2012 Magazine Archive
December 2012
Commissioning control systems for MCFsControls success starts in design with clear requirements, and ends with thorough testing and complete turnover. Here are eight steps to follow. » more
Preventing arc flash incidents by designUnderstanding electrical distribution equipment and its associated risks can help reduce incident energy levels and save lives. » more
How to select an air handling unit Air handling units come in all shapes and sizes. Learn to balance and prioritize all of the choices related to performance, efficiency, maintainability, and space constraints. » more
Understanding backup power system fuel choicesWhile diesel remains popular as a fuel supply, engineers have several additional fuel options from which to choose. » more
1 of 13
Designing energy plants the smart wayA critical review of the expected spectrum of operating loads, including the maximum design, average, low, and minimum loads, is necessary to develop a generating plant design. » more
Choose to become a lighting engineer
Do you have what it takes to become a lighting designer? Here are some key attributes you’ll need. » more
Do you have what it takes to become a lighting designer? Here are some key attributes you’ll need. » more
Challenge: Hospitals, health care facilitiesWith daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
Using natural gas for temporary powerA clean, cost-effective power solution is needed to provide additional power support to energy companies, municipalities, and federal agencies. » more
Hospitals, health care facilities' power and electrical systemsWith daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging... » more
Breathing life into commissioningBuilding commissioning is becoming a standard of nearly all aspects of engineering. » more
A career roadmap: Don’t be afraid to ask for directionsIf you want to be a leader in your firm, you must understand the skills needed to be considered leadership material. » more
Communication in commissioningAn effective commissioning authority must bring far more than technical skills to the project team. Communication skills of all types are key. » more
Embrace engineering change—or risk failureEngineering firms that avoid change and cling to the status quo are destined to fail. » more
Commissioning buildings for fire, life safetyProper commissioning of the fire and life safety features will ensure an on-time building. » more
1 of 18
An overview: How to engineer systems in mixed-use buildings When working on mixed-use buildings, engineers must address many needs in one building. » more
How to engineer systems in mixed-use buildings: Fire and life safetyWhen working on mixed-use buildings, engineers must address many needs in one building. Fire and life safety issues are discussed here. » more
How to engineer systems in mixed-use buildings: Electrical and power systems
When working on mixed-use buildings, engineers must address many needs in one building. Electrical and power engineering are key aspects of these buildings. » more
When working on mixed-use buildings, engineers must address many needs in one building. Electrical and power engineering are key aspects of these buildings. » more
How to engineer systems in mixed-use buildings: HVAC and controlsWhen working on mixed-use buildings, engineers must address many needs in one building. This reviews aspects of HVAC, automation and controls, and energy efficiency. » more
Project success is the sum of all partsIn a data center, uptime is more than just the sum of its pieces. » more
1 of 20
Overcoming hurdlesThe 2012 MEP Giants recognizes the top 100 mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection engineering firms by MEP design revenue. » more
Master these 10 common gracesThe consummate professional rounds technical skills with a few common graces. » more
Water mist: A wise recipe for extinguishment Water mist systems are used as fire protection in buildings with sensitive equipment or materials. » more
Unraveling mysteries of BAS wireless controlsThere is quite a bit of flux in the wireless building instrumentation and controls protocol market with numerous players jockeying for dominance. Here’s a look at several of them. » more
Retro-commissioning guidance: An overviewWhile starting from scratch on a not-yet-built structure can be taxing, engineering systems on existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Here, experts in the field offer advice on how... » more
1 of 19
High-performance must be high-profile
High-performance buildings are by no means a new topic of discussion, nor are they new to the many engineers who have been working toward energy efficiency and similar goals for years. » more
High-performance buildings are by no means a new topic of discussion, nor are they new to the many engineers who have been working toward energy efficiency and similar goals for years. » more
Tips and tricks for mission critical facilitiesReliability is important on any project an engineer is charged with, but especially when it comes to mission critical facilities, failure is not an option. » more
Saving energy in water heating systemsIncreased domestic water heating equipment efficiencies and numerous system configurations offer design professionals more tools to save energy and meet the building and client requirements. » more
In engineering, what really matters?What do you do when your project has features outside of the normal specs? » more
1 of 8
Innovating our way through the recession One of the best things about being in the engineering field is that we get to witness new technologies and processes as soon as they're on the market--new products, groundbreaking projects, and... » more
MEP Roundtable: Industrial strengthManufacturing and industrial structures can have wide-ranging engineering needs, depending on the processes conducted inside. » more
Selecting UPS for mission critical projectsA well-designed and properly applied UPS can protect critical loads from power quality anomalies. » more
Emerging UPS technologies, applicationsSeveral emerging UPS technologies are gaining acceptance. Some of these up-and-coming UPS types include superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES), flywheels, super capacitors, and fuel cells. » more
UPS efficiency and LEED certificationLEED certification for a project demonstrates a dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency. » more
Designing an effective emergency communication systemCatastrophic events have changed the way fire protection engineers design emergency communication systems and mass notification systems. » more
Your personal development toolkitA few tools will help you better yourself in relationships and on the job. » more
Life safety in overdriveInstead of specifying individual systems for fire alarm systems, engine test cell fire suppression, hazardous gas detection, medical emergencies, digital voice command, and emergency weather... » more
Whatever happened to critical thinking? New engineers are brilliant and stupid at the same time. » more
Systems integration benefits Building operations are challenged by insufficient financial and human resources and ever-expanding scopes of responsibility. Systems integration and analytics are a means of doing more with less. » more
World of differenceConducting business overseas can be a challenge of global proportions. Figure in language barriers, culture clashes, lack of adequate infrastructure, and climate differences, and a project that would... » more
The magic of innovation
What do the automated teller machine, Kodak Photo CD, and the fax machine have in common? On the surface, it doesn’t seem like much. Each of these products, however, started out as an award-winning... » more
What do the automated teller machine, Kodak Photo CD, and the fax machine have in common? On the surface, it doesn’t seem like much. Each of these products, however, started out as an award-winning... » more
Mentoring is ‘the way it is’ at Midwest firmKJWW Engineering Consultants employs a formal mentoring process for all new hires. » more
Classifying generator power sourcesThe NEC has several categories that apply to generator power sources. It is important to review the code requirements when deciding on the classification of an alternate power source. » more
Transfer switches in emergency systems
Automatic transfer switches (ATSs) are by far the most commonly used form of transfer switches for emergency or legally required standby power systems. » more
Automatic transfer switches (ATSs) are by far the most commonly used form of transfer switches for emergency or legally required standby power systems. » more
1 of 10
Striking a balance between passive and active fire protectionOccupant protection, structural safety, and proper suppression systems designed in compliance with the 2012 International Building Code can reduce the risk of damages from fire exposure in a building. » more
Analyze the lifecycle of HVAC systemsPerforming a series of cost analyses when designing HVAC systems is an economically justifiable method to selecting the appropriate design solution. » more
Case study: Bundling performanceAlthough LCCA of individual system alternates is often valuable, it is important to recognize the whole building return on investment that is the basis for a building’s overall success. A brief... » more
School uses DV in underground athletic facility For the subgrade athletic center at Sidwell Friends School, a K-12 school on 15 acres in Washington, D.C., displacement ventilation (DV) was ideal for the 23,000-sq-ft, four-court gymnasium, which is... » more
When, where to use displacement ventilation Displacement ventilation can be used instead of mixed-flow ventilation in HVAC systems. To evaluate its suitability, consider IAQ, comfort, energy consumption, and cost. » more
1 of 18
Sizing motors right the first timeDetermining load horsepower, wiring, and breaker size for safe and efficient installations. » more
Balancing energy and indoor air qualityEngineers can create a balanced approach to the energy and indoor air quality (IAQ) trade-off with dedicated outdoor air systems that fit the needs of the facility and its inhabitants. » more
Business development: How to win more workAn engineer provides his perspective on how to win more work by engaging the staff, building your business, and then winning the bid. » more
Controlling successRebecca Ellis is a nationally recognized leader in the commissioning industry and specializes in the design, analysis, and commissioning of intricate temperature and humidity control systems. » more
1 of 14