Pine Valley Fire Station 44

The County of San Diego built a brand-new San Diego Pine Valley Fire Station #44 project and implemented a systematic quality process called Commissioning (Cx) to ensure the installation and performance of the energy systems. 3QC performed Enhanced Commissioning services for the 13,040 SF facility and performed an Owners Project Requirements (OPR) review. The Commissioning Process can only have success with proper communication and teamwork.

A key result of the commissioning process was the involvement during scheduling and coordination of the equipment start-up, control system testing, and TAB. The Pine Valley Fire Station project required the General Contractor to schedule the work required to complete the project intricately to meet the tight schedule. This added an additional challenge for verifying the Functional Performance tests of the equipment working as a system, as well as coordinating the completion of commissioning activities associated with ensuring the equipment and systems were operating per the Contract Documents. During the Functional Performance Tests the Controls Contractor adequately performed the tests through the Pine Valley BMS. The Mechanical and Controls Contractors had to trouble shoot a few sequences with Fan coil units. However, both contractors were able to resolve the issues onsite and 3QC was able to verify the equipment and systems to work.

The commissioning process has resulted in a smoother, more efficient operation of the building’s heating/cooling systems through the building automation system. In addition, building maintenance and operation’s staff are trained on the systems and can more efficiently respond to issues as they arise.