High-Performance Buildings & Automation - Articles - Page 101

Less Steam, Please: Thermal Power Reduction In Health Care

It might seem like an odd objective, but the potential efficiency gains are real. And from heat recovery chillers to modified humidification targets so are the opportunities to replace steam production with hot water generation and to manage remaining steam needs more intelligently.

Carl C. Schultz, P.E.

July 1, 2016

The production of thermal power is critically important in carrying out the mission of health care facilities where it is used for space heating, humidification, domestic water heating, and for processes in dietary, laundry, and sterilization departments.

Building Automation & The Internet Of Things

As the Internet of Things continues to flourish, what will be the role of building automation?

Paul Ehrlich P.E.

June 6, 2016

There is a fair amount of press about the concept of the “Internet of Things” — or as it is commonly abbreviated, IOT. The concept of IOT is simply defined as a network of physical devices.

Assessing The Radiant Road To School Design

The Radiant Roads To School Design

Leaning on experience and data from various K-12 cities and projects, the authors pursue some less conventional design approaches. They may revolve around radiant heating and/or cooling, but depending on school size and other factors, the smart use of heat recovery, DOAS, and improved central plants could also put a project on the HVAC honor roll.

Chris Miller, P.E., CXA, CEM Eddie Ortiz, EIT

May 2, 2016

As an engineer there are two choices — improve the “norm” or forge ahead with something new or borrowed from previous generations.

The Next Generation Of Building Automation

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 …

Chris Lofaso, P.E.

May 2, 2016

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.

Control Sequences

From design to installation to testing, a good sequence can be helped (or hindered) at every step.

Paul Ehrlich P.E.

May 2, 2016

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.

Data Centers & Ab/Adsorption Chillers

A few circumstances in a data center make it ripe for a CHP design to boost efficiency. Let’s get into the options within both relevant chiller types, why payback may be shorter than expected, and the assorted potential benefits from lower costs to higher reliability. Some tips from an array of manufacturers’ reps round out this useful investigation.

Marcia Karr, P.E.

April 1, 2016

There are many who believe that combined heat and power (CHP) will be the norm in building design for the next generation of engineers.

Smart Buildings Demand A Smarter Appoach To O&M

Smart Buildings Demand A Smarter Approach To O&M

In the beginning, the goal is to enable the operations and maintenance staff to work with the system to give it the best chance to perform as designed. Later, the vision is a culture of continuous improvement that can withstand changes in technology and personnel. In between? Plenty of opportunity for thoughtful operations and standardized routines.

Robert S. Novak, P.E., CSSBB

April 1, 2016

Modern buildings are truly amazing structures, with highly complex and integrated building systems that are energy-efficient and sustainable.

Systems Integration

Avoid a lot of trouble by lining up certain data and some specific teamwork in advance.

Paul Ehrlich P.E.

April 1, 2016

We have reached the point where any new (or replacement) BAS is expected to support one or more open protocols.

Building Automation For Management Of Water

For the best efficiency, make sure you are monitoring more than just HVAC and lights.

Paul Ehrlich P.E.

March 1, 2016

We almost always think about the BAS as a tool that is a critical part of energy management, so these systems are typically focused on those systems that directly use energy — notably the HVAC and lighting systems.