2023 June

Engineered Systems Magazine

The June issue takes a look at using variable-speed drives, shows how performance-based design enables building owners and operators to customize the building design based on long-term goals, provides an easy way to calculate cooling requirements, and explains why outdoor air isn’t always good.

Using Variable-Frequency Drives to Control Fan and Pump Motors

Variable-frequency drives can save significant amounts of energy over the life of a motor

Ionel Petrus, P.E.

Mohammed Fahd LEED GA

Onkar Phatak

Andrew Varilone

June 12, 2023

The way we control the speed of fan motors or pump motors has tremendously changed in the past two decades with the introduction of variable-frequency drives (VFDs), aka variable-frequency controllers (VFCs).

A large heat pump water heater configuration

Lessons Learned: Paying It Forward with Heat Pump Water Heating Plants in Education

Learning through experience

Hector Garcia

Andrew Tranovich, P.E.

June 9, 2023

Two projects on an educational campus show how much the technology and perception of heat pump hot water heaters have changed.

Protecting VFDs from Overheating

An easy way to calculate cooling requirements.

Jon LaPorta

June 5, 2023

These rules of thumb provide a general guide for selecting a cooling method and for sizing the cooling load requirements.

Performance-Based Design Brings Resiliency to the Built Environment

Performance-based design enables building owners and operators to customize the building design based on long-term goals.

Aysegul Gogus Ph.D., P.E., S.E.

Kevin Borth

June 2, 2023

Performance-based design (PBD), as opposed to prescriptive design, enables building owners and operators to customize the building design based on long-term goals.

Proper Alarm Suppression Reduces Nuisance Alarms

There are many instances in which alarm suppression is the best response.

Miles Ryan P.E.

June 26, 2023

The past two columns have discussed building automation system (BAS) alarm saturation.

Boiler Replacement for University Kitchen Using Design-Bid-Build Project Delivery

Replacement of a 30-year old fire-tube boiler with a new 95% efficient gas-fired steam condensing boiler to serve a university’s main campus cafeteria.

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

June 21, 2023

Replacement of a 30-year old fire-tube boiler with a new 95% efficient gas-fired steam condensing boiler to serve a university’s main campus cafeteria.

Knowing Outdoor Air Quality Allows Management of IAQ for Health and Efficiency

Affordable sensors use real-time data to increase operating efficiency.

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

June 13, 2023

The adage that increasing outdoor air ventilation will improve IAQ is not always the case. For example, how do you manage ventilation to support occupant health if outdoor air is polluted by an upwind wildfire or an accident that spilled airborne toxins?

Community Bank Problems Could Cause Issues for Construction

Construction financing is a major piece of their business.

Ted Craig

June 6, 2023

Increased volatility and regulation would reduce funding available for major projects.

This presentation will help design engineers, building owners and operations gain a better understanding of the available “Next Level Up” building management solutions and how they can help our customers achieve their energy and resource goals.

Earn: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU; 1 PDH

Engineered Systems Magazine

2023 June

Cover Story

Using Variable-Frequency Drives to Control Fan and Pump Motors

Feature Articles