New AI / Machine Learning Energy Conservation Companies

[ME27272727]

Hey guys. I've been seeing a lot of this lately where a new software / AI company will integrate to an existing BMS to use AI / machine learning to "optimize" building energy usage. I'm part of a project where I have to retrocommission and ensure minimum ventilation requirements are met, and one of these companies wants to turn the exhaust / corridor makeup air units back during night time (EDIT to add - residential apartment where they are basically max occupancy at night). The whole system was designed as constant volume to run continuously, and this software company doesn't do any PE drawings or building department review. No TAB, no updated airflows, just a written summary of how they are going to install VFDs on everything and turn them back at night. I just get the "we've done this on dozens of buildings already without any issues" line. Curious is anyone else is running into these types of companies and have the same concerns.

 

[HVAC-Novice]

Judge the result. A human can have stupid ideas, so can AI.

Adding flow setback to an exhaust system doesn't sound like you need AI for.

Review the local code to see what can be done with outside air and exhaust.

Probably should provide a schematic showing how corridor make-up and exhaust relate to the dwelling units. My state doesn't have a corridor requirement, YMMV.