What is Fault Detection?

Fault detection is a crucial step in implementing energy efficient changes to building and industrial systems. Fault detection is utilized to determine that a problem has occurred within in a certain channel or area of operation. In other words, the software application may recognize that the system is operating successfully, but performing at a level that is sub-optimal to pre-determined target. The software application identifies the reason for the sub-optimal performance, or fault, so that the business or organization can pinpoint the fault, and fix it. Fault detection can also be automated for greater flexibility and efficiency.

For example, a particular building management system could have an HVAC set point of 70 degrees for a certain time of day, but when a fault is detected, the system determines that it is operating only at 68 degrees. This discrepancy between the command or goal and the actual measured result is the fault. Detecting faults is important because it allows both building management systems and industrial automation equipment to perform in a precisely efficient manner.