Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.

Timothy Coyle, an electrical engineer with 35 years of experience, specializes in planning, analysis, and design of critical power systems in institutional and utility facilities. He is a senior electrical engineer with KFI Engineers Inc. Email him at tjcoyle@kfi-eng.com.

Articles

ARTICLES

Motors: Terms Of Service, Part 2

Motors: Terms Of Service, Part 2

Round out this discussion of motor fundamentals for HVACR with a closer look at starting, standards, and more.
Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.
August 7, 2017
One Comment

This is the second half of a two-part article discussing principles and application of the AC induction motors that provide motive power for most of the equipment HVACR engineers specify.


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Terms Of Service: Motor Fundamentals

Terms Of Service: Motor Fundamentals

In the first of a pair of articles on motor fundamentals for HVACR, the author gets into everything from industry standards and service conditions to changing speeds, enclosures, and the often misunderstood service factor. You’ll want to save this one for your team’s reference library.
Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.
March 8, 2017
No Comments

Our objective in specifying motors for HVACR equipment is to start and run the driven equipment under all operating conditions reliably and with reasonable life expectancy.


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Switchgear, standby power system

Size Matters: Trends In Standby Power Systems For Health Care Facilities

These days, designs are favoring higher total system capacities, larger generators at higher output voltages integrated into “campus-type” power distribution systems, and security. Review design approaches, lessons learned, and relevant codes.
Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.
July 1, 2014
One Comment
Consolidation within the healthcare industry and the rise of regional medical centers has led to larger facilities, often spread over a large area in a campus environment.
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Current Affairs: Be in control of Code Requirements

Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.
March 25, 2006
No Comments
In my experience, one of the trouble spots in project specifications is coordinating the control panels furnished with mechanical equipment with the standards that apply to the balance of electrical equipment on the project. Regardless of what you may include about NEMA enclosure types, short-circuit ratings, and other features, manufacturers tend to supply their standard control panel. The result is often an installation that cannot be verified to meet code or project requirements.
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Torque Is The Key

Timothy J. Coyle, P.E.
October 1, 2005
No Comments
For motors in certain applications, the boilerplate approach to specification and design will get the system stopped because the motor won't start. Consider voltage, speed, and torque for these special instances, and follow along with the Case Of The Not-So-Centrifugal Pump Curve and the Case Of The Frequent Motor Failure to do some real-life motor- starting sleuthing. By Tim Coyle, P.E.
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