How to choose the right HVAC System: Code and efficiency considerations

By completing system analyses, and making appropriate decisions and selections, an optimum HVAC system can be recommended for any building type which will operate at or near peak efficiency.

Top HVAC retrofit solutions for energy and cost savings

Retrofitting an HVAC system can add the same benefits of repairing or replacing a system at a lower cost

Evaluating and selecting energy-efficient fans with fan energy index

Fan energy index (FEI) is a useful tool for engineers looking to compare the energy efficiency of fan system

Top five Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: September 27-October 4, 2024

Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer content this week covered topics including the MEP Giants award, AWHP and arc flash safety

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed HVAC articles 2024

Read the best HVAC articles from the past year covering topics like fluid technology for data centers, designing AWHP and ASHRAE 90.1

Enhancing air quality and energy-efficiency for college campuses

Energy-efficient HVAC strategies for educational spaces, include implementing VRF, heat pumps and air quality improvements

Important things to know when designing and applying AWHP

Air-to-water heat pumps offer a straightforward solution for heating, electrification and facility decarbonization; however, their selection and application require expertise to specific and unique criteria

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 23-29, 2024

Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer stories this week covered topics including heat exchangers, CPVC piping and fluid technology for data centers

Using chilled beams for lab ventilation to maximize energy efficiency

Chilled beams in laboratory design can reduce overall-air system capacity, especially when in converting office spaces to laboratories

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: August 9-15, 2024

Top articles this week covered topics including RTUs, commissioning for energy efficiency and control system replacements

Energy efficiency is important when specifying boilers, research says

According to a recent research study, mechanical engineers and HVAC experts find energy efficiency to be key for boiler specification

How to make heat transfer efficient with plate and frame heat exchangers

Plate and frame heat transfer is a proven technology that has been around for many decades and continues to be relevant in the heat transfer market and across multiple industries

Case study: Improved temperature and humidity control with DOAS

The implementation of a glycol-chilled water dedicated outdoor air system helped a rural hospital’s operating rooms achieve precise temperature and humidity control

Understand how to maximize efficiency and control with DOAS

Dedicated outdoor air systems enhance humidity control, reduce energy use, simplify ventilation design and improve efficiency in building ventilation systems

Considerations for successful planning and design of CHP systems

Combined heat and power systems provide solutions for lowering utility costs, increasing electrical and heat source reliability and providing resilience for continued facility operation

Design of RTUs: Best practices

Specifying rooftop units (RTUs) involves much more than choosing unit types

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most viewed content: June 2024

Read the best content from June 2024 that covers topics including fluid technology, kinetic energy storage and greenhouse gas emissions

Your Questions Answered: Modernizing Yesterday’s Buildings to Leverage Today’s HVAC Opportunities Webcast

A June 11 webcast highlighted the latest technologies to help engineers upgrade HVAC systems for their existing buildings. Here are the additional audience questions from the event.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: June 14-20, 2024

Top five CSE content covered topics including fluid technology, product of the year winners and kinetic energy storage

How to integrate greenhouse gas emissions in low carbon building design

Considering total greenhouse gas emissions is becoming more important in selecting HVAC systems for low carbon building design

2024 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Product of the Year winners announced

The best products of the past year as selected by Consulting-Specifying Engineer subscribers.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most viewed content: May 2024

Read the best content from May 2024 that covers topics including heat pumps, 40 Under 40 winners and emergency illumination systems

Your questions answered: What are the benefits of HVAC fault detection, plus how to specify it

On May 7, Consulting Specifying Engineer and Schneider Electric presented a webcast that provided an overview of HVAC fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), how they are used and considerations for design and specifications. Additional questions covered some key topics.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, May 17-23, 2024

Top CSE articles this week covered topics including saving money on EV charging equipment, 40 Under 40 winners and ASHRAE 90.1 updates

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, May 10-16, 2024

Top CSE articles this week covered topics including EV charging, 40 Under 40 winners and emergency illumination systems

2024 40 Under 40: Liz Alford, PE, 32

Mechanical Engineer, CMTA; BS, Engineering, University of Kentucky

2024 40 Under 40: Tony Dupsky, PE, 39

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Technologies Inc.; Master of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2024 40 Under 40: Michelle Fennell, LEED AP BD+C, 37

Senior Associate, BR+A; BS, Wentworth Institute of Technology

2024 40 Under 40: Paul Foerth, PE, CEM, 35

Associate, Senior Project Engineer, H2M architects + engineers; BS, Messiah College

2024 40 Under 40: Robin Graves, PE, LEED AP, 40

Mechanical Department Facilitator and Engineer, Affiliated Engineers Inc.; BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, May 3-9, 2024

Top CSE articles this week covered topics including heat pump technology, emergency illumination, integrating renewable energy and more.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, April 26-May 2, 2024

Top CSE articles this week covered topics including heat pump technology, press fittings for HVAC/R projects and ASHRAE 90.1

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, April 2024

Read the best content from April 2024, covering topics including heat pump technology, translating Baby Boomer language for younger generations and EV service equipment

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, April 19-25, 2024

Top CSE articles this week covered topics including heat pumps, ASHRAE 90.1 and design-assist collaboration.

How do press fittings fit into the next HVAC/R project?

RLS’s new showroom and training options help engineers better understand how press fittings can be included in HVAC/R projects

HVAC and controls webcast: What are the basic design approaches?

Join mechanical engineering experts for a webcast on design approaches for HVAC and control design approaches

Sponsored content: The evolution of heat pump technology

A knowledge of where heat pumps have come from will help engineers understand when and how to implement them

Can houseplants clean dirty air? Q&A answers this and more

Read this Q&A for a taste of what was discussed during the “HVAC: IAQ and IEQ” webcast

Impact of high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants for engineers, building owners

John Keating, the vice president and general manager for stationary refrigerants at Honeywell, discusses the impact of high-global...

Industrial decarbonization path is improved with retrofitting

As the urgency to address climate change has intensified, there has been a global shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Decarbonization is at the forefront of this movement.

Innovative, sustainable HVAC systems shown at AHR Expo

Manufacturers at the 2024 AHR Expo highlighted energy efficient and sustainable solutions, which has become a major priority for building owners.

HVAC industry trends on display at AHR Expo

Lennox Commercial highlighted their Enlight dual fuel heat pump and their Model L Unit at the 2024 AHR Expo. Anna Steingruber, ass...

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, January 12-18, 2024

Top articles from this past week covered topics including single-phase heat pumps, the annual salary survey and smart light systems

Video: How to design hospital, health care facility HVAC systems

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system must be based on high design standards — it’s hard to think of an engineering project with higher standards than a hospital or health care facility.

Video: Relationships between HVAC efficiency and power usage effectiveness (PUE)

This lesson builds a foundation for other topics related to data center planning and design by providing insight into the past, but also looking into the future and what types of computer systems are likely to be released.

Creating better HVAC systems in old laboratories and university buildings

The evolving HVAC industry faces challenges to upgrade complex systems in aging university lab buildings to match modern standards of energy efficiency and performance

How to design sustainable and adaptable HVAC systems for hospitals

Hospitals and health care facilities in intense climates present unique challenges when designing HVAC systems

How to specify motors for more efficient HVAC systems

By learning how to correctly calculate motor size and HVAC pressure drops, engineers can specify systems that save building owners energy and money

How COVID-19 made everyone a little smarter

The average population now cares more about HVAC, allowing products and systems to gain more of the spotlight

Video: Commissioning HVAC systems for sustainable indoor air quality

A framework for commissioning HVAC systems for sustainable IAQ, guidance and integrating emerging approaches and technologies with traditional commissioning services, customer case studies illustrating best practices and ROI.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, November 17-23, 2023

Top articles this past week covered topics including hydronic heating systems, arc flash hazards, EV charging stations and medium-voltage distribution systems

Your questions answered: Indoor air quality and indoor environmental quality

IAQ and IEQ are a focus for mechanical engineers specifying or retrofitting HVAC systems

HVAC system balancing reports: A roadmap to effective design and troubleshooting

A testing and balancing report can be a key tool for design engineers in buildings to identify issues and create quick, effective solutions

Benefits of TAB in building HVAC for semiconductor fabrication

Testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) building HVAC systems is important for manufacturing facilities and can have a major impact on a company’s bottom line.

How to successfully design for cost-effective air handling redundancy

Redundant or standby air handling units, which include cooling and dehumidification, are highly beneficial

Sponsored content: Training center helps engineers learn about HVAC, hydronics

Des Clancy from Uponor discusses the new experience center in this video conversation

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content, October 13-19, 2023

This week top articles covered topics including low-GWP refrigerants, medium voltage electrical systems, air quality and BACnet control systems.

Air quality design considerations for life sciences and advanced technology

The third in the Industrial HVAC Design series will address some of the key IAQ/IEQ considerations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical & advanced technology manufacturing industries.

Low-GWP refrigerants becoming major priority for companies

Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants are growing in priority as companies look to become more efficient, economical and sustainable.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed HVAC articles in 2023

Read the best articles about HVAC including HVAC systems, regulating HVAC, HVAC design and more.

HVAC design considerations and solutions for unique university spaces

Spaces on college campus like labs, gyms, auditoriums and dorms have specific HVAC requirements to ensure comfort and germ-free environments

HVAC retrofit program launched

Belimo's RetroFIT+ offers ways to upgrade existing HVAC systems for enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.

Air quality design considerations in industrial and commercial buildings

An introduction to the Industrial HVAC Design Guidelines for Commercial HVAC Design Engineers

Heat exchanger technology aiding transition to sustainable future

Highly efficient heat exchangers contribute to decarbonization, save energy costs

Event for retrofitting and energy efficiency benefits for HVAC professionals announced

Belimo's online event for HVAC professionals on September 7 emphasizes the impact retrofitting can have on energy efficiency.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed content, July 2023

Read the best content in June 2023 including: BACnet control systems for HVAC, data center codes, medical gas storage and more

Case study: How can DOAS serve a water treatment plant?

A water treatment plant expansion required DOAS to serve buildings that needed a lot of outdoor air

Back to basics: Introduction to dedicated outdoor air systems

Outdoor air is an important component of a building’s overall health and well-being

Best practices for industrial boiler feedwater systems

Learn the proper method to deliver pumped condensate to a deaerator in an industrial-size steam boiler system

Case study: Retrofit requires modular chiller with heat recovery

A museum needed an updated HVAC system, including a modular chiller

Case study: Heat recovery chiller in a new health sciences research lab

Chilled beams are working in conjunction with a heat recovery chiller to move heat to the hot water system

Heat recovery chillers can help recover valuable, rejected heat

Chillers, previously used only to cool buildings, also can be considered as part of the heating system, thus minimizing lost heat and reducing fossil fuel consumption

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer content: June 16-22, 2023

The top 5 articles from the past week include sustainable HVAC systems, lighting standards and generator systems

What do you need to know about designing HVAC systems in data centers?

Will data centers get larger? More efficient? Have different HVAC systems? Learn about the trends here

How to design sustainable HVAC systems

In the past several years, the building industry has seen a significant shift toward sustainability initiatives, such as green rooftops and using electricity for energy

How an industrial facility reached its sustainability goals

In this case study, a hybrid HVAC system was used to achieve energy efficiency goals

How to design proper exhaust and air handling units in laboratories, part 3

Brandon Fortier and Jeremy Barrette answer questions about labs and research facilities

Why indoor air quality matters in hospitals

A properly designed and maintained HVAC system can directly affect the indoor air quality in a hospital or health care setting

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: March 24-30, 2023

The most viewed content from the past week covered mergers and acquisitions, HVAC implications, medical gas storage and more.

K-12 roundtable focuses on IAQ, IEQ

HVAC systems are being upgraded at K-12 schools, with a push from COVID-19

Different laboratories with HVAC implications, Part 1

Jeremy Barrette walks through several types of laboratories and the HVAC considerations for them

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: January 13-19, 2023

The most viewed content from the past week covered building automation, generators, Commissioning Giants, NFPA 13 and more.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: November 25-December 1, 2022

The most viewed content from the past week covered HVAC, construction, building audits, health care buildings and more.

Sponsored video: Air distribution in health care buildings, labs and cleanrooms

Air distribution is key in these critical environments

Health care building design model shifts how HVAC is handled

As hospitals and health care facilities evolve, the HVAC systems within them must update to meet air quality and HVAC needs

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: October 21-27, 2022

The most viewed content from the past week covered HVAC, electrical power systems, arc flash, smoke damper and more.

Your questions answered: Pairing VRF with applied HVAC solutions

In this Q&A, learn how Linear Expansion Valve (LEV) Kits help pair VRF with applied HVAC solutions for more flexibility to meet a building’s specific load, airflow, and application requirements.

Manufacturing and industrial building HVAC, plumbing trends

Several new and retrofit manufacturing building projects show trends in HVAC and plumbing systems

Project Profile: Lubber Run Community Center

This project focused on adding an HVAC system that the community center team could be trained on, so they could take over future maintenance.

Project Profile: Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health Maternity and Newborn Tower

The engineering team's design consisted of entirely new infrastructure of mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems for the new patient tower.

Exploring sustainable grocery refrigeration systems

The grocery industry has seen an unprecedented demand for online shopping.

Regulating HVAC with VRF systems

Variable refrigerant flow systems have a lot to offer as an alternative HVAC system

Webcast: How to specify HVAC motors, drives to meet energy goals

Attend this webcast on August 2, 2022, to review new, energy-efficient motor and drive technologies and teach engineers to calculate payback to help them with conversations with building owners and facility managers.

Trends, changes in data center HVAC design

Several trends are pushing the HVAC systems in data centers in different directions

Webcast: Pairing VRF with applied HVAC solutions

Attend this webcast on July 27, 2022, to learn how Linear Expansion Valve (LEV) Kits help pair VRF with applied HVAC solutions for more flexibility to meet a building’s specific load, airflow, and application requirements.

Applied versus packaged rooftop units — does it matter?

The line between applied and packaged rooftop units is sometimes blurred, and ultimately the needs of the project will dictate whether applied or packaged should be recommended and specified based on the wide array of available options

Understand the physics of air

How does air density affect fan performance?

Ancient to modern air movement

Air movement has been manipulated for centuries. What’s the history?

Back to basics: fan affinity laws

Fan affinity laws can be used by a design engineer to compare similar fans

Your questions answered: How to incorporate controls into HVAC systems

HVAC systems and their controls have continued to advance

Dusting off the conference shoes

In-person events have come roaring back, and it seems manufacturers barely missed a beat

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 18-24, 2022

Read the best articles from the past week. Electrical power quality, lighting controls, evaporative cooling options, office buildings and single-pair Ethernet.

Webcast: How to incorporate controls into HVAC systems

Attend this webcast on March 31, 2022 to learn about HVAC systems

Office building HVAC design has changed

COVID, employee well-being and indoor air quality issues have all changed the way office building HVAC systems are designed

How to know which evaporative cooling option is right

When considering evaporative cooling, understand the general applications and high-level engineering considerations

Consulting-Specifying Engineer January/February 2022 issue

Offices change, accommodating HVAC and plumbing trends

To appeal to various clients and work styles, office building HVAC and plumbing design is shifting

Smart material switches between heating and cooling in minutes

Deployed on roofs or facades, passive technology could greatly reduce HVAC energy consumption in buildings

How are hospital HVAC systems being designed differently?

Hospitals and health care facilities are changing and their HVAC systems must transform with them

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF/VRV) for HVAC Systems

While a conventional direct expansion (DX) split system AC is simple to install, the system has evolved.

Geo-exchange heat pump systems: A logical system choice for zero-carbon high performance buildings

Learn why Geo-exchange systems might be the right solution for your building

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: November 12-18, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Product of the Year winners, IAQ versus IEQ, BAS replacements, commissioning giants and power factor correction.

Your questions answered: How to design for office sound masking

Learn more about how to understand office acoustics and improve speech privacy in this Q&A

COVID, sustainability drive college HVAC design

Colleges and universities have been sustainability trendsetters over the past several years. COVID-19 has required designers to think differently, especially about HVAC systems

Cold storage design considerations

While the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the pervasiveness of online grocery shopping, the cold storage landscape was already rapidly evolving as consumer behaviors and the push toward sustainability were driving a need for change.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer October 2021 issue

Comparing building certifications

A recap of a BOMA Suburban Chicago webinar examines various building certifications that anticipate return to the office concerns.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, September 2021

Read the best articles in September 2021 including: Product of the Year finalists, NFPA 99, pandemics and building design, cooling plant optimization and more.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed HVAC articles in 2021

Read the best articles about HVAC published in the last year including: Choosing between an ECM and VFD, COVID-19 mitigation, hospital ventilation design, smart building design and more.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer September 2021 issue

Read the September 2021 issue to learn about the 2021 MEP Giants, using BIM in a pandemic and getting boiler design right.

Webinar on refrigerants and global warming

This webinar focused on building cooling systems and their impact on the environment.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 27 to September 2, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Chiller energy optimization, pandemics and building design, chilled water plant performance, Product of the Year finalists and life safety requirements.

Five ways to maintain HVAC efficiently

Prepare HVAC systems to keep up with cooling demand during the summer. Five ways to keep an HVAC system running efficiently are highlighted.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: July 30 to August 5, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Cooling plant optimization controllers, transformer protection, mergers and acquisitions, Product of the Year finalists and LED lighting advancements.

How to design government buildings: HVAC systems

In this Q&A with multiple experts, learn how to design HVAC and plumbing systems government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings

How pandemics affect HVAC in building design

COVID-19 affected engineers and building professionals’ designs in many ways, including HVAC and plumbing

Survey finds majority of companies used subpar HVAC solutions in response to COVID-19

Nearly 60% of companies spent over $500,000, 26% spent more than $5M to upgrade, install HVAC systems.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: June 4-10, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Specifying HVAC systems, designing standby power systems, power for fire/life safety systems, 40 Under 40 winners, and modeling electrical systems.

Specifying HVAC systems in manufacturing, warehouse buildings

Warehouse, manufacturing and logistics facilities need engineering experts to specify various HVAC and plumbing systems

Exposure to POE oil can be disastrous to HVAC plastic piping

Substance can lead to environmental stress cracking.

Bipolar ionization and COVID-19

Air filtration units are movable and offer a level of visual comfort to occupants and there are a variety of different personal environment systems capable of providing an enhanced level of safety.

Integrated building controls for universities

The U services group is using integrated building energy management to bring University of Minnesota buildings online for efficiency and safety.

How solar heat gain affects building design

The SHGC of glazing is a tiny number in a sea of values to consider, but it has broad impacts on HVAC systems, lighting design, the appearance of the building, façade costs and the health and comfort of occupants.

How to design data centers: HVAC systems

An expert panel provides engineering and design tips for HVAC systems in this Q&A

Know when, how to specify a rooftop unit

There are some key components to recognize when designing air-cooled rooftop units

Best practices for engineering government buildings: HVAC and plumbing

Designing utilities, public works, airport, mass transit, transportation or other government projects is a big task. Learn how to design mechanical systems in government buildings.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 2-8, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. COVID-19 and HVAC equipment, NFPA 72-2022, K-12 schools, IAQ and health concerns and NEC electrical grounding.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 26 to April 1, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. COVID-19 and HVAC equipment, NFPA 72-2022, NFPA 101 and COVID-19, effective COVID-19 mitigation and NEC electrical grounding.

How HVAC will change due to COVID

Mechanical engineers and controls experts shared details about HVAC and BAS in a research study

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, March 2021

Read the best articles in March 2021 including: Effective COVID-19 mitigation, NFPA 72-2022, VRF systems, NFPA 101 and more.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer March 2021 issue

Read the March 2021 digital edition to learn about air handling systems, emergency lighting designs, NFPA 72 and more.

How critical space testing works in health care

Critical space testing has been shown to be an effective way for health care facility managers to understand and manage the operation of their HVAC systems

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 5-11, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Effective COVID-19 mitigation, NFPA 101 and COVID-19, NEC electrical grounding, the scope and cost of a BAS and choosing between an ECM and VFD.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: February 26 to March 4, 2021

Read the best articles from the past week. Effective COVID-19 mitigation, NFPA 101 and COVID-19, scope and cost of a BAS, choosing between an ECM and VFD and NEC electrical grounding and bounding.

Office buildings focus on air quality, energy efficiency, HVAC systems

Designing office buildings in a post-COVID world is a challenging task with engineering variables such as HVAC systems

Dealing with COVID-19’s impact on current HVAC systems and equipment

Approaching COVID-19 mitigation through HVAC systems and equipment from a preventive, proactive vantage point gives people a better chance of containing the spread of the virus and limiting the collateral damage it can cause.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer January/February 2021 issue

Read the January/February 2021 digital edition to learn about HVAC system design, energy storage systems, office building design and ASHRAE 90.1.

Dual-path air handling units for healthcare

Strategies with dual-path air handling units (AHUs) that reduce reheat energy result in lower natural gas consumption, as well as reduced cooling energy

Designing flexible, safe labs: HVAC and plumbing

Safety, budget and flexibility are key factors when designing laboratory and research space

Four steps for designing a VRF system

Variable refrigerant flow offers an alternate HVAC solution

Designing, retrofitting hospitals during COVID: HVAC and plumbing

While COVID-19 has changed many aspects of HVAC systems in a health care facility, some things remain identical

Breaking the cycle of deferred maintenance in healthcare facilities

Deferred maintenance continues to present ongoing challenges within healthcare facilities for overall building health, staff members, and quality of care.

Four ways to reduce COVID-19 risk in your facility

Shielding your facility from a COVID-19 outbreak starts with HVAC and refrigeration best practices.

Safely opening education facilities: HVAC implications for consideration

ASHRAE and the CDC are issuing protocols to address indoor air quality, especially in education institutions, which are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White paint keeps surfaces cooler, reduces need for air conditioning

Purdue University engineers have created white paint that would replace the need for air conditioning by absorbing nearly no solar energy and sending heat away from the building.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, October 2020

Read the best articles in October 2020 including: Aerosol disinfection in classrooms, building automation systems, 2020 Commissioning Giants, hospital ventilation and more

Students, tech, COVID drive higher ed HVAC design

College and university building design is being driven by student needs, technology and new air quality demands

Can engineers save the world?

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed engineers to improve indoor air quality

Navigating hospital ventilation design during COVID-19

COVID-19 has impacted ventilation design considerations in health care settings in a prominent way

What HVAC changes are required by COVID-19? Learn from AEI experts

Experts at Affiliated Engineers Inc. weigh in on HVAC, codes and standards and smart buildings

Making IAQ better with COVID-19 in the air

How can building HVAC systems be modified to provide a safer environment in new and renovated spaces?

Nanotech filter coating captures COVID-19 droplets

A nanotech coating designed to allow air filters to capture airborne or aerosolized droplets of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been developed by University of Houston researchers.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, September 2020

Read the best articles in September 2020 including: Limiting COVID-19 spread, engine installation, designing government buildings, Product of the Year finalists, MEP Giants revenue and more.

Basics of HVAC, plumbing systems for industrial, manufacturing facilities

Industrial and manufacturing facilities have specialty HVAC and plumbing needs engineers must include in new or retrofit projects

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: September 7-13, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. Better ventilation, engine installation, safer dining experiences, Product of the Year finalists and mechanical system operations.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 31 to September 6, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. Resilient hospital design, MEP Giants revenue, college campuses, pandemic control and Product of the Year finalists.

Why better ventilation is key to limiting COVID-19 spread

The Facilities Task Force at CU Boulder is improving the university's HVAC system to prevent COVID-19 spread during the school year.

Case study: Hospital uses displacement ventilation

A Canadian hospital addition provided efficient HVAC and reduced airborne infections

Pandemic control in high-performance buildings

High-performance building design in health care facilities may teach engineers how to design other building types

Building engineers are helping students safely return to school

There are many factors to consider when deciding when and how to safely open schools across the country. Four highlights from a recent ASHRAE report are highlighted.

Reaching the tipping point for CO2 refrigeration systems

When considering refrigerated systems for increased infrastructure, discussing the type of refrigerant being use, such as CO2 refrigeration, can significantly improve the environmental impact and help prepare for some expected regulation changes.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed articles, July 2020

Read the best articles in July 2020 including: Product of the Year finalists, air ventilation and HVAC, NFPA 99 in health care facilities, re-entering the workplace and more.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: July 27 to August 2, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. Air quality and smart buildings, stairwell pressurization, computation design, zero energy buildings and Product of the Year finalists.

Your questions answered: HVAC system design

During the HVAC system design webcast July 21, 2020, several questions were left unanswered. Review some of the additional responses here

Best practices for designing HVAC systems in government buildings

Learn how to specify HVAC systems for government and military buildings

Your questions answered: How to future-proof HVAC systems to meet efficiency and carbon emission goals

Questions not addressed during the July 15, 2020, webcast with Danfoss are addressed here

Computational fluid dynamics’ role in understanding COVID-19 droplet propagation

Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, engineers are uniquely positioned to analyze the transmission of droplet particles related to COVID-19.

HVAC considerations for returning to the office

As people return to the office, there are basic measures to promote health and wellness in the office using heating and air conditioning systems, which can have a significant impact.

Engineering aspects of COVID-19 with RTM’s Marc Anderson

Learn about engineering HVAC systems from Marc Anderson of RTM Engineering

Researchers create air filter to trap, kill COVID-19

University of Houston researchers have collaborated and designed a “catch and kill” air filter with nickel foam that can trap the virus responsible for COVID-19, killing it instantly.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: July 6-12, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. Air ventilation and HVAC, Product of the Year finalists, NFPA 99 in healthcare, wireless lighting control standards and COVID-19's effect on engineering practices.

Air ventilation and HVAC with Brian Sharkey

Brian Sharkey with Airadigm Solutions offers test-and-balance professionals tips on air balancing and other HVAC issues in nonresidential buildings

COVID-19 has changed engineering practices; CannonDesign’s Paul R. Kondrat shares insights

From smart buildings to test-and-balance to health care facilities, Paul R. Kondrat from CannonDesign provides feedback on the many ways the coronavirus has changed engineering firms

Turning faces into thermostats for more personalized comfort

University of Michigan researchers has developed a solution that could provide more efficient and personalized comfort, completely doing away with the wall-mounted thermostats we’re accustomed to called Human Embodied Autonomous Thermostat (HEAT).

How is COVID-19 affecting retail, restaurants? Updates on HVAC and plumbing

With consumers frequently enjoying delivered meals and shopping for goods online, HVAC and plumbing systems need to be robust in brick-and-mortar restaurants and retail structures

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: May 29 to June 4, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. NFPA 13-2019 revisions, 40 Under 40 winners, fire and life safety systems, public health laboratory safety and COVID-19 impacts.

Grant awarded to develop a smart ventilation system

A team of Texas A&M University researchers are seeking to develop a smart ventilation control system with grant support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Warehouse, manufacturing facilities go high-tech: HVAC

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. HVAC and plumbing systems are complex, and require specialized design

COVID-19 and the impacts to the workplace

The Bala Consulting Engineers COVID-19 Task Force has published a white paper to assist engineers in making buildings safer

Data centers achieve a new level of high-tech: HVAC systems

Designing solutions for data center clients — whether hyperscale or colocation facilities — requires advanced engineering knowledge

Carbon dioxide sensor can lower energy use, reduce utility costs

Purdue University researchers have developed a carbon dioxide sensor designed to control and cut down on energy consumption through heating and ventilation systems.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: April 17-23, 2020

Read the best articles from the past week. COVID-19 strategies for hospitals, NFPA 101, coronavirus' effects on the A/E industry and grow facilities.

Video: IoT and Cloud Computing Meet ASHRAE to Deliver Productivity and Energy Savings

IoT and cloud computing technologies enable pervasive building intelligence which improves indoor air quality (IAQ), occupant health and productivity while reducing energy usage,

Climate-informed HVAC increases in relative humidity may fight COVID-19 and other pandemics

Indoor relative humidity is a function of seasonal climate and building HVAC. The range of 40 to 60% RH may reduce contagion and help those who are infected

How to design K-12 schools: HVAC, plumbing systems

With increasingly complex systems and technology coming into play, work on modern K-12 projects is anything but elementary

Ask an expert on Coronavirus: Sunondo Roy shares engineering guidance

Sunondo Roy provided expert advice to engineers and others involved in the technical aspects of engineering and designing building systems

What’s so important about air filtration?

Filters are ubiquitous in air handling systems, so it’s helpful to understand the different options for filters and to learn about how they function

Oregon State Hospital Replacement Project – Junction City Campus

High sustainable goals were met using a geothermal heating & cooling system and heat pump chillers to provide all the building heating and cooling needs.

Designing efficient refrigeration systems

Doug Sandridge, PE, Principal at RTM Engineering Consultants, answers the questions about RTM’s refrigeration design services: What types of facilities is RTM working on? What are the main challenges and considerations for different projects?

Turbomachine expander improves energy efficiency for businesses and vehicles

Purdue University researchers have developed a turbomachine expander that helps harvest previously wasted energy used in the process of moving the air from high to low pressure.

HVAC energy-saving strategies

Learn about multiple energy-saving strategies — such as temperature and pressure reset and valve strategies — achievable through the use of a building automation system

Seven ways to fight stack effect in buildings

Stack effect can have a nasty effect on buildings during the winter months. Consider these seven steps to mitigate their effect and keep the occupants comfortable.

Video: Fundamentals of Test, Adjust & Balance for Engineers, Cx & Energy Providers

This session explains many of the key test and balance challenges — from practical system design considerations, to the TAB Process, to obtaining meaningful and useful data — that if properly addressed in cooperation with an independent TAB firm can ensure that any project goes smoothly

What’s so special about office buildings? Learn about HVAC and plumbing

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. Read this for details on HVAC system and plumbing, piping and pumps

SP-AP ceiling exhaust fan by Greenheck

The SP-AP’s constant cubic feet per minute electronically commutated motor technology ensures performance setpoints resulting in improved indoor air quality when application static pressure is higher than expected

Lab, research facility design: HVAC and plumbing

Learn tips on how to design labs and research facilities — some of the most high-tech buildings around

Cooling coil condensate system design

Cooling coil condensate is an important aspect of HVAC system design and should be carefully considered to avoid major issues in the future

Ask an expert: Hospitals, health care facilities: HVAC

Health care facility designers are expected to keep pace with increasingly complex, advanced engineered systems and features

Learning how to engineer colleges, universities better: HVAC and plumbing

Read about emerging trends in college and university buildings, and learn about the emerging trends impacting their design

Using demand-controlled ventilation in HVAC

Mechanical engineers should consider the many factors that go into designing buildings for indoor air quality and indoor environmental quality

HCD-221 isolation control camper by Greenheck

HCD-221 features a blade seal mechanically fastened to the blade that is field replaceable and available with parallel or opposed blade action.

Enhancing efficiency in industrial and manufacturing facilities: HVAC and sustainability

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

Zone and system calculations

Learn the basic zone and system calculations using ASHRAE 62.1 tables and equations

Focus on specialty structures: HVAC and plumbing

Sports arenas, historical buildings, theaters and other specialty buildings require unique HVAC and plumbing engineering design

B.E. Smith Family Center: A nest for specialized care

From the project’s inception, the design team collaborated with educators, therapists, and hospital staff to understand the unique needs of the children who would use this space as well as enhancements they wanted to see in their new space.

Your questions answered: HVAC: Hospitals and health care facilities

Responses to several questions about hospital HVAC systems are answered here

Government facility design: HVAC and plumbing

Consulting engineers are working on government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings

Keeping the HVAC running, the smart way

While upgrading a home furnace, the option to upgrade to a smart thermostat also was under consideration

Retail, restaurant and mixed-use facilities: HVAC

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.

Troubleshooting Outside Air Airflow Measurement Stations

Hospital air handling units were periodically tripping freeze stats. Here's how the problem was solved.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 31 to June 6

Read the best articles from the past week. Engineers and building professionals clicked on: 2019 Product of the Year finalists, performance based design for HVAC systems, visual perception and the impact on emergency illumination design, electrical testing and commissioning considerations and nuanced design strategies for senior living facilities.

Stack Effect: Why it was so difficult to stay warm this winter

Many street-level tenants of high-rise buildings found it nearly impossible to keep occupants warm despite having thermostats set to maintain comfortable temperatures. In many cases the problem, while fairly common, is not widely understood — it’s known as stack effect.

Performance-based design: HVAC systems

Many consulting engineers base their designs on performance, thus the focus on performance-based design in many specifications for HVAC system design.

Planning multifamily dwellings: HVAC and plumbing

Multifamily dwellings are fascinating projects with unique HVAC needs. In essence, they could be considered giant people storage facilities for different stages of life. College dormitories, for example, contain young adults in their late teens and early twenties. Assisted living facilities hold people in their later years. However, 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.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 26 to May 2

Integrating modeling into building design, resilience in HVAC design, Product of the Year finalists, designing resilient buildings, and cybersecurity in automation were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 26 to May 2. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

EM-30 backdraft damper by Greenheck

The EM-30 is a vertical-mount horizontal airflow backdraft damper for pressures up to 10 inches water gauge and velocities up to 3,500 feet per minute.

High-5 HVLS ceiling fan by Patterson Fan Co.

The High-5 HVLS ceiling fan is ideal for industrial facilities such as warehouses and manufacturing plants.

Top design trends in data centers: HVAC, plumbing

An increasingly data-driven society demands advanced, high-performance data center facilities. Read on to learn the biggest HVAC and plumbing challenges, emerging technologies and upcoming trends affecting data centers.

Choosing and specifying VRF systems

In your client’s quest for energy efficiency, determining if a variable refrigerant flow system is right requires careful consideration.

Resilience in HVAC Design

In California, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) strives to anticipate future heating and cooling needs for its nine campuses through the HVAC projects it has recently pursued.

Keeping it cool: How biopharma facilities can use an old technology in a new way

When it comes to cooling pharmaceutical facilities and their processes, we don’t necessarily need the most modern refrigeration technology.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 5 to April 11

Understanding GFCI nuisances, AHU component makeup, AEC industry struggles, humidity in healthcare facilities, and NFPA 72-2019 updates were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 5 to April 11. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Three tips for designing VRF and ACB systems

When designing variable refrigerant flow or active chilled beam systems, consulting engineers must focus on three core areas.

The Fine Line of Humidity and Healthcare: 4 MEP Engineering Considerations

Over the past several years, regulators have given more attention to humidity levels in operating rooms and central sterile processing departments.

Sponsored Content: Bell & Gossett adds new features and capabilities to its best-in-class online system selection tool ESP-SystemwizeTM

As building owners, facility managers and specifying engineers turn their attention to improving occupant comfort and maintaining air quality while reducing overall energy consumption, they are increasingly putting holistic system performance at the top of their lists when it comes to commercial buildings.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 8-14

AHU component makeup, combined heat and power systems, female engineers as leaders, the 2019 HVAC & Building Automation Systems Study, and developing hyperscale data centers were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 8-14. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 1-7

AHU component makeup, chiller selection, changes to NFPA 101-2018, merger and acquisition updates, and strategies to deal with turbulent times in the engineering industry were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 1-7. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 15-21

AHU component makeup, changes to NFPA 70-2017, why AHUs are important, complex fire alarm system design and commissioning, and LED lighting and control system design considerations were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 15-21. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 1-7

HVAC design solutions, LED lighting and control design considerations, AHUs in HVAC design configuration, NFPA 70-2017 changes, and going net zero with your building were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 1-7. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, January 25-31

Augmented reality in building design and construction, how to design fire alarm notification systems, AHUs in HVAC design configuration, designing power systems for high performance buildings, and generator questions answered were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 25-31. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Case study: HVAC system conversion includes remote monitoring

A government facility’s HVAC system was overhauled to make it more efficient and cost-effective.

Case study: Flexible, reliable HVAC system

A quiet, efficient, and flexible HVAC system replaced an older one in this government office building.

Solutions for tight spaces in HVAC design

An historic university building had tough mechanical space requirements. Here’s how these challenges were met.

AHUs in HVAC system design configurations

In this third portion, review guidelines, standards, and basic concepts for designing HVAC projects using AHUs.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, January 18-24

Why are AHUs important, design strategies for HVAC systems, setting new engineering habits, school boiler replacement case study, and AHU component makeup were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 18-24. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

AHU types, components, and configurations

In this second portion, engineers will understand the component makeup of air handling units (AHUs) and their inclusion within various HVAC systems.

Designing flexible, complex office buildings: HVAC/plumbing

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 HVAC and plumbing.

Efficient HVAC system design strategies

The integration of high-performance HVAC design strategies can do as much to make systems energy-efficient as specifying high energy efficiency ratings.

Video: Case Study Using a Variable Flow Chiller in a Central Plant

This presentation will cover an overview of the system operation with three 1250 ton chillers and an overview of the bypass system and how to size bypass valves.

Why are AHUs important?

Providing energy-efficient and comfortable HVAC systems is an important task for HVAC engineers and designers. In this first part, learn about the importance of air handling units (AHUs) within building HVAC systems.

Automatic balancing dampers by Greenheck

The ABD can be installed directly into round duct work without the need for any fasteners or use of any adhesive.

Designing safe laboratories and research facilities: HVAC

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 HVAC.

Your questions answered: Curbing VFD harmonics in HVAC applications

Explore HVAC applications for VFDs, VFD design differences and performance factors, harmonic mitigation methods, and the basics of IEEE 519.

Designing health care facilities and medical campuses: HVAC and plumbing

Hospitals, clinics, and similar facilities are among the most demanding an engineer can tackle—the technology is evolving rapidly, hospital managers are increasingly budget-conscious, and assist in saving lives. Here, HVAC design challenges and trends are explained for these building types.

HVAC, BAS in research facilities

Forty-four percent of respondents to the 2017 HVAC & Building Automation Systems Study make product selections for research facilities/laboratories.

Best of the Web – Editor’s Pix – 1970-01-01

Valuable Internet resources for engineers.EPA Upgrade Analysis Softwarehttp://yosemite1.epa.gov/estar/business.nsf/content/multiarea_tools_softwaretools_main.htmA variety of analysis tools assess the feasibility of variable-air-volume, chiller and lighting upgrades.Library of Continuing Education Courseswww.

Examining higher education facilities: HVAC and plumbing

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 receivetop marksin regard to HVAC and plumbing.

How the IoT will change the engineering industry

Advancements in technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the engineering industry.

Video: Understanding New Air Flow Regulations and ASHRAE Air Flow Requirements and Solutions

This presentation explains new changes in regulations and ASHRAE updates affecting air flow requirements in the HVAC systems and how energy conservation measures affect them.

Designing industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities: Codes and standards

More than just places to make and store products, industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities are becoming more complex. Building codes and standards dictate design and safety elements.

Video: Top Operational and Energy Saving Trends for Data Center Cooling

This presentation will highlight the advances made in critical infrastructure technologies for chillers and cooling plants, AHUs, and modular approaches to achieve significant operating and energy expense savings.

How to calculate ventilation

Calculating the Ventilation Rate Procedure is key in any building project.

Case study: Using IAQP in design

Indoor air quality procedure was used to calculate the design of a community center’s HVAC system.

ASHRAE 62.1: Moving from prescriptive to performance

ASHRAE 62.1 is best known for its regulation of the amount of ventilation air delivered to each space by HVAC systems through its ventilation rate procedure approach to system design.

HVAC, BAS in office buildings

Seventy-one percent of engineers who responded to the 2017 HVAC & Building Automation Systems Study make product selections for office buildings.

Deal-making by MEP Giants takes a breather

After a very active 2016, fewer mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP/FP) engineering firms made acquisitions in 2017, matching the downward trend seen in the broader engineering industry. However, 2018 is on track to becoming a record-setting year.

Dewberry: Duke Chapel Utility & MEP Upgrades

Automation, controls; commissioning, retro-commissioning; electrical, power; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; religious building; and system overhaul

Video: Testing HVAC Water Systems with Diversity

This presentation examines the appropriate TAB approaches to HVAC water system diversity and various testing scenarios.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, July 30-August 5

Data center energy use, improving wayfinding in complex environment, benefits of integrated fire protection system testing, HVAC projects, and a case study involving airport renovation were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jul. 30-Aug. 5. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Examining government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities

Government and military projects are among the toughest challenges an engineer can face. Demanding facility owners, tight budget limitations, safety concerns, and other factors all come into play. Here, engineers with experience in the field offer advice on how to succeed.

Data centers used for bitcoin mining

Data centers used for bitcoin mining have significant differences from their commercial data center counterparts.

2018 40 Under 40: James Gronek, PE, LEED AP BD+C; 35

Vice President, Environmental Systems Design Inc. (ESD), San Francisco BS mechanical engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Mass.  Gronek started his career in 2005 at an engineering firm in San Francisco, working on retail and workplace interiors and developing a specialty in commercial office developments. He joined ESD in 2015 to help the firm establish a presence on the West Coast.

Designing efficient data centers: Codes and standards

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 codes and standards.

HVAC, BAS in hospitals, health care facilities

More than half of engineers who responded to the 2017 HVAC & Building Automation Systems Study make product selections for hospitals/health care facilities.

Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 6

This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the U.S. and two international deals involving companies from Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.

Certifying data centers

A new standard,UL 3223, creates a baseline for all of a data center’s elements.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 26-March 4

Arc flash mitigation in solar systems, critical power webcast unanswered questions, NFPA 101 in healthcare buildings, overlooked ASHRAE 90.1 requirements, and ASHRAE 90.1 compliance were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, January February 26-March 4. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Commissioning and retro-commissioning in health care facilities

Health care facilities are complex structures containing distinct and diverse spaces. Because they use so much energy on a daily basis, there are plenty of opportunities to become more energy- and cost-efficient through commissioning and retro-commissioning.

Designing efficient office buildings with visual appeal

Office buildings can be highly complex, with complicated features and advanced technology. Experienced engineers share advice on how to handle these structures and identify trends impacting such structures now and in the future.

Can data centers become energy producers?

Recovering "waste" heat from servers in data centers opens the door to innovation and efficiency.

The science behind laboratory and research facility projects: automation and controls and codes and standards

Engineers need to consider many factors for a lab or research facility so it can perform as needed. Engineers with experience on such facilities offer advice on how to pass the test.

Building efficient colleges and universities: automation and controls and codes and standards

Colleges and universities face a long list of challenges, as do the engineers tasked to help construct and modify the facilities at these institutions. Here, experienced professionals share their knowledge regarding automation and controls and codes and standards.

The complexities of industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities

Warehouses and factories are more than bare-bones buildings for companies to make and keep equipment. The systems that project owners call for can be advanced and complex, keeping consulting and specifying engineers on their toes. Here, professionals with experience on such facilities offer advice on how to meet and exceed expectations.

The complexities of industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities: codes and standards

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 codes and standards.

Project Profile: Medical building with integrated project delivery

The project was significantly under budget and provided 11 percent savings overall.

Project Profile: Building automation system in community hospital

The hospital successfully achieved LEED Gold certification.

The art of designing sports, entertainment, and specialty structures: Codes and standards

Entertainment venues are big businesses—and big on complexity, with a host of complex systems and requirements for engineers to tackle. Building codes and standards are top-of-mind.

Explosion-proof smoke detectors

The Det-Tronics SmokeWatch is applicable to industrial HVAC duct-monitoring.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 21-27: MEP Giants, designing lighting systems, arc flash mitigation, and more

MEP Giants, designing lighting systems, arc flash mitigation, grounded and ungrounded power, and codes and standards were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 21-27. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Case study: Integrated resort project

By integrating the lighting and HVAC systems, a resort saved on overall energy use.

Smart infrastructure to impel window automation market growth, inclination toward sustainable technologies to favor the industry trends

With rising green building initiatives, improved building codes and standards, novel technological breakthroughs, and the rising need for modern infrastructure, it should come as no surprise, that the window automation industry will chart out a profitable growth graph over the ensuing years.

Closed circuit cooler

EVAPCO’s eco-LSWE is a closed circuit cooler with an ellipti-fin coil

Water source and geothermal heat pump line

WaterFurnace International Inc.'s Versatec variable speed series 3- to 6-ton water source and geothermal heat pump offers efficiency in a compact cabinet with versatility for several applications.

Compact serial console

Avocent ACS800 targets retail, education and financial edge market segments with IT remote access and IoT connectivity.

Active chilled beam cassette

SEMCO's LYRA II has personalized pinpoint temperature and humidity via digital controller for new construction and retrofit applications.

Rooftop ventilation line

Greenheck introduces energy-efficient rooftop ventilation line.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, June 12 to June 18: paralleling generator systems, BIM project coordination, data centers, BACnet

Articles about paralleling generator systems, BIM project coordination, data centers, and BACnet were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, June 12 to June 18. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

How NFPA 99-2015 changes affect mechanical design

NFPA 99-2015 has a few changes that mechanical engineers should pay close attention to.

Your questions answered: Combined heat and power

The May 31, 2017, webcast focused on cogeneration principles including combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cooling, heat, and power (CCHP). Unanswered questions were answered in after the live event.

Dedicated outside air systems

York's dedicated outside air systems allow easy adapt to all climate conditions, demanding applications and evolving industry standards.

Plug fans for unhoused configuration

Hartzell Air Movement's Series 12 Plug Fans use the Hartzell PL type wheel.

Analyzing data centers

Data is the lifeblood of any business or organization—which makes a data center a facility’s beating heart. Here, engineers with experience on data center projects show how to succeed on such facilities, and how to keep your finger on the pulse of data center trends.

Motor control center – 2017-04-13

The FlashGard motor control center (MCC) features an updated range of arc-resistant features to help further strengthen protection against arc flash events.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 3 to 9: Networking VFDs, commissioning electrical systems, designing emergency generator systems, specifying electrical distribution systems, building controls

Articles about networking VFDs, commissioning electrical systems, designing emergency generator systems, specifying electrical distribution, and building controls were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 3 to 9. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Climate control system for large diameter fans

MacroAir's AirEffect, a climate control system for large diameter fans. Through automation, AirEffect eliminates the need to constantly monitor and adjust the fans’ speed and direction in response to temperature fluctuations.

3-D sensor for indoor air unit

Mitsubishi Electric's 3-D i-see Sensor is a small, yet powerful component mounted to the exterior panel of the ceiling cassette.

High-efficiency condensing boilers

Aerco's Benchmark Platinum boiler features O2 trim technology, dual returns, and remote monitoring.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 27 to March 5: Self-powered wireless technology, unitary pumping solutions, integrating commissioning, NFPA 101, and emergency power, more

Articles about self-powered wireless technology, unitary pumping solutions, integrating commissioning, NFPA 101, and emergency power were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, February 27 to March 5. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Data Centers: AIA CES accredited online course

This course will explore the fundamentals of data centers and energy efficiency.

Gearboxes for field-erected cooling towers

SPX Cooling Technologies' Series M Geareducer gearboxes reduce the speed of the electric motor to optimize fan performance.

Modular chiller

ClimaCool modular chiller harnesses both air and water to provide simultaneous heating and cooling without geothermal to eliminate energy waste.

Engineering flexible office buildings: automation and controls/codes and standards

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, and trends for automation and controls and codes and standards.

Engineering hospital systems to work effortlessly

While quite a bit of engineering goes into each mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire and life safety system in a hospital, it is mostly invisible to the patient or visitor. That is, until you need it.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, January 23-29: NFPA 110-2016, NEC 2017 changes, batteries in mission critical facilities, more

Articles about applying NFPA 110-2016, NEC 2017 changes, batteries in mission critical facilities, choosing a modular data center, and battling the complexity of government system designs were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, January 23-29. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

Oil-free compressor for full and part load

The commercial refrigerant compressors are designed for water-cooled chiller applications.

Designing modular data centers

When planning for modular data center design, the engineer should focus on attributes such as system efficiency and operational characteristics.

Management system for HVAC equipment

Intelligent Equipment is designed as a factory-installed option to Trailblazer chillers to help building owners and facility managers transform how they manage HVAC equipment.

Water-cooled chiller for tight temperature control

The chiller is system designed for tight temperature control and lowering environmental impact.

Internet-based data and alarm system

The GRM system provides users remote access and control to data and alarms from pumps, controllers, and auxiliary equipment.

Boiler pumping stations

The ThermalPro units are pre-piped, insulated pumping stations for mechanical rooms.

Smart chiller operator dashboard

The Smart Connected Chiller Operator Dashboard is designed to provide chiller plant operators with 24x7 access to chiller trend data and predictive analytics.

Evaluating the other side of BIM

Complete building information management offers a real-time guide to strategic decision making and insight into all areas of the business.

Oil-free magnetic bearing chiller

Daikin's oil-free chiller is designed with magnetic bearing compressor technology and allows the flexibility to maintain stable chiller operations at low load conditions.

45-degree elbows for press systems

Viega's elbows provide flexibility for larger tubing materials in PEX Press systems.

Exploring the high demands for higher education facilities: codes and standards

The design process for higher education facilities has its own set of challenges and requirements. Engineers discuss the current trends, challenges, and experiences with college and university facility projects regarding codes and standards.

Energy-efficiency education dashboard

QA Gateway implements Raspberry Pi technology that allows user to compare and share building data in the form of an education dashboard.

High-efficiency commercial boiler

Lochinvar's Power-Fin commercial boiler offers an input capacity from 2.5 to 5 million Btu/hour, more than doubling its previous capacity.

Back to basics: VRF systems

Know the basics of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to determine if they are the right choice for your next HVAC project.

Facing the challenges of mixed-use buildings: codes and standards

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 regarding codes and standards.

Electric steam boilers for applications requiring saturated steam

FB-E series of electric steam boilers can provide operating pressures up to 85 psi and suitable for applications requiring a design pressure of 100 psi.

Chillers for large buildings and industrial applications

CenTraVac chillers for large buildings and industrial applications such as office and municipal buildings offer choice of current refrigerant R-123 or R-514A.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer welcomes Cory Duggin, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP, to editorial advisory board

Cory Duggin, energy modeling wizard at TLC Engineering for Architecture Inc., has joined the editorial advisory board.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer announces Sunondo Roy, PE, LEED AP BD+C, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board

CCJM Engineers Ltd.’s vice president Sunondo Roy has joined the editorial advisory board.

Cory J. Abramowicz, PE, LEED AP, joins Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board

Cory J. Abramowicz, associate at Environmental Systems Design Inc., has joined the editorial advisory board.

Exact-fit packaged heat pump

Exact-fit packaged heat pump is an addition to the Champion Direct Replacement rooftop solution that features controls and an optional mobile access portal gateway.

High-performance medical and educational building design: Codes and standards

The design of high-performance medical and educational projects are challenging and need to meet specific standards, codes, and trends. Specific codes and standards are critical to follow when designing a building.

Oh, the places you could go

Engineers are spending a great deal of time and energy making connections, more often via in-person meetings, but also via virtual sessions of some sort.

Sizing VFDs for optimal operating efficiency

A new control strategy and implementation system optimize variable frequency drive (VFD) efficiency to meet cooling-air requirements.

Evaporative media humidifier

ME is the evaporative media humidifier and cooler. Evaporative media is the energy efficient way to humidify while giving the evaporative cooling.

Stand-alone health care buildings: Codes and standards

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. Codes and standards dictate much of the design of these facilities.

Fire/life safety: Detection and notification systems

Fire detection systems—including fire, smoke, heat, linear, and intelligent—are required at varying levels in nonresidential buildings.

HVAC, BAS in educational facilities

More than half of respondents to the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS) Study specify, design, or make product selections for educational facilities.

HVAC: Alternative heating/cooling systems

Balancing year-round thermal comfort and energy efficiency in nonresidential buildings is an ongoing challenge for mechanical engineers. Emphasis on building performance and adoption of energy-efficient building codes are increasing.

Rooftop replacement solution

York Direct Fit rooftop replacement features an exact-fit replacement design that matches the units to footprints of other manufacturers’ units.

Connectors for ductless air conditioning

Aspen Xtra offers all the necessary connectors, adaptors, brackets and supports needed to properly, aesthetically and efficiently mount, connect and run condensate hoses, line sets and communication/power cabling for ductless air conditioning applications.

Refrigerants for screw compressors

R1234yf and R1234ze(E) HFO refrigerants are suitable for air conditioning, medium temperature applications, and heat pumps.

Data centers’ intricate design: HVAC

Data centers are important structures that hold vital information for businesses, schools, public agencies, and private individuals. HVAC systems must be designed with efficiency in mind.

Two-in-one humidification system

DL Series two-in-one humidification system is two adiabatic humidification methods intelligently combined.

Data centers’ intricate design: Codes and standards

Data centers are important structures that hold vital information for businesses, schools, public agencies, and private individuals. A variety of codes and standards guide engineers in designing these data centers.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 18-24: LED codes and standards, equipment selection, Product of the Year, more

Articles about LED codes and standards, aspects to consider in equipment selection, the 2016 Product of the Year awards, following coordination best practices, and energy savings in electrical distribution systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from April 18-24. Miss something? You can catch up here.

14 aspects to consider in equipment selection

Mechanical engineers should consider these key aspects when specifying systems for a building owner.

Preconditioned outside air system

Dedicated outdoor air system allows for flexible building design with selectable airflow rates between 1200 to 2000 cfm.

Variable air volume (VAV) controllers

The Eclypse Connected VAV Controller series, BTL listed (B-BC), successfully distributes IP connectivity throughout buildings to the terminal equipment level.

Direct room humidifier

The humiSonic Direct uses ultrasonic technology to atomize water in extremely fine droplets that are distributed and immediately absorbed in the air around the unit.

Desiccant dehumidification system

Ascendant, a conventional cooling active desiccant dehumidification system, delivers and controls low-dewpoint air while minimizing regeneration energy.

Thermal supervisory control

The Liebert iCOM-S is an integrated, system-level thermal supervisory control for accessing, monitoring, and controlling multiple data center cooling units, sensors, and thermal equipment.

Air-cooled chillers

Trane Sintesis air-cooled chillers provide energy efficiency and refrigerant choices to help customers meet their project needs.

Horizontal-configuration rooftop units

RN Series horizontal-configuration rooftop units combine the premier features and options of an AAON rooftop unit with horizontal return and supply airflow connections to maximize application flexibility.

Dual-stage relief economizer

Dual Stage Relief Economizer uses a typical economizer with barometric relief and integrates an additional relief plenum from the building space up through the rooftop unit that bypasses traditional barometric relief dampers.

High-efficiency condensing boiler

The Evergreen boiler is built with innovative features that are simple to understand, making it easy to install, use, and maintain it for the long run.

Active and passive chilled beams

York chilled beams transport cooling and heating through water versus air, to condition a space while using little energy to maintain a comfortable building environment.

Energy saving solution

Smart Store enhances food safety and provides integrated control of refrigeration, HVAC, lighting, and other applications, connecting and optimizing supermarket from case to cloud.

Fault detection and monitoring technology

Fault detection and diagnostics technology is available with smart equipment controls and monitors refrigeration circuit temperatures and pressures as well as outdoor humidity and temperatures.

Enhancing the learning experience in K-12 schools: HVAC

K-12 schools are among the most important projects engineers can tackle. Mechanical engineers focus on HVAC systems, including unique heating and cooling options, building envelope, and air quality.

Enhancing the learning experience in K-12 schools: Codes and standards

K-12 schools are among the most important projects engineers can tackle. Codes and standards dictate the design of each educational facility.

Thermal management in 2016: where we’re heading

There are several key trends to consider in data center thermal management.

Central controller with network adapter software

Variable refrigerant flow systems can be integrated with a BACnet or LonWorks system with adapters, or can use a remote-access, web-based dedicated system.

Outside air system

PremiSys Fusion is a split-system solution consisting of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) outdoor unit and an air handler and can be used for acclimatizing outside air for commercial buildings.

U.S. commercial refrigeration equipment demand to exceed $11 billion

U.S. demand for commercial refrigeration equipment is forecast to increase 3.1% per year through 2020 to $11.3 billion, moderating from the 2010-2015 period, when growth was bolstered by a rebound in sales after the economic recession.

Airflow indoor units

Art Cool Mirror allows the control of airflow direction from side to side and operates at sound levels no higher than 43 dB(A).

How does your hospital stack up: Report examines electricity, fossil fuel, water/sewer, carbon footprint

The Grumman/Butkus Associates 2015 Hospital Benchmarking Survey has been released. Hospitals’ energy costs per square foot have fluctuated greatly since 1999. Energy use intensity (Btu/sq ft/year) fell in 2014 after a fairly sharp rise in 2013, probably due to a somewhat milder winter in 2013-14 versus 2012-13.

Dedicated outdoor air system dehumidifiers

Outdoor Air series features the refrigerant charge and easy installation in the HVAC industry as well as variable refrigerant flow and active chilled-beam design applications.

Duct and fittings for linesets

The Slimduct lineset-protection cover kit provides the duct and fittings necessary for protecting and aesthetically concealing linesets in a routine central split-system or minisplit air conditioning installation.

Mixed-flow inline fans

Available in 11 sizes, Model EQB mixed-flow inline fans deliver efficiency and low sound levels.

There’s water (vapor) in the air: benefits and considerations of humidification

While too much or too little humidity may cause discomfort for or even impose certain risks on some people, just the right amount can be beneficial. Relative humidity ranging from 30 to 60% is recommended for the prevention and treatment of disease as noted in the 2012 ASHRAE HANDBOOK-HVAC Systems and Equipment.

Class A office building system design: HVAC

Class A office buildings are among the toughest projects an engineer can work on—complex structures, demanding clients, and advanced technology. HVAC systems are a key component of these office buildings.

Class A office building system design

Class A office buildings are among the toughest projects an engineer can work on—complex structures, demanding clients, and advanced technology.

Air conditioning and BAS integration

Smart BACnet Gateway can be accessed from the Web, a 10.2-in. LCD touchscreen, or through the BAS.

Weather louvers and dampers for building protection

Louver EME6325D and CD60 Control Damper are designed for buildings that can withstand high winds and other risk factors.

Changing belt driven fan speeds

One of the duties normally assigned to the TAB firm on a TAB project is to make final adjustments to fan speeds to achieve design air flow. Doing so, professionally, will result in the system performing as close to design as the installed equipment will provide.

Fault detector for rooftop-unit performance

York Fault Detection and Diagnostics helps to maximize rooftop-unit performance by monitoring refrigeration circuit temperatures and pressures, economizer operation, and outdoor humidity and temperatures.

Have you ever thought about how federal legislation affects your job?

Engineers generally don't get very involved in politics, but that needs to change. Engineering is changing from a profession that enjoys legal protection to a profession that enjoys legal protection and also needs to comply with the law in a manner that is well beyond traditional compliance with codes and standards.

Monitoring system with low-measurement sensitivity

PM 100 PRO allows for low-measurement sensitivity and provides seamless EPA, MACT, and NESHAP compliance.

PBA promotes Awabdeh, Conrad, Laginess, and Graettinger to VP

Peter Basso Associates has promoted four people to vice president.

Hydronic boiler

Multifuel condensing hydronic boiler is capable of being fired with natural gas, propane, or #2 fuel oil at facilities requiring backup fuel and is available in 3 to10 million Btu/h capacities.

Integrated chilled beam system

Ventus Lux is an integrated chilled beam system that offers compact ductwork and air handling units, reducing ceiling cavity heights and mechanical room footprints.

Combination fire/smoke dampers

DFD, FD, and FSD series fire and combination fire/smoke dampers are approved for installation in horizontal, nonconcrete, fire-rated barriers and can be specified for use in UL floor/ceiling design I503.

Four-cylinder compressors

CKH reciprocating compressors for transcritical carbon dioxide offer speed adjustment between 30 and 70 Hz and work with low-pressure pulsation.

Commercial rooftop ventilator

ecoPowerHybrid combines gravity and motorized ventilation and is based on a turbine that offers high cfm with flat rainproof hats while giving free airflow caused by wind, hot air, or both.

Motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency

Engineers must understand how the components in the HVAC systems they design use power and how they can be optimized without compromising traditional design values. Motors and drives are shown in relation to the design of HVAC systems.

Stationary vertical-blade louver

AMCA 550- and 540-listed, Model EVH-501D stationary vertical-blade louver features vertical blades, offers protection against wind-driven rain, and provides low-airflow resistance.

High-performance UVC for HVAC installation kit

The Rapid Install Kit brings ease of installation to the company’s line of high-performance UVC for HVAC systems while using Steril-Aire Enhanced Single Ended Emitters with moisture-resistant IP67-compliant connectors.

Duct-free mini splits

Johnson Controls' seven duct-free mini split product lines feature up to 30 SEER efficiency as well as Wi-Fi, wired, and central control options.

Online tool for high-quality 3-D information

Autodesk Seek is designed for use with Autodesk Revit software and helps designers find high-quality BIM files, 2-D drawings, and product specifications ready for use in a Revit building model.

Constructing college, university buildings wisely: HVAC

Engineering mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection systems in colleges and universities requires designers to look toward the future of postsecondary education, and consider all aspects of a building and its occupants. When designing HVAC systems, mechanical engineers have several options to consider.

Duct-free mini split product lines

York duct-free mini split product lines combine energy efficiency, quiet operation, Wi-Fi control options, and more.

Arup Thoughts: How can we make zero-carbon high-rise a reality?

As urbanisation around the world drives demand for high-rise buildings, making those buildings zero-carbon is one of the biggest challenges facing engineers.

Wind-driven, rain-resistant louver

Ruskin's EME3625 offers water resistance to horizontal blade design, low pressure drop, and water penetration, and fits applications where high air volumes and prominent water performance are required.

Commercial-packaged rooftop systems

Daikin's Rebel commercial-packaged rooftop systems range from 3- to 28-ton sizes, enabling owners of large buildings to decrease the number of required units.

Using warm water for data center cooling

There are many ways to cool a data center. Engineers should explore the various cooling options and apply the solution that’s appropriate for the application.

Stainless steel boiler line

Bosch Rexroth's Buderus SSB Series is designed with stainless steel construction and includes condensing technology in four separate chassis sizes.

Fire dampers

Greenheck's non-actuated fire dampers are available in large width and height and designed to protect oversized openings in buildings.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 30 to December 6: Outdoor air systems, HVAC control systems, HVAC and smoke control, more

Articles about dedicated outdoor air systems, HVAC system automation and controls, HVAC fans and smoke control, the value of an engineer, and modeling building lighting systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 30 to December 6. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Temperature-sensing and fan-speed control series

Allure EC-Smart-Comfort communicating sensor series provides temperature-sensing and fan-speed control with additional features of lights adjusting and shade/sun-blind.

MEP construction layout software

Field Link MEP construction layout software can be used for performing outdoor construction layout tasks.

Eight trends in HVAC, BAS

Respondents to the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 HVAC and Building Automation Systems (BAS) Study identified eight high-level findings.

Healthy hospital success: HVAC

With hospital projects, it is imperative that engineers get everything exactly right—after all, the lives of patients treated in the health care building may depend on it. HVAC systems are top-of-mind for engineers.

Healthy hospital success

With hospital projects, it is imperative that engineers get everything exactly right—after all, the lives of patients treated in the health care building may depend on it.

Healthy hospital success: Codes and standards

With hospital projects, it is imperative that engineers get everything exactly right—after all, the lives of patients treated in the health care building may depend on it. Codes and standards, including NFPA and Facility Guidelines Institute, are reviewed.

Dedicated outdoor air systems and code compliance

Dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) deliver dehumidified air to buildings to improve the indoor air quality and thermal comfort.

Hospital’s pretreat units keep patients healthy

With no exterior wall from which to directly access outdoor air (OA), roof-mounted pretreat units provided the correct amount of ventilation air to meet the hospital’s needs.

Health care facility includes complex smoke-control system

The atrium size and the building code enforced during design required a large amount of outdoor air (OA) to be correctly supplied to the atrium at multiple levels to satisfy the smoke-exhaust requirements and maintain clear egress paths at each level.

Automation and controls for HVAC systems

Here are some best practices for designing building automation systems (BAS) and controls for HVAC systems.

Air-measuring dampers

Greenheck's AMD-TD series combines the functionality of a thermal-dispersion airflow station and a control damper while measuring airflow down to 100 fpm.

Pump module for chilled-beam designs

Semco's Neuton is the HVAC plug-and-play controlled chilled-beam pump module (CCBPM) that is designed for reducing chilled-beam system installation and operational costs.

Your questions answered: Retrofitting HVAC systems in existing buildings

While the mechanical engineering team has much more control over how HVAC systems are designed and how they fit into the facility for new construction, retrofitting HVAC systems to accommodate existing buildings is considerably more challenging.

Designing, enhancing office buildings: HVAC

Office buildings might seem like relatively simple structures, but engineers with experience in the field know differently. The HVAC system is key to the comfort of building occupants.

Air-source outdoor units

Mitsubishi Electric's updated line of air source VRF outdoor units use HexiCoil technology.

Displacement ventilation best practices

Displacement ventilation (DV) is a low-velocity, non-turbulent cooling system for commercial buildings that is not always fully understood. Learn when and where these DV systems can be best used.

Limitations of fan filter units

Fan filter units are used in a T-grid ceiling system or Sheetrock ceiling. What is often overlooked is that fan filter units with certain constant-volume ECM fan motors are not recommended for use with all systems.

Blower coil product line

Titus HVAC has upgraded its blower coil product line with compact air handlers that have capacity to service larger facilities.

Getting it right in mixed-use buildings: HVAC

Mixed-use buildings—often a combination of retail and residential—are unique structures with varying needs. HVAC systems should be carefully considered.

Fan retrofit solution

WhisperFit EZ with the Flex-Z Fast installation bracket and custom airflow system is available in three different models.

Getting it right in mixed-use buildings: Codes and standards

Mixed-use buildings—often a combination of retail and residential—are unique structures with varying needs. A variety of codes and standards dictate building design.

BACnet controller

WAGO’s BACnet MS/TP controller acts as a control gateway to integrate connected I/O modules and convey connectivity to actuators and sensors.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center September update

The project is wrapping up with final check on the building pressure relationships and owner punch.

Air-cooled scroll chillers for K-12 schools

Trailblazer air-cooled scroll chillers minimize costs and simplify maintenance for school facility managers.

Mixed-flow in-line fans

MFT mixed-flow in-line fans are designed for light commercial ventilation applications.

Utility set fan series

Greenheck’s utility set fan series offers multiple levels of construction to meet a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

Cooling towers

Marley NC 8400 cooling tower features increased efficiencies and a reduced footprint for new and replacement cooling in HVAC, light industrial, and power applications.

Commissioning commercial buildings: HVAC

Ideally, all nonresidential buildings would be commissioned, and the team would start at the onset of the project. Because that’s not always the case, commissioning authorities and experts offer advice HVAC systems in various stages of commissioning, recommissioning, or retro-commissioning.

Commissioning commercial buildings: Codes and standards

Ideally, all nonresidential buildings would be commissioned, and the team would start at the onset of the project. Because that’s not always the case, commissioning authorities and experts offer codes and standards advice on building projects in various stages of commissioning, recommissioning, or retro-commissioning.

Project profile: Chiller retrofit at office building

A prepackaged chiller retrofit cuts energy costs by 30%, reduces required maintenance, and extends operating life at Duke Realty Corp.’s 19-story office building in Clayton, Mo.

Dual compressor centrifugal chillers

York YD model “C” dual compressor centrifugal chillers from Johnson Controls feature Optispeed variable speed drives (VSD) and a large chill capacity.

Refrigerated compressed air dryers

SPX's HPR and HPRN non-cycling, refrigerated compressed-air dryers include 19 models with capacities ranging from 10 to 500 scfm.

Energy unit controller

Lennox’s Prodigy 2.0 unit controller is designed to save energy and extend the life of HVAC equipment, is compatible with major automation protocols, and can integrate with building management systems (BMS).

Energy-recovery ventilator

Greenheck’s Model ECV energy-recovery ventilator uses a total energy core to provide preconditioned outdoor air.

Optimation Technology Inc.: Conveyance and Roller Design Consulting

System overhaul of an industrial/manufacturing facility/warehouse

Thermal controls for data center system optimization

Emerson Network Power's Liebert iCOM thermal controls are designed to eliminate single points of failure as well as monitor and manage the data center environment and its thermal-management systems.

Recycling 101: waste heat recovery

Waste heat recovery systems are increasingly used in mixed-use buildings to move waste heat from laboratories, data centers, or industrial activities to provide beneficial heating in other parts of the building. Recovering waste heat becomes an attractive option for facilities working to achieve low energy use (such as net zero energy or high-performance buildings) and to reduce emissions.

Arup Thoughts: Throwing control out of the window

Engineers should design for less air conditioning and providing the end user with more control – convincing the client is the key to this strategy.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 3-9: Cogeneration systems, LED codes and standards, hot water systems, more

Articles about cogeneration systems, LED codes and standards, efficient hot water systems, data center PUE and efficiency, and IAQ in hospitals were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 3-9. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center August update

Finishing up with commissioning and medical gas verification.

Air source VRF outdoor units

L-Generation air source outdoor units provide water-shedding capability and corrosion resistance, prolonging the outdoor unit’s lifespan.

Engineering on an international scale: HVAC

Working on projects clear across the globe may introduce more obstacles to overcome than mere distance and language barriers—each locale comes with its own codes, climate conditions, and unique characteristics. Heating and cooling must be carefully considered.

Engineering on an international scale: Codes and standards

Working on projects clear across the globe may introduce more obstacles to overcome than mere distance and language barriers—each locale comes with its own codes, climate conditions, and unique characteristics. Building codes and standards are at the forefront.

Integrated boiler system

CBEX boilers are sized from 900 to 1,200 hp and features an integrated boiler, burner, control, and heat-recovery system.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 20-26: Internet of Things and engineers, IAQ in hospitals, HVAC vibration and sound problems, more

Articles about the IoT and consulting-specifying engineers, IAQ in hospitals, HVAC noise and vibration problems, implementing microgrids, and variable refrigerant flow were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 20-26. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Saving energy on heating, cooling loads

Part 2 of this 3-part series provides details on how to specify energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Case study: Zero-net energy transit center

The John W. Olver Transit Center zero-net energy (ZNE) project is a high-performance building designed with reduced energy loads, passive design strategies, maximized efficiency of mechanical and electrical systems, and on-site power generation.

Defining net zero energy

ASHRAE has a goal: net zero energy for all new buildings by 2030. What do engineers need to know to achieve this goal on their projects? How can the various engineered systems within a nonresidential building be integrated to achieve this goal?

Solving noise, vibration problems in HVAC systems

Vibration, sound, and noise can be mitigated by designing HVAC systems properly, which may include isolation pads, flexible pipe connectors, or other means.

Vibration management

There are several vibration isolators available; select the best option for the application.

Rooftop units

These rooftop units feature four stages of cooling and four stages of heating for improved energy efficiency.

Indoor air quality in hospitals

Hospitals and health care facilities must comply with ASHRAE and other regulatory standards with respect to air change rates, humidity requirements, and pressurization. ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is the most commonly referenced standard to meet appropriate HVAC system design. Other factors to consider include the use of UV light to reduce hospital-acquired infections, unique air requirements, and outdoor air systems.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center July update

Final phase of the project includes gas verification, owner punch, commissioning, and IBS punch.

Large-capacity chiller

This chiller uses a next-generation, low GWP refrigerant.

Portable fan

Designed with versatility in mind, the frame fits through standard interior doorways and plugs into any 110 V power supply.

Code or standard?

What's the difference between a code and a standard?

Industrial-strength design: HVAC systems

Manufacturing and industrial facilities tackle heavy-duty projects during their day-to-day operations—so it makes sense that engineers working on such structures face a number of tough challenges. Engineers offer advice on how to achieve strong results in HVAC systems and to achieve sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.

HVAC and BAS study: Comparable trends between small and large firms

Below are a few key comparisons between small and large engineering firms that specify HVAC and building automation systems (BAS).

Remote-connectivity platforms for boilers

The remote-connectivity platform allows most smart devices to be linked with compatible smart system boiler controls from around the corner or halfway around the world.

Top HVAC trends in 2015: What industry insiders tell us about the future of HVAC

Industry experts reveal how HVAC contractors and service businesses can take advantage of this year’s newest technologies and research findings to make 2015 their best year yet.

Is VRF right for your next project?

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems can be specified into a variety of buildings, especially those that require flexibility.

Air-cooled chiller

This air-cooled chiller that is energy efficient and quiet, and offers customers the choice of operating with a next generation, lower global warming potential refrigerant.

Ductless and modular HVAC solution

Johnson Controls' VRF solution, a ductless and modular HVAC solution heats and cools multiple building zones.

Radiant heating panel

REHAU's RAUBOARD radiant heating system is designed for above-floor installations.

Arup Thoughts: Don’t ignore passive design

Naturally ventilated buildings are comfortable for the vast majority of the time and can produce a healthy environment with very low energy use.

AMCA certified operable louver

The ELM90HFA offers a full 90-deg blade opening to achieve the highest free area, 74% in the industry.

Packaged rooftop ventilation line

Greenheck's packaged rooftop ventilation line includes Model RV(E)-120, a pre-engineered system featuring increased performance capabilities for larger dedicated outdoor air systems, multi-zone VAV systems, and single-zone VAV systems.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center June update

TAB for bed tower is being finished. Hospital level 3 punch list is in progress.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 1-7: Selecting an HVAC pump, 40 Under 40 winners, smart to intelligent buildings, more

Articles about selecting an HVAC pump, 2015 40 Under 40 winners, graduating to intelligent buildings, a net-zero energy building case study, and CHW system designs were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Condensing hydronic boiler

Condensing boilers achieve efficiencies in the high-90s, and Cleaver-Brooks offers a full range of systems from 500 to 12,000 MBtu/hr.

HVLS fans

HVLS fans from Rite-Hite Corp. are designed to deliver optimal performance.

Closed-circuit cooling tower

Baltimore Aircoil's PFi Closed Circuit Cooling Tower provides a low-cost, efficient cooling tower option.

Creating efficient, effective labs: Building automation, controls

Laboratory and research facility operators must produce precise, reliable results every time in order to stay in business—and they insist upon that same precision from the engineers working on their buildings. Building automation systems and integration often come into play.

Air handling units

Liebert Custom Air Handling Units is a line of air handling solutions for mission critical environments.

Creating efficient, effective labs: HVAC and energy efficiency

Laboratory and research facility operators must produce precise, reliable results every time in order to stay in business—and they insist upon that same precision from the engineers working on their buildings. HVAC system design—including ventilation, indoor air quality, and sustainable systems—must be carefully considered.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 18-24: Interpreting NFPA 72, LCCA for HVAC systems, 40 Under 40 winners, more

Articles about interpreting NFPA 72, LCCA for HVAC systems, the 2015 40 Under 40 winners, webcast questions and answers on arc flash reduction, and CHW system design were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 18-24. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Control system

Trane Tracer Concierge is a control system that provides an easy and affordable way for building owners to gain simplified HVAC and lighting control.

Selecting an HVAC pump

The flow rate, pressure losses, best efficiency point compared to the duty point, and the operating cost are all important factors when selecting a pump for HVAC applications.

Report: New, existing building projects for HVAC systems in the U.S.

While total construction market in the United States has grown at a modest CAGR of 2.4% from 2012 to 2014, IHS found in its recent report "World Market for HVAC Equipment" that 65.2% of total HVAC units sold into nonresidential buildings were retrofit sales.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 11-17: 40 Under 40 winners, leveraging the BAS, CHW system design, more

Articles about the 2015 40 Under 40 winners, leveraging the BAS, CHW system design, lighting and HVAC integration, and webcast questions and answers on arc flash reduction were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 11-17. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

2015 40 Under 40: Fletcher J. Clarcq, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, 39

Principal/Lead Mechanical Engineer, SmithGroupJJR, Phoenix BS Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University

2015 40 Under 40: Timothy D. Eickman, PE, LEED AP, 40

Principal, Michaud Cooley Erickson, Minneapolis BS Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University

2015 40 Under 40: Jeremy Fauber, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 36

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Heapy Engineering, Dayton, Ohio BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton

York LX series packaged units

York LX Series packaged units by Johnson Controls offer a contractor-friendly design, easy installation and service, reliable technology and an advanced manufacturing process.

Graduating from smart to intelligent buildings

Technology is changing what is possible in the built environment. Smart buildings integrate the design of the infrastructure, building and facility systems, communications, business systems, and technology solutions that contribute to sustainability and operational efficiency.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center May update

Hospital level 2 is partially ready for furniture move-in. Hospital level 3 punch is underway.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 4-10: Lighting and HVAC integration, CHW system design, 40 Under 40, more

Articles about lighting and HVAC integration, CHW system design, the 40 Under 40 program, Product of the Year finalists, and leveraging the BAS were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 4-10. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Line of evaporative condensers

A line of evaporative condensers, Marley Cube Series, meets the demands of the industrial refrigeration market.

VRF market presents dilemma for engineers

Market report shows that the market for VRF systems in the U.S. has grown only marginally.

Power distribution panel

An updated version of the 1200 A 600 Vac Portable I-Line Power Distribution Panel has been released.

Packaged boiler

CBEX Elite packaged boiler reduces emissions while operating more efficiently.

Case study: Schools decrease energy costs through upgrades

The Turner County School District will save millions in energy costs, from its HVAC to its lighting systems.

Integration: Lighting and HVAC systems

By considering the first principles of radiative energy, engineers can determine how to balance daylight, electric light, and HVAC systems, particularly considering various options for daylight control and the advent of LEDs.

Energy recovery ventilator

MiniCore energy recovery ventilator provides preconditioned fresh outdoor air for commercial applications.

Leveraging the BAS

By using the building automation system (BAS) to its fullest extent, a school district was able to control its HVAC, electrical, and lighting systems.

Government building design: HVAC

When your client is the government, engineering design can be tricky, thanks to stepped-up regulations, budgetary concerns, and other considerations. Respondents discuss HVAC topics in government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities.

Government building design: Sustainability and energy efficiency

When your client is the government, engineering design can be tricky, thanks to stepped-up regulations, budgetary concerns, and other considerations. Respondents discuss sustainability and energy efficiency in government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities.

Government building design: Codes and standards

When your client is the government, engineering design can be tricky, thanks to stepped-up regulations, budgetary concerns, and other considerations. Respondents discuss the intricate codes and standards for government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities.

Government building design

When your client is the government, engineering design can be tricky, thanks to stepped-up regulations, budgetary concerns, and other considerations. Respondents discuss government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities.

Selecting a boiler for heating, process loads

Boilers for heating and domestic hot water systems are used in many nonresidential buildings and across educational, hospital, and industrial campuses. This article reviews the codes and standards that regulate boiler system specification and design, plus energy efficiency and efficacy of these boiler systems.

Case study: Boiler system design to constraints

A food manufacturing facility had unique requirements for its boiler systems.

Automatic variable-air-volume dampers

The SmartAire MZ offers four independent control zones, a simplified user interface on the unit and on screen, and greater integration with existing DCIM and BAS.

HVAC system uses IoT

Intelligent Equipment harnesses the Internet of Things (IoT) for commercial HVAC equipment.

BPHEs for chillers

Complete high-efficiency product range for chiller applications available.

Boiler system control

Hydronic System Control (HSC) fits both new and existing hydronic boiler systems.

Project profile: Air reserve station energy-saving project

Occupancy sensors have saved more than $166,000 for the air reserve station.

Fixtureless UV-C lamp

The RLM Xtreme fixtureless UV-C lamp system delivers high-output ultraviolet energy to irradiate coils and destroy mold, bacteria, and viruses in demanding and high-volume HVAC environments.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year finalists: HVAC

Read about the 12 finalists in the HVAC category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015 Product of the Year program.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center April update

Hospital level 1 is ready for furniture move-in. Hospital level 2 punchlist is underway.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 30 to April 5: ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, LCCA for HVAC systems, fire suppression piping systems; more

Articles about ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, LCCA for HVAC systems, seismic design for fire suppression systems, HVAC equipment demand in the U.S., and standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 30 to April 5. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Hydronic balancing valve

Compact Pressure Independent Balancing and Control Valve increases diagnostic and energy efficiency.

What every TAB technician needs to know about indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) contributes to a substantial number of health problems. ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 addresses the most common factors related to the comfort of occupants within the space. This article outlines the guidelines.

Compass software 1.2

Latest software update optimizes buildings' HVAC energy use and monitors and controls numerous other building systems.

Condensing boilers

Condensing boilers to include three models with 750,000, 1.0 million, and 1.25 million Btu/hr inputs.

U.S. demand for HVAC equipment to reach $20.4 billion in 2019

According to a recent report, demand for HVAC equipment is forecast to increase 6.8% annually through 2019.

Modular chiller and configured packaged rooftop system

Modular chiller and configured packaged rooftop system product lines meet a wide scope of needs across the North American commercial HVAC market.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 23-29: Standby, emergency power in mission critical facilities; the IoT and data centers; motor and VFD pitfalls; more

Articles about standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities, the Internet of Things and data centers, pitfalls in specifying motors and VFDs, piping arrangements for fire pumps, and energy performance in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 23-29. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Ductless split systems

Three wall-mounted ductless split systems offer efficiencies up to 33 SEER.

Learning objective: Designing K-12 schools: HVAC systems

In K-12 schools, technological advancements, code requirements, and other demands placed on engineers are consistently increasing, while limitations like budget restraints remain a challenge. HVAC systems, air quality, and acoustics are discussed here.

Axial fan for evaporator, condenser applications

ebm-papst's W1G200 axial fan with bus communication can be used to circulate air in either evaporator or condenser applications.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 16-22: LCCA for HVAC systems, piping arrangements for fire pumps, VFD and motor strategies, more

Articles about LCCA for HVAC systems, piping arrangements for fire pumps, pitfalls in specifying motors and VFDs, standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities, and intelligent lighting control were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

HVAC analysis system

Sefaira connects engineers and architects directly on one cloud platform and allows them to perform early-stage HVAC system analysis.

Operating room ceiling system

The Atlas Operating Room Ceiling System (AORCS) is making it easier to build critical environments like operating and imaging rooms with future flexibility in mind.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 9-15: Data center design, optimizing genset sizing, VFD and motor strategies, more

Articles about optimizing genset sizing, standby vs. emergency power in mission critical facilities, pitfalls in specifying motors and VFDs, increasing transformer efficiency, and key findings from the 2014 electrical, power study were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 9-15. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Cabinet for raised floor data centers

IsoFlo Cabinet isolates the inlet and exhaust airflow paths for efficient, cost-effective, and flexible data center design and operation.

Water-cooled chiller line

New sizes increases flexibility and energy efficiency in mission critical applications.

LCCA for HVAC systems

Lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a tool used to determine the most cost-effective option among HVAC system alternatives.

Making decisions using LCCA

The design team agreed that the investment decision of whether to build an on-site plant or use the local energy options should be determined using LCCA.

LCCA best practices

Incorporate these best practices when working with a building owner to create a lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA).

LCCA resources

Several resources can help the engineer craft a lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA).

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 2-8: Data center design, optimizing genset sizing, VFD and motor strategies, more

Articles about driving data center design, optimizing genset sizing, VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, HVAC controls trends for 2015, and an alternative HVAC systems Q&A were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 2-8. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center March update

South Clinic TAB is completed. Functional performance testing on the boiler system, water softener, and domestic water heat exchangers is underway.

Ductless split system operates with optimal effciency

A ductless split system offering up to 33 SEER operates with optimal efficiency at ambient temperatures of -15 F.

Alternative HVAC systems Q&A

Unaddressed questions from the Feb. 26, 2015, webcast on alternative heating/cooling systems include topics like variable refrigerant flow, energy modeling, and natural ventilation.

Process cooling unit for indoor environments

The gPod process cooling unit provides a solution for indoor environments, where floor space is limited.

Vertical units offer thermal, cooling efficiencies

Allied Air Enterprises' V-Series of vertical units offer thermal efficiencies of up to 95% and cooling up to 11.0 EER.

Active chilled beams

Active chilled beams provide high efficiency cooling/heating and are specifically designed for the loads of North American commercial building applications at hospitals, office buildings, and schools.

Online boiler selection system

Website with integrated CAD solution that simplifies online boiler selection by making it easy to download or import BIM-compatible 2- and 3-D CAD/Revit objects directly into design/specification software.

Inverted flare zone valve for retrofit and new construction

This zone valve line uses microcircuit-based logic to control a gear-driven electronic actuator that drives a ball valve-based body design.

Integrated combustion system

The Slate Integrated Combustion System is designed to simplify the engineering of combustion equipment controls in one, easy-to-program platform and is designed for commercial and industrial boilers as well as other applications.

Variable speed integrated solution

Copeland Scroll variable speed compressor line offers an expansive speed range and high part load efficiency.

VRF zoning outdoor units

The VRF zoning series feature higher efficiency and heating startup.

Air quality estimation software

SCOPE estimation software calculates outdoor air and ROI for ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1's VRP and IAQP

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 9-15: VFD and motor strategies, driving data center design, lab ventilation system design, more

Articles about VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, driving data center design, designing lab ventilation systems, connecting buildings via the Internet of Things, and intelligent lighting control and energy performance were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 9-15. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Variable air volume system

The VariCool EZ-Fit is a self-contained variable air volume (VAV) system that comes in a single-module system that provides up to 35 tons of cooling and a dual module system that provides up to 70 tons.

Condensing wall-hung boiler

The Condensing Gas Heating Boiler (NHB) is available in four sizes and is designed for light commercial use and includes features like a timed hydronic supply water boost feature, an adjustable heat capacity, and an anti-cycle timer.

Top HVAC controls trends for 2015

As the world becomes more concerned about carbon emissions and energy consumption, the overall efficiency of commercial buildings will remain a key area of focus. The processes and products used by buildings in 2015 will keep evolving as manufacturers, integrators and building owners continue to experiment in order to find better ways of cutting wasteful energy usage.

Aluminum desiccant wheel

Semco's Unitary Wheel Cassette (UWC) Series is a latent energy recovery aluminum desiccant wheel that is designed and packaged as an HVAC drop-in replacement for polymer desiccant wheels in most unitary ERV brands.

CxEnergy technical sessions offer AIA-approved education credits

Credits are also available for CxEnergy 2015 attendees via ABIH, ACAC, GBCI, and other certifying bodies.

Self-contained portable heat pump

The Climate Pro 18 portable heat pump combines cooling and heating capabilities in a single, self‑contained unit with a controller that features an LCD screen that displays diagnostics and step-by-step instructions to start, set up, or restore operation.

CMD: U.S. and Canadian HVAC manufacturers combined annual sales soared to almost $50 billion in 2014

According to a white paper published by CMD, U.S. producers of HVAC equipment can be optimistic about their potential sales over the next 2 years.

Sustainable alternative refrigerant products to be released this year

Investment helps the refrigeration industry prepare for anticipated EPA and European Union refrigerant delisting rules.

Driving data center design: HVAC

In the information age, data centers can be the beating heart of not just a building, but an entire global corporation. Data center cooling is a key component of the design of these mission critical facilities.

Integrated chiller plant control system

The IPC 9521 Integrated Plant Control system is designed to help building owners achieve energy efficiency in chiller plant systems and uses a base-level platform that can be easily upgraded as installation requirements evolve.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center January and February update

South Clinic TAB is completed. Functional performance testing on the boiler system, water softener, and domestic water heat exchangers is underway.

2015 NEBB Conference to focus on HVAC, BAS issues and standards

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau is hosting its 2015 annual conference in Honolulu April 16 to 18. The conference will cover topics including fume hood testing, cleanroom performance testing, NEBB building enclosure testing, and NEBB retro-commissioning for certified professionals.

Driving data center design: Codes and standards

In the information age, data centers can be the beating heart of not just a building, but an entire global corporation. Local codes and standards must be carefully reviewed and adhered to.

Horizontal two-compressor dehumidifier

Seresco's NE 200 Series is a horizontal two-compressor dehumidifier.

Taco CEO: Three ways to accelerate growth

At the 2015 AHR Expo, Taco Inc.’s CEO John Hazen White Jr. revealed the company’s strategic plan for growth.

2015 AHR Expo breaks three records

2015 AHR Expo was held on January 26 through 28 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year, the show experienced record numbers of exhibiting companies, exhibiting spaces, and international exhibitors.

ASHRAE and AHR Expo survey: HVACR manufacturers’ optimism continues to grow for 2015

According to a recent survey sent to more than 1,000 HVACR manufacturers worldwide, there is growing optimism for improving economic prospects in 2015.

Cross-flow cooling tower

The AXS line of cooling towers use cross-flow technology and are designed to perform efficiently in high-load conditions while using a minimal footprint.

Light system for commercial HVAC units

The Stinger UV-C fixture series is designed to efficiently destroy surface microbes and degrade organic materials that impede HVAC system efficiency.

Ventilation systems for schools

The Quick Ship program is designed to deliver ventilation systems for schools within 10 days. A full range of sizes are available from 750 to 1500 cfm to accommodate the capacity of any classroom.

Designing lab ventilation systems

Engineers should consider the codes and standards, safety, risk mitigation, and potential energy savings when designing laboratory ventilation systems.

Unit heater for commercial applications

Expanse unit heater comes with tubular heat exchanger that is suitable for commercial real estate, municipal buildings, and industrial and institutional facilities.

VFD, motor strategies for energy efficiency

A variable frequency drive (VFD) often is specified to reduce operational cost for pumps, fans, compressors, or any similar equipment with variable load profiles that may be found in a typical building. Here’s how to specify a VFD to meet load conditions while achieving efficiency.

Common pitfalls in specifying motors and VFDs

Ten common issues that can affect functionality of motors and variable frequency drive (VFD) specification.

Heat sinks for solid state switching

These heat sinks come with DIN rail, panel and through-wall mounting, and options for single or multiple SSR assemblies.

Condensing boilers and emissions regulations

For this Shippensburg University boiler replacement project, major consideration was given to local codes, space requirements, boiler control, and emission reductions.

University CHP achieves efficiency

A university considered several design and upgrade alternatives for its central heating plant (CHP) to maximize energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Designing higher education facilities: Codes and standards

The world is getting more high-tech, and the colleges and universities preparing students to work in an increasingly advanced environment must keep pace. Engineers have a bevy of codes and standards they must adhere to.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 15-21: Effective health care facilities, integrating fire protection and HVAC systems, HVAC and building automation study, more

Articles about effective health care facilities; integrating fire protection and HVAC systems; the 2014 HVAC and building automation study; designing smoke control systems; and flexible and sustainable electrical systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Selecting fire pumps

The key for fire protection engineers is to understand the requirements of both NFPA 20 and NFPA 70 to properly choose and configure a fire pump so that the fire protection systems can serve their intended use.

Large fire dampers

These UL Listed, non-actuated, dynamic fire dampers come in four models and are available to protect oversized openings in buildings.

Adjustable louver with drainable blades

Model EAD-635 is an adjustable blade louver in a 6-in. deep frame that incorporates a drainable head member and adjustable drainable blades and is designed for warehouse distribution facilities.

2014 HVAC and Building Automation Systems Study: Seven key findings

According to the data in this report, half of HVAC and building automation products specified by engineering firms for new and existing buildings are valued at more than $1 million, compared to 59% in 2013 and 47% in 2012.

Condensate removal pump series

BlueDiamond's range of condensate removal pumps can pump both air and water, allowing it to be mounted in any orientation and uses an electronic sensor to detect condensate.

Designing smoke control systems

A smoke control system should be designed by a fire protection engineer who can tailor the system to the characteristics of the building and its occupants.

Redundant VFDs and fan arrays in critical operations

Understand how to use variable frequency drives in fan arrays to enhance the airflow in mission critical facilities.

Arup Thoughts: Why are buildings still naked?

Adapting the outer layer of a building brings great benefits because it saves you heating energy in the winter and cooling energy in the summer. In reality, however, it's rarely done.

Commercial rooftop unit series

Johnson Controls' line of York commercial rooftop units includes 3- to 12.5-ton York Prestige units.

TLC names new CEO

Michael P. Sheerin, the firm's current director of health care engineering, has been named to succeed Debra Lupton as CEO.

Arup Thoughts: A top-down approach to flood prevention

The top-down attenuating drains filter the rainwater, so you could pipe it to small tanks for flushing the toilets in the building. This makes it a zero-energy rainwater harvesting system that provides a sustainable urban drainage solution.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center December update

Functional performance testing is being performed on the chilled water pumps, heating hot water pumps, heat recovery pumps, unit heaters, and domestic water booster pump skin in the central utility plant.

Smart equipment controls

Simplicity smart equipment (SE) controls view and analyze operational and energy-use data, set-points, schedule and diagnostic data that can be accessed directly from a smartphone, tablet, laptop or onsite personal computer.

Liquid cooling heat exchanger assembly

The liquid cooling heat exchanger assembly can dissipate over 10 KW of heat in shipboard and industrial applications.

Automatic air vent

The DISCALAIR is a high-discharge, high-performance, automatic air vent.

Air cooled scroll chillers

The Trailblazer family of air cooled scroll chillers use an all-aluminum microchannel heat exchanger technology, in conjunction with compressor equipment to reduce the amount of required maintenance for users.

Building safe, effective health care facilities: HVAC

It’s hard to think of an engineering project with higher standards than a hospital or health care facility—successfully designed and installed systems can literally be a matter of life and death. Indoor air quality, indoor environmental quality, and HVAC systems are key for engineers.

Top tips for integrating fire protection, HVAC systems

These nine guidelines will help fire protection engineers integrate fire and life safety systems with HVAC systems.

Building envelope testing in existing buildings

Existing buildings are tested under different protocols from new buildings, so testing must be approached from many different angles to achieve air tightness and better building performance.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center November update

Functional performance testings on the West Clinic and HVAC systems are underway. Finishes and punch lists at the North Clinic are substantially complete.

Project profile: University science building

Davis Street Building at the University of Findlay has 26 science laboratories and classroom spaces. This project includes HVAC system installation, indoor air control, and building control system.

NEBB appoints 2015 president

James (Jim) Huber has been appointed the 2015 president of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB).

Plume laboratory and fume exhaust fan

Vektor-CH and Vektor-CS fans are added to Greenheck Vektor's plume laboratory and fume exhaust systems line.

Engineering workable, successful office space: Codes and standards

Whether new or retrofit, office buildings can be a challenge for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or fire protection engineer. A team of experienced professionals offers advice on building codes and standards.

Engineering workable, successful office space: HVAC

Whether new or retrofit, office buildings can be a challenge for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), or fire protection engineer. Air quality, DOAS, and HVAC systems are discussed.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 13-19: Lighting controls and energy performance, selecting pumps and circulators, chilled water systems, more

Articles about lighting controls and energy performance, selecting pumps and circulators, designing chilled water systems, managing power through networked electrical systems, and questions to ask when specifying LEDs were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 13-19. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Shepherding a student vision yields a Platinum Union at San Diego State University

CannonDesign was involved in shepherding a student vision for a modern, highly-functional and sustainable student union to meet SDSU's growing campus needs.

Digital refrigerant leak detector

The RLD440 digital dual mode refrigerant leak detector is built for inspecting and maintaining mobile and stationary air conditioners, refrigerators, chillers, and heat pumps.

Semi-custom outdoor air handler

The Skyline semi-custom outdoor air handler units are designed to provide excellent performance in all areas of the country prone to seismic events.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center October update

Mechanical and plumbing systems are nearly completed on all buildings. Finishes are underway in all areas.

Project profile: Medical research facility energy efficiency upgrade

At McGill University, about 80% of the HVAC installations were replaced in order to meet the new requirements.

Freeze block coil for HVAC applications

The Cooney Freeze Block Coil is designed to reduce maintenance, downtime, and premature coil failure and feature built-in pressure and temperature sensing valves.

Project profile: Chillers installation on college campus

A new 7,500 sq ft construction is designed to support Broward College Campus. It includes installing two 750-ton water cooled chillers and space for three more chillers in future.

Water-cooled chillers with rapid restore capabilities

Daikin Applied's Magnitude WMC water-cooled chiller has a compressor start time of 43 seconds and it loads to 80% capacity within 120 seconds after power is restored.

Best practices for mixed-use buildings: HVAC

Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several different projects at once. HVAC systems and indoor air quality (IAQ) challenge engineers on many levels.

Stainless steel manifold

Uponor North America's Stainless-steel Manifolds are targeted for commercial radiant heating and cooling applications and feature integrated flow meters for easy system balancing

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 15-21: Chilled water systems, NFPA 101 considerations, LED luminaires, more

Articles about Designing chilled water systems, NFPA 101 engineering considerations, specifying LED luminaires, specifying lighting controls, and NFPA 75 changes were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Determining proper laboratory ventilation

Engineers must know the required air changes per hour, depending on the building type. Whether designing a laboratory in an educational facility or hospital, knowing the ventilation rates is key.

Cooling units designed for data centers

The Uniflair LE HDCV 4500 and HDCV 5000 cooling units are designed for data centers and utilize a coil system and under-floor fan module that is designed to deliver strong cooling capacity while drawing less power.

The world’s largest CHW plant: Pearl of Qatar

The Pearl of Qatar is a 130,000-ton district chilled water (CHW) plant that serves the cooling needs for all buildings on the island.

Answers, details about ASHRAE 90.1 Addendum ch

Several questions were addressed by the presenters after the ‘HVAC: New chiller requirements’ webcast.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 8-14: NFPA 101 considerations, MEP Giants, variable refrigerant flow, more

Articles about NFPA 101 engineering considerations, MEP Giants and diversity, variable refrigerant flow, the National Electric Security Code, and waste heat recovery were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 8-14. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 1-7: Variable refrigerant flow, waste heat recovery, MEP Giants, more

Articles about variable refrigerant flow, waste heat recovery, MEP giants and diversity, NFPA 101 engineering considerations, and testing smoke management systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

Project profile: Medical center expansion

The project used several innovative strategies to save energy and reduce harmful emissions into the community.

Project profile: Headquarters energy efficiency improvement

Franklin Energy saves 32% on electric, 48% on gas with VRF zoning systems.

Is waste heat recovery right for your project?

How to evaluate and specify waste heat recovery systems in various nonresidential building markets.

Three keys to successful energy recovery

Consider these energy recovery options for a nonresidential building.

VRF offers flexible, energy-efficient heating and cooling

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems can offer flexibility in design-intensive and challenging HVAC projects.

Vertical stack unit

The Tranquility Vertical Stack (TSL) Series ducted heat pump unit provides independent metering capabilities and features loss-of-charge and high-pressure switches.

Domestic M&A holding steady as global deals dip in 2013

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection engineering firm leaders continue their merger and acquisition pace in the United States, while overseas activity weakened in 2013.

Burns Engineering Inc.: Smart Micro-grid Energy Master Plan for the Philadelphia Navy Yard

Utility upgrade for utilities/public works.

Global Engineering Solutions: New STEM Middle School at McKinley High School

Existing building retrofit at an educational facility.

Stanley Consultants: Operating Rooms and Cancer Research Lab Air Handling Unit Replacements

System overhaul at an educational facility.

RDK Engineers: Brown Brothers Harriman and Co.

Existing building retrofit at an office building.

M.E. GROUP Inc.: UMKC Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

New construction at an educational facility.

Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers PSC (KLH Engineers): University of Cincinnati’s Morgens Hall Renovation

Retrofit and renovation at an educational facility.

MEP Giants continue to diversify

The 2014 MEP Giants revenue has remained flat, while firms continue to diversify the services they offer and the building types they work in.

Air handlers with gas heat option

Skyline outdoor natural gas heating handler minimizes energy consumption.

Flow diffuser for surgical, critical environments

The TLFR Flow Diffuser is used to discharge clean air over the patient during operations for critical environments and is designed to comply with ASHRAE 170, which allows it to be used in surgical settings.

Information Becoming Key to Increased Energy Efficiency in Building Automation

Since the output of energy from renewable sources remains much lower than that of traditional oil, gas and coal, adjustments must be made to reduce consumption. One way to reduce consumption is to make buildings more energy efficient.

Closed and open specifications

What exactly are they, and how should engineers specify products or systems with the four different types of specifications?

Project profile: Data center campus

Sabey Data Center has three independent power trains to protect IT system and mechanical load during a power breakdown.

Heat pump packaged system for schools

SchoolMate water and ground heat pump packaged system provides flexibility for school installations.

Mixed flow inline fan

The EQB mixed flow inline fan combines the properties of centrifugal and vane axial fans while providing higher efficiency and lower sound levels.

MOPD coils for high-pressure CO2 systems

The MOPD BJ and BX coils are designed for use with AKVH electronic expansion valves in high-pressure CO2 systems.

Fire tube boiler

The FTXL Boiler delivers up to 10:1 turndown and up to 98% thermal efficiency.

The challenge: Tall and super-tall buildings: Codes and standards

High-rise buildings aren’t just big—for engineers, they present big challenges. Meeting building codes and standards becomes a new challenge in these cutting-edge structures, both in the United States and abroad.

The challenge: Tall and super-tall buildings: HVAC

High-rise buildings aren’t just big—for engineers, they present big challenges. HVAC systems and indoor air quality must meet exacting standards

Gas-fueled CHP delivers heat, CO2 for greenhouses

Combined heat and power systems can be efficient and effective in greenhouses.

Efficient rooftop units

The Energence rooftop line features a multi-stage air volume (MSAV) supply fan and feature a belt-less blower system that is designed to reduce maintenance.

Magnetic bearing chiller technology

Magnetic bearing chiller technology, up to 1500 ton capacity, is designed for large commercial applications.

Packaged rooftop systems

The PR-Series of packaged rooftop systems are designed to provide fresh air for critical facilities and features air source cooling-only, air source heat pump, and boiler/cooling tower or geothermal water source heat pump.

Mixed flow laboratory exhaust fan

The Vektor-MS inline mixed flow laboratory exhaust fan is designed to reduce fan energy in laboratory applications and features a noninvasive flow monitoring.

Microchannel condenser

The Liebert MC microchannel condenser is designed to provide data center protection and leverages advanced controls within the outdoor condenser as well as communicate directly with the Liebert iCOM controls.

Water-cooled chiller

The Optimus helical rotary water-cooled chiller uses an Adaptive Frequency Drive (AFD) to adjust motor speed for precise temperature control.

Variable refrigerant flow series updated

The W-Series has been updated its variable refrigerant flow (VRF) zoning WR2- and WY-Series Modular Water Source Units to be made smaller and lighter and have plate type heat exchangers and both can be connected to any VRF zoning indoor unit.

Fan for heavy-duty applications

The AirVolution-D 780 fan is designed for heavy-duty applications and large spaces like warehouses, airplane hangars, airports, and stadiums and can integrate into HVAC and other automated building systems.

Ventilator for fire protection and day-to-day operations

Firelight is a glazed, natural ventilator that is designed to provide buildings with both day-to-day ventilation and smoke control to aid building evacuation in the event of a fire and can be specified for electric or pneumatic operation.

Variable refrigerant flow HVAC system

The LG Multi V Water IV water source unit, a flexible variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system that comes in heat pump and heat recovery configurations and are designed for new construction and retrofit projects as well as offices and schools.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 23-29

Articles about commissioning electrical and power systems, eco mode in UPS systems, dc power distribution alternatives, glazing systems, and NFPA 99 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 23-29. Were you out last week? Miss something. You can catch up here.

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Codes and standards

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. Engineers must adhere to local, national, and international codes and standards.

How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: HVAC

Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. HVAC systems and ventilation are complex issues engineers must manage.

Smoke control system testing

Special inspectors must know how to test and commission fire systems, sprinklers, dampers, and alarms. A discussion of relevant codes and standards is included.

Glazing systems: Considerations for the mechanical engineer

Window glazing and shading or louvers have a direct impact on the HVAC load of a building. Mechanical engineers often are tasked with specifying window and shading systems. Know about building envelope, and how it can be managed/altered by window system selection.

Chiller plant automation system

The IPC 9511 Chiller Plant Automation System is designed to streamline plant operations and lower operating costs with pre-configured serial communication setup options for chillers, VFDs, and design envelope pumps.

The proper amount of specificity

What is the appropriate level of detail for a specification?

Exhaust fan series

Greenheck’s SP-80 and SP-110 exhaust fan models feature energy-efficient electrically commutated (EC) motor technology and can be precisely adjusted to prevent over-ventilating and maximize efficiency.

Pneumatic to digital controls

Johnson Controls’ WT-4000 pneumatic-to-digital thermostats are designed to efficiently convert older pneumatic room control systems and features a digital control system that includes remote temperature monitoring.

June 6 Southland Industries video update

Watch this video for an update on the engineering progress at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center.

Rapid ship fan program

Hartzell Air Movement's 2014 rapid ship program includes numerous axial and centrifugal fans capable of being installed in applications like wastewater, marine, warehouse ventilation, and food processing.

Gas condensing boiler

Bosch Thermotechnology's Buderus GB162 gas condensing boiler combines is ideal for wall- or rack-mounted applications for multi-boiler cascades and up to eight units can be cascaded.

Chiller line

Daikin Applied's AGZ-E family of air-cooled scroll chillers is designed to enable greater energy savings and environmental efficiency and feature a factory-installed custom pump package designed to reduce engineering and design efforts.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 26 to June 1

Articles about arc flash protection techniques, the 2014 40 Under 40 Winners, the costs and risks of damper-based controls in kitchen ventilation, and smart building integration were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 26 to June 1. Were you out last week? Miss something. You can catch up here.

World HVAC equipment demand to reach $120 billion

A market report indicates the HVAC equipment market will increase 5.7% annually to $120 billion in 2018. Much of this will be driven by developing countries.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 19-25

Articles about the 2014 40 Under 40 Winners, resources for boiler codes and standards, building energy modeling considerations, designing efficient boilers, and arc flash protection techniques were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 19-26. Were you out last week? Miss something. You can catch up here.

New health care facilities use smart technologies

The owner of nine new health care buildings turned to smart building solutions to meet its goals and objectives.

High standards for labs, research buildings: Codes and standards

Laboratory and research facilities are high-performance buildings, often with complex systems and exacting standards for engineers to meet. Buildings must be designed to meet exacting codes and standards, including those from NFPA and IBC.

High standards for labs, research buildings: Energy efficiency

Laboratory and research facilities are high-performance buildings, often with complex systems and exacting standards for engineers to meet. Energy efficiency and sustainability are often top-of-mind for consulting engineers’ clients.

2014 40 Under 40: Pamela Androff, PE, 27

Project Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, Atlanta University of Central Florida, BS Mechanical Engineering

2014 40 Under 40: Andrew Craig, PE, LEED AP, 36

Associate, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Energy Analyst, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.

2014 40 Under 40: Brandon Damas, PE, BEMP, LEED AP BD+C, 30

Senior Account Manager, HTS, Dallas

2014 40 Under 40: Travis R. English, PE, LEED AP, CEM, 40

Engineering Manager, Kaiser Permanente (KP), Anaheim, Calif.

2014 40 Under 40: Josh Robischon, PE, HBDP, LEEP AP, 34

Principal, Metrix Engineers, Renton, Wash.

Case study: Reducing reheat energy use

A cost-efficient energy recovery chiller allowed a Wisconsin hospital to achieve higher energy efficiency.

Modular cooling system

The HP Modular Cooling System (HP MCS) 100 and 200 are close-coupled cooling systems that can effectively cool fully populated high-density racks, which save floor space and cooling resources.

Heat pump control

Bosch's DDC Controller option for FHP heat pumps operates in 100% stand-alone control mode or connects to a BAS using open protocols like BACnet, Modbus, N2, or LonWorks.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 20-26

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer ’s five most-clicked articles from last week, April 20-26, including articles about arc flash protection, electric fire pumps, lighting controls, and data center generators.

Designing a winning sports venue: Codes and standards

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. Engineers must keep up with relevant building codes and standards.

Designing a winning sports venue: HVAC systems

consulting-specifying engineer, consulting engineer, sports arena, entertainment venue, building code standard, ballpark, football field, HVAC, variable air volume, chiller plant, variable frequency drive

Project Profile: Energy-efficient technical office center

The Bridgestone Americas Technical Center is 265,000 sq ft of laboratory and office space. A variety of energy-efficiency strategies were designed into the building.

Panel solution

Watts Radiant's SmartTrac is a nonstructural, modular panel system, designed to simplify radiant heating and cooling installations in subfloor, wall, and ceiling applications.

Vertical DX, heat pump system

Modine's redesigned Airedale ClassMate single packaged vertical direct exchange (DX) and heat pump system features a CF microchannel evaporator coil and has modulating, electronically commutated fan motors.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 13-19

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer ’s five most-clicked articles from last week, April 13-19, including articles about NFPA 92 standards, supplying power for electric fire pumps, designing effecient boilers, using integrated design to achieve net-zero, and the costs and risks of damper-based controls in kitchen ventilation.

Condensing boiler, water heater

Laars' MagnaTherm is a 95% thermal efficiency modulating-condensing boiler or volume water heater that meets all ASME requirements and is AHRI certified.

Save energy by integrating lighting controls, HVAC systems

Integrating lighting controls and HVAC systems is complex, and can offer significant energy savings in a high-performance building.

Hospital integrates lighting, HVAC to accomplish goals

Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas recently completed integrating a BAS with a lighting control system using a BACnet interface between the two systems.

Indirect cooling technologies

Indirect evaporative cooling allows for space cooling without the addition of moisture. The cooled air never comes in direct contact with the conditioned air, which should help reduce erosion and possible leaks. Consider these codes, standards, and best practices of indirect evaporative cooling.

Call for Abstracts for the 2015 NEBB Annual Conference

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau is seeking abstracts for its 2015 conference presentations.

Heat pump line expanded

Fujitsu's Halcyon light commercial multi-zone heat pump line has been expanded and are designed specifically for light commercial retrofit applications.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year finalists: Apps for engineers

Read about the four finalists in the Apps for Engineers category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year program.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year finalists: HVAC/R

Read about the 17 finalists in the HVAC/R category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year program.

Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year finalists: Test instruments, meters, data loggers

Read about the 7 finalists in the Test Instruments, Meters, Data Loggers category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year program.

April 4 Southland Industries update: Plumbing fixtures, chiller in progress

Southland Industries has completed several more steps at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center located in Fort Hood, Texas.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 23-29

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer ’s five most-clicked articles from last week, March 23-29, including articles about electric fire pumps, NFPA 92, standby generators, ASHRAE 90.1-2013, and designing labratory ventaliation systems.

Using integrated design to achieve net-zero

Integrated design practices allow a middle school to achieve net-zero energy.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 17 – 23

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most-clicked articles from last week, March 17 - 23, including articles about standby generators, boiler system controls, selecting energy-efficient transformers, Engineering in K-12 schools, and a weekly merger, acquisition deal update.

Digital refrigeration compressor

Emerson Climate Technologies Inc.’s Copeland Scroll K5 Digital compressor is designed for low- and medium-temperature refrigeration and has 10% to 100% capacity modulation for precise temperature and pressure control.

Integrating and optimizing power and mechanical systems

Smart buildings, Smart Grid, intelligent buildings, and integrated systems are buzzwords in the architecture and engineering industry, but can we deliver integrated designs? Mechanical and electrical systems are closely integrated, and must be carefully managed to achieve optimum performance.

Visual IR thermometer

The Fluke VT04 Visual IR Thermometer is a troubleshooting tool designed for electrical, industrial maintenance, and HVAC/R applications.

Commissioning solves operational issues, saves energy

In this HVAC commissioning project, the engineering team saved money and energy at an existing telecom equipment building.

Zoning outdoor unit

Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling and Heating Division's S-Series PUMY-P60 model is a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) zoning cooling and heating system for light commercial spaces.

Variable refrigerant flow and heat pump

Panasonic's Combined ECOi EX two-way conditioning solution has a two-pipe heat pump specifically designed for commercial and residential applications.

Engineering in K-12 schools: Codes and standards

Engineers offer practical advice and best practices on how to design HVAC, electrical, lighting, and fire protection systems in K-12 schools while meeting all codes and standards.

Engineering in K-12 schools: HVAC systems

Engineers offer practical advice and best practices on how to design HVAC systems and improve indoor air quality in K-12 schools.

HVAC installation and maintenance kits

General Tools and Instruments' HVAC Meter Kit (KHV57030) and HVAC DMM Kit (KHVP57068) are designed to measure surface temperature and electrical parameters.

Metric marine fan

Hartzell Air Movement's Series 47M metric marine duty direct-drive duct axial fan is available in sizes 250 to 1400 mm and is available in steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

Integrated variable speed motor control

Grundfos' unified MLE motor is suited for new commercial HVAC/R applications and deep retrofits and is available in models, ranging from end-suction to inline to split-case pumping solutions.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 3-9, 2014

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most-clicked articles from last week, March 3-9, 2014, including articles about steam traps, boiler control systems, female engineers, Smart Grid, and the commercial building sector.

March 4 Southland Industries update: Roughing in systems, ceilings and diffusers complete, parking garages underway, beginning to prepare to start chilled water plant

Roughing in systems on levels 2, 4, 5, and 6; ceilings and diffusers are complete or near completion; all 3 parking garages are underway; preparation to started the chilled water plant is underway.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, Feb. 17-23, 2014

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 17-23, 2014, including articles about the MEP Giants Program, corrosion in electrical systems, laboratory ventilation systems, lighting control requirements, and VFD and motor strategies.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, Feb. 2 – Feb. 9, 2014

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Feb.2 - Feb. 9, 2014, including articles about motor strategies, ASHRAE 90.1-2013, laboratory ventilation systems, CSE's 2014 40 Under 40 program, and Schneider Electric.

Vallort receives ASHRAE Fellow award

James Vallort, a senior VP at ESD, received the ASHRAE Fellow Award at the society’s Winter Conference in New York.

Refrigerant flow systems

Lennox VRF Systems give owners additional flexibility in design and installation while also offering energy savings.

Refrigerant safety standards published

ASHRAE’s refrigerants-related standards, Standard 34: Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, and Standard 15: Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, have been published.

Heat pump controls

ClimateMaster’s iGate and vFlow technologies are part of its units for both residential and commercial applications.

Data center design: HVAC systems

In the information age, data centers are one of the most critical components of a facility. If the data center isn’t reliable, business can’t be done. This reviews data center cooling and HVAC systems.

Ceiling radiation damper

Panasonic’s Ceiling Radiation Damper (model PC-RD05C4) can be used to provide customers with an all-in-one radiation damper solution.

Chiller plant control solution

Armstrong OPTI-VISOR is a relational control solution for the operation of an all-variable-speed chiller plant.

Designing laboratory ventilation systems

Proper ventilation in labs is required to promote and maintain safety and protection to life and property.

White paper: Coil Evolution: Smaller Diameter Coil Production

This white paper explains how HVAC coil production has evolved and how the current technology can benefit engineers.

Incomplete testing and evaluation of VAV system requires reset

An overhaul of the air handlers at a community college reaped energy savings and improved occupancy comfort.

Incomplete testing and lack of design review

This police headquarters required an overhaul of its air handlers, building automation system, and lighting system.

Fan controls don’t measure up

The fan controls at an airport terminal had never been reviewed, and needed to be updated with variable frequency drives.

Snowmelt system controls adjusted to save energy

At this large office campus, the sidewalk snowmelt system had never been reviewed or commissioned.

ASHRAE publishes revised standard on ventilation in health care facilities

ASHRAE Standard 170 has been updated to include updates, changes, and clarifications dealing with humidity, ducted returns, recirculating rooms units, and duct lining.

Novartis: Offsite MEP prefabrication

A 700,000-sq-ft research facility is being built for Novartis in Cambridge, Mass.

Smoke control systems

A smoke control system should be chosen by a fire protection engineer with enough knowledge to tailor the system to the characteristics of the building and its occupants.

College, university building HVAC design

College and university campus buildings have a lot going on—classes, research, dining, and sleeping. HVAC and air quality are key aspects of these buildings.

Optimizing hot water systems with condensing boilers

Selecting a condensing boiler has the potential for high efficiency gains, but understanding special considerations for these boilers could cost you if you design the way you have in the past.

A holistic approach to engineering for patient wellness

Properly designed power, air, and water systems in health care facilities can enhance care, promote healing, and ensure sustainability.

How UV-C energy works in HVAC applications: Part 3

The last installment of this three-part series describes how UV-C lamps are applied in HVAC systems to clean cooling coil surfaces, drain pans, air filters, and ducts to attain and maintain “as-built” capacity and indoor air quality.

Manufacturers’ prescription for hospital, health care facility success

Two manufacturers provide tips on how engineers can make their hospital and health care facility projects more successful.

Prescription for hospital, health care HVAC success

Hospital and health care facility projects are especially important due to their sensitive nature. The HVAC system—especially indoor air quality—must have reliable design.

Control sequences for HVAC systems

Follow these 10 steps to create a successful sequence of operation, one of the most important design aspects of any HVAC system.

NEBB appoints 2014 president, board of directors

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau has selected its board for 2014.

How UV-C energy works in HVAC applications: Part 2

The second installment of this three-part series explores how lamps similar to fluorescent lamps generate UV-C light.

Smart thermostat

Telkonet’s EcoInsight is an intelligent thermostat has more than 125 configurable settings to control the efficiency of HVAC systems including time of day, solar load, and occupancy patterns.

Kline Center construction video

Dickinson College's athletics center will have 29,000 additional sq ft for students and athletic teams.

Couplings for HVAC piping systems

Victaulic’s Style 107 QuickVic rigid couplings in 10- and 12-in. sizes are designed to expedite project construction by including no loose parts and no need to disassemble before installation.

How UV-C energy works in HVAC applications: Part 1

This first of this three-part series describes UV-C light and how it is applied as a clean-up tool in all types of air conditioning systems.

Air curtains approved as alternative to vestibules

The 2015 version of the International Energy Conservation Code will approve air curtains as an alternative to vestibules.

Specifying systems for new, existing office buildings

Office buildings might seem like simple structures from the outside, but engineers engaged in such projects know they can be highly complex, with specialized fire/life safety requirements, laboratory spaces, and other unique needs.

Specifying HVAC systems for new, existing office buildings

Office buildings might seem like simple structures from the outside, but engineers engaged in such projects know they can be highly complex, with specialized HVAC, indoor air quality, and other air movement needs.

Manufacturers’ advice for systems in office buildings

Two manufacturers of systems used in office buildings provide advice about electrical, cooling, and other engineered stems.

Understanding the limitations of fan efficiency grades

Fan efficiency grades (FEG) are a poor metric in determining the most efficient fan (in terms of actual power consumption) for a given airflow and pressure operating point. The best simple metric to ensure the lowest power consumption is the operating brake horsepower at the specified design point.

Case study: Ground source heat pump system upgrade

Ground source water is one of the fastest growing applications of renewable energy in North America. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories upgraded its Alfred D. Hershey Building with a direct expansion split unitary system.

Interstitial spaces: Managing the dark zones of the building

Engineers must pay close attention when coordinating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection system design in interstitial spaces.

Case study: Coordinating interstitial spaces in an existing building

An existing building—destined as a medical facility—held a few surprises during renovation. BIM and clash detection helped smooth the process.

ASHRAE publishes 2013 version of IAQ standard

The 2013 version of ASHRAE’s indoor air quality (IAQ) standard contains several revisions to help users better meet its requirements.

IAQ and energy management

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy management are key in K-12 schools and higher education university buildings. This information will help to provide an efficient, effective HVAC system in a school or a university building.

Case study: Art center HVAC upgrade design

This example shows how upgrades were made to a deficient HVAC system in a step-by-step process.

Factoring lighting into cooling loads

How to select, design, and redesign lighting systems so they complement HVAC systems.

Significant changes to the commercial provisions in 2012 IECC

Significant changes to the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) impact architects, engineers, code officials, and other building design professionals.

Nest protect

A redesigned thermostat by Nest is able to recognize varying gradients of alarms and sync with mobile devices.

Ductless air conditioners, heat pumps

Johnson Controls’ Coleman ductless air conditioners and heat pumps deliver heating and cooling to structures without ductwork.

How to use workmanship and quality in construction documents

The terms workmanship and quality are often used interchangeably; however, the correct usage of one may be dependent on the other, and there are limitations on how each term should be used.

Integrated controls for HVAC solutions

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating's SmartME Zone Controller, AdvancedHVAC Input/Output Controller, and EB-50GU-A Central Controller create a seamless, comprehensive system to support enhanced functions.

Chicago building boasts daylighting, lighting controls

The Access Living headquarters in Chicago has a self-sustaining vegetative roof and uses integrated and green building design to achieve energy savings.

Incorporation by reference

Like many solutions in engineering, incorporation by reference was born out of necessity. However, unlike most engineering issues, it did not directly address a physical construct.

Manufacturers’ perspective on mixed-use buildings

Two manufacturers provide insights about engineering electrical and mechanical systems into mixed-use buildings.

Fire, life safety, and smoke control in mixed-use buildings

Engineering mixed-use buildings is a fine art—specifiers must combine multiple engineered systems for several business and residence types into one structure. Fire protection engineers focus on these diverse structures with various fire and life safety techniques.

Mechanical and plumbing systems in mixed-use buildings

Engineering mixed-use buildings is a fine art—specifiers must combine multiple engineered systems for several business and residence types into one structure. Mechanical systems (HVAC) and plumbing systems must be carefully designed and aligned.

The art and science of mixed-use buildings

Engineering mixed-use buildings is a fine art—specifiers must combine multiple engineered systems for several business and residence types into one structure. This overview offers a look at the challenges of these buildings.

Calculating chiller selection

An analysis on an office building in Milwaukee shows a dramatic difference in chiller operating costs for a building based on chiller selection.

Sound and vibration certification seminar

NEBB's Sound and Vibration seminar is scheduled for Sept. 23 to 26, 2013, in Conshohocken, Pa.

Air conditioning thermostat market shows no signs of cooling down

IHS reports that thermostats used for air conditioning applications by 50% from 2012 to 2017 thanks to high demand in Asia as well as EMEA and the Americas.

Manufacturers’ tips and tricks for commissioning, balancing buildings

Two manufacturers provide insights, tools, and tips on how to commission and balance building systems.

Tips and tricks for commissioning, balancing buildings: Building automation

Building commissioning is one of the most important (and complex) types of projects an engineer can be tasked with. Building automation systems (BAS) and sequence of operations are covered in this Q&A.

Tips and tricks for commissioning, balancing buildings

Building commissioning is one of the most important (and complex) types of projects an engineer can be tasked with. This overview provides insights for commissioning building systems.

Motorola Mobility

Office; Motorola Mobility; Alfa Tech

Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS+T) Campus Geothermal Energy System

Existing sytem retrofit; Missouri University of Science & Technology (MS&T) Campus Geothermal Energy System; McClure Engineering

Salk Institute – Infrastructure Renewal/Expansion Project

Addition to existing building, system overhaul; Salk Institute - Infrastructure Renewal/Expansion Project; P2S Engineering Inc.

Mark Jefferson Science Complex

Renovation, addition; Mark Jefferson Science Complex; Peter Basso Associates

12th District Police Station

New construction; 12th District Police Station; Primera Engineers Ltd.

The University of Kansas Dyche Hall

System overhaul; The University of Kansas Dyche Hall; Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A.

DCAMM, UMass Amherst New Life Sciences Laboratory Building

New construction; DCAMM, UMass Amherst New Life Sciences Laboratory Building; RDK Engineers

Adaptive Reuse and Renovation for Avenues: The World School

Existing building retrofit; Adaptive Reuse and Renovation for Avenues: The World School; STV

St. John Medical Center

Addition to existing building; St. John Medical Center; Thorson Baker and Associates Inc.

Duval County Unified Courthouse

New construction; Duval County Unified Courthouse; TLC Engineering for Architecture Inc.

The Mob Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement)

System overhaul; The Mob Museum (National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement); Westlake Reed Lesosky

Merger, acquisition seminar scheduled

Morrissey Goodale to host a seminar focusing on the M&A marketplace in the South on Oct. 24, 2013.

Certified FEG ratings support compliance, enforcement

Many code jurisdictions are concerned about the growth and complexity of energy codes and standards, which makes compliance and enforcement difficult.

Special report: Fan efficiency guidelines

New and proposed fan-efficiency provisions in commercial energy codes and standards are fostering cost-effective energy savings in HVAC systems.

IAQ in health care settings

Engineers should use evidence-based design when engineering air systems in hospitals and health care facilities to ensure top-notch indoor air quality (IAQ).

Brewery ensures its facility is energy-efficient

Revolution Brewing has upgraded its Chicago facility to include several energy-efficient systems, including highly efficient lighting and heat recovery.

2014 AHR Expo announced

The 66th AHR Expo is scheduled for Jan. 21-23, 2014, in New York City. More than 55,000 attendees and 2,000 companies are expected for the event.

Integrated controllers for HVAC applications

The SmartME Zone Controller, the AdvancedHVAC Input/Output Controller, and the EB-50GU-A Central Controller by Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling combine to support enhanced functions.

Getting to the bottom—and top—of PUE

When developing data center energy-use estimations, energy engineers must account for all sources of energy use in the facility: computers, cooling plants, and other related equipment. Learn how to itemize power usage efficiency (PUE).

Are ‘winglets’ a help or hindrance to HVLS fan performance?

Does a winglet actually help the performance of an HVLS fan?

Coil system for rooftops

Lennox Industries Inc. has expanded the availability of its Environ Coil System to 4-, 6-, 13-, 17.5-, and 25-ton Energence rooftop unit models, completing the product lineup to 25 tons.

University modernizes with energy-efficient solutions

Self-funded improvements net energy savings and boost comfort on the Brenau University campus.

Geothermal comfort system

GeoStar’s Sycamore Series geothermal comfort system combines a variable capacity compressor with a variable speed blower motor and a variable speed loop pump.

ASHRAE publishes underfloor air distribution systems guide

ASHRAE's “UFAD Guide: Design, Construction and Operation of Underfloor Air Distribution (UFAD) Systems” incorporates updated results from laboratory and field experiments.

ASHRAE launches online discussion platform

ASHRAExCHANGE provides a place for ASHRAE members and non-members to post and generate discussion on either a general or specific project topic.

Engineering systems in manufacturing, industrial buildings: HVAC systems

Manufacturing and industrial facilities have some unusual engineering requirements, especially air handling, power needs, and fire/life safety systems. Air movement and air quality issues are discussed.

Engineering systems in manufacturing, industrial buildings: Codes and standards

Manufacturing and industrial facilities have some unusual engineering requirements, especially air handling, power needs, and fire/life safety systems. Take a look at key codes and standards engineers must adhere to.

Manufacturer’s focus on manufacturing, industrial buildings

Manufacturing and industrial facilities have some unusual engineering requirements, especially air handling, power needs, and fire/life safety systems. Two manufacturers provide feedback and advice.

Integrate windows to achieve energy performance

Here are the top 5 myths about the building façade and its impact on operations.

Using the AEDG in large hospitals

To achieve energy efficiency in a hospital, engineers should fully understand the Advanced Energy Design Guide.

Rectangular explosion vent

Fike's CV-S Explosion Vent is specifically designed to provide a nonfragmenting opening when protecting industrial processing equipment.

Data center cooling system

Emerson Network Power's Liebert DSE room-based data center cooling system now includes a 80, 85, and 150 kW units along with the 125 kW unit.

Study outlines strategies hospitals can implement to reduce energy use by 62%, save money

I found this study yesterday that identifies a process for newly constructed hospitals to integrate architectural, mechanical and central plant systems to reduce energy consumption by an average of 62%.

Building renovation gives valuable artifacts a new home

Smithsonian museums get an award-winning climate-controlled facility for their extensive collections.

Thermostat automation for HVAC controls

Daintree Networks Inc.’s ControlScope 3.0 extends control to HVAC applications with programmable thermostat automation.

ASHRAE call for papers

ASHRAE is seeking papers for its 2014 Annual Conference, which will be held in Seattle, June 28 to July 2, 2014.

Designing labs, research buildings: Codes and standards

Labs and research facilities house sensitive equipment and must maintain very rigid standards. Codes and standards must be adhered to, with special attention to codes unique to these buildings.

Low-pressure mixed flow fan

Greenheck's Model QEI-L inline mixed flow fans is designed specifically for low-pressure applications and is available in 11 sizes for wheel diameters

2013 40 Under 40: Douglas Hundley Jr., 38

Principal, CMTA, Prospect, Ky.

2013 40 Under 40: Scott Miller, 35

Associate, Shaffer Baucom Engineering & Consulting, Lakewood, Colo.

2013 40 Under 40: Bradley Perrott, 33

Senior Project Manager, Matern 
Professional Engineering, Maitland, Fla.

2014 NEBB conference: Call for abstracts

NEBB is seeking abstracts for its 2014 conference, which is being held from April 3 to 5, 2014, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Air monitoring issues when commissioning a new facility

One of the most critical steps facility managers can take when seeking to understand air-monitoring in a new facility is committing to a rigorous commissioning process.

NEBB building enclosure seminar

NEBB's seminar on building enclosure testing is being held Sept. 9 to 11, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

Sports, entertainment venues: HVAC systems

Sports arenas and entertainment facilities involve complex engineering solutions. Five consulting engineers offer advice on HVAC, ventilation, indoor air quality, and more.

Not everything has been invented—yet

Without feedback, product designers never know whether their product is and will be a success. By voting for the Product of the Year Finalists, you can help give the building industry's product manufacturers some feedback.

Seminar for HVAC design engineers

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Seminar by AABC is scheduled for May 17, 2013, in Baltimore.

Two-pipe VRF zoning unit

The R2-Series PURY-P72 variable refrigerant flow zoning cooling and heating system features complete zone control, flexibility, and ease of installation.

Indoor self-contained unit

AAON SB Series water-source/geothermal heat pump indoor self-contained units (3 to 18 tons) are designed with a double-wall rigid polyurethane foam injected cabinet construction of the SB Series.

Energy harvesting solar plexicon

The expanded Titus Plexicon line of displacement ventilation systems from Titus HVAC includes solar capabilities.

Geothermal heat pump

The Envision2 Compact Series by WaterFurnace International is available in 3/4- to 6-ton capacities.

Tankless water heater

The Innovation 1350 water heater by AERCO is designed for new construction and retrofit.

VRF zoning system

The S-Series PUMY-P60 model by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating is a 5-ton, single-phase VRF zoning system.

Ventilation retrofit improves energy, IAQ

Duct-sealing technology helps high-rise reap energy savings, improve indoor air quality, and enhance comfort level for tenants.

Educational experience: Codes, standards in K-12 schools

Engineering work on K-12 schools is complex—and not just because of dwindling school budgets. The facilities must meet a broad range of exacting standards coming from officials and state regulatory bodies, in addition to meeting energy efficiency standards. An overview of codes and standards follows.

Indoor pool dehumidifier

Seresco USA Inc. has introduced the Protocol NP Series, an indoor swimming pool dehumidifier technology.

Pressure reducing valve

The 3350 is suitable for systems with fill pressure requirements of 10 to 50 psi and features a fast-fill button with automatic reset.

HVAC drive

Danfoss VLT Drives’ NEMA/UL Type 4X VLT HVAC Drive is a robust drive delivering reliable operation in harsh environments.

Ventilation unit

Titus HVAC’s Temperature and Ambience Optimizer (TAO) is a chilled beam displacement ventilation unit.

Energy recovery system

SEMCO introduces the eQ Series, an outdoor air energy recovery system.

VRF for light commercial spaces

The VRF by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating can operate as low as 22% of total system capacity for maximum energy efficiency.

A glimpse of the HVAC, BAS market

Here is the story of the mechanical, or HVAC, engineer. Take a look at this snapshot of where your business stands today.

VAV systems and return air balancing

The ability to balance return inlets requires some thought and evaluation.

Hydronic system creation software

The FloPro Team services by Taco is a free program that offers heat loss design suites and builds and specify components for water heating and HVAC applications.

Scroll compressor series

The R410A scroll compressor series by Danfoss operate at low temperature ratios for higher efficiency in part-load conditions.

Energy recovery wheel

The energy recovery wheel option by Daikin McQuay recovers 75% of energy from exhaust air steam.

Circuit cooling tower

PF2 closed circuit cooling tower by Baltimore Aircoil

AFD chiller

Duplex chillers by Trane feature adaptive frequency drives on units up to 3,000 tons.

Solar-powered displacement unit

The solar Plexicon by Titus HVAC uses an energy harvesting platform for auto-changeover action.

Dew point, temperature probe

The RH-AS2 probe by GrayWolf is available for HVAC/OH/FM/IAQ meters.

Natural fiber insulation

Titus HVAC’s EcoShield is a natural fiber insulation made from natural cotton.

How to select an air handling unit

Air handling units come in all shapes and sizes. Learn to balance and prioritize all of the choices related to performance, efficiency, maintainability, and space constraints.

Ventilation product selection program

Greenheck's Computer-Aided Product Selection Program (CAPS) provides access to ventilation products.

ESD names Squillo VP

Thomas Squillo, an expert in HVAC design and analysis, has been named vice president at ESD. He will be leading the mission critical facilities group.

Seminar for fume hood performance

NEBB's fume hood performance testing seminar will provide an overview of Fume Hood Performance Testing in accordance with the NEBB Procedural Standard. It is scheduled for March 4-8, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo.

Variable-speed water-source heat pump

Variable-speed water-source heat pumps by Trane now include Tracer UC400 controls.

HVAC transmitters

The HygroFlex1 series by ROTRONIC enable users to change the scale and calibrate and adjust the transmitter.

Designing energy plants the smart way

A critical review of the expected spectrum of operating loads, including the maximum design, average, low, and minimum loads, is necessary to develop a generating plant design.

Energy-harvesting solar displacement unit

The Titus Plexicon uses a wireless, energy-harvesting process to power the unit to heat, cool, and use solar energy as its power source.

Exhaust fan line

Greenheck’s Vektor-HS with SAVVE technology is designed to reduce energy consumption and can automatically adjust the nozzle discharge area to maintain a constant and safe velocity.

Mechanical systems in 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.

Ceiling-concealed indoor units

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating's PEFY-P72 and PEFY-P96 single-phase ducted indoor units include a motor designed to provide up to 60% energy savings over previous generation equipment.

High on the energy hog

An example of a carefully planned successful energy and cost savings program was carried out by the Harley Davidson Motor Co. during the late 1990s.

Quick savings solutions

Design considerations like variable frequency drives are approaching the cost of motor starters, which allow for choices that weren't possible until now.

Economics of energy efficiency: Beyond ROI

Engineers and building owners often focus on payback periods and return on investment as economic decision-making thresholds for energy efficiency investments. However, there are other parameters that are more accurate and effective for investments in building systems.

Using BACnet in building automation

BACnet is constantly evolving and embracing new technologies, such as wireless networking and Smart Grid applications.

TLC names Tampa Bay mechanical engineer

TLC Engineering for Architecture has named Heather Tank as mechanical project engineer for its Tampa Bay office.

Designing office space: HVAC systems

Office building clients demand sustainability, flexibility, and cost conservation in both new and existing buildings.

ACG schedules CxA workshop dates

The AABC Commissioning Group has a series of dates for future workshops and exams scheduled. The next exam is Nov. 13, 2012, in San Francisco.

Engineers put control valve to the test: Web exclusive

Pressure independent control valve solves instability problems, saves energy, and reduces equipment maintenance.

Commissioning HVAC systems thoroughly

By examining all aspects of the HVAC system and its components—from design through commissioning—the system will run more efficiently and effectively.

NEBB appoints new president

Stanley Fleischer, the president of Seneca Balance, has been named the president of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) for 2013.

Fan assist module

The PowerAire Quad fan assist module by Tate manages cooling requirements for dense server racks and blades.

Gas-fired unit heater

Modine Manufacturing's PTP-series gas-fired unit heater.

Thermal vent

YKK AP America’s thermally broken YES SSG TU vents for storefront, window, or curtain wall applications.

Smoke control system guidelines added

Guideline 1.5-2012, The Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems, describes the technical requirements of the commissioning process described in ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005.

HVAC system

The SunSource HVAC system developed by Lennox can effectively double the rooftop unit’s efficiency rating, integrating a rooftop unit, solar modules, and microinverters to power commercial buildings.

Screw chiller

The YORK YVAA air-cooled variable-speed screw chiller was manufactured by Johnson Controls for efficiency, reduced sound, and sustainability.

Catalytic air cleaning system

The Trane Cataltyic Air Cleaning Systems (TCACS) by Ingersoll Rand blends particle filtration, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, and a photocatalytic oxidation process.

Heat pump scroll compressor range extended

The Performer PSH heat pump scroll compressor by Danfoss extended its range with six smaller capacity models, giving the compressors a heating capacity range of 19 to 80 kW.

Directional airflow panel

Tate's Directional Perf directs airflow from the raised flow plenum to data center racks where cooling is needed.

HVAC building management system

The ComfortPoint Open Building Management System by Honeywell controls and optimizes heating and cooling equipment in facilities.

Retro-commissioning guidance: An overview

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.

HVAC controller

The HVAC Alpha controller by Titus integrates universally with BACnet building management systems.

School District of the City of York, Arthur W. Ferguson Elementary School

New construction: School District of the City of York, Arthur W. Ferguson Elementary School; Barton Associates Inc.

School of Education Building, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Addition to existing building: School of Education Building, University of Wisconsin-Madison; HGA Architects

William Jones College Preparatory High School

New construction: William Jones College Preparatory High School; Primera Engineers Ltd.

Energy audits, Cantor Art Center, Cecil H. Green West Library

System overhaul: Energy audits, Cantor Art Center and Cecil H. Green West Library; Salas O'Brien

Compton Family Ice Arena. University of Notre Dame

New construction: Compton Family Ice Arena. University of Notre Dame; Peter Basso Associates

University Health System—Trauma Tower, Central Plant Expansion

New construction: University Health System—Trauma Tower and Central Plant Expansion; TMAD Taylor and Gaines (TTG)

BRAC 133 Office Towers

Existing building retrofit: BRAC 133 Office Towers; Sebesta Blomberg

1st Army Headquarters Renovation

Existing building retrofit: 1st Army Headquarters Renovation; Pond and Co.

Portland Community College Newberg Center

New construction: Portland Community College Newberg Center; Interface Engineering Inc.

NEBB names John Schulte executive VP

The board of directors of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) has appointed John Schulte as its new executive vice president.

Corrosion: What it is, what it does, and how to address it

Pipe and metal conduit corrosion can cause many electrical problems. Here are some ways to address the issue.

2013 AHR Expo details

The 2013 AHR Expo will be held Jan. 28 to 30, 2013, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Call for papers: ASHRAE 2013 conference

ASHRAE has announced a call for papers on current research on core HVAC/R applications and systems for its June 2013 conference in Denver.

Dalkin McQuay meets DOE’s rooftop unit challenge

Dalkin McQuay, competing with four other manufacturers, was the first to complete the DOE's challenge, which is designed to help save energy by as much as 50% in buildings.

Southland opens California campus

Southland Industries' newest campus in Garden Grove, Calif., is 42,000 sq ft, features HVAC and monitoring systems, and has achieved LEED Gold certification.

Nitrogen-charged air conditioner, heat pumps

Nitrogen-charged air conditioner, heat pumps by Lennox are designed to accommodate ambient temperatures up to 125 F.

Geothermal heat pump series

Trilogy 40 series of geothermal heat pumps is from ClimateMaster.

Heat pump scroll compressor

Danfoss offers the Performer PSH heat pump scroll compressor.

2012 40 Under 40: Andrew Lasse, PE, LEED AP, 34

Associate Principal, Interface Engineering, Portland, Ore.

2012 40 Under 40: Michelle Nelson, PE, LEED AP BD+C, 30

Mechanical Engineer, AECOM, Arlington, Va.

Advanced Energy Design Guide for large hospitals

The AEDG for large hospitals is design to provide recommendations for achieving 50% energy savings by going beyond the minimum code requirements.