Engineered Systems Magazine

2019 May

Engineered Systems magazine’s May 2019 issue examines the role of HVAC systems and power in critical facilities via the University of Utah’s new, LEED Gold-certified Downtown Data Center; the role of codes and standards in mission critical facilities; why an engineer should consider a product’s functional requirements during the specification process; and much more.

The Downtown Data Center’s enterprise IT space

The University of Utah's Downtown Data Center's Path to LEED Gold

Achieving LEED Gold via central AHUs, closed-circuit fluid coolers, and more.

Robert Thompson, P.E.

May 15, 2019

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In April of 2011, the University of Utah broke ground on a renovation to consolidate multiple production centers into a central multi-tier data center in support of their diverse program mix, which includes the university’s Center for High-Performance Computing (CHPC).

Everything you need to know about data centers or MC facilities

Incorporating Standards, Power Distribution, Backup Generators, and More Into Your Data Center Design

Everything You Need to Know About Data Centers or Mission Critical Facilities.

Amir Salarifard P.E.

May 20, 2019

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Information technology (IT) has been growing exponentially as people’s day-to-day lives grow more dependent on data processing.

HVAC Product Selection and Specification — Keep it Dependable

HVAC Project Specification: Don't Underestimate a Product's Functional Requirements

High-level, concept thinkers must also think about the details of product selection.

Steven G Liescheidt P.E., CCS,

May 17, 2019

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HVAC product selection is not as easy as it sometimes seems. For sure, the key part of engineering is the KIS principle (Keep It Simple).

Control Freak: Don’t let too much Temperature Control Interfere with Efficiency

Too Much Control? Part 2

Rebecca T. Ellis, P.E.

May 6, 2019

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Last month’s column introduced the concept of giving “too much control” to the building operators through the BAS graphic.

Facility Files: Datacom Expansion in a Medical Records Office Building Using VRF

Amanda Parolise

May 13, 2019

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This month’s Facility File will focus on the B2B May test for an existing datacom room located within a 50,000-square-foot medical records office building.

How Indoor Air Quality Impacts Our Psychological Development

Mechanical Engineers Are Now Mental Health Professionals

Stephanie Taylor, M.D., M. Arch, CIC

May 10, 2019

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Once again, research has revealed an entire new dimension of the role of indoor air quality in determining human health.

The Four Steps to Two-System BAS Integration: The Role of Iteration

This month, we dig deeper into the topic and take a look at nested use cases.

Phil Zito

May 8, 2019

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In my previous article on two-system integration, I discussed the four steps for effective integration. Just to recap, those steps are:

Alexa: Take Control of My Building

Voice-controlled assistants aren’t built for buildings — yet.

Herb Woerpel

May 1, 2019

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Ten years ago, the name Alexa was a mere spec on the baby-naming landscape. Today, more than one-third of Americans are uttering the name (or the names of its voice-controlled cousins) every day to control the technology within their living spaces.

Integrated Project Delivery Depends on Sustaining Teamwork

Sustainability has many names

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

May 3, 2019

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Sustainability represents many themes to many people. While some have a vested interest in maintaining continued success, others are committed to sustaining for the common good, whether it’s the elimination of poverty, preserving the environment, or other valuable causes.

As the HVAC market continues to expand and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technologies continue to evolve, the demand for professionals with VRF expertise will only grow. This presentation provides thorough insight into the requirements, advantages and opportunities associated with specifying VRF systems and addresses the common misconceptions professionals may encounter in the field. Additionally, the speakers will detail VRF-specific concepts including simultaneous heating and cooling as well as how VRF fits within building industry trends such as Strategic Electrification.