Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Buildings

2025/2026

Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module builds on knowledge corresponding to a BSc degree in Civil Engineering, Indoor Environmental and Energy Engineering or similar and knowledge gained in the course Control and Analysis of Building Energy Systems or similar.

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who complete the module:

  • Must be able to describe the energy system of a building and its interaction with the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)
  • Must be able to understand the different communication protocols
  • Must be able to explain commissioning processes
  • Must have knowledge on the different sources of faults in buildings
  • Must be able to describe methods and tools for fault detection at the component, subsystem or whole building level (model- and monitoring-based techniques)
  • Must be able to perform time series analysis

Skills

Students who complete the module:

  • Must be able to use a Building Energy Management System (BEMS)
  • Must be able to select a commissioning plan based on risk and cost analysis
  • Must be able to detect the sources of faults in buildings
  • Must be able to apply fault detection methods and tools based on short-term tests, including Functional Performance Testing (FPT)
  • Must be able to apply fault detection methods and tools based on passive monitoring of buildings

Competences

Students who complete the module:

  • Must be able to combine advanced modelling and measurement techniques to test the performance of components, sub-systems or whole buildings
  • Must be able to analyse the energy system of a building and apply in practice different fault detection tools
  • Must be able to rank, prioritize and solve faults

Type of instruction

Project work

Extent and expected workload

The module is 5 ECTS which is corresponding to 150 hours of study.

Exam

Exams

Name of examFault Detection and Diagnosis in Buildings
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
The exam is carried out either separately or in connection with the project exam. Form of examination is determined at the beginning of the semester.
ECTS5
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleDetektering af fejl og diagnosticering af bygningen og dens tekniske systemer
Module codeB-IE-K3-15
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Indoor Environmental and Energy Engineering)
Study BoardStudy Board of Built Environment
DepartmentDepartment of the Built Environment
FacultyThe Faculty of Engineering and Science