2011 Magazine Archive
December 2011
Measures of efficiencyBuilding systems data can be used to manage equipment operations and determine how to run the building more efficiently. » more
Achieving optimal fan performanceImproper fan design can waste energy, produce excessive noise, and lead to increased system downtime. Design correctly–the first time around. » more
Shopping malls, retail store designShopping malls, retail stores, and strip malls pose many challenges to fire protection, lighting, mechanical, and electrical engineers. » more
Unleash communications from their e-mail chainsCommunicating is key to an engineer’s job, and it is our professional responsibility to do it well—and correctly. » more
Interconnection standards for the Smart GridThe codes and standards defining the Smart Grid and renewable energy sources are maturing. » more
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Fine-tuning a career
No matter what point we’re at in our personal lives or professional careers, we never stop learning. » more
No matter what point we’re at in our personal lives or professional careers, we never stop learning. » more
Rainwater harvesting system designCollecting, filtering, and reusing rainwater is an expensive concept and lengthy process, but can benefit a facility with a reasonable return on investment. » more
Natural ventilation: Who, what, when, where, why, and howWhat you need to know when considering natural ventilation or a mixed-mode scheme, specifically with regard to the use of climate data in the evaluation of natural conditioning potential by season... » more
Building better professional relationshipsLearn to communicate in a professional manner, while building strong relationships. » more
Updating HVAC standards
Staying informed on codes and standards is imperative to keep your knowledge current—from ASHRAE to USGBC. » more
Staying informed on codes and standards is imperative to keep your knowledge current—from ASHRAE to USGBC. » more
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How to be a better CxATop 12 tips that commissioning agents (CxA) need to know to do their jobs better. » more
Challenging plumbing systems demand a pressure boostBooster pumps elevate water pressure and flow to meet the water requirements of larger facilities. » more
Applying NFPA 13 in high-rise buildingsDesigning and installing fire standpipes and sprinkler systems in modern high-rise buildings properly requires in-depth analysis to ensure occupant safety. » more
Focus on: Lighting controls and codes Engineers and lighting designers should know the new lighting and lighting control requirements for ASHRAE 90.1-2010. » more
Keeping communication lines openGary Brennen, the Co-president of Syska Hennessy Group in Los Angeles, talks about his experiences with the company and his hopes for the future. » more
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Back to schoolI have been thinking about going back to school, and what it means to be a student again. » more
Blinding flashes of the obviousChallenge yourself to spend a day with those who use your designs. » more
Improving energy audits with technical retro-commissioningUsing technical retro-commissioning to understand building operation can significantly improve energy audit reports. » more
Engineering a universityColleges and universities remain a hot market for engineers, whether it’s a new facility or an update of an existing building. » more
Emergency power for fire, life safety systemsKnow the requirements for the design of an emergency or standby power systems. » more
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A giant pressure cookerThe tension has been bubbling in the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering fields for some time now, and it’s causing changes in how these firms do business. » more
Keeping critical power reliablePreventive maintenance and proactive replacement are key to UPS reliability. » more
Know the newest lighting codeANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2010 has a variety of lighting and lighting controls changes. The goal of the newest version was to create a standard that could be used to produce buildings that are 30% more... » more
Going beyond the codeThe New York Times Building is a 52-story tower with 1.5 million gross sq ft and is a mix of both office and retail uses with open spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. » more
Smart Grid research revelationsBuilding owners are looking forward to data-driven energy management opportunities, but need utilities to communicate a Smart Grid value proposition. » more
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Circuit protection in hospitalsBasics understandings of circuit protection in healthcare facilities and adopting a circuit protection standard at your firm. » more
Hospital includes sophisticated electrical systemMeeting the demands of a growing population, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., embarked on 12-story, 245-bed replacement hospital in 2004. » more
PV reflectivity safe for airportsGlare analysis performed via simulated environment for proposed PV array near airport. » more
Winning high-first-cost projectsEnhance your engineering with economic acumen and sales techniques to overcome first-cost and payback-period barriers. » more
Developing a detailed test, balance planA detailed test and balance plan can help avoid timing issues and conflicts in the construction of a nonresidential building. » more
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Balancing a domestic hot water systemTesting and balancing a domestic hot water (DHW) system can diagnose and fix pressure and temperature control problems. » more
Renovating electrical distribution systemsHow to decide what to keep and what to discard in an electrical distribution system. » more
Clean agent fire suppression systemsThe next edition of NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, will be published later in 2011. Updates will capture advancements in technologies and the latest thinking on the... » more
NFPA 3: Commissioning fire protection systemsNFPA 3, Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, is nearly complete after moving through the review process. » more
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Setting up an emergency communication systemEngineers should learn to develop and implement an ECS in accordance with national fire and life safety requirements. » more
Improving lab designLaboratory facilities have specific environmental integrity and safety requirements. Four experienced engineers share their thoughts on how well-designed systems impact the success of such structures. » more
Shedding light on LEDs Luminaires that include light-emitting diodes offer nearly endless creative possibilities for facilities. » more
Call your client when energy prices go upHow do you take advantage of the latest increases in energy prices? » more
Successful engineering in the 21st centuryIt was once both necessary and sufficient to be technically competent; now it is only necessary. » more
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Integrated design of electrical roomsElectrical engineers should coordinate with mechanical engineers, architects, structural engineers, and others involved in the design of electrical rooms. » more
Handling the heat
Using heat load information with thermal characteristics of the electrical room envelope engineers to establish a cooling load allows mechanical engineers to accurately select the size of their... » more
Using heat load information with thermal characteristics of the electrical room envelope engineers to establish a cooling load allows mechanical engineers to accurately select the size of their... » more
Seismic codes for nonstructural engineeringMechanical, electrical, and plumbing components are not always taken into account when the thought of earthquakes comes up, but proper attachment to the structure can be just as important as proper... » more
Engineering a sustainable schoolA Virginia school includes a geo-solar system in its HVAC upgrade. Engineers designed a system that was architecturally integrated, offering students a unique learning tool. » more
System integration improves corporate campusJohnson Controls' LEED-certified global headquarters in Glendale, Wis. features innovative lighting design and an HVAC system that integrates renewable energy sources among other sustainable... » more
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A time for introspectionJanuary is a good time to be introspective about your career, firm, and self. » more
Modular data centers Using a modular design approach in data centers will help lower capital spending while at the same time increase efficiency, reliability, and expandability. » more
Modular electrical systems get standardizedModular electrical systems can achieve product variety through combinations of standardized components. » more
Transients in mission critical facilitiesEach of the three transient conditions in an MCF has a different cause, different result, and different method of mitigation. » more
Learning curveIn the face of dwindling budgets, growing sustainability requirements, and other considerations, K-12 school projects can be a challenging—yet rewarding—area for engineers to tackle. Here, a group of... » more
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