Automated Fault Detection and Diagnosis for HVAC&R Systems: Functional Description and Lessons Learnt

From the last two decades, the development of robust automated fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods applicable to HVAC&R equipment has been an area of active research, and several papers have been written on this issue. However, the use of these systems is not prevalent in the industry as yet, and some reasons for this status are presented in this paper. This paper also provides a description of the various functions and capabilities of an automated FDD system and summarizes pertinent lessons learnt from previous research studies. It is not meant to be a bibliographic review but a clear description and succinct assessment of the various issues which impact this topical area.