Most Emailed Stories

Calculated Conditioning: The IAQ Of UFAD

separation distance upblast fan to sidewall and roof overhang - Up The Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Hood Type I Stack: No Problems Or Complaints

Nice Project! - Building On A Swedish Tradition

Copper theft in AC units - Copper in A/C units targeted by thieves across the country

pm - Critical Facility Mechanical Equipment And System Reliability

Lead Mech. Engr - Data Center Facilities - Some Odds & Ends to Think About

Print & Digital Edition Subscriptions

Subscription Customer Service

Home » Publications » Engineered Systems Magazine

Engineered Systems Magazine

View Archived Issues

2013 May

Check out the May 2013 edition of Engineered Systems

Cover Story

Building On A Swedish Tradition

The American Swedish Institute looked homeward to plan for its future, using geothermal technology to achieve high-performance energy solutions in an urban setting.

April 26, 2013

By Craig Lemma and Scott Litchty, P.E.

One Comment

Reflecting a long-established Swedish commitment to environmental stewardship, the Nelson Cultural Center addition at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis integrates several technically advanced sustainable features, including a high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system that reduces energy consumption by nearly 30 percent (based on an ASHRAE 90.1 baseline) while supporting the Institute’s diverse community programming.

Chillers Past, Present and Future

A couple of industry pros weigh in on how past ‘best practices’ sometimes get in the way of current potential, and on where technology might point.

April 26, 2013

By Fred Berry, chiller solutions senior program manager, Johnson Controls and Adam Meddaugh, director of positive displacement chillers, Daikin-McQuay

No Comments

We had an idea to try something different this month — invite chiller manufacturers to give us their insights on one of two topics. We invited them to either talk about common errors in project design/installation/O&M, with an eye toward helping readers get the intended performance out of their equipment. Or, they could write about what they see happening in this sector in the future. In a stroke of good luck, we had one response to each question. – Ed.)

ventilation system, calculated conditiong

Calculated Conditioning: The IAQ Of UFAD

UFAD and displacement ventilation systems require accurate estimates to meet relative humidity requirements and ensure efficient operations. Take a look at a few design options, and contemplate the reader challenge at the end.

April 26, 2013

By Robert Bolin, P.E., HBDP, LEED Fellow and Andrew Reilman, P.E., HBDP, LEED AP BD+C

No Comments

Since their introduction in Europe in the 1950s, and their domestic rise in specification during the 1990s, UFAD and displacement ventilation systems promise significant energy savings as a direct result of a higher supply air temperature that yields an increase in the use of economizer or free cooling hours.

Building Automation

Building Automation Evolution

In our data-rich world, the next big leap is just getting off the ground.

April 26, 2013

By Paul Ehrlich, P.E.

No Comments

There are many elements to a BAS. Of course, the ability to control systems through direct digital control (DDC) is always a require-ment, but ideally, we expect these systems to be much more.

Letters

Tough Terms, Ahead of Time

April 26, 2013

No Comments

I’ve just read Rebecca Ellis’ March column, “What is Substantial Completion” as well as the similar discussion toward the front of the magazine. We used to run into similar issues and finally realized the only way to tackle the issue is through contract terms established prior to starting the construction so that everyone knows what the rules will be when we get to the finish line.

Editor’s Note

A New Arrival & Noteworthy News

Bowling Green continues its ES staff streak.

April 26, 2013

By Robert Beverly

No Comments

What was going on the last time we had a new member join our editorial and art team here at Engineered Systems? Well, everyone was relieved the Millennium Bug hadn’t shut down the world as we know it, the Rams won the Super Bowl when Titans WR Kevin Dyson got tackled one yard short of victory on the game’s final play, and AOL announced it was buying Time-Warner.

Tomorrow’s Environment

Can Someone Design a Mobile Manager Software Program?

Handheld project management will soon be an expectation, not a bonus.

April 26, 2013

By Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

No Comments

Here is a good idea for a frustrated HVAC person who likes to dabble with computer technology. It seems to me that now just about everyone (except me) uses a handheld device of some kind and is drawn to endless hours of using it analogous to drawing a moth to a flame to its screen.

Commissioning

The Importance of MEP Coordination

Can a project manager overcome the desire to suspend belief in physics and common sense?

April 26, 2013

By Rebecca Thatcher Ellis, P.E.

No Comments

Last month, I addressed the challenge faced by new construction project teams to build faster and cheaper. In the normal project delivery process, this responsibility falls on the construction manager and/or general contractor (CMGC).

Back 2 Basics

Based on Cx-3 ATC/FPT and TAB-3 software

April 26, 2013

By Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

No Comments

Last month, we tested readers on commissioning three of the many automatic temperature control (ATC) sequences of operation associated with outdoor air ventilation, space cooling, and also no mechanical heating or cooling required.

Case In Point

University streamlines operations with fire alarm upgrades

April 26, 2013

No Comments

Alfred University in Alfred, NY, has once again teamed up with FSC Systems LLC to upgrade fire and life safety systems on campus. The upgrades are not just making buildings on campus safer, but they are cutting down on associated costs and labor.

Case In Point

Steam boilers help distillery with sustainability goals

April 26, 2013

No Comments

Death’s Door Spirits in Middleton, WI, is a popular craft distiller known for its vodka, gin, and whisky that uses organic wheat from Washington Island, Wis. The brand is sold across the United States and Europe, and according to the distillery, the beverages would not be possible without the use of two LX-100 SG steam boilers from Miura.

Videos

Image Galleries

ES Gallery: Snapshots & Systems

Check out highlights from projects featured in our magazine this year!

3/20/13 2:00 pm EST

Risk and Reward within Reason – Identifying Data Center Best Practices via Lessons Learned and CFD Analysis

On-Demand The presentation will be a discussion of current and emerging mechanical best practices informed by real world experience and project based analysis.

Engineered Systems Magazine

2013 May

Check out the May 2013 edition of Engineered Systems

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Feature Article Poll

View Results Poll Archive

THE ENGINEERED SYSTEMS STORE

The Green Energy Management Book

Learn from our experts how to evaluate job opportunities, market your services, sell a Walk-through Survey, target areas for an Energy Audit, calculate energy savings, do retrofit work, and win continuing contracts for retrofit work.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

With access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

Tomorrow's Environment Podcast

This series from longtime columnist and chronic forward-thinker Howard McKew covers a lot of ground -- from retrocommissioning to systems training, on toward checklists for drawings and tips for meeting minutes. Click HERE to be taken to the podcast page!