September 2010
2010 Product of the Year Winners
At the close of the Sixth Annual Product of the Year Awards, one thing stands out above the rest—this year was definitely different from years past. » more
Steam plant decentralization project
In 2004, Sandia National Laboratories, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., began researching what would be required to decentralize the steam plant that has been in use on... » more
Paralleled Generator Design Strategies
Here is some guidance on how to implement paralleling strategies for generators, plus how to lay out a proper control scheme to achieve it. » more
Bright light, brighter students
Good school lighting provides myriad benefits—including lower power bills and boosted test scores—but effective design requires smart planning. » more
Higher education, higher protection
In response to the shooting incident at Virginia Tech in 2007 and other similar events, the call for providing better forms of emergency communications on a university campus is growing at a rapid... » more
Generator Ratings
This question-and-answer article outlines how to use manufacturer ratings for generators to choose the proper equipment for the job. Also covered: How to consider conditions that could "de-rate" the... » more
UPS Selection
UPS technologies vary in physical size, weight, form factor, capacity, supported input power source, topology, and cost. » more
Unlocking the Code: Requirements for A/V System Cabling
Audio/visual systems must be installed to meet the cabling requirements of the NEC. The audio/visual (A/V) system in an office or school is often installed long after the base-build phase of... » more
Tier 4i Emissions
Experts answer questions about EPA Tier 4i emissions regulations and generator operating procedures. » more
Designing Efficient Schools
Working to design a LEED-certified school? This article highlights some MEP trends, including the latest HVAC trends. » more
Designing Efficient Schools: Design Strategies
MEP and HVAC trends for designing a LEED-certified school. » more
Designing Efficient Schools: LEED MEP Related Credits
A Project Checklist and the Impact of MEP Related LEED Credits » more
Designing Efficient Schools: Case Study
Chicago Public School Mariano Azuela Elementary School » more
University Gets Smart With Emergency Power Systems
With thousands of students living on campus, and working in classrooms and labs, plus the 24/7 need for data centers and security systems, Michigan Tech University could not operate during power... » more
Climbing to new heights
Meet Allyn Vaughn, PE, FSPE, LEED AP. Allyn Vaughn is a registered fire protection engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been in Las Vegas for more than 13 years... » more
Cutting Energy Costs in Hospitals
You hear a lot these days about sustainable design’s “triple bottom line” of planet, people, and profit. Efficiency is essential to sustaining the successful operation of any energy-intensive... » more
Get Smart Fast on LEDs
LEDs are gaining credibility in the lighting market, and engineers need to learn to use LED technology quickly » more
At the close of the Sixth Annual Product of the Year Awards, one thing stands out above the rest—this year was definitely different from years past. » more
Steam plant decentralization projectIn 2004, Sandia National Laboratories, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., began researching what would be required to decentralize the steam plant that has been in use on... » more
Paralleled Generator Design StrategiesHere is some guidance on how to implement paralleling strategies for generators, plus how to lay out a proper control scheme to achieve it. » more
Bright light, brighter studentsGood school lighting provides myriad benefits—including lower power bills and boosted test scores—but effective design requires smart planning. » more
In response to the shooting incident at Virginia Tech in 2007 and other similar events, the call for providing better forms of emergency communications on a university campus is growing at a rapid... » more
Generator RatingsThis question-and-answer article outlines how to use manufacturer ratings for generators to choose the proper equipment for the job. Also covered: How to consider conditions that could "de-rate" the... » more
UPS SelectionUPS technologies vary in physical size, weight, form factor, capacity, supported input power source, topology, and cost. » more
Audio/visual systems must be installed to meet the cabling requirements of the NEC. The audio/visual (A/V) system in an office or school is often installed long after the base-build phase of... » more
Tier 4i EmissionsExperts answer questions about EPA Tier 4i emissions regulations and generator operating procedures. » more
Designing Efficient SchoolsWorking to design a LEED-certified school? This article highlights some MEP trends, including the latest HVAC trends. » more
Designing Efficient Schools: Design StrategiesMEP and HVAC trends for designing a LEED-certified school. » more
Designing Efficient Schools: LEED MEP Related CreditsA Project Checklist and the Impact of MEP Related LEED Credits » more
Designing Efficient Schools: Case StudyChicago Public School Mariano Azuela Elementary School » more
Acoustical Performance Standards for Schools
Updated standards provide recommendations for acoustic criteria for background noise, reverberation, and sound isolation for schools. » more
Updated standards provide recommendations for acoustic criteria for background noise, reverberation, and sound isolation for schools. » more
University Gets Smart With Emergency Power SystemsWith thousands of students living on campus, and working in classrooms and labs, plus the 24/7 need for data centers and security systems, Michigan Tech University could not operate during power... » more
Climbing to new heightsMeet Allyn Vaughn, PE, FSPE, LEED AP. Allyn Vaughn is a registered fire protection engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been in Las Vegas for more than 13 years... » more
Cutting Energy Costs in HospitalsYou hear a lot these days about sustainable design’s “triple bottom line” of planet, people, and profit. Efficiency is essential to sustaining the successful operation of any energy-intensive... » more
Grading our school systems
September is the month that most children—and adults, for that matter—go back to school. » more
September is the month that most children—and adults, for that matter—go back to school. » more
Get Smart Fast on LEDsLEDs are gaining credibility in the lighting market, and engineers need to learn to use LED technology quickly » more

