Engineered Systems articles from August 2003

Engineered Systems archives from August 2003

It's about warming (to the controls evolution) and new ways of cooling (soldiers and citizens alike).(editor's note)
August 1, 2003... Thanks to Ken Sinclair's column, you've probably gotten the idea that it's not exactly business as usual in the building automation industry these days. Ken has been a tireless reporter, organizer, and cheerleader in his efforts to raise...

Calendar of events.
August 1, 2003... September & October 2003 For more events and details, visit ESOnline at www.esmagazine.com. September 15-17 "Maintenance Planning and Scheduling" New Standard Institute New Orleans. For info, visit...

The human factor in fume hood use.(letters to the editor)
August 1, 2003... I just read Joanna Turpin's article on fume hoods in the June 2003 issue of Engineered Systems ("Clearing The Air About The Latest Fume Hoods," page 58). I agree that a laboratory is built for the safety of the users of the laboratory and...

Back to basics[TM].
August 1, 2003... 1 ON-OFF CONTROL, IN THE "OFF" POSITION: Process chiller PC-1 shall provide chilled water to the industrial process cooling equipment in a sequence similar to "Back to Basics" Test #170 and #171. Chiller heat (recovery, rejection, gain)...

VSDs bring air of reliability to London landmark's fans.(case in point)
August 1, 2003... Although in-flight, variable-pitch vaneaxial fans are an energy efficient method of VAV control, VFD retrofits of these applications are popular, due primarily to the high maintenance cost associated with the fans' mechanical components. "Most...

An encore performance: how a BAS retrofit breathed new life into a city center.(case in point)
August 1, 2003... Thirteen years ago, Bob Moran, superintendent of the Power House (Dearborn, MI), entrusted Bart Bale, president of Technical Energy Solutions, with the task of installing energy efficient building controls in the city's civic center and police...

Major BAS operation at Harrisburg hospital results in increased control.(Case In Point)
August 1, 2003... Pinnacle Health Harrisburg Hospital recently finished a capital expansion project that was a huge undertaking for the 425-bed acute care facility in Harrisburg, PA. The $57 million project was extensive, and included a 24-phase...

Metamorphic markets: Frost & Sullivan sees the dollars begin to shift. Are they shifting toward you?(building automation)
August 1, 2003... We cannot expect our traditional markets to lead to our future business model; we must morph our identity and methodology to capture the new opportunities of today's metamorphic markets. A few months back my column was on preparing for your...

Common EMS surprises: the road to subtle, sneaky problems is paved with good intentions.(commissioning)
August 1, 2003... As promised in February's column, this month I'm going to share some of the most common deviations between specified sequences of operation and implemented sequences of operation discovered during air-handling system functional performance...

Is the spec tough enough? Here are some insights into specifying AC motors for harsh environments.(current affairs)
August 1, 2003... Most HVACR designers have a "premium" quality motor specification for critical or severe applications. Mechanical features include totally enclosed, non-ventilated (TENV) or fan cooled (TEFC) construction, cast-iron frame and end bells, and...

June 2003: a year in review: Ashrae design conditions vs. 2002.(weather report)
August 1, 2003... The end of June '03 marks the second anniversary for the "Weather Report", and I would like to thank all of you who have volunteered your $.02 along the way. The feedback has been very helpful in our effort to achieve our dual goal of becoming...

Equipment startup checklist: air cooled condenser.(HVACR designer tips)
August 1, 2003... Equipment type:-- Equipment designation:-- Bar code designation:-- ELECTRICAL INSPECTION: YES NO * Electrical completed and disconnect install per code [] [] compliance. * Starter...

HVAC and dreams of integration: how did we arrive at today's contenders for building connectivity?(Cover Story)
August 1, 2003... What can HTML or XML do? How does the integration business differ from the HYAC business? These questions are important, and the answers moreso. While the HVAC industry is poised to do well in integration, it isn't a given. Take a...

Too hot in Anchorage.(Pumps / Piping / Controls)
August 1, 2003... When a boilerage and operator misunderstanding teamed up in one Anchorage school, things heated up--as in, children's chocolate bars would melt on the radiant floor. However, a new piping configuration, some boiler modifications, and new...

MBI's BAS becomes DIY.(Controls & Sensors)
August 1, 2003... And now for something completely different: Armed with a knowledgeable staff and a distaste for retrofit price quotes, one facilities engineer at a Michigan R&D complex opted to design, assemble, and install the new BAS in-house. The...

How to calculate motor efficiency for variable-speed centrifugal pumps: knowing the efficiencies of the pump, VSD, and motor will enable the engineer to calculate the kW input for a pump, from minimum to maximum flow and head conditions for that pump. Here, the author goes through that calculation process, also noting that a standard reference for identifying induction motor efficiencies at reduced speeds or loads.
August 1, 2003... The calculation of the motor efficiency for a variable-speed centrifugal pump can be complicated and requires first the determination of the pump speed, efficiency, and brake horsepower (bhp) required by the pump at various points on the water...

Court supports one federal regulation, not 50 state rules.(issues and events)
August 1, 2003... A U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California has issued a permanent injunction enjoining the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (CEC) from enforcing its appliance marking, information filing, and...

Schneider Electric.(Industry News)
August 1, 2003... Schneider Electric announced that it will acquire Sweden's TAC, a major player in the global building automation and control market.

Lindab Inc.(Industry News)
August 1, 2003... Lindab Inc. recently announced that Milwaukee Insulation has expanded its stocking location to include its branch office, Insulation Plus, located in Stevens Point, WI.

Parker Hannifin Corporation.(Industry News)
August 1, 2003... Parker Hannifin Corporation recently selected Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. as the strategic energy management outsourcing partner to manage the former's annual energy budget across 40 selected facilities in North America.

Novar Controls.(Industry News)
August 1, 2003... Novar Controls recently opened a business unit within the Special Economic Zone in Shenzhen, China. The unit, which is the company's first Asian expansion, has already been selected as the project contractor for several retail sites.

Redi Controls, Inc.(Industry News)
August 1, 2003... Redi Controls, Inc. is now an authorized distributor of the Vector Technologies SC series of compressor surge and safety controllers and the C2 series of multistep chiller controllers.

ASHRAE.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2003... ASHRAE has approved funding for research to develop an interactive Web-based database providing current information on maintenance costs and service life of typical HVAC components and systems.

The Fire Protection Research Foundation.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2003... The Fire Protection Research Foundation has appointed three new trustees to join its governing body. The trustees are Raymond Grill, senior vice president and engineering manager at Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; Steven Wydeveld, chief...

NFPA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2003... NFPA and the International Association of Fire Chiefs recently signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their long existing relationship and to allow for increased participation by the IAFC in the NFPA code process.

ARI.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2003... ARI recently approved a scope change for its Ammonia Refrigeration Compressor Units Product Section. The new scope includes: positive replacement ammonia refrigeration compressor units in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning...

The Mechanical Service Contractors of America.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2003... The Mechanical Service Contractors of America will hold its 2003 conference on October 19-22, 2003, at Amelia Island Plantation, in Amelia Island, FL.

MEP / fire protection system design.(computers & software)
August 1, 2003... Building Systems 2004 software allows designers to collaborate with the rest of the project team. The program offers many new features such as an expanded library including thousands of MEP fittings and equipment, and new fire protection...

Temperature calibration / asset management.(computers & software)
August 1, 2003... The company's Calibrate-it and Generate-it software systems have been combined to form a package called MET/TEMP II. The package offers users automated calibration and can be integrated with Fluke Corporation's MET/TRACK[R] software to provide...

Hydronic system selection.(computers & software)
August 1, 2003... The company now offers a combined software package that includes the newest version of its specifying software system, TacoNet[R] 7.0, and the Hydronic System Solutions[R] or HS2 system design software. --Taco, Inc. FREE INFO: 702 ...

Environmental Support Solutions.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... Environmental Support Solutions announced the release of Essential Chemical Inventory[TM] 6.0, its latest browser-based chemical inventory module for its suite of environmental management products.

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) is now distributing the HVAC SuperTech CD-ROM developed by Prokup Media, Inc. The software helps techs troubleshoot R-22 residential and light commercial A/C systems.

ALGOR, Inc.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... ALGOR, Inc. and Alibre, Inc. have partnered to offer a parametric, feature-based modeling system for creating 3-13 solid parts and assemblies within all ALGOR's professional core packages.

Modine Manufacturing Co.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... Modine Manufacturing Co. has released a software update to its Windows-based sizing and selection program, Breeze[TM] Accupec Software, for its HVAC product line.

Pump-Flo Solutions.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... Pump-Flo Solutions recently announced that Goulds Pumps has successfully deployed its ePump-Flo Web-based pump selection software for its G&L Pumps and commercial product lines.

The AC&R Safety Coalition.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... The AC&R Safety Coalition has released a new interactive CD-ROM designed to provide field service personnel with the necessary training and practical knowledge to safely service systems containing R-410A and R-407C.

New Standard Institute.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... New Standard Institute's AC Motor Controls CD-ROM focuses on ladder diagrams, wiring, and troubleshooting techniques for the AC induction motor, and features interactive exercises and quizzes to improve troubleshooting skills.

Dexter + Chaney.(Bits & Bytes)
August 1, 2003... Dexter + Chaney has released enhanced project management software for Version 11 of its Forefront[R] Construction Management Software for plumbing, mechanical, and HVACR contractors.

World Wide Web.(computers & software)
August 1, 2003... Honeywell Automation & Control Solutions' NOTIFIER division has introduced its new NOTI-FIRE-NET[TM] Web Server, a Web-based service designed to offer facility managers remote access to fire alarm control panels. The Cooling Technology...

Heater assemblies.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The company's expanded heater assemblies are designed to provide moderate, controllable heat in economical and low profile designs. Overall plate dimensions up to 22- by 72-in. are possible with aluminum, copper, or stainless steel plates. The...

Modular labs.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The ModuLab is designed to achieve strict environmental control by using HEPA and/or carbon filtration to regulate air quality from Class 100 to 100,000. Temperature control and humidity can be regulated with available optional systems. ...

Zoning system.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The City Multi[R] R2 variable refrigerant flow zoning system features inverter technology and simultaneous cooling and heating. Two models are available: and 80,000 Btuh with up to 15 connectable indoor units; or a 100,000 Btuh unit with up to...

Air cooled chiller.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... Solid state starters are available as standard equipment on the GeneSys[TM] air cooled chiller line. Other features include an LED panel that displays operating status and fault information, and efficiencies of 10.0 to 10.6 EER and up to 14.0...

AC drive.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The HR1018 harmonic reduction technology package is an 18-pulse AC drive that is designed to reduce the total harmonic distortion common to standard 6-pulse drives, thus minimizing harmonic interference and heating in motors, transformers, and...

Zone valves and actuators.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The company has released its 599 Series zone valve and actuator line. The zone valves feature a direct-coupled design that requires no tools for installation along with all-metal seating surfaces and linear stroke action designed for a...

Ceiling cassette systems.(products in focus)
August 1, 2003... The company has added two new ceiling cassette systems to its Halcyon product line: the 42RC and the 36RC. One key feature of both models is the Slender-Fit design which enables the cassette housing to be moved downward into the room by 1-3/8...

Monitors.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... This brochure details the company's DirectSense TOX monitor. Included are product photos, available optional accessories, information on the unit's datalogging and recording capabilities, and a specification chart detailing the range and...

Fans.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... The company's Model USGF ultimate steel grease fan is featured in this full-color booklet. Included is information on the fan's construction features, available options and accessories, and dimension and specification charts for each available...

Duct wrap.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... The company's SoftTouch[TM] duct wrap is detailed in this two-page fact sheet. Included is an illustration along with an indepth description of the wrap in CSI format. The insulation is designed to help control heat loss and condensation during...

Industrial refrigeration.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... This 12-page brochure titled, Industrial Refrigeration--Performance By Design, describes the advantages and applications of the company's semi-welded plate heat exchanger in industrial refrigeration. Also included is a discussion on the...

Separators.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... This full-color brochure details the company's Microbubble[TM] separators and dirt separators. Included are charts depicting pressure drop, technical specifications, and efficiency curves; a list of features and benefits; and a cross-sectional...

Leak detection.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... The company has updated its leak detection library to include information on its new products. The Spectroline[R] 24-page catalog features information on its ultraviolet and UV/blue light lamps, fluorescent dyes, and dye injection hardware. The...

Flowmeter.(literature & catalogs)
August 1, 2003... This brochure describes the company's Systems 1010E thermal energy flowmeter. Included is information on how the unit works, its capabilities, and features, as well as a specification chart and information on available models. ...

Glossary.
August 1, 2003... Here are some common abbreviations and terms found in the pages of Engineered Systems. A A/C--air conditioning ach--air changes per hour AE--architectural and engineering; or architect and engineer . ...

The buck stops where? We need a single, complete automatic control record document.(tomorrow's engineer)
August 1, 2003... In the past year, our office has entered into several commissioning projects at or near the end of construction by the owner to facilitate the system demonstration to the owner and the facility staff. From this experience, we see a pattern...