Articles
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 MoreEnsuring Proper Airflow: Best practices for hospital air balancing planning & coordination
Molly Meyer and Miles Ryan, both Mechanical Engineers at QSEng, published this article in the March/April 2021 issue of Medical Construction Design magazine. The required sophistication of air systems in a healthcare setting and the process of working in existing hospitals present many obstacles to the testing, adjusting and balancing, or TAB, process. Healthcare is…
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 More