Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate an immersive virtual learning environment to host and disseminate Retro-commissioning (RCx) training content created by Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) for a greatly improved hybrid in-person and online learning experience. The content is planned to be hosted on the Whole Building Design Guide training platform to allow access to a wide audience. The target audience includes Department of Defense (DoD) energy managers, building operators, mechanical engineers, control system engineers, and commissioning engineers in the design and construction fields.
Technology Description
The technology being demonstrated will be novel RCx assessment tools and training techniques to enhance the existing RCx Training that CERL provides. This technology will incorporate new, interactive tools to allow students to explore a mechanical room virtually for an immersive experience. Knowledge previously conveyed via one-way videos and presentations will now allow for virtual exploration in a way as close to in-person training as possible.
The following website shows a very preliminary demonstration of this technology in a mechanical room setting at CERL’s central plant: https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/7840328/1/
This demonstration module shows an exercise of a virtual “treasure hunt” for the user to find various types of controls equipment found in a typical mechanical room. It is important to note that this example just scratches the surface of what types of training lessons can be accomplished with this technology and that it is still under development.
Benefits
RCx is a critical process to identify energy saving measures in existing buildings. In-person training to deliver this material requires travel costs, has limited sites where the training can be done, and the physical constraints of a classroom and mechanical room limit participation. Additionally, once the training is over, students cannot go back to the same mechanical room for a refresher. The learning platform will reach more students, allow for “revisits” to the mechanical room, and allow multiple engineers around the country to collaborate in a virtual space. Most importantly, it will provide a critical hybrid resource that will make virtual learning closer to live, in-person trainings. As a result of this training method, the DoD should improve building operation and energy efficiency in buildings worldwide. This technology will allow a wider RCx training audience, including energy managers, facility staff, and construction/design engineering staff, to benefit from this established program, providing a focus on the operational and energy saving problems that energy managers and facility staff are faced with. Considering DoD spends approximately $3.3 billion per year on energy costs for buildings and has over 280,000 facilities, it is critical for all stakeholders to enhance their knowledge in this energy conservation subject area.