HVAC News and Solutions: June 24, 2005

1. Commissioning Engineered Building Systems: All In The Timing
In the last installment of e-columnist George Bourassa’s exploration of building commissioning, we looked at the concept of “breadth of scope” as it applies to building system commissioning and discussed the diversity of scope. And just as there is diversity in the scope of commissioning, there is also diversity in timing. So, when should you start the commissioning process and when, if ever, do you end it? Go to story

2. Survey Finding: Most Contractors Convert to 13 Seer by Jan 2006
The second in a series of 13 SEER market surveys that are being conducted over the course of the year asked HVAC contractors and distributors across the industry questions to gauge their awareness, planning and actions to prepare for the 13 SEER regulation, which goes into effect January 23, 2006. Most HVAC contractors plan to convert by this deadline. Go to story

3. Two New Algorithms for Data Center Cooling Design
A data center’s annual cooling bill can run literally into the millions of dollars, andseveral manufacturers of data center cooling and power applications has developed integrated solutions to the problem. Now, a research team from Duke University and Hewlett-Packard Labs have developed new algorithms for addressing the problem of high temperatures at data centers. Go to story

4. A Case Study in Rx for Maintenance-Intensive Cooling Towers
Metal cooling towers lined with galvanizing or other coatings have been around for a long time—in many instances, far too long. Like an aging fighter, decades-old metal cooling towers frequently become high-maintenance, while performance drops off sharply. Plastic might be the answer to this problem. Go to story