2011 Magazine Archive
December 2011
Juxtaposing science, art, and technologyMariano Rodriguez is a science planner, where he designs master plans for pharmaceutical, vaccine, and industrial companies and government institutions. » more
Confirm UL approval on gensetsGenerator sets should be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2200 listed. Confirmation of this approval before installation and commissioning is crucial. » more
The state of engineering educationGet ready for the next wave of engineers—they may be a bit different than what you’re used to. » more
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Engineering standby power systemsStandby systems design requires focusing on electrical protection to ensure safe, reliable operation and the physical protection of standby system equipment and distribution from natural catastrophes... » more
Implementing variable refrigerant flow systemsSeveral challenges and opportunities face HVAC engineers when implementing variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. » more
Engineer climbs to new heightsSunondo Roy, the vice president for CCJM Engineers, talks about his past experiences as a multidisciplinary engineer and how these experiences have shaped him. » more
Performance artPerforming arts centers and museums play host to a wide range of virtuoso concerts, exhibits by master artists, and other special events. It stands to reason, then, that such structures require... » more
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Planning for modular power system growth How to meet current standby power and electrical distribution needs while also accommodating future expansion. » more
Building and maintaining your professional brand Take the time to create your own personal and professional brand. » more
Houston reaps benefits of energy-efficient equipmentThe city of Houston recently implemented a number of energy conservation measures including replacing existing HVAC equipment, making central plant improvements, updating building management systems,... » more
Commercial wireless BASThe protocol, applications, and design approach for wireless sensor expansion in commercial BAS are in a state of flux, and are moving forward quickly. » more
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Proactively preparing for the Smart Grid The ability to measure and benchmark building performance is an integral component of Smart Grid technologies; building owners that implement data collection systems now will be better positioned for... » more
Understanding Tier 4 requirements: Ensuring cost-effective compliance One of the main issues currently affecting the power generation industry is the applicability of Tier 4 certification versus Tier 4 compliance. » more
Clean extinguishing agent helps save the AlamoDuring a fire, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library saved numerous historical documents from the flames thanks to a solution called fluoroketone that would not damage or harm the older... » more
Using electrical system software for engineering projectsMuch has changed since the days of slide rules and bookcases full of engineering references. Here a group of experts share their experiences and opinions about using electrical system and design... » more
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Integrating fire protection in building systemsLarge-scale building systems integration, such as mass notification systems and video image smoke detectors, are aiming to cut costs and decrease energy usage as well as improve communications during... » more
To excel, change perspectiveDevelop your engineering career by expanding your worldly view and volunteering with various groups. » more
Smart hospital engineeringTo operate properly, hospitals need smart engineering, from the HVAC systems to the fire/life safety and electrical equipment. Here, some expert engineers offer advice on smart hospital engineering. » more
Powering across the globeElectrical engineer, Jonna L. Bournias, with CH2M HILL, has worked in the area of industrial power in the form of various capital projects for the past 20 years. » more
Benchmarking: Understanding building performanceConducting an energy performance comparison, known as benchmarking, can boost energy efficiency and lower building operating costs. » more
Withstanding the test of timeTexas by way of Florida health care engineer Jon Perucki talks outer space, Mel Brooks, and engineering education. » more
Specifying fire sprinkler systemsSpecifying engineers can add value and clarification to the installation process for a sprinkler system. » more
Major league fire protectionCiti Field’s highly advanced fire protection and evacuation systems make use of both centralized and distributed intelligence. » more
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Tall order for super high-risesSuper high-rise buildings pose unique challenges to engineers. The number of these buildings is increasing, which is creating more demand for specialized engineers with high-rise expertise. » more
Choosing a chilled water cooling systemThere are a variety of cooling systems that will meet the cooling requirements of a facility. » more
Airport gets a plant upgradeGraef was commissioned in 1999 to design a new parking structure for General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, but found the best location was on top of the existing chilled water and hot... » more
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Lighting controls: LEED Platinum in 15 daysIn 2008, Boston-based developer Leggat McCall Properties decided to outfit its new 10,000-sq-ft office with energy-harvesting products from lighting control company ILLUMRA, a member of the EnOcean... » more
Legacy compatibility minimizes downtimeThe Texas Capitol is heralded by preservationists for its 15th-century Italian architecture, but by 2010, its discontinued fire and life safety legacy systems had reached the end of their lifecycle... » more
Daylighting sensors and controlsDaylight harvesting is an energy-saving tactic that relies on sensors and lighting controls to optimize natural light through a building’s windows and skylights. » more
6 steps to better data centersReview existing data centers for improvement opportunities like power consumption and effective heating and cooling. » more
Fishing for quality lightingRobb Allen, AIA, IES, helps engineers notice the art and science of lighting. » more
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Centering on dataWith the need to balance a number of complex, changing demands (such as scalability, sustainability, and shifts in codes), data center projects are among the most complex an engineer can face. Here,... » more
Treat yourself to trainingThis year, build a career habit to invest in sharpening your skills. » more
Practical and persistentLicensed professional engineer Neal R. Kuula brings practicality to design and an understanding of the client's needs and requirements. » more
How to select the right motor starter
Engineers should consider various factors and different types of units when selecting a motor starter in a commercial building project. » more
Engineers should consider various factors and different types of units when selecting a motor starter in a commercial building project. » more
Leaders doing the right thingsBy being deliberate and focusing on doing the right things, you’ll be spending your time correctly » more
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Ceiling-mounted spot cooler cools server roomThe University of Louisville Health Care Outpatient Center, in Louisville, Ky., had a problem with its server room overheating. The center decided on a MovinCool CM12 ceiling-mounted spot air... » more
Rethinking the ‘smokeproof’ enclosure Stair pressurization systems in high-rise buildings must be properly designed to avoid creating adverse conditions for egress. Alternate methods to pressurizing the stair bear further evaluation. » more
Commissioning for sound and vibrationAdding sound and vibration as an additional service brings added value to customers, the end user, and the building or facility. » more
ASHRAE 90.1 reduces energy consumptionANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 – 2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, provides guidance for reducing energy consumption by more than 20% over savings realized in... » more
The makings of a mentorSeveral qualities are essential to being a high-quality mentor. Mentees should seek out these abilities when finding a mentor to boost career growth. » more
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