consult-spec vfd motors and efficiency

Easy Call. Big Payoff.

Motor-driven equipment accounts for 63% of your plants electricity consumption every minute of every day. Your choices are to let your electricity bills continue to grow or call in Baldors Installed Base Evaluation Team to identify improvements you can start making today.

The Baldor IBE Team uses advanced data collection equipment and software to work with your plant maintenance personnel to take an accurate account of your motors, drives and mechanical power transmission products, both in operation and from spares inventory. The IBE Team will produce a comprehensive report and plan,

2015 Baldor Electric Company

targeting inefficient motors and mechanical drives as well as identifying systems where adjustable speed drives could be added to save even more energy. This report will provide recommendations for immediate action along with long term strategiesall positively affecting your bottom line.

If youre ready to do something about your growing electricity consumption, email the Baldor IBE specialists at [email protected] or call (864) 281-2100 to receive case studies with real-world savings. Its an easy call with a big payoff.

baldor.com

Save Energy. Save Money.

See us at Automation & Power World March 2-5, 2015New.abb.com/apw

input #1 at www.csemag.com/information

What you spec is what you get.

2014 TraneTrane is a brand of Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and ef cient environments. Ingersoll Rands family of brands includes Club Car, Ingersoll Rand, Thermo King and Trane.

When your water-cooled chiller from Trane or virtually

any other manufacturer is myTest certi ed, you can

be con dent that its operation was veri ed in an industry-

leading facility under the operating parameters you selected.

Theres nothing like the feeling of con dence!

See how the Trane myTest program is setting the new standard for chiller testing. Visit Trane.com/myTest.


Circuit breaker.Power broker.

ABBs revolutionary Emax 2 is more than a circuit breaker; its a true power manager. So while it safeguards equipment it also conserves energy, reduces carbon footprint, and saves moneywithout the need for additional monitoring equipment. Available in four space-saving sizes, Emax 2 is easy to install, maintain, and integrate into switchgear and smart grids. Its not just a breakerits a breakthrough!

Visit abb.com/emax2 or talk to an ABB representative for more information. And start protecting equipment, the environment, and the bottom line with Emax 2.

SACE Emax 2 saves energy while it protects circuits.

2014 ABB. All rights reserved.


CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER (ISSN 0892-5046, Vol. 52, No. 1, GST #123397457) is published 11x per year, monthly except in February, by CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Jim Langhenry, Group Publisher /Co-Founder; Steve Rourke CEO/COO/Co-Founder. CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER copyright 2015 by CFE Media, LLC. All rights reserved. CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER is a registered trademark of CFE Media, LLC used under license. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL 60523 and additional mailing of ces. Circulation records are maintained at CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. E-mail: [email protected]. Postmaster: send address changes to CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40685520. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Email: [email protected]. Rates for nonquali ed subscriptions, including all issues: USA, $150/yr; Canada/Mexico, $180/yr (includes 7% GST, GST#123397457); International air delivery $325/yr. Except for special issues where price changes are indicated, single copies are available for $30.00 US and $35.00 foreign. Please address all subscription mail to CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Printed in the USA. CFE Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.

DEPARTMENTS

09 | ViewpointStay ahead of the curve

11 | ResearchElectrical, power trends

13 | Career SmartWomen, minorities in engineering

14 | MEP RoundtableDriving data center design

23 | Codes & StandardsHow ASHRAE 90.1 contrib-utes to integrated design

34 | VFD, motor strategiesfor energy efficiencyA variable frequency drive (VFD) often is specified to reduce operational cost for pumps, fans, compressors, or any similar equipment with variable load profiles that may be found in a typical building. Heres how to specify a VFD to meet load conditions while achieving efficiency. JOHN YOON, PE, LEED AP

55 | DigitalEdition Exclusives Lighting controls:

Best practices begins with strategy

Where do ideas come from?

71 | Advertiser Index

72 | Future ofEngineeringConnecting buildings via the Internet of Things

44 | Seismic design of fire suppression piping systems Fire protection engineers should use the guidance of NFPA 13 when designing fire suppres-sion piping in nonresidential buildings.

JOSEPH H. TALBERT, PE, ARM

64 | Designing lab ventilation systems Engineers should consider the codes and standards, safety, risk mitigation, and potential energy savings when designing labora-tory ventilation systems. JON EISENBERG, PE and JEFFREY HUANG, PE, LEED AP

56 | Intelligent lighting controland energy performanceBy designing intelligent lighting systems, lighting design-ers and engineers can achieve energy performance in a variety of building types.ROBERT J. GARRA JR., PE, CDT

3www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

COVER STORY

FEATURES

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

ON THE COVER: This shows a 20 hp totally enclosed, air over permanent magnet ac motor directly coupled to the fan instead of using a typical belt drive or gearbox; the view is from inside a cooling tower. This particular tower is a two-cell cooling tower with 3,000 gpm total capacity. The photo is looking up at a low-speed high-volume fan at the top of the tower. Courtesy: McGuire Engineers

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS

COMMUNICATIONS

ELECTRICAL

FIRE, SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY

HVAC

LIGHTING

PLUMBING

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES Use the icons to identify topics of interest.

Effinity93 payback calculatorEffinity93 calculates the cost and energy savings associated with installing the Effinity93 Condensing Unit Heater. It is ideal for engineers responsible for specifying HVAC equip-ment. Users can compare products with differing efficiencies and determine the annual cost savings, return on investment, and environmental advantages.

HVAC toolkitThis app is a suite/compilation of several of the individual applications offered by Carmel Software plus bonus software (eight total, including: HVAC Quick Load, HVAC Duct Sizer, HVAC Psychrometric Plus, Steam Tables, HVAC Pipe Sizer - Liquid, HVAC Pipe Sizer - Steam, HVAC Pipe Sizer - Gas Low, and HVAC Pipe Sizer - Gas High).

Greenheck toolboxThis calculator will help engineers determine the flow rate of a duct when its performance needs to be altered. Simply input basic specs (i.e. rpm, cfm, static pressure, and horse-power), and the desired performance you want and this app will compute the remaining values to achieve the goal.

4 Consulting-Specifying Engineer JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 www.csemag.com

online now csemag.com

Web exclusivesVisit www.csemag.com/archives to read articles found only online. Top 10 business trends to watch in 2015 Details on how ASHRAE 90.1 affects the plumbing engineer Condensing boilers and emissions regulations Redundant VFDs and fan arrays in critical operations Fire risk from solid fuel commercial cooking Mitigating data center harmonics Transforming battery technology FMI: Nonresidential construction index slowly rises Proper installation ensures performance standards are met: Part 2

Codes and standards

Fire andlife safety

Automationand controls

Energyefficiency,

sustainabilityHVAC

Electrical and power

When engineering systems in data centers and missioncritical facilities, what is the most difficult issue you face?

andsafety

omation controls

Enefficie

sustainabHVAC

Electrical and po

Read the Q&A about data centers and mission critical facilities on page 14. To view more poll results, visit www.csemag.com/poll/cse.

21%

21%

21%

18%

15%4%

Apps for Engineers: HVAC calculations Download these and many other Apps at: www.csemag.com/appsforengineers

Consulting-Specifying Engineer JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 www.csemag.com

Read this onyour tabletThe tablet and digital editions of this pub-lication are greatly enhanced and have unique content for digi-tal subscribers. They also include interactive tools such as videos, Web links, and other items. Update your sub-scription, and receive the digital edition in your e-mail in-box:www.csemag.com/subscribe.

Nominate a profes-sional to the 201540 Under 40 programConsulting-Specifying Engi-neer magazine is dedicated to encouraging and recognizing the most talented young individuals in the engineering community supporting the building industry. We want to shape the future of young engineers, and will do so by recognizing and encouraging them through mentoring articles in the maga-zine, young engineer networking events, and the 40 Under 40 program. Nominate a young professional by Jan. 30, 2015. Learn more:www.csemag.com/40under40

UpcomingwebcastsRegister for educa-tional webcasts atwww.csemag.com/webcast: Feb. 26: HVAC: Alternative heating/

cooling systems

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter, and SlideShare. Follow Consulting-Specifying Engineer, join the discus-sions, and receive news and advice from your peers.

Facebook:www.facebook.com/CSEmag

Google+:http://google.com/+csemag

LinkedIn:http://tinyurl.com/CSElinkedin

Twitter:www.twitter.com/AmaraRozguswww.twitter.com/CSEmag

SlideShare:www.slideshare.net/ConsultingSpecifyingEngineer

Facebook:www.facebook.com/CSEmag

LinkedIn:http://tinyurl.com/CSElinkedin

Google+:http://google.com/+csemag

Twitter:www.twitter.com/AmaraRozgus

SlideShare:www.slideshare.net/ConsultingSpecifyingEngineer

As the leader in HVAC product development, manufacturing, and distribution, Johnson Controls is making radical moves with innovative technologies. Our updated Metasys building automation system enables smarter, better performing environments, while our new Hitachi and York VRF solutions deliver flexible comfort and efficiency. See for yourself how we open the doors to the best performing buildings in the world.

Were not just opening doors to the best performing buildings in the world.

Were opening minds.

Booth #5023 | johnsoncontrols.com/ahrinput #4 at www.csemag.com/information

James PuritchVice President, R&D

Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, in a modern and environmentally constructed LEED Platinum-Certified facility, we design and develop internet-connected building controls for a wide range of green buildings, including schools, hospitals, universities, recreational and commercial facilities. To learn more about our solutions for sustainability, and opportunities in the green buildings industry, please visit our website or sign-up for a facility tour at: www.reliablecontrols.com/corporate/facility/tour.php input #5 at www.csemag.com/information

You drive your accomplishments and dictate your career success, and those achievements deserve to be recognized. Stand among the past 280 Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 winners who have made their accomplishments known.

To qualify to be a 40 Under 40 winner, nominees must work in the building community, be 40 years of age or younger (as of May 1, 2015), and be nominated by a supervisor, academic advisor, peer, mentor, public relations professional, project leader, or other person directly involved in their career progress.

40 UNDER 40 PROGRAM AWARDEES WILL: Be highlighted in major media arenas as a Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 winner Be offered networking opportunities with other 40 Under 40 awardees, enlarging

their professional circle Increase the exposure of the company by highlighting projects the young engineer has worked on Improve the companys recruitment efforts by showcasing young employees Receive a handsome plaque to show off their accolades.

NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 30, 2015 | SUPPORTING MATERIALS DUE FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Under FortyUnder FortyUnder Forty

Nominate a colleague who is 40 years of age or younger by going to:www.csemag.com/40under40

SPONSORED BY:

Viega system solutionsA legacy of excellence since 1899

www.viega.us1-800-976-9819

The g loba l leaderin p lumbing, heat ing

and p ipe jo in ing systems

Meeting and exceeding industry standards with every installation

Versatile, time-tested materials

Viega ProPressapproved for use in the largest range of applications Viega MegaPressthe only press tting for black iron, water and gas applications Viega PEX Pressthe rst press tting for PEX

Innovative solutions

Viega SmartLoopthe industrys rst internal recirculation system Viega ProRadiantthe most installer-friendly radiant systems on the market Viega ManaBlocre volutionary parallel water distribution system for increased energy savings

Multiple materials, many solutionsOne provider

For more information on Viega systems, visit www.viega.us or call toll free

1-800-976-9819

*Consult Viega Technical Support for more infomation on approved applications: 800-976-9819.

CopperStainless

SteelCarbonSteel

Zero LeadBronze Polymer

Viega ProPress

Viega ProPress

Viega MegaPress

Viega PEX Press

Viega PEX Press

Sealing Elements:EPDMHNBR

Sealing Elements: EPDMFKM

Sealing Elements: EPDMHNBR

Sealing Elements: N/A

Sealing Elements: N/A

Applications:POTABLEWATER AND HYDRONICS

Applications:POTABLEWATER AND HYDRONICS

Applications:35*

Applications:225*

Applications:150*

Zero Lead Compliant:YES


Zero Lead Compliant:NO



The g loba l leaderin p lumbing, heat ing

and p ipe jo in ing systems

Approved for more than 400 different applications

Three sealing elements: EPDM, HNBR and FKM

Customized to suit nearly any project

1,700+ ttings in copper, stainless,* carbon steel, copper nickel, high-performance polymer and Zero Lead bronze

Complete solutions to keep projects on schedule

Save energy and reduce waste

Easy installation with personalized design services

Since we invented the original copper press tting, Viega ProPress, innovation with reliability has always been the heart of what drives us. Viega is a partner you can trust.

1111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523630-571-4070 Fax 630-214-45041111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Editors Viewpoint

Amara Rozgus, Editor in Chief


Stay ahead of the curve

For the most part, everyone knows the recipe to run a successful business. Have a high-quality yet affordable product. Hire talented people that will make you look good. Create partnerships with like-minded businesses that will help you succeed. Be a leader in the industry. Make sure customers are happy, encouraging them to return. Stay on top of the latest tech-nology and trends. Market the firm to show off all of these attributes.

Who has time for all of that, though? Several engineers Ive spo-ken to over the past few months are spread too thinthey have too much work and not enough talented people to handle the job. They are struggling to keep on top of projects already in process, let alone develop new busi-ness for the future. They have job openings that are tough to fill with the right talent. They dont have time to attend conferences or in-person educa-tion sessions because theyre already traveling too much for client meetings. They havent kept up with the latest trends in engineering technology or developments to help them streamline current processes. In short, theyre treading water.

There isnt a silver bullet for the engineer to take in all this informa-tion to help ensure the business stays strong. Sure, publications like this one help. Reviewing research and under-standing trends can help ensure the engineering team is staying on top of

the industry. Education sessionslike webcasts and lunch-and-learns with equipment vendorscan shed light on technology trends. Keeping profes-sional networks up-to-date ensures regular interaction with both clients and partners.

To help develop your business fur-therwhether youre a five-person engineering firm or a multibillion-dollar behemothweve gathered three things to help you do your job a little better in 2015:

1. Future of Engineering: This new column, found at the back of the print publication, will focus on one item each month that you should be aware of. Sometimes it will be technology (like it is this month); other times it will be about legislation or codes and stan-dards. This forward-looking column will discuss a concept that engineers should be familiar with. Thought lead-ers are invited to submit. 2. Career Smart: Though this sec-

tion isnt new, the team of columnists has reviewed research and determined what business development topics you need most. Read past columns at www.csemag.com/careersmart.3. Research: Our research team gath-

ers data on specific engineering disci-plines and on general topics of interest to this audience. Regular reports (see page 11 and www.csemag.com/research) will help you stay on top of recent trends in particular portions of the industry.

CONTENT SPECIALISTS/EDITORIAL AMARA ROZGUS, Editor in Chief/Content Manager

630-571-4070 x2211, [email protected]

AMANDA PELLICCIONE, Director of Research630-571-4070 x2209, [email protected]

MICHAEL SMITH, Creative Director630-779-8910, [email protected]

ERIC R. EISSLER, Production Coordinator630-571-4070 x2224, [email protected]

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDANIL AHUJA, PE, LEED AP, RCDD, President, CCJM Engineers, Chicago

PETER ALSPACH, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Associate Principal, Mechanical Engineer, Arup, Seattle

J. PATRICK BANSE, PE, LEED AP, Senior Mechanical Engineer,

Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Houston

JERRY BAUERS, PE,National Program Executive,

Outcome Construction Services LLC, Kansas City, Mo.

MICHAEL CHOW, PE, LEED AP BD+C,Principal, Metro CD Engineering LLC, Powell, Ohio

JASON GERKE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CXA, Mechanical Engineer, GRAEF, Milwaukee

JOSHUA D. GREENE, PEVice President, RJA Group Inc., Chicago

RAYMOND GRILL, PE, FSFPE, Principal, Arup, Washington, D.C.

DANNA JENSEN, PE, LEED AP BD+C,Associate Principal, ccrd partners, Dallas

WILLIAM KOFFEL, PE, FSFPEPresident, Koffel Associates Inc., Columbia, Md.

WILLIAM KOSIK, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP,Principal Data Center Energy Technologist,

HP Technology Services, Chicago

KENNETH KUTSMEDA, PE, LEED AP, Engineering Design Principal, Jacobs Engineering Group,

Philadelphia

KEITH LANE, PE, RCDD, LC, LEED AP, President, Lane Coburn & Assocs., Seattle

JULIANNE LAUE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMPSenior MEP Engineer, Center for Sustainable Energy, Mortenson

Construction, Minneapolis

KENNETH L. LOVORN, PE, President, Lovorn Engineering Assocs., Pittsburgh

DAVID LOWREYChief Fire Marshal, Boulder (Colo.) Fire Rescue

MICHAEL MAR, PE, LEED AP, Senior Associate, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago

BRIAN MARTIN, PE, Electrical Engineer, CH2M Hill, Portland, Ore.

DWAYNE G. MILLER, PE, RCDD, AEE CPQChief Executive Officer, JBA Consulting Engineers, Hong Kong

SYED PEERAN, PE, Ph.D., Senior Engineer, CDM Smith Inc., Cambridge, Mass.

BRIAN A. RENER, PE, LEED AP, Associate,

SmithGroupJJR, Chicago

RANDY SCHRECENGOST, PE, CEM, Austin Operations Group Manager and

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stanley Consultants, Austin, Texas

GERALD VERSLUYS, PE, LEED AP, Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer,

TLC Engineering for Architecture, Jacksonville, Fla.

MIKE WALTERS, PE, LEED AP,Principal, Confluenc, Madison, Wis.


research2014 ELECTRICAL AND POWER STUDY:

Seven key findings for theelectrical, power industries

Respondents to the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Electrical and Power Study identified seven important high-level findings impacting the electrical and power industries today:

1. Systems specified: More than 80% of engineers responsible for decisions related to the design of elec-trical and/or power systems specify electrical distribution equipment, cir-cuit breakers, fuses, cables, and wires.

2. Design factors: 98% of engi-neers rank product quality at the top of their list when selecting one elec-trical or power system over another.

3. Specifications: 60% of engineer-ing firms are consistently using open electrical or power system specifica-tions in which engineering approval and/or explicit brand use is required.

4. Building structures: Six in 10 engineers specify, design, or make product selections for office buildings and industrial or manufacturingfacilities/warehouses.

5. Electrical, power revenue:64% of engineering firms specifying electrical or power systems for new or existing buildings are generating $5 million or less through these projects on an annual basis.

6. Selection involvement: Seven out of 10 engineers are responsible for recommending the brand of elec-trical or power systems for specifica-tion, and another 69% spend their time researching and evaluating options.

7. Top challenges: More than 80% of engineers agree that an inadequate budget is a common challenge for electrical or power systems design, while 47% are also challenged with frequent codes and standards updates.

In April 2014, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveyed audience members related to the design of electrical and power products and services within their firms for the 2014 Electrical and Power Study. View the full study atwww.csemag.com/2014ElectricalPower.

www.csemag.com/research FOR MORE RESEARCH INFORMATION

Nine out of 10 fire and life safety engineers rank product qual-ity, manufacturers reputation, and previous experience with manufac-turer as very important factors for selecting one fire and life safety sys-tem over another. Source: Consult-ing-Specifying Engineer 2014 Fire and Life Safety Study

47% of annual MEP design revenue in the electrical and power industry is spent on new construc-tion, 35% on retrofit/renovation projects, and 6% on commission-ing/retro-commissioning. Source: Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Electrical and Power Study

$7.3 million:Average annual MEP/FP design revenue earned by firms specify-ing lighting and lighting control products for new and existing build-ings. Source: Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Lighting and Lighting Controls Study

More researchQuarterly, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveys its audience on four topics: fire and life safety, elec-trical and power, lighting and light-ing controls, and HVAC and building automation systems. All of the reports are available online atwww.csemag.com/research.

Total annual dollar amountof HVAC, BAS products

< $500,000

$500,001 to$750,000

$750,001to $1.0 million

$1.1 to $3.0 million

$3.1 to$5.0 million

> $5.0 million

Don't know

17%

13%

11%16%

10%

24%

9%

Source: Consulting-Specifying Engineer, CFE Media

Top 5 electrical, power products specified

87%90% 91% 85% 88% 82%88%

80% 84% 79%

Electricaldistribution

Circuit breakers,fuses, etc.

Cable, wire,etc.

Emergency,standby power

Transformers

20132014

Critical PowerMonitoring forMission CriticalSuccess.Introducing the new STARLINECritical Power Monitor (CPM).You want the best for your data center.When it comes to power distribution, STARLINE gives you the best in efficiency,reliability, and customization. Now theSTARLINE CPM offers an enhanced monitoring package that will allow you tomonitor, integrate and display more datacenter power information easily and reliably.

To learn more about how ourCPM can help your data center or other mission criticalinstallation, please visitwww.StarlinePower.com.

The STARLINE CPM also features: Revenue grade metering functionality Monitors multi-circuit configurations End feed and branch circuit models Display and non-display versions available Wired Ethernet and serial communicationsare standard, optional 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity

Ability to use both Modbus and SNMP protocols simultaneously

Telnet and Modbus TCP/IP are also standard protocols


Lets consider the parallels between being a woman in engineering and being an ethnic minority. As a minor-ity male, I dont presume to completely understand the challenges women face as engineers, much as a nonminority woman cant fully understand what a male minor-ity faces. But drawing parallels between the two may help some female engineers work through tough situations.

Good or bad, people are more likely to remember you. It is a reality: Youre more easily remembered when you overwhelm people with competence. Theres no need to project impatience or an attitude; just come to grips with the fact that you are a minority and some people are not used to working with you. It may take them some time to adjust. Once they do, make pure competence their memory of you.

Initial encounters are not always focused on you or your abilities. There are times when you realize that what youre saying is not really being heard. In my case, people might be thinking, Where did he learn to speak such good English? In a womans case, they may be thinking, I wonder how she chose to be an engineer? The latter is specula-tion, the former has actually been verbal-ized, which is interesting, considering I was born in the U.S. and speak only one language.

Those who are working with female engineers may have to overcome the nov-elty that a woman is speaking on techni-cal topics. Once they get past that, most adjust, so women shouldnt be too sen-

sitive to others initial reactions. Rather, give them a little time, and the situation generally will work out well. The fact that youre a women or a minority can be taken out of the equation as long as you focus on the facts and solve problems. Dont wear your gender or ethnicity on your sleeve or make it an issueeven if it is one at the start.

Dont let yourself be overlooked.This phenomenon is one most people face when theyre young or new to a career, regardless of gender or other status. More experienced veterans may talk over you or ignore you. Over time, most people develop confidence to deal with that, but sometimes women or minorities may feel that the process is prolonged because a veteran doesnt know how to accommo-date their input.

One way to help with that is to pick a key point to ensure you are clearly heard. Push through in a calm and insistent man-ner by making eye contact and holding

your groundyou have a right to state your case. As you speak, make sure you dont fall into the trap of talking too much when you have the floor. Be aware of the impact of your words and make sure you are on target. Dont think of this oppor-tunity as if it was your only time to talk.

Take the long view. When youre dealing with people who have not been exposed to diverse work situations, you might hear language that is not politi-cally correct. The best solution is to roll with it to the extent that you can tolerate. Only you can determine how far is too far. However, pointing it out any contro-versy publicly could just make the other person uncomfortable and avoid commu-nicating with you in the future. Before reacting, check your filters to determine if the comments are truly gender-related and offensive. Sometimes, what comes across as blunt or insensitive is often benign in nature, so rely on your largesse in overlooking a poorly worded comment and giving someone a chance to get used to relating to you. That person will soon see you as youfor what you can bring to the table.

John Suzukida was Tranes senior VP of global marketing and strategy prior to founding Lanex Consulting in 2002, which focuses on strategic planning and product-to-solutions business model tran-sitions. He has a BSME and distinguished alumnus award from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Women, minorities in engineeringBoth women and minorities face similar challenges in theengineering workplace.

JOHN SUZUKIDA, PE

Lanex Consulting, Minneapolis


Career Smart

Read more career advice atwww.csemag.com/careersmart.

Those who are working with female engineers may have to overcome

the novelty that a woman is speaking on techni-

cal topics. Once they get past that, most adjust, so women shouldnt be too sensitive to others initial

reactions.


CSE: Please describe a recent data center project youve worked onshare details about the project, including building location, size, owners project requirements (OPR), etc.

Andrew Baxter: Page recently designed a Tier III data center for a confidential Fortune 100 company located in the Chicago met-ropolitan area. This is one of the most effi-cient data centers in the transportation sec-tor, supporting the clients commitment to the environment. It was built to withstand severe weather conditions without compromising the integrity or security of its cooling system, which is anticipated to achieve an annual average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.09. The new data center has been designed to achieve energy savings of approximately 50% above the required efficiency standards with state-of-the-art economizer systems for cooling critical electrical rooms and air-han-dling units, an energy recovery make-up air handling unit for ventilation, high-efficiency condensing boilers for heating, and highly efficient LED lighting. It is based on N+2 1000 kW units, and Phase 1 was designed to be a 4 MW information technology (IT) fit-up with a 12 MW total facility load at full build-out. Phase 1 of the 308,000-sq-ft project includes 25,000 sq ft of white space in an 180,000-sq-ft building. This initial phase includes the companys backup emer-gency operations center (EOC) in which it will control its entire worldwide operations in the event that the main operations center is ever down. The EOC contains conference rooms and 50 workstations for various user groups, which are focused on a video wall

and a control room overlook for supervision. It is anticipated that approximately 85% of the facility will be free cooled.

Brandon Kingsley: Primary Integration is currently involved in commissioning a 128 MW cloud data center that is being deployed in four sites. The intent of the OPR is to design more reliability into the IT network and equip-ment and less into the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection systems. The design consists of multiple buildings, which have hot aisle containment but no raised floors and no mechanical cooling. Cold aisle allowable operating temperatures can be as high as 90 F. Instead of designing the mechan-ical systems based on the IT equipment, the IT equipment was designed and selected in conjunction with the mechanical systems to operate within the mechanical system parame-ters. The biggest commissioning challenge has been staffing and scheduling to test the sheer quantity of mechanical and electrical equip-ment on each site, including 160 air handlers and 21 generators; however, because of the inherent simplicity of the mechanical and elec-trical system designs, we are not dealing with large central chiller plants that have complex control sequences.

Keith Lane: Lane Coburn & Associates has worked closely with Silent-Aire for more than 5 years enhancing the design of modular data center deployments around the country. There are numerous challenges and numer-ous benefits to the design, construction, and deployment of modular data centers. Modu-lar data centers are designed and built as a complete system. The entire mechanical and electrical system is built around the clients IT infrastructure needs and requirements. Modu-

MEP Roundtable

Andrew Baxter, PEPrincipal/

MEP Engineering DirectorPage

Austin, Texas

Brandon Kingsley,PE, CxA, CEMProject Manager

Primary IntegrationSolutions Inc.

Charlotte, N.C.

Keith Lane, PE, RCDD, NTS,RTPM, LC, LEED AP BD+C

President/Chief EngineerLane Coburn & Associates LLC

Seattle

Dwayne Miller,PE, RCDD

CEOJBA Consulting Engineers

Hong Kong

Brandon Kingsley,

Keith Lane, PE, RCDD, NTS,

Dwayne Miller,

Driving data center designIn the information age, data centers can be the beating heart of not just a building, but an entire global corporation. Engineers with expe-rience working on data centers offer advice on their complex design and getting all the various aspects to compute.


lar off-site construction, as opposed to the conventional brick-and-mortar data center, delivers speed, performance, and cost containment. Building off-site in a controlled, safe, and environmentally friendly space may quite often allow for much quicker deployment. In addi-tion to the time savings in building the mechanical, electrical, and structural components, all components and sys-tems are tested in the factory before shipping to the site. This saves time and money during the final integrated sys-tems testing (IST) before handover to the client in the field.

Dwayne Miller: Our most recent data center projects have been enterprise data centers for international integrated resorts. The properties are both in excess of 4 million sq ft. Both data centers tie into property infrastructure; hence the cooling, normal power, and generator back-up power are served from cen-tralized systems. Owner requirements included on-site disaster recovery capabilities, which are addressed with primary and secondary data centers for each property. The centralized generator backup system is composed of multiple parallel engines, and the data center loads are second only to life safety sys-tems with respect to the load priority. In addition, from a cooling standpoint, the data center is tied in to a large cen-tralized chilled water system and is the highest priority load for the system. A combination of centralized and localized infrastructure is deployed to ensure con-tinuity of services.

CSE: What are the newest trends in data centers in mixed-use build-ings?

Kingsley: This really depends on the rack density, required reliability, and available utilities. For example, a research-based data center at a college or university may have a high rack den-

sity and high-reliability requirement. As a result, MEP designers tend to use a high-density cooling solution such as an in-row cooling. An independent cool-ing system may also be used rather than relying on the central chiller plant, which may be shut down in winter. Increasing-ly, we are seeing heat recovery systems being used in mixed-use buildings to recover waste heat from the data center and use it for the building heating sys-tem. This may make the most economic sense as an energy savings strategy in a building with a large white space data center and office space that represents a fraction of the overall cost.

Lane: Flexibility and modularity are the key features clients require in the market today. It is critical to design flexibility to modify the design for future phases and to ensure the infra-structure is in place to provide for changes. Modularity is critical to ensure incremental components can be added as density and/or redundancy increases are required.

Baxter: The biggest trend is probably moving the data centers completely out of these types of buildings and having purpose built facilities. Heat recovery would be a newer trend, especially in regions where extended heating periods allow the heat generated by the data cen-ter to be used for building heating.

CSE: What are some challenges you have faced in coordinating structural systems with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protec-tion systems?

Lane: Data centers are very unique facilities. The sheer amount of power and critical nature of the loads being served require significant expertise. Uninterrupt-able power supplies, large standby gen-erators, fuel supplies, large conductors, medium-voltage services, large transform-ers, various voltages, harmonic distortion, metering, PUE, and energy efficiency all must be considered in the design of data center facilities. Because of the unique nature of the electrical load profile, the heating of underground electrical duct banks must be evaluated. This involves 3-D modeling of the underground feeders as well as a comprehensive failure mode analysis and Neher-McGrath heating cal-culations. The initial cost of building a data center is tremendous. The long-term costs associated with running a data center include the electrical and water services, which are very significant and must be considered during the design process. The electrical and mechanical engineers must work collaboratively to ensure the most reliable and cost-effective systems are designed and implemented. Enough design time must be built into the sched-

Figure 1: Data center projects are among the most complex projects an engineer can tackle. Because of the crucial and often sensitive information stored therein, power reliability is one important aspect. Courtesy: JBA Consulting Engineers

MEP Roundtable

ule to ensure value engineering ideas are fully vetted. Additionally, comprehensive commissioning of the data center should be provided by a third party to ensure all components of the MEP system work independently and as a system prior to actually serving critical loads.

Baxter: Coordinating all systems togethernot just the MEP and struc-turalcan be quite a challenge for these types of facilities. The structure can be very deep to carry the higher than normal weight densities a data center can impart to a structure, especially in multi-level facilities. This, along with the large number of cable trays, electri-cal raceways, mechanical systems, etc., can create significant space manage-ment challenges. Add in specific project requirements such as seismic restraint, excess wind loading capabilities, or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) shielding, and final coordination becomes critical.

Kingsley: Coordination with structural systems is especially challenging in existing buildings. When a data center is added in an existing facility, the MEP systems have to be designed around fixed existing structural systems. The available floor-to-floor height may dictate the types of systems that can be installed, such as in-row cooling instead of a more conventional system using raised floors and ceiling return plenums. As com-missioning agents, part of our job is to make sure that all of the MEP equipment is accessible and maintainable. Without good coordination among all systems, we may find that a cable tray, for example, is inaccessible. The increasing use of BIM in system design, engineering, and construc-tion is improving coordination and reducing these types of problems.

CSE: How do you see the design approach for data centers changing in the next 2 to 5 years?

Miller: Its my personal belief that prolif-eration and support of an Uptime Institute Tier III or Tier IV infrastructure environ-ment, particularly for enterprise data cen-ters, is not sustainable. In other words, the level of complexity, redundancy, energy consumption, first cost of infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance expenses are all going to make software-driven alternatives more attractive. I would suggest a more rational approach is to have a strategy wherein my data is housed and manipu-lated in 2, 3, or 4 geographically diverse locations. Each location is supported by reasonable infrastructure (Tier I or Tier II) with virtualization software provid-ing seamless transfer between the sites in the event of an incident in one location. I believe this will also be the direction co-location sites will eventually take. In simple terms, a self-healing mesh within a mesh.

Kingsley: We are seeing more modular and scalable designs to provide for flexibility and


MEP Roundtable

phased build-out of data centers over time. Increasingly, these modular designs include a chiller plant for each phase, which are inte-grated to operate as a single chiller plant when the full build-out is completed. As commis-sioning agents, we always commission all previous phases, not only the current phase, to ensure that all phases are properly operat-ing as an integrated system. I also think that a design approach using the strategy of higher reliability in the IT network and less in the MEP systems will become more common as owners find that they can save money by writ-ing code rather than installing additional gen-erators, air handlers, and electrical gear. There is also discussion of integrating the IT servers with the building automation system (BAS) to enable the servers to control the mechanical systems. This could be an effective strategy in cloud data centers, which can operate at the servers upper limits from the start. Each server can provide input for the operation of the HVAC system, rather than relying

on a few BAS sensors throughout the data center. The reliability of the communica-tion between the servers and the BAS will need to be designed for fail-safe operation. This will likely require the installation of BAS sensors for fail-safe operation if the communication between the servers and the BAS goes down.

Baxter: Because of the high demand for IT infrastructure, speed to market is definitely pushing the design approach-es used. To this end we are seeing an increase in the amount of design-build and integrated delivery approaches used in order to shorten the time from when the project design kicks off to when the doors open on the new facility. To this end, prefabricated systems (i.e., skids) for central electrical and mechanical sys-tems are being used more as well.

Lane: We are seeing varying levels of redundancy in modern data centers. Ten to 15 years ago, we would see enormous data centers built to the same redun-dancy level and the same power density throughout the entire facility. Today we are seeing single data centers and Tier II data centers with minimum redundancy for portions of the critical loads as well as Tier IV for other portions of loads. The redundancy level depends on the specific function of the computing task. Very criti-cal loads will be built with full 2N topol-ogy (or greater), while less critical loads will be built with N or N+1 topology. These loads could be in the same room. Additionally, we are building more data centers in a modular fashiononly build-ing the power density required today, but providing for future expansion. This includes provisions for additional unin-terruptible power supply (UPS) modules, standby generators, chillers, and pumps.

CSE: How have cloud comput-ing, apps, cyber security, and other trends changed the way in which you design a data center?

Baxter: Networking systems are becoming even more important and more significant components of the data center.

Figure 2: Engineering firms like Page are engaged to handle data centers for a wide range of clientsFortune 500 cor-porations, municipalities, universities, and other entities. This is the University of Texas at Austin Data Center Consoli-dation Project. Courtesy: Thomas McCo-nnell, photographer, Page

ESL's TripleSwitch is designed to service critical operations facilities that have an automatic transfer switch and dedicated generator. The TripleSwitch uses three interlocked circuit breakers to isolate standby generator circuits during load bank testing. This unique design also provides a quick, safe method to connect to a portable generator for redundant backup portable generator for redundant backup

Make Load Bank Testing More

Convenient & Economical

800.922.4188 - 951.739.7020 - eslpwr.com - [email protected]

TripleSwitch 3-Way Manual Transfer Switch 125A - 2000A up to 600VAC Type 3R Enclosure UL/cUL 1008 Listed up to 800A

Watch Simplify Generator

Load Bank Testing Video:

eslpwr.com/TripleSwitchVideo

Easiest Way to Conduct Required Maintenance on Your Permanent Generator

SWITCHTM


Carrier Corporation 12/2014. A unit of United Technologies Corporation. Stock symbol UTX.

The Moment Walls Have Been Waiting For.

From the people who invented modern air conditioning comes a complete new line of Ductless products. Visit us at this years AHR Expo, booth 1910, and discover all that

Carrier Ductless and VRF have to offer.

AHR EXPO, BOOTH 1910



Kingsley: Due to the large capacity of cloud data centers, energy efficiency is extremely important. To achieve this, data centers are being designed to oper-ate at the upper limits of the industry standards and beyond. Increasingly, MEP systems are being designed to the nameplate operating data of the IT equipment instead of industry standards. For example, ASHRAE TC 9.9 recom-mends a maximum cold aisle tempera-ture of around 80 F; however, if the nameplate of a server indicates that it can operate at up to 90 F, the MEP may be designed to a cold aisle temperature of 85 F to save cooling energy. Insofar as this can result in a simplified MEP design, commissioning becomes even more important as there is less of a ride-through cushion in the event of a loss of cooling. If the MEP systems do not perform as intended, temperature control of the data center can be lost in seconds, not minutes.

CSE: Discuss the trends of con-vergence and automation within building technology, including controls of all systems within one network.

Lane: The convergence of all building technology to the data center has created

significant stress for those managing the IT environment. The CIO now owns data associated with the entire facility operation. Systems such as lighting con-trols, security, surveillance, audiovisual, temperature controls, telephony, etc., are now all managed by IT departments. In the past many of the systems were decentralized and deployed as discrete stand-alone systems. With so much of the facility systems and associated business operations relying on the data center, the critical nature of the power distribution and cooling is obvious. If the data center loses power or fails due to cooling or other infrastructure issues, business operations cease. The CIO and the IT staff have to become much more educated about the critical infrastructure and the associated operation.

Kingsley: We have not seen this in action yet because it appears that there is still a lot of work to be done by the manufacturers to perfect this type of system or network. We are still see-ing separate systems for BAS, EPMS, security, etc. Occasionally, the BAS and EPMS will be the same system. A single building backbone network for all of the systems is not uncommon. BACnet seems to be the industry stan-dard for mechanical systems. While integration of BACnet devices is still not perfect, it has greatly improved as manufacturers work out the bugs and design their controllers to ASHRAEs latest BACnet standard. That said, hardwire control of critical equipment is still a must for data centers because a network is not 100% reliable. .

Baxter: We are definitely seeing a trend to bring more and more of the building automation and monitoring systems into one network. We are see-ing this even more on the enterprise level where the owner has control over the network management. That is also one of the biggest challenges, though, for new builds as that network needs to be up and running very early, and owners and IT groups are not always ready for that kind of advancement of schedule.

CSE: What unique fire suppres-sion or life safety systems have you specified or designed in a data center?

Kingsley: Actually, we are noticing a trend back to traditional wet and pre-action systems and fewer clean agent systems. For example, certain govern-ment agencies require wet systems because they have had trouble main-taining pre-action systems. Other own-ers require double-interlock pre-action systems because they do not want water sitting above the data center but do not want to incur the cost of a clean agent system. They may have found that they can bring their servers back up after they dry out without a lot of failures, or they are willing to replace those that have failed, especially if they represent a small fraction of the total. Early warning smoke detection systems are becoming the norm.

Baxter: We are using more double interlocked pre-action systems for the fire protection of the critical systems and areas. We are also using dry nitro-gen systems as the purge and pres-sure maintenance system for these dry sprinkler systems, thus eliminating the need for galvanized pipe and reducing the potential for internal pipe corro-sion. The use of clean agent systems is declining significantly, and we are now seeing them used only in very specific critical asset protection type installa-tions such as tape or document storage areas. Because most jurisdictions dont recognize the clean agent system for life safety purposes, the sprinkler systems are still required and thus the clean agent becomes somewhat redundant and is a cost many owners no longer want to have.

MEP Roundtable

Visit www.csemag.com/archives to read more about:

Cabling and wiring Co-location facilities Fire and life safety systems HVAC systems Neher-McGrath considerations Power usage effectiveness (PUE) Sustainable buildings.

Figure 3: In addition to corporate projects, firms like JBA Consulting Engineers fre-quently tackle municipal data centers (such as Las Vegas City Hall, shown here) to pro-tect the citys valuable information and pro-cesses. Courtesy: JBA Consulting Engineers

Trane is putting 102 years of expertise on display at the worlds largest HVAC show.

SEE TRUE INTELLIGENCE AT WORK Visit AHR Expo Booth 4810


Building Commissioning Association is dedicated to creating and supporting the highest standards for the commissioning profession } } }

Through professional development programs, nationally-recognized certi cations, tools and market outreach the BCA has earned its leadership role in accelerating best practices and promoting cross-industry collaboration.

Advocacy Training Tools & Resources Certi cations Networking

TODAY!JOIN877.666.2292 } }www.bcxa.org } }



ASHRAE STANDARD 90.1: Energy Stan-dard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings has been the benchmark for defining energy-efficiency and simulation procedures in the built environment since its inception in 1975. It is a fluid document, designed to define the minimum level of energy efficiency while being mindful of the limits of technology and value proposition of lifecycle cost.

As of the 2001 version, this standard is pub-lished in its entirety every 3 years. The period between publishing cycles allows for review, comment, and approval of new content. It is also common for addenda to be issued between the formal updates. The evolution from the 2010 to the 2013 edition helps engineers and designers understand how an integrated design process provides the most efficient means of planning for, and applying, the principles held within.

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 provides the minimum benchmark for energy-efficient design practices for building envelope, HVAC systems, water heat-ing systems, power, and lighting. This standard also provides one of the most recognized proce-dures for energy simulations of facilities.

Although Standard 90.1 is respected by many jurisdictions, it is not necessarily recognized as a code for all jurisdictions in the United States. Therefore, the requirements of Standard 90.1 can be followed by the design professional, but enforcement by the local authority having juris-diction (AHJ) is generally limited to the appli-cable building or energy conservation code.

BY RODNEY V. OATHOUT, PE, CEM, LEED AP, DLR Group, Overland Park, Kansas; andRUAIR BARNWELL, BEAP, HBDP, QCXP, DLR Group, Chicago

Codes & Standards

How ASHRAE Standard 90.1contributes to integrated designASHRAE Standard 90.1 is under continuous maintenance. This articlefocuses on the recent evolution of this standard, the impact on energyand performance, the design process, and how human interaction can improve energy efficiency.

Figure 1: The new Library and Student Resource Center at the Los Angeles Community College Districts Harbor College is designed to achieve U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification. Its signature design element is a bold southern facade with exterior louvers that reduce solar heat gain. All graphics courtesy: DLR Group

Standards

This standard does influence many other building codes. Building envelope (sometimes called building enclosure) is a good example of how this works. In the 2007 version, the requirement for continuous insulation started to appear in many building types for most climate zones. These requirements appear in the 2009 version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These codes began to be adopted in 2010, and proj-ects started hitting the streets in 2011. There are numerous examples of other technical features and model building codes. Many jurisdictions recognize ASHRAE 90.1 as an acceptable compli-ance path for energy performance.

Changes to noteThe significant changes in the 2013

version include: building envelope, HVAC, energy simulation procedures, and lighting. As the design professional might expect, the modifications generally impose stricter requirements on design elements. This standard also gives more details and requirements for computer room environments. Major changes in the 2013 version include more clarifications and provisions for optimizing natural daylighting and artificial lighting control. The Dept. of Energy, in an announcement in the Federal Register on Sept. 26, 2014,

estimated that the ASHRAE 90.1- 2013 energy efficiency standard contains 8.5% source energy savings and 7.6% site energy savings compared to the 2010 version.

The changes in the 2013 version that affect building envelope modify the require-ments for opaque elements and fenestrations. These include a simplification of skylight requirements, requirement of double pane glazing in most climate zones, and the addi-tional requirement of a mini-mum visible transmission (VT)/solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratio. The point of this ratio is to balance daylight-ing capabilities with heat gain through fenestrations.

The HVAC equipment performance requirements are stricter in the 2013

version. Fan efficiency requirements have been added to the standard for the first time. There also are increas-ing coverage and strategies for systems required to be controlled by building automation systems (BAS). An exam-ple of the impact of these changes can be found in the stricter performance requirements for heat pumps. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Table 6.8.1-2 shows per-formance improvements required for ground-source, water to air heat pumps (see Table 1).

The requirements for building simu-lation procedures continue to evolve in the 2013 version. Significant changes in simulation procedures include: new data tables for applying glazing areas; envelope infiltration calculations; mod-ifications to calculation procedures for assembly areas; heat rejection equip-ment, such as cooling towers; more provisions for dealing with computer room environments; and additional information to improve the simulation of natural daylighting to predict energy conservation opportunities.

Codes & Standards


Figure 2: The Elk Grove Center in Elk Grove, Calif., is a satellite campus of the Cosumnes River College. The design combines exterior screens and a light shelf to optimize views to outside, solar gain, and natural daylight.

Table 1: This provides a summary of the data taken from various versions of ASHRAE 90.1. Data from ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 and 2013.

Table 1: Summary of changes in heat pump efficiencies

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 edition

Minimum efficiency(cooling EER)

Minimum efficiency(heating COP)

2010 16.2 3.6

2013 18.0 3.7

Table 2: There continues to be a systematic decrease in the allowable power density used by lighting, according to ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Table 9.5.1. Data from ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007, 2010, and 2013.

Table 2: Summary of changes in allowable power density

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 edition

Allowable power density (W/sq ft)

2007 1.2

2010 0.99

2013 0.87


Lighting One of the most notable changes to

the lighting chapter of the 2013 version is the addition of control requirements for each of the space types. There also continues to be a systematic decrease in the allowable power density used by lighting. The data in ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Table 9.5.1 reveals that the allow-able power density for a school/university has decreased by 32% since the 2007 ver-sion of this standard. Table 2 provides a summary of the data taken from various versions of ASHRAE 90.1.

The theme of natural daylighting and artificial lighting control is woven through most of the significant changes in Standard 90.1-2013. Many of the pro-visions of this standard tend to primarily affect one discipline and create a ripple through other disciplines on the way to optimizing the total energy efficiency of a facility. For instance, changes in chiller efficiency largely impact the work of the mechanical engineer, but a more efficient chiller also affects the design prepared by the electrical engineer. Similarly, allowable power densities largely impact the work of the electrical engineer, but also affect the cooling design prepared by the mechanical engineer. These examples create a cause-and-effect relationship between designers and contractors.

Solutions that optimize natural day-lighting and artificial lighting control require a multidisciplinary approach. The most efficient approach still requires some iteration to formulate a solution. The team of designer, contractor, and owner must collaborate during this pro-cess. The role of the designer, architect, and engineer is to assess energy efficien-cy and balance performance, aesthetics, and functionality of the lighting system. The contractors role is to evaluate cost and constructability. The owners role is to determine if the solution is useful and meets the needs of the end user. An integrated design process when all stake-holders are involved from the beginning provides a platform for shared educa-tion, understanding of requirements and desires, and fluid testing of options until

the design solution is optimized. When these parties operate in a vacuum, the final result is often frustration, uncoor-dinated design, and energy performance that does not meet expectations.

Documentation ASHRAE 90.1 can be used in two

ways, prescriptive or performance, to document compliance.

The prescriptive method is largely an effort in applying the information provided in the tables and graphs of the main body of the document. Because its often deemed the easiest approach for the design phase of a project, the pre-scriptive method is the most common path for achieving compliance with ASHRAE Standard 90.1.

The performance approach to this stan-dard applies rules to the desired unique-ness that provides some flexibility based on the climate of the project location. The performance approach generally requires the use of a computer-simulation tool to evaluate the impact of design strategies for the major building features that form the path of overall compliance. It also can be argued that building designs derived strictly through implementation of the prescriptive approach may not result in the most cost-efficient solutions on bid day.

The performance approach to the 2013 version provides even more rules and implementation procedures than previ-ous versions. This is easily seen during a quick review of the current edition of the standard. The pages defining the rules of engagement for the performance approach are much thicker than those for

the prescriptive approach to compliance. The difference is that the words used to describe the performance approach allow for trade-off, compromise, and flexibility. This is the foundation of an integrated design process.

The future ASHRAE will publish the next ver-

sion of Standard 90.1 in 2016. Between now and then, there will be addendums to clarify important content and address comments from users. The natural dura-tion before Standard 90.1 is applied to actual design situation seems to be about 4 years. It takes that long for the data in 90.1 to find its way into the building codes, for the building codes to be adopted, and for general accep-tance of the material throughout the design community.

In 2020, the matrix for the Architec-ture 2030 Challenge will be a building energy performance target 80% better than the 2003 benchmark for consump-tion. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 has shown leadership in energy efficiency by defin-ing the minimum criteria and processes for the built environment to be judged. ASHRAE Standard 189.1: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings takes building design to the next level for projects that are on the path to achieve the goals of Architecture 2030. Facilities that achieve lofty energy per-formance as prescribed by Architecture 2030 typically include passive features and provisions that rely on the natural environment in the strategy for energy reduction.

Figure 3: Fayetteville (Ark.) High School earned U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Schools Silver Certification applying design techniques prescribed in ASHRAE Standard 90.1.


The notion of human impact should be considered in any conversation regard-ing energy efficiency in the built environ-ment. This topic is not directly related to ASHRAE Standard 90.1, but is one of the characteristics that elevate good build-ing performance to great building per-formance. The requirements of this stan-dard continue to advocate for automatic measures to minimize the need for human intervention. These automatic measures contribute to the high-performing build-ings being constructed today.

Ensuring proper use and performance of lighting controls is an example of the importance of human impact on energy performance. An integrated design pro-cess is a useful platform to interject the human impact into the design. Involving the engineering and analysis team early in the design process can have many advan-tages, including sharing the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 with other design team members and users who may not be familiar with the standard. When everyone understands the design requirements and the users expectations, good design can be elevated into a high-performance building.

Traditionally, the design teams role on a project ends when the building is built and all of the post-construction documen-tation is turned over to the owner. The

emphasis on high-performance buildings is allowing design teams to become more engaged in post-occupancy activities such as user training, energy benchmark-ing, and operational feedback.

As hard as we try to simplify things, systems in modern-day buildings are complicated, especially for users with little or no training in architecture or engineering. Systems that are not under-stood by facility managers or users are often altered by occupants to the detri-ment of occupant comfort. This leads to frustration by facility managers and occupants, and results in poor energy performance.

The next big thing that design pro-fessionals can do to positively impact building energy performance is train both facility managers and occupants about how the systems work. This train-ing is not on how to replace an air filter or perform other routine maintenance. Rather, it should train users on the rami-fications of blocking the glazing intend-ed for daylighting with cardboard; train them how to temporarily adjust the light level for a special program; and train them to be successful in the space that was designed for them.

The ASHRAE Standard 90.1 offers designers the tools and compliance cri-teria to create energy-efficient facilities.

The application of this standard through an integrated design process should result in a facility that provides excellent value to the owner. All too often this value is not realized. While the reasons for this vary, the real problem is that a facility may operate incorrectly for years before the causes can be determined and rem-edied. An owners design and energy analysis team can play a key role in the optimizing the performance of the facili-ties they designed through post-occu-pancy services like energy benchmark-ing and operational feedback studies. A simple comparison of actual utility data to performance expectation using energy consumption data is the first step in determining if there are real issues. Operational feedback studies use energy datautility and submeters, user surveys and system observationsas the means to understand how energy is consumed and how efficiency can be improved.

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is a fluid document that continues to evolve in response to changes in our industry and the desire for continuous optimization of energy performance. The application of this standard or subsequent building codes that are influenced by this standard, offer value to building owners through lifecycle cost objectives that are embedded into the information. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and other industry trends such as integrated design, human impact on performance, and post-occupancy evaluations provide the foundation for energy optimization in the built environment.

Rodney V. Oathout is regional engineer-ing leader and principal at DLR Groups Overland Park, Kansas, office. He is a champion for integrated design, energy efficiency, and human engagement in high-performance buildings. Ruair Barnwell leads DLR Groups building optimization team from Chicago. He is responsible for growing this market and contributing his expertise in high-perfor-mance building design to benefit clients in the firms core market sectors. He is a 2013 Consulting-Specifying Engineer 40 Under 40 award winner.

Codes & Standards

Figure 4: The new Business Building on the Lisle, Ill., campus of Benedictine Uni-versity is one of the first buildings permitted in Illinois under the new IECC 2012/ASHRAE 90.1-2010 code.

2014 Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.

How Dole lowered emissions to nearly unheard-of levels.Completely integrated boiler solutions can generate results for you, too.

Dole Packaged Foods in Atwater, California, met stringent air quality standards of less than 5 ppm NOx emissions by installing our 700 HP CBEX Elite with fully condensing economizer, while minimizing future maintenance costs. Read about this case study and others at cleaverbrooks.com/Dole or call 1-800-250-5883 to locate your local rep.

Visit Booth #1523 at the AHR Show in Chicago


The voice of the engineering community speaks loud and clear in the following pages

featuring corporate profiles of those companies participating in this

innaugural Executive Voice program presented by Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.

Our thanks to the following participants:

BITZER

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions

Navien America Inc.

Staco Energy Products Co.

Unison Comfort Technologies

BITZER US, Inc. is a subsidiary of Germany based BITZER SE, the worlds largest independent manu-facturer of A/C and Refrigeration compressors with sales companies and production sites for reciprocating, screw, and scroll compressors as well as pressure vessels all over the globe. Headquartered outside Atlanta and with three manufacturing plants in the U.S., BITZER US is well positioned in 2015 to continue its extraordinary growth in an industry that demands quiet, high efficiency products and green solutions.

Peter Narreau, president of BITZER US, Inc, states BITZER has met the challenge of providing the market both high efficiency compressors in addition to those that use natural refrigerants.

BITZERs OEM customer base in the U.S. includes manufacturers of liquid and air-cooled A/C chillers, modular and process chillers, commercial rooftop units, supermarket mechanical rooms (racks), condensing units, ultra-low temp units, commercial and

industrial refrigerated warehouse systems, marine systems, etc. The BITZER brand has always been synonymous with high quality and reliability, but our OEM customers now promote BITZER for its techno-logical superiority and overall value.

By optimizing its compressor efficiency based on the application, BITZER is able to outperform the one-size fits all model that is standard in our industry. We have designed Screw and Scroll compressors that are optimized based on whether they are applied to air-cooled condenser (SCT > 110F) systems or water cooled (SCT < 110F) systems. The resulting IPLV of systems using these optimized models is significantly enhanced. Both compressor types can accommodate a VSD if desired.

To further increase IPLVs, BITZER has a patent pending on an Advanced Header Technology (BAHT) that enables OEMs to mix numerous combinations of Scroll Compressor sizes and frames to achieve optimum performance in their systems. For example, an OEM can now combine a 15-ton scroll (GSD6 frame size) with a 25-ton scroll (GSD8 frame) and can add a VSD on the smaller model to achieve the highest efficiency while precisely matching the cooling load.

BITZERs new CRII capacity control for its semi-hermetic ECOLINE compressors can unload down to 10%, and its Varispeed model, which includes an integrated VSD, can operate from 25 87Hz. Ensuring best in-class performance in Screw Compressors, BITZER has launched a line of Screw Compressors with integrated VSDs. Even these are optimized based on the application.

As the green movement evolved in Europe in the 90s, BITZER became a pioneer in the manufacture of compressors using natural refriger-ants like CO2 and ammonia. Today, BITZER provides both subcritical and transcritical CO2 compressors to the industry as well as complete Ammonia Compressor Packages. Please visit www.bitzerus.com or email us [email protected]

Peter NarreauPresident,

BITZER US, Inc.

BITZER US, Inc. Headquarters in Flowery Branch, GA.

BITZER is able to outperform the one-size fits all model that is standard in our industry.

ADVE

RTISEM

ENT

Its no secret that the lowest hanging fruit for energy-saving initiatives has been lighting. Hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 emissions have been saved. In fact, at this point, we see high-efficiency lighting baked into most new construction projects. Many of the larger retrofit projects have been done, as well. This leaves designers and owners looking for other places to find savings.

Fortunately, filtration and indoor air quality both offer huge opportunities for energy efficiency. As with lighting, these are areas where designers often defaulted to the methods they used in the past.

Commercial buildings consume 40% of all energy in the United States. Over half of that is used to condition and clean the air. And over half of that is fan energy. Clearly, thats some low hanging fruit.

People today expect their indoor air to be free of contaminants. This has led to higher efficiency filters and in some cases more outdoor air for ventilation. Until recently, both of these approaches would normally increase energy use.

Energy represents over 90% of the cost of filtration. The big cost is not in the cost of the filter itself, but rather the cost of the energy to push air through it. With conventional passive filters, increasing filter efficiency increases the static resistance to airflow, and the energy use. Today there are Ozone-free air clean-ing technologies, like polarized-media

electronic air cleaners, that operate with a much lower static pressure resistance than conventional high-efficiency filters. They also enjoy a much greater dust-holding capacity, and a service life measured in YEARS instead of months, which gives these air cleaners about 1/3 of the life cycle cost (including energy) of conventional passive filters, while improving overall air quality.

With ventilation, air cleaning can help implement the IAQ Procedure of ASHRAE Standard 62 to yield improved air quality and lower energy costs. Over the years, the ban on smoking indoors and the use of low-emitting building materials have improved indoor air quality significantly.

In fact, in most metropolitan areas, the air outside contains more contaminants than the air indoors. Using todays Ozone-free polarized-media electronic air cleaners to remove odors and ultrafine particles, rather than bringing in potentially contaminated air, makes both common and financial sense.

The savings are there. Theres still plenty of low hanging fruit for improved energy efficiency.

Duke Wiser

President,Dynamic

Air Quality Solutions

Dynamic Manufacturing Facility in Carleton Place, Ontario

[email protected](800) 578-7873www.DynamicAQS.com

ADVE

RTISEM

ENT

There is still low hanging

fruit for energy efficiency.

With the launching of five new products, its fair to say that the past year has been a busy one for Staco Energy Products Co. and its President Jeff Hoffman. Stacos new products include: Unistar V, a 1-, 2-, and 3-kVA rack universal mount single-phase, online double-conversion UPS

Unistar VP, a 6-kVA rack/universal mount and a 6- and 10-kVA tower single-phase, online double conversion UPS

UniStar SCLI924, a 350 W to 21-kW online double-conversion single-phase UL 924 central lighting inverter

FirstLine P 924, a 58.5- to 225-kW online double-conversion three phase UL 924 central lighting inverter

FirstLine PL 924, a 9- to 36-kW online double-conversion three-phase UL 924 central lighting inverter

We have had substantial growth over the last two years, averaging thirteen percent, says Jeff Hoffman, President of Staco Energy Products Co, And we have positioned ourselves to keep that pace going in 2015. In 2015, Staco plans to continue their major efforts in engineering to get other products launched to complete their UPS product portfolio and to position themselves to be in a stronger competitive position.

Several projects that are already underway to support the UPS planned growth include: Upgrade to 10 to 40kVA packaging

Mobile Apps to communicate with UPS

Meeting industrial grade specs

Security protection option

Jeff Hoffman says his company has taken note of requests for UPS systems with higher operating efficiencies. Staco Energy Products has also made big plans for 2015, which include expanding to higher power ranges and modular UPS.

The companys end users are in the mid-range to large IT sector and various other market segments, such as oil & gas, healthcare, and manufacturing. Stacos UPS units are user-friendly, adds Hoffman. The unit can be completely controlled and monitored right at the control panel on the unit or remotely from a desk. Maintenance is standard and includes an annual preventative maintenance check, primarily focusing on the condition of the batteries.

Staco Energy Products also manufactures power factor correction units to help facilities avoid penalties from utilities. We look at it from the standpoint of complete savings for the data center from all aspects,

from the power factor correction and a more ef-ficient UPS to minimize the utility costs the customer is paying, says Hoffman.

For more than seventy years, customers worldwide have relied on Staco as their dependable source for

standard and tailored solutions to a wide range of electrical power problems. Headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, Staco Energy Products is a wholly owned subsidiary of Components Corporation of America, located in Dallas, Texas.

Jeff Hoffman

PresidentStaco Energy Products Co.

[email protected] 937-253-1191 www.stacoenergy.com

ADVE

RTISEM

ENT

Just some of Stacos broad range of electrical products

Unison Comfort Technologies was established in 2010 as the parent organization of Innovent, Valent and Precision Coils. Our market legacy began in 1981; today we design, manufacture and provide air handling equipment, value-added packaged rooftop units, energy recovery options, dehumidification units, make-up air products, and heating/cooling coils to help enhance indoor air quality and comfort, maximize energy efficiency and minimize operational costs.

Unison includes three businesses which contribute to indoor environ-mental comfort by manufacturing distinctive products that ventilate, dehumidify, filter, heat or cool air. Innovent, Valent and Precision Coils continuously strive to deliver products that reduce energy consumption and building operational costs.

Innovent Air Handling Equipment is a custom manufacturer of commer-cial/industrial air handling systems, energy recovery units, desiccant dehumidification products, and pool dehumidification units. Every product we manufacture is engineered

specifically to meet the unique needs and requirements of the building in which it is installed. Youll find Innovent products in a wide range of facilities including educational, health care, industrial, government, hospitality, recreational, research and retail buildings.

Valent Air Management Systems manufactures high-percentage outdoor air packaged rooftop units that address the needs of building owners, specifying engineers, and

installing contractors. Valent units serve in dedicated outdoor air, comfort and process applications in facilities ranging from educational buildings and lodging facilities to laboratories, industrial operations and commercial properties.

Precision Coils specializes in manufacturing competitively priced, precision-engineered HVAC heating and cooling coils. In addition to supplying coils to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Precision Coils offers a full range of HVAC replacement coils.

Unison Comfort Technologies is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, with additional manufacturing plants near Sacramento, CA and

Memphis, TN. We are a division of The Greenheck Group, a privately-held, worldwide leader in air movement and control systems and architectural products. The Unison management team includes respected leaders and experts with decades of experience in the HVAC industry. Unison partners with representatives who are carefully selected for their ability to support system designers and building professionals.

Through a winning combination of energy-efficient products and

experienced people dedicated to satisfying customers, Unison has enjoyed rapid growth since its inception and now has annual revenue in excess of $125 million.

Jay Althof

President, Unison Comfort

Technologies

This new Unison plant recently opened in Sacramento, CA. The Unison HVAC unit brands,

Innovent and Valent, provide the solutions that system designers demand.

ADVE

RTISEM

ENT

Innovent Sales: 612.877.4800 Valent Sales: 612.877.4850 www.unsioncomfort.com

Harrison Kim CEO, Navien, Inc.

navien.com

The Leader in Condensing Tehnoog

As Koreas largest boiler manufacturer, exporting to more than 30 countries world-wide, KD Navien, has developed its industry leading reputation in the United States and Canada as a tankless water heater and combi-boiler company. With deep experience in the manufacturing of boilers and the largest single boiler manufacturing facility in the world, the company recently has expanded its product line with the NHB (Navien Heating Boiler) series.

Its a little known fact that Korea is the 2nd largest market for boilers in the world behind only

the United Kingdom, said CEO Harrison Kim. In fact there are almost three times as many boilers sold in Korea as in all of North America.

An engineering and technology driven company, Navien has invested quite heavily in R&D over the past 36 years, resulting in a host of technologi-cally advanced products. We are proud to be offering this advanced level of heating technology and expertise.

Ideal for residential and light commercial use, from the manufacturer that reinvented the way that people think about tankless water heating, the NHB builds on Naviens recent successful product lines. The new Navien Heating Boiler is available in 4 sizes: NHB-55, NHB-80, NHB 110 and NHB-150 with turn-down-ratios respective-ly of 7:1, 10:1, 11:1, and 15:1. The noteworthy 15:1 TDR in the NHB-150 is achieved with Naviens advanced burner system. One key component to that efficiency is the newly developed dual Venturi gas delivery system. Our NHB heating boiler is much more than just another high-efficiency condensing wall hung boiler, said CEO Kim.

It carries the Energy Star Most Efficient Rating and with a huge number of smart control features, offers the installer an opportunity to achieve a true high-efficiency installation.

ADVE

RTISEM

ENT

Worlds largest boiler production facility

Korea is the 2nd largest market for boilers in the

world behind only the United Kingdom

201501cse_execVoice_HLFnavien.indd 1 12/16/2014 3:18:12 PM

In 2014, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveyed its audience members responsible for decisions related to the design of HVAC and/or building automation systems (BAS) products and services within their firms.

According to the data in this report, half of HVAC and building automation products specified by engineering firms for new and existing buildings are valued at more than $1 million, compared to 59% in 2013 and 47% in 2012.

Download the new Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 HVAC and Building Automation Systems Research today!

www.csemag.com/2014HVACBAS

Improve your HVAC and BAS business with CSE Research Turning research into insights to make better business decisions

and/or building automation systems (BAS) products and services

cse201509_research_HVAC_Hlf.indd 1 1/9/2015 3:52:30 PM

BY JOHN YOON, PE, LEED AP, McGuire Engineers Inc., Chicago

Motors get no respect. Although theyre pres-ent in many of the sys-tems that we design and they often drive the

overall energy usage profile of a building, they usually end up as an afterthought. Traditionally, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection designs for buildings have been focused on system level considerations of health/safety, functionality, and initial capital cost. However, the adoption of more stringent energy codes and standards has put greater emphasis on energy efficiency in our designs.

While this emphasis on energy effi-ciency may seem like a relatively recent development, it is the direct evolution of federal legislation that was passed almost 40 years ago in response to the 1973-74 oil crisis. The key is to recognize that this is all part of an ongoing progression and that efficiency requirements will only become more stringent. So while many building owners will be more than satisfied with minimal code-compliant designs, as pro-active engineers and designers, there is a need to understand how the components in the systems we design use power and how they can be optimized without com-promising those traditional design values. In some cases, there may be technologi-

cal dead ends in the individual system components that may require emphasis on different solutions for energy efficiency.

Motors are everywhereIn most design methodologies, you look

for the bang for the buckhigh-impact, low-cost solutions first. The question is, what uses the most electricity in our designs? Although we may not think of motors specifically when considering the energy use of any particular building sys-tem, the electrical usage associated with motors is hidden in most commercial building energy use categories.

From a broader perspective, electric motor driven systems represent more than a third of the total electricity demand for the United States and between 43% and 46% globally per statistics from the International Energy Agency. Total motor energy usage for the industrial sector out-strips commercial usage by roughly 3:1. Of total power used by motors worldwide, approximately 68% is used by medium-sized motors from 1 to 500 hp, which cov-ers the vast majority of motors used in building systems.

A business concept known as disrup-tive innovation describes an innovation that redefines or replaces a market by offering improved simplicity, function-ality, and affordability. They typically

A variable frequency drive (VFD) often is specified to reduce operationalcost for pumps, fans, compressors, or any similar equipment with variable load profiles that may be found in a typical building. Heres how to specifya VFD to meet load conditions while achieving efficiency.

VFD, motor strategiesfor energy efficiency


Learningobjectives Review the evolution of effic

consult-spec vfd motors and efficiency

Documents