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Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: May 12-18, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered 40 under 40, arc energy, lighting controls and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: May 5-11, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered arc energy, air handling units, codes and standards and more
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, April 2023
Read the best content in April 2023 including: electrical systems, lighting control, HVAC and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: April 21-27, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered electrical system accidents, low-voltage electrical systems, HVAC and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: April 14-20, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered electrical systems, HVAC, building controls and more.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, March 2023
Read the best content in March 2023 including: electrical system design, electrical and power systems, HVAC and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: March 17-23, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered electrical and power systems, electrical system design, emergency lighting and more.
Exploring basic components of a low-voltage electrical system
Electrical projects often require low-voltage systems. Learn about the various equipment here
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: March 10-16, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered electrical and power systems, medical gas storage, variable frequency drives, NFPA 99 and more.
K-12 schools’ electrical and power systems
Electrical and power systems are being upgraded at K-12 schools
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: February 17-23, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered emergency systems, NFPA 99, mergers, generator systems and HVAC
Case study: Electrical system design for hospital campuses
A hospital in the Southeast had several electrical infrastructure design considerations
Case study: Reuse and update EPSS equipment
In this hospital, a temporary generator allowed existing gear to be updated
Power for emergency systems focus on value add
Value-add strategies intend to help owners build better business cases to install and operate larger generation capacity that can mitigate major environmental events that create extended power outages
Your questions answered: When and how to design low- and medium-voltage electrical systems
During this critical power webcast, several questions were left open. Review the responses here
Health care building electrical, lighting design model shifts
As hospitals and health care facilities evolve, the lighting, power and electrical systems within them must change
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: November 4- November 10, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered switchgear, construction, ESG, EV charging, and more.
Navigating the route to more sustainable mission critical power
Which mission critical power option is right for your next building application?
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, October 2022
Read the best content in October 2022 including: generators, electrical power systems, arc flash and more.
Your questions answered: Microgrid economic modeling: How to make sense of the numbers
Additional questions are answered about microgrid economic modeling with examples of typical outputs
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: October 14-20, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered electrical power systems, power feeders, EV charging, BAS audits and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: September 30-October 6, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered switchgears, feeder methods, HVAC, air distribution and intelligent buildings.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, September 2022
Read the best content in August 2022 including: generators, MEP Giants, power distribution and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: September 23-29, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered power distribution, generators, 2022 MEP Giants, HVAC and humidity.
Comparing low-voltage switchgear and switchboards
This provided a general overview of low-voltage switchgear and switchboards, including definitions, standards, advantages and disadvantages
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: September 16-22, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered power distribution, humidity, docking stations, 2022 MEP Giants and HVAC.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: September 9-15, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered docking stations, synergy design tools, 2022 MEP Giants, HVAC and NFPA 72.
Power distribution options: Comparing feeder methods
Experienced designers and contractors will choose power distribution feeders to meet the specific needs of a project
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: September 2-September 8, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered docking stations, 2022 MEP Giants, design tools, HVAC and NFPA 72.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: August 26-September 1, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered the 2022 MEP Giants, Vanderbilt, transformers, FGI guidelines and NFPA 72.
Designing generator docking station installations
Adding a generator docking station to a new or existing facility is a useful solution which requires careful planning to ensure a successful and safe installation.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, August 2022
Read the best content in August 2022 including: the 2022 MEP Giants, regulating HVAC with VRF systems, electrical room footprint and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: August 12-18, 2022
The most viewed content from this past week covered the 2022 MEP Giants, energy efficiency, transformers, industrial facilities and fuses versus circuit breakers.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: August 5-11, 2022
The most viewed content from this past week covered electrical room design, energy efficiency, airport electrical systems, center control system design and fuses versus circuit breakers.
Your questions answered: Power for industrial facilities
Unanswered questions from the July 26 webcast are answered by Zia Salami with CDM Smith
Manufacturing and industrial building electrical, power trends
Several new and retrofit manufacturing building projects show trends in electrical, power and lighting systems
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: July 29-August 4, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered HVAC and VRF, electrical distribution systems, center control system design, electrical room design and airport electrical systems.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: July 22-28, 2022
The most viewed content from the past week covered designing electrical distribution systems, data center HVAC design, HVAC and VRF systems, electrical room design and microgrids.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: July 15-21, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered electrical distribution systems, electrical system design, NFPA updates, electrical room design and microgrids.
Your questions answered: How to design electrical distribution systems
In the webcast “How to design electrical distribution systems,” some items were left unanswered. Tom Divine tackles several here
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: July 8-14, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered electrical distribution systems, NFPA updates, electrical system design, electrical room design and microgrids.
Webcast: What to consider when designing a paralleling power system
Attend this webcast on September 15, 2022, to learn when and how a system-level control fits in the power system.
Your questions answered: How to design an electrical room with a reduced footprint
In this Q&A, the Schneider Electric expert discusses how electrical room components can be reduced to allow for flexibility and value
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, June 2022
Read the best content in June 2022 including: 40 Under 40 winners, electrical distribution systems, NFPA 13-2022, emergency generators and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: June 17-23, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered electrical distribution systems, rooftop units, fire pump speed, HVAC trends and NFPA 72-2022.
Your questions answered: Specifying transfer switch controls
In this follow-up Q&A, learn how to select and specify the correct transfer switch control, based on application
Electrical distribution systems: Fuses versus circuit breakers
How does an electrical engineer decide between fuses and circuit breakers? The answer: It depends
Trends, changes in data center electrical system design
Several trends are pushing the electrical and power systems in data centers in different directions
Webcast: Critical Power: Power for industrial facilities
This webcast on July 26, 2022, will discuss when uninterruptible power supply systems are required, and their specifications, understand how to evaluate and analyze the power needs for such systems and more.
Webcast: How to design an electrical room with a reduced footprint
This webcast on June 16, 2022 will discuss various methods of footprint reduction for both LV and MV equipment including strategies beyond using smaller equipment.
Webcast: How to design electrical distribution systems
Attend this webcast on June 30, 2022 to understand basic features when selecting, specifying and applying electrical distribution systems.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: May 13-19, 2022
The most-viewed content from the past week covered 40 Under 40 winners, dynamic UPS systems, air handling systems, microgrids and hospital decarbonization.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, April 2022
Read the best content in April 2022 including: Prefabrication, electrical power quality, integrating electrical systems, AI and building systems and more.
Webcast: Specifying transfer switch controls
Attend this webcast on June 9, 2022 to learn how to select and specify the correct transfer switch control, based on application.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 8-14, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical power quality, K-12 school changes, hospital electrical trends, health care air handling systems and prefabrication's future.
Edgar talks design tech for cabling
The video podcast show, Let’s Talk Cabling!, recently invited an ESD expert to discuss the benefits of 3D modeling for designing cable installation projects.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, March 2022
Read the best articles in March 2022 including: Health care generators, electrical power quality, switch time duration, lighting controls and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 11-17, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical power quality, lighting controls, evaporative cooling options, office buildings and single-pair Ethernet.
Webcast: Critical power: Generators and their design
Attend this webcast on April 5, 2022, to learn about generator power systems
Establishing the case for building electrification
Building electrification presents a tangible strategy within the consulting-specifying industry to reduce and eliminate long-term operational CO2 emissions.
How single-pair Ethernet can simplify your data network
Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is exactly what it sounds like, an Ethernet cable that has one twisted pair of copper conductors rather than the usual four.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 11-17, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Metal-clad cable and busways, chilled water system design, electrical power quality options, engineering salaries and electrification.
Office building electrical, power system design has changed
COVID, employee well-being and indoor air quality issues have all changed the way office building electrical and power systems are considered
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 4-10, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Transfer switch time duration, electrical power quality options, health care generators, electrification and fire pump systems.
Electrical power quality and system harmonics: Practical options exist
Harmonic distortion resolution of variable frequency drive motor applications will provide the most beneficial actions for IEEE 519 compliance
Your questions answered: Dynamic UPS systems: How kinetic energy can protect sensitive processes and equipment
Dynamic uninterruptible power supply systems provide conditioned electrical power to mission critical facilities. Learn the basics, along with benefits of specifying
How to specify metal-clad cable and busways
Wiring methods like metal-clad cable and busways, using premanufactured components, can offer significant labor savings, but their limitations should be understood before specifying them
Power grid resilience opening the door to sustainable energy and infrastructure
One critical aspect of energy resilience is creating redundancy in our power grid to keep the duration of power outages for consumers at a minimum.
Combatting the climate crisis through building electrification
What exactly should we first do with our buildings to combat the climate crisis?
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 7-13, 2022
Read the best articles from the past week. Electric vehicle charging stations, health care generators, Product of the Year, lighting code compliance and hospital design.
Critical power webcast: Backup, standby and emergency power in mission critical facilities
Understand how sustainability and the environment are impacting considerations for backup generators, including fuel sources and emissions
How to apply transfer switch time duration and short-time WCR
Learn about UL 1008 short-circuit testing and passing criteria, and know how to apply the short-circuit withstand and closing rating in a power system
Expert Interview: the benefits of on-site electric vehicle charging stations
Glumac's Scott Clemons breaks down the environmental and financial benefits of owning on-site electric vehicle charging stations and why they offer unique opportunities for those who purchase them.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed power articles in 2021
Read the best articles about power including transformer protection, electrical and power system design, emergency power supply and more.
Dynamic UPS systems webcast: How kinetic energy can protect sensitive processes and equipment
Dynamic uninterruptible power supply systems provide conditioned electrical power to mission critical facilities. Learn the basics, along with benefits of specifying
State of the Industry Webcast: Power Design Research Results
We asked, you answered and now we’d like to share your thoughts on the state of the industry during these unusual times.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 5-11, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. 2021 product of year winners, changes in electrical, power systems and industrial buildings, and commercial wiring methods.
COVID, sustainability drive college electrical, power design
Colleges and universities have been sustainability trendsetters over the past several years. COVID-19 has required designers to think differently
Commercial wiring methods: Back to basics
A working understanding of commonly used wiring methods is critical for electrical engineers who design power systems for buildings
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: October 8-14, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Circuit coordination, environmental conservation, wildfire smoke mitigation, manufacturing building standards and IAQ facilities.
Changes in the electrical, power systems in manufacturing, industrial buildings
Several changes to the design of manufacturing and industrial buildings are covered here by electrical, power and lighting experts
Education Session: Low- and Medium-Voltage Electrical Systems
In this session on Oct. 19, 2021, you will learn about the codes and standards regarding electrical system design, understand the basics of a single-line diagram, explore products and systems within the low- and medium-voltage classification, and review buildings in which both low- and medium-voltage electrical systems have been included, and their interaction.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: October 1-7, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Circuit coordination, IAQ facilities, lighting systems, wildfire smoke mitigation and secure power grids.
Education Session: How to Select Transfer Switches
By attending this session on Oct. 19, 2021, you will understand the basics of transfer switch selection, including specifying the correct type.
Your questions answered: Design considerations for generator distribution switchboards
In this Sept. 15, 2021, webcast, several questions were left unanswered. Read the details here
Q&A about hospital backup, standby, emergency power
Your questions about power in hospitals are answered here
Data-driven design series: The impact of building electrification
Glumac's Northern Region Energy Director Brian Goldcrump discusses how a cleaner power grid opens the door for building electrification as a tool in decarbonization.
Backup, standby and emergency power for hospitals
In this wrap-up of an education session, learn about the basics of designing power systems in hospitals
Your questions answered: Using electrical design software tools
Learn how to improve electrical design workflow with two software tools
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: July 23-29, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Energy storage and microgrids, government building design, HVAC and COVID-19 and Product of the Year finalists.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: July 16-22, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Energy storage and microgrids, government building design, HVAC and COVID-19 and Product of the Year finalists.
How to design electrical systems in government buildings
In this Q&A with multiple experts, learn how to design electrical and power systems in government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings
Your questions answered: How to design microgrids and microgrid controls for small and medium sites
Engineers involved in designing and specifying electrical systems for small and medium facilities (less than 1 megawatt) will learn about design considerations and customer applications associated with microgrid controls
How do our analog energy systems become data-powered innovators?
The time to invest in highly innovative and predictive energy is now.
Your questions answered: How to apply transfer switch time duration WCR
Transfer switches are critical to the power system. How do high short-circuit and short-time withstand and closing ratings (WCR) help simplify the selection of overcurrent protection devices? Read more for questions left unanswered during the live webcast
How pandemics affect electrical, power in building design
COVID-19 affected engineers and building professionals’ designs in many ways, such as electrical, power and lighting systems
Know the changes to NFPA 99 Chapter 6
New sections were added to NFPA 99-2021 health care facilities electrical systems acceptance testing and electrical preventive maintenance
Your questions answered: Electrical distribution systems
Questions left unanswered during the "Electrical distribution systems" webcast are answered here
Electrical distribution systems webcast
Attend this June 15 webcast for continuing education on electrical distribution systems
Microgrids: a modern solution for America’s 100-year-old utility monopoly
Southland Industries reviews how evolving technology is revolutionizing the energy sector.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, May 2021
Read the best articles in May 2021 including: NFPA 101, electrical system software, NFPA 72-2022, effective COVID-19 mitigation, NFPA 72-2022 and more.
Specifying electrical systems in manufacturing, warehouse buildings
Warehouse, manufacturing and logistics facilities need engineering experts to specify various electrical and power systems
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: May 21-27, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. 40 Under 40 winners, modeling electrical systems, optimizing water usage, power for fire/life safety systems and HVAC changes.
Transformer protection is essential for reliable power
Transformer protection is vital to ensure that one of the most expensive and important pieces of equipment in a power system can stay in service
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: May 14-20, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Wireless lighting controls, designing data centers, electrical system software, HVAC changes and CFD in three dimensions.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: May 7-13, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Wireless lighting controls, designing data centers, electrical system software, HVAC changes and CFD in three dimensions.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 23-29, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical system software, CFD in three dimensions, remote working, NFPA 72-2022, and HVAC and BAS changes
How to design data center electrical and power systems
An expert panel provides engineering and design tips for electrical, power and lighting systems in this Q&A
Picking software to model electrical systems
As electrical power and lighting systems become more complex, modeling for safe and reliable electrical operations becomes increasingly important
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 9-15, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. NEC electrical grounding, HVAC and BAS changes, NFPA 72-2022, COVID-19 and HVAC equipment and lab opportunities.
Best practices for engineering government buildings: Electrical and power systems
Designing utilities, public works, airport, mass transit, transportation or other government projects is a big task. Learn how to design electrical, power and lighting in government buildings.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 19-25, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. Choosing between an ECM and VFD, NFPA 101 and COVID-19, NEC changes, integrating a BAS and data center metrics.
Office buildings focus on air quality, energy efficiency, electrical systems
Designing office buildings in a post-COVID world is a challenging task with engineering variables. Read about electrical, power and lighting systems
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 8-14, 2021
Read the best articles from the past week. NFPA 70-2020 changes, BAS integration, VRF system design, electrical grounding and bonding and Product of the Year winners.
Designing flexible, safe labs: Electrical, power and lighting
Safety, budget, flexibility and flexibility are key factors when designing laboratory and research space
Your questions answered: Low- and medium-voltage electrical systems
Several questions about low- and medium-voltage electrical systems were left unanswered; read answers to these questions here
Your questions answered: The electrical system’s role in designing for resiliency
During the webcast, several questions were left unanswered. Additional info was provided by the presenters
Electrical grounding and bonding per NEC
Understanding correct grounding and bonding design and construction is crucial for proper electrical system operation and personnel safety
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, November 2020
Read the best articles in November 2020 including: Commercial building wiring methods, hospital ventilation, 2020 Commissioning Giants and more.
Designing, retrofitting hospitals during COVID: Electrical, power and lighting
While COVID-19 has changed many aspects in a health care facility, some things remain identical. Understand how to design electrical, power and lighting systems
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 13-19, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Commercial building wiring methods, the salary survey, hospital ventilation design, commissioning giants and modular electric rooms.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 5 to 12, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Commercial building wiring methods, navigating hospital ventilation design during COVID-19, the basics of hot water heating boilers, and more.
Modular electric rooms are the new normal
Modular electric rooms (MERs) are built out with electrical infrastructure that can be rapidly deployed at a data center facility and are becoming more common.
Students, tech, COVID drive higher ed design of electrical, lighting systems
College and university building design is being driven by student needs, technology and new air quality demands
Back to basics: Commercial building wiring methods
Electrical engineers and designers should have a practical understanding for the application of raceways, wiring, cabling and busways
Designing with raceways
Electrical engineers may consider using a raceway system for the electrical feed
How to know when busways are the right choice
Depending on the application, electrical engineers may consider using a busway or bus duct
Consulting-Specifying Engineer October 2020 issue
Read the October 2020 digital edition to learn about building wiring, the 2020 Commissioning Giants, indoor air quality standards and virtual design for buildings.
Your questions answered: Microgrid design for efficiency and resiliency
The webcast on Sept. 30, 2020, left unanswered questions. Read more about microgrid design here
How vulnerable is your electrical system?
A discussion about vulnerabilities to electrical systems includes risks to facilities and recommendations for improved safety
Basics of industrial, manufacturing facility design: Electrical, power and lighting
Industrial and manufacturing facilities have specialty electrical and lighting needs engineers must include in new or retrofit projects
Why is ground fault protection needed?
Electrical system ground fault protection is vital to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment and to reliably maintain systems based on the loads they serve
Case study: Calculating motor OCPD
Learn how to determine the combined overcurrent protection device for a motor
Fundamentals of motor circuit protection
Motor circuit protection involves understanding the National Electrical Code and equipment nameplate information
Consulting-Specifying Engineer September 2020 issue
Read the September 2020 digital edition to learn about electrical protection advice, boilers and hot water heating tips and smart building consulting.
Your questions answered: Designing system-level controls in a power system
Electrical engineers specifying paralleling power systems must understand the difference between generator set paralleling and system-level control. Read more for questions left unanswered during the live webcast
Your questions answered: Learn how to leverage intelligent circuit protection
Several additional questions have been answered from the Aug. 18, 2020, webcast “Learn how to leverage intelligent circuit protection”
Basics of engine installation and operation
NFPA 37 establishes the minimum fire safety requirements for stationary combustion engine installation and use
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 10-16, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Switchgear and transformers, school building safety, Product of the Year finalists, ASHRAE 90.4 and UV light disinfection.
Best practices for designing electrical, power and lighting in government buildings
Learn how to specify electrical, power and lighting systems for government and military buildings
Back to basics: Switchgear, transformers and UPSs
Switchgear, transformers and uninterruptible power supplies are among the largest, costliest and most critical devices in a facility
Electrical systems and future-proofing the built environment
Cutting-edge research, by its very definition, changes on a dime as flexibility is the current buzzword in vertical building design and electrical systems need to be future-proofed.
Four tips for successfully designing pharmaceutical lab space
Pharmaceutical labs offer many challenges for electrical engineers, but good communication and thorough planning can bypass most of these challenges.
Developing power in the new energy ecosystem
As the energy industry transitions into a new normal, utilities can employ the lessons learned to grow and diversify the company and remain competitive.
Warehouse, manufacturing facilities go high-tech: Electrical and power
Warehouse, manufacturing and logistics buildings are more than simple boxy structures used to make products and store them before they move onto their next destination. Electrical, power and lighting systems add another layer of complexity
Designing power systems in mission critical environments
Learn about the choices and criteria for the planning and design of mission critical facility switchgear, transformers and UPS
How to design for transformers, switchgear and UPS
It is critical for electrical engineers to be involved early in the programming of a facility to meet end users’ needs and cost constraints in facility construction
Your questions answered: Power quality: How to mitigate harmonics
Understand the causes, code requirements for compliance and mitigation techniques for harmonics in these additional responses
Trends shaping the future of the electrical industry
The AEC industry has continued to upgrade, automate, and secure their systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices are at the forefront.
Your questions answered: Power for emergency fire/life safety systems
Questions not answered during the live webcast are answered here; learn more about emergency, standby and backup power for fire and life safety systems
Electrical modeling tools essential for complex facilities
As electrical power systems grow more complex, electrical distribution system modeling and analyses for safe and reliable operations becomes vital
Data centers achieve a new level of high-tech: Electrical and power systems
Designing solutions for data center clients — whether hyperscale or colocation facilities — requires advanced engineering knowledge
How to design K-12 schools: Electrical, power and lighting systems
With increasingly complex systems and technology coming into play, work on modern K-12 projects is anything but elementary
What’s so special about office buildings? Learn about electrical and lighting solutions
Office buildings are complex structures containing automated features, energy-saving designs, high-tech equipment and other components as advanced as you’d find in any other state-of-the-art project. Electrical, power and lighting systems are at the forefront
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 7-13
Read the best articles from the past week. NEC 2017 changes, NFPA 20 fire pumps, office building design, successful acoustic projects and lighting occupancy sensors.
Wearable power generator for IoT devices developed
Researchers at Purdue University have created technology designed to address the thickness issue for wearable power generation for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, January 2020
Read the best articles in January 2020 including: NEC changes, building automation advances, electrical design for smoke control systems, cooling coil condensate, lighting commissioning and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 24-30
Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical design for smoke control systems, NFPA 20 fire pumps, NEC 2017 changes, NFPA 101 defining egress, and NFPA 110-2019 changes.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: January 17-23
Read the best articles from the past week. NEC 2017 changes, circuit interrupters, lab and research facility design, building automation advances, and egress planning with NFPA 101.
The future is now: Designing for the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure
There are many things we need to consider when designing and building this infrastructure.
Tips for designing circuit interrupters
Electrical engineers should be familiar with how to specify various circuit interruption and emergency electrical disconnects in commercial facilities
8850 Load Bank by ASCO Power Technologies
To simplify testing in large medium-voltage applications, the 8850 Containerized Load Bank offers 4,500 kVA in a single 30-foot transportable container.
ATC-900 transfer switch by Generac
The ATC-900 transfer switch control is ideal for facility operators and engineers alike.
Lab, research facility design: Electrical, power and lighting
Learn tips on how to design labs and research facilities — some of the most high-tech buildings around
How to correctly size a transformer
Engineers must make informed decisions regarding the proper transformer sizing selection, electrical and mechanical requirements and impacts to the electrical system under different operating and loading conditions
Transformer selection and sizing
Selecting and sizing electrical distribution transformers is fundamental for electrical designers and engineers
Electrical design for smoke control systems
Engineers designing electrical infrastructure to support smoke control systems must be aware of the stringent requirements listed throughout multiple code sections
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 15-21
Read the best articles from the past week. Specifying electrical systems, demand-controlled ventilation in HVAC, pipe systems and materials, NFPA 110-2019 and introduction to boilers.
Your questions answered: Critical power: Designing power systems for resiliency in mission critical facilities
Questions not answered during the Nov. 12, 2019, webcast are answered here
Ask an expert: Hospitals, health care facilities: Electrical and lighting systems
Health care facility designers are expected to keep pace with increasingly complex, advanced engineered systems and features
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 8-14
Read the best articles from the past week. Transformers in nonresidential buildings, power for mission critical facilities, 2019 Product of the Year, notification and communication system questions answered and managing building cyberrisk.
NFPA 110-2019 concepts and changes
Understand NFPA 110 and its relation to emergency power supplies
Selecting and sizing transformers in nonresidential buildings
Transformers are an essential component of almost any electrical distribution system. Design engineers should know the design concepts, the codes and standards for selecting and sizing transformers to ensure they are appropriate for the application
Understanding gas engine emissions in standby power applications
Air quality regulations have a major impact on the choice of engine generator sets for standby electric power and gas engines can be a more advantageous choice than traditional diesel technology
Selecting the proper wiring solutions
Learn about the essential properties and applications of different electrical wiring pathway systems
Learning how to engineer colleges, universities better: Electrical, power and lighting
Read about emerging trends in college and university buildings, and learn about the emerging trends impacting their design
Specifying the right electrical raceways, busways, wiring and cabling
Electrical and information cabling pathways are a vital component of any new or existing building
Your questions answered: Microgrids 301: Tying multiple power systems together with intelligent controls
The Sept. 24, 2019, “Microgrids 301: Tying multiple power systems together with intelligent controls” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event
Your questions answered: Circuit protection in electrical/power systems
Questions left unanswered during the Sept. 19, 2019, critical power webcast are answered here
5P lithium-ion UPS by Eaton
The 5P lithium-ion UPS uses lithium-ion batteries with extended service life up to eight years.
Enhancing efficiency in industrial and manufacturing facilities: Electrical, power and lighting
From high-tech automation to energy-saving lighting and HVAC systems, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to warehouses and factories
Safety tips on SCCR for industrial control panels, industrial machinery
How to determine short-circuit current rating (SCCR) and avoid misapplications. When the industrial control panel or industrial machinery does not have an adequate SCCR for the available short-circuit (fault) current, an electrical hazard exists.
Your questions answered: How to specify cable cleats
Understand how IEC compliance can mitigate short-circuit disasters and future-proof electrical infrastructure
Designing for power quality
Engineers should follow four steps during the project life cycle to reduce harmonic distortion and provide consistent, high-quality power
Safe electrical system design
Safety is a top priority in a building’s electrical system design
Hitting the accelerator: building an electric vehicle charging grid for all
How can cities, infrastructure owners and transport authorities make joined-up decisions around EV charging infrastructure to reap the benefits of low emission vehicles?
Your questions answered: How to design electrical systems to reduce arc flash incident energy
During the Aug. 6, 2019, webcast, several questions were asked; here are the questions left unanswered during the live event
The electric vehicle revolution: Why it’s already time to invest in the grid
How should interested investors approach the EV charging grid opportunity?
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles July 19-25
Read the best articles from the past week. Generators as an alternative power supply, implementing NFPA 99-2018, electrical and power study results, five design concepts for laboratory success and best practices for fire alarm notification design.
Government facility design: Electrical, power and lighting
Consulting engineers are working on government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings
Electrical group names president for national committee
Kevin Lippert has been appointed president of the United States National Committee (USNC) to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and will work on testing, certification and accreditation for the electrotechnical industry.
Electrical & Power Study
Electrical, power systems in industrial projects
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles July 5-11
Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical systems design to commissioning, resiliency and climate change, sprinkler installations and obstructions, best practices for fire alarm notification design and the 2019 lighting and lighting controls study.
Retail, restaurant and mixed-use facilities: Electrical, power, lighting
What are the trickiest aspects of retail, restaurant and mixed-use projects and what trends lie ahead? Read on for solid advice from experienced professionals.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, June 7 to June 13
Read the best articles from the past week. Engineers and building professionals clicked on: electrical system design and commissioning, sprinkler installations and obstructions, 2019 Product of the Year finalists, understanding GFCI nuisances and arc flash hazards.
Planning multifamily dwellings: Electrical and lighting systems
Multifamily dwellings are fascinating projects with specific power and electrical requirements. Electrical engineers know these structures are more than just simply boxes to keep human beings in. They’re as complex and varied as the people inside.
Your questions answered: Critical power: Transformers, UPS and switchgear in mission critical facilities
Several questions were not addressed during the webcast on transformers, uninterruptible power supplies and switchgear. Read the answers here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 3 to May 9
Understanding GFCI nuisances, designing an efficient mechanical system, electrical system design and commissioning, microgrid questions answered, and using lean methods to find process improvements were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, May 3 to May 9. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Your questions answered: Microgrids 101
Questions left unaddressed during the April 30, 2019, webcast on microgrids are addressed here.
Model 175 surge protective device by ASCO Power Technologies
The Model 175 Series surge protective device is ideal for data transmission applications.
Top design trends in data centers: electrical, power, lighting
An increasingly data-driven society demands advanced, high-performance data center facilities. Read on to learn the biggest electrical, power and lighting challenges, emerging technologies and upcoming trends affecting data centers.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 19 to April 25
Considerations for electrical testing and commissioning, what's new in NFPA 72, 2019 Product of the Year finalists, designing high-tech k-12 schools, and electrical system development were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 19 to April 25. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Understanding GFCI nuisances
Since the expansion of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) requirements to include single-phase receptacles up to 50A and three-phase receptacles up to 100A, we’ve seen a trend of increased GFCI nuisance tripping.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 29 to April 4
Chiller selection, LED lighting and control system design, designing data center air handling and conditioning system, AHUs, and electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 29 to April 4. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
How to optimize electrical systems, from design to commissioning
Learn how to define the procedures of electrical schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration including electrical commissioning.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 22-28
Updates to NFPA 72-2019, electrical testing and commissioning considerations, electrical system commissioning, USP 797 and USP 800 compliance, and top strategies to deal with turbulent times in the engineering industry were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 22-28. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Designing high-tech K-12 schools: Electrical, power and lighting
The technology at play in today’s K-12 schools is evolving rapidly—inside the classrooms, and in the various systems behind the scenes. Engineers handling such projects, whether the work is on new facilities or retrofits, have their work cut out for them, especially when it comes to electrical, power and lighting.
Designing flexible, complex office buildings: Electrical, power, and lighting
Mixed-use office buildings demand a great deal of expertise, flexibility, and complex technology, making them more challenging than one might expect. Engineers with experience handling office buildings share advice and a glimpse into the future regarding electrical, power, and lighting.
Building smart communities and infrastructure: 5G networks and small cell implementation
With each new generation of network comes new and exciting possibilities, both in capacity and data speeds as well as the network’s integration into the latest communication technologies
Engine start module by Asco Power Technologies
These devices continually monitor the operability of engine start signal circuits to ensure engine-generators will receive start signals when emergency power is needed.
Designing power systems for co-location data centers
Engineers must consider many factors when designing power and electrical systems for data centers.
Your questions answered: Emergency, standby, and backup generators
Presenters from the critical power webcast on Dec. 11, 2018, answer questions left unaddressed during the live presentation.
Seven tips for transformer design in industrial buildings
Proper knowledge of transformer design for both new and replacement installations is essential to building operation, specifically in industrial applications.
Designing safe laboratories and research facilities: Electrical, power, and lighting
Engineers working on laboratory and research projects are tasked with balancing state-of-the-art systems, budgetary concerns, occupant safety, sustainable performance, and other factors including electrical, power, and lighting.
2018 Electrical & Power Study
Six electrical, power system survey findings
Data center co-location electrical system design
Co-location data centers lease space for IT equipment, power, cooling, and bandwidth. In addition to being cost-efficient, one of the most important obligations of the co-location owner is to provide continuous high-quality electrical power.
Case study: Expanding transformers
At a plant-cultivation facility, the engineering team calculated what type of electrical distribution system was needed.
Selecting, sizing transformers in nonresidential buildings
Transformers are a critical piece of any electrical infrastructure. Knowing how to properly size and select these transformers will allow the building to function with minimal interruptions.
Designing health care facilities and medical campuses: Electrical, power and lighting
Hospitals, clinics, and similar facilities are among the most demanding an engineer can tackle—technology is evolving rapidly, hospital managers are increasingly budget-conscious, and assist in saving lives. Here, electrical, power, and lighting challenges are addressed.
Taking Lighting to Extremes
Die-casting plants are hot, dirty environments that require frequent cleaning with high-power water jets to produce quality castings. The combination can take its toll on lighting systems. At the Abeco die-casting plant in Lewisburg, Tenn., low-bay luminaires were not tolerating the harsh and demanding environment and could not withstand the heavy cleaning-water spray without breach or ingress.
The New Soldier Field: Melding Tradition with Modern Convenience
As one of the founding teams in the league that would become the NFL, the Chicago Bears are steeped in traditions that run deeper than most. The roster of retired Bears jerseys on display in the lobby of the team headquarters is awe-inspiring, the names timeless: Blanda, Butkus, Ditka, Payton, Sayers. The faithful converge on Soldier Field every home Sunday, win or lose, to shiver in the open air as the wind howls off Lake Michigan. Even the stadium itself, until recently a crumbling Greek temple with peeling plaster and questionable plumbing, has been part of the team's mystique for more than 30 years. In such a franchise, change does not come easy.
Examining higher education facilities: Electrical, power, and lighting
As technology advances in every field, the college and university students being prepped for future careers in those fields need the tech they’re learning with to keep up. That presents unique challenges for the engineers working on such structures—specifying advanced systems that satisfy the unique needs of each institution. Here, professionals with experience in the area offer advice on how to tackle such facilities and receive top marks in regard to electrical, power, and lighting.
Electrical power and process production: focus on power systems complements the bottom line
Power factors, harmonics, fluctuations, and outages examined.
Power-generation systems in high-performance buildings
Electrical engineers must consider many factors when designing power-generation systems. Safety, maintainability, efficiency, code compliance, and economics play crucial roles in determining the topology of a power-generation system. Specific requirements for power vary based on building occupancy type, facility use, and critical function.
Specifying paralleled generation systems
Learn about important factors related to specifying onsite generation systems, focusing on paralleled generators.
Control of power boilers
Proper control of power boilers is an essential element to assuring personnel safety, protection of property, control of environmental emissions, and efficient operations.
Vital tips about wires, cabling
Ethernet cable not only can be used to transmit data and communication, but also power for low-power-usage devices. This article discusses design considerations and relevant codes and standards.
Congratulations 2018 Product of the Year winners
Consulting-Specifying Engineer readers have cast their votes for the 2018 Product of the Year; read about the winners.
CHP, DG, and microgrids energize universities
Combined heat and power (CHP), distributed generation (DG), and microgrids keep university campuses energized—fueled by natural gas.
How important is circuit protection in electrical distribution system design
The electrical engineer is responsible for designing power distribution systems for buildings. Understanding the full circuit-protection requirements will enable the engineer to design the safest and most reliable electrical distribution systems for buildings.
Video: With Great (Emergency) Power Comes Great Responsibility: Cx of Hospital Emergency Power Systems
This presentation explains why and how the Cx Agent leads the Cx Team to ensure emergency power systems are fully reliable to protect the health and safety of patients, staff and visitors.
Electrical design for modern HVAC systems
Modern HVAC systems present both new challenges and new opportunities when integrating with electrical systems.
Electrical, power systems on the Atlantic Coast
One-third of respondents to the 2016 Electrical & Power Study make product selections for projects along the Atlantic Coast of the United States.
Your questions answered: Electrical distribution equipment
The June 21, 2018, “Electrical: Distribution equipment” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Women in engineering profile: Meetra McDonie
International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated on June 23, 2018, celebrates the achievements of females in various engineering industries. Here’s a Q&A with Meetra McDonie.
Women in engineering profile: Jyo Chandrapati
International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated on June 23, 2018, celebrates the achievements of females in various engineering industries. Here’s a Q&A with Jyo Chandrapati.
Women in engineering profile: Mallika Bandyopadhyay
International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated on June 23, 2018, celebrates the achievements of females in various engineering industries. Here’s a Q&A with Mallika Bandyopadhyay.
Women in engineering profile: Maria Schneider
International Women in Engineering Day, celebrated on June 23, 2018, celebrates the achievements of females in various engineering industries. Here’s a Q&A with Maria Schneider.
2018 40 Under 40: Nikhil Bodhankar, PE, LC, LEED AP; 34
Associate Principal, SMRT Architects and Engineers, Latham, N.Y. BS electronics and telecommunications engineering, University of Pune, IndiaMS electrical engineering, Syracuse University, N.Y. Bodhankar, a senior electrical engineer and an associate principal and shareholder at SMRT Architects and Engineers in Latham, N.Y., has more than a decade of experience in specialized scientific research and practice in the discipline of electrical engineering. His engineering designs have been applied in a variety of public- and private-sector fields including research institutions, education, utilities, transportation, health care, and renewable energy. Bodhankar leads the electrical engineering department of SMRT’s New York office.
2018 40 Under 40: Russell Carr, PE, CEng; 38
Associate, Arup, San Francisco MS electrical engineering, University of Leeds, United Kingdom Carr is an associate at Arup in San Francisco and a chartered electrical engineer with 13 years of experience. He specializes in the policy, planning, entitlement, and procurement of renewable energy, microgrids, and energy-storage systems as integral elements to urban infrastructure, along with the design and construction of data centers and industrial electrical distribution systems. He has extensive working history with the city of San Francisco, PG&E, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) National Laboratory.
2018 40 Under 40: John Fetter, PE, REP, LEED Green Associate; 36
Senior Electrical Engineer, Primera Engineers, Chicago BA mathematics, Emory University, AtlantaBS electrical engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Fetter is a senior electrical engineer at Primera Engineers, where he has provided quality electrical designs and superb and responsive service for more than 4 years. Often, as a direct result of his work, Primera has received praise and assignments from repeat clients. While at Primera, he has not only served as lead electrical engineer on several projects for a variety of occupancies but has also acted as project manager on select projects—mostly on a volunteer basis.
2018 40 Under 40: Brandon Rich, PE, LEED AP BD+C; 33
Associate Principal, Alvine Engineering, Omaha, Neb. BS and MS architectural engineering, University of Nebraska Rich began his engineering career as an electrical intern at Alvine Engineering in 2007. While an intern, he assisted in designing projects in a variety of market sectors as well as assisting in reviews of submittals and responses to contractor requests for information. After graduating with his master’s degree in architectural engineering, he began his career at Alvine as an electrical engineer.
2018 40 Under 40: Kevin Sandrella, PE, LEED AP; 35
Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, CMTA, Prospect, Ky. BS electrical engineering, University of Louisville, Kentucky Sandrella joined CMTA as an intern in 2005 and became a full-time employee in 2009. He has managed a variety of projects for CMTA in 38 states and Canada including education, health care, data centers, and specialized medical equipment installations. His design expertise focuses on medium- and low-voltage power systems including emergency backup, load-shedding, and paralleling systems; communications systems; fire alarm systems; energy-efficient lighting; power monitoring and metering; daylighting; and lighting controls systems.
2018 40 Under 40: Kim Wall, LEED GA; 33
Senior Electrical Designer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore. BS architectural engineering, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro Wall is a senior electrical designer with Interface Engineering in Portland, Ore. Since joining the firm in 2012, she has had the opportunity to design systems both domestically and internationally. Her strengths include power distribution, BIM, technology, energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls, and emergency power/lighting systems.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 23-29
Critical power, designing electrical rooms, NFPA 101 in hospitals, generator specification unanswered questions, and designing timber structures were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March April 23-29. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Designing efficient data centers: Electrical/lighting/power
In today’s digital age, businesses rely on running an efficient, reliable, and secure operation, especially with mission critical facilities such as data centers. Here, engineers with experience on such structures share advice and tips on ensuring project success in regards to electrical/lighting/power.
Designing efficient data centers
In today’s digital age, businesses rely on running an efficient, reliable, and secure operation, especially with mission critical facilities such as data centers. Here, engineers with experience on such structures share advice and tips on ensuring project success.
Your questions answered: Generator Set Sizing and Specification
The April 12, 2018 “Generator Set Sizing and Specification” webcast presenter addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Moving our transmission lines underground
Moving transmission lines underground is a growing trend in the US due to weather, safety, and costs.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 12-18
Overlooked ASHRAE 90.1 requirements, implementing NFPA 101 in hospitals, critical power unanswered questions, Lean principles of design-build, and BIM considerations were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 12-18. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Critical power: hospitals and data centers
Electrical engineers must consider many factors when designing backup, standby, and emergency power systems. Specific requirements for emergency power vary based on the mission critical facility, such as a hospital or data center.
How to design electrical rooms
Electrical engineers should coordinate with mechanical engineers, architects, structural engineers, and others involved in the design of electrical rooms.
Electrical, power systems in government buildings/military facilities
Four out of every 10 engineers who responded to the 2016 Electrical & Power Study make product selections for government buildings/military facilities.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, Feb. 12-18
Overlooked ASHRAE requirements, designing backup power systems, changes to NEC, simplifying lighting code compliance, and storage battery requirements were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, January February 12-18. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Designing efficient office buildings with visual appeal: Electrical/lighting/power
Office buildings can be highly complex, with complicated features and advanced technology regarding electrical, lighting and power. Experienced engineers share advice on how to handle these structures and identify trends impacting such structures now and in the future.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, Jan. 29-Feb. 4
Energy generation, simplifying lighting code compliance, backup and emergency power, NFPA 110 and NEC, and ASHRAE compliance were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, January 29-February 4. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Designing backup, standby, and emergency power for high-performance buildings
Backup power design for a high-performance building is required, and offers many benefits.
Case study: Graton Casino and Resort
Backup power design for a high-performance building is required, and offers many benefits.
Energy generation: using various power sources
Despite (or as a result of) the economic downturn, the use of renewable energy options have grown over the past several years, supported by federal and state programs including federal tax credits, state renewable portfolio standards, and a federal renewable fuels standard.
How to simplify code compliance for lighting projects
Asking key questions will ease the process of complying with required energy codes.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, December 4-10: Performing PV feasibility studies, changes to NFPA 20, salary survey responses, and more.
Performing PV feasibility studies, changes to NFPA 20, salary survey responses, 2016 Electrical and Power study, and strategies for electrical labeling were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, December 4-10. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Case study: Hospital generator upgrade
A hospital needed to upgrade emergency power equipment with a new generator while maintaining some current equipment.
Satisfying NFPA 110 and NEC requirements
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment should identify when installations are required to comply with NFPA 110 in conjunction with other codes. This collection of case studies provides examples of recent projects that had various challenges associated with these requirements.
Case study: Generator replacement
A hospital needed to increase its emergency generator capacity to 4 MW and provide for future expansion while using the existing generator building.
Case study: Chiller addition adds power complexity
In this case, the building owner needed to increase generator capacity to accommodate a surgery expansion and add an electric centrifugal chiller on emergency power.
Evaluating modular data center design for supercomputing facilities
The modular approach in designing a data center for supercomputers is based on the computing technology. Therefore, an inside-out approach is needed when analyzing different design strategies.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, November 20-26: Positive Salary Survey responses, designing medical buildings, changes to NFPA fire pump standard, and more
Positive Salary Survey responses, electrical lighting in medical buildings, designing medical buildings, changes to NFPA fire pump standard, and fire and life safety were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, November 20-26. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Electrical, power systems in office buildings
More than half of engineers who responded to the 2016 Electrical & Power Study make product selections for office buildings.
Your questions answered: Benefits of powerful embedded metering at the source of consumption
The Oct. 5, 2017, “Benefits of powerful embedded metering at the source of consumption” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, October 2-8: ASHRAE, boiler selection, designing power systems in high-performance buildings, and more.
ASHRAE, boiler selection, designing power systems in high-performance buildings, MEP Giants, and Harmonics and VFDs were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, October 2-8. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Detecting failure in electrical systems
Circuit protection, as defined by NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, can be interpreted in many ways, depending on building load and use. Without an effective circuit-protection scheme, a building’s electrical system is prone to myriad failures.
Case study: Pumping station
For this pumping station application, there are several circuit-protection elements that need to be examined.
Release the untapped potential of plug load control
Understanding how plug load control options and ASHRAE 90.1 enhance building performance.
The complexities of industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities: electrical/lighting/power
Warehouses and factories are more than simply bare-bones buildings for companies to keep equipment. Here, professionals with experience on such facilities offer advice on how to meet and exceed expectations regarding electrical/lighting/power.
Your questions answered: Design and installation considerations for generator sets
Responses to questions not answered during the Sept. 13 webcast are answered here.
Designing backup, standby, and emergency power in high-performance buildings
Electrical engineers must consider many factors when designing backup, standby, and emergency power systems. Safety, maintainability, code compliance, and economics play crucial roles in determining the topology of an emergency system for a critical facility. Specific requirements for emergency power vary based on building occupancy type, facility use, and critical function.
Collaboration and innovation
Mechanical and electrical engineers routinely collaborate to bring complex designs together and coordinate construction documents, while also creating innovative designs within the context of their own trades.
Developing a circuit schedule
Circuit protection, as defined by NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, can be interpreted in many ways, depending on building load and use. Electrical engineers should design a circuit schedule that can be used on the project.
How to predict electrical equipment failures
Electrical engineers can provide many services to help facility managers predict electrical equipment or power distribution system failures.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 14-20: NFPA 99-2015, MEP Giants, selecting transformers, and more
NFPA 99-2015 changes, MEP Giants, selecting transformers, generator system installation, and arc flash mitigation were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 14-20. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Understanding overcurrent protection
Electrical engineers can use this guide to understand NFPA 70: National Electrical Code requirements for overcurrent protection.
The basics of arc flash mitigation
Electrical engineers must understand the codes, standards, and design requirements when engineering for arc flash mitigation.
The development of ASHRAE 90.4: Energy Standard for Data Centers
ASHRAE 90.4 is a new energy standard for data centers that calls for meeting minimum efficiency requirements.
Rutgers University College Avenue campus substation expansion
University facilities personnel can monitor substation conditions from remote locations.
Replacing an EPSS at a hospital
A health care facility requires an emergency power supply system (EPSS). Its replacement must be carefully planned to reduce any loss of electrical systems.
Hydropower industry dynamics: U.S. and China to procure a major revenue chunk via favorable regional regulatory framework
With demand for renewable resources booming, governments and companies around the world are depending on the growing hydropower industry.
Transformers: Ensuring efficient electrical system design
The best approach for design efficiency is to minimize the number of transformers that are contributing to losses.
Electrical codes and standards within healthcare
Essential systems include emergency systems and equipment systems, which are crucial to life safety and patient care.
Your questions answered: Electrical: Data and communications cabling and pathways
The June 22, 2017, “Electrical: Data and communications cabling and pathways” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.
UPS Series expansion
Mitsubishi Electric announces extension of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) 9900 Series in three new sizes.
Power system annunciator
ASCO Power Technologies' 8-device annunciator eliminates the need for multiple annunciators.
Grounded and ungrounded electrical and power system design
Uninterruptible power supply systems are operating ungrounded during power transfer, critical to the overall design of electrical and power systems in a nonresidential building.
Selecting and sizing transformers to achieve energy efficiency
Electrical engineers must know when and where to specify dry-type transformers. Energy efficiency guides play a vital role in this process.
Transformer case study
Electrical engineers must know when and where to specify dry-type transformers. Energy efficiency guides play a vital role in this process.
Paralleling generator systems—part three: installation considerations
When designing generator systems, electrical engineers must ensure that the generators and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the specific application. Whether providing standby power for health care facilities or prime power for processing plants, engineers must make decisions regarding generator sizing, load types, whether generators should be paralleled, fuel storage, switching scenarios, and many other criteria.
Renewable energy industry trends, impact on geographies worldwide
The paradigm shift from non-renewable energy to renewable energy will prove to be highly advantageous for power generation and consumption, with major companies increasingly investing in wind and solar power. Mergers & acquisitions is a key strategy across this sector, for instance, Leap Green Energy, backed by JP Morgan, recently took over the wind power assets of Inox Renewables.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 15-21: 2017 40 Under 40 winners, part-load efficiency, parallel generator systems, 2017 Product of the Year, and NFPA 13
Articles about 2017 40 Under 40 winners, part-load efficiency, parallel generator systems, 2017 Product of the Year, and NFPA 13 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, May15 to 21. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Your questions answered: Critical power: Emergency power
The May 4 “Critical power: Emergency power” Webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.
2017 40 Under 40: Michael P. Walton, PE, DGCP; 37
Director of Advanced Power Systems, Burns Engineering Inc.
2017 40 Under 40: Samer Alayyash, CEM, 37
Director of Electrical Division at Consolidated Consultants Group
2017 40 Under 40: Sathish Anabathula, PE, LEED AP, 37
Associate Director, University of Virginia
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 10 to 16: commissioning electrical systems, VFDs, pump curves, standby generator systems, NFPA 101
Articles about commissioning electrical systems, networking VFDs, reading pump curves, standby generator systems, and NFPA 101 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 10 to 16. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Building system support service
Connected Services helps facility leaders maximize their buildings through a condition-based, proactive maintenance approach that effectively combines actionable information, expert advice, and advanced technology to keep building systems operating at peak performance.
Aluminum conduit body
The T+B Fittings Sand Cast Aluminum Form 7 Conduit Body is made of CorroStall—a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy.
Slicing connector
The 221 series Lever-Nuts Splicing Connector simplifies electrical installation of solid, stranded, and fine-stranded wire in the most space-restricted applications.
Dry-type capacitor
The LKT...Type DD603-phase dry-type capacitor is safer and stronger for solving power factor and harmonic filtering applications where high harmonics can destroy traditional capacitors.
Outdoor charging station
The Outdoor Charging Station provides permanent power that allows individuals to charge mobile devices outdoors.
Outdoor ground box
The Outdoor Ground Box provides 20-amp, 30-amp, and low-voltage electrical connections that can be installed on college campuses, in commercial outdoor office spaces, and at outdoor retail shopping centers, amusement parks, sports venues, and other exterior gathering spaces.
Medium-voltage switchgear
Premset incorporates a Shield Solid Insulation System (2SIS) to enhance robustness, protection, and flexibility of medium-voltage switchgear.
Power distribution fuse block
The Bussmann series Power Distribution Fuse Block (PDFB) combines a fuse block and power distribution block into one component.
Integrated panelboard
The Crouse-Hinds series SynergEX Panelboard uses individually encapsulated circuit breakers to provide maximum safety in extreme environments.
Line-isolation switch
The OEM Line Isolation (OLI) switch provides the ability to access the control panel without exposure to line-side voltage.
Low-voltage circuit breaker
The Series NRX low-voltage circuit breaker with Power Xpert Release trip unit can be seamlessly installed within existing panel and switchboard designs to provide enhanced circuit protection, connectivity, and worker safety—along with tools for quicker installation and commissioning to help address energy-management challenges.
B-frame circuit breaker
The PowerPact B-frame circuit breaker offers robust power protection in a compact size and easy installation.
Electrical calculation add-in
Design Master Electrical RT 1.2 is an electrical calculation add-in for Autodesk Revit software.
Arcing current calculator
The Bussmann series Arcing Current Calculator is designed to enable users to quickly calculate the minimum and maximum arcing currents of electrical systems, based on IEEE 1584.
BIM plug-in for Autodesk Revit
LayoutFAST is an intelligent plug-in for Autodesk Revit that makes it easier and faster to configure and insert products into projects.
Three-phase power analyzer
Carlo Gavazzi's WM20 power analyzer can be used as a stand-alone meter or as a part of a complete VMUC-based energy management system.
Specifying electrical distribution systems
It is useful for both electrical and nonelectrical engineers to understand basic features when selecting, specifying, and applying electrical distribution systems.
Designing emergency and standby generator systems
Consulting engineers who specify emergency and standby power equipment understand that installations for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, are required to comply with NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, in conjunction with NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC). System designers must interpret the requirements of NFPA 110, ensure their designs follow them, and educate their clients about how the standard affects their operations.
Risk management: Commissioning electrical systems
Commissioning electrical systems has become a study of economics and risk. Factors such as capital expenditure, age, safety, reliability, efficiency, and energy costs must be weighed in conjunction with replacement costs and liability risk to formulate and prioritize recommissioning and retro-commissioning plans.
Paralleling generator systems—part two: switchgear
When designing generator systems, electrical engineers must ensure that the generators and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the specific application. Whether providing standby power for health care facilities or prime power for processing plants, engineers must make decisions regarding generator sizing, load types, whether generators should be paralleled, fuel storage, switching scenarios, and many other criteria.
Your questions answered: Understanding Generator Set Rating Definitions
Nicholas Paolo, PE, regional sales engineer at MTU Onsite Energy tackled unanswered questions from the March 2, 2017, webcast on understanding generator set rating definitions.
Critical Power Hospital Electrical Systems: AIA CES accredited online course
CFE EDU is an interactive online platform that offers multi-media educational courses on engineering topics that are critical to your work. Courses are AIA CES accredited and are self-paced for your convenience.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer welcomes Freddy Padilla, PE, ATD, to editorial advisory board
Freddy Padilla, PE, ATD, has joined the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.
Light-powered digital diffuser
Titus' Helios wireless VAV diffuser simplifies installation, boosts energy efficiency, and allows users to control personal comfort.
Sustainable strategies for data centers
Andy Baxter, PE, Page principal and director of MEP engineering discussed three trends related to sustainable strategies for the mission critical data center market.
Your questions answered: Backup, standby, and emergency power in mission critical facilities
Speakers at the Feb. 16 Critical power: Backup, standby, and emergency power in mission critical facilities webcast addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Engineering flexible office buildings: electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety
Office buildings need to have the ability to accommodate myriad types of businesses and activities to meet the needs of tenants. Here, engineers with experience on such buildings share their knowledge, lessons learned over the years regarding electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 10
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and three international deals involving companies from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Cable tray system
The Trof Cable Tray system by Cope is a prefabricated metal structure with ventilated or solid bottoms welded to side rails designed for use in the power, automotive, transportation, service entranceways, data, heavy industrial, and commercial industries.
Your questions answered: How to Read a Pump Curve
Jim Swetye, senior technical trainer at Grundfos Pumps Corp. in Ohio, tackled unanswered questions from the Jan. 24, 2017, webcast on how to read a pump curve.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 27
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from Colorado, North Carolina, California, and Wisconsin.
Understanding NFPA 101 for mission critical facilities
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code 2015 is a reference used for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and other related hazards. It is the only document that covers life safety for new and existing structures. It is vital to understand the electrical/power systems in mission critical facilities and best practices.
Accessories for molded-case circuit breakers
The Extended Rotary Handle (ERH) and Flange Handle Mechanism (FHM) can be used anywhere MCCBs are used.
Power product line: conditioners and transformers
The DVS Power Conditioner and ISN Ferroresonant Regulation Transformers are designed for use with inverters, UPS systems, or stand-alone operation and produce regulated, isolated ac output in harsh environments.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., France, and Sweden.
Panelboards for power monitoring
Powerlink has the ability to monitor and control circuits, panels, and lighting from one centralized location,
Arup Thoughts: Green tech, climate change solutions
Advancement in technology, green tech, clean tech, and renewables should be a priority whether climate change is real or not.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Italy, and France.
Arup Thoughts: Game theory balances power markets
The effects of game theory can force suppliers to react in a way that restores order to the market, optimizes the amount of energy generated, and produces a rational price for consumers.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United States, Canada, France, Norway, and Brazil.
High efficiency switchmode chargers
The MicroGenius 2 chargers are the second generation of MicroGenius high-efficiency switchmode chargers designed for tough genset and marine duty where conditions are often extreme.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 30
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
Molded case circuit breaker
The PowerPact B-frame circuit breaker is designed to offer robust power protection in a compact size and 'efficiency that clicks' to the work day.
Battling the complexity of designing government facilities: Electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety
The government can be a tough customer, and the projects that state, municipal, federal, and military entities approach engineers about are highly complex. Here, engineers with experience tackling such tall orders offer advice regarding electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety.
ac/dc power supply modules
The TMF series ac/dc power supply modules are designed with thermal management capabilities and an isolation system for PCB mount and protection class II applications.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 16
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United States, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Power manager software
The Visual Power Manager software is a platform that is designed to provide data center and information technology (IT) professionals with the tools to monitor and manage rack power distribution units (PDUs) in their infrastructure.
How to apply NFPA 110-2016
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment understand that installations for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, are required to comply with NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems in conjunction with NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.
Previewing NEC 2017 changes
The current version of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) is the 2014 edition. Though this version has not been adopted in all jurisdictions, this article reviews a project that is being designed to meet the 2014 code. A few key updates to the NEC in 2017 and their potential impacts to future designs are also highlighted.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, December 5-December 11: professional salaries of engineers, 2016 Commissioning Giants, optimizing facility operations with cogeneration systems, more
Articles about professional salaries of engineers, 2016 Commissioning Giants, optimizing facility operations with cogeneration systems, evaluating the other side of BIM, and operating on medical/hospital projects were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, December 5-December 11. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Tying a microgrid to the smart grid
Building owners frequently integrate the utility's smart grid into their buildings to reduce electricity use and increase energy efficiency. Microgrids can further lower costs and raise reliability for owners and the surrounding communities.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 9
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Spain.
Paralleling generator systems
When designing generator systems, electrical engineers must ensure that generators and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the specific application. Whether providing standby power for health care facilities or prime power for processing plants, engineers must make decisions regarding generator sizing, load types, whether generators should be paralleled, fuel storage, switching scenarios, and many other criteria.
Compact diesel engine
The G-drive engines were developed to power the KD Series of diesel industrial generators.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, November 28-December 4: the salaries of engineers, assessing replacement electrical systems, BIM driving models and advanced technologies, more
Articles about specifying the salaries of engineers, assessing replacement electrical systems, BIM driving models and advanced technologies, circuit protection, and evaluating the other side of BIM were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, November 28-December 4. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from France and the United Kingdom.
Connectors for use with dc and ac sensors
The sets offer a complete range of quick disconnect cables that are designed for use with inductive, capacitive, photoelectric, and ultrasonic sensors.
Assessing replacement of electrical systems
Replacement of electrical systems is a study of economics and risk. Factors including age, safety, reliability, efficiency, and energy costs must be weighed in conjunction with replacement costs and liability risk to formulate and prioritize upgrade plans. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis study for each electrical subsystem will allow facilities to plan short-term and long-term expenditures for maintenance and upgrade programs for prudent facility reinvestments, replacements, and growth.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 23
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from Tennessee, Georgia, Maine, and California.
Operating on medical and hospital projects: electrical/lighting/power
Engineers tasked with working on hospital and medical campuses find themselves tackling unique challenges: evolving technology, increased specialization, and maintaining operations while under construction. Here, professionals with experience on such facilities share advice on how to finish projects regarding electrical/lighting/power, specifically.
Operating on medical and hospital projects
Engineers tasked with working on hospital and medical campuses find themselves tackling unique challenges: evolving technology, increased specialization, and maintaining operations while under construction. Here, professionals with experience on such facilities share advice on how to finish projects that report a clean bill of health.
Your questions answered: Advancing electrical design in building information modeling
Responses to questions from the webcast on Nov. 15, 2016, provided an overview of the challenges BIM creates for today’s consulting engineers and introduce a new solution that saves both time and space.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Optimizing facility operations with cogeneration systems
Applied Medical Resources optimized operations by integrating cogeneration equipment into its facility.
Online tools for product selection
The online tools are designed for users to find appropriate solutions to their specific power quality problems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 11
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from France, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and Botswana.
Your questions answered: Critical power: Circuit protection
Questions not answered at the Nov. 3, 2016, circuit protection webcast are addressed here.
Output filter for protection up to 690/600 Vac
The FN5060HV added to the output filter line protects AC motors up to 690/600 VAC from destructive effects of peak voltages and inrush amps.
Watertown regional medical center renovation and expansion
The new layout of the hospital allows staff to be accessible to patients in need while also providing private areas for staff to collaborate.
Your questions answered: Understanding the new generation of medium-voltage switchgear
Webcast presentation on October 18, 2016, by Joe Richard, U.S. launch manager, Schneider Electric, participated in the question and answer session.
Low-voltage direct replacement breaker solutions
Schneider Electric's new low-voltage (LV) direct replacement breaker solutions allow for modernization of existing electrical equipment in any switchgear application.
Temporary power distribution system
Larson Electronics releases a 25 kVA temporary power distribution system.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, October 17-23: VRF systems, 40 Under 40, energy code advancements, more
Articles about VRF systems, 40 under 40, energy code advancements, the 2016 MEP Giants, and preventing arc flash in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, October 17-23. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Electrical, power in industrial facilities
The Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2016 Electrical and Power Study indicated that 56% of engineers specify, design, or make product selections for industrial/manufacturing facilities/warehouses.
Multifunction protective relaying system
Distance protection is now available in BE1-11f and BE1-11t versions for feeder and transformer protection applications.
High-frequency modular battery chargers
NexSys+ high-frequency modular battery chargers are suited for automated guided vehicle applications that require communication with operation systems.
Integrating alternative power and existing electrical systems
Despite (or as a result of) an economic downturn, the use of renewable energy options has grown over the past few years. This growth has been supported by federal and state programs including federal tax credits, state renewable portfolio standards, and a federal renewable fuels standard.
Case study: Roof-mounted PV system
A giant solar photovoltaic (PV) array in Las Vegas offers a resort a sustainable power option.
Case study: Biomass power
Renewable electricity is generated from decomposing solid waste.
Self-learning soft starter motor series
Carlo Gavazzi's RSGD series of self-learning soft starters is designed for 3-phase fixed speed ac induction motor applications such as control of pumps, fans, and compressors for water treatment, agriculture, building automation, and HVAC industries.
Adjustable busbars with latching spring
790 Series adjustable busbars are shield clamp that features a latching spring.
Adjustable frequency drive for varied applications
SC9000 adjustable frequency drive is designed for a wide range of original equipment manufacturer, water and wastewater, utility, industrial, and HVAC applications.
Power meters with BACnet IP protocol
PowerLogic PM5500 power meters have BACnet IP protocol as a standard feature. These meters can simultaneously communicate with building and energy management systems using both BACnet and Modbus protocols.
Facing the challenges of mixed-use buildings: electrical/lighting/power and fire/life safety
Fulfilling the demands of a mixed-use facility can be challenging, considering the structure’s diverse components. Here, professionals with experience on such projects share advice and explain how to end up with positive results for specialty buildings and electrical, lighting, power, and fire/life safety.
Flexible coupler kit with a bendable plate
Cable Tray flexible coupler kit eliminates need for bonding jumper.
Power lock wiring devices for health care, industrial applications
Arrow Hart power lock plugs, connectors, and receptacles for industrial manufacturing and hospital environments are designed to avoid exterior arcing by energizing within a chamber to enhance electrical safety.
Managing increased transformer inrush current
The Department of Energy’s 2016 efficiency standards change transformer efficiency requirements.
Stainless steel photoelectric sensors
PD30ET Series are IP69K stainless steel photoelectric sensors that offer AISI316L stainless steel housings.
2015 sets new record for industry M&A
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) engineering firms active among wave of dealmaking.
GPI/Greenman-Pedersen Inc.: Sands Capital Management
Commissioning, retro-commissioning; electrical, power; fire, life safety; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; energy, sustainability; plumbing, piping.
Burns Engineering: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Runway 4R-22L airfield ground lighting and electrical distribution replacement
Automation, controls; electrical, power; lighting; airfield ground lighting; navigational aids; communication systems.
Three-phase uninterruptible power supply
Galaxy VX is a compact three-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with operating modes for large facilities, data centers and business-critical applications.
High Frequency end launch connectors
High-frequency SMA end-launch connectors offer VSWR performance up to 26.5 GHz.
UPS for IT managers
The 9PX uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is available in 2 to 3 kVA units. The 9PX 2-3 kVA UPS line helps IT managers remotely manage and protect critical infrastructure.
Arup Thoughts: Solar-powered grid about to become reality?
Australia, a sun-drenched nation, is unsurprisingly a global crèche for new and emerging solar and battery technologies.
The National Electrical Safety Code 2017: Safety in Numbers
The 2017 NESC includes some major updates, as highlighted in this article.
Human machine interface cover kit
GracePort+ is a robust and fully customizable human machine interface cover kit and large protected housing for electrical components.
Top ways MEP engineering services can make older buildings more efficient: Part 3
In the final of a three-part series, RTM examines two certification programs that recognize buildings that meet high-sustainability standards.
A local landmark for world-class care
Growing ICU volumes and high bed use reaching capacity rates in the existing ICU, surgical suites, and emergency department led Advocate Healthcare to commission the design of the new patient tower at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
Top ways MEP engineering services can make older buildings more efficient: Part 2
In the second of a three-part series, we break down two more strategies that use MEP engineering services to make existing buildings more energy efficient.
Using energy-recovery systems to increase building efficiency
Well-designed heating, cooling, and ventilation energy-recovery systems are able to maintain a building’s proper temperature and air quality while minimizing energy loss. The type of system to use varies depending on the application, but the most common is ventilation energy recovery.
Compact converters for medical applications
The IMM01 and IMM02 are available with a choice of two 2:1 input voltage ranges based around a nominal 5 and 12 Vdc inputs.
We need to design for more than energy performance
Energy efficiency may well be associated with higher financial performance, but research shows this is unlikely to be the sole cause.
Top ways MEP engineering services can make older buildings more efficient: Part 1
In the first of a three-part series, we break down two strategies that use MEP engineering services to make existing buildings more energy efficient.
Building beyond LEED
In 2000, the USGBC unveiled a certification system, known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. In the 13 years since its inception, LEED has helped transform the way we think about designing and operating buildings.
Applying combined heat and power systems
Cogeneration systems, often referred to as combined heat and power (CHP) systems, generate both electricity and thermal energy. As they become more common in the United States, engineers must understand the nuances and design strategies for successful application.
Mobile diesel generator
Cat XQ60 mobile diesel generator set is rated at 60 kVA for prime operation and meets Tier 4 Final emission standards.
The nine major steps of designing generator fuel systems
Understand the requirements and challenges to navigate the design of a genset fuel oil system.
Planning and designing resilient, efficient data centers
Evolving technologies have developed into best practices to create secure, reliable, highly available, and adaptable data center spaces.
Designing medium-voltage electrical systems
Engineers should know how nominal system voltages were established, what constitutes a medium-voltage electrical system, and what range of systems are considered appropriate for medium voltage.
Stand-alone health care buildings: Electrical, power, lighting
Stand-alone medical buildings and specialized treatment facilities are engineering challenges, and more are being designed and built due to changes in health care requirements. Here’s a look at their electrical, power, and lighting systems.
Critical Power: Electrical systems and data center efficiency
Whether producing, consuming, or measuring and verifying (M&V), electrical systems play an important role in data center energy efficiency. When it comes to data center electrical efficiency, all sources of energy use in the facility must be considered.
2016 40 Under 40: Sean Avery, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 33
Senior Associate, DLR Group, Seattle BS and MS Electrical Engineering, University of Washington
2016 40 Under 40: Greg Brumagen, PE, RCDD, CxA, 39
Electrical Engineer, CMTA Inc., Lexington, Ky. BS Electrical Engineering, University of Kentucky
2016 40 Under 40: Michael Nelson, LEED AP BD+C, GGP, 35
Associate, Senior Electrical Designer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore. BS Engineering, Oregon State University MBA, Marylhurst University
2016 40 Under 40: Thomas Phuong, PE, LEED AP, 40
Associate Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore. BS Electrical Engineering, University of Portland
2016 40 Under 40: Kunal Shah, PE, LEED AP, RCDD, 36
President/CEO, PBS Engineers Inc., Glendora, Calif. BS Electrical Engineering, University of California, Irvine
Scalable UPS configuration system
TLE Series CE UPS product line for low- to mid-power applications offer a blend of software, diagnostics and real-time, multimode energy savings.
Transfer switch-based power systems
Series 300 Generator Paralleling System is pre-packaged transfer switch-based power systems for paralleling generators.
Power quality analyzer
438-II is 3-phase power quality analyzer that provides frontline troubleshooting and long-term trending to keep equipment running.
Transfer and bypass/isolation switches
Bypass/isolation switches are available in load-break or no-load-break bypass.
Data centers’ intricate design: Electrical and power systems
Data centers are important structures that hold vital information for businesses, schools, public agencies, and private individuals. Electrical, power, and lighting systems play a key role in the design of these data centers.
Energy savings in electrical distribution systems
Consider these energy efficiency options for retrofitting existing and designing new buildings’ electrical distribution systems.
Lighting, sensor controller
The NX Room Controller integrates automatic and manual control of lighting with the simplicity of plug-in installation and auto-configuration for an affordable way to meet energy codes and provide intuitive, energy-saving lighting controls for a single room or space.
Wireless area lighting controller
The Encelium Wireless Area Lighting Controller (WALC) allows a group of lighting devices to communicate via a wireless mesh network based on ZigBee standards.
Power distribution design software
Power Calc Pak software makes electrical engineering easy, fast, smart, and green.
Sequence-of-events recorders
CyTime SER-3200 Event Recorders have 32 high-speed digital inputs to monitor the status of circuit breakers, relays, or other equipment and time-stamp state changes to 1 millisecond.
Electrical system monitor
The flexible, expandable Power Xpert Gateway (PXG) 900 is an electrical communications and data-acquisition solution that can be used in a small system consisting of a single piece of equipment or scaled up for multiple pieces of equipment or systems.
Low-harmonic HVAC drive
Z1000U HVAC Matrix Drive provides extremely low harmonic distortion in a space-saving design, along with the same HVAC-specific features as the standard Z1000.
Cloud-based software, test tool system
Fluke Connect Assets is a cloud-based wireless system of software and test tools that gives maintenance managers a comprehensive view of all critical equipment.
Remote circuit monitor
Remote circuit monitor The Power Xpert Branch Circuit Monitor is an advanced remote power-monitoring solution that provides greater visibility of energy usage.
Building-performance reporting software
RC-Reporter reads SQL database files from any BACnet Internet-connected building configured with RC-Archive software.
BACnet operator workstation software
RC-WebView lets facility managers and operators access and control their portfolio of multivendor BACnet IP-connected buildings with efficiency and ease.
10-in. poke-thru device
Legrand’s Evolution Series 10-in. poke-thru device offers eight individual gangs of communication; audio, video, and power capacity.
RF receptacle, signal pack
The Pass & Seymour Plug Load RF Receptacle provides a simple-to-use, wireless solution for plug load control and works in concert with the Pass & Seymour Plug Load RF Signal Pack.
Branch circuit, busway monitoring system
With Raritan's branch-circuit monitoring (BCM) system, data centers reduce energy costs, track power usage, and prevent downtime.
Hybrid rack transfer switch
Raritan's Intelligent hybrid rack transfer switch can monitor power at the outlet level, as well as the inlet level, providing granular energy information useful for capacity planning and managing energy costs.
High-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
The Power Xpert 9395 high-performance-model UPS provides best-in-class efficiency and scalable battery run times for data centers, light industrial applications, and multitenant data centers.
Gaseous standby generator
Generac Power Systems' 500-kW natural gas genset is powered by a 25.8-L, 12-cylinder engine that is turbocharged and after-cooled, producing a standby power rating of 500 kW and prime power rating of 450 kW.
Uninterruptible power supply – 2016-04-14
The Liebert eXM UPS is based on a reliable, double-conversion power topology that uses an efficient transformer-free design.
Compact high-speed fuses
Bussmann series compact, high-speed fuses use up to 48% less enclosure space than standard high-speed, round-body fuses.
Electronic trip unit
The Digitrip 210+ trip unit provides easy setup for coordination and reliable protection for electrical systems in commercial, industrial, and machinery manufacturing environments.
Arc flash relay
AF0500 arc flash relay improves worker safety and reduces costly downtime by detecting developing arc flash and sending a trip signal before damage occurs.
Luminaire surge protector
The FSP3-480-20KA protects from power line transients up to 20,000 amps and includes in-line fusing to shut down the luminaire when the capabilities of the surge protector have been exceeded.
Power system for emergency lighting applications
93PM uninterruptible power system is UL 924-certified for emergency lighting applications, providing high power capacity and double-conversion efficiency in the industry.
Power distribution unit for mission critical facilities
Anord modular product power distribution unit incorporates a smart design to meet complex electrical distribution requirements and maintains operations under arduous situations.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 28 to April 3: Fire pump design, emergency egress and illumination, designing generator systems, more
Articles about fire pump power service, emergency egress and illumination, designing generator systems, building system design, and selective coordination best practices were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 28 to April 3. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
ac and dc motor protection
AEGIS PRO Series Rings protect large ac and dc motors from bearing damage and unplanned downtime.
Backup power for IT systems
RackPack IT platform uses enclosure, power distribution units, uninterruptible power supply, and power management software for one integrated infrastructure.
Hand-held, remote controller
Sigma LT networks up to 25 load banks using industry-standard CAN bus communications protocol.
Uninterruptible power supply – 2016-03-22
Liebert eXM is designed for native 480V AC configurations address critical applications with medium power 480V requirements.
Power-solution enclosures
Honeywell Pro-Watch access systems feature the ability to include system power, lock power, and access controller boards in one housing.
Designing generator systems
When designing generator systems, such as engine-driven generator sets, design engineers must ensure that the generator selection, sizing, and the design of electrical systems are appropriate for the application.
Your questions answered: Understand the benefits of a fixed versus withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker
Webcast presentation on Feb. 23, 2016, by Sherry Rollins, senior offer management specialist, Schneider Electric; with James Stacy, director of medium voltage, offer strategy, U.S. Energy Business, Schneider Electric, participated in the question and answer session.
Connectivity interface
5170 Quad-Ethernet Module communicates information on real-time power monitoring, control and historical insight of automatic transfer switches, engine-generators, and a utility power source.
Class A office building system design: Electrical, power, and lighting
Class A office buildings are among the toughest projects an engineer can work on—complex structures, demanding clients, and advanced technology. Electrical engineers have their work cut out for them.
Switchgear with break technology
Trident with SafeVu offers integrated visible break and no-oil design.
Quick-connect breaker
B1NQT is thermal-magnetic and protects against short circuits and overload conditions.
Medium-voltage protection relays
HighProtec-2 are medium-voltage protection relays that monitor the electrical condition of equipment and disconnects its power source quickly when detecting a problem.
Electrical logging devices
Accsense Electrocorder EC-7VAR Three-phase Datalogger Kit executes energy audits to validate HVAC system performance.
Voltage-controlled oscillators
Voltage-controlled oscillators cover frequencies from 10 mHz to 11 gHz in a variety of packages.
Connecting renewable energy systems
Electrical engineers have several items to consider when interconnecting renewable energy production systems.
Specifying electrical, power systems for office buildings
The Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Electrical and Power Study indicates that 63% of respondents specify, design, or make product selections for office buildings—and 82% of these engineers determine requirements/write specifications, 72% research and evaluate options, and 69% recommend the product brand.
Solid-state relay
Single Phase RGx1P Proportional Output Controllers are equipped with user-selectable switching modes to address different application requirements.
Environmental monitoring and management module
Trellis platform with Thermal System Manager includes integration with Emerson Network Power’s Avocent DSView management software as well as 2-D/3-D visualization capability, it also allows to rotate, zoom, and view equipment at the room.
Touch display interface
ASCO 5370 touch display interface facilitates management of an automatic transfer switch and critical power system, increasing power reliability, code compliance, and operational efficiency.
Miniature molded circuit breakers
The GMB Series provides protection for applications such as branch-circuit protection of HACR equipment, power supplies, transformers, and more.
Microgrid energy system
Eaton's microgrid energy system provides a modular, scalable approach to microgrid control in military, campus, utility, health care, commercial, community, and other applications.
Arup Thoughts: Why we need zero-carbon projects now
Ultimately, tackling climate change is about limiting the amount of carbon we dig out of the ground.
Natural gas generators
Large natural gas generators offer ranges from 425 to 1,300 kW and are designed for standby, prime, or continuous-power applications.
Circuit breaker panel
Integrated Power Center panel comes as a ready-to-wire transformer, panel board, and control solution in a single, floor-standing enclosure.
Arup Thoughts: How does behaviour really affect energy use?
Despite advances in building design, reducing energy use still relies on how occupants behave. Yet predicting their behaviour is something the industry struggles with and it's why the actual operating measurement of energy use is often very different from the design value.
Is a modular data center the right option?
Modular data centers can meet the needs of building owners that need a flexible data center quickly and with less upfront cost.
Circuit monitoring system sensor portfolio
ABB’s circuit monitoring system (CMS) sensor portfolio is capable of monitoring all branches to ensure system continuity and can measure currents up to 160 amps.
Uninterruptible power supply for commercial, industrial applications
Controlled Power Company's Model ESV is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed for backing-up industrial controls, automation, I.T. server racks, and business continuity equipment.
Defining NFPA 37
NFPA 37 outlines the minimum fire safety requirements for the installation and operation of permanently installed engines including stationary, engine-driven equipment.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 7-13: Coordinating protective devices, electrical engineers and BIM, engineers’ value, more
Articles about protective devices in mission critical facilities, taking BIM to the next level, the value of an engineer, HVAC fans and smoke control, and dedicated outdoor air systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Coordinating protective devices in mission critical facilities
A coordination study ensures that the most reliable electrical system has been installed. Applicable codes and standards help engineers get it right.
Understanding transfer switch operation
Consulting engineers should understand transfer switch construction, performance requirements, selection criteria, and desired operation to ensure that critical systems and equipment are supplied with reliable backup power when needed.
Your questions answered: Improving the design process for selective coordination applications
Selective coordination applications have a number of variables and challenges to consider during the design process. Here is additional information to supplement the webcast on “Improving the design process for selective coordination applications.”
Series protection relays
Basler Electric's ES Series Protection Relays are designed to simplify protection, provide confidence in settings, and cover a range of applications such as generator, transformer, distribution, and other.
Poke-through device for communication, power-capacity applications
Legrand's series of Evolution 10-in. poke-through devices offer eight gangs of communication, A/V, and power capacity.
Alternating-current power sources
Eaton's eATS Monitored Platform includes a liquid crystal display interface and is compatible with power distribution units (PDUs) and uninterruptible power systems (UPSs).
Emergency generators support Florida hospital
Newly opened Nemours Children’s Hospital gets an emergency power system.
Keeping generator testing under control
Following a successful installation of four resistive/reactive load banks at the Cummins manufacturing plant in Fridley, Minn., Crestchic was awarded preferred partner status.
ATS and retrofit saves time, money
Blending new and old technologies ensures economical reliability.
Redundancy ensures continuous power
Serving customers worldwide necessitates the need for continuous business operations—even in the event of an outage.
Waveguide detectors
Fairview Microwave’s zero-biased waveguide detectors are designed to operate from Ka-band to W-band and for wireless applications as well as power detection and monitoring.
Loop power supply
Microflex's Field Tools Loop Power Supply is a filtered 24 V, 30 mA power source that is designed for loop transmitter field calibrations and testing.
Source transfer switchgear system
Eaton Cooper’s power series Pad-mounted Source Transfer switchgear system is designed for facilities that require highly dependable power, such as health care, data center, and other mission critical applications.
Digital genset controller
Basler Electric’s DGC-2020HD digital genset controller is designed for applications such as data storage centers, factories, and other facilities where maintaining power is critical.
Generator-paralleling switchgear system
Emerson Network Power has redesigned its ASCO 4000 Series Generator Paralleling Switchgear with custom capabilities.
Seismic-rated power-conditioning voltage regulators
Controlled Power's Series 700F and Model 700F/M are designed for installation in commercial, industrial, and hospital facilities and meet OSHPD standards.
Emergency and standby power in hospitals
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment understand that installations for hospitals are required to comply with NFPA 110 in conjunction with NFPA 70. System designers must interpret the requirements of these standards, ensure their designs follow them, and educate their clients about how the standard affects their operations.
Getting equipment SCCR code requirements right
Complying with the latest NEC and OSHA requirements will improve equipment protection, electrical safety, and power reliability.
Your questions answered: Selective coordination in health care buildings
The unique constraints of health care facility electrical distribution systems require engineers to be diligent when designing these systems. The presenters from the Sept. 24 webcast offer additional guidance.
Getting it right in mixed-use buildings: Automation and controls
Mixed-use buildings—often a combination of retail and residential—are unique structures with varying needs. Automation, controls, and system integration are big components of these mixed-use buildings.
Bypass switches for overhead electrical distribution lines
Single-phase disconnect and bypass switches with lightweight polymer provide durable switching, line sectionalizing, and isolation.
Generators with overhead cam engines
Subaru’s SGX3500, SGX5000, and SGX7500E generators feature Subaru EX series overhead cam engines for greater reliability.
Mobile paralleling box
Kohler Power Systems’ mobile paralleling box combines different sized generators; generators with different fuels.
Short-circuit current rating tools
Eaton’s short-circuit current rating tools help meet that latest code requirements.
Paralleling switchgear with custom capabilities
Emerson’s ASCO 4000 series switchgear offers custom capabilities in a midrange system.
Ensuring power quality in mission critical facilities
Many industrial, commercial, and service businesses are sensitive to power quality problems because they affect a company’s ability to compete in a global economy.
Minimizing arc flash hazards
Rely on codes and standards to develop a robust arc flash mitigation plan.
Fault interrupter
VisoVac fault interrupter supports power and safety in underground and subsurface power distribution systems.
Multifeature packaged paralleling system
ASCO series 300 transfer switch-based paralleling system delivers high-power capabilities to mid-tier installations.
UPS system for data centers
Eaton’s Xpert 9395 UPS offers up to 10% more power within the same footprint in data centers.
Vortex and swirl flowmeters
ABB’s SwirlMaster and VortexMaster flowmeters are designed for the chemical industry and other applications, such as power generation, where steam flows need to be monitored.
MEP Giants revenue, mergers, diversification increase
The 2015 MEP Giants revenue ticked up slightly, while firms continue to diversify the services they offer, the countries in which they work, and project types.
DLR Group: Mandalay Bay Solar Array
Addition of on-site renewable solar system of a resort
Voltage test indicator
Grace Engineered Products’ SafeSide voltage test station is a permanent electrical safety device that performs lock-out, tag-out procedures and combines a voltage indicator and test points to verify electrical energy.
Saving energy with power infrastructure equipment
Part 3 of this 3-part series provides details on how to specify motors, transformers, and other power equipment to save on electric bills.
Harnessing next-level power efficiency from Green Grid’s data center maturity model
The evolution of the Green Grid’s DCMM offers engineers tools to design more energy-efficient data centers.
Arup Thoughts: Resilience through district thermal energy
District thermal energy can improve resilience – it’s a robust and efficient, yet locally sourced and delivered, form of thermal energy.
Current-limiting protector
The CLiP-LV design protects under-rated equipment from damage and mitigates arc flash.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 29 to July 5: Implementing microgrids, variable refrigerant flow, integrated project delivery, more
Articles about implementing microgrids, variable refrigerant flow, integrated project delivery, designing generator rooms, and a university campus CHP case study were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 29 to July 5. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Robert J. Garra Jr. joins editorial advisory board
Robert J. Garra Jr., PE, CDT, has joined the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.
Mining vacuum circuit breaker
The mining vacuum circuit breaker provides safety and equipment protection in mining and metal applications.
UPS systems for IT space
The Liebert eXM UPS Line maximizes efficiency in midsize power applications with larger loads.
Hybrid generator sets
This generator set is based on an integrated management system to centralize through the digital control panel all the components.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 8-14: Series rated panels, cogeneration systems, electrical systems webcast Q&A, more
Articles about series rated panels, understanding cogeneration systems, webcast questions and answers on arc flash reduction, graduating to intelligent buildings, and a microgrid case study were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 8-14. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Evaluating UPS system efficiency
Many modern uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems have an energy-saving operating mode. Data show that very few data centers put it to use because of the potential risks.
Case study: Putting UPS systems to work
Many modern uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems have an energy-saving operating mode. Data show that very few data centers put it to use because of the potential risks.
Understanding cogeneration systems
Cogeneration systems—also known as combined heat and power (CHP) systems—generate both electricity and usable thermal energy. These systems typically are used on campuses that have high heat load requirements.
Driving data center PUE, efficiency
When developing data center energy-use estimations, engineers must account for all sources of energy use in the facility.
Low-voltage switchgear for mission critical environments
Low-voltage switchgear technology designed to extend type 2B arc-resistant ratings with the instrument and breaker secondary door open provides centralized control and protection for low-voltage power distribution equipment.
Integrated pump motor, drive, and control
The Grundfos line of LCSE split-coupled end suction pumps with integrated motor, drive, and control feature the MLE variable speed motor.
Is a series rated panel right for you?
It is not always necessary to have every branch circuit breaker rated for the full available fault current in an electrical panel or switchboard.
2015 Electrical and Power Study: Seven key findings for the electrical, power industries
Respondents to the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Electrical and Power Study identified seven high-level findings impacting the electrical and power industries today.
Power supply system
Siemens compact and modular Sitop PSU8600 is a power supply system that has been integrated into networked automation applications and Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal.
Generator set models
HIMOINSA has added to its range of products thirteen generator set models with Doosan engines.
Masterpact direct replacement circuit breakers
Schneider Electric's Masterpact Direct Replacement circuit breaker is an innovative digital tool.
Your questions answered: Data center electrical efficiency
Designing efficient data centers is a high priority for consulting engineers. Several questions were not addressed at the May 14, 2015, webcast event; the presenters answer them here.
Fixed-frame air circuit breaker
Eaton's front connect NRX NF fixed-frame air circuit breaker (ACB) helps simplify installation and reduce maintenance time and costs.
Transfer switches
Generac Power Systems' Power Series transfer switches (PSTS) and the ATC-900 transfer switch control can be used with Generac's industrial standby generator line.
Webcast: Data center electrical efficiency
Designing efficient data centers is a high priority for consulting engineers. From business operations and continuity to the growing use of cloud services to the Internet of Things, increased Internet demand is putting a strain on server capacity and energy use.
Arc-flash relay
AF0500 Arc-flash relay offers plug-and-play installation and fast arc detection.
2015 40 Under 40: Jeffrey T. Byorick, PE, 36
Senior Electrical Project Engineer, Gannett Fleming, Mt. Laurel, N.J. BS Engineering Science, The College of New Jersey; MS Engineering, Rowan University
2015 40 Under 40: Jeremy S. Lewis, PE, LEED AP, CxA, 38
Principal, Electrical Engineering Team Leader, CMTA Consulting Engineers, Louisville, Ky. BS Electrical Engineering, University of Louisville
2015 40 Under 40: James Morris, PE, 29
Electrical Engineer, PEDCO E & A Services Inc., Cincinnati BS Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati
2015 40 Under 40: William Sharp, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 37
Electrical Engineer, CMTA Consulting Engineers, Lexington, Ky. BS Electrical Engineering, Purdue University
2015 40 Under 40: Richard Vedvik, PE, 36
Senior Electrical Engineer, Acoustics Engineer, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Rock Island, Ill. BS Electrical Engineering, University of Wisconsin
Variable speed starter
The PowerXL DE1 variable speed starter for reduced installation time, space saving design and increased reliability.
Global solar installations to grow by 30% to reach 57 GW in 2015
IHS forecasts that global solar photovoltaic (PV) installations will grow by 30% in 2015 to reach 57.3 GW. At the same time it has revised its estimates for installations in 2014 to 44.2 GW, previously 45.1 GW.
Electric motor for manufacturing, building maintenance
Digital Variable Reluctance Smart Motor brings electric motors into the 21st Century.
Vertical P-Base motor platform
The Vertical P-Base platform is a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motor, available in a broad power range.
Rack power transfer switch
Raritan's Intelligent Rack Transfer Switch helps data centers keep equipment operating through power failures and provides insights on energy usage and rack-equipment health.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 20-26: Increasing transformer efficiency, IPD and Lean in building design, Product of the Year finalists, more
Articles about increasing transformer efficiency, IPD and Lean in building design, the 2015 Product of the Year finalists, interpreting NFPA 72, and energy performance in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 20-26. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Modular electrical infrastructure system
Active Power's CleanSource PowerHouse is a solution containing a complete modular electrical infrastructure system.
Government building design: Electrical, lighting, and power systems
When your client is the government, engineering design can be tricky, thanks to stepped-up regulations, budgetary concerns, and other considerations. Respondents discuss electrical, lighting, and power systems in government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities.
Compact solid-state relay
RF1 Series Compact Solid State Relay provides compact solid-state switching.
Avtron sigma 2 load bank control system
Avtron Sigma 2 Load Bank Control System optimizes power testing workflow.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 6-12: Product of the Year finalists, preventing wet stacking, energy performance in mission critical facilities, more
Articles about the 2015 Product of the Year finalists, preventing wet stacking, energy performance in mission critical facilities, increasing transformer efficiency, and standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 6-12. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Technique-based commissioning testing to optimize vs. oversize mission-critical system design
The commissioning and testing phase of mission-critical electrical and mechanical systems project for a facility can be an opportunity to optimize the facility design in both cap-ex and op-ex. To realize these benefits, it is worth examining current approaches as well as a new, technique-based methodology and its supporting data.
Project profile: High-capacity cabling for neonatal intensive care unit
The unit integrates decentralized nursing, relying on wireless handsets for exchange of data among physicians, nurses, and researchers, with communication available 24/7.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year finalists: Electrical distribution
Read about the 14 finalists in the Electrical Distribution category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year program.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year finalists: Variable frequency drives, variable speed drives
Read about the four finalists in the Variable Frequency Drives and Variable Speed Drives category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year program.
Circuit breakers offer power control technology
Power circuit breaker with power management capability available.
Circuit breaker maintenance tools
An online visual training program simplifies circuit breaker maintenance and testing.
VFDs for torque applications
The SJ700D Series of Industrial ac variable frequency drives (VFDs) expands on the performance, capabilities, and functions of both its predecessors.
Tier 4 Final genset
The QAS 275 generator incorporates an MTU engine and aftertreatment system that meets Tier 4 Final emission standards without a DPF.
Increasing transformer efficiency
Transformers are fundamental components in electrical distribution systems for commercial buildings.
UPS for midsize power users
The Liebert eXM UPS system is designed for small and medium power requirements seeking greater cost control, flexibility, optimization, and speed of deployment.
How the Internet of Things affects the data center
An enormous amount of processing and storage capacity is needed to keep pace with the Internet of Things.
Standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities
System designers must interpret the requirements of NFPA 110, ensure their designs follow them, and educate their clients about how the standard affects their operations.
Optimizing genset sizing
When designing generator systems, consulting engineers must ensure that the generators and the building electrical systems they support are appropriate for the specific application.
Preventing wet stacking
Prevention of wet stacking drives many of the details of generator testing requirements.
UPS for critical power protection
The Liebert GXT4 UPS system is for businesses that need critical power protection at the edge of IT infrastructures and remote locations.
Generator load control
The DSLC-2 and MSLC-2 controllers are designed to simplify system control architectures for power generation systems and work in conjunction with PLCs and perform critical generator system control functions.
2014 Electrical, Power Study: Seven key findings
According to the data in this report, inadequate budgets and keeping up with frequent codes and standards updates for electrical and power systems design are continuous challenges that aren't expected to change anytime soon.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 2-8: Lab ventilation system design, VFD and motor strategies, ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, more
Articles about designing lab ventilation systems, VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, driving data center design, and connecting buildings via the Internet of Things were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 2-8. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Driving data center design: Electrical, power systems
In the information age, data centers can be the beating heart of not just a building, but an entire global corporation. The electrical engineer plays a key role in the design of these mission critical facilities.
Wireless interface device
The RFN-1200 wireless interface device is designed for distribution automation (DA) applications and allows utility users to gather remote device data or initiate controls and connect with a variety of DA solutions.
Energy management motor starter
The Model MSEM energy management motor starter can be adapted to an individual user’s needs and is available for single- or 3-phase commercial or industrial applications.
Paralleling system based on transfer switchgear
The ASCO Series 336 combines switchgear components, a closed transition transfer switch mechanism, and a controller.
Enclosed starter configurator
The enclosed starter product configurator is designed for low-voltage applications.
Three-phase generator for light commercial applications
The 14/20 kW generator is powered by a heavy-duty, commercial-grade engine designed for harsh weather conditions and heavy use.
Three-phase UPS for data center applications
The 9900C UPS is a three-phase on-line double conversion UPS designed for large data center applications and delivers up to 97% efficiency.
Generators for power and critical standby applications
The QAC 1200 generators produce 1 MW of predictable power and are designed for prime power or critical standby applications in a multitude of industries including hospitals, museums, and schools.
Mobile dc power unit
The Mobile DC Power Services are designed to enable dc system maintenance to be performed on site to ensure a reliable temporary power source when conducting required dc system maintenance.
Generator for heavy-duty use
The QAS 25 generator achieves Tier 4 Final emission levels and is designed to run as long as 45 hours on one tank of gas.
Portable power panel
This portable power panel is designed specifically for both mobility and durability.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 22-28: Designing smoke control systems, integrating fire protection and HVAC systems, NFPA 3, more
Articles about designing smoke control systems, integrating fire protection and HVAC systems, NFPA 3 for existing building, designing higher education facilities, and selecting fire pumps were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 22-28. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Circuit breakers with power control technology
The Emax 2 is a low-voltage circuit breaker with integrated energy management functions that monitor power usage and control installed loads and generators.
Generator for harsh environments
The QAS 275 generator incorporates an MTU engine and aftertreatment system that meets Tier 4 Final emission standards without a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and has a heavy-duty frame and enclosure withstand harsh working environments.
Arc fault/ground fault circuit breaker
The dual purpose arc fault/ground fault (AF/GF) circuit breaker is designed for contractors and specifying engineers and combines arc fault and ground fault protection into a single package.
Implementing energy storage for peak-load shifting
Engineers should offer building owners the ability to reduce energy load by shifting it from peak to off-peak hours.
Medium-voltage adjustable frequency drive
The SC9000 EP drives from Eaton can be used in harsh industrial environments.
Enclosed motor starters
The CGP series enclosed motor starters can be used for both single- and three-phase motors up to 600 V/200 hp.
Project profile: Hospital UPS systems meet residential noise codes
The hospital’s extreme proximity to an apartment complex requires the UPS system to meet the city’s residential noise code and seismic regulations.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 1-7: Integrating fire and HVAC systems, medium-voltage genset systems, paralleling generators, more
Articles about integrating fire protection and HVAC systems, medium-voltage genset systems, paralleling generators, building effective health care facilities, and flexible and sustainable electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Project profile: Colocation provider adding high-efficiency UPS units
Hurricane Electric achieves 99% efficiency and saves on utility costs with new UPS units and energy-saving system.
Mitigating data center harmonics
Advances in technology offer harmonics mitigating solutions.
Non-isolated point-of-load power modules
The UDXS0606 and UVXS0606 non-isolated point-of-load (POL) power modules are dual 6-amp POL modules designed to provide ultra-tight voltage regulation and employ a PMBus interface for digital configuration, communication, and control.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 24-30: Sizing and selecting pumps, specifying a multi-mode UPS, selective coordination answers, more
Articles about sizing and selecting pumps and circulators, specifying a multi-mode UPS, selective coordination answers, fire and life safety trends, and flexible and sustainable electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 24-30. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Scalable rackmount UPS series
The FN scalable UPS series is a compact, stand-alone power protection system designed for critical applications and networks that require scalability for continuous operations.
Paralleling switchgear for mission critical applications
The Digital Commander Paralleling Switchgear is provides management and control of backup power in systems with a two-generator bus configuration.
Mobile generator for air quality management
The Cat XQ375 mobile diesel generator is designed to meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards and features enhanced sound attenuation as well as quick voltage change.
Selective coordination: Your questions answered
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code defines selective coordination. Questions not addressed in the Critical Power: Selective Coordination webcast are answered here by Syed Peeran, PE, PhD, CDM Smith, and Rick Reyburn, PE, JBA Consulting Engineers.
About the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA)
For almost 50 years, the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) has been on the cutting edge of generated power solutions. Providing codes and standards updates, emerging technologies, education, best practices, technician certification, and industry enrichment, we are the leading authority in the on-site power industry.
Designing medium-voltage genset systems
Good working knowledge of medium-voltage applications is essential in making a smooth transition from low-voltage system experience to successful medium-voltage system design.
Controlling cogeneration facility NOx emissions
When considering natural gas reciprocating engines, consulting engineers must fully understand the emission requirements.
Comparing permanent and portable backup generators
Using portable generators and manual transfer switches can save business owners time, money, and aggravation.
Understanding the regulatory process for power installations
Addressing regulatory concerns at the onset of a major project ensures timely and successful commissioning of on-site generating plants.
Choosing between 3-pole and 4-pole transfer switches
The choice between a 3-pole and 4-pole transfer switch depends on whether the emergency power system will be a separately-derived source.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 3-9: Applying building energy modeling, commissioning giants, engineering workable office space, more
Articles about building energy modeling, commissioning giants, engineering workable office space, sizing and selecting pumps and circulators, and managing power through networked electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 3-9. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Specifying a multi-mode UPS in data centers
Engineers should consider lifecycle cost and energy efficiency models for evaluating data center uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems.
Low emission generator
QAS 25 generator has Tier 4 emission levels. It can be used in oil and gas and construction industries.
Meter reporting software
SEL-5630 meter reporting software vsualizes site-wide historical data to monitor energy efficiency and power quality.
Outdoor UPS system
Controlled Power Company's model LTN-3R UPS system is a outdoor-rated UPS that provides output line voltage regulation of +/- 3%, magnetic isolation, filtering, and power conditioning.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 6-12: Chilled water systems, data central distribution systems, proper laboratory ventilation, more
Articles about covered designing chilled water systems, designing data center electrical distribution systems, determining proper laboratory ventilation, the 2014 lighting study, and managing power through networked electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 6-12. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Gaseous-fueled units receive standardized engine
The 9.0 L engine is now standard with the 100 tp 150 kW gaseous-fueled industrial configured gensets and is designed to improve turnaround times and power density.
Integrated flywheel UPS
The CleanSource 750HD UPS is designed to improve the reliability of mission critical electrical systems.
Generator set series
The G3520H generator set operates on natural gas fuel and is designed for extended-duty combined heat and power (CHP) and continuous electric power applications.
Managing power through networked electrical systems
Engineers should consider the benefits of networking electrical systems—monitoring and controlling power, its usage, and how it affects system reliability.
Low risk UPS system
CleanSource 750HD UPS reduces risk of system failure by 21% versus a double-conversion UPS with a single string of batteries in utility outages lasting longer than 10 seconds.
Project sizing software upgrade
The Power Suite power project sizing software has added GenCalc and GenSpec and has updated GenSize with additional project and load parameters to optimize project sizing and product recommendations.
Power conditioner
The Series 700A power conditioners provide voltage regulation and includes a triple-shielded isolation transformer.
Surge protective devices
Intended for installation at any point in an electrical distribution system, the 400 Series surge protective devices suited for most applications within a facility.
Project profile: Medical center infrastructure upgrade
Designed with UPS eBoost power efficiency technology, this project was set up with a central plant to provide utility and emergency power to the entire campus and be expanded for additional capacity over time.
Electrical, power report: Differences between small, medium, large companies
In April 2014, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveyed its audience members responsible for decisions related to the design of electrical or power systems within their organizations. Of the respondents, 53% are employed at a firm with less than 100 people on staff, 19% have 100 to 499 employees, and 28% have 500 or more. How does your firm compare to those of similar size?
ECM-based circulators with logic algorithm
MAGNA series uses an integrated logic algorithm that detects varying energy-usage patterns over time.
Synchronous drive system
The Dodge HT500 synchronous drive system are designed to deliver high torque, low maintenance, and potential energy savings and features a synchronous belt and sprockets.
Power quality analytics
ASCO power quality analytics has high-speed wave recording that identifies eight power quality anomalies.
Critical power: Transfer switches and switchgear: Q&A Session
Webcast Q&A session with presenters Ken Lovorn, PE, Lovorn Engineering Associates, Pittsburgh; and Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, ccrd partners, Dallas.
Generator set market powers up for growth
IHS estimates that the world market for gensets will continue to see growth into the year 2015.
Motor control center – 2014-07-25
The Freedom Arc-Resistant Motor Control Center (MCC) is designed to contain arc blast energy should an arc flash be triggered and features insulated horizontal and vertical buses as well as isolation barriers between adjacent structures.
Dwayne Miller joins editorial advisory board
Dwayne Miller, PE, RCDD, AEE CPQ, has joined the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.
Power plant reliability
The ASME committee for reliability, availability, and maintainability helps power plant owners and operators achieve their goals.
Exploring dc power distribution alternatives
Engineers should know when and where the use of dc power distribution is appropriate, and when it is not. In applications where redundancy, immediate transfer capability, high availability, and energy storage are design criteria, direct current power solutions are beneficial.
Solar photovoltaics for lighting projects
A presentation at LightFair International focused on solar photovoltaics, providing the attendee with information on how to select the right PV option.
Smart building integration
Historically, the facility management challenge has been to do more with less. System integration provides a solution, and offers an opportunity to lower costs and achieve greater efficiencies.
High standards for labs, research buildings: Electrical, power systems
Laboratory and research facilities are high-performance buildings, often with complex systems and exacting standards for engineers to meet. Electrical and power demands are unique, and must be carefully designed.
Monitor for critical power systems
Emerson Network Power’s ASCO PowerQuest 2.0 - 5700 monitors and records essential data from any and all third-party devices regardless of function or manufacturer via alarm contacts and power metering.
2014 40 Under 40: Jason Jullie, PE, LEED AP, 34
Associate, Electrical Engineer, ccrd, Dallas
2014 40 Under 40: Craig Turner, PE, LEED AP, 33
Senior Project Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Matern Professional Engineering, Maitland, Fla.
2014 40 Under 40: Amanda Brownlee, PE, 37
Senior Associate, WSP, San Francisco
2014 40 Under 40: Ryan Chapman, PE, LEED AP, 38
Project Executive, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Des Moines, Iowa
2014 40 Under 40: Javier Garcia, LEED AP, 37
Associate, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago
Cable entry line expanded
Roxtec's ComSeal LW and ComSeal AISI 316 are UL/NEMA and IP rated and designed for industries that deal with electrical wiring and components with enclosures.
Standby generators
Generac Power Systems’ 350 and 400 kW gaseous-fueled standby generators are available as a single unit or configured in parallel up to 6 MW and designed as a natural gas alternative to diesel standby power systems.
Sequence of events recorder
Cyber Sciences' CyTime SER-2408 Sequence of Events Recorder is designed to help simplify testing of emergency power supply systems for health care and other critical power facilities.
Designing a winning sports venue: Electrical, power systems
Sports and entertainment arenas are more than just seats and a playing field; they are highly complex structures bringing in thousands of fans—and millions of dollars—every year. Power and electrical systems are often the key to success.
Energy-saving system with harmonic reduction
Eaton's Energy Saver System (ESS) Plus can enable large, three-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems operating in eco or energy-saving modes for increased reliability and efficiency.
Criteria for selecting arc flash protection techniques, Part 3
A variety of arc flash mitigation systems and active arc flash resistant switchgear are available to boost protection against arc flash incident energy.
Kinetic energy storage fulfills a vital role for diverse applications
Data centers, hospitals, and other applications can benefit from the reliability, scalability, low cost of ownership, and other advantages kinetic energy storage systems offer.
More than $270 million of counterfeit products seized in 2013
According to a report, more than $270 million of counterfeit consumer safety and critical technology products were seized in 2013.
Software and manufacturing trends highlighted at IEEE conference
One engineer reflects on his experience at IEEE's PES Transmission & Distribution Conference (IEEE PES T&D) April 14-17 in Chicago and the event's key takeaways.
UPS for data centers
Emerson Network Power's Liebert eXL uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a large transformer-free, single module system that is designed to deliver efficiency greater than 96% at full load in double conversion mode.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year finalists: Electrical distribution, systems
Read about the 25 finalists in the Electrical Distribution and Systems category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year program.
Brian Rener joins SmithGroupJJR
Brian Rener has joined SmithGroupJJR, focusing on the design of critical electrical systems and technologically advanced facilities.
Integration: The future of data centers
At the NEBB Annual Conference, two data center experts pointed to integration as the key to success in data center design and commissioning.
Specifying authentic
What type of language do you include in specifications to prevent the use of counterfeit electrical products on your projects?
Criteria for selecting arc flash protection techniques, Part 1
Engineers must be aware of the causes of arc flash incidents and relevant safety standards before determining the best arc flash mitigation method for a particular facility.
Project profile: Henkels & McCoy headquarters emergency generator
In this project profile, engineering firm Henkels & McCoy added a back-up generator to power its facility during loss-of-utility events.
Smart Grid standards for interoperability, interconnection, integration
Joining disparate power, IT, and communications systems in developing the Smart Grid.
Project profile: Improving switchgear inspections at London’s Stansted Airport
In this project profile, Lonsdon Stansted Airport Engineering Team performed an existing building retrofit in order to reduce the amount of time needed for maintenance inspections.
Power management system enhances emergency response
Case study: A super-tall building in the Middle East.
Effective partial-load condition strategies
Take advantage of a variety of common technologies and systems to help minimize the energy and cost expenditure of any facility’s daily operations.
Report: Counterfeit education is working
Survey reveals that educational programs are helping to increase awareness of the dangers of counterfeit electrical products.
Mitigating harmonics in electrical systems
Although devices using power electronics can produce distortion in electrical distribution systems, it’s up to the engineer to apply effective solutions to mitigate them.
Integrating power monitoring systems
After determining the power load profile of a commercial building, engineers need to ensure the system is monitored and integrated with the building's other engineered systems. Here a group of experts shed light on how to approach integrating power monitoring systems.
Protecting standby generators for mission critical facilities
The generator and standby power systems for mission critical facilities require a higher level of reliability and availability.
Interconnection, interoperability for integration in the Smart Grid
The relationship between interconnection and interoperability in the Smart Grid is often a source of confusion for engineers.
Power control systems for gensets
Russelectric on-site power control systems have dual PLCs for automatic generator set starting and stopping as well as a manual control system.
Web-based backup power system monitor
Cummins Power Generation’s PowerCommand 500/550 Remote Monitoring System provides a Web-based means of remotely monitoring and controlling generators, transfer switches, sensors, and output controls from any computer.
Power transfer switch
Emerson Network Power’s ASCO Series 300 features a microprocessor controller that integrates an intuitive and graphical LCD and six LED indicators.
DC Power Systems: Keep Your Eyes Open
As efficiency becomes a dominant mantra today and in the future, dc is getting another look.
Genset battery charger
The MicroGenius 150 by Stored Energy Systems (SENS) is based on ruggedized switchmode power conversion technology and advanced charging algorithms.
Dangerous electrical product counterfeits found, seized
Recent seizures in the U.K. reaffirm the dangerous presence of counterfeits in the marketplace.
Managing risks, benefits with closed transition transfer switches
Here are best practices for closed transition transfer switches when two live sources are connected together.
Know what you can do about counterfeit electrical products
Four tips to help identify and avoid counterfeit electrical products.
Anticipating the Smart Grid
Designers, building owners, and operators should understand how the emerging Smart Grid will impact individual buildings.
Comparing generator sizing software
Generator sizing software can help engineers optimize emergency system designs for various load types.
Market for power semiconductors plunges in 2012; Infineon maintains leadership
Revenue in the power semiconductor market fell 16 percent in 2012 because of weak demand and reductions from suppliers as a result.
Mitigating arc flash hazards in medium-voltage switchgear
Engineers should be aware of design alternatives that can reduce arc flash hazards in medium-voltage systems.
Commissioning electrical systems in mission critical facilities
Engineers should follow best practices to overcome the inherent challenges of electrical system functional performance testing.
Evaluating software tools for electrical system design
Software tools and online resources are available for designing electrical systems.
When to use computer-based power analysis tools
With the vast amount of power analysis design tools available today, electrical engineers can be overwhelmed when choosing the right tool to use. Learning these tools and knowing when to use them can help an engineer be more efficient with his or her time and results.
Prescription for hospital, health care electrical system success
Hospital and health care facility projects are especially important due to their sensitive nature. Electrical and power systems must be carefully designed.
Power monitoring software
Schneider Electric’s StruxureWare Power Monitoring Expert is designed for integrated energy and electrical distribution power management through documentation, productivity tools, and libraries.
UPS for business servers, network equipment
The Eaton 5SC uninterruptible power system (UPS) is designed to protect tower servers, NAS, and network equipment and can be integrated with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Beyond safety
Engineers should consider the legal and perception implications of counterfeit electrical products.
Case study: Data center retrofit
Any time the reliability demand is high and the data center has to work around pre-existing building constraints, there are significant design challenges. However, creative engineering can turn just about any challenge into a data center with real reliability.
Case study: Financial call center
As more industries deem their daily operations to be mission critical, upgrading existing electrical distribution infrastructure will take on a vital role.
Data center power strategies
Engineers should take a closer look at the different power strategies being used to distribute power, and how they impact the data center.
Continuing standby power education
Knowledge is power when designing standby power systems.
Structured maintenance ensures genset reliability
Consulting engineers are in an excellent position to recommend structured maintenance programs to their clients.
Rex Hospital gets a power system upgrade
The upgrade increased the system’s emergency power generating capacity, boosted its fuel storage capacity, and added a SCADA system.
Understanding emission requirements for standby gensets
Engineers should know the current emission regulatory requirements to ensure their designs comply.
Power distribution units
HP’s Remote Monitoring Power Distribution Units (PDUs) control energy consumption, manage space constraints, and provide bill-back information.
Analyzing CHP installation validity
Modern CHP modules can increase a facility’s energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to corporate sustainability.
CHP market clusters
An analysis of the CHP market clusters include natural gas CHP, landfill and wastewater treatment, and natural gas non-CHP.
Selecting a critical power monitoring and control technology
Choosing a monitoring and control technology should be based on the power reliability requirements for the application.
Dangers of Counterfeit Electrical Products
Counterfeit electrical products present potentially harmful health, safety and financial implications
About the Electrical Generating Systems Association
Information about the EGSA's upcoming programs, board election results, and events.
Using withstand current rating to improve electrical system designs
Understanding how withstand current rating affects an automatic transfer switch enables consulting engineers to design more effective electrical systems.
Collaboration central to combatting counterfeits
Consulting engineers play role, along with governments, manufacturers, customers, and industry organizations.
Power quality meters
Emerson Network Power’s ASCO 5400 Series Power Quality Meters can capture present complete data on sags, swells, and other events no matter how small.
The 3Cs of circuit protection
Circuit breaker technology advancements are emerging that enable engineers to strike a better balance of safety and uptime. Here are some tips from a circuit breaker expert.
Consulting, specifying engineers join in the fight against counterfeits
Counterfeit electrical products can cause serious problems, from property damage to life safety issues.
Generac to acquire Baldor Generators
Generac has announced a purchase agreement for the Baldor Generators subsidiary.
Saving money in hospital electrical distribution systems
There are two ways to attack the rising electrical costs of operating a hospital: UPS upgrades and co-generation.
Generators and transfer switches: Emergency power system solutions
Generators can provide emergency power to a facility’s electrical power system. As a whole system backup, gensets minimize disruption in the event of normal power loss.
Designing for electrical system flexibility
Current building codes and standards allow designers to build flexibility into the electrical system.
Commercial segment set to lead solar energy storage market by 2017
The commercial solar energy market is set to rise to 2.3 GW by 2017 thanks to an increased desire to intelligently manage the use of PV energy in an attempt to reduce electricity cost.
BIM for power control system
Emerson Network Power’s ASCO Power Control Systems has added building information modeling (BIM) capability and can monitor and protect multiple-genset power systems.
Electrical, power systems in mixed-use buildings
Engineering mixed-use buildings is a fine art—specifiers must combine multiple electrical and power systems for several business and residence types into one structure. Metering, submetering, and energy efficiency also must be considered.
Electricity price hikes drove South African UPS market up 20% in 2012
IHS reports that South Africa’s market for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) grew last year in excess of 20% to more than $50 million primarily because of rising electricity prices in the country.
UPS service market flat in 2012; first quarter indicates a better 2013
IHS reports that UPS sales increased by 5% for the first quarter of 2013, but it remains to be seen if the trend will continue throughout the rest of the year because of a sluggish overall market.
Tips and tricks for commissioning, balancing buildings: Sustainability, energy efficiency
Building commissioning is one of the most important (and complex) types of projects an engineer can be tasked with. Renewable energy or sustainable systems require specialized expertise.
MEP Giants make nearly $1 billion more in 2013
Even in a down economy, the 2013 MEP Giants firms continue to show increased billings.
Bellevue Hospital Switchgear Relocation
System overhaul; Bellevue Hospital Switchgear Relocation; Parsons Brinckerhoff
Procter and Gamble Fabric and Home Care Innovation Center Renaissance Project
Existing building retrofit; Procter and Gamble Fabric and Home Care Innovation Center Renaissance Project; PEDCO E+A Services Inc.
New On-Site Generator/Switchgear
New construction; New On-Site Generator/Switchgear; Stanley Consultants
Mergers and acquisitions are back among MEP Giants
After a brief pause last year, MEP leaders are back in the M+A game.
UPS global platform
GE’s TLE Series uninterruptible power supply (UPS) global platform is a transformer-less, 3-phase UPS that is designed to help lower system operating expenses and power usage effectiveness (PUE).
Servomotor line with field-replacable encoders
Siemens' Generation II Simotics 1FK7 servomotors feature seven shaft heights and a power connection as well as three inertia versions for a variety of applications.
Send in the engineering troops: Electrical and power systems
Military facilities present an army of challenges—exacting codes and regulations, stepped-up security issues, and budgetary concerns. Power and electrical systems are high on the priority list.
Generators and transfer switches for mission critical facilities
Transfer switches and generators are specified into commercial buildings—specifically health care facilities—to provide optional standby, emergency, and legally required power.
Case study: Defining hospital loads
An example of developing the system architecture of the PSG system using a hospital campus project.
Electrical, power study released
This study was conducted by Consulting-Specifying Engineer to evaluate customer awareness, usage of, and preference for suppliers of various types of electrical and power products and systems.
Arc flash system
GE's Multilin A60 Arc Flash System uses light and pressure wave detection technology to detect and initiate a trip signal in the event of an arc flash condition.
Arup promotes five to principal
Arup promoted John Hurt, PE; Brian Stacy, IALD, LEED AP; Trent Lethco, AICP; Hillary Lobo, PE; and Tateo Nakajima to principal.
Digital soft starter
Baldor Electric Co.’s MST digital soft starter with six SCR three-phase voltage control is available from 7.5 to 1000 hp at 208 to 575 Vac.
First Solar ranked largest photovoltaic EPC in 2012
For the first time, First Solar became the world's largest photovoltaic EPC contractor in 2012, with more than 500 MW of projects completed.
2013 40 Under 40: Daric Hess, 38
Senior Principal Electrical Engineer, Heapy Engineering, Dayton, Ohio
2013 40 Under 40: Stuart Hill, 38
Engineering Manager, Dynamix Engineering, Columbus, Ohio
2013 40 Under 40: Jamey Lyzun, 36
Associate, Mechanical Engineer, Arup, Los Angeles
2013 40 Under 40: Robert Nixdorf, 40
Vice President, WSP Flack + Kurtz, San Francisco
2013 40 Under 40: Drew Rose, 32
Electrical Engineer, Integrated Consulting Engineers Inc., Wichita, Kansas
2013 40 Under 40: Khris House, 38
Associate, ccrd, Houston
2013 40 Under 40: Nathan Boepple, 31
Associate, ccrd, Dallas
2013 40 Under 40: Adam Carlson, 39
Associate / Senior Mechanical Engineer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.
2013 40 Under 40: Justin Davis, 34
Vice President, Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Dallas
2013 40 Under 40: Robert J. Garra Jr., 35
Vice President, Cannon Design, Buffalo, N.Y.
2013 40 Under 40: Brandon Harwick, 34
President, Engenium Group, Washington, D.C.
Power control systems
Russelectric on-site power control systems are equipped with dual programmable logic controls (PLCs) for automatic generator set starting and stopping, status and alarm annunciation, synchronizing, and priority load control.
Bigger is better in the wind generator market
The average power rating of a utility scale wind generator was 1.75 MW in 2011 and is expected to rise to nearly 2.4 MW by 2017.
Data center operation
Schneider Electric’s StruxureWare Data Center Operation for Co-location is a data center infrastructure management (DCIM) application specifically designed to address the needs of data centers with multiple tenants.
Manufacturers’ focus: Sports, entertainment venues
Sports arenas and entertainment facilities require unique product solutions. Hear from three manufacturers who provide solutions in these facilities.
Sports, entertainment venues need engineering athleticism
Sports arenas and entertainment facilities involve complex engineering solutions. Five consulting engineers offer advice to get results worth cheering about.
WSP Flack + Kurtz names senior vice president
WSP Flack + Kurtz has named Larry Beam senior vice president. Beam has 35 years of experience in architectural engineering design and project management.
Product standards for paralleled gensets
Consulting engineers in the U.S. consistently specify that paralleling switchgear must be rated to UL 891 or UL 1558.
Lighting control panelboard
Square D Emergency Lighting Control Panelboard by Schneider Electric is a circuit breaker panelboard with onboard automatic load control relays that centralize egress lighting control in the equipment closet.
Ground fault, phase-voltage indicator
The UL Listed Littelfuse EL3100 ground-fault and phase-voltage indication system meets the National Electric Code and Canadian Electrical Code requirements.
UPS protection for data centers
The Liebert NXL 1100 kVA/1100 kW UPS by Emerson Network Power offers medium to large data centers a high level of operating efficiency.
Power management reporting
Eaton’s Power Xpert Reporting 3.0 helps customers make sense of exhaustive power monitoring data and identify vital statistics to improve the efficiency and reliability of facilities.
High-density UPS
Active Power’s CleanSource High Density (CSHD) 750 kVA UPS product line is designed for data center environments and other mission critical operations.
RMF Engineering expands infrastructure services
RMF Engineering's York, Pa., office is expanding its infrastructure services to provide a localized approach to field and infrastructure services. Brian Wodka has been appointed the team leader for the company's expansion.
Emergency, on-site, standby power
Read about the 10 finalists in the Emergency, On-site, Standby Power category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2013 Product of the Year competition.
HVAC/R
Read about the 18 finalists in the HVAC/R category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2013 Product of the Year competition.
System-level control for parallel genset operations
The DMC 1500 PowerCommand Paralleling System combines Cummins Power Generation’s microprocessor-based control technology with a new icon-based graphical user interface designed to maximize user-friendliness.
Data management software
Eaton’s Foreseer X-Class software empowers companies to monitor their entire power system in a single power management system.
Critical load protection
Thomas & Betts Power Solutions has enabled the deployment of micro grids with its new Cyberex SuperSwitchGT, which offers autonomous operation and powering from distributed energy sources (islanding).
DIN rail industrial panel UPS
Schneider Electric’s DIN Rail Industrial Panel UPS is an industrial panel or DIN rail mountable, making it ideal for small industrial spaces.
Energy monitoring gateway
The Power Xpert 200E gateway by Eaton collects energy usage data from meters to benchmark energy usage, set energy management goals, and reduce energy costs.
Condenser fan pak
Schneider Electric’s Condenser Fan Pak solution incorporates floating high-pressure control and VSD fan operation for multi-fan, air-cooled chillers and condensers.
Compact soft starter
The DBS III with the integrated Altistart 22/48 soft start/stop unit by Schneider Electric is designed to improve performance and provide stable operation for refrigeration equipment.
Double conversion UPS system
The UL-listed Liebert NX 225-600 kVA UPS by Emerson Network Power is available for global regions with 480 V, 60 Hz applications.
Infrared scanning port
The Cyberex IR Port by Thomas & Betts Power Solutions is a hexagonal portal with up to a 12.6-sq-in. expanded viewing aperture diameter and has a polymer construction.
Surge protection devices
Thomas & Betts Power Solutions’ line of Current Technology Select (SL3) SPDs offers selenium-enhanced protection from utility-induced switching surges.
Diesel industrial configured generators
Generac Industrial Power’s modular power 400 to 600 kW diesel industrial configured generators for both single and paralleled emergency and standby solutions utilize Perkins diesel engines.
Drilling pin, sleeve connectors
The PowerMate Drilling Pin and Sleeve Connectors by Cooper Crouse-Hinds are designed to provide safe and reliable power to improve operations for drilling rig systems.
Hydraulic system
The Blackburn Hydraulic PowerTap System from Thomas & Betts is a battery-powered wedge-tap connector installation tool that eliminates the need to use a powder-actuated, fire-on style tool, resulting in minimal cleaning and maintenance.
Timing is everything
Engineers must consider arc flash prevention in the electrical systems. How important is timing?
Legislation and the future of demand response
Newly established green codes, standards, and rating systems are moving municipalities toward legislated DR implementation.
Using HVAC and lighting demand response
Strategies for handling DR fall into two basic categories: standby generation and load curtailment.
Network controls for electrical systems
Networking of electrical systems has a number of aspects that should be considered.
Insights on power
An overview on how the electric grid is changing to increase safety for everyone and the current challenges engineers face.
Mission critical circuit breakers
PowerPact Mission Critical circuit breakers by Schneider Electric are used for emergency systems where continuous service is needed.
Remembering Stan Klein
Stan always brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to whatever group or organization he engaged.
Introducing lighting controls into a demand response strategy
Intelligent light control systems make lighting predictive, responsive, and linear—and demand response simpler and more economical.
Packages for power applications
GE's Packaged Solutions integrate multiple services solutions including design, engineering, commissioning, wiring, and manufacturing into one package.
Looking Ahead: Resolving Overlapping Scopes
How do we best deal with these various individual groups that are growing and migrating into overlapping areas of interest?
High-efficiency rooftop units
Lennox has added 7.5- to 10-ton gas/electric and electric/electric rooftop units that feature an isolated compressor and a slide-out blower for more efficient operations.
Green field oil seed processing facility
Integrated project delivery profile
Ratings classification for power generation systems
The Data Center Continuous (DCC) rating by Cummins Power Generation applies to the 50 and 60 Hz generator set configurations.
Software calculation program
ARCAD's Short Circuit Analysis calculates and considers electrical parameters for supply as well as distribution for electric power systems.
Power supply demand to drive growth for semiconductors in 2013
The market will offer strong opportunities for some semiconductor manufacturers in 2013
Diesel generator with new engine
Generac's diesel industrial generators with Perkins diesel engines have an exhaust hood that mounts to the muffler system and the engines are designed to be more energy efficient.
The Process of Setting Standards
A grasp of the standards-setting process is invaluable for day-to-day work.
Energy management bypass for VFDs
The P-Series of variable frequency drives by Cerus have an energy management bypass option for HVAC systems.
Data Encryption for Substations
Encryption has become standard practice in other verticals that depend on online data transfers, such as online banking and shopping.
Power monitoring for data centers
StruxureWare Power Monitoring for Data Centers by Schneider Electric.
Global smart electricity meter installed base to double by 2016
At the close of 2011, just less than 18% of the roughly 1.43 billion installed meters were communicating.
Substation Insights: A Recap of 2012
Let’s take look at the topics of 2012 before plunging into the new year.
Indoor charging station
The EVlink indoor electric vehicle (EV) by Schneider Electric
Looking backward–and ahead
2012: A year in review.
Preventing arc flash incidents by design
Understanding electrical distribution equipment and its associated risks can help reduce incident energy levels and save lives.
Understanding backup power system fuel choices
While diesel remains popular as a fuel supply, engineers have several additional fuel options from which to choose.
Charging systems for electric vehicles
Charging stations provide power to electric vehicles at multiple levels.
DC power and renewable resources
The use of DC for technology that could consume renewable energy (RE) or for an RE-related interconnection into the electric utility is of particular interest.
How to specify an indoor lighting system
By following a few guidelines, engineers and lighting designers can specify the correct lighting system for a facility.
Wireless building controls
Creative use and selection of wireless devices can potentially reduce construction costs, decrease construction time, and add future flexibility to buildings.
Web exclusive: VFD bypasses and backups: Which should you use?
Advanced motor protection and consistent energy savings are possible, with true redundancy.
Ethernet network design issues in the substation
Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) are including Ethernet for communications between each other.
Variable speed circulator
The HEC-2 Bumble Bee variable speed circulator by Taco uses ECM and permanent magnet motor technology.
Designing substations, transformers for bi-directional power flow, Part II
In a large commercial solar or wind farm, both the utility and the facility owner want to know how much power is flowing onto the grid.
Row-based UPS
The Liebert APM UPS by Emerson Network Power has received Energy Star certification.
Designing substations and transformers for bi-directional power flow
Interconnection of transformers in substations that need to accommodate the bi-directional flow of power.
Medium-voltage transfer, bypass/isolation switches
Russelectric's medium-voltage bypass/isolation switches meet or exceed IEEE, NEMA, and ANSI standards and provide the functions of an automatic transfer switch.
Using natural gas for temporary power
A clean, cost-effective power solution is needed to provide additional power support to energy companies, municipalities, and federal agencies.
Hospitals, health care facilities’ power and electrical systems
With daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging building projects.
Challenge: Hospitals, health care facilities
With daunting aspects such as ever-changing codes and standards, increasing medical complexity, and dwindling capital budgets, hospitals and health care facilities are among the most challenging building projects.
Integrating advanced power management
Integrating advanced power management with control system architecture enables continuous power to mission critical facilities
Load-bank testing ensures performance, reliability
Maintaining genset performance, health, and reliability depends on performing regularly scheduled load-bank testing.
Spark-ignited engines
The Generac 9.0 L engine for 80kW and 100kW generators and the Generac 12.9 L engine for 150-300 kW generators.
Welcome from the 2012 EGSA president
For the past 47 years, EGSA has been a trusted resource in the industry—not just for our members, but for engineers and facility managers like yourself, who are responsible for meeting the ever-increasing business demands for emergency power solutions.
FMI releases Q3-2012 construction outlook report
FMI is forecasting an 8% increase in total construction for 2013 and most of the nonresidential sectors are continuing to show general signs of growth.
Switchgear for low-voltage distribution systems
The Magnum DS switchgear line from Eaton Corp. has been expanded to incorporate the Magnum Narrow 4000 amp circuit breaker.
Understanding, implementing genset noise control
Genset noise-control principles are well understood, leaving economics as the primary limiting factor in implementing noise reduction strategies for specific applications.
Adapting spark-ignited engines for gaseous fuel operation
Gaseous-fueled backup power systems can be cost-effective alternatives to diesel-fueled generators in applications below 150 kW.
Special report: The power industry
An update on the power industry with Allen Breeze from Schneider Electric.
Substation automation and automation of the control house
In place of hardwired control panels of the past, some sort of a human machine interface is being installed in substations.
Using software to shift peak demand usage
Engineers can offer building owners the ability to monitor and manage electrical consumption to adjust power demand and minimize energy costs.
dc motor line expanded
Baldor Electric Co. has expanded its permanent magnet and wound field industrial dc motors.
Accommodating bi-directional power flow in substation design
Address aspects of your client’s substation design to accommodate the bi-directional flow of power.
Mobile generator sets
Cummins Power Generation Inc. can provide the C150D6R and C200D6RMobile Generator Sets certified to EPA Nonroad Tier 4 Interim (Tier 4i) emissions levels.
Political and regulatory patchwork governs interconnection policies
There are many ways in which politics and regulation can affect the interconnection of distributed energy sources.
Special report: The electrical infrastructure business
Schneider Electric's Don Rickey discusses trends and issues in the firm's infrastructure business.
Top engineering trends with Jeff Drees
Schneider Electric's Jeff Drees discusses trends and issues in engineering.
Embrace engineering change—or risk failure
Engineering firms that avoid change and cling to the status quo are destined to fail.
Substation physical security back on the front burner
Physical security for electrical substations has acquired new urgency and requires fresh thinking.
Designing office space: Electrical, power systems
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings.
An overview: Designing office space
Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings.
Addressing time synchronization issues, related standards work
Learn to finesse the issues of system design and the selection of devices in the market.
PV, wind power generation fuses
Cooper Bussmann has expanded its CUBEFuse portfolio of Class CF fuses for protecting solar and wind power generation installations.
Solid-state contactors
Carlo Gavazzi’s RGC1F Series of solid-state contactors have integrated fusing and system monitoring.
Tier 4i-certified genset
Cummins' Power Generator stationary diesel generator set range has received the EPA Tier 4 interim certification for the North American market.
Designing a time synchronization source
A challenge in designing a substation is to time synchronize all connected devices, which requires proper design.
UPS system
Eaton Corp.’s 5P UPS system supports entry-level virtualization strategies.
Pros and cons of networked genset controls: Web exclusive
Having standby and emergency power systems connected to a networked controls system can provide monitoring and alarm functions should potential problems arise. However, there are differing opinions about connecting any kind of backup system to a network. Here two industry experts discuss the pros and cons of connecting these power systems to a network.
Sizing equipment for closed-transition transfer operation
Fault contributions of all parallel sources must be considered only for systems designed for continuous parallel operation.
Photoelectric duct smoke detector
The InnovairFlex D4120 4-wire photoelectric duct smoke detector by System Sensor.
Using BIM in electrical, power design
BIM can help facilitate efficiency gains in design, construction, and facility operations.
Selecting a protection and control automation system
A few guidelines will help engineers avoid automation or controls pitfalls and make the best choice for their industrial clients.
Engineering a successful lighting retrofit
A lighting retrofit can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods to reduce a facility’s energy consumption.
Gensets increase hospital emergency power capacity
New gensets increase healthcare facility’s backup capacity, efficiency, and reliability.
Specifying medium-voltage distribution
Engineers and contractors should be aware of the requirements associated with medium voltage to ensure a proper design and safe installation.
‘Big data’ and the need for improved time synchronization standards
Without time synchronization, vast streams of data have limited use.
K-rated or harmonic mitigating transformers
Just as current harmonics can cause additional heating and losses in the magnetic core of a motor, they can produce much the same effect in the iron core of a transformer. However, greater losses from harmonics can occur in the windings of the transformer.
Backup power device
The Eaton 9E uninterruptible power system is a backup power device that delivers facility and industrial environment power management.
Smart meters
Leviton’s Series 3000 line of UL-listed smart meters measure power use in a building with enhanced measurement functionality, greater communications capabilities, and indicators to ensure proper installation and accurate data collection.
Power quality analyzers
The Fluke 430 Series II three-phase power quality and energy analyzers are handheld tools that measure electrical power consumption, quantify wasted energy, and improve the performance and lifespan of electromechanical equipment.
Assessing the interface: Industrial customers and the utility
Two factors should be high priorities for the engineer designing industrial control systems and their utility interface.
Sveda joins Heery International
Steven Sveda has been named director of electrical engineering at Heery International's Atlanta office.
Look under the hood: IEC 61850 for DER interconnections
Engineers should consider IEC 61850, which is being considered as a communications protocol.
Continuous power systems
The CHP Series 400 and 4000 models by MTU Onsite Energy generate electricity and heat while running on natural gas or biogas.
Protection, arc flash mitigation using internal VFIs in liquid substation transformers
From our previous discussions about the Cooper HDC liquid transformer with internal, under-liquid VFI’s, expanding the use of the VFI takes this concept a step further, and makes a great way to mitigate arc flash hazards on the secondary.
Industrials and the utility: standards for interconnection save money
There will be greater interest and need to interconnect distributed energy resources with the local electric utility.
UPS product line
Higher-capacity models have been added to the transformer-free Liebert NX double conversion UPS systems.
Generator sets
The C15 and C18 generator sets by Caterpillar feature rear-mounted, side-by-side power and control panels and an integral fuel tank base.
Intelligent rack PDUs to top $500 million by 2014
Intelligent rack power distribution products (rack PDUs) are reportedly forecast to grow at an annual average rate of 18.3% over the next five years partly due to rising data center operating costs.
Racks with built-in intelligence
The HP Intelligent Series Racks are designed to improve operating efficiencies, maximization of IT capacity, and improved asset management.
Efficiencies, losses of liquid versus dry-type transformers
There are important tradeoffs to be made when moving transformers from outdoor locations to inside a facility.
For communications interop, follow protocols
Industrial devices will have a greater need to communicate outside of the industrial facility—whether that's to the local utility, a service provider, or their own renewable resource generation facility.
Retro-commissioning guidance: Electrical and energy
While starting from scratch on a not-yet-built structure can be taxing, engineering systems on existing buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Here, experts in the field offer advice on how to best make such systems fall into place, particularly electrical, power, and energy management systems.
3-D modeling surges ahead
3-D modeling continues to improve the overall design and construction process, saving time and money.
Designing, updating buildings for the Smart Grid
Here’s how to achieve maximum operational benefits and increased energy savings by making a building Smart Grid compatible.
Size on-site power systems online
Power Suite 5.0 by Cummins Power Generation is a web app that sizes and applies on-site power systems.
SiC, GaN electronics: Where, when, and how big?
Silicon’s vice-like grip of the power electronics market in coming under increasing pressure from a pair of wide bandgap semiconductors.
Grounding and bonding in commercial buildings
An understanding of the basic operations between a grounded and an ungrounded electrical system is necessary for matching the appropriate grounding topology to the electrical system performance.
Drexel University Chestnut Street Housing
New construction: Drexel University Chestnut Street Housing, Bala Consulting Engineers Inc.
FedEx Field Solar Array
Large-scale solar array: FedEx Field Solar Array; DLR Group
Colby College, Central Heating/Cogeneration Plant Biomass Expansion
New construction: Colby College, Central Heating/Cogeneration Plant Biomass Expansion; Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering P.C.
American Aerogel Expansion of Production Capacity
System overhaul: American Aerogel Expansion of Production Capacity; Optimation
Port of Long Beach, Middle Harbor Redevelopment
System overhaul: Port of Long Beach, Middle Harbor Redevelopment; P2S Engineering
Maricopa County, New High-Rise Court Tower
New construction: Maricopa County, New High-Rise Court Tower; Syska Hennessy Group Inc.
BRAC 133—Washington Headquarters Services
New construction: BRAC 133—Washington Headquarters Services; Southland Industries
Baylor College of Medicine Special Care Center
Renovation: Baylor College of Medicine Special Care Center; Smith Seckman Reid Inc.
Kravis Center at Claremont McKenna College
New construction: Kravis Center at Claremont McKenna College; IBE Consulting Engineers
University of Cincinnati, Morgens Residence Hall Renovation
Existing building retrofit: University of Cincinnati, Morgens Residence Hall Renovation; KLH Engineers
Parklawn Building Renovation for GSA Tenant
Existing building retrofit: Parklawn Building Renovation for GSA Tenant; GHT Limited
University of Pittsburgh, Benedum Hall Renovations, Addition
Existing building retrofit: University of Pittsburgh, Benedum Hall Renovations and Addition; H.F. Lenz Co.
Advanced Meter Fort Collins (AMFC) for the City of Fort Collins Utilities
Intelligent/Smart Grid infrastructure: Advanced Meter Fort Collins (AMFC) for the City of Fort Collins Utilities; Black and Veatch
2012 MEP Giants
Data from the top 100 consulting firms show growth, mostly on the East Coast.
What will a Smart Grid in India look like?
The recent widespread power failures in India have highlighted a number of problems that exist in the electrical grid throughout the country.
The Summer of 2012–A most unusual summer, too much “heat”
I’d like to pause for a bit this week to discuss some of the very unusual events of this very unusual summer for the data center industry, and also to discuss, of all things, the WEATHER.
Responses to some questions, more on snubbers
Over the course of this series of discussions, I have received a number of questions and comments from engineering firms by email.
Genset for mobile markets
The C17D5T generator set by Cummins Power Generation is suited for mobile telecommunications applications.
Flexible power solutions
Track Busway systems by STARLINE from Universal Electric Corp.
System controller for multiple gensets
DMC 1500 Paralleling System by Cummins Power Generation.
Snubber components inside transformer enclosures
Placing snubber components inside transformer enclosures creates a dilemma for dry-type transformer manufacturers.
“Snubber” Networks – Are they effective?
Installing RC snubbers connected directly to the transformer primary windings is a common recommendation, but can snubbers really produce the desired result?
Properly applying automatic transfer switches
Circuit protection analyses have to look at the routine, standby, and emergency power systems. This shows how selective coordination needs to include generators and transfer switches—not just circuit breakers and fuses in healthcare facilities.
4 MW genset
The C175-20 generator set is a new diesel generator by Caterpillar.
Transformer efficiency: Yesterday’s news, tomorrow’s concerns
Although many engineers and design professionals don’t get a lot of time to spend looking under the hood of equipment, we should certainly take a closer look at transformers.
Engineering a smarter grid
Engineers should understand what will soon change in how we use electricity and interact with our provider, what building owners and consultants should know, and the current status of this national and international project.
VFD protection relay
The EL731 ac/dc Sensitive Earth-Leakage Relay by Littelfuse can detect ground currents.
How is transient voltage related?
While no single factor would positively assure longevity for a transformer, the combination of several things seems to be very effective.
Critical power management system for mission critical facilities
Emerson Network Power has released a critical power management system.
High-efficiency UPS
The Liebert NXL 1100kVA/1100 kW UPS is from Emerson Network Power.
Life safety in overdrive
Instead of specifying individual systems for fire alarm systems, engine test cell fire suppression, hazardous gas detection, medical emergencies, digital voice command, and emergency weather monitoring, the decision was made to tie everything together into one central network.
Technical white paper
Mersen's paper on Standards and Codes, “Significant Changes to the NFPA 70E Standard 2012 Edition," has been published.
2012 40 Under 40: Becky Ellsworth, PE, 34
Associate Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.
2012 40 Under 40: Brandon D. Enevold, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 35
Principal, Electrical Systems, MW Consulting Engineers, Spokane, Wash.
2012 40 Under 40: James D. Ferris, PE, 34
Associate, Electrical Project Engineer, TLC Engineering, Orlando, Fla.
2012 40 Under 40: Russell Fortmeyer, LEED AP BD+C, 36
Senior Sustainability Consultant, Arup, Los Angeles
2012 40 Under 40: Debbie L. Grieves, LEED AP BD+C, CEng IET, 39
Vice President, WSP Flack + Kurtz, San Francisco
2012 40 Under 40: Jason Lund, PE, LEED AP, 34
Durham Office Leader/Senior Project Manager, RDK Engineers, Durham, N.C.
2012 40 Under 40: Ryan Strandquest, LEED AP, 38
Vice President, Director of Educational Department, Matern Professional Engineering Inc., Maitland, Fla.
2012 40 Under 40: Matthew S. Weyer, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 31
Director of Systems Engineering, BSA LifeStructures, St. Louis
GE Energy launches the fully networked WattStation and WattStation Connect software, a complete electric vehicle charging platform
Innovative Electric Vehicle Solution from GE Combines Connectivity, Convenience, Safety and Reliability in an Integrated Charging System. GE Energy’s Industrial Solutions Business Works with Hertz to Provide EV Users with a Secure and Easy-to-Use System. WattStation Charging Station Features Stylish Modern Design and Intelligent Retractable Cord.
Smart Grid center receives Energy award
Honeywell's Smart Grid project with Custom Building Products won the Energy Project of the Year award from the Southern California Chapter of the AEE.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Arrives
Here's how the term “PCB” achieved worldwide notoriety almost overnight.
Collaboration accelerates Smart Grid adoption
LONMARK international and OpenADR Alliance agreement enables building-to-grid connectivity, facilitates ubiquitous energy conservation and management.
Transfer switches in emergency systems
Automatic transfer switches (ATSs) are by far the most commonly used form of transfer switches for emergency or legally required standby power systems.
Modular mountable fuse holder
The Cooper Bussmann CH Series of modular finger-safe DIN-Rail mountable fuse holders have a high SCCR rating up to 200 kA, available for electrical systems requiring class CC or midget fuse protection.
Loadbreak connector system
The Clēēr Loadbreak Connector system designed by Cooper Power Systems is a 600 A/15 kV single-phase rated loadbreak connector that offers a visible break and a visible ground without de-energizing, un-bolting 600 A terminations, or moving heavy cables.
Surge protector
Cooper Bussmann’s surge protective devices provide power quality that is free from damaging surges and overvoltage conditions, with specific modules for photovoltaic, wind power, UL, low-voltage, and IEC applications.
USB wall charger
Cooper Wiring Devices’ combination USB charger with tamper-resistant shutters supports any electronic product that is capable of being charged with a 5 V power adapter.
Portable generation switch
Eaton expanded its heavy-duty double-throw safety switches to support 1200 A.
Circuit breaker
EntelliGuard R Retrofill from General Electric updates legacy circuit breakers with minimal modification, and is compatible with shutters, secondary and neutral disconnects, and position switches in existing breaker cubicles.
Energy meter panelboard
Eaton’s Pow-R-Line lighting panelboards integrate the Eaton IQ35M meter to the panelboard, with a height similar to traditional lighting panels.
Photovoltaic switched combiner
The Eaton switched combiner provides a single point to combine incoming photovoltaic strings and disconnect dc power close to PV modules, uniting Eaton’s 600 Vdc solar disconnect and source-combiner box in one enclosure.
Level 2 electric vehicle charging station
The WattStation wall-mount electric vehicle charging station, manufactured by General Electric, delivers a full-cycle charge to a 24 kWh battery in 4 to 8 h.
Level 1 and level 2 electric vehicle charging stations
Electric vehicle chargers manufactured by Legrand for residential and light commercial applications are weatherproof rated, have built-in ground fault protection, and are compatible with all plug-in electric vehicles.
Lighting panelboard
Schneider Electric’s NF measurement and verification lighting panelboard is factory installed to monitor energy usage at the most granular branch circuit level and provide end-to-end power monitoring and control.
Floor box
Legrand/Wiremold developed this Wiremold Evolution Series floor box that offers high capacity and multifunctional capability for power, communications, and audio/video.
Overfloor raceway
The Wiremold OFR Series overfloor raceway system was designed by Legrand/Wiremold for permanent or temporary installations where access through floors and ceilings is not an option.
Pole extender
This Rapid Ring self-adjusting pre-fab ring designed by Cooper B-Line allows for tool-free installation in as little as 15 secs, available for 1- to 4-gang SKUs.
Generator
The generator manufactured by MTU Onsite Energy features the 8 V MTU Series 1600 engine for the 400 kW power node, with a displacement of approximately 1.75 liters per cylinder, high-pressure common rail fuel injection, and a compact exhaust silencer.
Remote racking system
CBS ArcSafe developed this RRS-3MBII remote racking system single application tool for GE Magne Blast circuit breakers of all elevating motor voltages and control circuit layouts.
Remote switch actuator tool
CBS ArcSafe developed this remote switch actuator tool for GE RSA-76 Power Break II circuit breakers.
Power Profile: American Samoa Power Authority
American Samoa is relying on 11 Cat 3516C generator sets for temporary power after a tsunami destroyed one of the island’s main power generation plants.
Hybrid energy storage system
VYCON’s Hybrid VDC XEB is an energy storage system that combines flywheel technology with batteries to provide 300 kW of power and extended runtime.
Trends In Major Power Distribution In Large Data Centers, the Rebirth of the ‘Loadcenter’ Unit Substation Concept
This series of "Cut the Copper" blogs is in direct response to questions I’ve received from many young engineers on the staffs of various data center owners and their consulting engineering firms I’ve recently met.
ESD promotes four to senior vice president
Environmental Systems Design (ESD) has promoted Daniel Michaud, Sunny Puri, Michael Kern, and Joe Geyer to senior vice presidents.
Firm gives back to community, young engineers
SSOE Group, based in Toledo, Ohio, talks about some of their programs designed to help the community from a charitable standpoint.
UPS network module
HP UPS Network Module
Protecting electrical systems in large photovoltaic power plants
As demand for solar energy increases, electrical designers need to understand the requirements for protecting these systems.
UPS with integration, graphic display
The MGE EPS8000 UPS from APC by Schneider Electric has been upgraded with a touch screen and integrated parallel feature.
Mobile generators
Doosan Portable Power has added four models to its mobile generator series.
Designing for selective coordination
By following basic guidelines, both fusible and circuit breaker systems may be selectively coordinated without the engineer ever having to perform a detailed selective coordination study.
SmithGroupJJR promotes two to VP
The architecture and engineering firm promoted Greg Mella and Michael Weingartz as vice presidents for the company's Detroit office.
Electric energy storage systems to enhance grid reliability
A report by Frost and Sullivan indicates electric energy storage systems are crucial in enhancing the usage of renewable energy sources. However, further technological developments are needed for this to be fully realized.
Power capability generator
Cummins Power Generation’s C3000 Series generator set offers up to 3.5 MW.
The state of engineering education
Get ready for the next wave of engineers—they may be a bit different than what you’re used to.
Harnessing the renewable powers that be
Understanding the pros and cons of generating and selling green power enables engineers to make better renewable energy choices.
Understanding standby power system grounding
Knowing how to apply proper grounding and bonding to electrical systems and transfer switches for common standby power system configurations can minimize power outages, equipment damage, and injuries.
Diesel genset engine
Cummins Power Generation has designed a series to provide critical power protection for facilities requiring high-output gensets.
DC power supply
DS460SDC-3 front end power supply by Emerson Network Power
Uninterruptable power supplies
HP UPS R5000 and HP UPS R7000
Simplifying selective coordination with 30-cycle transfer switches
The device immediately upstream from a fault is the only overcurrent protective device that should open if the power system is coordinated properly.
EGSA President’s message
Most organizations that adopt generated power may find complexities daunting and hard to navigate—but they don’t have to be.
Diesel generator
Caterpillar's Cat 3516C-HD diesel generator set
Lab research develops record-breaking solar cell performances
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, along with scientists at the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed record-breaking sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies in solar cells.
Understanding emission compliance: the new design/specify caveat
When it comes to ever-changing emission regulations, understanding the rules that apply to your specific application is a good place to start.
Using Web-based monitoring enables demand response
A well-executed Web-based system can make demand response much easier to install, operate, and monitor.
Preventing generator failures with remote monitoring
Remote monitoring provides critical information that can help owners and operators prevent generator failures and ensure power system reliability.
Focusing on dual-fuel engine benefits
Converting diesel gensets to dual-fuel operation can lower operating costs while complying with emission regulations.
Providing reliable power to the people
An automated load dispatch system provides reliable power and improved quality of life to a remote Alaskan village.
Design software
Paladin DesignBase by Power Analytics
Cummins reveals new QSK95 Engine at Seymour Engine Plant in Indiana
On November 1, Cummins Inc. revealed the new QSK95 engine at the Seymour Engine Plant in Seymour, Indiana. The QSK95 is a 16-cylinder, 95-liter engine that features over 4,000-hp (2983 kW) output, making it the world’s most powerful high-speed diesel.
Planning for modular power system growth
How to meet current standby power and electrical distribution needs while also accommodating future expansion.
DOE to invest $60 million in solar power technology
The Dept. of Energy is planning to invest the money in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies to reduce costs and make future investments more viable.
Redundant controller solution
Emerson Network Power's ASCO Ethernet redundancy and I/O solution simplifies efficient operation, reliability, and serviceability of quad-redundant programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for paralleling control switchgear.
Exhaust piping module added to generator sizing software
Generac has introduced the Power Design Pro generator sizing software with a new exhaust piping module.
UPS systems
HP's UPS R5000 and R7000 provide intelligent manageability functionality and additional operating systems support.
Circuit breaker for wind applications
Eaton Corp.’s VCP-Wind medium-voltage vacuum circuit breaker is designed specifically for wind applications.
DOE: Solar PV power systems costs drop
According to the DOE's Berkeley Lab, costs to install solar PV systems dropped 17% in 2010 and have already dropped another 11% in the first half of 2011.
Using electrical system software for engineering projects
Much has changed since the days of slide rules and bookcases full of engineering references. Here a group of experts share their experiences and opinions about using electrical system and design software to add value to their engineering projects.
Demand response system certification
Cooper Power Systems and Honeywell joint demand response system have received certification for ZigBee Smart Energy version 1.1.
Emergency power for fire, life safety systems
Know the requirements for the design of an emergency or standby power systems.
2011 Product of the Year Winners
Consulting-Specifying Engineer Readers have cast their votes for the 2011 Product of the Year; read about the winners.
2012 Edition of the National Electricity Safety Code available
Among the changes for the NESC's 2012 edition include standards to help design, install, operate, and maintain electrical supply and communication lines and associated equipment.
Hospital meets critical power needs
Phoenix Children's Hospital's emergency power supply system must meet emergency standby requirements for both a healthcare facility and a high-rise building.
DOE: $145 million for solar energy projects
The Dept. of Energy has provided the money for six different categories of solar energy research and development including solar cell efficiency, grid integration, and photovoltaic (PV) development.
Electrical design for HVAC systems
National Electrical Code Article 430 provides maximum protection for the equipment while limiting the nuisance tripping to a minimum. Failure to follow these requirements will not only result in unreliable system operation but will put the pump or fan motor at risk of significant damage in case of an overload or short circuit.
DOE approves loan for solar power plant
The Dept. of Energy has approved a partial guarantee on an $852 million loan to support the development of the Genesis Solar Project in California.
Powering across the globe
Electrical engineer, Jonna L. Bournias, with CH2M HILL, has worked in the area of industrial power in the form of various capital projects for the past 20 years.
Boeing, Siemens form alliance for DoD project
Boeing and Siemens have joined forces to improve the Dept. of Defense's (DOD) energy consumption levels, which is the highest in the federal government, with Smart Grid technology.
Keeping critical power reliable
Preventive maintenance and proactive replacement are key to UPS reliability.
Wind power to triple in EU by 2020
The European Wind Energy Assn. released a report stating wind energy will account for almost 16% of energy consumption by 2020 as the EU looks to be more energy conscious.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers recognizes Chicago engineer
Pedro Cevallos-Candau, the executive vice president of Primera Engineers, received the honor for his efforts in promoting math and science to the Latino community, as well as for his years as of service.
Sine amplitude conversion for dc-dc converters
Electronics Weekly columnist Bob Marchetti explains the importance of SAC to help improve energy efficiency and output.
FERC approves transmission policy
The FERC has approved Order 1000, which gives priority to public policy for power transmission projects.
Smart Grid report examines barriers, benefits to investment
A Danfoss study reveals the need to communicate an ROI value proposition for investing in the Smart Grid.
AC sustainable light module
Molex Inc. and Bridgelux’s Helieon 120 Vac sustainable light module
Heat pump unit
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions (Mitsubishi Electric) has upgraded its commercial Y-series outdoor units.
Lane Coburn & Associates hires senior designer
Joe Bailey joins Lane Coburn & Associates as senior electrical designer.
Air-cooled packaged modular chiller
Climacool Corp.’s UCA air-cooled packaged modular chiller offers flexibility.
Commercial buildings EMS
Agilewaves’ next generation building energy management system combines advanced sensor technologies with Web-based software for real-time energy management for use with energy efficiency, Energy Star, LEED, FEMP, and CALgreen projects.
Refrigeration harnesses outdoor air
Freeaire Polar Power systems use cold outdoor temperatures
Guide to optimizing fuel combustion
ABB 12-page guide on efficiency, environmental impact.
Unit ventilators with two-stage compressors
McQuay International introduces self-contained unit ventilators
WSP Flack + Kurtz names managing director: Houston
David Sinz, an engineer with past experience in the Middle East, takes over the Houston office for WSP Flack + Kurtz.
Capture waste heat: energy-efficiency directive
A proposed Energy Efficiency Directive is set to make energy generation from waste plants more efficient by making combined heat and power (CHP) with district heating the default option.
EnOcean Alliance adds 200th member
Intelligent green building consortium continues its rapid growth three years after The EnOcean Alliance's founding.
SAP America headquarters expansion
Pennsylvania complex achieves LEED Platinum through use of sustainable strategies.
WPI, EPCE partner in online graduate program
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) are offering online graduate degrees to people looking to expand their roles in the utility industry.
Q2 report shows growth in 2011
FMI has predicted the general economy to see mixed signs in the Construction Outlook: Second Quarter 2011 Report.
Revised LEED demand response credit requirements
Pilot credit encourages U.S. Green Building Council LEED building projects to become active players in the emerging Smart Grid.
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 2011
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during May 2011 included technical articles about renovation of electrical distribution systems, challenges in super high-rise building design, selecting a chilled water cooling system, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 and Product of the Year programs.
HOK/Vanderweil wins Next Generation Design Competition
A team of engineers from HOK and Vanderweil won the award from Metropolis magazine for their proposal in retrofitting a 1960s building using new energy.
SGH expands services, acquires Capobianco Consulting Engineers
Simpson Gumpertz and Heger, national engineering firm involved in building, transportation, nuclear, water/wastewater, and science/defense projects strengthens existing parking structure engineering services, acquires Capobianco Consulting Engineers.
Spectrum Engineers’ Dallinga wins ENR award
Kurt Dallinga, associate principal at Spectrum Engineers, won ENR magazine’s Top 20 Under 40 award.
2011 40 Under 40: Louis E. Abbott, PE, LEED AP, 37
President, ABBOTT Engineering Inc., Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.
2011 40 Under 40: David Affleck, PE, LEED AP, LC, 36
Associate Electrical Engineer, Spectrum Engineers, Salt Lake City
2011 40 Under 40: Lindsay Bose, PE, 32
Lindsay Bose, Senior Associate, Primera Engineers LTD., Kansas State University, Primera Engineers Ltd., Consulting-Specifying 40 Under 40, CSE 40 Under 40, CSE 2011 40 Under 40, CFE Media
2011 40 Under 40: Ryan Kroll, PE, LEED AP, 31
Impact Evaluation Manager, Michaels Energy, La Crosse, Wis.
2011 40 Under 40: Justin Schultz, PE, LEED AP, 30
Electrical Engineer, Metro CD Engineering LLC, Dublin, Ohio
2011 40 Under 40: Aliza Skolnik, LEED AP, GGP, 27
Associate, Environmental Systems Design, Chicago
Uninterruptible power system
Finalist in Emergency, On-site, Standby Power in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Motor protection relays
Finalist in Equipment Level Sensors and Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Custom indoor/outdoor cover
Finalist in Fire, Life Safety, and Mass Notification in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Motor starter
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Outdoor air system
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Modular heat pumps
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Two-position actuator
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Relay control panels
Finalist in Lighting Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Volumetric recessed lighting
Finalist in Lighting Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Lighting control system – 2011-05-13
Finalist in Lighting Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Air economizer
Finalist in Networked Building Automation Systems/Controls, Energy Management Systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Redundancy controller
Finalist in Networked Building Automation Systems/Controls, Energy Management Systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Flush valve
Finalist in Plumbing and Water Management in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Energy monitoring software
Finalist in Software: Design, Modeling, Analysis in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Plumbing and Water Management
Finalists in Plumbing and Water Management in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Lighting Controls
Finalists in Lighting Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Emergency, On-site, Standby Power
Finalists in Emergency, On-site, Standby Power in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Equipment Level Sensors and Controls
Finalists in Equipment Level Sensors and Controls in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Solar mounting system
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Disconnect switches
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Circuit breakers – 2011-05-13 – 2011-05-13
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Solar inverter
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Power distribution unit – 2011-05-13
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Residential generator set
Finalist in Emergency, On-site, Standby Power in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Uninterruptible power system (UPS)
Finalist in Emergency, On-site, Standby Power in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 Green Enterprise IT Award winners announced
The Uptime Institute announced the winners with the year's best projects, ideas, and products in IT and data center efficiency.
Siemens announces job openings for engineers
A strong second quarter for Siemens U.S. led to increased hiring for industrial automation, building efficiency, Smart Grid, and IT jobs.
Power distribution unit – 2011-05-09
The ePDU power distribution product line from Eaton Corp. is now available in 400 V configurations.
Surge protection quiz
The Protection I.Q. Quiz from Mersen challenges customers to test their knowledge of surge protection.
IBE announces new principal, promotions
IBE Consulting Engineers appointed Hank Dahl as a new principal and promoted four other engineers.
Website configurator
Hennig Inc. introduced its online configurator for specifying power generation systems.
Uninterruptible power supply – 2011-05-04
The Cyberex Cyberwave Industrial from Thomas & Betts comes with topology that separates the rectifier and charger.
EPA Energy Star launches Battle of the Buildings
Teams from 245 buildings around the U.S. will compete to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Uninterruptible power supply – 2011-05-03
The Liebert APM from Emerson Network Power is a row-based, modular uninterruptible power supply that can operate without transformers.
Pump starter
The IPS Starter from Cerus Industrial Inc. has integrated pump-specific protective features.
Power monitoring module
The PM3 power monitoring and metering module from Eaton Corp. can monitor the power of branch and main circuit applications.
H and A announces staff certifications
H&A Engineers & Architects announces new certifications for engineers at the Glen Allen, Va., office.
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 2011
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during April 2011 included technical articles about firestopping electrical systems, new ASHRAE guidelines for indoor environments, laboratory controls, motor starter selection, and laboratory design.
MKK engineer to speak at NIBS conference
Ken Urbanek, director of engineering at MKK Consulting Engineers, will speak about UFAD at the 2012 Best3 Conference.
Undergrads create toolkit for net zero energy design
Two students are developing a net zero toolkit with the support of ASHRAE’s Undergraduate Senior Project Grant, which awarded grants to 14 schools this year.
DOE guarantees $1.187 billion loan for California solar project
The DOE offered a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee to support the California Valley Solar Ranch project, which will produce enough power for almost 60,000 homes.
DOE, Duke Energy, EPRI partner to improve electrical grid
The three entities will collaborate to test and deploy projects including Smart Grids, grid-scale energy storage, power electronics, and energy-efficient cooling technologies.
Germany’s leaders: swift transition to renewable energy
Chancellor Merkel's government and heads of states agree that the nation should swiftly transition from nuclear to renewables - but the timetable, costs of a nuclear-free future remain uncertain.
China grids to connect 90 GW of wind power by 2015
State Grid Corporation of China’s white paper details Chinese expansion of wind power to 90 GW capacity by 2015, 150 GW by 2020.
DOE finalizes $1.6B solar plant guarantee
California complex expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs, avoid more than 640,000 tons of carbon pollution annually.
High-Benefit Lighting Awards open for entries
National Lighting Bureau is accepting entries for cases of new installations or retrofits of lighting systems that had bottom-line benefits.
AIA’s 2011 COTE top ten green projects selected
American Institute of Architects have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that project and enhance the environment.
Schneider Electric launches disconnect switch for the solar market
The Square D 1000 VDC disconnect switch features a NEMA Type 3, IP63 enclosure, operates within a temperature range of -37°C to 50°C
Schneider in talks to buy Luminous for $800M
Schneider Electric is in talks to take control of privately held Indian power and energy storage company Luminous Power Technologies.
$110M to advance solar PV manufacturing
Solar Manufacturing Partnerships will boost American competitiveness in the global solar energy industry and lower the cost of clean, renewable energy.
Fishing for quality lighting
Robb Allen, AIA, IES, helps engineers notice the art and science of lighting.
Facebook reveals server, data center designs
The company’s custom-built servers are 38% more efficient and 24% cheaper than others on the market.
Globe valves
Schneider Electric's Venta VB-7000 bronze globe valves have ultra-tight seal design.
WSP Flack + Kurtz names Meyer VP of Commissioning
Engineering firm WSP Flack + Kurtz announced that Paul M. Meyer would be VP of Commissioning for the N.Y. office.
Americans support phase-out of inefficient lighting
Nationwide survey reveals that a large majority of Americans are “receptive and highly satisfied” with CFLs and LEDs.
More M&A activity for energy and carbon management companies
Schneider Electric and IBM both announced plans to acquire energy management software companies this week.
Energy management starter
The energy management starter (EMS) from Cerus Industrial Inc. features BACnet and utility-grade power metering for building automation systems.
Design Master updates HVAC, electrical, plumbing Apps
Design Master improves support for 3D-BIM on its programs.
San Francisco targets 100% renewable energy by 2020
The government of San Francisco is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy by installing solar panels on its City Hall roof.
Autodesk 2012 Manufacturing Software Portfolio
Autodesk Product Design Suite Offers Digital Prototyping in Convenient, Cost Effective Package.
Vanderweil Engineers announces new associate principal
ISPE award-winner Donna DeFreitas brings expertise in laboratories and bio-pharmaceutical facilities to the Boston-based firm.
Siemens introduces solar power purchase program
Organizations will be able to access solar power without major capital investment.
Future data centers won’t need HVAC, lighting
Experts predict that the future data centers will need less concrete, more green power, and less climate control.
Bi-fuel generator
The Generac Bi-Fuel generator starts on diesel fuel and adds natural gas as load is applied.
Cricket World Cup stadiums get boost from Cummins
Cummins Power Generation is supplying power for the floodlights in Sri Lankan stadiums during the tournament.
First net-zero energy historic building in the works
The 92-year-old Wayne Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse will use geothermal heating and cooling and solar panels.
Preassembled UPS system
The BladeUPS system from Eaton Corp. is now available in a preassembled system cabinet.
Practical and persistent
Licensed professional engineer Neal R. Kuula brings practicality to design and an understanding of the client's needs and requirements.
Energy meter
The WM40-96 Smart Modular Power Analyzer from Carlo Gavazzi Inc. can save space in the back side of control doors and switchgears.
Heat pumps with wireless HVAC protocol
The Mitsubishi Electric P-series split-ductless and ducted heat pumps will incorporate Honeywell's RedLINK wireless HVAC protocol.
Greenheck appoints new CEO
James J. McIntyre will take over as CEO of Greenheck after current chairman and CEO Dwight Davis stepped back from active management.
Florida, Carolinas getting $500M Smart Grid upgrade
U.S. Dept. of Energy awarded $200 million to Progress Energy to upgrade two electric utilities to a Smart Grid system.
EPA Tier 2 engine
MTU Onsite Energy’s MTU 10 V 1600 engine boosts fuel efficiency, lowers exhaust emissions.
Handling the heat
Using heat load information with thermal characteristics of the electrical room envelope engineers to establish a cooling load allows mechanical engineers to accurately select the size of their cooling system
Report reveals poor energy efficiency in UK public buildings
The Centre for Sustainable Energy revealed that thousands of government buildings are ranked in the lowest possible category for energy efficiency.
Deal would provide NYC with NJ power
A cable could route power under the Hudson River to deliver power from New Jersey, more from renewable sources, to New York City.
Siemens eyes Saudi Arabia for power generation projects
Siemens wins power generation orders in Saudi Arabia, hoping to create an industry around heavy-duty manufacturing equipment.
Hydronic system measurement tool
Victaulic brings Tour and Andersson’s TA-SCOPE to North America; the wireless handheld device measures complex hydronic systems quickly, efficiently.
Advancing PUE with smarter data center power
By integrating more monitoring and digital control capabilities, data center managers can squeeze even greater performance and efficiency from existing data center power equipment.
10 steps to more energy-efficient buildings
Efficiency experts say it’s possible to slash energy use in many buildings with simple, inexpensive measures.
Uninterruptible power supply – 2011-03-03
APC adds parallel capabilities to the Symmetra PX three-phases modular and hot scalable uninterruptible power supply (UPS), delivering up to 2 MW of power protection, 1.5 MW in system level redundancy.
Sound advice on attenuating genset noise, vibrations
Whether they’re used for prime power, standby, or emergency service, diesel generators make noise—lots of noise. Here’s how to lower genset noise to an acceptable level.
EGSA elects 2011 president
John Kelly Jr., long-standing Generac Industrial Power dealer, elected 2011 president of EGSA.
Cummins launches sustainability website
Part of Company-Wide Commitment to Sustainability, Cummins Power Generation launched a website featuring the company’s various climate-change initiatives.
Energy management software
Pulse Energy and Opto22 partner to deliver a web-based building energy management solution that requires no programming, minimal configuration.
U.S. Architecture Billings Index falls in January
Cautious optimism for design industry: January ABI 50.0, down 3.9 pts, new projects index falls 5 pts to 56.5.
DOE offers conditional commitment for $197 million loan guarantee
The U.S. Department of Energy Load Programs Office has offered a conditional commitment for a $197 million loan guarantee to SoloPower in order to fund the building of a thin film photovoltaic module factory.
An electric grid to meet 21st century demands
The Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act aims to enable Illinois to make major investments in the electric grid to ensure that it meets the demands of the 21st century economy and the state’s changing needs.
Large spending surge in smart technologies predicted
Nearly 75% of the smart grid money will reportedly come from utilities updating their grids, while industrial giants work to secure their piece of the pie.
DOE finalizes Loan Guarantee for new transmission project to deliver renewable energy to Southwest
Nevada Project expected to create over 400 jobs, improve grid reliability, enable renewable energy to Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada power to come to southwest/California markets
NYS Smart Grid Consortium names Executive Director
The organization, founded in 2008, selected David J. Manning as its first executive director; the consortium has helped New York by making smart grids smarter
Short-term energy outlook
EIA forecasts average expenditures for space-heating fuels to increase by $24 from 2010, expects natural gas working inventories to remain high through 2011. Estimates the total U.S. consumption of electricity this year to remain at about the same levels from 2010. Retail sales of electricity to the residential sector this year will fall 2%.
U.S. intelligence officials concerned about cyber attack
Director of the CIA says such a terrorist attack is 'a real national security threat' that would damage financial and government systems.
Sec. Chu Announces More ‘SunShot’ Details
The SunShot initiative from the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to bring the total costs of utility scale solar energy systems down about 75% by 2020, allegedly making large scale solar energy cost competitive with electricity from fossil fuels.
Major offshore wind initiatives
Major steps forward in support of offshore wind energy in the United States have been recently unveiled, including new funding opportunities for projects that support offshore wind energy deployment and several high priority Wind Energy Areas in the mid-Atlantic.
Reducing power consumption in data centers
In response to the increasing energy consumption in data centers, the European Commission launched a Code of Conduct initiative for the information and communication technology sector. A key objective is for each participant to benchmark their efficiency overtime in order to provide evidence of improvement.
Variable speed wet rotor circulators
Grundfos Pumps produces a permanent magnet, variable speed wet rotor circulator, reduces power consumption.
Condensing Boiler features fire-tube technology
Lochinvar’s CREST condensing Boiler offers fire-tube innovation, touch screen technology
Siemens Industry announces distribution agreement with solar microinverter company
Siemens Industry, Inc. and Enphase Energy Inc. have signed an agreement in which Enphase will provide Siemens with solar microinverters and a web-based monitoring service in order to create turnkey solar photovoltaic energy solutions.
Vanderweil Engineers names managing principal
John A. Sporidis, PE, joins the Alexandria, Va., office of Vanderweil Engineers. The engineering principal has more than 35 years of experience and will oversee a diverse range of public- and private-sector projects.
System-level automation software
Johnson Controls launched the Central Plant Optimization system-level automation software, a holistic approach to designing, installing and operating, for maximum efficiency in chilled water plants.
Ceiling-mounted spot cooler cools server room
The University of Louisville Health Care Outpatient Center, in Louisville, Ky., had a problem with its server room overheating. The center decided on a MovinCool CM12 ceiling-mounted spot air conditioner.
A time for introspection
January is a good time to be introspective about your career, firm, and self.
Designing building enclosures
Designing and delivering a reliable and durable building enclosure can be a challenging task.
Thriving in today’s engineering world
Engineers can follow these steps to develop a product.
AIA honors collaborative achievement
American Institute of Architects selects recipients for the 2011 Institute Honors for Collaborative Achievement, to be presented at the 2011 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans
China Smart Grid market to hit $61B by 2015
The total value of China’s Smart Grid market is expected to rise from $22.3 billion in 2011 to $61.4 billion in 2015, according to a new market report.
Ground fault protection circuit breakers
Eaton Corp. has expanded its circuit breaker capabilities to offer enhanced ground fault protection and nonfused current-limiting breaker modules for the Series G circuit breakers with the release of the Earth Leakage Modules and the current-limiting breaker modules.
Recessed luminaire models deliver high-quailty ambient light
The Lithonia Lighting RTLED luminaire models offer high-quality ambient white light, reduces energy consumption, maintenance costs, and environmental footprint.
Midrange generator set meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim emissions standards
Caterpillar has its first midrange generator set meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim emissions stands, powered by the Cat C15, ACERT Technology
WAGO products receive SCCR
Several products produced by WAGO earned a 100 kA short-circuit current rating; includes through-panel, chassis-mount terminal blocks.
Electrical, green products registered
First set of 26 EMerge Alliance registered products at the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual International Conference and Expo
UPS for backup power
Emerson Network Power has released 160 and 200 kVA ratings in its Liebert NX with Softscale double conversion UPS platform, designed for midsize businesses seeking a backup power solution that grows incrementally without requiring infrastructure renovation.
Panduit presented with ASHRAE’s Excellence in Engineering award
Panduit Corp. has been honored with ASHRAE’s Illinois Chapter’s Excellence in Engineering award for their incorporation of sustainable design elements in its new Word Headquarters building. Noteworthy elements include light shelves and a water reclamation system.
SGCC deployed 181 billion USD into power grid upgrades
China’s largest power grid network operator, State Grid Corp of China, deployed 1.2 trillion CNY on updates over the last five years.
Newcomb & Boyd promotes associate partner
Eric A. Myracle has been named Associate Partner for Newcomb & Boyd.
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act becomes law
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, recently signed into law by President Obama, is said by Allen Schaeffer to be a significant and important accomplishment for the 11th Congress and vital to our national economic growth.
3-D library for building controls
QA Graphics’ 3-D Equipment Library provides a number of control system, equipment manufacturer’s models; which can be used in most BAS software.
Five reasons the Smart Grid will save business money
Energy savings are possible for most businesses right now, and the technology exists today to make the difference. With the advent of the Smart Grid comes an opportunity for businesses to further drive down energy costs.
New York energy storage project wins $17M loan guarantee
The US Dept. of Energy finalized $17.1 million loan guarantee to support energy storage project in Johnston City, N.Y.
Solid-state transformers aid smart grid
Smarter technologies are needed to handle issues due to smart grid growth; solid-state transformers could be the answer.
Energy companies depending on tax incentives
Renewable energy companies across the U.S. expect government tax incentives to continue to be a key driver for the industry in 2011.
MidAmerican plans turbines in Iowa
MidAmerican Energy of Des Moines to build 258-turbine, 597-MW expansion next year in several Iowa counties, usingrenewed wind energy tax credits.
BIM objects for powers fasteners
ARCAT has developed their site data-rich AutoDesk Revit BIM objects for Powers Fasteners.
2010’s Biggest Renewable Energy Projects
Renewable energy projects that were installed or completed this year were some of the largest projects of 2010. Development continued at a good pace, with record-breaking projects announced almost as often as once per week.
New wind farm adds to CPS Energy’s renewable energy portfolio
The nation’s largest municipal buyer of wind energy, CPS Energy, adds 150 MW of wind power to its growing renewable energy program with new Cedro Hills wind farm.
S&C Electric Company Establishes Power Systems Services Operation in Europe
S&C Electric announced the creation of a Power Systems Services division for Europe, which will focus on improving electrical service reliability and efficiency through the expansion of service offerings such as consulting on renewable energy and grid automation, training services and system design, and installation and consultation.
Hydrogen/refrigerant leak detector
nuvoTrace releases Trace300 Bench Top Hydrogen/Refrigerant Leak Detector, Locator.
Variable speed drives
Schneider Electric announces Altivar 32, variable speed drive, which provides high degree of performance, connectivity.
Energy-management, sustainability applications
IBM has added software and services to its portfolio of solutions aimed at creating sustainable enterprises, smarter urban infrastructures.
Online configurator for power generation
Hennig Inc. announces online configurator for equipment builders, consulting/specifying engineers, architectural spec writers, contractors, others involved in the delivery of power generation systems.
Integrated DC UPS system
Emerson Network Power introduces NetSure ITM UPS system, an integrated DC UPS system designed for the data center market.
Gas Piping Module
Generac Power Systems Inc. introduces gas piping module, the first in a series of enhancements to it's Power Design Pro software.
Air Economizer Cooling Solution
APC by Schneider Electric’s EcoBreeze is a modular indirect evaporative, air-to-air heat exchanger cooling solution.
Dept. of Energy Finalizes Loan Guarantee to Support World’s Largest Wind Project
U.S. Dept. of Energy grants partial loan for Caithness Shepherds Flat project, 845-megawatt wind facility will create hundreds of jobs, avoid over 1.2 millions tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Research Center earns LEED Gold certification
Daikin and McQuay earned LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its Applied Development Center (ADC) located at McQuay world headquarters.
Building performance data display
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) and QA Graphics have collaborated in order to provide users of the Green Globes assessment program with a solution to display real-time building performance data.
New Data Center Sustainability Metrics
Green Grid announced the release of two new data center sustainability metrics designed to help improve carbon and water-use effectiveness.
LEED-designed university performing arts center, academic building completed
The $73 million project for Soka University in Orange County posed unique construction challenges and incorporated sustainable building methods to seek LEED Gold Certification
New MTU Detroit Diesel engine plant
MTU Detroit Diesel's new plant is expected to employ as many as 250 people within four years.
National Lighting Bureau reports third-quarter 2010 Lighting Systems Index improvements
Third-quarter 2010 NEMA Lighting Systems Index (LSI) performance bested the second quarter’s by 0.9% and was 5.6% ahead of third-quarter 2009’s.
Fanning away the heat
Construction of a new campus recreation facility for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, called for the installation of Big Ass Fans to provide elevated air circulation within the facility.
Facebook chooses new location for new data center
Following in the footsteps of Google, Yahoo and Microsoft, which are building ever-growing networks of data centers, Facebook said Thursday that it will build a new data center in Forest City, N.C. This will be the second data center that Facebook is building from the ground up.
Data center power protection
Designed to meet growing data center needs, the BladeUPS system from Eaton Corp. offers the same revolutionary BladeUPS solution with more streamlined shipping and installation processes for data center managers.
Recloser control
Cooper Power Systems has introduced the Form 4D, the first in a platform of fully integrated recloser controls.
Multi-path IP/cellular fire alarm communicator
Honeywell Power Products introduced the IPGSM-COM, a UL-listed primary fire alarm communicator providing Contact ID reporting via IP (Internet Protocol) or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) cellular pathways. The IPGSM-COM offers a more reliable, cost-effective monitoring alternative by eliminating the communications difficulties and monthly charges generally associated with legacy circuit-switched phone lines. The IPGSM-COM is UL-Listed to provide full Contact ID data reporting for virtually any fire alarm control panel.
PV solar shutter
Plug ’n Save Energy Products has announced the launch of the PV Solar Shutter, a custom-designed power-producing window shutter. Set in design-friendly bamboo louvers, the PV cells collect power from the sun and, using grid tie inverter technology, channel it directly into the building’s electrical system. PV Solar Shutters are portable and install like a conventional window covering so they can be used in those places not historically suitable for solar installations within office buildings and rental units.
Fixed capacitors
Staco Energy Products introduces its second generation of StacoVAR fixed capacitors for power factor correction and harmonic compensation. These standard units are available from 2.5 to 400 kVAR as economical, fixed motor load (ML) type capacitor assemblies. Equipped with fusing and blown-fuse indicator lights as standard features, StacoVAR fixed capacitor assemblies are idea for indoor or outdoor use with voltages of 240 to 600 Vac.
Surge protection for photovoltaics
A color-coded, modular plug-in, and DIN-rail mounted design with a voltage rejection feature and easyID visual indication makes the new Cooper Bussmann Surge Protective Device (SPD) simple to identify, install, and maintain. The device is the first SPD for dc photovoltaic (PV) applications to be recognized by the UL1449 third edition, is IEC61643-11 compliant, and is simple to specify for solar power applications globally. Built-in, fast-acting, short-circuit interruption technology for 600, 1000, and 1,200 Vdc systems safely shunts damaging surges and overvoltages to ground.
The economics of improving power factor
A better understanding of power factor, harmonics, electrical distribution systems, and the utility’s billing practices will help reduce electric bills.
Meeting the next T4 challenges
This article outlines the changes to the allowable emissions under the Environmental Protection Agency standards.
Video: Yaskawa talks Variable Frequency Drives
Control Engineering Content Manager Peter Welander talks with Yaskawa's Manager of Marketing Communications Neil Koepke about the benefits of using variable frequency drives. While Welander visited the Americas headquarters for Yaskawa in Waukegan, Illinois, Koepke showed three different types of motors in a demonstrator that was built jointly by Yaskawa and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The demonstrator's first cell shows a constant speed across-the-line motor and its flow control is varied with an outlet damper.
Consolidation nation
Industry consolidation is part of the “new normal” for MEP firms. More than a quarter of the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2010 MEP Giants merged with, sold to, or acquired another architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm—and in some cases non-AEC firms—over the past year. Does this increase indicate a trend?
Vanderweil Engineers Opens Southern California Office
Engineering Team Offers Strong Portfolio in Power and Energy.
Neher-McGrath Institute Educates About Data Centers, Mission Critical Facilities
Lane Coburn and Associates (LCA) has launched the Neher-McGrath Institute to educate the data center community about avoiding the serious issue of overheating underground duct banks for critical environments.
BACnet-based Unitary Controller
This BACnet-based unitary controller is available with an optional actuator and pressure sensor for use as a VAV controller.
Nation’s First LEED Platinum Pool Features HVAC Natatorium Design
Philadelphia’s Kappen Aquatic Center at the Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is the nation’s first LEED platinum natatorium. The energy-efficient design saves an estimated 43% of the 25,000-sq-ft facility’s energy costs compared to a conventional natatorium. The majority of the savings comes from off-peak energy loading, architectural building envelope features such as insulated concrete forms and a HVAC dehumidification system that uses heat recovery from its dehumidification cycle to partially-heat/cool the space while also providing free pool water heating to the 75 x 50-foot competition pool and large therapy pool.
Fixed Capacitors for Low Voltage Power Factor Correction
StacoVAR fixed capacitors for power factor correction and harmonic compensation.
Safety Isolating Transformers
Transformers Now Certified as Safety Isolating Transformers.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer Applies For BPA Worldwide Business Publication Membership
Consulting-Specifying Engineer has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. The magazine is published by CFE Media, LLC (Oak Brook, IL).
Military keep cool in Texas
When new air conditioning equipment was needed at the massive Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, the federal government turned to HTS Texas.
Managing and monitoring plant power
The Sao Salvador Poultry Processing Plant, better known as SuperFrango (SuperChicken), is a pioneer in modern poultry-raising systems in Brazil’s central region.
Energy performance contract energizes Georgetown County
Last summer, the Georgetown County, S.C., procurement department engaged Siemens Industry Inc. to help it reduce energy consumption and fund infrastructure improvements. This also helps the county meet sustainability mandates set for state and local governments through the South Carolina Mayors for Climate and Energy Leadership initiative formed in 2007.
Battery Sizing and Configuration Program
A Web-based battery sizing and configuration program offers an advanced sizing engine with more configuration options for multiple applications.
Solution for Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring
VESDA Systems expanded to provide protection against other airborne threats.
Shaft grounding ring
This Shaft Grounding Ring Protects Medium-Voltage Motors and Generators from Bearing Failure.
Bachman Appointed Director, Mission Critical Data Centers
Don Bachman appointed executive director for the ASCO Power Technologies business of Emerson Network Power.
Solar Fuses
The first Class RK5 fuse listed to the new UL photovoltaic (PV) fuse standard.
Controls for multi-use buildings
Mitsubishi Electric CITY MULTI Controls Network Provides Solutions for Any Commercial Application.
Automatic voltage regulators
Automatic Voltage Regulators from Staco Energy Products Continuously Control Output Voltage to 1%.
High-performance server
Stealth.com Inc. has released a new high-performance server that delivers the benefits of two servers in a single 1U (1.75-in height) rack space. The Stealth model: SR-1600 is designed to address demanding HPC (High Performance Computer) workloads for applications that require significant processing power and system performance. Designed with a total of four Intel Xeon 5500/5600 processors (two per node), the SR-1600 is capable of handling high-intensity computing needs for today's most demanding applications.
Universal, fast-transfer AC power systems
High-Lites introduced its new PFT Series of universal, fast-transfer ac inverter systems. PFT systems were designed to accommodate small- to medium-sized projects requiring emergency power back-up to ac power loads or illumination sources including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, or HID. Unlike ballast packs, the PFT Series provides highly reliable emergency power sine wave output to any connected load or fixture without compatibility concerns.
LED wall wash fixtures
Juno Lighting Group Introduces LED Wall Wash Fixture Series.
Steam plant decentralization project
In 2004, Sandia National Laboratories, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M., began researching what would be required to decentralize the steam plant that has been in use on the base for years. Due to the high cost of maintaining the steam system, the goal of the Heating System Modernization program was operational efficiency. Since 1949, Sandia National Laboratories has developed science-based technologies that support national security.
Paralleled Generator Design Strategies
Here is some guidance on how to implement paralleling strategies for generators, plus how to lay out a proper control scheme to achieve it.
Friedrich Air Conditioning names new Vice President
Friedrich Air Conditioning has announced that Chuck Campbell will join the executive team as vice president, marketing and sales. Campbell will oversee a nationwide sales force as well as product management and marketing. Prior to joining Friedrich, Campbell was general manager for the commercial dehumidification business of Munters AB, Sweden, which is also based in San Antonio, Texas. During his 11 years with Munters, he was promoted to vice president and then president of the commercial dehumidification business, and finally to vice president for Munters’ global dehumidification operations. Before joining Munters, Campbell spent 15 years with General Electric Co.
Alternative energy surge protection
The new Surge Protection line from Thomas & Betts provides premium protection for alternative energy sources from the damaging effects of electrical power surges.
Web-based interactive tools
Siemens Industry Inc. has launched a new suite of interactive tools on its Green Online Tools web page.
Lighting controls
New Powerlink EM Lighting Control System from Schneider Electric Incorporates Smart Metering Technology.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Solution Selected
Cooper Power Systems will provide two-way advanced metering capabilities using power line carrier technology.
Video: Siemens talks Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Technology
Siemens sits down with CSE to discuss energy efficiency and Smart Grid Technology
Renewable Energy Market Takes Another Financial Hit
The $26 billion bill President Barack Obama signed Tuesday may spell relief for teachers’ unions and other public-sector employees, but it’s the latest blow for renewable energy backers. To help pay for the aid bill, lawmakers cut $1.5 billion from the Department of Energy’s renewable energy loan guarantee program. It’s the second time in roughly a year that Congress has raided the program to fund other priorities. Last summer, lawmakers cut $2 billion from the DOE’s renewable energy loan account to extend the highly popular Cash for Clunkers program.
Energy efficiency calculator
Active Power Offers Online Energy Efficiency Calculator
Expanded motor line
Baldor expands Super-E motor line
Avoid data center failure
Emerson Network Power Announces Best Practices to Avoid Data Center Failure by Human Error
$1.6 trillion invested in the business of being green since 2007
Private enterprise is investing hundreds of billions every year to grow the green economy, totaling $1,646,719,228,993 in investments since 2007. The very precise number is the finding of the latest Green Transition Scoreboard, developed and released yesterday by Ethical Markets. The $1.6 trillion dollars invested in the last three years includes more than $400 billion since the last update, just eight months ago.
Green UPS receives SMaRT Gold Certification
Eaton Corporation announced the Eaton 9395 uninterruptible power system (UPS) is the first power quality product to receive a Sustainable Materials Rating Technology (SMaRT) Gold certification. This makes the 9395 the first UPS certified to contribute to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points for buildings and projects seeking LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The SMaRT Gold certified 9395 may contribute to points in two LEED Credit Categories.
Andreas Schierenbeck named President of Siemens Industry’s Building Technologies Division
Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Siemens Industry, Inc. announced that it has appointed Andreas Schierenbeck to lead the company’s Building Technologies (BT) Division. As president, Schierenbeck will be responsible for the financial, operational and competitive success of Siemens Industry Sector’s U.S.-based building systems and energy efficiency solutions provider. Having held executive and leadership positions at major global BT business units and other Siemens companies, Schierenbeck brings to his new post nearly 20 years of progressive experience guiding companies to profitability and market success,.
Hotel chain receives LEED Volume Pre-Certification for its prototype design
Eco-chic boutique Element Hotels, which is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all its properties pursue USGBC's LEED certification, has achieved LEED Volume Pre-certification from USGBC for its prototype design, which will automatically qualify new build hotels to pursue LEED designation. The Volume Pre-certification initiative is part of USGBC's Portfolio Program, which enables companies and building owners to integrate LEED into new and existing building projects using a cost-effective, streamlined certification process without sacrificing the technical rigor and integrity of LEED. The Portfolio Program recognizes market leaders who have committed to and achieved high levels of LEED certification within their portfolio.
Energy efficiency
Tell me your story on how you designed an energy-efficient building engineering system.
PV support mounts
Mounting system for photovoltaic commercial rooftop applications
Power supplies for small load applications
Low current power supplies
Power distribution unit – 2010-07-28
Remote monitoring of power consumption
Relay control panels for lighting management
Energy-efficient lighting management
HP Says Prefab Data Center Cuts Costs in Half
Hewlett-Packard thinks it can build data centers faster and more cheaply by using standard, pre-built components that are assembled on site in a "Lego-like" fashion.
Integrated rack PDU and management solution
Marriage of Avocent DSView 3, Liebert MPX and MPH Rack PDU’s Enables Expanded Data Center Remote Access, Management, and Infrastructure Control.
Ethernet switch
Siemens Scalance XR-324 managed industrial Ethernet switch from Siemens Industry Inc. offers modularity and high port density in a compact, 19-in. rack housing designed for rugged industrial applications.
Bye-Bye Batteries: Radio Waves as a Low-Power Source
A researcher has developed a hard hat with a tiny microprocessor and beeper that sound a warning when dangerous equipment is nearby on a construction site.
Genset control system
The DGC-2020 integrated genset control system from Basler Electric Co. provides genset control, transfer switch control, metering, protection, and programmable logic in a compact package. The control system features generator sequencing via LSB-2020 load sharing module, 16 programmable contact inputs, 7 contact outputs, three 30 Adc and four programmable 2 Adc rated contacts.
New ‘Smart’ Metal Could Mean Cool Cash for Consumers, Less CO2
If a new "smart" metal could help cool at 175% more efficiently than current technology, imagine what that would do for your electric bills.
Power supplies – 2010-07-20 – 2010-07-20
B&R Industrial Automation announces its generation of compact, DIN rail mountable power supplies. This line ranges from 2.1 A single-phase to 40 A three-phase and can allow an input voltage range of 100 to 240 V ac for single-phase devices to 400 to 500 V ac for three-phase devices. These products include buffer modules and multiple mounting orientations. This line accepts ambient temperatures ranging of -25 to 70 C and provides short-circuit, overload, and continuous open-circuit protection.
Data Center earns high efficiency grade
NetApp RTP Data Center Is First-Ever Data Center to Earn EPA's Energy Star for Superior Energy Efficiency.
Electrical panel frame
Users can save up to 25% on combined material and labor costs by using Proclip and Prolight modular electrical panel frame and wire management systems from Satie.
Leading U.S. Organizations Provide Consolidated Recommendations for Measuring Data Center Energy Efficiency
How to calculate PUE from weighted energy types based on source energy is highlighted in the report.
Automatic transfer control system
The Russelectric RPTCS microprocessor automatic transfer control system controls all operational functions of the automatic transfer switch. Each unit is programmed to control customer-specified options as well as standard switch features. The system provides setup, alarm acknowledgement, and review of actual data with the controller’s soft keys and VGA color display.
The bright side of the Gulf Oil Spill
I’m trying to find something positive about the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Do you see any bright spots in this mess?
Smart battery isolator
The Smart Battery Isolator 48525 and 48530 from Cole Hersee Co. prevents loads on the auxiliary battery from draining the starting battery. The product is not specific to an alternator type.
Power meters
Murata Power Solutions has expanded its offering of Datel Digital Panel Meters with two new additions to its ACM20 Series of Four-Function AC Power Meters. The models can measure and display frequency in Hertz and can indicate true-rms ac Volts, Amps, and Watts. Additions to the range include the ACM20-5-AC1-R-F-C and the ACM20-4-AC1-R-F-C, UL safety agency approvals, and an increase in the maximum power reading.
Life Safety Platform
The Simplex 4100ES is an Internet-ready, next-generation fire detection and alarm platform.
Flywheels useful as a power protection alternative
For some control applications, a brief power outage or brownout is an inconvenience. However, for the majority of computer-controlled processes, even a momentary glitch in the power supply is completely unacceptable, as well as costly. The traditional means of guaranteeing a continuous power supply has been the use of battery-based uninterruptible power systems (UPSs) along with engine gen-sets.
Fall 2010 electrical engineering courses
The following courses will be available in the Fall of 2010 course line up from the EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center. EPIC Educational Program Innovations Center is a leading technical training solution provider of engineering and technology programs in the private sector throughout North America. LOCATION TITLE SEM_START SEM_FINISH Mississauga Control Systems: From Fundamentals to Hands on Rapid Controls Prototyping 18-Oct-10 19-Oct-10 Mississauga Modern Power System Protective Relaying 20-Oct-10 22-Oct-10 Halifax Fundamentals of Modern Substation Equipment, Protection and Controls 25-Oct-10 27-Oct-10 Calgary Electric Distribution System Modeling and Simulation 28-Oct-10 29-Oct-10.
Orloff Electrical Engineering and Computer Services Launches Revised Website
Santa Ana, Calif.-based Orloff Electrical Engineering and Computer Services (OCSOFT) has launched their revised website designed for specialists in the field of electrical engineering and power management. OCSOFT provides engineering services for a number of applications including power plants, high-voltage sub-stations, overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines. The company offers a variety of packages that operate on machines running a 32-bit architecture.
Hot-water cooled supercomputer goes live
IBM has delivered a first-of-a-kind hot water-cooled supercomputer to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), marking a new era in energy-aware computing. The innovative system, dubbed Aquasar, consumes up to 40% less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. Through the direct use of waste heat to provide warmth to university buildings, Aquasar's carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85%. Building energy efficient computing systems and data centers is a staggering undertaking.
EntelliGuard TU Trip Unit Conversion/Upgrade Kits
GE has develop its new EntelliGuard TU Trip Unit Conversion/Upgrade Kits, ideal for electrical service organizations, contractors, and industrial end users concerned with improving arc flash protection without sacrificing system reliability, while maintaining and extending the life of an electrical power system. The product includes both a Waveform Recognition Instantaneous Algorithm and Zone Selective Interlocking Instantaneous, which together can achieve HRC2 or better without sacrificing selectivity for available fault currents as high as 100kA. Other options include a feature called Reduced Energy Let Through (RELT) that provides enhanced arc flash protection during maintenance. Available to install on legacy GE breakers such as AK, AKR, Power Break, and WavePro series low voltage circuit breakers, the new kits extend the offering to non-GE manufactured breakers including Allis Chalmers, I-T-E, and Westinghouse, while providing all the hardware needed for options like RELT in one easy to install kit. GE’s EntelliGuard TU Trip Unit Conversion/Upgrade Kits offer: Flexible time current settings and curves (Including Fuse Shapes) Zone Selective Interlock – GF, S, and I RELT – Reduced Energy Let Through Ground Fault Alarm via I/O or Modbus Communications Easy upgrades to Power Management Control Systems (PMCS) via open Modbus RTU protocol Large LCD to centrally display three phases on one screen 10 Event log with date and time stamp Health status via breaker LED indicating normal operation, errors, pickup, and trips while providing non-volatile memory with a continuous self-testing microprocessor Free set-up software that let facilitators easily program all units offline and analyze captured waveforms Full-function metering and relaying; including Waveform capture to enable harmonic analysis four cycles prior and after event Thermal Memory Lithium battery to eliminate need for external power www.geelectrical.com/industrial.
Tower of Power
GE’s new GenTower generator connection switchboard allows facility managers to get the power going again and their operations back up and running. GenTower saves labor and downtime costs because the stand-alone, permanent solution connects to a mobile generator via color-coded quick connects, which feeds the main power system without emergency modifications. Rated up to 4,000 A at 65k AIC, GenTower connects either by cabling to the lugs on the main switchboard (if tap connections are in place), with hard bus connection to approved GE switchboards, or through a feeder breaker.
2017 40 Under 40: Jason DeRosa, PE, LEED AP BD+C; 39
Senior Electrical Engineer, Primera Engineers
2017 40 Under 40: Philip Parise, PE; 37
Director of Operations and Project Manager, Kupper Engineering Inc.
Motor efficiency requirements come December 2010. Are you ready?
Dec. 19, 2010, is the next major compliance deadline for the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). Baldor Electric explains what that means for machine builders and end users.
A cool way to avoid downtime
Bay Area Internet Solutions (BAIS) is one of the largest managed service providers in Northern California. After several significant service expansions in the early 2000s, the company set out to design and build its second co-location facility in Santa Clara, Calif. In designing the data center, eliminating unforeseen downtime was the main priority and the maintenance window tolerance was low.
Arc fault protector
The Arc Vault from GE stops an arcing fault in less than 8 msec to provide increased arc flash hazard mitigation with equipment doors open or closed. The system will feature an activation switch that can be used during routine maintenance to put the low-voltage equipment into a high-protection mode. When an arc flash occurs, the system send a signal to the arc containment device and the arc is ...
Controller – 2010-04-01 – 2010-04-01
The Vapor-logic4 Web-enabled controller on Vaporstream electric humidifiers from DRI-STEEM is a fourth-generation controller that features interoperability with standard Modbus and optional BACnet or LonTalk protocols, user access via Web browser and keypad, and a USB port for software updates and system backup.
Thanks to renewable energy, L.A. electricity rates skyrocket
The city of Los Angeles plans to raise its citizen's utility bills in the hopes of driving up the usage of renewable energy.
Commissioning electrical distribution systems
In the simplest terms, commissioning is the process of planning, documenting, scheduling, testing, adjusting, verifying, and training to provide a facility that operates as a fully functional system.
Implementing Arc Hazard Protection Part 1
This is the first in a three-part series that describes the planning and implementation for an effective, sustainable program. The first part in this series will focus on hazard awareness, safe work practices, and reducing potential for ignition of workers' clothing from arc incidents.
Rolling in new backup power
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Steel Technologies, Louisville, Ky., processes flat-rolled steel for a variety of industries including automotive, appliance, and construction. The company's data center covers 24 facilities in three different countries and all router, switch, cabling, wireless, and power requirements are controlled by Dave Stephenson, network operations manager for Steel Technologies. As part of the company's improvement effort, the IT department was worked on a huge conversion from older mainframes to thin, fast, and power-hungry blade servers.
New hybrid model for energy creation
A plan for a new hybrid model for renewable energy creation is announced in Florida.
Fiber optic connectors
The FastCAM pre-polished fiber optics connectors from Leviton test for fiber continuity and are compatible with a visual fault locator. The device allows termination on 250 mm, 900 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm fiber optic cable. The pocket-sized device assists in diagnosing optical fiber damage by using a bright red laser to locate faults, including tight bends, breaks, and defective connectors.
A Roadmap for Training Engineers
If you present in a way that matches how adults learn, then you can present for long-term retention, and for real action.
Electrical disconnect product
Use three interlocked disconnects to isolate standby generator circuits during COPS load bank testing with the TripleSwitch from ESL Power Systems. The device eliminates the need to manually disconnect and re-tighten cable terminal connections on breakers by using a twist lock Cam connection without the need for tools.
Expansion valve
The EcoFlow from Danfoss balances the distribution of refrigerant in air conditioning systems, while avoiding misdistribution in evaporator circuits. The valve calculates and adapts refrigerant flow to each circuit by using only one superheat sensor mounted at the evaporator outlet. By detecting imbalances in individual circuits, the valve correct corrects uneven refrigerant distribution and re...
Circuit breaker panelboard
Combing the IEC technology and CEC/NEC standards, the XP explosion-proof circuit breaker panelboard from Appleton Electric is designed for hazardous industrial locations where flammable gases or vapors are present. The device is housed in a NEMA-rated construction that enables installation for outdoor or indoor applications.
Power generation community goes digital
Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. announced the availability of its new Power Generation Online Community. The interactive forum is a place where consulting and specifying engineers and other power generation professionals can exchange ideas and best practices. Available at www.catelectricpowerinfo.
Solar pumping products
The family of solar pumping products from Taco is designed for a variety of solar thermal applications. The Solar Pumping Station combines all the features for a closed-loop water heating system. The station needs five connections; two for the solar collectors, two for the storage tank's heat exchanger, and one for the expansion tank.
Report provides detailed analysis of the HVAC market
This report analyzes the European market for nonresidential HVAC controls in millions of U.S. dollars. The market for HVAC controls is analyzed by the following segments: PLC and selectable HVAC controls, and stand-alone HVAC controls.
Energy Star coming to data centers
The EPA has set a date for the release of Energy Star ratings for data centers.
Investment dollars flow to green energy start-ups
The renewable energy market continues to show growth, despite a struggling economy.
ASHRAE bestows tech awards
Technology awards highlight outstanding building projects that incorporate elements of innovative building design.
Google wants power over power
Google has applied to become a power marketer, with the goal of gaining flexibility for its data centers.
Man opens fire at St. Louis area power company
Gunman opens fire on employees of ABB Power Plant in the St. Louis area.
Schneider Electric fires up 60 kW PV array on cold winter day
Schneider Electric launched its 60 kW dc photovoltaic (PV) array on Dec. 10, 2009, at its Palatine, Ill., headquarters building.
Draft inducers
The IPVB Power Venter in-line draft inducers from EXHAUSTO can be installed in a vertical or horizontal stack section. The line is available in four sizes with capacities up to almost 6,000 cfm. Constructed of 316 stainless steel, the draft inducers provide proper draft for condensing and non-condensing commercial boilers and water heaters.
Panelboard
The PowerPlex panelboard from Appleton is targeted at Class I Zone 1 and Class I Division 2 industrial environments. The device transfers its flamepath protection from the enclosure to individual circuit breaker housings and the component-level protection allows for installation flexibility and safety.
Emissions disclosure as a business virtue
Some companies are taking the plunge and submitting reports on how much carbon they emit.
Data center design saves cash in Pacific Northwest
In 2008, NetRiver , the leading provider of collocation and interconnect services in Washington, faced a major expansion and needed another 1.5 MW of clean, computer-grade power to match its growth. NetRiver's primary data facility in Lynnwood, Wash., provides a platform for carriers, Internet content companies, hosting firms, and enterprises to outsource their data center and network operations. The Lynnwood facility is NetRiver's newest data center and provides 250 to 500 W/sq ft or 5,000 to 10,000 W/enclosure. In designing the facility, the Lynnwood management team faced some constraints, along with several requirements.
Rediscovering the joy of engineering
When the market turns against you and your firm, and you become dispirited, take time to take care of your self.
Generac goes public, teams with Fiat
Generac has filed for an IPO, partnered with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, and enhanced their genset product lines.
MEP Insider – 2009-12-09
Recent promotions and hires
Study: Wind power projects don’t impact property values
Research at DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds no widespread impact of wind power projects on surrounding residential property values.
Con Edison, Viridity Energy partner on Smart Grid development
The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) recently awarded ConsolidatedEdison Inc. (Con Edison) $45 million in Smart Grid stimulus funding. ViridityEnergy announced that it will work with Con Edison on the project as well as with the New York City Economic Development Corp. to optimize advanced building technologies and solar generation from city-owned properties into clean, virtual power generation.
Legrand launches new Web site
Legrand is launching a new Web site for its North American users. It combines the information and solutions offered on the current Cablofil, On-Q, Ortronics, Pass & Seymour, and Wiremold Web sites into a single resource. Located at www.legrand.us and www.legrand.ca for the U.S. and Canada, respectively, the new Web site is designed for end users as well as for electrical and information net...
Test your selective coordination IQ
So you think you know everything about selective coordination? Find out just how much you know by taking Ferraz Shawmut's latest Protection Intelligence Quotient (P.IQ) Quiz.
Metering utility plant’s power
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Southern California Edison (SCE) serves more than 13 million customers in 11 central, coastal, and southern California counties. In the southern half of SCE's service territory lies the Inland Empire, which is an area of 27,298 sq miles of commercial, industrial, and residential zones. The rapid growth of the area presented a critical need for electrical power in the wake of frequent deregulation blackouts and brownouts during the early part of the decade.
Surge protection sets
The PV-SET dc/ac surge protection set from Phoenix Contact features surge arresters in the sets that have temperature-monitored, high-capacity varistors with optical fault warning and a dynamic disconnect device. Pre-assembled in an IP65 installation housing, the sets protect all power lines in the system, including the PV generator side and the power supply.
Providing control
A new controller provides front-end digital control to GE busfed power bridges.
Power distribution unit – 2009-12-01
Manage continued changes and complex connected loads through IT and data center facilities with the Liebert MPX from Emerson Network Power. The power distribution unit (PDU) enables on-site configuration of power input and distribution to meet IT needs and flexible capacity to support data center growth.
Voltage tester
Test for energized circuitsand defective grounds with the VoltAlert ac-non-contact voltage tester from Fluke Corp. The tester features an always-on circuitry and a battery check button that helps sustain battery life. The tester lets users touch the tip of the pocket-size tester to a terminal strip, outlet, or power cord and watch the tip glow red in order to determine if there is voltage in th...
The importance of power reliability
In this roundtable discussion, data center executives discuss the vital importance of power reliability.
Study: LED lifecycle assessment
A study on the lifecycle assessment of LED lamps shows the latest generation of lamps achieves a very high score for environmental friendliness.
A surplus of energy that might even last
A New York Times article analyzes the current state of the energy market in the U.S. and provides predictions for energy consumption and demand in the future.
Clean energy loan legislation passes in New York Senate and Assembly
A new clean energy loan bill will help provide New York access to more than $450 million in Federal Funds designed for clean energy retrofits and renewable energy systems.
Bridging the climate change gap
I asked an assistant recently to perform some research regarding the science of climate change. The instructions were simple, requiring research that would support definitive opinion on the science arguments currently in play.
BACnet thermostat
The EXL-1610 BACnet thermostat from ExactLogic supports modulating or two-stage outputs and multiple-speed fan control, which can be installed for stand-alone control to communicate with any BACnet system via standard BACnet objects. The thermostat operates rooftop units, fan coil units, furnaces, exhaust fans, and reheat coils.
Outgoing president and directors honored
EGSA Immediate Past President Warner Bauer and Directors Vaughn Beasly, Charles Habic, and Dennis Roundtree were recognized and presented with plaques commemorating their years of service to the association. In addition to a plaque, 2009 EGSA President Greg Linton presented 2008 EGSA President Warner Bauer with a portrait in recognition of “his dedication and service to the association as...
Monitoring software
The Liebert Nform infrastructure monitoring software from Emerson Network Power establishes a single point of management that exposes potential downtime threats and react property to network events. The software combines real-time monitoring with cost-effective deployment through the use of the xisting network infrastructure and monitors any simple network management protocol device that suppor...
Message From the President
The Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) is a global organization with member companies involved in the generation, transmission, storage, and control of electrical power not directly supplied by public utilities. It is our pleasure to work with Consulting-Specifying Engineer once again to bring you this special supplement focusing on On-Site Power.
EGSA elects officers and directors for 2010
EGSA has announced the election of officers and three new board members for 2010. “The association would like to thank those leaving its Board of Directors and express its appreciation for their valuable contributions and continuous support,” said Jalane Kellough, EGSA Executive Director.
Fan coil unit
The Model VSH vertical stack high-rise fan coil unit from Greenheck provides space heating and cooling for hotels, dorms, and condominiums. Available in six sizes with performance capabilities up to 1,300 cfm, the unit is also available with concealed or exposed housings that are configurable with 2-or 4-pipe water coils and electric heaters.
Mechanical and HVAC design goes underfloor
This article focuses on measures the multi-discipline design-build team took to ensure the UFAD project at a federal facility would be a success.
ASHRAE Headquarters goes Platinum with LEED NC Certification
CSE Chief Editor Michael Ivanovich asks ASHRAE about the performance of its recently certified, LEED Platinum ASHRAE Headquarters.
Engineers link servers to data center chillers
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory engineers are experimenting with a way to deliver just the right amount of cooling to computing equipment.
Green power at DHS
Congress requires Homeland Security's data center to go green.
2009 Solar Decathlon winners announced
The 2009 week-long Solar Decathlon has ended, with Team Germany as the winner.
HVAC demand grows
The Freedonia Group sees a 4.5% increase in HVAC demand each year over the next 5 years.
Keltech achieves potable water heater certification
Keltech achieves ASME HLW certificate of authorization.
Pollution-free power becoming a reality
Alternative green energy resources are becoming a reality due to advances in fuel cell technology done by Cummins Power Generation. Xin Li, senior researcher in the fuel cell field who works with Cummins Power Generation, predicts that on the basis of current progress, Solid Oxide fuel-cell based mobile power products will be commercially available in as soon as 2 to 3 years and higher powered 100-kW stationary power units will become available in 7-10 years. Fuel cell technology, the pollution-free electricity generation technology, which provides a green alternative to the combustion of gasoline and other fossil fuels, is anticipated to become the main source of energy to power electrical cars, trucks, buses and even homes. Functioning similar to a battery, which uses electrochemical conversion, fuel cells produce electricity from fuel (on the anode side) and an oxidant (on the cathode side), which react in the presence of an electrolyte. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), which operate on a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, are more compatible with existing fuel infrastructures including natural gas and the only by-products are water vapor and a small amount of carbon dioxide. In 2007 Cummins Power Generation was one of six industry teams involved in the Dept.
Tools, reports, and events for improving energy efficiency in data centers
New data center resource provides visitors with tools designed to improve energy efficiency in data centers.
Siemens sets new warranty standard
Siemens Industry includes three-year warranty in low voltage power distribution portfolio.
Hydraulic fluids aimed at energy savings
Early field test results show promise in the effort to boost the efficiency of mobile fluid power applications.
Digital multimeter
Troubleshoot electrical problems in harsh conditions with the Fluke 27 II and 28 II digital multimeters from Fluke Corp. IP 67-rated for water and dust resistance, these multimeters can operate in environments from 5 to 131 F with up to 95% humidity, can withstand a 10 ft drop, and can float in water.
Fire alarm power supply
Honeywell Power Products has released the HPFF8 FireForce 8 power supply, which saves time and remembers past trouble history for rapid installer diagnostics. Used to expand fire alarm notification appliance circuit and provide auxiliary power to 24 V system accessories, HPFF8 supplies can be activated by any 12 or 24 V fire alarm control panel or operate alone.
Power and air circuit breaker
Reduce size and improve safety with the Magnum DS 4,000 amp narrow frame power and air circuit breaker from Eaton. The 26-in.-wide breaker allows original equipment manufacturers to use smaller enclosures because it can be applied in 30-in. structures rather than 44-in. needed for previous breakers. The narrow breaker features zone-selective interlocking and arc flash reduction maintenance syst...
Ground fault relay
Detect hazardous electrical conditions before damage occurs with POWR-GARD ground fault protection relays from Littelfuse Inc. The relays can detect ground faults as they develop and alert personnel without nuisance tripping by using filtering technology. The relays also have communications for remote monitoring and can protect critical equipment in ungrounded, solidly grounded, and resistance-...
Publication updates
AMCA Publication 502-06 (R2009), Damper Application Manual for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, was reaffirmed by the AMCA membership on Sept. 11, 2009. Publication 502-06 (R2009) provides general information and important points to consider when designing or specifying HVAC installations requiring dampers in specific temperatures and pressures.
Sunshade considerations
Passive sunshades help save energy and improve worker comfort. They also can reduce capital investments in electrical and air conditioning equipment and enhance a building's appearance.
Wiring devices
The Arrow Hart line of wiring devices from Cooper Industries were designed to repel dangerous contaminants in various environments. The line includes plugs, connectors, receptacles, and accessories. Watertight devices were designed for industrial applications where electrical connections are exposed to splashing and hose-down.
Trip coil monitor
Proactively monitor circuit connections and continuity with the SEL-2652 trip coil monitor from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. The monitor keeps tabs on the circuit breaker trip coil and lockout relay to give operators confidence that the breaker is ready when needed. With a panel-mount design and visible external LED, the self-powered monitor indicates circuit breaker status and has ...
Energy dashboard
Advanced Telemetry LLC has released the EcoView, a real-time energy- and resource-monitoring control system for small commercial customers. Building owners can access up-to-the-minute reports on energy and water consumption through their monitor while simultaneously taking action to cut their building's carbon footprint and reduce utility bills.
Sealed power connector
Protect housings and contacts from environmental contaminants with the 4 Position SPEC Pak (sealed power for environmental connections) from Anderson Power Products. This high power, signal, and ground interconnect solution is waterproof and uses an industry standard panel cut-out which is the same as 26482 and 5015 type receptacle shells (size 20).
Poke-thru device
Pre-pour sleeves can save installation time for the Evolution series of poke-thru devices from Wiremold/Legrand. Designed for 6-in. or 8-in. holes in the slab, contractors can use the PVC sleeves attached to the structural decking instead of core-drilling holes after the slab is poured. Each unit includes three attachment legs, thumb screws, and end caps.
Microsoft goes chiller-less in its new data center
Microsoft unveils its energy efficient, chiller-less data center in Dublin.
September Product Spotlight
In the September issue of CSE, a special advertising product section features innovative products used in facilities across the country.
Boulder becomes first smart grid city
The $100 million smart grid has helped avoid four long-term outages since its launch this week.
Smart water grid in the works
Information technology companies IBM and Intel are working on a smart grid for another precious resource: fresh water.
Industry Roundup – 2009-09-08
Contracts awarded and other industry news
Report: Most data centers are too cold
Even though ASHRAE recommends that data centers maintain 80 F temperatures, 100% of respondents cooled their facilities to 74 F or less.
Thermal imager
Keep server rooms up and running with the HeatSeeker thermal imager from IDEAL Industries Inc. The thermal imager is a handheld camera that blends visible images with infrared images to track down problems like hotspots in servers, batteries, and electrical connections before system failure occurs. It also checks transformers, generators, and switchboards for signs of overload or failure.
Temperature measurement system
Wirelessly integrate measurements from separate temperature sensors with the TempTrackr from SenGenuity. The multi-sensor kit includes four passive wireless sensors that read temperatures from up to 70 in. away. The kit also contains a wireless interrogator with a dipole antenna and a USB connector for computer data visualization and acquisition.
Electrical power system software
Improve power system design with the new analysis modules and time-saving features of ETAP 7.0 software from Operation Technology Inc. The software includes online energy management modules to improve the automation and control of power systems. The system also improves simulation, prediction, and optimization functions, and includes load analyzer and arc flash analyzer tools.
Pad-mounted switchgear
Federal Pacific offers pad-mounted switchgear listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. using the IEEE C37.74-2003. The 15 kV Live-Front PSI/II and Dead-Front PSE models have passed the electrical and mechanical tests for switches and fuse mountings in underground distribution equipment. The enclosure and finish were exposed to the rigorous sequence of testing to verify the enclosure's capabilit...
Modular UPS for data centers
APC by Schneider Electric has launched the Symmetra MW II UPS, the second generation of APC's modular UPS to provide power in the range of 400 to 1,600 kW, with paralleling capabilities for increased capacity or redundancy. With the industry's highest operating efficiency, the Symmetra MW II was designed to address the most common issues faced by managers of large data centers and facilities, w...
The big chill for the Big Island
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH-M) is the flagship campus at the University of Hawaii. However, over the past several years, the university's student housing had become out of date and inefficient. School officials wanted to improve on-campus student housing, along with the community itself. One of the worst performers in terms of building energy usage was Frear Hall; a dormitory where students complained regularly about the housing conditions and lack of occupant comfort.
UL-listed pad-mounted switchgear
Federal Pacific is the first manufacturer to have Pad-Mounted Switchgear to pass the industry's toughest switch-testing requirements and be listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. using the requirements in IEEE Standard C37.74–2003 as the test specification. This standard, which is titled “IEEE Standard Requirements for Subsurface, Vault, and Pad-Mounted Load-Interrupter Switchgear...
Dual channel switch
Electro Standards Laboratories has released its Model 6278 Dual Channel ESCON duplex enabled/disabled switch, which allows building owners to control multiple devices using just one product. The switch allows users to enable or disable the connection between multiple devices connected to the in or out ports of each channel.
Rental power unit
The 1500 kW rental power unit from Cummins Power Generation Inc. is a complete pre-integrated system with 1,600 gal fuel capacity and improved fuel economy. A temperature-tolerant cooling system provides reliable operation in temperatures to 113 F, enabling the generator set to operate at maximum load without derating in a range of demanding climates.
Generating power at the end of the earth
Figure 1: The blue structure is the dual generator set, which has the waste heat exchangers on the exhaust system which are connected to the “mechanical” building which has the heat exchangers to provide hot fluid to the rest of the complex. As part of the U.S. Antarctic Program's commitment to NASA's Long Duration Balloon (LDB) Project, a power unit was required to provide electric power for supporting the balloon instrument payload assembly and launch facilities.
Diesel engine
The MTU engine series 1600 from the Tognum Group has power outputs 270 to 730 kW that are relevant for power generation systems, construction, and industrial machinery. They engines are offered in an in-line configuration with six cylinders as well as in V-configurations with 8, 10, and 12 cylinders covering a displacement range from 2.
All-digital lighting controls
Watt Stopper's Digital Lighting Management (DLM) is a suite of plug-together lighting controls with self-configuring sensors, switches, and other components. DLM saves more energy, and is faster and easier to specify and install than conventional controls. Engineered to meet and exceed energy codes, DLM provides an unprecedented return on investment for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Standards for small-scale wind power in development
The American Wind Energy Assn. is developing standards to measure the safety, reliability, and performance of small wind turbines.
MEP Insider – 2009-08-26
Recent promotions and hires
Data center aims for 99.982% uptime
Emerson's new St. Louis data center will be 31% more energy efficient than traditional data centers and boasts a a 7,800-sq-ft rooftop solar array.
Rooftop turbines feed the building-integrated wind debate
Four newly installed wind turbines in downtown Portland, Ore., are spurring nationwide discussion on the benefits of rooftop wind.
Challenge produces a better air conditioner
The UC Davis "Western Cooling Challenge" has produced a better air conditioner.
Software tracks electricity prices, saves data center money
A smart-routing algorithm weighs physical distance of data transfer and energy cost-differential to slash energy consumption by 40%.
Data center purchasing intention survey
Despite a shaky economy, IT budgets are projected to grow.
DOE allots stimulus funds toward green federal buildings
The U.S. Dept. of Energy announced more than $20 million to improve the energy efficiency in buildings of federal agencies.
National Instruments releases LabView 2009
National Instruments announced LabView 2009, the latest version of its graphical system design software platform, with more than 100 new or enhanced features.
Cooling tower drive system
Replace gearbox and jack shaft installations with the VS1 cooling tower drive from Baldor. The drive system comes with optimal variable speed performance and reduced energy consumption. The power-dense product combines laminated finned-frame motor with permanent magnet salient pole rotor design that eliminates the need for right-angle gearbox maintenance and avoids issues with leaky gearboxes.
The story behind the M&A numbers
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Almost one in five of the Consulting-Specifying Engineer MEP Giants merged with or acquired another engineering firm over the past year. And the merger and acquisition (M&A) activity of the top MEP engineering firms doesn't just involve them growing through the addition of outside firms. In May 2009, two of the MEP Giants— Cannon Design and OWP/P —announced their intention to merge with each other, resulting in a consolidation within the Giants themselves. This M&A activity among the leading firms is indicative of a larger trend.
Condenser fan
Stulz-ATS remote outdoor air-cooled condensers are now available with optional electrically commutated plug fans. By converting ac to dc, the fans allow for infinitely variable fan speed adjustment because the speed of every fan can adjust to the exact air flow and cooling requirements of the condenser. The fan's technology is more efficient, saves energy, and decreases noise and vibration as air flow and speed are reduced. www.stulz-ats.com #11.
DOE and Treasury Dept. announce guidelines for ARRA money
The U.S. Dept. of Energy and the U.S. Dept. of Treasury announced the guidelines and terms of conditions for renewable energy project developers to apply for the billions of dollars set aside in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). According to GreenBiz.com, the federal stimulus package allows developers to earn a tax grant to grow and expand their renewable energy ideas, eliminat...
Indiana school to drill geothermal wells on campus
Ball State University is in the process of drilling wells to create geothermal energy on their campus.
Use the sun to cool your building
Southern California Gas Co. is testing two new solar-powered products designed to help cool buildings.
Career program for green engineers
British clean technology firm ENER-G has launched a career program for new engineers focusing on environmental technology.
Engineering degrees pay off
A new report shows that engineering degrees are far and away the highest earning among all college programs.
Siemens, Viridity Energy announce alliance for smart grid implementations
Siemens Energy and Viridity Energy will provide virtual power plant functionality on campus environments and to other large users of electricity.
Google cools data center without chillers
Google's new data center in Belgium uses outdoor air for free cooling with no chillers.
Las Vegas to place solar panels on carports
The city's $11 million project will provide shade for cars and power for buildings.
Reduce data center energy consumption
Xcel Energy has created a new program that offers incentives to companies looking to reduce energy use in data centers
New $500 million, east coast smart grid plan in the works
Baltimore Gas and Electric announced plans to lower customer costs and increase energy efficiency through a $500 million smart grid project
TAC becomes Schneider Electric
Building automation and security company TAC will take on Schneider Electric's name in October.
New tech arrives with smart grid
With an increase in funding going toward the smart grid, companies are creating new technologies to work alongside the energy system.
Yahoo goes green-and wet-in new data center
Online search site Yahoo will open a new data center in western New York, primarily powered by Niagara Falls.
Microsoft opens ‘mega data center’ in Dublin
The software giant has opened its largest data center outside the United States to support its Bing search engine and Azure hosted services.
Obama, energy companies support clean energy bill
According to a New York Times report, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act of 2009 has passed the House of Representatives, recently receiving support from both President Obama and major power companies such as Duke Energy, National Grid, and NRG Energy. Following intense last-minute wrangling among its members and lobbying from President Obama, the House of Representatives passed...
UL-listed transfer switches
PowerCommand automatic transfer switches from Cummins Power Generation Inc. are the industry’s first to achieve Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL) -listed 10-cycle and 30-cycle withstand and closing (short-time) ratings. The UL listing assures that the OHPC open transition and CHPC closed transition switches perform at a high level, particularly for standby power systems requiring select...
Handheld power monitor
View waveforms, take snapshots, and save data from a safe distance with the PS2500, PS3500, and PS4500 from PowerSight. These handheld units feature a Category IV rating (600 V/8000 V) and Bluetooth wireless communication. Users can operate meters from up to 20 ft away when the software is installed on a PC or PDA.
Occupancy sensor
Wirelessly monitor any space to save energy with the Radio PowrSavr from Lutron Electronics Co. Precise algorithms enable the device to detect small motions and distinguish them from background noise or interference to keep the lights on when someone is typing, writing, or flipping pages, and to turn the lights off only when the space is truly empty.
Data center earns LEED certification
The new data center for L.L. Bean has been awarded U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification.
More energy plans from Obama
President Barack Obama announced further plans to increase energy efficiency within the country.
Yahoo soups up data center efficiency
A cold-aisle containment system with cooling-optimized "podules" gives the Yahoo data center a PUE of 1.21.
Smart grid gets a boost
Current Group hires utility veteran Ray Gogel to promote smart grid vision.
Green convention center to host G-20
Pittsburgh's David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the largest green building in the country, will host the political leaders and financial experts in Sept. for the G-20 summit.
Core4 cuts data center cooling costs by 72%
System's first customer saved $12,000 in monthly electric bills and cut water use by 28%.
New Mexico Tech tests the waters of geothermal heat
The university has introduced plans for a geothermal plant and graduate engineering program.
Data center managers plan for power density jumps
Survey says data center power densities to double in the future.
Turning up the data center heat
Temperatures may be going up in data centers if the advice of one expert is taken.
Need a job? Check out renewable energy
The renewable energy industry is adding jobs at twice the national rate.
Pacific Gas & Electric named most solar integrated utility
Pacific Gas & Electric has been named the most solar integrated utility by the Solar Electric Power Assn.
DOE invests in geothermal heat pumps
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has announced that nearly $50 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act will be spent on the expansion, testing, and certification of geothermal heat pumps.
Solar power deal may be largest
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) and BrightSource Energy of Oakland signed an agreement that might be the world's largest solar deal. The deal will create a string of seven solar power plants, which will generate enough electricity for 530,000 homes. California law requires the state's electrical utilities to get 20% of their power from renewable...
Vacuum circuit breakers
Handle high-continuous ac current and voltage and switch through extreme out-of-phase voltages and high-stress asymmetrical currents with the generator vacuum circuit breakers from Eaton Corp. Designed for use in space- and weight-sensitive applications, including stand-alone switchgear, portable power substations, and draw-out breaker indoor switchgear, the generator breakers interrupt large s...
News At A Glance – 2009-06-01
· In celebrating their 125th anniversary, IEEE has created the Engineering Your World contest. Combining engineering and creativity, the contest asks people to create a piece of technology that makes a personal space more livable or convenient. Each entrant will record their creation and send their video to IEEE at www.
Power distribution unit – 2009-06-01
Support rack-mount applications with three-phase power with the HP14.4kVA power distribution unit from HP. The unit connects to a 50 amp, 3-phase circuit using the Hubbell CS8365C connector. The unit features a single input and 12 C19 outputs for connecting to servers, storage, and networking equipment.
Integrated gateway-server
Allowing users to look at both real-time electrical system data and historical use patterns through trend plots makes the Square D PowerLogic EGX300 integrated gateway-server a valuable tool. Made by Schneider Electric, the PowerLogic includes Ethernet capabilities, an embedded website creation function, and extensive on-board memory.
Harvesting daylight and dollars
Addressing the growing need for sustainable design in commercial facilities, SHW Group redesigned its Dallas office in a manner consistent with its design principles—sustainability, basic architecture, and collaboration. SHW Group installed the Convia Sustainable Infrastructure from Convia Inc./Herman Miller Co. , Buffalo Grove, Ill. The infrastructure is a smart-building platform that features “plug-and-play” power to anywhere within a space without the need for hardwiring of devices or switches.
Stimulus Provisions Spur Smart Grid Development
In recent months, the issue of the reliability and scalability of our nation's electrical grid infrastructure has risen to the forefront of our social and political agendas. As a society we have become increasingly aware that our electrical grid, as it is currently set up, is dangerously close to reaching its maximum limitations. Many inherent risks associated with relying on a 20th-century power infrastructure exist while operating in a 21st-century economy.
Server console switch
Integrate KVM and serial devices into a single management console for all servers including blades, network devices, and infrastructure products with the Server Console Switch G2 from HP. Requiring no software to be installed on the target servers, the switch starts at 8 ports with the scalability to support up to 256 servers.
We need disruptive innovation
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Cheap, accessible energy is so integrated into our lives that it is a fundamental American expectation. We flip a switch and the power comes on. We drive to the corner and fill the gas tank.
Heat containment system
Manage dynamic heat loads in data centers with the Heat Containment System from Wright Line. The system integrates into existing cooling infrastructure and captures, manages, and directs heat exhaust from IT equipment to the top rear of the enclosure. The field-installable system also features optional air flow management accessories such as blanking panels, by-pass airflow grommets, cable mana...
Batteries
Supply power for 15 min in back-up primary power systems applications with the DataSafe line of UPS valve-regulated lead acid batteries from EnerSys. The batteries produce 506 WPC for 15 min to 1.67 V/cell at 77 F. The device weighs 110 lbs and measures 13.4 x 6.8 x 10.8 in. The batteries feature high-conductivity recessed brass terminals, high-integrity terminal seals, and corrosion-resistant ...
Obama’s plan provides energy boost
President Barack Obama has announced plans to expand and accelerate the development, deployment, and use of geothermal and solar energy throughout the United States. Taking more than $467 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the funding represents a down payment that will assist the solar and geothermal industries overcome technical barriers, demonstrate new technologies, an...
Track lighting system
Created exclusively for the specification market, the Precision Two-Circuit Track System is engineered for high-performance commercial installations. Released by W2 Architectural Lighting, the track is made from extruded aluminum, with each circuit independently controlled and switched. Additionally, the Two-Circuit System can be mounted to ceilings or walls for high-profile jobs, and can be lo...
Thermostat operator
New operators that can be snapped on, requiring no tools, make Danfoss Heating’s RA 2000 thermostatic radiator valves significantly easier to install compared to previous models. The operators are gas-filled, reacting quicker to changing temperature than other fluids would, locking room temperature and increasing free heat distribution, which results in saved energy.
Cleaning up after Hurricane Ike
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition About 50 miles southeast of downtown Houston in eastern Texas is one of the oldest and largest healthcare complexes in the state—the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. Spanning 85 acres with seven hospitals and an assortment of specialized clinics, centers, and institutes including a medical school, the UTMB is not only the primary health science center for Galveston, but also the largest employer on Galveston Island and the seventh largest in the eastern Texas region. On September 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on the UTMB campus, bringing with it a wall of water over 13 ft high and 100-plus mph winds. The storm's surge from the Gulf of Mexico inundated approximately 750,000 sq ft of the campus' facilities.
HVAC R&D center opens
Daikin and McQuay open $50 million Applied Development Center to develop sustainable HVAC solutions for markets worldwide.
Danger: counterfeit electrical products
Eaton collaborates with Electrical Safety Foundation International to build awareness of counterfeit electrical product dangers.
Stripping away efficiency
It turns out humans can undo the savings of green buildings.
Herman Miller and Legrand announce alliance
Alliance will to develop comprehensive energy management solution for commercial.
World’s largest solar power deal is signed
Pacific Gas & Electric and BrightSource Energy of Oakland signed an agreement on the world's largest solar deal.
Indoor unit
Allow for the use of conventional registers and grills connected to ductwork with the Mr. Slim P series PEA horizontal-ducted indoor units from Mitsubishi Electric HVAC. Available in 12,000 Btu/h cooling only and 12,000 to 18,000 Btu/h heat pump capacities, the unit hides equipment and reduces sound due to the barrier effect of ceiling/floor surfaces.
Cooling enclosure
Monitor and adjust cooling capacity to ensure proper serve inlet temperature with the InRow SC systems from APC by Schneider Electric. The enclosure can be deployed as a fully contained IT environment or as a partially contained system capable of retrofitting. The enclosure features 7 kW of cooling capacity, a 600-mm-wide rack enclosure, and front and rear containment options.
Signal connector
Designed for use in power supplies, servers, routers, one- and two-rack unit modular enclosures, and storage controllers, the EXTreme Ten60Power family of high-power connectors from Molex Inc reaches a current rating of 60A/blade at a 30-deg. T-rise. The connectors are housed in a 10-mm tall, coplanar and right-angle board-to-board orientation, which enhances system airflow.
World’s smallest nation to build Europe’s largest solar farm
The Vatican announces plans to build Europe's largest solar farm on a plot of land north of Rome.
Earth Day exclusive: Environmental leadership essential to success
The theme of the fourth annual World Energy Dialogue was energy supply security.
Wind in the sails for Hermes Award winner
Wind, a new event for Hannover Messe, showcased some extraordinary displays.
Updated guide for buildings in hot climates
ASHRAE has published an updated guidance for buildings in hot and humid climates.
EPA clears way for greenhouse gas rules
The EPA formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that endanger public health and welfare, setting in motion a process that will lead to the regulation of the gases for the first time in the United States.
Report from Hannover
Control Engineering editorial director David Greenfield, Consulting-Specifying Engineer editor Michael Ivanovich, and Plant Engineering editor Bob Vavra will be reporting from Hannover Messe this week on the new ideas and new technologies coming out of the 2009 event.
CSE interviews Johnson Controls on Empire State Building retrofits
Long-term capital and retrofit planning enable "right steps in right order" as the "big Aha!"
Empire State Building gets massive energy retrofit
A $20 million package of retrofits going into the Empire State Building in New York City will decrease energy use and carbon while increasing occupant comfort.
Can you envision an Energy Corps?
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition In the comic strip “Peanuts,” Lucy is forever fooling Charlie Brown by taking away the football just as his foot is about to kick it. This is what seems to happen with our reaction to energy. Even after numerous shortages, price spikes, and other energy crises, we are hesitant to make investments because paybacks calculated during high-price periods get extended when energy prices drop back down, and the paybacks don't seem to materialize. In Japan's bullet train, the ticket aisles normally have open gates that energize closed if someone's ticket is not valid.
Energy Star Revises Program for Residential Ventilating Fans
AMCA International, the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), and Energy Star recently teamed up to revise the Energy Star program requirements for residential ventilating fans. The goal was to provide residential consumers with energy-efficient, quality ventilation products without sacrificing features, style, or comfort. This collaborative effort resulted in revising the testing requirements, and partners (companies that participate in the Energy Star program) now have more options as to where they can test their products for Energy Star qualification, including AMCA's testing laboratory at the AMCA headquarters in Arlington Heights, Ill. The revised program went into effect on January 15, 2009. The new requirements in the program do not grant exclusive rights to any organization to certify, verify, or challenge-test Energy Star-qualified products or products applying for Energy Star qualification.
Visual tour of a LEED Gold office building
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition When Bick Group set out to build our new headquarters in St. Louis in June 2006, we challenged our staff to convert a former printing company's building into a state-of-the-art showcase for occupant comfort, IAQ, energy efficiency, and water conservation. The team succeeded. The building was certified as LEED Gold by earning 44 points under the U.S.
Dumb meters get smarter
A new device could convert conventional electricity meters, making the smart grid cheaper.
ABB commissions switchgear rated at more than 1 million V
Switchgear a key component of safe and reliable ultrahigh-voltage ac transmission.
Magazine for HVAC and IAQ professionals
Free Fluke News magazine gives HVAC/IAQ professionals insider information to optimize system performance. Subscribe online for print or web versions.
How much more will green technologies cost?
Cost works against alternative and renewable energy sources in time of recession.
AT&T buys into smart-grid monitors
Mississippi-based SmartSynch partners with the telecom giant to provide wireless meter-monitoring technology.
Engineers can gain an employment edge
CD-adapco's No Engineer Left Behind program gives employment-challenged engineers software, training, and other tools to give them a career boost in the tough economy.
New York focuses on smart-energy schools
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has announced an initiative geared toward attaining greater energy efficiency at community colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning.
Emcor named No. 1 admired engineering company
Emcor Group has been named by Fortune magazine as the world's No. 1 most admired company in the engineering and construction industry.
Power conditioning brochure
Controlled Power Co.’s Electrical Power Solutions brochure profiles the company’s durable, long-lasting power conditioning equipment, outlining typical market applications for each product. The brochure can be downloaded in PDF format or ordered as a hard-copy document.
Tower UPS units
Hewlett Packard’s T750 G2, T1000 G3, and T1500 G3 tower UPSs are geared toward small to medium businesses, remote offices, and retail establishments requiring power protection in a compact unit. Power ratings are 750 VA, 1000 VA, and 1400 VA, respectively. HP Power Manager software lets users monitor or control a UPS remotely through a browser-based interface.
Greening the prison-industrial complex
The energy efficient, green upgrades movement has reached beyond commercial office buildings. The greening of U.S prison systems shows how a commitment to energy efficient and renewable-energy technologies can benefit all building types.
New MADCAD version launched
MADCAD launches eLibrary version 3.0, which searches through more than 7,000 codes and standards faster.
Renewable energy conference slated
Renewable Energy World prepares to kick off busy conference season.
Fire bedevils Holy Name roof
The Chicago cathedral's roof deicing system could be the culprit; the city and archdiocese will issue a report on the official cause upon completion of the investigation.
Are you Cx certifiable? Who isn’t?
View the full story , including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition ASHRAE will be unveiling its certification program for commissioning (Cx) in June. In doing so, it will become the sixth organization offering a Cx certification credential. Certifications are currently offered by Associated Air Balance Council (AABC), Assoc.
Storage management system
The Smart Grid storage management system from S&C Electric Company performs dc-to-ac energy conversion and controls charging and discharging algorithms. A pad-mounted step-up transformer converts ac system output to line voltage. The system can be installed with SCADA-Mate switches equipped with an automatic restoration system, which can supply stored energy if power to the feeder is interrupted. S&C Electric Circle 455.
Cable assemblies
Built in accordance with MIL-STD-2003 and tested per MIL-STD-202G, and method 301 and 302, the circular MIL connector custom cable assemblies from Electro Standards Laboratories are designed for military and shipboard applications. The cable assemblies range in wire gauges from 0 to 26 AWG and high density contact arrangement are available in miniature circular shells. www.ElectroStandards.com #3.
Energy-efficient transformer
The expanded line of transformers manufactured by Hammond Power Solutions improves the total power factor and maximizes energy savings through the use of phase shifting. The Sentinel, Synergy, and Centurion models meet NEMA TP-1-2002 standards. The Sentinel is designed for linear loads, while the Synergy series addresses harmonic activity associated with nonlinear loads.
Sustainable air conditioning leads to sustainability
View the full story , including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition When the temperature rises above 100 F in the summer, air conditioning systems stretch the electrical grids beyond their limits, while cars and trucks choke the air in towns and cities. Politicians and energy companies want to build a “more robust” electrical grid and build “safe nuclear” and “clean coal” power plants, costing trillions of dollars and creating more greenhouse gases. Let us envision a world 20 years in the future when most homes and buildings are electricity generators rather than users, and most public and private transport runs on clean electricity. The electrical grid redistributes surplus electricity from sustainable buildings to energy-intensive buildings and public transport during the day, and recharges electric cars and trucks at night. This vision has buildings using little electricity, and most buildings producing more electricity than they use during hot weather.
Snubbers: Protecting medium-voltage transformers from electrical transients
A snubber is a resistor-capacitor (RC) network that is designed for the system. Snubbers are a cost-effective method of reducing switching-induced transients. At many installations that use medium-voltage switching, transformer damage is often attributed to lighting.
Fusible panelboard
The Quik-Spec series of electrical distribution equipment from Cooper Bussmann Inc. features a finger-safe design and an interface to allow visual verification of switch contacts. The Class J performance low-peak CUBEFuse offers extensive arc-flash protection.
Two Fortune 500 companies commit to renewable energy
Two Fortune 500 companies are beginning to show significant commitments to renewable energy technology.
MEP Insider – 2009-02-25
Recent hires and promotions
Industry Roundup – 2009-02-25
Details about contracts awarded and other industry news
Electrical hazards in Iraq, Kuwait
The U.S. Army is taking steps to tackle electrical concerns in Iraq and Kuwait.
Webinar gives electrical contractors safety-gear guidance
On Feb. 24, the National Electrical Contractors Assn. is presenting a no-cost Web seminar designed to help electrical contractors get up to speed on the latest personal protective equipment regulations, and avoid costly fines.
According to RMI study, the U.S. could reduce electricity costs nationwide by 30%
In a study completed by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), an assessment of the electric productivity of the 50 states reveals that improving energy efficiency could cut consumption by 30%.
Wind power blows through the Midwest
This week, ITC Holdings, Novi, Mich., began a major electricity transmission project that will bring renewable energy from sparsely populated, wind-rich areas to heavily populated urban areas like Chicago and Minneapolis.
Electric Transmission Company develops GIS-based vegetation management program
Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) developed a vegetation management program that saves the utility hours of work, while improving the accuracy of treatment on its 12,000 acres of rights-of-way.
Electrical productivity on tour
Starting in June, Cooper Bussmann's Productivity Through Protection Tour will deliver electrical technology and training to engineers across the country for the next two years.
Google steps into the smart grid
With the introduction of a Web-based tool that permits property owners to monitor their electrical consumption, the search-engine giant has made its mark in the drive for greater efficiency and smarter power consumption.
The push for a modernized electrical grid
Despite a cooling economy and dropping oil prices, interest in developing a 'smart' electrical grid is at an all-time high.
Retrofitting power plants with solar technology
The Electric Power Research Institute has launched a project designed to help power companies add solar energy to their fossil-fueled electric power plants.
USB switch
The Model 4502 USB Type=A, A/B switch from Electro Standards Laboratories allows switching between two USB devices without disconnecting cables. The unit, which ships with a remote control, allows the sharing of a USB device between two computers. The data switch has a rugged aluminum desktop enclosure to provide EMI/RFI shielding and maintain last set position on power loss while continuing to pass data. www.electrostandards.com #3.
Adjustable speed drive
The Q9 adjustable speed drive engineered by Toshiba International Corp. is offered in two configurations of 460 V, 1 to 100 hp; and 230 V, 1 to 60 hp. The unit has an overload rating of 100% continuous and 110% for 1 min.
Providing executive power
In the days surrounding President Obama's inauguration, Aggreko provided temporary power and heat for the various events and security.
Web site fights electrical-product fakes
Electrical Contractor and TED magazines have launched CounterfeitsCanKill.com, a site dedicated to battle the threat of dangerous counterfeit electrical products.
Oregon college drilling geothermal power plant
College could save $500,000 annually by using geothermal energy.
Fire conference lands in Chicago in June
The National Fire Protection Assn. Conference and Expo will bring a range of products, technology, and networking opportunities to the Windy City.
Geothermal power gets a boost
BLM finalizes plans to open 190 million acres to geothermal power.
Nominate a young engineer and submit an outstanding product today!
The deadline for submissions is fast approaching for Consulting-Specifying Engineer's "40 under 40" and "Product of the Year" competitons .