Uniform Solar Energy and Hydronics Code (USEHC) contains some requirements that may be inappropriate given certain conditions, climates, or simple designer discretion. That’s not a problem … unless your locality or state adopts USECH language as binding. Dig into the problem and note a timely opportunity to avoid having these issues set in stone for another few years.
As early as 3000 BC, civilizations began to create codes for public order and safety. The Code of Hammurabi, the old “eye for an eye” law many are familiar with, also included laws for safe building construction.
Once we distinguish voltage unbalance from voltage variation, the need to tackle the issue intelligently becomes even more clear. Learn about common causes and effects, testing for unbalanced voltages and single-phasing, and ways to correct the problem if it does manage to arise.
So many areas where a little forethought and awareness can avoid larger problems — sizing, velocity, piping and connections, double trapping, condensate return, proper pressure, blowdown tanks, and more. Read on for some good habits and why they’re worth having.
When designing or replacing a low pressure steam boiler, throw out everything you know about hydronic boilers. A steam system is closer in operation to an air conditioning unit than it is to a hydronic boiler. If you design a steam system using hydronic design methods, it will not operate properly.
When Miller Bonded Inc. (MBI) decided to design its new pipe fabrication facility in Albuquerque, NM, the HVAC mechanical contractor not only wanted to streamline production, it also wanted an energy-efficient building.
What is the difference between a typical BAS scenario and one that involves building analytics? And why did one library start to see its utility costs and trouble calls start to spiral upward? As you might imagine, the answers to these questions are related …
Since the early ’80s, building automation technology (BAS) have played an integral role in engineers’ ability to aid facility owners and operators in achieving operational efficiency, dependable comfort, and lower energy costs. However, despite significant capital investments, often times the full potential of these systems is not realized, resulting in less than optimal building performance.
Whether one calls it a commissioning action list, a master issues log, a deficiency list, a corrective action list, etc., every commissioning project includes a matrix of items needing attention by someone on the project team. This table is the responsibility of the commissioning professional to create, maintain, and share with the team.
One of the most important factors in the efficiency of any HVAC system is the selection and implementation of the proper control sequence of operations.
When I got started in the HVAC business half a century ago, I was very fortunate to work for a small firm where I learned a lot about design engineering from some really knowledgeable and practical HVAC engineers. The business we were in was designing HVAC for hospitals, colleges, universities, research facilities, and museums. All of these facilities required very sophisticated central air systems, heating systems, and chilled water systems.