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Hospital design trends focus on patient experience and energy savings
The biggest trends in hospital and healthcare facility design include a focus on decarbonization, patient experience and integrating telehealth technologies.
Energy savings for HVAC systems in health care facilities
Health care facilities require sophisticated HVAC systems to maintain high levels of indoor air quality, thermal comfort and infection control while navigating stringent regulations and rising energy costs
Project Profile: Banner Desert Medical Center New Patient Tower Commissioning
Banner Desert Medical Center is one of the largest and most comprehensive health care facilities in Arizona.
How to use NFPA 70 for patient spaces in health care facilities
When designing health care facilities, electrical engineers need to consult and comply with myriad different standards and regulations to ensure a safe and code-compliant design
Project Profile: San Mateo – Cordilleras Mental Health Center
To build the new facility on an existing site located within a large valley in the coastal foothills of Northern California and adjacent to the existing behavioral health facility.
Project Profile: BIDMC Klarman
This project highlights strategizing phased construction and facilitate enabling project completion for BIDMC Klarman.
Project Profile: Duke University Chesterfield Quantum Computing Research Lab Upfit
Quantum computing utilizes trapped ions held in electromagnetic fields.
How to use DOAS to design low-temperature operating rooms
Many hospitals and health care facilities struggle to maintain temperature and humidity in operating rooms, especially as doctors are asking for lower temperature options. Three kinds of dedicated outdoor air systems can solve this challenge
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed health care articles in 2024
Read the best health care articles about room design, fire protection, lighting and more.
How to utilize suites under NFPA 101 requirements
Suites are a great design option that allow for operational flexibility in health care facilities, while still meeting NFPA 101 requirements
Building design trends in hospitals and health care facilities
Lessons from COVID-19 have made flexibility and resiliency top concerns when designing for hospitals and other health care facilities
How to use best practices to illuminate a NICU
New guidelines address the complex lighting needs of newborn infants, birthing women, family members and hospital staff
Project Profile: AdventHealth Innovation Tower
The building is served by an onsite central energy plant that provides 1200 tons of cooling capacity and two generators for backup power in case of an emergency.
Project Profile: Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital Expansion
Project includes mechanical, plumbing, electrical and information systems infrastructure upgrades in multiple existing buildings including the central plant.
Project Profile: Seattle Children’s Hospital Buildings Care (Forest B Building)
The roof of the hospital contains three loud chillers, various other mechanical equipment and a helipad.
Project Profile: UNC Health Central Generator Plant
This project worked on adding electrical modernization and centralized utilities on an existing large university and medical center campus.
Electrical: Circuit Protection, part 2: Hospital electrical circuit protection case study
Randall Ehret outlines an example of electrical and circuit protection using a hospital as an example.
How to design mechanical fire protection system coordination and integration
This article provides a clarifying framework for understanding both active and passive fire protection systems and life safety systems
How operating room designs avoid the shock of electrical system accidents
Collaboration between design professionals and hospital clinical teams is essential for maintaining operating room safety
Case study: Patient bed tower addition
The electrical design team relocated generators for a hospital tower addition
Health care building design model shifts
As hospitals and health care facilities evolve, the engineered systems within them must change
Healthcare’s aging infrastructure problem
The following strategies can be adopted by healthcare facilities to identify the specific renovations and improvements needed to address infrastructure shortfalls.
How will the rise of medtail impact hospital design and construction?
Medtail could be the future of hospital design as it allows patients to obtain medical services without going to a hospital, but what does that mean for hospital design?
2022 FGI guidelines have arrived: What do they mean?
The FGI 2022 guidelines are here! The Guidelines for Design and Construction documents are updated every four years.
What healthcare IoT could mean for hospital design
IoT is going to become a major player within the healthcare industry by catering to patients and increasing efficiency.
Project Profile: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Acute Care Building
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas wanted a new building that would allow the hospital to easily grow its capacity into the future.
Project Profile: Duke University Medical Center Central Tower
Duke Health's patient towers were aging and renovations would require a significant investment that would result in a net reduction in patient beds.
Project Profile: Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Chiller Generator Plant
This hospital project involved site easement and property boundaries as well as a location where major utility infrastructure could not be relocated.
Energy benchmark survey released on hospitals
Grumman|Butkus Associates has released its Hospital Benchmarking Survey. Report examines electricity, fossil fuel, water/sewer, and carbon footprint
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: May 6-12, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered hospitals, air movement, indoor air quality, NFPA 72 changes and microgrids.
A five-step health care emergency preparedness plan
Learn about the basic concepts of emergency preparedness planning — a vital component of a health care facility’s overall resiliency — and the role of the consulting engineer
Designing for healthcare provider health, wellness, and retention
Current trends show a focus on the needs of healthcare workers.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 14-20, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Health care generators, BAS replacements, power quality needs, lighting controls and electric vehicle charging stations.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: December 31 to January 6, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Hospital design, BAS replacements, emergency lighting compliance, NFPA 110 and fire pump systems.
How are hospitals being designed differently?
Hospitals and health care facilities are changing and their engineered systems must transform with them
What, where and how: Facilitating knowledge transfer for hospital facilities
In hospital facilities, building systems including power, medical gas, and temperature and humidity control are vital to the healthcare environment and high-quality patient care.
Using prototype standards to accelerate hospital from concept to grand opening
For a health system building a new community hospital, it’s natural that everyone who will be using the space wants to have a say in how it turns out.
How medtail merges healthcare with the convenience of retail
Henderson’s retail practice director Jason Wollum and healthcare practice director Mark Chrisman discussed The Growing Buzz Around Medtail in a recent webinar.
24 hours in a Smart Hospital
A look at what defines a smart hospital and how patients can benefit from the advances in smart and integrated technology during a 24-hour stay.
Project profile: VA Ambulatory Care Center
A three-level outpatient healthcare facility for military veterans, encompassing about 157,000 square feet.
The growing buzz around medtail
Partnership between hospitals and healthcare systems build on community
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 20-26, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Product of the Year finalists, NFPA 99 changes, medical gas systems and hydraulic system design.
Six ways design can supercharge innovation in health sciences and medical education
We’re heading straight for a significant healthcare worker shortage—and fast.
Post COVID-19 healthcare facilities planning
With vaccinations underway, an end to the COVID-19 pandemic is on the horizon
How does your hospital stack up: Grumman | Butkus Associates publishes 2020 edition of hospital benchmarking survey
Report examines electricity, fossil fuel, water/sewer, and carbon footprint
Incorporating resilient healthcare facility solutions in New Jersey
Healthcare facilities in New Jersey have faced a variety of challenges from natural disasters to pandemics and they're trying to become more resilient as a result.
Incorporating technology into healthcare facilities
The visioning, coordination and planning of technology equipment in a new hospital or major healthcare facility takes a lot of meticulous work and accuracy to get right.
Fueling performance in all types of workplaces
A roundtable discussion focused on how workplace settings on health and academic campuses can benefit just as much from strategies to refine, reprogram, and optimize them for high performance and positive employee experience
Desiccant dehumidification in operating rooms
Operating rooms, for years, have been designed by older standards to a room temperature and don't adapt well to the current standards, which means hospitals have to adjust dehumidification requirements.
Neurologic institute building trying to redefine patient care
The Philadelphia Neurologic Institute (PNI) is looking to create a department-less health building outside Philadelphia to better connect patients and doctors.
Hospital facility for detecting congenital heart disease completed
CannonDesign recently completed an innovative facility offering first-of-its-kind comprehensive care for adult congenital heart disease.
Rapid COVID-19 detection for hospitals, retirement homes designed
Texas A&M University student researchers are working on a biosensor that could quickly diagnose cases and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in hospitals, retirement homes and more.
Designing, retrofitting hospitals during COVID
While COVID-19 has changed many aspects in a health care facility, some things remain identical
Evaluating the nuances of outpatient facilities
Whether a stand-alone facility or attached to a hospital, business-based healthcare can be a challenge to navigate from the construction and design perspective, a difficult prospect to manage from the facility engineer’s perspective,
College of medicine surgery and innovation training lab
The 17,000-sf College of Medicine’s Surgical and Innovation Training Lab (SITL) at the University of Illinois-Chicago emphasizes simulation, virtual learning and robotics.
Four highlights from healthcare design and construction symposium
Healthcare has radically changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Vanderbilt School of Engineering’s Annual Healthcare Design & Construction Symposium addressed several changes currently happening.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 24-30, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Resilient hospital design, MEP Giants revenue, college campuses, pandemic control and Product of the Year finalists.
Resilient design in health care: Four steps for surviving a crisis
Learn the basic concepts and strategic planning needed to ensure resilient design of hospitals and health care facilities to reduce risk during natural disasters and man-made threats
How simulation modeling can help healthcare facilities
Simulation modeling helps engineers rapidly test a number of "what if" scenarios, which is crucial for hospitals.
Healthcare design in the wake of COVID-19
Healthcare facilities will be looking at key learnings from this time to better host the public in safe and effective ways now and in the future as they move forward from COVID-19.
COVID-19 and teaching the next generation of nurses
COVID-19 has upended healthcare delivery, the workplace, and all levels of education – the economic toll is still being realized – and capital projects on college and university campuses will inevitably be impacted as public and privately funded projects adjust to the budget crunch.
How to maintain hospital functionality during construction
Referring to NFPA 99 helps engineers minimize impacts in hospital and health care projects. Replacing, extending or removing existing systems will result in outages; here are tips on how to avoid problems
COVID-19 and the impacts to long-term care facilities
Long-term care facilities house some of the most vulnerable members of our population. Read this to learn more about engineering solutions to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics
Consulting-Specifying Engineer June 2020 Issue
Read the June 2020 digital edition to learn about NFPA 99, maintaining health care facilities and how engineers are responding to COVID-19.
Basics of NFPA 99 changes for hospital design
How engineers should navigate the changes to the 2018 edition of NFPA 99
Rethinking health and wellness for the healthcare industry
There’s an urgent need—and growing opportunity—to reinvent the healthcare experience by adapting key retail principles to design outpatient "stores." See white paper link to learn more.
Flexible design helped behavioral health hospital adapt to COVID-19
The University of Kansas Strawberry Hill Behavioral Health Hospital was able to adjust and function through the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to its flexible building design.
How to apply NFPA 99 in the design of health care facilities
Examine three areas of NFPA 99 that are often discussed during the design and construction of a health care facility
Medical center serving as COVID-19 testing, treatment site in West Bengal
Tata Medical Center in Kolkata, India, which regularly treats cancer patients, has adapted to being a testing location for treating COVID-positive cancer patients.
Accelerating patient-ready spaces in response to COVID-19
The surge of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has health systems across the country assessing their past, current and future resources to see how they can rapidly increase patient capacity.
Provincial Health Services Authority: BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital, The Teck Acute Care Centre (TACC)
Two significant aspects of the BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital, The Teck Acute Care Centre (TACC) project were the incorporation of sustainable design strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, and resilience design strategies to mitigate the consequences of mass casualty events.
Assisting in COVID-19 Surge for Behavioral Health Patients
As local governments look to convert unused, out of commission spaces to handle COVID-19 patient surge, CannonDesign has been working with a longtime California partner to care for a vulnerable population.
Inside the ICU: A look at COVID-19 on the front line
Kaelee Stone, an ICU nurse in Lincoln, Neb., offers a look at the impact COVID-19 is having on a personal level and on the hospital and the community at large.
US Army Corps of Engineers, Europe: Rhine Ordnance Barracks – Medical Center Replacement (ROB-MCR)
The new Rhine Ordnance Barracks-Medical Center Replacement (ROB-MCR) will serve the large military community southwest of Frankfurt, Germany, in a sustainable healing environment that improves patient outcomes
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 24-30, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Modeling a changed world, illuminating egress, infection control technologies, HVAC strategies for COVID-19 and patient care.
Hospital for children sports center turned to alternative care site due to COVID-19
The gym at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children is now a care site for non-coronavirus patients if a nearby hospital is experience a surge of COVID-19 patients.
Washington University school of medicine in St. Louis breaks ground on dynamic neuroscience research building
The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis will house breakthrough research to fight Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases.
Four technology solutions hospitals will reconsider in a post-COVID-19 world
The COVID-19 pandemic together is making hospitals reconsider technologies or methods that might have been shunned or minimized before the crisis.
How redesigning the patient journey will save lives during COVID-19 and beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed America’s healthcare system and society to adapt at remarkable speed. Change that usually would take years has occurred seemingly overnight.
What does the future health care facility look like?
Consider all the integrated systems that could make hospitals powerful and flexible
Preparing for COVID–19: Strategies for creating isolation areas with existing hospital infrastructure
Hospitals and clinics will need to find ways to support an increase in patients who test positive for the virus. Strategies for creating isolation wards and using underutilized space can help.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 20-26, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Coronavirus' effects on the A/E industry, how hospitals can fight the coronavirus, mass notification systems and expert coronavirus advice for engineers.
Hospital energy use and costs rising, according to survey
A survey on energy use shows a rise in energy costs and use as hospitals are struggling to reduce the carbon footprint
How U.S. hospitals are designed to battle coronavirus, other infectious diseases
Hospitals are designed to control the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. A look at how they do this as well as some ideas health systems may want to consider as they prepare for the pandemic-related possibilities we face.
Hospital project rises from historical urban site in Montreal
The Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) in Montreal combines modern healthcare delivery, history-rich landmarks, public art and urban architecture to become more than a healthcare destination.
Autism center design developed with designer’s firsthand experience
The Thompson Autism Center at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County exists to help evaluate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) earlier in life and was built by a designer who has had personal experiences with ASD, which influenced the project
Ask an expert: Hospitals, health care facilities
Health care facility designers are expected to keep pace with increasingly complex, advanced engineered systems and features
Case study: Hospital expansion incorporates IPD
The owner, engineer, architect and contractor all benefited from an integrated lean project delivery approach with specific partner requirements in place and an insightful understanding of crucial team dynamics
How Modular Design and Construction Benefits Health Organizations
The demand for medical facilities, inpatient and outpatient, shows no sign of relenting, even with increased use of telehealth and at-home wellness programs.
Mount Sinai Miami Beach Expansion Wins IIDA Healthcare Interior Design Award
We are proud to announce that Mount Sinai Medical Center, Skolnick Surgical Tower and Hildebrandt Emergency Center has been awarded a Healthcare Interior Design Award from the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) in the Academic/Teaching Hospitals category.
Houston Methodist Hospital: Walter Tower
Inserting a 21-story replacement tower without disrupting the rest of the campus.
Phase Two of Tata Medical Center Kolkata Now Open
Behind India’s high cancer morbidity rate is a lack of education around the disease and limited medical services and insurance coverage.
A commitment to community: Modernizing the Saint Francis Hospital Vinita
Despite diligent efforts through the years to maintain and upgrade the facility to stay current with modern healthcare trends and technology, the hospital struggled with funding.
UC San Diego Health Expands Regional Access With New Encinitas Clinic
The facility will act as a one-stop shop for community members seeking a variety of healthcare needs, from primary care for all ages, sports physicals, and even treatment for an off-hour ankle sprain, with a seven-days-a-week clinic schedule.
Sheppard Pratt Celebrates Topping Out of Behavioral Health Facility
Sheppard Pratt Health System (SPHS) recently celebrated a major construction milestone on its new Behavioral Health facility in Howard County, Maryland with a topping-out ceremony – the point during construction at which a building has reached its highest, final height.
What matters most in your medgas replacement
Medical gas systems serve healthcare facilities by providing gases that are life-sustaining (oxygen), critical-use (medical air), or suction (vacuum) for patients.
Deb Sheehan on Renovating and Expanding Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Deb shines light on how ASCs can ensure staff can effectively continue surgical work amidst ongoing construction.
Healthcare Facility Trends To Watch Today
In an environment where the rules will keep changing and reimbursement shows no signs of settling down, how can good facility design help health care systems and providers succeed?
Understanding FGI: Improve your patient experience with better acoustics
Patient-centered healthcare means focusing on the factors that affect the patient’s experience in addition to their health.
Case study: Hospital patient tower
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, along with electrical and technology systems, were carefully designed in a new hospital patient building.
How to implement NFPA 99-2018
The 2018 edition of NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code covers a broad range of criteria for health care facilities. Mechanical, electrical and fire protection engineers need details about the changes to each relative portion of the code.
First active chilled beams in acute care patient rooms
With a 60-year history of excellence in patient care, Cone Health naturally prioritized occupant safety and comfort while reducing energy costs for its new 240,644 square foot North Tower.
What are micro-hospitals – and what benefits do they offer?
Not every community has a large hospital, and not every community needs one.
How do you build a hospital that balances cutting edge technology and affordable healthcare?
In 2013, Kaiser Permanente (KP) – a non-profit health plan and care provider – invited the world’s most talented minds to submit their designs for the hospital of the future.
What are hospitals doing to connect and protect patients
The following trends were noted within the healthcare construction community as at PDC Summit.
Things you want to know about sterile processing
Sterile processing is one of the unsung heroes of a hospital.
Teck Acute Care Centre: Improving healthcare resiliency
Resilience in the built environment involves reducing, adapting to, and mitigating risks.
Three Exciting Features of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Surgical Tower and ED
The opening of the new 340,000-sf surgical tower and ED is a transformational moment for MSMC as it equips them to enhance the care they bring to their patients and community for generations.
Designing health care facilities and medical campuses
Hospitals, clinics, and similar facilities are among the most demanding an engineer can tackle—the technology is evolving rapidly, hospital managers are increasingly budget-conscious, and assist in saving lives.
The Need for Steam
As is the case with many health-care institutions, Kaiser Hospital in Sunnyside, Ore., periodically requires large amounts of steam for heating and sterilization. However, in the past, the difficulty was that one boiler was not sufficient to handle the sudden load swing. "In the wintertime, our two 300-hp fire-tube boilers would not hold the load, so we'd have to run our 500-hp boiler with a 30...
Stay Cool Round-the-Clock: 7×24 Cooling in Health-Care Facilities
Creating and maintaining comfort conditioning in hospitals has long been the design goal and an operational requirement of HVAC systems, not only for patients and health-care providers, but also for equipment such as telephone rooms and computer rooms. Lately, it is becoming even more of a challenge. Most central air systems operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week to provide comfort conditioning and minimum air change rates as required by code. But the increasing use and need for digital communications, computerized patient records, digital radiology imaging and storage systems are creating an increasing need for year-round cooling in hospitals and related health-care facilities. Many new types of equipment are creating larger cooling loads: digital radiographic equipment such as computed tomography (CT) scan equipment and heat exchanger; cardiac cath lab and EP lab computer equipment, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, computer rooms themselves; and uninterruptible power supplies.
Case study: Harnessing IPD to fast-track a replacement hospital
Bayhealth is central and southern Delaware's largest health care system. The new health care campus anchors its services by hosting an inpatient acute care hospital as well as an adjoining ambulatory care center to create a community-focused health village (see Figure 3). At the onset of the project, Bayhealth made its goal clear: deliver the hospital at least 3 months earlier than comparable health care projects. Integrated project delivery (IPD) helped the team deliver a high-quality hospital below cost and ahead of traditional schedules.
HCI event recap: upcoming trends in healthcare from key women in the industry
Read the key takeaways from the women of the Health Care Institute of Chicago involving topics such as technology, innovation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Barton Associates Inc.: UPMC Shadyside Hospital West Wing Renovations
Automation, controls; electrical, power; fire, life safety; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; plumbing, piping; low voltage cabling and medical gas/vacuum systems; health care facility; and existing building retrofit
Sindoni Consulting & Management Services Inc.: Kaiser Permanente San Diego Central Medical Center
Commissioning, retro-commissioning; HVAC; health care facility; and new construction
Retrofitting aging health care facilities requires patience
Health care organizations are turning to renovation and expansion of their existing facilities, many dating back to the 1960s, but it isn’t an easy process.
Proactively addressing population health while improving access to care
The Golisano Center for Community Health at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is improving access to care through the formation of strategic community partnerships.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer announces Gregory Quinn has joined editorial advisory board
Gregory Quinn, PE, NCEES, LEED AP, from Affiliated Engineers Inc. has joined the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.
Steven Stafford joins CannonDesign as vice president
CannonDesign has announced that Steven Stafford has joined CannonDesign as Vice President and Advisory Services Consultant.
December 2 Southland Industries update: Roughing in systems on Levels 2-6; Drywall in North, West clinics; Parking garages underway
Roughing in systems on Levels 2-6; Drywall in North, West clinics; Parking garages underway
Deb Sheehan: Challenges of 21st Century health care design
Deb Sheehan, Cannon Design's Executive Director of Health Care Practice, explains in a short video the challenges facing hospitals and the health care industry as a whole.
Riverside Methodist Hospital $321 Million Patient Tower and Neuroscience Center
New construction; Riverside Methodist Hospital $321 Million Patient Tower and Neuroscience Center; Dynamix Engineering Ltd.
Bigger hospitals — bigger patient bills?
Deals involving hospital mergers doubled in 2012 compared to 2009 and this may have a significant impact on healthcare costs for consumers.
Reducing energy costs creates savings/opportunities for hospitals
Sustainable, energy efficient futures for hospitals could save them millions of dollars in the long-term if properly realized.
Springfield Regional Medical Center
New construction: Springfield Regional Medical Center; Dynamix Engineering Ltd.
Smartest Building in America winners announced
Siemens has awarded the Providence St. Peter and Jackson South Community hosptals as their Smartest Building in America contest winners.
Smart hospital engineering
To operate properly, hospitals need smart engineering, from the HVAC systems to the fire/life safety and electrical equipment. Here, some expert engineers offer advice on smart hospital engineering.
Indoor air handlers
McQuay International’s Vision Indoor Air Handlers, offer a side-by-side arrangement with energy recovery wheel option and a dual belt-drive plenum fans option.
HEA hires director of engineering
Horizon Engineering Assocs. LLP hires director of engineering, Keith Seda, LEED AP, CBCP.
Withstanding the test of time
Texas by way of Florida health care engineer Jon Perucki talks outer space, Mel Brooks, and engineering education.
RTKL promotes healthcare leaders
Three newly appointed group leaders will oversee RTKL's healthcare developments in the Americas and the Middle East.
Wisconsin hospital uses energy-efficient boiler
St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wis., earns the Energy Star designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of a green healthcare initiative.
Circuit protection in hospitals
Basics understandings of circuit protection in healthcare facilities and adopting a circuit protection standard at your firm.
Hospital includes sophisticated electrical system
Meeting 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.
Darr becomes HGA’s business developer
Nancy E. Darr will be working within the healthcare and education industries continuing to enhance HGA’s reputation as a leader in innovative design.
North American plumbing organizations meet
Plumbing organizations in the United States and Canada gathered in Chicago to discuss new standards and codes and ideas for their profession.
Stantec named one of top 10 commercial design firms
Commercial Construction + Renovation magazine named the North American design firm as one of the best design firms in 2010, ranking second overall for the second year in a row.
ccrd partners expands, promotes
ccrd partners expands with new stockholders and associate principals.
2011 40 Under 40: Wade Conlan, PE, LEED AP, 39
Principal, exp, Maitland, FL
2011 40 Under 40: Greg Gehrt, PE, 36
Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Houston
2011 40 Under 40: Jason Johnson, 35
Associate Manager, Rolf Jensen and Assocs. Inc., Houston
2011 40 Under 40: Jenny Leitch, PE, LEED AP, 32
Electrical Project Engineer, Staggs and Fisher Consulting Engineers Inc., Lexington, Ky.
2011 40 Under 40: Rick Maniktala, PE, LEED AP, 37
Principal, M.E. Group, Kansas City, Mo.
2011 40 Under 40: Mark Montgomery, PE, 36
Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Greenwood Village, Colo.
2011 40 Under 40: Kevin Mussler, PE, LEED AP, 37
Vice President and Managing Partner, CMTA, Lexington, Ky.
2011 40 Under 40: Todd Ravenscroft, PE, LEED AP, 35
Associate, Arup, San Francisco
2011 40 Under 40: Nolan Rome, PE, LEED AP, 34
Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Phoenix
2011 40 Under 40: Rick Russell, PE, LEED AP, 37
Principal, Interface Engineering, San Francisco
2011 40 Under 40: Douglas R. Smith, PE, LEED AP, 31
Senior Associate and Engineering Manager, Dynamix Engineering Ltd., Columbus, Ohio
2011 40 Under 40: Li Yuan, PE, LEED AP, 39
General Manager-Asia Pacific Operations, exp, Maitland, Fla.
Unit substation
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
AHLEI members to receive energy management training
The hospitality professionals group can earn education credits through the Energy University program from Schneider Electric.
Emergency power tests
The Square D PowerLogic emergency power supply system (EPSS) test helps hospitals ensure their backup power systems are ready to perform.
Modular central plants can streamline engineering
Modular central plants can be less expensive to build, simplify design and specification, and require less space than traditional mechanical rooms.
Green building rating system for medical facilities
U.S. Green Building Council has revealed LEED for Healthcare, a new green building rating system intended to guide the design and construction of new and existing medical facilities.
Shedding light on LEDs
Luminaires that include light-emitting diodes offer nearly endless creative possibilities for facilities.
KJWW Engineering project wins ASHE award
The SSM St. Clare Health Center was named 2011 Vista Award winner by ASHE.
RMF Engineering moves to Raleigh, N.C.
Former Durham office relocates to Raleigh to better assist in RMF’s growth.
Baskervill expands team
Baskervill recently hired three project designers, an electrical designer, and a project architect.
CSE Editorial Advisory Board Member traveling country to teach Facility Operations and Maintenance
The Energy Center of Wisc. provides training for engineers, owners, while the education arm of Energy Center offers continuing education programs to design, build, and maintain high-performance buildings.
Desiccant dehumidification for surgical rooms
Some surgical rooms can tolerate no more than +/- 2% change in relative humidity; desiccant dehumidifiers can be used as standalone solutions.
Conference on total building commissioning focuses on the future of commissioning
ACG’s Commissioning Conference offers information on Lighting Controls, Chilled Beams, LEED 2012 proposed revisions, new technologies available to commissioning field
WSP Flack + Kurtz adds 3 professionals to San Francisco office
WSP Flack + Kurtz added a senior associate, associate, telecom engineer to their expanding San Francisco office
Renovation, expansion top hospital construction projects
2011 Hospital Building Survey shows renovation and expansion projects geared towards renovation, expansion, IT advancement, and green construction on the rise.
ICC and ASHE to develop building code changes for medical facilities
The collaborative effort aims to review and update the current code to ease confusion from overlapping codes and improve safety while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Ordinance trends toward energy accountability
Legislation in San Francisco is leading the reform of nonresidential building energy efficiency by placing focus on the need to continuously evaluate and act on changing energy uses in buildings.
Obama’s proposed budget will reduce spending at Texas military facilities by $440 million
President Obama's budget plan will cut construction programs at Texas military facilities from $1.1 billion to $640 million.
FMI’s 2011 U.S. Markets Construction Overview
Senior managements need to be looking beyond the current turmoil and toward what their companies will look like coming out of the down cycle.
Mechanical engineer Ben Roseborough joins TLC
Ben Roseborough joins TLC Engineering for Architecture as a mechanical engineer responsible for internal and external design coordination.
US Green Building Council seeking input on LEED standards
The US Green Building Council has first public comment session on LEED standards, second session in July.
Hospitals discover lowering HVAC costs saves energy
Healthcare facilities that implement energy conservation measures outperform their competitors by as much as 10% in net operating income, accord to EPA research.
Energy management systems in commercial buildings
Pike Research report: Building energy management systems help bring commercial buildings to the Smart Grid, increase energy savings.
TLC Engineering for Architecture names director of Dallas office
Ben Cole has been named Director of TLC Engineering for Architecture in Dallas.
Mechanical engineering: What are we in for?
Current technologies are vastly different than the technologies in place when most mechanical engineers started.
Building engineering confidence through market knowledge
Supplementing engineering knowledge with market knowledge will grow your career and your company’s business.
RTKL grows mission critical team
RTKL has made two additions to its growing mission critical team: Rajan Battish and Shan-té Johnson.
Talking yourself up
Engineers have a reputation of being less-than-great communicators, but selling energy-efficient design requires a keen ability to paint a verbal picture about your capabilities. Here are some tips.
Protecting nonstructural systems in earthquakes
The performance of nonstructural systems—like mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; architectural components; and contents—is generally not given sufficient consideration, except in specific circumstances.
MVP Health Care
In the midst of a facility expansion in March 2007, MVP Health Care (MVP), Rochester, N.Y., decided that a reliable mode of standby power was required to ensure smooth operations and to keep all of its clients’ medical records and information safely housed.
The how and why of specifying resistive load banks
In specifying load banks as part of a backup power application, one should start with answering the “why” portion first.
Webcast: Standby Systems for Hospital Campuses and Data Centers
Hospitals and data centers have incredibly difficult requirements for electrical systems. Not only are the systems complex and have to run 24/7, the implications for failure can be loss of life or millions of dollars in productivity or lost revenue. Register for this on-demand webcast.
Genset is OSHPD approved
Cat Diesel Generator Sets Receive Special Seismic Certification Preapproval from OSHPD.
Lights on Cowboys
When the University of Wyoming Cowboys meet rival teams on Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, it is important to keep the lights on for tv cameras airing the big game. More importantly, in the case of an emergency, the more than 30,500 attendees need to be able to exit the stadium safely. The principle of selective coordination is to minimize the loss of power to only those loads that must be removed if there is an electrical fault.
Cutting Energy Costs in Hospitals
You hear a lot these days about sustainable design’s “triple bottom line” of planet, people, and profit. Efficiency is essential to sustaining the successful operation of any energy-intensive facility. How can it be achieved without compromising core function?
Video: Gamewell-FCI talks fire and life safety
Patrick Lynch, Project Manager and Editor with Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine sits down with National Sales Manager Mike Madden from Gamewell-FCI to discuss life safety technologies, NFPA code changes, and the evolving life safety marketplace.
EPA’s National Building Competition aims to get buildings into shape
Fourteen buildings from across the U.S. are going head-to-head to work off their waste and reduce their energy use the most to win EPA's first-ever National Building Competition. EPA is hoping to demonstrate how organizations of all shapes, sizes, and means can save energy, save money, and fight climate change by tightening their energy belts.
Standby power systems
The high range gensets from Cummins Power Generation are now preapproved for seismic certification by OSHPD.
Cummins Power Generation Earns OSHPD Preapproval for Seismic Certification in California
First manufacturer to have complete emergency power system — generator sets, transfer switches, controls — pre-approved by state agency
Bypass/isolation switches
Russelectric RTS Series Bypass/Isolation Switches combine an automatic transfer switch with a manual bypass/isolation switch that allows the transfer switch to be isolated for inspection, maintenance, repair, or testing.
CSE welcomes Mahmood as newest board member
Consulting-Specifying Engineer is pleased to announce its newest editorial advisory board member. Ali Mahmood, PE, is senior mechanical engineer & Group Operations Manager with Stanley Consultants Inc., Chicago. His 20 years of engineering experience includes project engineering and management as a mechanical engineer.
Energy savings for cities
New ecomagination Treasure Hunt program to identify energy savings at partner sites.
Certified equipment ratings for HVAC
Keeping abreast of standards is a must for specifying equipment.
Webcast: Trade Secrets of Standby Power Systems
Register for the Aug. 12 Critical Power Webcast.
Part 2: Basics of sustainable lighting
In this second article of a two-part series, the author discusses how to balance environmental and economic concerns, architectural considerations, and human needs in sustainable lighting design.
Rules for tapping molded case circuit breakers
An in-depth focus on tap rules for NEC and UL feeder circuits, the need for branch and feeder circuit taps, short circuit interrupting ratings, and creating branch or feeder circuit taps from circuit breakers.
Redundancy powers Texas hospital
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) in Edinburg, Texas, is a 90-acre medical complex with an east and west campus that includes seven different medical centers, three central cooling plants, and a 506-bed, full-service facility with a medical staff of more than 500 physicians.
Selective coordination of breakers in hospitals
To ensure emergency power systems work when called upon, selective coordination studies must be implemented.
An engineer with pluck
Meet Tom Divine, PE
Medical center reaches LEED Platinum status
Located in Austin, the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas is the first healthcare facility in the world to achieve a LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
EGSA on-peak performance
This annual supplement provides electrical engineers and power professionals key articles about on-peak performance.
ASHRAE publishes design guide for healthcare facilities
Advanced Energy Design Guide designed to help health care facilities increase efficiency by 30% over 90.1-1999
HVAC design for cleanrooms
Know what type of cleanroom is being designed to meet USP Chapter 797.
Selective coordination increases reliability of emergency systems
This article focuses on emergency power performance, selective coordination for fuses, and actions taken by NEC Code Panels prior to the release of NEC 2011.
DOE boosts industrial energy efficiency program
Secretary Chu has announced more than $155 million for industrial energy efficiency projects.
Protecting hospital power
The standby power system at Halifax Health helps ensure emergency power safety at the medical center in east central Florida.
Reaching commercial building energy goals
The DOE and national labs release new data on commercial building energy goals.
Line isolation monitor
Increase patient safety and save money in healthcare facilities with the LIM2000plus line isolation monitor from Bender Inc. The monitors are available for operation in 50 to 60 Hz systems with 100 to 240 Vac and can detect the total leakage current to ground in isolated ac power systems. Without interference with electrical equipment, the monitors use phase-locking circuitry, can connect to re...
Standby power systems for hospitals
Listen to the on-demand webcast, " Standby Power Systems for Hospitals: The Debate: Is Paralleling Generators a Good Idea?" The primary goal of a hospital emergency power system is to have adequate and reliable capacity to serve priority 1, 2, and 3 loads when utility power is interrupted. These priorities generally, but not always, correspond to life safety, critical care, and equipment branches in the hospital, respectively. In the event of a generator failing, priority 1 and 2 loads should be powered at a minimum.
New York hospital and EPA sign green contract
Stony Brook University Hospital pledged to reduce its environmental impact through a comprehensive agreement with the EPA.
Industry Roundup – 2009-08-26
Contracts awarded, and other industry news
Industry Roundup – 2009-08-11
Contracts awarded, and other industry news
NFPA releases high-rise fire study
High-rise fires lead to tremendous injury and property damage. The NFPA has released a study that reviews statistics and provides analysis on this dangerous occurrence.
Steps for hospitals to achieve Energy Star status
Hospitals can follow five steps to become U.S. EPA Energy Star rated.
Improving efficiency in hospitals
Healthcare facilities struggle to be energy efficient because they are constantly running at full strength, but new developments may change that.
Energy efficiency overhaul needed in hospitals
The Hospital Energy Alliance and the EnergySmart Hospital Initiative will help push a revolution in energy efficiency.
HVAC system helps provide cell phone reception
Wireless-over-HVAC technology used in the nation's largest convention center provides wireless service in a complex environment.
Pure Power
Pure Power is a quarterly publication for engineers and contractors involved in electrical control systems, emergency building systems, fuses and circuit breakers, surge-suppression devices, motor controls and drives, wiring and electrical distribution systems, power monitoring devices, UPS, and lighting systems.
Eaton creates online recovery program
The Eaton Corp. has announced plans for a new website that will work with companies to design an energy efficient buildings and infrastructure.
Going green in India
India has received an eco-friendly makeover recently, with a huge rise in green buildings, including hospitals and manufacturing plants, over the past six years.
ESD takes home engineering awards
Environmental Systems Design wins three ASHRAE awards for technology innovation.
Centralized controller
To give greater temperature control to hospitals, office buildings, and data centers, the Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division has released the GB-24 centralized controller. A model in its CITY MULTI Controls Network, the GB-24 monitors and directs up to 24 indoor temperature units and features a setback control, which allows consumers to set one or more temperatures to be mainta...
New ASHRAE Certification program now available at testing centers worldwide
ASHRAE's Operations and Performance Management Certification Program (OPMP) has joined ASHRAE's two other existing certification offerings available at testing centers around the world.
Shedding light on green school design
School districts across the United States continue to renovate and replace educational facilities to improve energy efficiency.
NYSERDA launches Energy $mart for healthcare
Luthin Assocs. and CUNY selected to provide guidance for the healthcare sector.
DOE launches Hospital Energy Alliance
The Hospital Energy Alliance will promote clean energy in healthcare.
Industry Roundup – 2009-04-22
Details about contracts awarded, and other industry news.
Italy earthquake exposes poor building standards
A 9-year-old hospital building collapsed, bringing into question building standards in Italy.
Indoor air handler
Available in capacities up to 100,000 cubic feet per minute with coil face areas up to 160 sq ft, the Extended-Size Vision indoor air handlers from McQuay International are designed for IAQ projects in healthcare facilities, schools, institutions, and retail spaces. The AHRI-certified units are available in dimensions up to 122 x 228 in and the handler's Variable Dimensioning feature allows cabinet sizing in increments of 4 in wide and 2 in high. www.mcquay.com #11.
ASHRAE announces Cx certification
Just as the commissioning process helps buildings and their systems operate optimally, ASHRAE’s newest certification recognizes those with optimal knowledge of the entire building commissioning process. ASHRAE’s Commissioning Process Management Professional launches in June at the Society’s 2009 Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky. The program helps building owners, developers, operators, and others recognize individuals capable of assuring that building systems and equipment are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to their operational needs. The program recognizes that people who manage the commissioning process need to have people- and project-management skills. The people must also have a level of knowledge and understanding of building design, construction, operations, and maintenance as they relate to the total building commissioning process. Developed with input from APPA , Building Commissioning Association , Illuminating Engineering Society of North America , National Environmental Balancing Bureau , Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association , Testing Adjusting and Balancing Bureau , and the University of Wisconsin- Madison, the program is the fourth in ASHRAE’s suite of certification offerings.
Pre-packaged MEP solutions
From complete chilled water systems to data center power packages, our roundtable discusses the economic benefits, liability concerns, and adapatability of pre-packaged systems for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. CSE: What are the economic benefits and penalties associated with a pre-packaged system vs. a component-specified system? R. Stephen Spinazzola : There are many types and sizes of pre-packaged systems; ranging from packaged pumping systems to complete packaged chiller plants.
Cx certification now available
ASHRAE launches commissioning certification program.
Industry Roundup – 2009-03-11
Details about contracts awarded and other industry news
In a Rush to improve data center efficiency
Efficient information technology (IT) has become a necessity at hospitals nationwide. Patient records, diagnostic images, prescriptions, and financial information must be protected. At Rush University Medical Center in Chicago , the capacity to handle and process such data has increased 20-fold over the past 20 years.
Study: ‘Third-hand’ smoke a health risk
A study headed up by a Harvard professor reports that smoke particles lingering on furniture, carpet, and hair can be toxic to children.
Electrical modernization: A tale of two hospitals
Hospital electrical modernization requires that the design meets code and is flexible--and within budget.
Industry Roundup – 2009-01-14
Details about contracts awarded and other industry news.
Tally up your LEED credits
A free tool from The Mohawk Group enables calculation of a building’s potential LEED score in minutes.
MEP Insider – 2008-12-10
New hires, promotions, and information at MEP firms.
MEP Roundup
New hires, promotions, and information at MEP firms.
Data Center Power Use Effectiveness (PUE): Understanding the Contributing Factors
If you are interested in data center design or performance, you’ve undoubtedly been seeing sales sheets, white papers, and news reports of products and techniques for increasing data center energy efficiency. The metric most often quoted in data center power use efficiency is Power Use Effectiveness (PUE) and its inverse, Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCIE). PUE and DCIE compare the data center facility’s overall power consumption to the power consumed by the information and communication technology (ICT) equipment. These metrics, which are primarily facilities-based, will probably serve as the framework for a future standard; however, they are still being developed.
New Construction Bronze: Bioengineering for the future
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition. It's no easy task to plan a medical research campus that responds to today's needs while preparing for the unforeseen tasks of the future. That's exactly what University of Colorado Denver wanted for its Anschutz Medical Campus Research 2 building. Located in the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo., the campus was part of a $3 billion master plan that would create a series of research, clinical, educational, and hospital centers on the decommissioned Fitzsimons Army Post (the same place where President Eisenhower spent seven weeks in the hospital recovering from a heart attack in 1955). The action plan Raleigh, N.C.-based KlingStubbins was brought into the project, along with Fentress Architects, ME Engineers, and a series of additional consultants for the first two research laboratory buildings.
Follow the light
Our panel discusses the current state of lighting controls technology, codes and standards, and the benefits of energy-efficient lighting controls.
Emcor lands mechanical systems contract for hospital
The Norwalk, Ct., firm will install mechanical systems at a new Atchison, Kan., hospital.
Mission critical power backup
Hospitals require extraordinary reliability from their emergency backup power systems. Not only must all critical life-support systems remain online if the utility grid goes down, any other systems that could affect those operations also must be covered. And, with today's increased reliance on computerized medical records, data access is joining the list of essential services.
Fueling standby power options
Diesel benefits and drawbacks Historically, diesel-fueled generators have dominated the market for larger industrial and commercial standby generators—those with outputs above 125 kW—by offering a significant first-cost advantage over similarly sized natural-gas units. However, this savings comes with its own premium: diesel designs require a steady fuel supply, which can become a p...
Critical Power for Hospitals: Sweating the Small Stuff
If you are experiencing problems with the survey please use this alternate link: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s/75779/critical-power-for-hospitals-sweating-the-small-stuff.
The paperless trail
Going digital with TAB data saves more than paper--it also saves time, money, and headaches.
Industry Roundup – 2008-10-08 – 2008-10-08
Details about contracts awarded and other industry news.
ME Insider
New hires, promotions, and information at MEP firms.
Controlling lab ventilation
Maximizing health and safety performance while minimizing energy consumption is extremely challenging for lab environments, so here’s some expert guidance for design and specification to catalyze solutions for your projects.
M/E Insider – 2008-09-10
New hires, promotions, and information at MEP firms.
New buildings will revolutionize health care, says Cleveland Clinic CEO
A Cleveland.com writer had a conversation with Dr. Toby Cosgrove, the Cleveland Clinic's president and CEO, as the Clinic nears completion of its largest expansion ever.
Commissioning on-site electrical systems
Commissioning is the systematic process by which a piece of equipment, system, or facility is tested to verify that it functions in accordance with the design intent and owner's operational requirements.
DOE launches EnergySmart Hospitals
The EnergySmart Hospitals initiative will increase the use of energy-efficient technologies in hospitals across the country.
News at a Glance – 2008-08-01
• U.S. Dept. of Energy Associate UnderSecretary for Energy Richard F.
SH Group CEO John Magliano retires, will remain as chairman
SH Group Inc., New York, parent company of Syska Hennessy Group, announced the retirement of CEO John V. Magliano, PE, who will remain as chairman of the board until the end of 2008 and serve as a consultant in the upcoming years. Gary Brennen, PE, and Cyrus Izzo, PE, will replace Magliano as co-CEOs of the firm.
NERC issues reliability advisories on February Florida outage
The North American Electric Reliability Corp. announced that analysis of a Feb. 26, 2008, category four system disturbance in Florida has led to the release of three industry-wide reliability advisories.
Large contract awarded for medical center MEP engineering
EMCOR Group has been awarded the MEP engineering contract for the UCSD's Sulpizio Family Cardiovascular Center, with final construction to be completed in 2010.
HDR, CUH2A merge to form science and technology design giant
The merged firm will employ nearly 1,700 employees in more than 40 locations worldwide. The union is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Midwest floods cause hospital evacuation in Iowa
Commercial and industrial buildings are affected greatly due to days of heavy rains: A railroad bridge collapsed and 100 city blocks are underwater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; homes and businesses are evacuated in Wisconsin; area hotels in Missouri issue water warnings due to malfunctioning wells; and plants across the MIdwest close.
News at a Glance – 2008-06-01
• The U.S. Dept. of Energy’s (DOE) Save Energy Now program has completed its 500th Energy Saving Assessment. Since 2006, teams from DOE’s Save Energy Now program have analyzed the efficiency of pumps, fans, compressed air systems, and heating and steam systems at 500 of the nation’s most energy-intensive industrial facilities.
Beyond electrical codes for better healthcare
Codes protect public health, safety, and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. For healthcare facilities, patient safety is the backbone of the codes. Within the healthcare field, Article 517 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard electrical code for patient safety.
A look at arc-resistant switchgear
Switchgear sections with compartments containing power circuit breakers, bus, and cable are the primary means for managing an industrial facility's electrical distribution. In fact, switchgear is the heart of such facilities. Switchgear is an engineered-to-order product, meaning it is custom-built by the manufacturer to the exact specifications that meet a given facility's needs.
USGBC LEED 2009 ‘resets the bar’
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) opened the first public comment period on LEED 2009 in May, the next evolution of the USGBC LEED green building certification system. LEED 2009 represents a reorganization of the existing LEED rating systems for commercial buildings, combined with a series of major technical advancements focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, a...
Emergency power supply system with monitoring and reporting
Square D PowerLogic Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) from Schneider Electric has monitoring and test reporting capabilities that meet NFPA 110 Guidelines. The system’s new automatically generated advanced reporting features, accurate real-time metering, and factory-assembled monitoring enclosures provide an ideal retrofit or new construction solution for healthcare facilities seeking to expand their electrical distribution systems while increasing EPSS reliability, performance and, efficiency for routine EPSS documentation and testing for Joint Commission compliance. The PowerLogic system with EPSS reporting provides comprehensive documentation and monitoring of essential equipment maintenance testing, power quality monitoring, and a single monitoring system that integrates all EPSS components. For more information, click here .
LEED 2009 open for public comment
The U.S. Green Building Council has opened LEED 2009 for public comment.
Emergency power system
Ensure power and test reporting in healthcare applications with the Square D PowerLogic Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) from Schneider Electric.
Notifier FA control systems
The UL 864 Ninth Edition ONYX series of intelligent fire alarm control panels speed alarm response, simplify maintenance and usability, and maximize flexibility.
Commissioning critical facilities
Critical facilities, such as hospitals, laboratories, and data centers have demanding operational requirements that merit much more rigorous commissioning efforts than most other buildings.
News and Events
Short news and conference items.
Commissioning conference pegs vitality meter
Talk about buzz. The 16th National Conference on Building Commissioning (NCBC), produced by Portland Energy Conservation Inc. (PECI), had the noisy vibe of high-octane networking in hallways, at watering holes, and in expo booths that signaled a successful conference.
Hospital cures HVAC system
From his office window in North Carolina, Coy Overton can see the Atlantic Ocean. For most office dwellers such a view would be a major perk, but as plant operations director for Dosher Memorial Hospital, Southport, N.C., Overton sees moist, salty air—his worst enemy.
Pumping systems
Add value-engineered pumping systems to schools, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings with pumping systems from Neco Equipment.
DDC master planning
'Master planning” for direct digital control (DDC) conveys a number of meanings. In this article, we'll use two perspectives.
NEC and standby gensets
Generators were not the major point of focus when the National Electric Code was written. As a result, engineers must reference multiple sections of the NEC Handbook when designing power generation systems.
Cycling through fan options
Owning and operating costs, noise, environment, availability, service duty, and power are but a few of the factors engineers need to consider when selecting a fan for a long and efficient life. Matching the best fan selection to use and performance is the primary goal. With new construction, the designer has time to design the air-moving system and select the best fan type for the use.
Buildings earning Energy Star certification rise 50% in 2007
Last year, more than 1,400 commercial buildings and plants earned the Energy Star certification.
Protecting a vulnerable population
Under the International Building Code (IBC), senior assisted-living facilities usually fall under the requirements for institutional or residential occupancies based on their number of residents and level of care provided. But what happens when a jurisdiction requires conformance with the NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), either for licensing or as an ongoing maintenance code?
Three-alarm blaze atop the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas
A fire raged atop the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday, Jan. 25, but Clark County firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control about an hour after it started. Thirteen people suffered smoke inhalation during the three-alarm blaze and six were hospitalized.
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.
Letters – 2008-01-01
In case of emergency, break glass Regarding your December Viewpoint, “Stocking stuffers for engineers,” check out (above picture) what my wife made a few Christmas holidays ago. Yes, I was one of the last to graduate with the “Slip Stick” slide rules. I, for one, could not afford those HP pocket calculators when they first came out.
Managing risk: a look at the NFPA 99 standard for healthcare facilities
The vital signs for the NFPA 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities was released as a first edition in 1984, the current edition in 2005, and the next edition is due in 2010. Its scope covers electrical, gas/vacuum, and environmental systems for healthcare facilities, including hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, and limited care facilities.
Fresh air for asthma sufferers
In August, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) issued the first comprehensive update in a decade to the “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.” This month’s panel discusses the role of building system engineers in reducing and controlling asthma.
Emergency Power for Data Centers Full Transcription
Full notes on specifying the right links and emergency power for data centers.
National study updates the status of infectious diseases
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease found that some strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a drug-resistant bacterium, may be able to lure and destroy immune cells.
Emergency power for today’s healthcare
There is an even greater need for hospital services during the types of emergencies that cause power events. And it's a major challenge to the design team to determine the requirements for the emergency power system. As in all engineering projects, it helps to break down the design into individual tasks and decisions.
ACEC survey: Employee referral No. 1
Employee referral is the most frequently used method to fill important employee openings at American Council of Engineering Company (ACEC) member firms, according to results from the “2007-2008 ACEC Design & Construction Industry Trends Survey,” an ACEC, Washington, D.C., survey reported.
ASHRAE offers HFDP certification worldwide
ASHRAE’s Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) is a computer-based certification exam that tests an applicant’s mastery of healthcare facility design.
Enjoyable work trumps benefits packages for many job seekers
You have scoured the résumés, packed your office with candidate after candidate, conducted a million interviews and you finally have selected an engineer. Now it is time to put together an offer and it is nerve-wracking because you know it pales in comparison with the packages of yesteryear.
M/E insider: recent new hires and promotions – 2007-09-26
KlingStubbins names new associates, four architects at BSA LifeStructures named to the American College of Healthcare Architects and more.
Balancing the scales
The author presents the steps lighting designers can take to balance client needs, architectural design elements, building system requirements and environmental contexts to achieve sustainable success in an energy-efficient facility.
M/E insider – 2007-09-13
JJR'Board of Directors names new associates, Integrated Projects Services promotes employees, and more.
Silent Knight points fire protection in right direction at Staybridge Hotel
Staybridge Suites, Cleveland, 123-room franchise hotel’s fire protection system failed to meet the fire protection system standards and the hotel chain utilized the Life Safety Systems, Cleveland, engineering firm Thorson Baker and the Silent Knight system from Honeywell Life Safety group.
Healthcare facilities go green, combat energy waste
The Green Patient Room, a healthcare exhibit using ecologically friendly design and materials and designed to show just how green hospital facilities can go, will be featured at the International Facility Management Assn.'s World Workplace 2007 Conference & Expo, Oct. 24 through Oct. 26, in New Orleans.
Power equipment considerations
This month's panel discusses the ideal projects and facilities for both stick-built and pre-integrated power equipment, in addition to industry and specification issues. CSE: What are the considerations for stick-built power equipment? What types of projects and facilities are ideal for this system? AHUJA: Stick-built power equipment is suitable for customers who want easy shipment, minimum fi...
What’s new in the 2008 NEC
The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) is scheduled to be released by the National Fire Protection Assn. (NFPA) at the end of September. This 51st edition of the model code incorporates nearly 400 changes from more than 3,500 submitted revision proposals to the current 2005 edition of the NEC. A quick review of the new proposed code changes reveals no major formatting changes from the previous...
ASHRAE Healthcare Certification
Twenty-nine engineers made up the first group to earn a new certification for healthcare facility design. Developed by ASHRAE in cooperation with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, these healthcare design professionals earned certification after passing the exam at ASHRAE's 2007 Annual Meeting in Long Beach, Calif.
Engineers are superheroes
On this month’s cover is a caped superhero battling killer microbes besetting a hospital. Today, a rising tide of microbial menaces threatens patients, staff and visitors with an increasing risk of contracting and spreading contagious, potentially lethal diseases inside and outside hospitals. What raises engineers to superhero status, in my book, is that these so-called superbugs are yet ...
ASHRAE Publishes Energy Performance Comparison Standard
A common basis for reporting building energy use and comparison of energy performance is available in a new standard from ASHRAE.
Welcome to the green patient room
Americans are becoming increasingly concerned with the well being of the planet and themselves. Addressing these concerns is the first-of-its-kind Green Patient Room, a health care exhibit utilizing ecologically-friendly design and materials to show just how “green” hospital facilities can go.
HVAC and Fire Safety for Elevator Systems
Elevator industry resources estimate that there are about 900,000 installed elevator systems in the United States. Hydraulic elevators constitute nearly 70% of the vertical transportation (VT) market and 30% are of the traction type. Hydraulic elevators typically are installed in low- and mid-rise buildings as high as four stories.
New York Plans City’s First 5-Star Green Hotel
The world's first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand, "1" Hotel and Residences, will open as New York City's first five-star green hotel on West 40th Street in Manhattan.
Specifying Cable System Reliability
Consulting engineers have been specifying DC Hi-Potting to commission newly installed power cable systems for the past century. While this cable test is very popular, the question remains whether it is effective in locating cable system defects that may cause future cable system failures? If not, is there an adequate alternative to ensure that the cable system is free of defects and has been pr...
Kevin Hydes Appointed Chair of World Green Building Council
Hydes, outgoing chairman of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), has been appointed chair of the World Green Building Council. Hydes is vice president of buildings engineering and sector leader for sustainable design with Stantec. He is also a co-founder and former director of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).
Designing Electrical Systems To Maximize Building and Worker Safety
Safety always has been an integral part of electrical system and product design. Recently, the increased understanding of, and focus on arc flash hazards has added another safety dimension that should be considered when designing an electrical distribution system. Careful system design has contributed substantially to fire safety and reliability of the electrical systems currently in use today.
Isolated Power Systems for Hospitals
Many conflicting opinions prevail regarding isolated power systems (IPS), compounded by the confusion in the interpretation of codes. At the risk of beating a dead horse, I'll add to the discussion. With the advent of the digital hospital, significant advances in medical technology and the elimination of flammable anesthetics, consulting engineers and hospital personnel are questioning the meri...
M/E Insider: Recent New Hires and Promotions – 2007-04-25 – 2007-04-25
Alison Mullins joined James Posey Assocs., KJWW announces employee certifications, William Gossett has been named secretary of the Northeast Georgia Section of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and more.
Switchgear Technology Protects Medical Center’s Workers Against Arc Flash
Birmingham, Ala.'s oldest medical center, St. Vincent's, needed to better protect its electrical system operators from arc flash hazards related to the operation of switchgear. Marathon Electrical Contractors, Plainfield, Conn., in collaboration with GE Consumer & Industrial's Electrical Distribution business, helped them do just that. "We introduced St.
M/E Insider: Recent New Hires and Promotions – 2007-04-12
BSA LifeStructures , Indianapolis, hired Jeff Brittain in its engineering department as an M/E/P project manager. Brittain brings 17 years of electrical experience to the firm. Robert Doster also joined the firm as a project manager.
Letters: Reader Feedback – 2007-04-01
More on Walter Reed You must be a Democrat! In your Editor's Viewpoint (CSE, 03/07, p. 7), you applaud the dismissal of the administrators in the first part of your diatribe, but at the end you address the real problem... Congress' appropriation of money to fix the problems (purge to splurge). Don't you agree that if the administrators had the money, the facilities would have been kept up in b...
Electronic HID
In a recently posted article, author Tim Hill with Advance Transformer argues lighting plays an important role in establishing a retail facility's ambiance and appeal—helping to improve store traffic and sales, enhancing the customers' experience, and influencing their desire to return. In an era where retailers are under pressure to differentiate their in-store experience in ways other t...
Fire and Smoke Dampering According to the International Building Code
Fire dampers, smoke dampers, smoke detectors, shaft enclosures, smoke barriers and fire-rated partitions, smoke compartmentation, ducted systems and transfer openings. There are a lot of different devices to consider in designing smoke and fire dampering systems. But while it may appear overwhelming and confusing, all these various types of equipment come down to one thing: life-safety protecti...
Critical Power for Healthcare Facilities
CSE: When do you make the decision to either upgrade a power system or rebuild it? What are its risks and issues? WILLEY: Probably the biggest issue for us, as we started looking at rebuilding our power system—especially emergency power—was cost. In today's world, we must be able to operate all the time. It's part of being competitive.
Letters : Reader Feedback
Sustainability predictions In response to the story, “Architects Predict Significant Increases in Sustainable Design, Singling Out the Importance of HVAC” (Sustainability News, csemag.com, 11/20/2006), the architects are missing the point. Using more energy-efficient HVAC equipment only saves miniscule amounts of building energy use.
M/E Insider: Recent New Hires and Promotions – 2007-02-22
BSA LifeStructures , Indianapolis, hired Neil A. Dixon and Wendell T. Moore as graduate interns and Michael C.
M/E Insider: Recent New Hires and Promotions – 2007-02-08
Dustin G. Gore has joined BSA LifeStructures, Indianapolis, as a CAD technician. BSA LifeStructures specializes in design for healthcare, higher education, research and technology facilities. William F.
Emergency Power in Healthcare
CSE: Lets talk about codes. For electrical system design, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) mandates National Fire Protection Assn. (NFPA) 70, 110 and 99. What are the basics under NFPA 70 that hospitals have to meet? GILSON: Hospitals are required to provide emergency power for life-safety purposes, which often is confused with patient safety.
EPO or No—A Consideration of NEC Articles 645.10 and 685
Most people in the electrical design and construction industry are inclined to associate a data center or critical environment with an emergency power off (EPO). But what every designer doesn't know is that an EPO is not always required in a data center. Article 645 in the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code discusses the requirements for information technology equipment.
Hotel Hunts Down Wasteful Spending on Energy with Lighting Retrofit
A lighting retrofit in July 2005 involving 7,300 fixtures at the 390-room Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn made for a summer of delight—not discontent—for executives of privately held HEI Hospitality LLC, the Norwalk, Conn., company that owns and manages the property. The hotel cut wasteful spending on energy for lighting over 50% by simply replacing outdated incandescent and fluorescent lamps with dimmable, long-life plug-in and screw-in compact fluorescent lamps, high-efficiency T8 linear fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. "We've helped the hotel hit a 50% improvement on kilowatt savings alone," says Richard G. Lubinski, president of Ohio-based energy consulting firm Think Energy Management, LLC, a consultant to HEI. "There's also a tangible reduction in electrical demand peaks (KW), lower maintenance hassles and lower costs whenever long-life lighting products are applied." Lubinski reports that the six-month performance of the new lighting nets out as a recurring annual savings of 1,250,000 kWh of electricity consumed, compared with the old lighting.
IT Needs Continue To Boost UPS Fortunes
Uninterruptible power supply manufacturers are among the few winners in today's uncertain electricity-supply environment according to a new report that sees UPS producers' annual revenues rising 38% by 2012. Technology advances are driving rising electricity demands, which, in turn, are stressing current generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures—making technology users even more dependent on UPS protection, report authors state. The report, "North American Three-Phase UPS Market," from industry analysts at Frost & Sullivan, notes that UPS companies are, in many cases, acting as system integrators and even providing outsourced power-quality management services to corporate customers. Products are being developed for every network-infrastructure element, from cooling systems to server racks, and monitoring capabilities are being enhanced. Increasing technology adoption also is driving growth, especially in such sectors as the healthcare market, where medical professionals are turning to computers and other digital devices to both boost efficiency and meet new regulatory requirements.
Power Gen Abuzz About Emissions Standards
The big buzz at this year's PowerGen show in Orlando this past month was meeting or addressing new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards, notably TIER 3 requirements for diesel generator sets. “The U.S. is moving toward what will be a TIER 3-only level [for gensets] so we're getting out of producing a lot of the older TIER 1 stuff and shifting our newer products to meet...
Striking a Balance
HVAC engineers provide key pointers in evaluating desiccant dehumidification vs. reheat to optimally meet a facility's needs. CSE: What are the advantages and disadvantages of desiccant dehumidification? PALM: Traditionally, a mechanical refrigeration application requires cooling the supply air well below its dew point to remove the humidity and then adding back sensible heat or reheat to atta...
Displaced Ventilation in Hospitals?
As facility operators continue to figure out where they fit in the green building movement it can be a challenge for building and system designers to help said clients choose what truly sustainable technologies make sense for their operations. To date, natural ventilation and displaced ventilation have gotten a lot of buzz in green designs, but never in association with hospitals—until now.
Nonresidential Building Sets 13th Consecutive Record Despite Housing Slide
Nonresidential construction spending climbed to its 13th consecutive record in September, showing that the homebuilding slide hasn't carried other segments downhill with it. This, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), while commenting on the Nov. 1 construction spending report from the U.S.
New Products for Electrical and Lighting Systems
Electronic HID ballast for operating two 39-watt metal halide lamps is said to be suited to a variety of recessed and accent lighting applications within the retail, commercial, institutional and hospitality sectors. The light and compact ballast measures 4.7 in. x 3.6 in.
Product Showcase | September
Visit www.csemag.com for industry news and featuresSeptember 2006 Special Advertising Section Dear Reader,Here is the next edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer's product and system solutions showcase. If you would like any additional information sent to you from any of the companies below regarding their products fill out this form . Featured Products Cleaver-Brooks’ E+Plus Stack Economizer Cleaver-Brooks’ new CB Packaged E+Plus Stack Economizer saves energy dollars and reduces emissions. The versatile design allows for multi use applications of steam and hot water boilers from 150-2200 HP.
Health-care Security a Lot to Tackle
Providing security and life safety in health-care facilities is much more than just posting armed guards. In fact, according to a panel of security experts, that's the last thing one should do. At the recent American Society of Industrial Security conference and tradeshow in San Diego, a panel of health-care security managers provided a brief glimpse into the world of protecting hospitals. “We really should be looked at as a partner in a hospital, not law enforcement,” said Marylin Holjer, who heads security operations at the University of Michigan Hospital. “And hospitals don't want guns in a facility or even cuffs for that matter.
M/E Insider: AKF and GHT Announce Multiple Promotions
• Harinder Singh recently joined Woolpert, Inc. as a project director for the firm’s facility design and management group. Singh will be responsible for managing personnel and budgets for multiple projects as well as developing client relations for Woolpert’s Arlington, Va.
A Critical Look at Selective Coordination
The new requirements for selective coordination of emergency and legally required standby systems in Sections 700.18 and 701.27 of the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) are challenging electrical engineers to intensively consider how systems respond to short circuits. Meeting this challenge raises questions regarding the code requirements, how other aspects of system design are compromised and what constitutes compliance. While the probability of owners benefiting from selectively coordinated electrical systems is small, the likelihood of incurring significant costs to ensure selective coordination is a certainty with the 2005 NEC. As electrical engineers consider the impact of selective coordination, there is a growing consensus that this is the wrong direction for the NEC, and that this area of design should be returned to engineering judgment. In fact, there were more than a dozen proposed changes to the 2008 NEC to delete these new requirements or better define them. Unfortunately, the just-released NEC Report on Proposals showed that there were not enough Code Panel votes to return this design area to engineering judgment.
Oak Ridge National Lab Wins R&D Award for AC-Dehumidification System
The R&D 100 Awards, which have been described as the “Oscars of invention,” are presented each year by R&D Magazine in recognition of the year's most significant technological innovations. Researchers and engineers at the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have won six R&D 100 Awards this year, with winners to be presented in the Sept.
A Private Plan
Your client is a major university hospital: a campus of nearly 60 buildings consuming almost 7,500,000 sq. ft. It wants a new fire alarm system.
Construction Spending Drops in May, but it’s not All Bad News
"Construction spending dropped in May for the second straight month, but there are plenty of bright spots amidst the gloom," Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), said recently. Simonson was commenting on a July 3 report from the Census Bureau that showed the value of construction put-in-place fell at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 0.4% in May, following a dip of 0.2% in April. "Private residential construction dropped 0.8%, and private nonresidential spending fell 0.3% for the month, more than offsetting a rise of 0.7% in public construction," Simonson observed. "But nonresidential construction remained much stronger than a year ago.
IALD 2006 Lighting Design Award Winners
The International Assn. of Lighting Designer’s 2006 Lighting Design Awards was a competition of firsts for the 23-year-old program. Of the 23 projects recognized with awards this year, one project won the elusive sustainable design award.
Case Study: Enhancing Air Quality and Efficiency with Ultraviolet Light
At the headquarters of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City, indoor air quality and infection control are always of concern. “We need to keep the air as clean as possible to protect the health of staff, volunteers, and of course, the animals,” states Vincent Grujic, ASPCA director of facilities. “In addition, we wanted a way to get more life and efficiency from our air handlers.” The ASPCA was already using ultraviolet light technology to disinfect bottled water in a holding tank, so Grujic was familiar with the germicidal properties of UVC energy.
Reducing Operating Room Infections from the Top Down
HVAC recommendations in the proposed 2006 AIA Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Healthcare Facilities seek to lessen the number of surgical-site infections. Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are the third most frequently reported type of iatrogenic infection. SSIs have been estimated to result in $1 billion to $10 billion in direct and indirect medical costs each year, as reported by Susan Cantrell in Healthcare Purchasing News , March 2006 ( www.hpnonline.com/inside/2006-03/0603infectionconnection.html ). Quoted in that article, Dr. Ronald Lee Nichols of the Tulane University School of Medicine highlighted several important factors in SSIs: "The most critical factor in post-operative infection is the sound judgment and proper technique of the surgical team and the general health and disease state of the patient.
Fairview Health Services Proves the Value of “the Matrix”
As an integrated health-care system, Fairview's six community hospitals, academic medical center, children's hospital, 31 primary care clinics, 25 specialty clinics, four urgent-care clinics and specialty service centers across the state of Minnesota provide a complete range of health-care services. In partnership with University of Minnesota Physicians, Fairview plans to open the Maple Grove Outpatient Specialty Care Center in 2007, a 135,000-sq.-ft. specialty care center that comprises six operating rooms, a diagnostic center, a cancer center and outpatient clinic. Fairview, Walker and Assocs.—the owner's representative—and the M/E/P firm, Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc., Minneapolis, decided that the mechanical systems and equipment would be dedicated to serving the Phase I ambulatory care center, with space allotted for a central plant to house the heating plant, water-cooled chillers, cooling towers and other equipment to meet the future building's needs. The present system will then be tied into the central plant. Fairview used an objective approach and decision-making matrix to select among four options for the mechanical system: Option 1: Rooftop units (RTUs), with cooling provided by a refrigerant cooling coil, compressor and air-cooled condensing unit; gas-fired heating; and ventilation in one package; with screening. Option 2: Improved RTUs with an integral hallway for each RTU to provide better access to the roof and enable maintenance to be performed indoors. Option 3: Rooftop-level air-handling units (AHUs) providing ventilation, with cooling provided by a cooling coil and basement-level chiller, and heating provided by a heating coil and basement-level boiler. Option 4: Similar equipment to Option 3, but with the AHU located in the basement, with shafts for outside air and relief air. The building user group and members of HGA's project team identified and weighted 12 financial and performance criteria, which included several high priorities: patient and staff safety; patient and staff comfort; initial cost; energy efficiency/payback; flexibility for vertical expansion; and sustainable design.
Choosing the Right Mechanical System for Health Care
Studies have shown that the mechanical system is not only a major contributor to the comfort and satisfaction of a building's users, but also to the owner's bottom line in terms of operations and maintenance costs. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate mechanical system is crucial for health-care facility managers and a decision that should be based on an objective assessment of both system performance and financial criteria. Often, decisions about a mechanical system for a new facility on a health-care campus are based on facility managers' experience with a particular type of system and their assumptions about its appropriateness for the new facility. For example, they may initially expect to see a hospital-type mechanical system design that incorporates water-cooled chillers; high-pressure steam boilers with heat exchangers and the ability to distribute steam to the sterilizers; an emergency generator; and central domestic hot water storage.
Consulting Engineers Have Much to Offer
There was a time when I thought that the terms re-commissioning and retro-commissioning could be used interchangeably, but I have since learned that this is not the case. Re-commissioning involves applying the commissioning process to buildings that have been commissioned previously; retro-commissioning involves commissioning facilities that have never been commissioned before. Both of these activities are great avenues to explore when looking for ways to develop and grow a commissioning business. With energy costs on the rise, selling these services should be easy.
Product Showcase | April 2006
Visit www.csemag.com for industry news and featuresApril 2006 Special Advertising Section Dear #FirstName#,Here is the next edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer's product and system solutions showcase if you would like any additional information sent to you from any of the companies below regarding their products fill out this form . Featured Products Toshiba's G8000 Series UPS is a 100-300KVA UPS that is designed for today's ever-changing power factor corrected loads. Featuring unity power factor output, input harmonics &3%, 100% unbalanced loads and 100% step load change, the G8000 is ideal for industries where power protection is critical. Visit www.tic.toshiba.com or call 800-231-1412 to learn more. For more information onToshiba International click here . The Alber BDS-40 battery monitor system is designed for UPS battery cabinets using 12VDC modules.
Trading Up for Flexibility
Slowdown? What slowdown? Five years after the 9/11 disaster caused a decline in the hospitality industry, the convention center sector has bounced back.
The Complexities of High-Voltage Power
Most building electrical services are provided at secondary voltage to the main switchgear by the local electrical utility. However, large facilities, such as multi-building campuses, hospitals or telecommunications and computer data centers, typically employ customer-owned and -maintained primary power distribution and possibly standby or cogeneration systems. The technical experience and equipment necessary to design, construct, commission and operate such facilities are of a higher order than for secondary power systems. For example, a typical office building might have a low-voltage power system consisting of service entrance switchboards, panel boards, motor control centers, dry transformers, cables/bus ducts, and finally, generators and automatic transfer switches. The testing associated with start-up and commissioning for such facilities is straightforward: Insulation resistance measurements of low-voltage transformers, power cables, bus ducts and switchgear. Torque testing of switchgear-bolted connections. Setting and testing of the ground-fault protection at the service mains. Setting and testing the overload protection for motor starters. Load bank and functional performance testing of generators and transfer switches. Thermographic inspections of operating switchgear and panels. However, with a primary power system, especially one that's facility-owned and -maintained, a much greater effort—and responsibility—is required. In fact, local code enforcement, and the utilities themselves, will often require that an independent electrical testing agency, such as the International Electrical Testing Assn., be employed to test and certify that the installation is safe to energize and operate. Size matters The size range of primary power systems covers a broad spectrum.
Prescribed Light
Treating patients since 1736, New York's Bellevue Hospital Center is not only the oldest public hospital in the country, it also holds the distinction of serving U.S. presidents and United Nations diplomats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire-Alarm Annunciator
A firefighter’s job is stressful enough without the additional challenge of trying to read, operate and silence a difficult-to-operate fire-alarm system. Unfortunately though, many face this dilemma every day. Most of us have stood out in the weather during an alarm that has sounded in an office, school or apartment building, waiting anxiously for the fire department to come and silence it. We get frustrated, but imagine how the firefighters feel, trying to navigate through dozens of buttons and switches, with building managers and residents looking over their shoulders.
Event Notice: ID WORLD International Congress, Nov. 28-30, 2006
ID WORLD International Congress, the annual conference and exhibition on advanced automatic identification technology, will take place at the MilanofioriCongressCenter in Milan, ItalyNovember 28-30, 2006. This year’s ID WORLD will explore the fundamental issues associated with automatic identification in a variety of market segments via three cornerstone initiatives: the Conference, the Exhibition and the Exchange. The Conference is a comprehensive forum for the international audience interested in advanced automatic identification. The 2006 program will feature conferences focusing on automatic identification in the areas of food, healthcare, public administration, transport and logistics, fashion and entertainment. Now in its third year, the congress offers a full-scale showcase of RFID, data-capture, biometrics and smart-card-based solutions from the world’s leading auto ID suppliers, and will feature a technology village covering the topics surrounding auto ID in the hottest vertical sectors. New at ID WORLD this year is the Exchange, an event where seller-procurement interactions are revolutionized: the exhibitor is the BUYER and the visitor is the VENDOR. One-to-one pre-planned appointments will take place within a business-facilitating environment to initiate new technology partnerships.
Protecting Protective Devices
Today's building codes require fire-alarm systems for all types of occupancy classifications, including those that present conditions that are potentially hostile to the equipment. In these "high-risk" occupancies, which can include correctional and detention facilities, rehabilitation centers, prerelease centers and even schools, fire and life-safety systems must be protected from vandalism and tampering that can result in the interruption of operations and endanger the occupants themselves. The International Building Code (IBC), 2003 Edition, Section 907 and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) require that a manual, automatic or combination manual/automatic fire-alarm system be installed within potentially hostile facility types. Manual fire-alarm systems consist of manual stations, while automatic fire-alarm systems consist of smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler alarms or any other type of initiating device that automatically activates in the presence of smoke or fire. In addition to the activation requirements, fire-alarm systems may also be required to monitor and/or control additional life-safety functions such as smoke-control, special suppression and security systems. Fire-alarm devices, such as initiation devices and notification appliances, when vandalized, are not only expensive to repair or replace but also present a variety of life-safety hazards.
Industry Roundup: Acquisitions, Partnerships and Changes
• ACOL Technologies S.A., Geneva, Switzerland, a developer of high brightness LEDs and light engines has signed a distribution agreement with Micro Lamps, Batavia, Ill., for the entire ACOL product range. • Cooper Industries, Houston, has acquired Wheelock, Inc., Long Branch, N.J., designer and manufacturer of fire safety and emergency incident communications systems and devices. Wheelock becomes part of Cooper Menvier, which is based in the United Kingdom. • Danfoss, whose U.S. headquarters are in Baltimore, have reached an agreement with a private investment group for the latter to acquire the assets and intellectual property rights to continue production of Zone Control Panels (ZCPs), manufactured in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Wireless and Cable Coexist Hand-in-Glove
On its face, the notion of wireless and wired systems working in harmony seems crazy, but proponents of both sides see neither technology as mutually exclusive. During the AHR expo in Chicago last month, a day-long seminar on intelligent buildings was conducted. One of the speakers was Rob Conant, vice president of business development with Dust Networks, Hayward, Calif., who presented a case study on a wireless application at an existing medical facility in Chicago.
Ready for Prime Time?
While facility owners seem to be reluctant to commit themselves to using on-site generators for prime power, the interest is out there—especially when it means cost savings. CSE: What's driving the interest that has developed in the past couple of years in using on-site generators for prime power? KESLER: The two main factors are reliability and flexibility. Due to ever increasing demand, facilities and end users are becoming more and more subject to outages and power quality issues. Also, electricity production has not kept up with the increase in demand, and utilities are spending much less on infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, thus creating a risky environment for those users that rely heavily on outside sources of power. From a flexibility standpoint, building owners and operators are always looking to reduce operational costs.
2005 Construction Spending Ends on High Note, 2006 Fuel Costs to Increase
November’s construction spending outpaced September and October totals, even after the numbers for both months were upwardly revised by 1% apiece, reported Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), earlier this month. He was commenting on new Census Bureau figures that showed the value of construction put in place set a record of $1.15 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 0.2% from October. "Growth has been steady and well distributed among the major construction segments for the past several months," Simonson observed. "For the first 11 months of 2005, total construction was nine percent higher than in same months of 2004.
New Products for Electrical Systems – 2006-01-19
Modular in-floor wiring system uses a variety of application sub-plates that install into one universal cover for both floor boxes and fire-rated poke-throughs.Sub-plate applications include 20-amp, 125-volt receptacles and openings; 20- and 30-amp recessed modules; and 3/4—in. power and 1 here . Tray/Cord Fittings product line has been expanded to include aluminum fittings up to 2 in. and 316 stainless steel fittings up to 1 in.vironments.
ICC, IAPMO Continue Talks on Plumbing Code Consolidation
This coming February in San Antonio, Texas, discussions will continue between the International Code Council (ICC) and the International Assn. of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) for developing a joint code. Actually, the new code would encompass the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding late last year with the goal of a joint code to be issued at the next cycle in 2009.
Hospital Study: Light and Good M/E/P Engineering a Potent Patient Rx
Natural light is a good thing: Some studies indicate it makes people feel better and even recover more quickly from surgery. Within buildings, daylighting has proven to save energy and even make workers more productive. But a recent study by the University of Oregon's Daylighting Lab, at least concerning hospitals, found that unless the whole equation is studied—HVAC, plumbing, electric lighting, lighting controls and even the structural system and shape of a room—you'll end up with uncomfortable, squinting occupants. With funding from Portland-based Better Bricks, researchers from the lab, in conjunction with ZGF Partnership, Portland, Ore., set out to test daylighting conditions in hospital patient rooms.
AHR Expo 2006 Heats Up Chicago’s Winter
The AHR Expo returns to Chicago's McCormick Place for the first time in three years, from Jan. 23 through 25, bringing more than 1,800 exhibitors from 31 countries. In conjunction with the ASHRAE 2006 Winter Meeting, the expo promises thousands of new and upgraded products. This year's show will feature educational sessions on SEER 13, sustainable building initiatives and much more.
ICC Amends Fire Extinguisher Code Based on Improved Electronic Monitoring
In a move that’s expected to save countless hours of personnel time for businesses across the country, the International Code Council (ICC) voted to amend its International Fire Code (IFC) requiring physical inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers from annually to only once every three years if the extinguishers are electronically monitored. The ICC made its decision during the Final Action Hearings held in conjunction with the ICC Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 25 through October 3, 2005. The code change takes effect in January. Greg Rogers, President of the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals, which proposed the change to the ICC stated, “Electronically monitored fire extinguishers would be more reliable than their non-monitored counterparts.
Universal Approach Could Make Tub/Shower Valve Choices A Whole Lot Easier
It may seem strange to someone who isn't in the plumbing business, but it's not uncommon for installers of tub/shower valves to put in the wrong valve—even when designers have gone to great lengths to specify the required valve type, according to Paul Patton, senior product development manager at Indianapolis-based Delta Faucet. And there are a lot of products on the market today to be confused by. "There are many more types of shower systems on the market today—and users want to do many more things with their showers," says Patton. Just as an aside, Patton claims that on average, Americans spend eight minutes per day in the shower. In addition to the all-too-common problem of the wrong valve being installed, when it's time for a retrofit and a new type of valve is being installed, there is also the time-consuming work of going into the walls to make alterations to the concealed plumbing. But Delta claims that it has developed the perfect solution. Patton stopped by our offices recently to spread the good word and brief us about a new universal valve: Delta's MultiChoice product. According to Patton, there are three basic types of tub/shower valves on the market today.
Lighting Up Patient Morale
Adjacent to the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah now stands the 289,000-sq.-ft. Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH). First-time visitors to the facility might get the impression that they are entering a luxury hotel rather than a state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research hospital.
Lightning Protection: Optional or Recommended?
A lightning protection system, first and foremost, provides safety to a commercial building and its occupants. But it also increases electrical service continuity by eliminating damage to the structure from a lighting strike. How does it work? A lightning protection system for a commercial building provides the means for the lightning strike to pass through an area without damaging non-conductive parts of a building or causing a power outage and insulation damage. The system does not prevent a strike from occurring.
M/E Insider: New Hires at SEi, OLA; GRG Buys EWA
• M/E/P and fire-protection services provider SEi Companies , Boston, has hired James N. Polando, P.E. , as senior associate/senior project manager.
New Green Building Law for New York
Are you designing a building system or systems for a construction project for the City of New York? If so, say hello to the city's new Green Building Law (aka Local Law 86/2005), signed last month by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. According to Steven Winter Assocs., Inc., Norwalk, Conn., the law applies to all city-owned buildings and to projects where the city contributes half of the cost or at least $10 million, including new construction and renovations that affect at least half of the building area and upgrades of at least two major building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.). Residential and high-hazard industrial projects are exempt.
Diary of a Commissioning Agent
Friday, April 1, approximately 6:00 p.m.: I arrive at the site, but find no one. I'm here to commission a new generator integrated with the existing electrical system at a health-care facility. On initial inspection, I find two load banks in the outside alley behind the central plant.
M/E Insider: Promotions and Acquisitions
• CH2M Hill, Denver, Colo., has acquired Ohio-based BBS Corporation , which specializes in planning, design and construction administration of water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems. • Global consulting, engineering and construction services provider Earth Tech, Inc., Long Beach, Calif, a business unit of Tyco International Ltd., has appointed Frank Gorry, P.E., and Lou Tortora, P.E., district managers for its Southeast and Northeast districts. • International consulting and engineering firm Arcadis , Arnhem, The Netherlands, has acquired environmental and remediation services company Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y. • Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. has promoted David C. Bradford Jr., P.E., to director of the mechanical division in its Memphis, Tenn.
M/E/ Insider: Lilker Turns 20; Patrick Engineering Gains a New VP
• M/E/P and technology engineering firm Lilker Assocs. , New York, recognized its 20thanniversary last month, and the celebration included the establishment of the Engineering with Vision scholarship at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art . This new scholarship will be awarded annually to students in mechanical or electrical engineering. • Thomas L.
Planning for Perfection
In 1991, seven Syska Hennessy engineers defined the perfect office building (see "Planning the 'Perfect' Office Building," CSE, June 1991). Fourteen years later, new chairman and CEO John Magliano and other current Syska experts took some time to evaluate the predictions from the previous article, uncover today's trends and look into their crystal ball to find out just what will make the office buildings of the future tick. "The perfect office building is not a concept that is easily quantifiable.
Green News from Zentox, Veris and TACO; SimplexGrinnell Sets Up Sprinkler Business Unit
Zentox, Newport News, Va., has received certification by BuildingGreen for Photox, a stand-alone advanced air purification system. The product is now listed in the GreenSpec directory of green products. Veris Industries, Portland, Ore., a supplier of control system peripherals for the commercial HVAC industry, will increase its efforts to abolish the use of hazardous substances as specified by the European Union’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive on chemical substances. RoHS is a European legislative directive that bans the use of lead, mercury, hexavalent chrome, cadmium, PBB and PBDE in components sold in the European Union, and goes into effect in July 2006. UPM Rafsec, a RFID tag manufacturer and member of UPM Group, announces today it has partnered with three new system integrators in China on a non-exclusive basis to better serve its end users.
New Products for Power Protection
Arc flash study performance specification assists with arc flash hazard initiative. The complimentary specification will help ensure that specifiers get the services they need and is intended to drastically cut specification development time. For a free download of the arc flash specification from ESA, click here . Power supply features sealed aluminum enclosure with ability to withstand extreme industrial conditions.
M/E Insider: EYP Promotes 3 to Principal; Durrant Hires New Mechanical Director
• EYP Mission Critical Facilities has promoted three employees to principal this summer: Bob Schuerger, CFA , Los Angeles; Tom Squillo, CFD , Chicago; and Mike Thomas , marketing and business development, Chicago. In addition, David Chau, CFD , Los Angeles; Joaquin Fuster, CFD , Los Angeles; Joseph Salvatore, CFD , New York; Phil Stitzel, CFA, Middletown; Arthur Zeltser, CFD , New York City, were all promoted to senior associate. • Durrant has hired Don Swanson, P.E ., as director of mechanical engineering for its 13 offices, as well as manager of mechanical engineering for its Des Moines, Iowa headquarters. Swanson has more than 30 years of civil and M/E engineering design and management experience, as well as P.E.
M/E Insider: HarleyEllis Breaks Ground for New Ohio Hospital
• HarleyEllis participated with Firelands Regional Medical Center , Sandusky, Ohio, in breaking ground for a new hospital expansion, consolidation and renovation. Projected for completion in 2008, the $150 million project is a response to growth and community need in the multi-county area between Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio. The improvements are intended to help consolidate inpatient services to the main campus. • Jeff Greinke, P.E., has recently joined DL Engineering & Controls, Inc.
A View from the Top
The times, they are a-changin' and in this year's CSE Giants survey, we made it a goal to figure out what consulting engineers are doing about it. Specifically, we asked firms what sorts of "additional" services they're pondering or have already put to use to stay competitive. We also asked about internal business practices, including employee benefits and recruiting new talent. The answers won't shock you, but may provide some insight as to why these firms remain leaders in the engineering world. A new role As downsizing, outsourcing, consolidation and a more "one-stop-shopping" approach to life become prevalent, even consulting engineers are finding they must reinvent themselves and perform duties that take them well beyond their traditional M/E/P roles. On the subject of new offerings, commissioning topped the chart.
HVAC Systems Bring New Level of Comfort to Ronald McDonald Houses
American Standard Companies Inc., Tyler, Texas, plans to donate and install HVAC comfort systems in Ronald McDonald Houses across the United States. In addition, the company will make a $100,000 cash contribution to RMHC, arrange for ongoing HVAC system maintenance with the support of its local distributors and dealers and sponsor comfy pajama parties for families staying at the Houses. “American Standard is excited to form a‘comfort partnership’ with RMHC by offering new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to Ronald McDonald Houses in need. Our hope is to help families feel even more comfortable at their home-away-from-home,” said Paul Trotter, vice president of sales. Each year thousands of families stay at Ronald McDonald Houses across the country while their children receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Power Quality and Generators – Part 9: Design Criteria for Grounding
This is the ninth article in a series covering basic engineering and code issues for standby generators and critical systems. This month’s column discusses the fundamentals of grounding standby generators. By Keith Lane, P.E., RCDD/NTS Specialist, LC, LEED AP, Vice President - Engineering, SASCO, Seattle Standby generator system grounding must be understood to ensure proper operation of the critical electrical systems.
M/E Insider: Stepp R.W. Beck’s New CEO; GRG to Acquire EWA
• The board of directors for management consulting and engineering firm R.W. Beck, Inc. has selected Russell J.
The Big Chill
Chiller experts predict that modular central chiller plants will continue to gain market share over field-built installations. The technology offers definite advantages—but MCCP isn't always right for the job. CSE: How novel is the concept of modular chillers and what is your assessment of their popularity? LANDRY: The concept of packaging chiller plants is not new. In the 1980s, several companies made packaged plants, but the concept wasn't yet commercialized on a large scale. McAULIFFE: Actually, the modular central chiller plant (MCCP) approach grew out of the electric utility industry where MCCPs have been applied for more than a decade, usually to boost power plant efficiency via gas-turbine-inlet air-cooling.
NFPA Call to Arms for Sprinklers
Jim Shannon, NFPA's president and CEO, set the tone for the group's annual World Safety Conference and Expo in June by reminding opening session attendees that being in the fire-protection industry often means a mandate to rock the boat. "Our historic role has been as an advocate for better protecting the public," said Shannon.
Legionella: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Is Legionnaires' Disease (LD) still a viable threat? Definitely. On Feb. 5, 2004, operating engineers at a plant in Michigan were looking for the possible cause of an LD outbreak. At the same time, a hotel in Baltimore was being visited by LD. Less than a month later, an Oklahoma City hotel had more than 50 guests fall victim, most of them high school students.
High-Class Hospitality
Time heals all wounds, they say, and this axiom rings true of the hospitality market. In the wake of 9/11, the industry was hit hard. But with a steadily recovering U.S. economy and renewed confidence in travel, in cities such as Las Vegas, designers are going gangbusters. "Virtually every major hotel and casino on the Strip is expanding, remodeling or refreshing its property," says Ed Butera, P.
A Hilton in Florida Goes with Proprietary HVAC Design
A new 72-room Hilton on St. Augustine, Fla.’s historic bayfront is the first mid-rise Hilton to be fitted with a proprietary environmental HVAC system using plastic heat exchangers. The new system is expected to operate with utility costs 50% below the standard systems installed in other mid-rise hotels, with a return on investment in less than two years. The full-service hotel is a “hollow-square” design consisting of 19 separate buildings set around an inner courtyard and connected by an interior corridor. The facility features wooden balconies, cedar shake and tile roofs and different elevations and color schemes.
Webcast: The Anatomy of a Hospital II: Critical Fire and Life Safety Systems
This Webcast program originally aired on Thursday, May 26, 2005 This Webcast is available only on CD-rom: Purchase CD-rom Consulting-Specifying Engineer makes it easy to earn learning units right at your desk-- learn how !Earn learning units for this Webcast: CEU Exam For your convenience, so that you may either reference or use to follow along in the Webcast, we have made the slides from the Webcast available for download. If you would like to download the slides and print for future reference you can do so below. Downloadable Webcast slides: Slides 1-29 Slides 30-59 Slides 60-89 Slides 90-116 Chief Editor Jim Crockett and a panel of Engineers designing systems for critical environments, like hospitals, will gain first-hand knowledge of: Equipment and systems that help save lives and prevent fires Mandatory code procedures and their life-safety impact (i.e. voice evacuation, intensive strobes, and "bed shakers") Networking and control solutions Relevant or mandatory sprinkler solutions Panelists: J.
M/E Insider: HSMM Awarded for Two D.C. Projects; ZweigWhite Founder Joins R&B Board
• Two Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc. -managed projects have earned Craftsmanship Awards from the Washington (D.C.) Building Congress , presented last week. The first award was for the installation of a water-mist fire-suppression system at the National Gallery of Art.
SimplexGrinnell Takes Its Show on the Road to 33 Cities
SimplexGrinnell, a business unit of Tyco Fire and Security, is taking its Fire and Life-Safety Road Show Series to 33 cities across the United States and Canada during 2005. The first event in the 2005 series took place just last week in Jacksonville, Fla. “What's New, What's Next, What's Vital” is the theme of the 2005 series. This marks the third consecutive year that the company has organized a series of symposiums and technology expos for engineers, architects, building owners, facility managers, contractors, local fire officials and others interested in code updates, technology advances and practical applications in fire and life safety. “Fire and life safety is vital, and the SimplexGrinnell Road Show Series is a critical facet of our commitment to better the industry and strengthen the collective ability to deliver high-quality fire protection,” says Dean Seavers, president of SimplexGrinnell. Topics in this year's series include: Latest developments in fire sprinklers and special hazards protection. Advances in emergency notification, including intelligibility measurement. Fire protection product and service applications, migrations and upgrades. Fire protection in healthcare environments and high-rise structures. “Knowledge is key to those responsible for helping to protect life and property,” director of industry relations at SimplexGrinnell. “The 2005 Fire and Life-Safety Road Show Series provides a unique forum where professionals in the industry can learn about the latest developments in fire protection systems and services.
Healthy Prognosis for UPS Systems in Health Care
Manufacturers and integrators of uninterruptible power supply systems can look forward to health-care facilities as a growth market, according to a recent report. UPS manufacturers' 2004 revenues in this market were up more than 21% over 2003 figures, according to "North American UPS Opportunity Analysis: Healthcare Industry" from Frost & Sullivan, the Palo Alto, Calif.
Wireless Revisited
Adanger in reporting on new technology is that, inevitably, somebody else will always know more on the subject than you, and will often want to further educate you on the matter. I found myself in this position recently, when one reader took interest in the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) story we did in this space this past December, and invited me to his Milwaukee facility, which was just...
Bullish on BACnet
Editor's note: I first met Mike Newman of Cornell University back in 1997 at my first ASHRAE Winter Meeting when I serendipitously sat in on a member session on control strategies for campus environments. Not knowing who Mike was, I approached him afterward, as he seemed like someone who knew what he was talking about—and more precisely, could translate what, exactly, just transpired to t...
IAQ Gets its Day at AHR
SPECIAL COVERAGE: ASHRAE/AHR 2005 Walking the AHR show floor, one could hear lots of numbers and statistics being bandied about: Adults in most developed nations spend 90% of their time indoors; 6% of U.S. adults have asthma and half don't even know they have it; up to 30% of commercial buildings exhibit sick building syndrome; there are no overriding, unified U.
In Between Sessions with a Pair of ASHRAE Insiders
A visit to this year's ASHRAE Winter Meeting/AHR Expo in Orlando, Fla. revealed some pleasant and odd symmetry with last year's program in Anaheim: ideal weather; both took place in a county named Orange near a Disney theme park; and both took place in mammoth and relatively new convention centers. An unwelcome difference this year was that the exhibits and meetings were miles apart.
HVAC Products 02/05
IAQ test tools provide building maintenance and IAQ professionals with a comprehensive portfolio of precision instruments for troubleshooting and maintaining indoor air quality. Particle counter is a compact tool that enables users to measure the presence of airborne particles and track down particle sources. Its expanded data logging and six-channel particle size display (0.3 here . Indirect gas-fired make-up air units are ideal for commercial and institutional applications such as medical clinics, hospitals, schools, corridor ventilation for apartments and gyms.
Webcast: The Anatomy of a Hospital – Electrical and Power Systems
This Webcast This Webcast is available only on CDrom. Purchase CDrom Consulting-Specifying Engineer makes it easy to earn learning units right at your desk -- learn more !Earn Learning Units by taking the CEU Exam for this event now.Chief Editor Jim Crockett and a panel of electrical experts break down the major design and product trends and innovations in electrical systems for hospitals. Engineers designing systems for critical environments, like hospitals, will gain first-hand knowledge of: Electrical distribution and the growing trend of using UPS to protect sophisticated medical equipment or to protect HIPAA record rooms Generators and cogeneration, including the use of transfer switches and switchgear, for emergency and prime power generation Sponsored by: Panelists: Dan Chisholm, Motor and Generator Institute, Winter Park, Fla. Kelly Decker, President, Primary Integration, Washington D.C. Shariar Zaimi, former president and CEO of Engineering Design Group, Primary Integration, Washington D.C. James H. Costley, PE, RCDD, Partner.
M/E Insider: Awards, Acquisitions, Hirings and Promotions
• Design firm Paulus, Sokolowski and Sartor, LLC , Warren, New Jersey, recently received an award from New York Construction for designing a new dormitory at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah. The eight-story student living center was completed on schedule, in 18 months, on a steeply sloped site. • Chicago-based design firm Proteus Group announced that Harish Chopra, P.E. , has joined its team as director of mechanical engineering.
AHU Specification: The Case for Performance-Based Design
Writing specifications for high-performance air-handling units (AHUs) used to mean detailing cumbersome construction requirements, accompanied by long lead times and a high price. Today, it is possible to spec AHU performance—not construction—for custom units that are produced economically and quickly.
Welcome to the World’s Largest HVAC/R Expo
Billed as the world's largest exposition of new products, innovations and corporate initiatives, the 2005 AHR Expo will soon convene in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 7 through 9, in conjunction with the ASHRAE Winter Meeting. Here, we offer a guide to some of the latest models and technologies that will be on display at this year's Expo.
Simulating CHP
The centralized plants of big energy users, such as hospitals and universities, can be ideal candidates for cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) installations. However, evaluating costs and benefits can make return-on-investment calculations difficult, especially with new facilities that lack historical operating data.
PPFA Speaks out on California PEX Ruling
Richard W. Church, executive director of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Assn., Glen Ellyn, Ill., released the following statement regarding last week's ruling by the California Second District Court of Appeals, reversing a lower court order placing PEX plastic pipe into the 2001 California Plumbing Code and ordering that all changes to state building codes be subjected to environmental review under the California Environmental Act: "If anyone continues to wonder why California has a reputation as an anti-jobs, anti-business state, yesterday's ruling by a California appeals court clearly illustrates why. "Obviously, it was disappointing to see the lower court ruling ordering PEX into the 2001 California Plumbing Code overturned, but the appeals court had foreshadowed that in an unpublished decision last month and we hadn't expected any change. "But the court's published decision yesterday goes way beyond that, and holds that any change in California fire and building codes qualifies as a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act, triggering the need for an EIR or other form of environmental review. "That's not a defeat for PEX. That's a defeat for common sense and for anyone interested in making sure California families have the homes, jobs, schools, hospitals and other services they need to maintain their quality of life. "In the short run, the impact of the court's decision will be minimal.
Sanitizing Hands
Major health-care organizations and agencies-most notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-have won their campaign to allow alcohol-based hand sanitizers in hospital corridors and other public spaces. The CDC believes this could lead to an enormous reduction in deaths attributed to hospital-acquired infections. The biggest obstacle to wider use of these alcohol-based hand-rub sanitizers has been hospital administrators' concerns about Medicare inspections. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has prohibited the use of hand sanitizers based on its interpretation of NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), which regulates the placement of chemical devices where they might interfere with egress from the building. A 2003 study of 840 facilities discredited the notion that alcohol-based hand sanitizers had ever played a role in hospital fires.
More Fire Case Studies
Smoke Control for the Home Office National Electrical Code 2005: Keeping it Simple Attack of the Metal-Munching Microbes Fire Safety for a Downtown Kansas City Development Los Angeles Medical Center Features Advance Fire Protection Technology Safe Solutions for High-Rise Buildings Require Long-Term Planning Smoke Detection in Places of Worship Sanitizing Hands Optimal Security with Limited Resources at a Swedish Hospital The Use and Maintenance of Dry-Type Sprinklers (PDF) Examination of an Alternative Delivery Method for a Sustainable Clean Agent in a Total Flooding Fire Suppression System (PDF) New Sustainable Clean Agent Delivery Approach Examined (PDF) CCTV: Strategic planning is the key (PDF) Churchill Downs Outfitted with Advanced Emergency Technology (PDF) FCIA Promotes‘Triad’ Solution Speedway Club at the Texas Motor Speedway Features Latest Life Safety Balancing Active and Passive Fire Protection Balance (PDF) Maintaining Life Safety Effectiveness in the New Building Codes (PDF).
Los Angeles Medical Center Features Advanced Fire Protection Technology
Kaiser Permanente, one of the leading healthcare system in the United States plans to protect its new Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC) with advanced fire detection, voice evacuation and smoke purge systems. Slated to open in 2007, LAMC will have 464 patient rooms, 11 labor and delivery rooms and six cardiac surgery suites. The 912,000-sq.-ft. facility will serve as Kaiser Permanente’s Southern Californian tertiary center for cardiovascular surgery, pediatric intensive care, neurosurgery, spine surgery and high-risk obstetrics. To help protect the LAMC, a state-of the-art fire safety system will be installed with integrated digital emergency voice evacuation.
Webcast: Blackout Revisted — Reliability’s Worth
This Webcast originally aired LIVE This Webcast is available only on CD-rom: Purchase a CD-Rom of this Webcast Consulting-Specifying Engineer makes it easy to earn learning units right at your desk -- learn more ! Earn learning units for this Webcast: Take the CEU Exam Download the Presentation Slides: Part 1 (PDF) Part 2 (PDF) Part 3 (PDF) Part 4 (PDF)(May take a few minutes to download.) Jim Crockett, Chief Editor, moderatesMajor blackouts and power quality problems continue to plague the country despite last year's major wake-up that darkened much of the East Coast. Unthinkable power failures, such as the outage at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, cost businesses millions of dollars in lost revenue. CSE will moderate a panel that will break down the basics of good power quality design and electrical redundancy, presenting a case study of critical power measures that can or should be taken in hospital design as well as the individual roles that equipment including surge suppression, harmonic filtering, switchgear, automatic transfer switches, UPS and generators play in keeping critical facilities rolling. ASK LIVE QUESTIONS of these leading industry experts: Peter Gross, CEO, EYP Mission Critical Facilities, Inc., one of the largest engineering and consulting firms focused on the design and construction of Data Centers, trading floors, communication and broadcasting facilities. Tim Dueck, Principal/Director of Reliable Resources, Minneapolis, is widely regarded as one of a few individuals to significantly influence the evolution of critical power distribution design over the last twenty years. Prior to forming Reliable Resources, Tim helped open a Minneapolis office for Mazzetti and Associates and was also a principal with Ellerbe Becket Architects and Engineers. Cyrus J.
Upcoming Webcast Series
Click Here to View the Webcast Archive Consulting-Specifying Engineer Launches Critical Power University ! Attend the series of four webcasts for the latest updates on critical power issues affecting your company. All events are free and attendees are eligible to receive CEUs for each webcast. Register here for all four events.
Taking Off the Chill
Dealing with end-user concerns, using variable speed and evaluating combinations of equipment headline a meeting of the minds on the topic of hybrid chiller plants. CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER: What's the latest and greatest with hybrid chiller plant design? ZAK: The emphasis seems to be shifting from a specific piece of equipment to the efficiency of the overall process.
Gray Power
The U.S. Census Bureau recorded a total of 35.9 million American seniors—65 years and older—in July 2003. That's an increase of 1 million since the 2000 census. So, there won't be a slowdown in the senior housing sector any time soon. And one of the most critical components of this specialized housing—be it retirement community, assisted living center or skilled nursing facili...
On the Right Path, But Miles to Go
Ten years from today if we're still discussing green buildings, we've lost. These blunt words were delivered by Chris Luebkemen of Arup at the recent Greenbuild conference in Portland in a session about the future of green commercial buildings. I couldn't agree more, and in fact, am happy to report that the readers of CSE also get it.
Healthy Daylight and Healthy Darkness: What Our Bodies Need
Nancy Clanton is one of the country's most respected lighting designers. She's also an electrical engineer—with an exceptional sense of humor. I had the recent pleasure of hearing Nancy speak at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild conference in Portland, Ore. She lectured on a subject that often gets lost in the lighting design shuffle: the human element.
ASPE Rock ‘n’ Rolls Cleveland
Aisles were full and exhibitors were happy as the American Society of Plumbing Engineers biennial convention and engineered plumbing exposition took place on the shores of Lake Erie. Some unusual products were on display, including a lavatory by Bradley that uses a photovoltaic power source to run the faucets by collecting power from fluorescent or incandescent lights.
Hurricane Watch: Engineers Help Clients Before and After the Storm
Before this current hurricane season in Florida, the last time a single U.S. state was hit by four back-to-back tropical storms was Texas in 1886. The hurricanes that have devastated parts of Florida and ravaged large sections of the Gulf Coast this year have been a constant in the news during August and September.
Ensuring the Lights Stay On
In officially commissioning buildings for the past 10 years, it's been our experience that given the myriad of building systems in line for such testing, the most critical task is ensuring the safety and reliability of backup power systems. As senior vice president and national commissioning program leader for Carter & Burgess, Inc.
Take a Hike
Heartburn has been my constant bedtime companion of late. While not welcome, the condition is eerily timely, as I was recently asked by my bosses to poll readers on what keeps them up at night. It's a good thing this is our health-care issue because we all probably need a visit to the doctor amid ulcer-inducing issues including schedule compression, growth, recruitment, outsourcing, specializat...
Full Circuit
The manager of construction services at a large corporation was distressed. He called his electrical engineer to relate that at a recent lunch with an electrical equipment representative, he was informed that the use of circuit breakers as a transfer switch was in violation of the circuit breaker's Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
A New Chapter in Health-Care Design
The standards have risen for pharmaceutical compounding areas. As of July 1 of this year, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) will begin surveying these areas—where intravenous and other sterile solutions are prepared—for compliance with a new chapter in the 2004 United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF).
Healthy and Robust
Most firms in the business of designing and building health-care facilities would agree that the market continues to be strong. But 40-year industry veteran Robert Levine is more emphatic. "It's the strongest health-care market I've ever seen in my life! There are no soft spots to speak of, geographically," says Levine, vice president of health care for Turner Construction, St.
Totally Digital
It's been more than 20 years since a new full-service community hospital has opened in Omaha. And it almost seems as if the Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital, set to debut in August, is the result of two decades of pent-up health-care design energy. "We wanted this hospital to have the latest technology and an infrastructure capable of change expansion in the future," says Randy Rees, operations...
Hospital Expands Services with Digital On-Site Power
For more than 50 years, Hancock Memorial Hospital and Health Services (HMHHS) has served Greenfield, Ind. and surrounding Hancock County with an emphasis on primary care, patient comfort and convenience. Located 30 miles east of Indianapolis, Hancock Hospital aims to be one of the best suburban/rural health-care systems in the United States.
Briefly … – 2004-04-01
Chicago-based fire-protection consultant Rolf Jensen & Assoc., Inc. recently signed an agreement with the Tianjin Fire Research Institute to create the first edition of a performance-based fire-protection design guide for China. As the result of a perceived rebound in the design and construction industry, recruiting firm SullivanKreiss, Northborough, Mass.
Technology Train Touts Total Integration
A big highlight at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago last month was the U.S. debut of Siemen's Exider technology train. Nine cars long, the vehicle, which occupied most of the southern end of the exhibition hall, helped communicate various cutting-edge automation solutions the company offers the manufacturing community.
NFPA Cooks Up Revisions to Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Standard
This May at NFPA's World Safety Conference and Exposition in Salt Lake City, members will vote on proposed changes to more than 30 technical documents, among them, NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. The standard covers equipment for dampers, cooking, exhaust, fire-extinguishment and grease control/ removal.
Good Neighbors—Preventing Generator Exhaust Re-entrainment
Two major problems with emergency diesel generators are the possibility of re-entraining their exhaust into the hospital's ventilation system or adjacent buildings and disseminating unpleasant diesel exhaust odors in the neighborhood. To prevent these problems at the Meridian Health System for Brick Hospital in Brick Township, N.
Down with Waste Water, Up with Potable Water
Editor's Note: This issue of CSE inaugurates a new bimonthly feature in our Professional Practices pages: The Role of the Engineer. This month, plumbing specialists offer some thoughts on their place in the engineering community—duties and responsibilities, how they are perceived by peers, and how their design team role could be improved.
Humidifier Fills Critical Control Need in Norwegian Hospital Burn Unit
When Norway's largest hospital—the Riks-hospital—opened in Oslo, it quickly became apparent that the installed electrode-type humidifiers could not maintain stable, reliable humidification. Of particular concern was the skin culture laboratory of the burn unit, where relative humidity (RH) needs to be consistently maintained at 60%, with no more than a 1% fluctuation in RH.
RFID: The Next Big Thing?
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are tiny devices that consist of silicon chips and an antenna that can transmit data to a wireless receiver. You may recognize the technology in your "Speedpass." But one A/E industry consultant thinks the chip may be the next big thing in intelligent building design.
Submeters Put Team on the Offensive
It took the promise of a new football stadium to lure the NFL back to Baltimore after the city's beloved Colts defected to Indianapolis in the eighties. So when the Ravens moved to Maryland in 1996, the Maryland Stadium Authority started construction on a 69,000-seat downtown arena next to Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Your Questions, Please
Back in May, CSE launched a new department that we hope you've been enjoying—Project Journal. Like a lot of good ideas, this series sprang forth from a problem—in this case, too much good content from author Michael Sheerin. Michael, the Healthcare Division Director for TLC Engineering for Architecture, Orlando, produced a volume of material for his piece on Frederick Memorial Hospi...
Healthier Power for Expanded Hospital
When officials at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa, completed the facility's recent expansion, they soon realized they had neglected one vital element. Although power requirements at the 25-bed hospital had grown to 375 kW, their existing emergency standby generator could only supply 175 kW of electricity.
Ducts are Covered at Utah Medical Center
St. George, Utah, set in the high desert in the southwestern portion of the state, experienced a 61% population increase over a five-year period in the 1990s. In the interest of keeping up with the town's rapid growth, the town's Dixie Regional Medical Center made the commitment to expand its services and space.
Facility Assessment – An Early Look Can Prevent Unpleasant Surprises Later
Time is money. An engineer can speak no truer words. Apart from knowledge and experience, judicious use of time is the only other thing that an engineer can apply to accomplishing a successful project. Conversely, the misuse of time can mean trouble. When an engineer is assigned a project, he or she juggles myriad documents and forms that must be completed within a deadline set by others.
Letters – 2003-10-01
Power Where it Matters I was just reading your Sept. Editor's Viewpoint about the blackout and where, in our society, uninterruptible power sources are prioritized (TV). Watching the coverage that night, my wife and I were struck, like you, that things like hospitals, water supplies and subways were crippled, yet we still had endless TV coverage with chattering anchormen.
Switching Hospitals onto the Fast Track
Covenant Health Care had a problem. Business was too good for Tennessee's largest health-care provider; so good, in fact, that the company's antiquated communications systems were having trouble keeping up. Art Jeffords, network operations supervisor, found the solution in a new communications infrastructure.
Go with the Flow: Midstream Design Changes
Long-term design and construction projects pose unique challenges beyond the simple matter of remembering why you designed something the way you did three years ago. For instance, building codes might be updated every two to four years. Moreover, in terms of hospital design, the codes may affect not just the building systems themselves, but also how these systems impact health and safety measur...
Turning Up the Heat on Legionella
When Legionnaires' Disease first appeared in 1976, researchers pointed to a faulty air-conditioning system as the source of the bacteria. But over the years, the finger of guilt has turned away from HVAC—and toward plumbing. "The overwhelming majority of LD cases have been traced to potable hot water systems," said David Yates, a plumbing contractor and owner of F.
Security Ranks High in a Hospital’s Anatomy
Security at hospitals is an important issue, especially with the heightened awareness following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As a hospital that prides itself on providing a safe environment for patients and staff, Frederick Memorial Hospital is an example of what can be achieved through the integration of multiple disciplines.
New Products – 2003-07-01
Reference Binder is a comprehensive source for commercial lighting controls and services. The guide is intended to assist users in identifying opportunities for lighting control and envisioning how systems will meet project needs. Included are new product updates, information on wallbox offerings and a commercial systems technical guide.
Shh! The Walls Have Ears…
In this day and age, when technology seems to keep getting smaller and smaller, is it any wonder that someone would introduce a wireless-enabled sensor the size of the dot in this letter "i"? Regardless, the technology is already here, and it's called MEMS (micro electro mechanical system). Kevin Osburn, head of product marketing and development for Siemens Building Technologies, discussed the ...
New Soldiers in the War on SARS
Driven by the fear of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and bio-terrorism attacks, owners of public buildings and airline companies are looking for ways to beef up their HVAC systems. What is being done to diminish the threat is varied and ranges from simple changes in procedure to complicated feats of engineering.
Power Monitoring Helps Hospital Owner Improve Its Financial Prognosis
Advocate Health Care is the largest, fully integrated healthcare delivery system in Chicago, and one of the top 10 systems in the United States. Two years ago, with deregulation creating new volatility in the energy market, the company decided it needed to take a proactive approach to managing energy use in its 10 hospitals.
Tricky Trouble, Simple Solution
After portions of Frederick Memorial Hospital's new central energy plant came online, the hospital took responsibility for the regular testing and maintenance of the different systems. One of those tests included running the generators under the available building load on a weekly basis. The staff would start both generators manually and transfer each switch from the normal service to the gener...
Standardizing Healthcare
Healthcare facilities require unique air-quality standards—that philosophy is expected to become "official" as soon as 2004, as ASHRAE SPC (Standards Project Committee) 170P continues work on its Ventilation of Health Care Facilities standard. SPC 170P was put together during the development of ASHRAE's Health Care Design Manual (SP-91), a guide for designing HVAC systems in healthcare...
For Healthcare, Children Deserve the Best
Children's Hospital in Omaha, Neb., has been caring for children since 1948. In fact, it is the only strictly pediatric hospital within a 200-mi. radius. Omaha-based HDR has provided architecture and engineering services to the facility since the early 1970s, on projects ranging from master plans and facility upgrades to the recent design of a replacement hospital.
Healthcare Market to Grow, Says AMI Survey
In a recent survey by AMI Environmental, 96% of respondents said that the healthcare architecture/engineering/construction market will grow in the next two years. The study also predicts that several new facility requirements will come into being as a result of market growth.
Getting in (Switch) Gear
Editor's note: In a world of heightened sensitivity within electrical environments, engineers have been observing some interesting changes in switchgear and automatic transfer switches. For example, the introduction of digital trip technology in circuit breakers now makes it possible to communicate feeder data that previously would have required multiple instrumentation packages.
ASHRAE, Industrial Health & Glasnost
Someone once told me, "Speak the truth fast," when dealing with sensitive issues. Okay, here it goes: Since recently implementing a Glasnost-like policy of trying to include the voice of the manufacturing community into the magazine where appropriate (see 11/02 "Editor's Viewpoint"), it's been brought to my attention by a few members of that community that they feel they're not getting their fa...
No Smoking? No Problem for HVAC Design
Following in the footsteps of California, Florida and New York City, Chicago might just be the next major jurisdiction to adopt a non-smoking policy.
Debate Continues Over Separate ASHRAE IAQ Standard
One of the hot debates at last year's ASHRAE Winter Meeting in Atlantic City was whether there was a need for a separate indoor air quality standard for the hospitality industry, where smoking is more prevalent than in other types of spaces. The matter was discussed during a meeting of the Standing Standards Project Committee for Standard 62.
Vanderbilt Goes Cogen
For more than 15 years, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., has been using coal-fired boilers and steam turbines to generate steam for power. Recently, the university added two industrial gas turbines, with heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), to satisfy 30% of the campus load. The 10-megawatt (MW) facility will supply approximately 60,000 lbs.
New Products – 2002-12-01
SURGE-SUPPRESSION MODULES feature a distribution-grade metal-oxide varistor to address degradation issues. Units are available in 40- and 80-mm models, and can be ordered for 120-, 240- or 380-volt applications. All units are UL 1449 2nd edition recognized. AC Data Systems Circle 451 SWITCHER provides 85 watts of triple-output power and incorporates power-factor protection.
Manufacturer’s Attentiveness Helps Medical Center’s Recovery
Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, faced its own emergency medical requirements in June 2001, after Tropical Storm Allison dumped 39 inches of rain in the area in just two days. The center, which covers more than 700 acres and incorporates more than 100 permanent buildings, including 13 hospitals, two specialty institutions, two medical schools and two nursing schools, faced severe floodin...
New Products – 2002-11-01
Control connectors are LED-illuminated for when I/O function needs to be monitored visually. Plugs have a clear overmold body with green light to indicate power and yellow light to indicate signal. As a sensor's state changes, indicators flash on and off. (Mini- and Micro-Quick by Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems) Reader Service (RS) #1 Backup ballasts provide support for HID lamps, which are...
People News
David Nash has been named president of PB Buildings, Inc., a new company formed by Parsons Brinckerhoff, Warren, Mich. PB Buildings will provide life-cycle services for domestic private-sector buildings, including program management, design, construction and operation/ maintenance for offices, commercial buildings, hotels and industrial facilities.
Gauging Reliability of Emergency Power
Arduous switching, testing and recording of generator test results are becoming distant memories for the operations staff at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Using a new power monitoring system, the engineering staff can now accurately determine the reliability of the emergency-power and recently upgraded electrical system, according to Herschel Flannery, the facility...
Cogen with Lean-Burn Cuts Health-Care Cost
When it came time for administrators at St. Catharines General Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, to consider ways to control costs, energy expenditures jumped out. As a large facility in a cold climate, the hospital had a significant heating load for more than six months of the year. And its laundry facilities had a year-round need for hot water.
Atriums: More Beauty Less Beast
The following is the first in a series of two articles focusing on HVAC and fire-protection strategies for large open-area spaces. This month's article deals with atriums. The second piece, to appear in the pages of CSE later this summer, will cover auditorium design. Consider a skylight-capped four-story atrium that also includes a large façade with a southern exposure.
People/Firm News Roundup
Click here to read about the latest happenings from around the M/E consulting industry, including recent hires, business news and awards.
Case Study: Inline Flow Switch Prescribed for Hospital
The maintenance of sprinkler systems can be a major, sometimes costly, task for building owners, but it is a crucial factor in a fire-protection system's performance and life span...
Inline Flow Switch Prescribed for Hospital
The maintenance of sprinkler systems can be a major, sometimes costly, task for building owners, but it is a crucial factor in a fire-protection system's performance and life span. The benchmark for this procedure is NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and a major facet of this standard is the testing of a system's water fl...
Don’t Pardon the Interruption
A centralized UPS scheme offers reliability against emergencies before they happen
ERs, ORs and PEs
If you haven't visited a hospital in a while, you may be surprised to find some very high-tech gadgetry, such as the latest in diagnostic imaging equipment; architecture and décor resembling a hotel more than a health-care facility; and patient rooms equipped with data ports for medical professionals to download patient information to a personal digital assistant (PDA) instead of a c...
New products & literature – 2002-02-01
CSE has amended the process for retrieving additional product information. Instead of circling the corresponding number on our reader service card, please visit our Reader Service site at rscahners.ims.ca/csemag and enter the corresponding reader service number. Or just click on "Reader Service" from CSE's home page at www.
ASHRAE Takes a Look at Separate IAQ Standards
Whether or not to separate ventilation standards for hospitality and industrial facilities was a hotly debated topic as ASHRAE's Indoor-Air-Quality Technical Committee attempted to tackle the issue at the Winter Meeting.More than a hundred people attended the pre-show seminar, "Is there a Need for a Seperate IAQ Standard for the Hospitality Industry," yet no clear cut answer emerged.
M/E Roundtable: Boiling it Down
The demand for modular boilers, thought-out control strategies and better service are a few trends driving boiler specifications
Boiling it Down
What types of boilers are more commonly specified, how do engineers sort through different manufacturer options and in what direction are boiler controls heading? These are a few questions that a panel of boiler experts have set out to deal with in this month's M/E Roundtable.CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER (CSE): What kinds of trends have you seen with different types of boilers?PARKER: T...
Undervalued?
Underfloor air systems have been around for quite some time now, but is the market embracing the technology or discounting it as a specialty solution?
Wiring Underfloor—Not Underfoot
Raised floors are the ideal multi-tasking system, serving both as a plenum for HVAC and conduit for electrical wiring and data cabling. Proper implementation, however, should involve a closely coordinated effort by the design team to guarantee that specifications meet the needs of all systems.CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER (CSE): Many system designers praise the benefits of raised-floo...
M/E Roundtable: Wiring Underfloor—Not Underfoot
Raised floors offer flexibility and scalability for wiring and cable in facilities with special equipment needs or high staff churn rate
New products – 2001-12-01
Vertical axis windmill captures wind from any direction at speeds from 5 to 100 mph. Capable of generating 1.2 million kW of clean power annually. Windfall Energy Circle 454 Hand-held controller can remotely control the Pulsar relay test system. The user can perform front-panel functions to enable closer observation of the relay device being tested.
A wish for a less ‘momentous’ year
May you live in interesting times. So goes the traditional Chinese proverb/curse.The year 2001 was certainly an odyssey, but one I feel most of us would rather not revisit. In fact, I feel fortunate just to be able to move on to next year, and hopefully back to business as "usual."In some ways, I'm reminded of 1968—another year of great national pain: MLK and RFK's assasinations; ...
Integration to the Core
Consolidation of the hospital's sterile, operating, radiology and emergency clinics called for a well-integrated design
Heavy Hitters
An all-star assembly of the Northeast's prime-time players step up to the plate in the Big Apple to address some of the profession's toughest legal and firm management issues
Calif. Hospital Generates Electricity and Heat With Biodiesel Fuel
Just outside the mechanical room of the St. Mary Medical Center campus in Long Beach, Calif., a scent comparable to popcorn fills the air. But it's not the smell of corn popping, rather the burning of soybean-based fuel that powers on-site electrical generators and boilers.
DOE Enlists Burns & McDonnell to Develop New Cogen System
A new type of building cooling, heating and power system, integrating on-site power generation with heating, cooling and humidity control, is now under development by Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Mo., with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
2001 Nonresidential Construction Spending
August Deep Links: Expanding on CSE's coverage of the market facing engineering firms, here is further analysis of the economic trends affecting nonresidential construction spending.
New products & literature – 2001-08-01
Heat-shrinkable tubing and protective wiring is resistant to high temperature, abrasion and most chemicals, fuels and solvents. The tubing is self-extinguishing and rated for continuous operation from -67°F to 347°F. (Kynar by Venmark International) Circle 1Web-based HVAC monitoring system continuously tracks performance.
Staying in Power
Power-quality experts highlight benefits, challenges and new advances in power monitoring and conditioning equipment
A Hospital on the Lake
A lake-coupled geothermal system powers a medical center, cutting down on energy and patient-care costs
Bush Reveals Energy Plan
While President George W. Bush's newly released energy strategy proposes some proactive measures to help alleviate the nation's power woes, including increased oil and gas drilling and nuclear power production, environmentalists are up in arms, as are Californians who feel that Bush's proposal offers few short-term measures to increase electricity supply and decrease blackouts.
Engineering Excellence Awarded to Top Ill. firms
Recognizing outstanding engineering, the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois recently honored a number of design firms with Engineering Excellence Awards. The highest award was presented to KJWW Engineering Consultants of Rock Island for their design of the nation's largest geothermal system at the Great River Medial Center in Rock Island.
Codes & Standards: Engineers Wanted
Who better understands the way buildings live, operate and breathe than the engineers who design them? So when it comes to ensuring safety in facilities via codes and standards, wouldn't it make sense for engineers to be intimately involved in the development process? Ideally, yes. But practically, it's not so simple.
Securing Health
Consulting engineers have new reasons to revisit the security risks at health-care facilities. In addition to the increasing risks of theft, infant abductions and emergency-room violence, there are increasingly stringent standards. Most noteworthy is the issuance by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health-Care Organizations (JCAHO) of its "Environment of Care" standards, which represen...
Imperative Infrastructure
Voice-, data- and video-transmission systems have quickly become a necessary feature of school and office design
Fuel Cell Update
Coming changes: In a report on fuel cells, the Tacoma, Wash., News Tribune , quotes Jack Robertson, a former deputy administrator for the Bonneville Power Administration: "This has got to change the utility business like Apple changed the computer business.when the price starts to plummet, all hell will break loose. It will be like the [advent of the] home computer.
Taking Firms to Task
A new book highlighting inefficient practices urges design and construction firm managers to move away from "the shortsighted mistakes made by firm after firm." The book, Creating Wealth: Principles and Practices for Design Firms, proposes that firms, in general, have lapsed into generic and benign practices rather than building highly defined, focused and energetic businesses.
Healthy Improvements for Aging Hospital
New regulations, mandates, environmental guidelines and increasing maintenance costs were putting a strain on an already tight budget for Methodist Healthcare-McNairy Hospital in rural Tennessee."Our 30-year old physical plant was in need of major updating and replacement," says hospital administrator Rosemont Tyler.
Welcome Aboard, P.E.s!
To bestow a rare honor is a rare privilege, and in this issue, the editors are fortunate to have such an opportunity. After a long and fruitful search, we are proud to announce three new consulting editors-engineers tapped to serve as our technical and editorial advisors.
Where There’s Fire There’s Smoke
Patients in hospitals, outpatient facilities and nursing homes require special protection from the elements of a fire, of which smoke is one of the most dangerous. In fact, smoke control is especially critical in these facilities.
Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E.: A Rewarding Career
Modesty is an important quality in any individual, but Rudolph A. Wolfson, P.E.-Rudy, to his friends-often seems so humble as to be unconvinced of his standing and impact on the U.S. engineering scene.
Design Demands for Redundant Power
While a number of engineers say that the demand for redundant power systems is continuing to grow, the big question is: What's driving this trend?"Most of the increased desire for redundancy and reliability comes from facilities that have previously experienced problems when main power has been lost," says Mark Gelfo, P.E., a principal with Tilden Lobnitz Cooper in Orlando, Fla..
Deciding on a Plan for Multiple-Use Facilities
Should large facilities under one roof have central or distributed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning HVAC systems? While a topic unto itself, two contrasting examples illustrate the range of approaches.
Baring their Teeth: Dental Care for Animal Patients
Animal dental treatment is a relatively new field of practice, and while many hospitals do not have full-time dentists on staff, more stand-alone clinics are being built. Dental treatment rooms generally have a tub table for carrying out procedures, with hot and cold potable water and connections for compressed air, vacuum and oxygen.
A Dog’s (Medical) Life: Equipment Specs for Vets
While the mechanical system needs of veterinary facilities can vary, hospital installations tend to comprise the same basic equipment. The following is a list of the most common items. Tub table or wet table. A tub table comes in 5-foot or 6-foot lengths, and consists of a grated table with an underlying sink.
References
National Research Institute, 1994, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. Laboratory Animal Management, Committee on Dogs. National Research Institute, 1996, Institute of Laboratory Animals Resources, "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Veterinary Economics, 1997 "Hospital Design Guidelines Conference." Hafen, Mark.
Plumbing for Pets—and Vets
Although it may surprise many engineers, veterinary hospitals are undergoing a transformation from neighborhood "mom and pop" facilities into specialized referral centers that resemble hospitals at teaching institutions. With the increased sophistication come bigger challenges for architectural and engineering teams to design better and more efficient facilities.
