Jeromie Winsor, Web Editor

Constant Variables

The design of HVAC pumping systems has been greatly affected by the advent of variable-frequency drives (VFDs). These devices have created a multitude of design options for engineers and arguably helped increase energy efficiency. In this month's M/E Roundtable, our panel of HVAC design experts discuss the effects of VFDs, some design considerations and the shape of things to come.

Reports From the Field: Open Controls

Well over a decade ago, concern about the proprietary communications methods for building control systems led the industry to ponder a change. At the time, many building owners—and system designers—felt that they were at the mercy of particular vendors for the installation, maintenance and upgrade of building automation systems.

M/E Roundtable: Building Consensus on BAS

Specifiers and BAS developers thresh out the current state of building control technology and applications

Keeping Track of Conductive Polymers

Plastics that are capable of conducting electricity—electrically conducting polymers—were the accidental result of an experiment in the late 1970s. At the time, the discovery that certain plastics could actually change their traditional "insulating" properties to conductive ones offered a future bright with possibilities.

Specifier’s Notebook: Keeping Track of Conductive Polymers

Plastics that are capable of conducting electricity—electrically conducting polymers—were the accidental result of an experiment in the late 1970s. At the time, the discovery that certain plastics could actually change their traditional "insulating" properties to conductive ones offerered a future bright with possibilities...

Building Consensus on BAS

Editor's Note: In the past, participation in CSE's monthly M/E Roundtable has generally been limited to consulting engineers. This month, CSE begins a new trend, calling on product manufacturers—in this case, BAS developers—to give their insight on technical issues relating to their products.

Bank on it

Global banker Mellon Financial Corporation is no stranger to the shores of the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. In fact, its primary operations were housed for years in a cluster of facilities in downtown Pittsburgh, the heart of this "Golden Triangle." The separate high-rise structures, however, did not mesh well with a key functional requirement of Mellon's modern banking operati...

Rising Sun

The sun, of course, lies literally at the center of our solar system. Figuratively, one could also say it lies at the center of our universe. And although the sun is approximately 93 million miles away from Earth, it bestows upon us more energy—in the form of light and heat—than we could ever possibly need.

The Remote Possibilities of Fiber-Optics

While fiber optics are revolutionizing the communications industry, their adoption into general lighting applications have been slow at best, especially in the U.S. The reasons behind this lack of exploration are varied, with the most common factors being a high initial cost, a general lack of standardized data and difficulty of simply finding quality components.

Space and Flexibility

Commercial and industrial clients are constantly transforming their roles and paradigms. Flexible companies need flexible facilities and—as the electrical engineers in this month's M/E Roundtable can attest—these facilities need power systems that can adapt and grow with them.CSE: What type of client typically changes the most over the life of a facility? Are there certain f...

Biometrics: the Future of Access Control?

Biometrics is a developing technology that may, over time, become one of the most effective tools in facility access control and security applications. While the convenience and accuracy of biometrics make it such a promising technology, there are still some technological, cost and privacy issues that need to be sorted out.

Deep Links: Humidity Control and IAQ

This supplement to April's M/E Roundtable on humidity control and IAQ features some of the best Web resources on the topic.

Humidity Counts—In the Right Amounts

Planning ahead for humidity control can save facilities from a number of IAQ problems

Discovering Internet Resources

Engineers, as a professional group, have generally been quick to adapt to the benefits of the Internet; but how well has the Internet adapted to their needs?It is safe to say that nearly every engineer working at a mechanical/electrical design firm has access to-and regularly uses-the Internet in the office.

M/E Roundtable: Optimal Illumination

A greater recognition of building lighting and its widespread effect on a building's energy efficiency has led to a closer analysis of where-and when-light is shining...

Optimal Illumination

A greater recognition of building lighting and its widespread effect on a building's energy efficiency has led to a closer analysis of where How common are advanced lighting controls ALCARAZ: In our experience with commercial facility lighting design, lighting controls are becoming more accepted by owners, especially when they can be justified with associated energy savings.

Eat more cheese

Without a big thermometer, it is hard to be French

The Best Laid Plans

For modern medical research facilities, it is an absolute must to keep up with the times. Without the best environmental controls, a facility runs the risk of sacrificing the validity of its research. Without an energy- and cost-efficient operation, it may lose out on valuable federal funding that is contingent on keeping costs down.

Taking Exterior Illumination to Task

Finding quality design in outdoor lighting has often been a challenge, but a growing recognition of exterior environments is bringing a change in this trend. The standard lighting fixtures around buildings rate-for the most part-poorly when it comes to light pollution, trespass and illlumination quality.

Shedding Light on Industrial Facilities

Designing a lighting system for industrial facilities has become a practice in using the right tools. Our panel of lighting designers discusses innovations and best practices as they tackle new fixtures, better controls, retrofits and energy efficiency in this month's M/E Roundtable.