Smart Cities--Energy Efficient Ecosystems--Future of Green Building?

The modern home is well equipped with some degree of intelligence. From smart thermostats to home security systems, we are finding new ways to outfit our living spaces to deliver more comfort and energy optimization. Commercial facilities are also being designed with these goals in mind and often consist of a number of interconnected smart systems that work together. 

Some believe that the optimization of homes and office facilities is merely the beginning. The article "Smart Homes" published in Mechanical Engineering, suggests that in order to truly optimize our energy consumption, groups of buildings must be integrated with one another. This will provide an optimal balance of supply and demand and enable in-house sustainable renewable energy s

ources that can feed extra energy back to grid. Essentially buildings, according to Mr. Geraud Darnies, President & CEO of United Technologies Corporation, will be "ecosystem themselves and rest in balance with the natural environment."  

While this type of integration can allow for new opportunities to make smart decisions,  it does pose a significant number of complexities relating to the technical challenges, as it becomes harder to monitor, predict and control. A scalable analytics system or solution capable of monitoring the performance, health management and control strategies would be necessary due to the complexity and uncertainty of such an integrated system. 

As far fetched as this may seem, smart cities may be closer than you think.  The development of data analytic programs are making this more of a reality, in addition to the increase of building control systems on the market.  The cost savings impact of such a development is undeniable, but only the future will tell whether or not this will truly be a success. 

Sources: 

"Smart Buildings." Mechanical Engineering. December 2013.

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" 

HVAC Commissioning--Why You Need it

HVAC commissioning can enhance the lifespan
 of your mechanical equipment. 

What is HVAC Commissioning?  

HVAC commissioning is a thorough and comprehensive testing of a mechanical system's performance.  Many owner's are less than eager to spend more money, when they are already spending money to the contractor or engineer to fix the problem.   What most owner's don't realize is that commissioning can extend the life of equipment, while reducing operating costs and increasing the comfort of occupancy.

While the equipment should be properly installed in theory, there is not always sufficient evidence that the system is operating as optimally as it was design.  Varying operating conditions can certainly affect the equipment's ability to function properly.  It is usefully after the installation that the user discovers problems, and many times will attempt to fix the problem with patch and it makes it impossible to go back to the original intent of system.

Commissioning Process

Typically the commissioning contractor is the original contractor who installed the work, while the commissioning agent is the engineer who designed the project or was involved with the design process. The agent will stimulate a variety of operation conditions and work with the contractor to determine if the system is responding properly.

If discrepancies are noted, they will be diagnosed and resolved during the commissioning process.  Once, this is completed, the equipment is turned back over to the owner in perfect condition and in mechanical systems should be commissioned.

Any project with an automatic control of mechanical systems should be commissioned including:

• air conditioning unit 
• heating or cooling plant upgrades 
• project involving replacement or installation of automatic valves or dampers
• any installation or replacement fans, heating and ventilating units and duct heaters 

Looking for a competent engineering firm to commission your mechanical system?  RGD Consulting Engineers has 35 years of experience and can make sure your facility is operating effectively and efficiently.  

Benefits of Spiral Round Ductwork

Spiral Round Ductwork is more Efficient than
Conventional Rectangular Ducting. 

For facilities managers, optimized facility performance is an important part of their job.  That's why many facilities are moving toward spiral round ductwork as opposed to conventional rectangular ducting. Static regained spiral round ducting can do more with less when compared to conventional rectangular ductwork: 

• Costs about 1/4 less 
• Weighs 25% less 
• Easier to install 
• Less bulky than conventional rectangular ducting in variable (VAV) or constant volume systems (SPIDA). 

Spiral round ducting can enhance the HVAC systems performance, as systems that include static regain designed spiral round ductwork use less energy, deliver air to every VAV box and create a more comfortable indoor environment for occupants and visitors. 

Take for example the leakage rate of rectangular ductwork compared to spiral round ductwork. Leakage for rectangular ductwork occurs at a much higher rate than spiral ductwork, which has a leakage rate of less than 1% (SPIDA). 

By reducing leakage, there is a significant impact on the HVAC energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The right amount of conditioned air can be directed to the intended locations within a facility, which results in better indoor air quality and a more comfortable environment for occupants. 

Another benefit of spiral round ductwork, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE), is the allowance of spiral round ductworks for higher uses of air velocity than compared to rectangular ductwork. Higher velocity, static regain designs are state-of-the-art for current lower installed costs VAV systems.  

Direct Digital Control (DDC) strategies can enhance the efficiency of a round ductwork system. DD/VAV controls allow for fan pressure optimization because you can identify which VAV box in the system requires the maximum static pressure and then control the fan to provide just that amount of static pressure and no more. 

This article was derived from the headline "The HVAC Factor: Spiral Round Ductwork", which appeared on September 17, 2013 in the Today's Facility Manager. 

Removing the Cloak of Invisibility from the Engineer Profession

The engineering profession is one of anonymity, with most
people being unable to define what exactly an engineer does. 

Engineers are responsible for designing some of the world's most fundamental systems. While they may not have made your clothes, the machine that did was most certainly designed by an engineer. Likewise, your home couldn't have been built without the collaboration of an engineer.

The fact is engineers have their hands in just about everything. Still, if you were to ask someone to define the engineer profession, his or her response would be more than lacking. 

So why is the engineer profession such a mystery? 

Alan Werner, P.E. explains that the nature of the engineer's job is partly to blame for the invisibility of the engineer profession.  Think about it.  The engineer's primary objective is to solve problems before they even exist. For the public, this can be difficult to understand. If the problem isn't visible, then the engineer who solved the problem in the first place is by default invisible. 

This issue is perpetuated by the engineering profession as a whole, which seems to prefer being unknown. They are satisfied with simply accomplishing the goal and moving on without the public recognition of a job well done. This likely contributes to the "invisible engineer."

How do we overcome the invisible engineer phenomenon? 

First and foremost, the engineering community must bring awareness to the process that goes in to creating a useful & successful design.  As a society, we so often emphasis the final product rather than the steps it took to get there. This is reinforced in our education system and often in the professional world.

The engineer and the industry must re-emphasize the effort and innovative problem solving that goes into the design process.  But how?  Here are some ways we can bring awareness to the engineering profession:

1. Community Involvement

One of the easiest ways to bring awareness to the engineering profession is by simply getting involved in the community.  Building relationships with others can help debunk stereotypes, while emphasizing the importance of engineering.

2. Education Programs

Encourage education programs that emphasize the design process. This will help students become active problem solvers, while helping them to appreciate the process instead of simply the final product. 

3. Media Exposure 

One of the most effective methods of gaining exposure for the engineering profession is through the media. Particularly the digital media, as the internet can make an message viral. 

More ideas? Leave a comment to let us know! Remember the engineering community plays an integral role in our developing and growing world, by bringing awareness to the engineer profession we can continue to make gains as a society. 

This article was derived from Alan Werner, P.E. N.S.P.E., "Why are Engineers Invisible" originally published in the Magazine for Professional Engineers in August/September 2013.

What’s so special about Clubhouses?

Ballen Isle Country Club
West Palm Beach, Florida

The Complexities of Designing HVAC Systems for Clubhouses  

Clubhouses are unique among buildings. They house restaurants, community centers, banquet halls, entertainment complexes, retail spaces, fitness and spa centers and even offices all wrapped up into one facility! 

Dripping Diffusers

The clubhouses' unique nature is one of the major reasons why faulty HVAC systems are common; especially in humid climates such as Florida.

Perhaps, one of the most frequent issues that engineers uncover during a due diligence survey is a facility operating under a severely negative air pressure condition.

Common Symptoms of Negative Air Pressurization  

•  A lack of fresh or clean air, instead a musty smell or other bad odors lingering in the air
• Condensation on the Diffusers
• Visible Mold or Mildew Growth along with Moisture on the Walls 
• Sticky or Damp Furnishings
• Varying Temperatures Throughout the Facility 
• Stagnant, Stale or Heavy Air that causes Humidity or Condensation 
• A Rush of Air or Draft when Opening an Exterior Door 

According to Bob Davenport, RGD Consulting Engineers' Principal Engineer, who has over 35 years of experience designing HVAC systems, "Operating a clubhouse with severely negative pressure can result in serious indoor air quality problems over time." 

Solutions

 If not caught before the start of microbial growth, negatively pressurized facility can be a costly issue to rectify. This is why having the proper HVAC equipment and a good maintenance program is important to preventing issues such as negative air pressure from occurring. 

Ensuring that the clubhouse building is equipped with 100% outside air pre-conditioner, runs continuously and supplies a constant and equal volume of dehumidified outside air to the building is key to maintaining the air pressure. 

There are a variety of methods for achieving this goal, and the most effective HVAC design system can be determined by a professional engineer after completing a thorough survey of the facility's systems. However, even the best designed HVAC systems can fail when they are not maintained. 

Just as important as working closely with an engineer for the design of your facility's HVAC system, is the creation of an aggressive maintenance program.   With these two factors planned well, your facility's HVAC system will stay balanced and healthy for years to come. 

This article is adapted from "Is Your Clubhouse Stuffy" written by Robert Davenport, PE, LEED AP + BC. 

Thermostat Wars: HVAC vs. Home Security Industries

The HVAC industry is battling with homeowners, home security and home automation companies to determine who has the authority to install thermostats as a part of "smart home systems." 

The issues has taken on new heights with several HVAC industry organizations pushing for legislation to prevent home security and other non HVAC companies from replacing thermostats with products that communicate with security and home control systems. 

HVAC companies claim that HVAC systems use exclusive protocols and special communicating thermostats to control equipment that don't follow standard thermostat configurations, protocols or wiring. 

According to Dominick Guarino, the CEO of the National Comfort Institute, this approach to this issue has little substantiation, as many home security and home automation companies have their employees complete extensive education to be able to install this technology. However,  the issue that should be at the forefront of this battle, is who is responsible if the technology is incorrectly installed.  

Guarino recommends that instead of fighting this issue on a government level,  HVAC companies should fight this battle in the marketplace through education.  Let your customers know that having a third party install an intelligent thermostat could have negative consequences.

To learn more about this issue, visit the original article here.

How to Reduce your Energy Costs this Summer

Air-conditioning is often a welcomed relief from the unremitting summer heat, but the high costs associated with energy consumption can leave homeowners and facility managers unsatisfied. 

Currently, HVAC systems are responsible for around 40% of total building energy consumption, which is why it is no surprise that according to a recent report by Navigant Research, the revenue of energy efficient HVAC systems will increase from 17.2 million in 2013 to $33.2 billion in 2020.  

If an energy efficient HVAC system isn't in your budget this year, there are several budget friendly ways for keeping your energy consumption down this summer. 

1. Change your Filters 

Clean air filters are key to getting the best air flow from your HVAC system. Not changing your filters could mean more maintenance because it forces your system to work harder and less efficiently. 

2. Add Insulation 

Check to make sure your facility is properly insulated. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), insulation not only can reduce your carbon imprint and save you money on your energy bill, but it can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your facility. 

3.  Programmable Thermostats 

A programmable thermostat can help control your system even when you aren't around. By setting different temperatures for different times of the day,  you are better able to monitor your energy consumption and cut on your costs. 

4. Invest in

Energy Efficient Shades 

Keeping your windows covered all day and installing energy efficient shades can help reduce the load on your AC unit. 

5. Annual HVAC Systems Maintenance 

Like your car, your HVAC system needs a yearly checkup. This can help ensure that your system is running efficiently and prevent costly problems later on. 

Getting a cooling load calculation completed by a certified engineer can also determine the efficiency of your HVAC system and can make sure your system meets required building codes.  

Want to find out if your HVAC system is running efficiently?  RGD Consulting Engineers can perform an on-site inspection of your facility to determine the proper remediation to help you save money on your energy consumption. Inquire today!