Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 15-21: LED renovations and retrofits, data center PUE and efficiency, cogeneration systems, more

Articles about LED renovations and retrofits, data center PUE and efficiency, understanding cogeneration systems, efficient hot water systems, and adopting NFPA 99 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra June 22, 2015

Consulting-Specifying Engineer Top 5 most read articles online, for Jun. 15-21, covered LED renovations and retrofits, data center PUE and efficiency, understanding cogeneration systems, efficient hot water systems, and adopting NFPA 99. Link to each article below.

1. LED renovations and retrofits: Evaluating codes and costs 

Clients are asking lighting designers to help them save on energy costs, and replacing fluorescent, HID, or other lights with LEDs is in high demand. Here’s a look at the codes and guidelines that define LED use, including ASHRAE Standard 90.1, California Title 24, Dept. of Energy, and IECC.

2. Driving data center PUE, efficiency

When developing data center energy-use estimations, engineers must account for all sources of energy use in the facility.

3. Understanding cogeneration systems

Cogeneration systems-also known as combined heat and power (CHP) systems-generate both electricity and usable thermal energy. These systems typically are used on campuses that have high heat load requirements. 

4. Efficient hot water systems

Engineers should work to design the most efficient water heating system or boiler possible. Understanding the codes/standards is paramount, followed by knowledge of the key equipment functions of boilers and similar systems.

5. Adopting NFPA 99

NFPA 99-2015 establishes criteria for levels of health care services or systems based on risk to patients, staff, or visitors in health care facilities to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity. Here’s what’s in the current code and what engineers need to know once their authorities having jurisdiction enforce this version.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on csemag.com, June 15-21, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.