Engineered Systems articles from August 2006

Engineered Systems archives from August 2006

Right a wrong: write it right.(editor's note)
August 1, 2006... One sure-fire way to beat the summer heat: stay inside and clean out the list of bookmarks on your computer. Sounds fun, doesn't it? I suppose it's the 21st-century version of cleaning out your desk. Hmm, except we still have desks to clean...

Customized AHU pulls off a perfect 'cannonball' at water park.(case in point)
August 1, 2006... Commercial HVAC projects are typically filled with compromise. In a specialty application like an indoor water park, where air quality, space, and a corrosive environment are key considerations, an engineer must work hard to ensure long-term...

Back to basics[TM].
August 1, 2006... Helpful Hints * Refer to last month's "HVACR Designer Tips" for the cooling tower replacement checklist for condenser water system design and installation. * This month's "Back to Basics" test enhances July's test by focusing on the...

Too much commissioning?(construction engineers)
August 1, 2006... Professional distance can help down the road. One of the variables we find from project-to-project is the amount of time the commissioning professional is expected to be on site during construction. At first blush, a facility owner would...

Fast-forward: freeze frames.(building automation)
August 1, 2006... Look at a collection of snapshots to get the big picture. It seems that our industry is on fast-forward as the events, articles, interviews, reviews, news releases, and new products cross my computer screen before finding their way to our...

Design review & equipment startup: checklist for cooling tower replacement/retrofit.(hvarc designer tips)
August 1, 2006... Equipment type: Cooling tower Equipment designation: CT-1 Bar code designation: 111111 Area served: Base building Equipment location: Roof ELECTRICAL INSPECTION YES NO *...

Delivering comfort.(Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis' use of underfloor air distribution systems)(Cover story)
August 1, 2006... When it came to the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis, the project team was the one delivering the goods. Given the daunting task of preserving flexibility for a facility that could research anything from alcoholism to...

Smoke control in health care facilities.
August 1, 2006... Part one of two, this feature examines the special concerns that hospitals (and their associated standards) create for air handling and smoke control design. The article starts with basics and moves on to more involved scenarios and sequences,...

Don't bypass the savings: you went with VFDs to save money. That's great. But if you're letting even 10% of those drives operate in bypass mode on an ongoing basis, then you could be using up to 56% more energy. Here are four steps to protecting your air-handling investment and your bottom line.(vacuum fluorescent display )
August 1, 2006... Despite the economic advantages and significant energy savings available by using AC VFDs in HVAC applications, many building operators do not repair or replace drives when they fail; this is because the motors easily can continue to run...

New room at the inn: from videotaping an initial discussion about past projects to deploying vertical duct distribution, no idea was too unconventional for this unusual retrofit: transforming an aging hotel into a modern biomedical facility. Get the story, with an emphasis on how the different project entities worked with each other and ultimately earned a LEED[R] rating to boot.(King's Grant Inn)
August 1, 2006... When I was growing up north of Boston in the 1960s, there were many people on the New England north shore who had stories to tell about the King's Grant Inn in Danvers, MA. Located on what was then coined America's "Technology Highway"...

Thinking inside the big box.(superstores)
August 1, 2006... From the high ceilings to the high pressures of retail timelines, large mega-retail projects can present more than an engineer might bargain for. A basic prototype gets the cart rolling, but the savvy shopper has to tailor the design to some...

Our Fall Building Automation Conference adds limited-space intelligent building tour.(issues and events)
August 1, 2006... BNP Media, Engineered Systems, and Energy & Power Management will host ES' Fall 2006 Building Automation Conference 2006, on September 12-13, 2006 at the Westin Horton Plaza hotel in San Diego. This two-day conference is designed to bring...

Weil-McLain.(Industry News)(School of Better Heating sessions)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Weil-McLain's "School of Better Heating" will kick off the fall heating season with two class sessions at their state-of-the-art training facility in Eden, NC, in mid-September.

Ember Corporation.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Ember Corporation has secured an additional $12 million in funding from its primary venture capital investors and strategic partners.

Industrial Scientific Corporation.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Industrial Scientific Corporation, has opened a new service center in the Houston area.

Taco, Inc.(Industry News)(upgrade to indoor comfort system)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Taco, Inc. has completed a major upgrade to its indoor comfort system at its main facility in Cranston, RI--a $3.5 million cogeneration heat/air conditioning system representing the biggest investment the ISO 9001 manufacturer has made in...

Modine Manufacturing Company.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Company has successfully completed shifting production from its Bensalem, PA, plant to its other U.S. facilities under budget and ahead of schedule.

Crane.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Crane, has announced that the popular John Crane Academy seminars are now available online.

Environmental Technologies, Inc.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Environmental Technologies, Inc. announced a 4% price increase on all products, effective on orders released on or after July 1,2006.

Honeywell and Malverne Union Free School District.(Industry News)(energy-savings and modernization project)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Honeywell and Malverne Union Free School District (Long Island, NY) have signed a $2.4 million performance contract for an energy-savings and modernization project, which includes infrastructure improvements and a solar energy system.

Raytheon, has updated and expanded the TAC[R] BMS at its facilities in St. Petersburg.(Industry News)
August 1, 2006... Raytheon, has updated and expanded the TAC[R] BMS at its facilities in St. Petersburg, FL with the assistance of Cyrus Technologies.

CertainTeed Corporation.(Industry News)(West Building of McCormick Place Convention Center to use ToughGard[R] 2 Textile Duct Liner and Standard Duct Wrap Insulation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... CertainTeed Corporation announced that two of its products, ToughGard[R] 2 Textile Duct Liner and Standard Duct Wrap Insulation, will be used in the construction of the new West Building of McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.

'Need to know: owners' Cx & TAB seminar' set for October.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2006... Engineered Systems and BNP Media will provide attendees with a great opportunity to delve into the ins and outs of commissioning on October 13, 2006, in Sturbridge, MA. The event, rifled, "Need To Know: Owners' Commissioning & TAB Seminar" will...

IRS issues guidance on commercial building tax deduction.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)(Internal Revenue Service)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has posted guidance on use of the new tax deduction for efficient commercial buildings. A summary of this guidance, as well as a link to the IRS guidance, can be found on the website of the Tax Incentives...

The American Institute of Architects (AIA).(Engineering Beat)(Christine McEntee appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has named Christine McEntee, formerly CEO of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), as the institute's executive vice president and CEO.

Ross & Baruzzini, Inc.(provided engineering design services for two Building of America Honor projects)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Ross & Baruzzini, Inc. announced that the firm provided engineering design services for two projects that have been awarded the Building of America Honor as part of the 50 best new construction projects within the Missouri region to be featured...

Smith, Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR).(Engineering Beat)(Ryan Hertter appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Smith, Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR), an engineering design and facility consulting firm, has hired Ryan Hertter as senior engineer and Will Webb as mechanical engineer in the company's Memphis office.

BSA LifeStructures.(Engineering Beat)(Bob Boellner and Rob Schoeck appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Bob Boellner and Rob Schoeck have been named senior vice presidents at BSA LifeStructures. Boellner oversees systems engineering and is responsible for developing and implementing creative solutions for many engineering challenges faced by...

Dewberry.(Engineering Beat)
August 1, 2006... Dewberry, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, announced that the firm exceeded its 2005 sales goal, reaching a new benchmark of $300 million.

Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers.(Engineering Beat)(Allison Leonard and Jason Scott Davis appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers has added three new employees to its Lake Tahoe office: Allison Leonard, as electrical engineer and lighting design professional; Jason Scott Davis as CADD specialist; and Aaron Lubrano as retro-commissioning...

Sebesta Blomberg & Associates was recently recognized as a silver level sustaining firm of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers.(Engineering Beat)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Sebesta Blomberg & Associates was recently recognized as a silver level sustaining firm of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, the only engineering society that serves as an advocate and resource for licensed P.E.'s across all...

NAIOP announces call for Green Development Award nominations.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2006... The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) is seeking nominations for its Green Development Award, honoring a member-developer for an outstanding project that best utilizes green elements in design, energy usage, and...

Clasma Events Inc. launches European ConnectivityWeek[TM].(ISSUES AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Clasma Events Inc. the organizers of the BuilConn, M2M Expo & Conference, and GridWise, announced the launch of European ConnectivityWeek[TM]. The annual event will be held on October 35, 2006, at The RAI Congress Center Amsterdam, The...

Baltimore Aircoil Company.(Places and Faces)(Preston Blay, John Lau, Luke Rubino, William O. (Bill) Rector and Robert P. Miller appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Baltimore Aircoil Company announced the appointment of Preston Blay as manager of sales, Latin America. John Lau was promoted to general manager, sales and marketing of BAC Cooling Systems (BACCS), in Dalian, China. Luke Rubino was appointed as...

Autodesk, Inc.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... Autodesk, Inc. has named Carl Bass, the company's COO, as president and CEO.

Modine Manufacturing Company.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... Modine Manufacturing Company has promoted Margaret "Peggy" Kelsey to the position of corporate treasurer and assistant secretary.

JC Mottinger Associates has been named the RBI representative for Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... JC Mottinger Associates has been named the RBI representative for Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

Hansgrohe, Inc.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... Hansgrohe, Inc. announced that Russ A. Wheeler is the new president of Hansgrobe-North America, the company's largest subsidiary.

SFA Saniflo, Inc.(Places and Faces)(Gregg James appointed)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... SFA Saniflo, Inc. has appointed Gregg James to manage its network of independent sales representatives in the 23 U.S. states located west of the Mississippi River.

ABB.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... ABB announced that Robert N. (Bob) Hausler has been appointed vice-president marketing and strategic planning for instrumentation in its Automation Products Division.

Spartan Environmental Technologies, a distributor and manufacturer of chemical oxidation and disinfection equipment, has appointed The Maher Corporation.(Places and Faces)
August 1, 2006... Spartan Environmental Technologies, a distributor and manufacturer of chemical oxidation and disinfection equipment, has appointed The Maher Corporation as its representative for New England.

Study indicates that European building management and control system market booming.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2006... Frost & Sullivan (www.buildingtechnologies.frost.com) finds that the European building management and control system products market earned revenues of $1.62 billion in 2004 and estimates this to reach $1.84 billion in 2011. The addition...

ISH North America 2006 set to offer enhanced seminar tracks.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2006... The fourth edition of ISH North America 2006, the international tradeshow for Kitchen & Bath, Plumbing, Commercial/industrial PVF, Heating and Air Conditioning, announced a practical, comprehensive educational program to address contemporary...

The Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association (SMACNA).(training center opened)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Sheet Metal Workers' International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association (SMACNA) have opened a new training center world-class training centers in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The SMWIA...

RSES.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2006... RSES will hold its 2006 Annual Conference at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta, on October 3-October 7. Highlights of this year's conference include several educational sessions, including one titled, "Take the Fear Out of 13 SEER."

HVAC Excellence.(Association Agenda)(Master Specialist, technician certification)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... HVAC Excellence has released its newest technician certification, "Master Specialist." Experienced technicians who pass a written and hands-on exam earn can now attain Master Specialist certification status.

The IAPMO Evaluation Service LLC (IAPMO ES) is now accredited by American National Standards Institute (ANSI).(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The IAPMO Evaluation Service LLC (IAPMO ES) is now accredited by American National Standards Institute (ANSI). IAPMO ES will evaluate building products, designs, and materials to the requirements of International Building Code, Uniform Building...

Dr. Walter Brunner, an environmental consultant from Zurich, Switzerland, was honored with the 2006 David Ball Award for Fire and the Environment.(Association Agenda)
August 1, 2006... Dr. Walter Brunner, an environmental consultant from Zurich, Switzerland, was honored with the 2006 David Ball Award for Fire and the Environment. Sponsored by NFPA and Kidde plc, the award is given to an individual, group or organization that...

ASHRAE.(Association Agenda)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... ASHRAE has published a new textbook designed to be used as a reference manual that allows engineers to build on their knowledge of HVACR design procedures and methods, titled, Principles of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning.

The National Ground Water Association.(Association Agenda)(Geothermal Heat Pump Conference and Workshops)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The National Ground Water Association is holding a Geothermal Heat Pump Conference and Workshops August 21-22, 2006, in Columbus, OH. The conference is intended for geothermal industry professionals including engineers, equipment and materials...

CABA announced that it has integrated the operations of the Internet Home Alliance.(Continental Automated Buildings Association)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... CABA announced that it has integrated the operations of the Internet Home Alliance, a cross-industry network of leading companies conducting collaborative research to advance the connected home market.

HVACR professionals say energy efficiency, building automation are key industry issues.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)
August 1, 2006... According to an online survey recently conducted by the AHR Expo, HVACR professionals are most interested in learning more about improving energy efficiency, building automation, and green building technology. More than 800 responses from...

Data storage needs continue to skyrocket for A/E firms.(ISSUES AND EVENTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms' data and file storage needs have hit a new high. ZweigWhite's 2006 Information Technology Survey of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms shows firms...

Medium-voltage VSDs help resort beat the utility odds.(variable-speed drives)(Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, YORK MAXE)
August 1, 2006... When the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino opened on the Las Vegas Strip in 1996, the 2.5-million-sq-ft hotel and casino incurred annual energy costs of approximately $0.05/kWh used. Ten years later, these expenses had doubled to $0.10/kWh utilized,...

Advanced grounding device ensures constant flow of clean air at nanotechnology labs.(CASE IN POINT)(Purdue University's Birck Nanotechnology Center)
August 1, 2006... A single speck of dust could spoil a whole experiment at Purdue University's new Birck Nanotechnology Center. To prevent such a scenario, the building's HVAC system has to be fast, forceful, and flawless. Such high performance is attained by...

Drive support tool.(computers & software)
August 1, 2006... Version 6.1 of the company's DriveWizard[TM] software features new tools for converting parameter files from its older drives and enhanced Ethernet support. The first conversion tool enables users to easily convert a DriveWizard parameter file...

Interactive system selection tool.(computers & software)
August 1, 2006... The company's Interactive System Selection Tool and Application Library provides users with an online tool to select products and accessories for their application. Once system selection is finalized, a complete list of products with part...

Psychrometric analysis software.(computers & software)
August 1, 2006... Psychrometric 5.0 is a new program that has been private-labeled from Hands Down Software, and it will be sold under the company's brand. It allows for complete psychrometric and process analysis, all graphically displayed, and also provides a...

ESS announced that it will host the Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience at its ESS Expo 2006.(BITS & BYTES)
August 1, 2006... ESS announced that it will host the Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience at its ESS Expo 2006, October 8-12, 2006 in Phoenix.

The Construction Specifications Institute.(BITS & BYTES)(MasterFormat.com launched)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Construction Specifications Institute launched MasterFormat.com, which is referred to as the "Dewey Decimal System" for project information. The program is a master list of titles and numbers for organizing data about construction...

The eAutomation Group of Advantech.(BITS & BYTES)
August 1, 2006... The eAutomation Group of Advantech introduced the MIC-3316 3U Compact-PCI controller, a fanless alternative low-power solution.

Lynxspring Inc. and C2 Facility Solutions.(BITS & BYTES)(marketing contract)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Lynxspring Inc. and C2 Facility Solutions announced a marketing and development collaboration to combine JENEsys[TM], the former's Internet control product suite, with FacilityOne[R], the latter's management and services software.

ANCIS Incorporated, a San Francisco-based consultancy, recently helped a major telecom firm develop a greatly improved HVAC design standard for its central offices using Flomerics' Flovent CFD software.(BITS & BYTES)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... ANCIS Incorporated, a San Francisco-based consultancy, recently helped a major telecom firm develop a greatly improved HVAC design standard for its central offices using Flomerics' Flovent CFD software to predict air intake temperatures for...

Algor, Inc.(BITS & BYTES)
August 1, 2006... Algor, Inc. announced that its latest finite element analysis (FEA) software release, Algor V19.2, features all-new enhancements for CED and mechanical event simulation.

Synergis Software, an independent division of Synergis Technologies, Inc., announced that the EES Division of Foster-Miller, Inc., a QinetiQ company. BITS & BYTES).(Synergis Software, an independent division of Synergis Technologies, Inc., announced that the EES Division of Foster-Miller, Inc., a QinetiQ company. BITS & BYTES)
August 1, 2006... Synergis Software, an independent division of Synergis Technologies, Inc., announced that the EES Division of Foster-Miller, Inc., a QinetiQ company, an engineering and technology development firm, uses its software to manage their documents.

Lennox Industries Inc.(BITS & BYTES)(AutoCAD[R] templates released)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Lennox Industries Inc. has released new AutoCAD[R] templates for the full line of Lennox[R] commercial products. The new templates offer the elements needed to accurately and efficiently design HVAC systems and projects.

iControl Networks, Inc.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... iControl Networks, Inc., announced the public launch of its Internet service that holds great promise in such specialized applications as property management and energy management.

Johnson Controls Inc.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Johnson Controls Inc.'s Leedspeed[TM] is a Web-based application, hosted at www.leedspeed.com, which is intended to simplify green building certification.

Air Exchange.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Air Exchange features extensive information about its dust collection, air cleaning, and firehouse systems, and more, at www.airexchange.com.

Electro Static Technology.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Electro Static Technology offers an intelligent work forum for engineering professionals at www.est-aegis.com/.

Zonex Systems.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Zonex Systems has launched a program for the HVAC contractor to obtain zone control and DDC system quotes, in minutes, via the Internet, at www.zonexcontrols.com.

Sensor System Solutions, Inc.(World Wide Web)(www.corp3s.com launched)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Sensor System Solutions, Inc. announced the launch of a new company website, located at www.corp3s.com, which features expanded product and service offerings that represent its three business divisions (Sensor System Solutions, Automotive...

Greenheck.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Greenheck has translated its website, located at www.greenheck.com, into Spanish and Chinese.

Nexus Valve Specialties, Inc.(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... Nexus Valve Specialties, Inc.'s website, www.nexusvalve.com, offers information about its vast selection of and experience in hydronic system components.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).(World Wide Web)
August 1, 2006... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) hosts a website at www.indoorairexpo.com dedicated to its annual conference and its Indoor Air Expo.

Elodrive USA.(World Wide Web)(new website)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Elodrive USA, through its website located at www.elodriveusa.com, presents information about its focus on developing, producing, and selling user friendly actuator solutions for the HVAC industry.

Temperature valves.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The LTV low-temperature valve is designed to protect non-condensing boilers from the effects of condensation in low-temperature applications. The unit is a self-contained automatic thermostatic, three-way valve that ensures temperatures...

VAV air diffusers.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The model SCVH Smart[TM] diffuser is designed to offer an energy saving choice for individual room temperature control. The SCVH provides a simple solution for thermostat wars as occupants attempt to adjust the thermostat to their own level of...

Steam/water mixing units.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The MegaMix[TM] is comprised of a three-port mixing valve, an electronic actuator, and an integrated temperature probe. This combination yields a standalone water temperature control solution, as well as the ability to interface with an...

Thermostats.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The Pro Fit Series[TM] thermostat includes five models. All units are 7-day programmable and Energy Star[R] compliant and feature automatic changeover and Clean Cycle[TM] technology. --Lux Products Corporation FREE INFO: CIRCLE NO. 303...

Duct wrap.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The company's Friendly Feel[TM] duct wrap is a fiberglass thermal and acoustical insulation designed to reduce energy use, improve system efficiency, and control sound transmission.]he wrap is available in black polypropylene-scrim kraft (PSK),...

Heaters.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The HD3D corrosion-resistant blower heater can be installed to provide either horizontal or vertical airflow. One key feature is the low-profile stainless steel brackets that allow the user to mount the unit directly on a wall or ceiling. The...

Thermal management.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The COLDFRONT product line for thermal management of data centers, central offices, and communication centers consists of three products that can be used together or independently of each other: thermal analysis and design to optimize data...

Fire alarms.(products in focus)
August 1, 2006... The company's K Series of outdoor notification devices now include a horn, horn/strobe, strobe, speaker, and speaker/ strobe. These devices have all been UL tested and are compatible with the company's indoor notification application and...