SIST EN 15240:2007

SLOVENSKI oSIST prEN 15240:2005

PREDSTANDARD
junij 2005
Prezračevanje stavb - Energijske karakteristike stavb – Smernice za pregled
klimatizirnih sistemov
Ventilation for buildings - Energy performance of buildings - Guidelines for
inspection of air-conditioning systems
ICS 91.140.30 Referenčna številka
oSIST prEN 15240:2005(en)
©  Standard je založil in izdal Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje ali kopiranje celote ali delov tega dokumenta ni dovoljeno

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EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
prEN 15240
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2005
ICS
English version
Ventilation for buildings - Energy performance of buildings -
Guidelines for inspection of air-conditioning systems
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 156.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
: This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
Warning
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 15240:2005: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword. 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope. 6
2 Normative references. 6
3 Terms and definitions. 7
4 Energy impacts of air conditioning, justification of inspection and improvements. 7
5 Inspection methodology. 8
5.1 Pre-inspection and document collection. 8
5.1.1 Documents. 8
5.1.2 Building and system survey . 9
5.1.3 Subsequent inspections. 9
5.1.4 Advice in case of outdated, incomplete or missing documentation . 9
5.2 Methodology. 9
5.2.1 Inspect refrigeration equipment . 9
5.2.2 Inspect for effectiveness of outdoor heat rejection . 10
5.2.3 Inspect for effectiveness of heat exchange to the refrigeration system (indoor
units of split and distributed systems). 11
5.2.4 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems in treated
spaces . 11
5.2.5 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems at air
handling units and associated ductwork . 11
5.2.6 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems at outdoor
air inlets . 12
5.2.7 Inspect building system controls and control parameters. 12
5.2.8 Energy consumption metering . 13
5.3 Reporting. 13
6 Advice on alternative solutions and improvements. 14
7 Frequency of inspection. 15
Annex A (informative) Checklist of pre–inspection information . 16
Annex B (informative) Checklists indicating observations and appropriate actions or
advice . 17
Annex C (informative) Example of categories of documentation and information about the
system. 22
Annex D (informative) Energy impacts of air conditioning, justification of inspection and
improvements. 24
Annex E (informative) Features affecting the frequency and duration of inspection . 28

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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
Foreword
This document (prEN 15240:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 156
"Ventilation for buildings", the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.


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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
Introduction
Article 9 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (abbreviated as EPBD) requires the
introduction of “measures to establish a regular inspection of air conditioning systems of an effective
rated output of more than 12 kW”. The inspection is to include “an assessment of the air conditioning
efficiency and the sizing compared to the cooling requirements of the building”. Advice is also to be
provided to the users on “possible improvement or replacement of the air-conditioning system and on
alternative solutions”.
Therefore, it is not the intention to have a full audit of the air conditioning system but a correct
assessment of its functioning and main impacts on energy consumption, and as a result determine
any recommendations on improvement.
Article 2 of the EPBD defines an “air conditioning system” as “a combination of all components
required to provide a form of air treatment in which temperature is controlled or can be lowered,
possibly in combination with the control of ventilation, humidity and air cleanliness.”
The inspection described here is therefore intended to include all types of comfort cooling and air
conditioning systems that provide a total cooling output for the building above the specified 12 kW
which is in turn taken to mean the rated cooling capacity of the included refrigeration systems. The
term “air conditioning system” is used to represent any of the systems described below, which may
heat and cool, and includes the associated water and air distribution and exhaust systems that form a
necessary part of the system. It also includes the controls that are intended to regulate the use of
these systems. It excludes mechanical ventilation systems that provide no mechanical cooling and
components that, although they may be co-located in air conditioning systems, are dedicated to
providing heating duty only. prEN EPBD WI 30 gives details for inspection of ventilation systems, and
of the associated air distribution and exhaust systems.
Air conditioning systems can be described and classified as follows
1. Air-to-air systems
� These are single or multi-split systems, in which one or more units containing the refrigeration and
heat rejection equipment are located outdoors and are connected to one or several cooling indoor
units. The discharge of conditioned air can be free delivery or through a duct.
� Roof-top units are packaged units that also ensure the ventilation of the air conditioned space by
providing a mixture of recycled and fresh air to the evaporator.
� Package air conditioning units are used for the cooling of process (close control or control cabinet
AC)

2. Air-to-water systems
These are generally package systems that provide chilled water to fan coil units or chilled floors
and/or ceilings. They are called liquid chilling packages or chillers.
3. Water-to-air systems
� They can be individual units where the heat source is any water source as lake, seawater or
ground water. The air distribution can be free delivery or through a duct.
� The so-called "distributed" or "water loop" systems consist of a series of individual heat pumps
located in the treated spaces. These are linked by a common water circuit to a central boiler and
to an outdoor heat rejection plant. The aim of the system is to provide heat recovery between
units operating in the cooling mode and units operating in the heating mode.
NOTE. Care has to be taken to ensure that the water used does not cause corrosion or sedimentation
within the system.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
4. Water-to-water systems
These are similar to air-to-water systems but the heat source is water instead of air.
The heat source can be water from the ground water, lake, seawater or other sources. The water-to-
water system can also be linked to a cooling tower or dry cooler for the heat rejection. In both cases
water treatment is needed.
5. Centralised systems
The system combines an air handling unit with the boiler and the refrigeration equipment that feed the
heating and cooling coils respectively. This system generally ensures the ventilation, the air
cleanliness and the control of temperature and humidity.
6. Solar energy systems
These are systems where the heat source of the refrigeration equipment is the heat from solar
collector panels (Absorption systems; Trombe Wall, Solar stacks; PVs: Thermal
Storage; Phase change)

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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
1 Scope
This European Standard describes the common methodology for inspection of air conditioning
systems in buildings for space cooling and or heating from an energy consumption standpoint. The
inspection can consider for instance the following points to assess the energy performance and
proper sizing of the system:
 System conformity to the original and subsequent design modifications, actual requirements and
the present state of the building.
 Correct system functioning.
 Function and settings of various controls.
 Function and fitting of the various components.
 Power input and the resulting energy output.
It is not intended that a full audit of the air conditioning system is carried out, but a correct assessment
of its functioning and main impacts on energy consumption, and as a result determine any
recommendations on improvement of the system or use of alternative solutions.
NOTE Provision of adequate ventilation and system balancing are dealt with in prEN EPBD WI 30
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 1886, Ventilation for buildings — Air handling units — Mechanical performance
EN 12599, Ventilation for buildings — Test procedures and measuring methods for handing over
installed ventilation and air conditioning systems
EN 12792, Ventilation for buildings — Symbols, terminology and graphical symbols

EN 13779, Ventilation for non-residential buildings — performance requirements for ventilation and
room-conditioning systems
EN 14511-1, Air conditioners, liquid chilling packages and heat pumps with electrically driven
compressors for space heating and cooling — Part 1: Terms and definitions

prEN EPBD WI 5, Inspection of heating systems
prEN EPBD WI 20/21, Ventilation for buildings — Calculation methods for energy requirements due to
ventilation-systems in buildings
prEN EPBD WI 22, Calculation methods for energy Efficiency improvements by the application of
integrated building automation systems

prEN EPBD WI 30, Inspection of Ventilation Systems
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
This clause presents the vocabulary used in this standard.
For the purposes of this Standard, EN 14511-1 together with the following definitions apply:
3.1
air conditioning system
a combination of all components required to provide a form of air treatment in which temperature is
controlled, possibly in combination with the control of ventilation, humidity and air cleanliness
3.2
effective rated output for a building
sum of the individual rated cooling capacities of the included refrigeration systems in the building. The
individual cooling capacity of a refrigeration system is the sum of nameplate ratings of the refrigeration
units in the system, tested in standard conditions according to EN 14511
3.3
inspector
a person who has appropriate training or practical experience in energy inspection of air conditioning
systems and associated regulations for energy, safety and health
3.4
building system control
the measures taken in ensuring the system operates in accordance with the specified conditions
3.5
commissioning
the sequence of events that ensure the building and the HVAC system are functioning in accordance
with the design parameters
3.6
design criteria
a set of descriptions based on a particular environmental element such as indoor air quality, thermal
and acoustical comfort, energy efficiency and the associated system controls to be used for assessing
the plant operation
3.7
control parameters
the set values of the internal environmental conditions
3.8
design documentation
written descriptions of the essential design elements of the plant
4 Energy impacts of air conditioning, justification of inspection and
improvements
Saving energy for air conditioning (cooling mode) are be based on the following:
1) Reduction of the cooling needs of the building
2) improving the system efficiency on the various stages :
a. emission
b. distribution
c. generation.
According to Article 9 of the EPBD, advice is also to be provided to the users on “possible
improvement or replacement of the air-conditioning system and on alternative solutions”.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
In the inspection, attention should be paid also on the possibilities to save energy by other measures
than those related to the system. Recommendations should, whenever appropriate, pay attention to
these issues. Some of these are described in more detail in annex D. This chapter and annex D
address mainly the cooling issues. Ventilation issues are presented in prEN EPBD WI 30, and heating
issues in prEN EPBD WI 5.
5 Inspection methodology
The inspection shall begin with examination of the relevant design and system documentation and
visual checks as far as possible to ensure that the equipment described is present and according to
system specification. If the documentation is not available, then an additional part of this procedure is
to locate the equipment and assemble a minimum portfolio of relevant documentation.
The minimum content for the information that should be available in readiness for the inspection is
listed in annex A.
Report whether there is evidence of a regular inspection and maintenance regime carried out by
recognised competent organisations. Comments on the frequencies and scope of maintenance of the
air conditioning systems shall be covered in relation to national requirements and good practice, e.g.
industry guidelines, This, and the dates of most recent maintenance may be referred to during the
‘physical’ inspection.
Where there is clear evidence that a good practice program of maintenance is being carried out, then
certain aspects of the inspections described in this standard could be simplified or reduced.
When checking the performance of different parts of an air-conditioning system, the measurement
methods employed will assist subsequent follow-ups. To make this possible, the instructions for each
measurement method shall be followed and, if necessary, instruments for the measurements be
calibrated.
Compare system sizes with likely loads. Annex B contains also simple procedures for assessing
whether refrigeration systems and air supply systems are likely to be oversized.
Estimate the Specific Fan Power of the air movement systems whenever relevant, from the installed
fan capacities and the flow rates, checked according to EN 12599, noted in the commissioning
records. Check compliance to the target values specification according to EN 13779
(NOTE. extended table and annex on Specific Fan Power in prEN 13779 revision)
5.1 Pre-inspection and document collection
5.1.1 Documents
5.1.1.1 General
Prior to inspection the design criteria, system characteristics and the operational regime shall be
determined. All available original documentation relating to the building and the installed systems
shall be collected and assessed. Additional documentation, if it exists, indicating any modifications or
alterations to the building, the systems or the use since the original documents, shall also be obtained
and assessed.
5.1.1.2 Original design documentation.
The original design documents, which define design internal and external dry and wet bulb
temperatures together with design occupancy, lighting loads, equipment loads and building loads
such as solar and transmission, shall be checked against the present use.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
5.1.1.3 System characteristics.
Working or as installed drawings shall be checked against the actual installation.
An equipment list shall be obtained or prepared.
The control diagram shall be checked.
If available, the commissioning data shall be obtained from the commissioning agent and checked
against the present system.
5.1.1.4 Building and system operation and control regime.
The inspector shall determine the operational periods of the building and system, as well as the
control zones and method of control throughout the building.
The inspector shall assess the maintenance records for the system and for individual items of the
system.
The inspector shall check the building and system log book.
5.1.2 Building and system survey
Should insufficient or inadequate documentation be available to properly determine any of the
requirements in 5.1.1, the inspector shall carry out a survey of the areas missing from the
documentation. The inspector shall then determine, by calculation if necessary, the information
required to assess the energy performance of the present system against the original design.
5.1.3 Subsequent inspections.
NOTE The documentation listed above and any survey or calculations carried out during the initial (first) pre-
inspection should be filed so that they are available for subsequent inspections of the building and systems
5.1.4 Advice in case of outdated, incomplete or missing documentation
In existing buildings the design and system documentation may be incomplete or even missing. The
existing documentation may be partly outdated, due to undocumented changes in the use, loads,
construction elements or building services systems during the building's lifetime.
In these cases, the lacking or outdated documentation shall be identified (use the checklists given in
Annexes A and B whenever relevant), and the inspector shall provide the user advice on how to
develop a plan to complete the documentation, including a schedule ending up to full evaluation of the
documentation, which may take place either before or during the next full inspection.
5.2 Methodology
5.2.1 Inspect refrigeration equipment
Plant environment: If installed as separate plant, inspect the general state of the refrigeration
equipment and the space immediately around it. If the area is not clear and clean then it is unlikely
that maintenance operations are regularly carried out. Does the area near the equipment (wherever
installed) show signs of staining which may indicate refrigerant leakage. If present, check whether any
attention to this is noted in the maintenance records.
Compressors: Locate the relevant refrigeration compressors. These are normally in the plant room
(some centralised systems), in outdoor units (split and multi-split systems, and unitary air-cooled
chillers) or in individual room units (distributed reversible systems). Check that these can be brought
into operation.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
Recording of measurements: Recording of any measurement available on the site can help in
checking the functioning of the equipment, such as:
 suction and discharge pressure of compressor(s)
 refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the compressor / outlet of evaporator
 power input to the equipment
Generally these measurements are available on large units, either on the unit or via the system
management for default detection.
Operating temperatures: In operation a temperature difference across the refrigeration compressor
should be observed. Compared with the ambient temperature in the plant room (or indoors or
outdoors), one side of the refrigeration circuit should become cold and the other warm while the
compressor is working. These temperature differences should be apparent when flow and return
water pipe work or refrigerant pipes to and from the refrigerant plant are touched or, better still, the
temperatures measured using one or two surface temperature probes. If, while the refrigeration plant
is operating, the flow and return appear to be at the same temperature, or warmer than the
surroundings, then it is likely that the equipment has lost its refrigerant charge.
Refrigerant charge: If the refrigeration equipment includes a readily visible liquid sight glass, to show
the state of the refrigerant in the system, this should be observed while the equipment is operating. If
there is a reasonable difference between flow and return temperatures, but gas bubbles can be seen
passing through the sight-glass, or a distinct liquid level line can be seen across the sight glass, then
it is likely that there is and insufficient refrigerant charge in the system.
Refrigerant leak test
If any regulation requires periodic leak detection and repair, the inspector shall examine the
documentation. In case there is no regulation, the refrigerant leak detection shall still be considered
from the energy point of view.
Checking of the insulation of the refrigerant lines
A good insulation, especially on multi-split systems where lengths of refrigerant lines can be
considerable, can have a great importance on the system energy efficiency of the system.
Vibrations and noise level
Too high vibrations and noise level of the equipment can be representing of an abnormal functioning
of the unit. Refrigeration lines of split systems and air ducts shall also be checked.
5.2.2 Inspect for effectiveness of outdoor heat rejection
Locate and check the condition and operation of the outdoor heat rejection units.
If the heat rejection equipment is in an enclosure, check that this does not obstruct the flow of air to
and from the equipment, and that there are adequate openings for the free passage of air into and out
of the enclosure. Check that the openings are not themselves obstructed either by proximity to
adjacent structures, or by damage or by debris build up.
Check that all heat exchanger surfaces are free from debris and grease and that the fins are
undamaged.
Check for oily staining on direct expansion heat exchanger surfaces that might indicate refrigerant
leakage. If present, check if this is noted in the maintenance records.
In operation, ensure the correct rotation and control of heat rejection fans.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
5.2.3 Inspect for effectiveness of heat exchange to the refrigeration system (indoor units of
split and distributed systems)
Locate and check the condition and operation of heat exchangers inside those units installed within
the treated spaces.
Check that inlet and outlet grilles (where appropriate) are not obstructed either by proximity to
adjacent structures, or by damage or debris build up
Check that the heat exchanger surfaces are free from debris and (reasonably) undamaged.
Check the condition of intake air filters.
Check for staining on direct expansion heat exchanger surfaces that might indicate refrigerant
leakage. If present, check if this is noted in the maintenance records.
In operation, check the rotation and control of heat exchange fans.
5.2.4 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems in treated spaces
NOTE 5.2.4 to 5.2.6 are applied in cases where the air-conditioning system includes distribution of cooling
energy using ventilation. See also prEN EPBD WI30.
In the treated spaces, locate the air delivery openings, grilles or diffusers, and locate the route by
which air is extracted from the spaces.
Note if there is any evidence that occupants find the air delivery arrangement unacceptable, for
example taping over grilles, or have altered the designed flow distribution for example by blocking air
paths with furniture or similar obstructions, or wedging open doors.
Note the positioning and geometry of air supply openings in relation to extract openings, and the
potential to short-circuit from supply to extract. If suspected, this might be checked visually using a
smoke-pencil.
5.2.5 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems at air handling
units and associated ductwork
For safety reasons, it is necessary for air handling fans in air distribution systems to be turned off in
order to gain access inside air handlers or ductwork to inspect components such as fans, drives,
filters, heat exchangers and control dampers. A warning sign shall be provided, in accordance with
EN 1886.
Determine and record the frequency of filter changing or cleaning, and the time elapsed since the last
change or cleaning.
Assess the current state of cleanliness, damage or blockage of filters. Filter housings should be
equipped with a differential pressure gauge indicating the pressure drop and any blockage while the
system is in operation. If it is in good condition this may be used to assess filter blockage. If the gauge
is malfunctioning, perhaps due to loss of fluid, then this should be noted. Access the interior of the air
handling unit to observe filter condition directly, and check the fit and sealing of the filter and housing
within the duct.
Assess the condition of heat exchangers. Note if any of the heat exchanger surfaces are significantly
damaged, or blocked by debris or dust.
Note whether refrigeration heat exchangers have staining that could indicate refrigerant leakage. If
present, check whether any attention to this is noted in the maintenance records.
Note the fan type, and method of control.
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prEN 15240:2005 (E)
5.2.6 Inspect cooled air, and independent ventilation air, delivery systems at
...