HomeHomehttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012-05-17T16:06:57ZSquarespaceHVAC 360 - Episode 45 - OPR and CFRhttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/4/29/hvac-360-episode-45-opr-and-cfr.htmlMatt Nelson2012-04-29T23:54:30Z2012-04-29T23:54:30Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

The week we talk about the OPR or Owner's Project Requirements and the CFR, the Current Facility Requirements.  Ultimately they are two side to the same coin, what a owner needs and wants from their facility.  It is a buildings playbook, how it is intended to be used and operated.  Most people would associate the OPR with being something that is found and required by LEED under the commissioning section.  Although this is true, I feel that this document is more than that.  An OPR is a documented plan on how to meet and exceed an owner's expectations.  Is this not the goal for most service organizations anyway?  Why would you not make this a standard practice on every project regardless of size?  It just makes too much sense to me.  Let me know what you think or if I missed the boat on something.  If you like what you hear pass it on.

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 044 - BIM and Beyondhttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/4/21/hvac-360-episode-044-bim-and-beyond.htmlMatt Nelson2012-04-21T17:52:46Z2012-04-21T17:52:46Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

This week I talk about Building Information Modeling or BIM.  What once seemed liked a far fetched idea of drawing a virtual building is now reality and becoming more and more the standard of care for our industry.  There are still some big hurdles to cross when it comes to coordination but that may be a gold mine that can put those last few items together.  BIM is no longer for only the largest buildings and the most progressive owners, it has now trickled down to the everyday projects for those that have crossed the learning curve.  In this episode I talk about the different "dimensions" on BIM and how the industry is now envisioning the use of this tool, past the 3D virtual model component.  Take a listen, let me know if there is something that I missed or if it was worth it pass the episode on to a friend. 

Here are some of the links for more BIM information:

NIBS Whole Building Design Guide on BIM

Building Smart Alliance

Journal of Building Information Modeling

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 043 - Freezestatshttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/4/8/hvac-360-episode-043-freezestats.htmlMatt Nelson2012-04-09T02:14:02Z2012-04-09T02:14:02Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

Call them freezestats or low-temperature cut-outs or vapor-filled capillary tubes this week I am talking about the control devices that keep our water coils from freezing.  These little devices seem to cause a lot of issues so I thought that I would do a complete podcast episode regarding them.  I already have a blog post "A coils best friend" but some people, me included, perfer the audio format for our information.  So what are we going to cover in this episode?  We will talk about the pieces parts of the device, how it is SUPPOSED to be installed, and how the little thing operates.  I welcome any feedback on this one but I base this episdoe on quite a bit a experience and observations.  

If you don't want to trust me please take a look at the following sites/files:

Industrial Controls capillary tube information site

Powers Low-Temp Cut Out PDF file

IntecContols Low-Temp Cut Out PDF file

Johnson Control A11 Low-Temp Cut out PDF file

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 042 - Gas Monitoringhttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/4/8/hvac-360-episode-042-gas-monitoring.htmlMatt Nelson2012-04-08T14:42:30Z2012-04-08T14:42:30Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

This week I talk gas monitoring with Scott Bissett of Armstrong Monitoring Corporation.  Gas monitoring is a key ingredient in the safety of occupants and staff when we are talk about a number of applications.  This week we focus primarily on vehicle exhaust and mechanical room exhaust specifically when you are dealing with carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various refigerants.  I must admit this was a rather lengthy interview but the content is very actionable and will give you a great start in any gas monitoring layout design that you face.  Even if you are not an engineer there gems of information in there that you make you the hero on your project.

Here are the links to their website and their resource center:

Armstrong Monitoring

Armstrong Monitoring Resource Center

As always don't be afraid to contact your local representatives to get specific information about your application, where they are reps for Armstrong or others.

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 041 - Air-Handling Unit Commissioninghttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/4/4/hvac-360-episode-041-air-handling-unit-commissioning.htmlMatt Nelson2012-04-04T23:19:42Z2012-04-04T23:19:42Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

In this episode I talk about the steps that I take when looking at a Air-Handling Unit during the commissioning process.  I have focused this discussion on indoor units and walk-through a unit section by section.  If your process differs or there is something else that you think I missed let me know.  Use the comment section below or send me an email.  Also if you think this was valuable information share a link with a co-worker or friend.

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 040 - EnOcean Technologyhttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/3/21/hvac-360-episode-040-enocean-technology.htmlMatt Nelson2012-03-21T23:22:01Z2012-03-21T23:22:01Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

This week I talk with Bob Eckery from EnOcean Inc. to discuss the exciting new technology behind so many energy efficient devices.  From light switches to diffusers and valves to occupany sensors this wireless technology is changing the game when it comes to way you can do with traditional devices.  Take a listen and if you like what you hear please pass the episode along to a friend. 

As for some of the links you can find information about the alliance at http://www.enocean-alliance.org and a products site at http://www.enoceanparts.com .

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 039 - Advantix Systemshttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/3/19/hvac-360-episode-039-advantix-systems.htmlMatt Nelson2012-03-20T02:22:50Z2012-03-20T02:22:50Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

This week on HVAC 360 we talk to Mooki Talby of Advantix Systems, makers of the DuCool systems.  This is really neat technology with a big upside when applied properly.  This system is an innovative liquid desiccant air conditioning system with a high energy efficiency rating.  

Check out their website at Advantix Systems.

 

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 038 - Mechanical Insulationhttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/3/4/hvac-360-episode-038-mechanical-insulation.htmlMatt Nelson2012-03-04T19:03:29Z2012-03-04T19:03:29Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

Mechanical insulation is the topic this week when we talk to our guest Ron King, Consultant and Past President of the National Insulation Association.  Insulation goes beyond "the pink stuff" and for ductwork, piping, and equipment it is probably the biggest unsung hero of the green sustainablility movement.  Remember the saying, "The cheapest BTU is the one that you never have to make."  If you find this interesting pass it on to your friends. 

For the links mentioned in the episode:

WBDG - Mechanical Insulation Design Guide

Insulation.org - National Insulation Association homepage

Mechanical Insulation Assessment and Design Tools (Calculators) 

Mechanical Insulation Education & Awareness E-Learning Series

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 037 - Net-Zero Energy Buildingshttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/3/4/hvac-360-episode-037-net-zero-energy-buildings.htmlMatt Nelson2012-03-04T18:35:58Z2012-03-04T18:35:58Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

On HVAC 360 this week we field a listener request and talk with Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer with NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratories regarding Net-Zero Energy Buildings.  This show has a ton of information that I encourage everyone to share.  As Paul said, the more that we can share Net-Zero engineering innovations with each other, the quicker the adoption becomes and the less we will feel like we are sticking our necks out over unproven techniques. 

As promised in the episode here are the following links:

NREL Homepage

Energy.gov's Building Database link

Energy.gov's Commercial Buildings Initiative link

To ask questions of NREL fill out the link on this page

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

]]>HVAC 360 - Episode 036 - Emerson Climate Technologieshttp://www.buildingx.co/home/2012/2/29/hvac-360-episode-036-emerson-climate-technologies.htmlMatt Nelson2012-03-01T03:01:19Z2012-03-01T03:01:19Z OF YOUR HTML PAGE -->

This week we return to the AHR Expo for an interview with Mitch Knapke of Emerson Climate Technologies.  We discuss the release of their new product the Copeland Scroll K5 which they report can save refrigeration-related energy consumption 10 percent over current technology.  In addition this compressor also includes Emerson's new CoreSense onboard compressor diagnostics which has to make it one of the most technician friendly compressors out on the market today.  If you like what you hear please pass the episode on.

Also Emerson has a number of mobile apps available.  I haven't played with them myself but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't share.

Emerson Mobile Apps Link

If you would like the official press release look at this link:

Copeland Scroll K5 Press Release

Or if you would like to save this directly to your computer you can Download the Episode Here! Just right-click on the link and save to your desktop.

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