Energy efficiency and historic preservation are rarely synonymous. More often than not, one must be compromised for the sake of the other. Fortunately, the University of Arkansas found a way around such compromises when it came to the restoration and mechanical renovation of the school’s beloved Peabody Hall.
Where do things stand in the never-boring world of refrigerant evolution? An industry veteran looks at life since the Montreal Protocol, a range of alternative refrigerants, and the political climate around the issue. For more than one reason, he writes, it is beneficial to keep up on the details and lead this refrigerant ‘charge.’
“2011 Thermal Guidelines for Liquid Cooled Data Processing Environments” creates data center classes for liquid cooling that can enable fulltime economizers for a number of applications in many climates, according to according to Don Beaty, chair of the Publications Subcommittee of ASHRAE’s Technical Committee (TC) 9.9, Mission Critical Facilities, Technology Spaces and Electronic Equipment.
Through a flexible design incorporating radiant heating and cooling, demand ventilation, energy recovery, and VAV, Manhattan’s Cooper Union leads its class in sustainable performance in
classrooms, labs, and beyond.
With the help of advances in intelligent controls and a shift in design mindset, these systems can steer buildings toward smaller equipment sizes and associated savings. Review three projects and consider the benefits of keeping an upcoming project in the loop.
Last September, on what would normally have been a mild autumn day, Southern California was blasted by a record-breaking heat wave with temperatures spiraling upwards to 116°F in the Los Angeles basin. The heat was far above the normal highs, which would typically be in the mid-70s.
In this overview of building information modeling, the authors review how BIM helped in three different projects, often with particular usage- and efficiency-based HVAC demands. While BIM’s space management skills can reduce costly changeorders and building design “clashes” ahead of time, in at least one instance, using BIM actually influenced the HVAC strategy for the better, too. See how HGA Architects and Engineers has used this to become a “model” firm.
A lot has happened since the author’s 2008
article. It’s prime time to revisit expectations for BAS and chiller
optimization controls, and then have a look at several of today’s options for
anyone managing chilled water flow to wring the last drop of efficiency out of
a system.