September 2019 | ES Magazine

Engineered Systems magazine’s September 2019 issue questions the need for multiple building codes that cover the same subjects, examines the dos and don’ts of power systems for critical facilities, offers tips on how to select the proper centrifugal pump circuit flow controls, and much more.

ASHRAE 90.1 Vs. IECC — Is it Time to Take a Stand?

Though these codes try to coexist like friendly allies, they seem to pair more like the mongoose and cobra.

John Varley

September 16, 2019

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Please raise your hand if you enjoy having two energy codes providing the standard of care for your projects.

Central Chiller Plant Designs and Design Options — Are We Leading or Bleeding?

For engineers, how many codes, metrics, and standards are too many?

Chuck Dale-Derks, P.E.

September 20, 2019

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I have struggled with writing this article based upon what is being reported and what our industry leaders are recommending. It’s a fine balancing act, and I feel we may have too many plates spinning at once.

Selecting the Proper Centrifugal Pump Circuit Flow Control

The appropriate pump control will provide a properly operating, energy-efficient, reliable pumping system.

Vincent A. Sakraida, P.E., LEED AP

September 23, 2019

One Comment

Beyond the wheel, the most important mechanical equipment serving humanity is the centrifugal pump.

Power Systems for Critical Systems: Consider Resiliency, Reliability, Maintainability, and Safety

Designing power systems for critical facilities.

Keith Garratt Aleksei Isingaziev

September 18, 2019

One Comment

The demand for reliable power systems in critical facilities continues to increase, putting pressure on engineers to design reliable systems within project budgets that are often decreasing.

Troubleshooting — Engineering 101, Part 2

This month we look at three scenarios designed to help solve water-side problems.

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

September 4, 2019

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Last month I discussed the niche business of troubleshooting and the pertinent things to do in preparation of the data collection, data analysis, and eventually the potential solution(s) plan. This month, I’m going to continue with this topic, focusing on water-side problem solving.

Facility Files: Hospital Patient Room Filtration Retrofit

High-Performance Hospital Patient Room Filtration Retrofit Using Construction Management Project Delivery.

Amanda Parolise

September 13, 2019

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This month’s Facility File focuses on retrofitting a hospital’s patient floor with the addition of one fan-powered HEPA filter unit per patient room on a 30-patient room floor. The Facility File will focus on the B2B September test to improve the room air-purification environment and to trap particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.

Why We Need Baby Boomers in the Workforce

Data shows that the aging brain is more capable of creativity and innovation than its younger counterpart.

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

September 11, 2019

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What should we do with all these gray-haired baby boomers? Do the brilliant and bold youngsters who seem to dominate the world of creativity and innovation still have a place for us?

The Five Steps to Continuous Commissioning

Today’s approach to continuous commissioning is much different than it was in the past.

Phil Zito

September 9, 2019

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In my August 2019 article, I began to unpack three approaches that can be utilized to create reoccurring lines of revenue within your engineering and consulting business. This month we will begin to look at the second approach: continuous commissioning.

A Deeper Dive into Trend Analysis

Rebecca T. Ellis, P.E.

September 6, 2019

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Continuing with the theme from last month, this column presents another real-life example of how trend analysis, if done thoughtfully, can uncover wasted energy that no one even suspected.

BIM: Necessity or Novelty?

Surveys outline BIM’s budding place in the industry.

Herb Woerpel

September 2, 2019

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Building information modeling (BIM) has quickly evolved from a pipe dream to a desirable design reality.

Case in Point

Montcliar State University's Innovative Microgrid is a Model for All Universities

September 24, 2019

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A university is a lot like a small city, and Montclair State University is no exception. There are 21,000 students enrolled, and more than 5,000 live on-site. The campus has a life of its own, and what keeps everything going is power.

Case in Point

China's Beijing Daxing Airport Set to Utilize VTS Air Curtains and Heating Units

September 25, 2019

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Located less than 50 km south of the capital of China, Beijing Daxing Airport is set to become world’s biggest airport. Officials say that this new transport hub will cost around $12 billion.