AC actors in the audit methods, we have developed a basic training package (TP) about auditing AC facilities. This tool has been created to prepare and introduce air conditioning actors (energy managers, facilities owners, technicians related to AC etc…) to the compulsory inspection and to disseminate the advantages and opportunities that the subsequent audit can give. The audit approach is globally explained in the TP from cooling production to distribution, operation and maintenance and finally control strategies. Quantitative indicators for best practices and improvement examples are showed to support decision of renovation. Basically, the TP has been designed for a public with an educational level of post-high school and can be used in different scenarios (students with HVAC class, inspection technicians, energy managers’ information etc…).