Melissa Hillebrand, Associate Editor
Articles
Critical look at power
This month's panel discusses what facilities need mission critical power and at what levels, successful design schemes, technological advancements, and commissioning for these facilities. CSE: The term “mission critical” applies to data centers, telecom centers, and healthcare facilities.
Technology is power
This month's panel discusses on-site power, with regard to power generation, new designs, and renewable technologies.
Not a drop to waste
CSE: Do sensor-activated faucets really save water? J. PATRICK BANSE: Sensor faucets are more sanitary than handle-type faucets, and with preprogrammed “on” times, reduce the water use and possibility of leaving the faucet running longer than needed. Flow-control devices are the real water savers, as they limit the flow rate discharge of water to the user, which also minimizes spla...
Wireless controls
The advantages, future, and obstacles facing the development of wireless controls are discussed with this month's panel of experts.
Power grid problems
This month’s panel discusses the national grid, its problem and innovations, and how to prepare for the digital future.
Alarm panel versatility
This month's panelists discuss how fire alarm codes are addressing issues of mass notification and calls for easier modification of existing fire panels.
Miller-Leaman strainers
Unveiling at the AHR Expo is the Thompson Strainers. Designed for cooling tower water, chilled water, process cooling, and other applications, the strainers are available in a variety of screen mesh options, ranging from large perforated hole openings to as small as 50 microns. All models operate with less than 1 psi pressure loss, when clean.
ICM Controls starting relays
The Universal Motor Starting Relay is a wire-for-wire replacement for all standard relays that operate a single-phase motor with a voltage range of 110 VAC to 502 VAC. The relay is ideal for installations in HVAC, commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and single-phase motor applications up to 10 hp. The relay offers a patented differential voltage sensing technology that ensures exact starting ...
Extech infrared thermometer
For instant, accurate readings, turn to the 42515-T Wide-Range InfraRed Thermometer with Type K output. Storing as many as 20 readings, the thermometer measures both non-contact and contact temperatures in ranges from -58 F to 1,472 F, and Type K thermocouple measurements from -58 F to 2,498 F. Users can manually adjust emissions.
Water storage heats up
CSE: When considering tankless, when might a decentralized—point-of-use—approach be more ideal than a centralized—one tankless heater—approach? MELODY LUTZ: When a water-heating system is decentralized, it may eliminate the necessity for long or multiple hot water piping runs.