Posts by Miles Ryan
Identifying when HVAC Modulation is Hindered
Miles Ryan, P.E., writes a monthly column in Engineered Systems Magazine on Building Commissioning. Read March’s column below: Having the ability to modulate various components of our HVAC systems (pumps, fans, valves, dampers, boilers, chillers, etc.) is a good thing. Advancements in various technologies over the years have allowed for increased levels of modulation in…
Read MoreThe Case for Softening DHW
Miles Ryan, P.E., writes a monthly column in Engineered Systems Magazine on Building Commissioning. Read February’s column below: Recommendations from commissioning providers to owners, designers, contractors, etc., often are validated by field experience. For credibility purposes, having lived those experiences yourself is ideal. However, much can be learned from others’ hard taught lessons as well.…
Read MoreIdentifying Back-feed Potential of DHW Risers
Miles Ryan, P.E., writes a monthly column in Engineered Systems Magazine on Building Commissioning. Read January’s column below: The commissioning of plumbing systems is not in every project’s scope, but when it is, the domestic hot water (DHW) system is often the first system included. Often, the DHW system includes recirculation piping and an associated…
Read MoreImproving HVAC Operations – Part V: Managing Swing Season Heating Requirements
Abstract: Maintaining a solid understanding of how common HVAC systems are controlled is essential to effectively troubleshooting them. It is also necessary for optimizing the energy performance of such systems. Improving the knowledge base of HVAC control sequences throughout the Department of Defense, for these purposes, was the driving force behind the resurrection of the…
Read MoreImproving HVAC Operations – Part IV: Comprehensive Sensor Management
Abstract: Maintaining a solid understanding of how common HVAC systems are controlled is essential to effectively troubleshooting them. It is also necessary for optimizing the energy performance of such systems. Improving the knowledge base of HVAC control sequences throughout the Department of Defense, for these purposes, was the driving force behind the resurrection of the…
Read MoreImproving HVAC Operations – Part III: Accurately Aligning Occupancy Schedules
Abstract: Maintaining a solid understanding of how common HVAC systems are controlled is essential to effectively troubleshooting them. It is also necessary for optimizing the energy performance of such systems. Improving the knowledge base of HVAC control sequences throughout the Department of Defense, for these purposes, was the driving force behind the resurrection of the…
Read MoreImproving HVAC Operations – Part II: Controlling Temperature, Managing Humidity
Abstract: Maintaining a solid understanding of how common HVAC systems are controlled is essential to effectively troubleshooting them. It is also necessary for optimizing the energy performance of such systems. Improving the knowledge base of HVAC control sequences throughout the Department of Defense, for these purposes, was the driving force behind the resurrection of the…
Read MoreImproving HVAC Operations – Part I: Managing Swing Season Cooling Requirements
Abstract: Maintaining a solid understanding of how common HVAC systems are controlled is essential to effectively troubleshooting them. It is also necessary for optimizing the energy performance of such systems. Improving the knowledge base of HVAC control sequences throughout the Department of Defense, for these purposes, was the driving force behind the resurrection of the…
Read MoreUnderstanding Cascade Control and Its Applications For HVAC
Miles Ryan, a P.E. at QSEng authored this ASHRAE article published in February 2021. Most readers familiar with the operation of HVAC systems are aware of the term closed-loop control, oftentimes referred to as just a control loop, closed-loop, or feedback loop. Additionally, many will describe them as PID loops, short for Proportional-Integral-Derivative loops, although…
Read MoreAddressing PRVs in Domestic Hot Water Recirculating Systems
Synopsis There are numerous parallels and striking differences between domestic hot water recirculating systems, and the hydronic systems used to heat and cool facilities. This paper will explore those parallels and differences to highlight the common pitfalls seen in the design and operation of domestic hot water recirculating systems which include the presence of a…
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