Future Engineering: How CAD Could Change

CAD software has been the industry norm for years, but recent developments in technology are causing the CAD culture to shift.   For engineers, that will mean adapting their skills in order to accommodate these changes.  In the November 2013,  P.E. Magazine explores this evolution by highlighting some of the notable trends as a result of these developments, which are summarized below.  

1. 3D Models- One of the biggest trends is the transition from 2D modeling to 3D.  The result of this transition is enhanced collaboration between team members, higher quality of construction documents, and less errors and design changes.  It is not IF you will switch to BIM, but when. 
2. Analyzing the model--As the industry moves toward 3D modeling, more companies are developing tools to better interpret these 3D designs. While many of these calculations aren't new feats, the ability to do these calculations on a computer using an inexpensive software, while answering an architect's email certainly is.  
3. Affordable Powerhouse Computers--While technologies are making computers more powerful, they are also reducing in cost. The engineer can design, analyze, render and animate design all one one machine. 
4. Model Coordination and Clash Detection--3D modeling is enhancing collaboration between disciplines. Disciplines can work on individual systems and sync their models with team members. This enables teams to catch mistakes early, speed up projects and reduce in-field engineering costs. 
5. More Distributed and Connected Work Teams-- In the modern world, it is a rarity when design teams work within a close proximity of one another. That's why cloud-based software is becoming more of a necessity.  There is still a concern about the security of intellectual property, but engineers should certainly still consider cloud based solutions as an option. 
6. Software and Computer Rental- For specialty projects, where unique software is needed, software companies are now allowing firms to rent software to accomplish specific project goals.  

CAD changes are inevitable, the question will you be prepared for the shift?

Originally published in P.E. Magazine under the title "CAD Forecast." November 2013.

U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4

This past week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of the LEED green building program.  This enhanced program offers flexibility for all green projects, with new market sectors and global best practices built-in.

Since its release in 1998, LEED has revolutionized the marketplace as the world's premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high -performance green buildings. Staying true to its original goals,  LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of previous versions while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level.

New Features of LEED v4

• New market sectors including data centers, mi-rise residential projects, hospitality, existing schools, warehouses and distribution centers. 
• A more user friendly LEED credit submittal process, with step-by-step reference guide materials with videos and tutorials and a more intuitive technology platform.  
• Focus on outcomes--building owners can understand how to manage their buildings to meet full performance potential. 
• New impact categories such as climate change, human health, water resources, biodiversity, green economy, community and natural resources. 

Several facilities have already achieved LEED v4 qualifications. The Haworth Beijing Organic Showroom in Beijing, China achieved LEED v4 Gold, while a building in Washington, DC achieved LEED v4 Silver. 

How to Prevent Corrosion of the HVAC Coils

Preventing  HVAC coils from corroding can be frustrating.  It is difficult to protect against environmental pollutants such as salt-air, pesticides or cleaning agents, all of which are responsible for the failure of thousands of coils.

Preventing corrosion is largely depending on determining what type of corrosion is occurring.  The two mostt common types being --pitting and formicary.

Pitting 

Pitting corrosion is a result of chlorides or fluorides, which are found in numerous items such as snow melting

crystals, toilet cleaners, dishwasher detergents, fabric softeners, vinyl fabrics, carpeting and paint strippers. 

Pitting is commonly visible on the exterior of the copper tube and is caused when negatively-charged chloride/fluoride ions carried to the metal surface by condensate attack the oxide film metal uses to protect itself.  After pits have formed in the copper, they will progress through the thickness of the copper tube until a pinhole is formed causing the coil to leak refrigerant. 

Formicary 

Formicary corrosion is caused by organic acids like acetic and formic acids, which can be found in household products such as adhesives, silicone caulking, cleaning solvents and vinegar. Formic acid can be found in cosmetics, disinfectants and latex paints. While formicary corrosion is not usually visible, black or blue-gray deposits can sometimes appear on surface.  Formicary corrosion can form a sub-surface network of microscopic corroded tunnels within the tubing wall.  Eventually  one or more of these tunnels will progress to the surface of the copper and form a pinhole which results in coil leakage 

Protecting HVAC Equipment from Corrosion 

To help prevent damage to coils by corrosion, the HVAC industry depends on the four basic coating types.  What type of coating used  depends on the cause of the corrosion. 

	Developed	Application	Advantages	Disadvantages
Polyurethane	1940s	Fiberglass, rubber, sticky, soft upholstery foam.	Inexpensive, less viscous, flexible and thin.	Not as resilient or long-lasting as other coatings.
Epoxies	1920s	Coating floors and other surfaces.	Inexpensive, excellent chemical & heat resistance, best for heat transfer losses.	High viscosity, thicker coat, poor flexibility and adherence to characteristics.
Fluoropolymers (Teflon)	1938	Cookware & non-stick products	High resistance to acids, solvents and bases.	Expensive, limited lifetime & effectiveness.
Silanes		Coupling agents—bond two dissimilar materials such as paint and glass.	Flexible, glass like, resistant to corrosion and water draining capabilities, resistant against cracking, corrosion, hydropohobic and reduce airflow friction.  Best heat transfer properties & greater lifetime.	Expensive, difficult to apply properly,

Misdiagnosing the problem can result in unnecessary costs, which is why choosing the right coating for the problem is so vital.

Recent developments have been made in coatings, one of those being a product called Surfsil.   According to the creator, Surfsil "is a hybrid compound that uses nano-silicone technology to incorporate organic and inorganic properties.  This allows the coating to chemically adhere to the substrate via a covalent bond."

This product was tested following the ASAM B-117 Salt Spray (Fog) Standard, and there was no sign of corrosion after 10,008 hours. It's chemical bond prevents corrosion from growing under the coating, it is flexible & scratch resistant in addition to be resistant to chemicals found in HVAC/R equipment. 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)-The Dream Realized

"The scientific man does not aim at an immediate result. He does not expect that his advanced ideas will be readily taken up. His work is like that of the planter-for the future. His duty is to lay the foundation for those who are to come, and the point the way." - Nikola Tesla 

BIM is transforming how we think about
 design & construction. 

As an industry buzz word, Building Information Modeling (BIM), has been gaining steam over the last few years. For many, it is the future of our industry, merely in its infancy; but with the release of new technologies there is little doubt that when the full potential of BIM is realized our approach to design will change.

One of the technologies responsible for this shift is Autodesk Revit, a BIM software. Released in April 2000, Revit is quickly evolving from simply being 'cutting edge' technology into a necessary and preferred tool of choice for a growing number of architects, builders and engineers. It will soon become a requirement to design, document and deliver the project. For design professionals it is no longer a question of IF you will adopt BIM, but when.

For the past year, RGD's team has slowly been adopting Revit. Our goal is to transition to 100% utilization by January 2014.  By nature, Revit promotes collaboration between disciplines and key personnel, which allows for the creation of designs that are both spectacular and realistic. We have found this to be true as our Revit experience expands, and we hope that by embracing Revit, we will be able to better serve our existing and future clients so that their designs can be fully realized.

How will RGD's Adoption of BIM Benefit You?

• Greater coordination and collaboration between our team and yours. 
• Faster delivery of projects. 
• More economical designs.  
• Less errors and design changes.  
• Better visualization of your designs. 

As the potential of BIM matures, RGD hopes to grow along side it.  By using the best technologies available on the market, we can provide even better engineering solutions to our clients. Our commitment to BIM is a commitment to you.

To learn more about RGD's services, please visit our website.

How to Cut on HVAC Energy Waste

Lighting and HVAC systems are the primary culprits of high energy bills.   According to the U.S. Department and Energy's Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) arm, lighting and conditioning indoor air makeup more than 50% of a building's total energy use.

For years, lighting has played a large role in cutting energy costs, with very little focus on HVAC. Now advancements in technology are making savings on HVAC systems more achievable.  Likewise, as the saving potential becomes more evident, facility decision makers such as managers and owners are starting to look for opportunities to reduce costs with current HVAC systems.

Three Ways to Cut on HVAC Energy Costs 

1. Fan Efficiency Ratings 

Fans are a large consumer of energy and account for 80% of the so-called parasitic load.   For this reason, the Air Movement Control Association International (AMCA), began developing an efficiency rating for fans.  By choosing a fan based on this rating system, you can reduce a significant amount on energy costs. 

2.Variable Refrigerant Flows 

VRF systems are common in Europe and Asia, but have only recently gained popularity in North America. Its ability to respond to fluctuations in space load conditions, enables energy savings during part-load system use. 

3. Energy Recovery 

Another option for saving on energy costs for facilities is the use of an airside or waterside direct exchange system.  For large facilities, energy recovery systems have the potential to cut energy conditioning energy use by half. 

Fan Efficiency Grades--Overcoming Energy Challenges

Fans account for a large amount of the energy consumed in HVAC systems.  According to Michael Ivanovich--director of strategic energy initiatives for the Air Movement Control Association (AMCA) International,  fans account for 80% of the so-called parasitic load--that is HVAC loads other than prime movers like chillers and boilers.

Selecting fans to reduce energy waste has been difficult in the past, as there were no universal fan selection guides and metrics.   In 2007, AMCA international began working to develop a fan efficiency classification system, called the Fan Efficiency Grade (FEG).  It was formalized with the publication of AMCA 205 in 2010

What is a Fan Efficiency Grade

AMCA defines FEG as "a numerical rating that classifies fans by their aerodynamic ability to convert mechanical shaft power, or impeller power in the case of a direct driven fan to air power."  This allows engineers to more easily differentiate between fan models. The higher FEG ratings, the more efficient the fan model. 

Why FEG Matters 

It is important to understand the nature of FEGs, because these efficiency grades, essentially an index of inherent aerodynamic quality, are referenced in last year's international Green Construction Code (IGCC), and the 2013 update of ASHRAE 90.1.

It is likely more will adopt the AMCA fan standards, as AMCA members begin to work with 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) language and members of the SHARE 189.1 committee.

Reference:

AMCA "Fan Industry-Facing up the Energy Challenges"