2023 July

Engineered Systems Magazine

The July issue of Engineered Systems features articles on hydronic equipment options, HVAC zoning, decarbonization for healthcare facilities, how to design a central utility plant, the potential for heat pump growth, and more. Access the full July issue by clicking here.

Evaluating Hydronic Equipment Options for Standalone Building Heating Loads

Electric boilers, heat pumps offer alternatives to help with decarbonization.

Melody Wang, P.E.

Jessica Mangler

July 3, 2023

As the commercial HVAC industry shifts toward decarbonization and increased sustainability, the role of mechanical design engineers is evolving rapidly.

A Design Solution to Improve Heating Performance of Pressure-Independent Terminal Units

Connected supply air devices are the last place that anyone looks.

Francisco Valentine PE

August 14, 2023

Poor heating performance in single-duct pressure-independent terminal units is a much more pervasive problem than we would like to admit.

Demystifying HVAC Zoning

HVAC zoning is a complicated and time-consuming process, but automation can make it easier.

Kevin Lawson PE

July 27, 2023

As our industry continues to adopt more advanced building information modeling (BIM) techniques, and more data is becoming available that can be automatically read, compared, and manipulated.

How to Rise to the Challenge of Designing a Central Utility Plant

These projects provide an opportunity to demonstrate skills, creativity, and passion for engineering

Jamison Caldwell, P.E., LEED AP

Ionel Petrus, P.E.

July 25, 2023

It is the opinion of these authors that designing a central utility plant (CUP) presents the most exciting engineering challenge in one’s career.

Heat Pump Potential Grows with Increased Environmental Awareness

As the electrification of buildings becomes more prevalent, the use of heat pumps will continue to increase.

Jamison Caldwell, P.E., LEED AP

Onkar Phatak

Ionel Petrus, P.E.

July 11, 2023

Our industry has traditionally relied heavily on fossil fuels, including natural gas, to provide heating and hot water for commercial buildings.

Inappropriately Configured Alarm Conditions

Commissioning providers can bring value to the owner by critically thinking through the specified and programmed alarm conditions

Miles Ryan P.E.

July 31, 2023

April’s column kicked off a series that dove deep into the concept of building automation system (BAS) alarms. That series was supposed to end last month, but in the process of writing those articles, I realized I have more to say on the topic. So here is my victory lap!

Campus Decarbonization and Electrification Master Planning Integrated Project Delivery

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

July 24, 2023

Moving toward a university’s goal of complete electrification in 10 years.

Perfume or Poison: The tVOC Riddle

How VOCs impact occupant health depends on many factors.

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

July 19, 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are airborne carbon-based molecules produced by chemicals vaporizing at room temperature.

Owners Need to Find New Purposes for Office Buildings

Turning office space into apartments requires new HVAC systems.

Ted Craig

July 10, 2023

Last month, I wrote about how many of the high-profile regional bank failures were due to conditions uncommon to most institutions. However, there is one major issue facing banks of all types and size — office buildings vacancies.

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 July

Cover Story

Evaluating Hydronic Equipment Options for Standalone Building Heating Loads

Feature Articles