Mechanical and Electrical Systems Essay
PowerPoint® Presentation
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PowerPoint® Presentation
Chapter 1
Mechanical and Electrical Systems
Plumbing History • HVAC History • Electrical History • Building Design Planning • Space Utilization • Building Efficiency Factors • Sustainable Construction • Building Checklists • Energy Efficiency • Building Commissioning • Energy Auditing • Sustaining Energy Efficiency
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Pathways and piping for water supply and wastewater removal must be included in the design of a new building.
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From 1929 to 1954, sales of plumbing products and heating equipment increased from $498 million to $2.33 billion, reflecting a desire for sanitary plumbing facilities in homes and offices. Scientific methods began to play a role in constructing plumbing systems. Fixture traps were ventilated, and hot and cold running water was introduced. The design of the siphonic washdown water closet was improved during this period, and states began developing legislation for the control of sanitation. Modern manufacturing methods provided materials and equipment that could be scientifically incorporated into a plumbing system. See Figure 1-1. Plumbing systems are now an integral part of the process of creating a new building or home.
Today, heating and cooling systems can be combined into one combination unit.
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Early attempts to produce air conditioning were made by Dr. John Gorrie in the mid-eighteen hundreds.
Dr. Gorrie developed an ice machine and had hopes of expanding the technology to cool buildings. Unfortunately, he was never able to get the financing for this work. Air conditioning was not practically applied until 1902 when an electrical air conditioning system was invented. The system was mainly used in workplaces. By the 1950s, air conditioning systems became more popular for residential use. See
Figure 1-2. Today, almost every residential and commercial building has systems in place for HVAC.
Electrical power is often produced and then distributed across a wide region. Transformers may be used to facilitate this distribution.
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Since that time, standards have improved greatly
and electricity is the most widely used form of energy. See Figure 1-3. Electricity is used to provide
energy for traditional electrical applications such as lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, communication,
and transportation.
Sustainable design and construction yields environmental, economic, and health benefits for the builders and the surrounding community.
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Sustainable construction, also known as green building, refers to building design and construction methods that efficiently use materials, energy, water, and other natural resources. In comparison to traditional design, sustainable construction places a greater emphasis on occupant health and productivity; efficient energy, water, and other resource utilization; and reducing the overall impact on the environment. Sustainable construction principles are achieved through optimum building location on a building site and better design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal—in other words, the complete building life cycle. See Figure 1-4. The sustainable construction initiative was developed due to concerns about diminishing natural resources, increasing pollution levels, and other factors that may cause harm to the environment.
Energy efficiency is gained by using a variety of insulation techniques and materials.
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Energy efficiency for sustainable construction includes the use of passive solar designs, natural lighting, and efficient wall and ceiling insulation. An energy-efficient house utilizes thicker exterior walls and other energy-saving methods. See Figure 1-5. The use of 2 × 6s instead of 2 × 4s for exterior wall framing allows the use of thicker insulation materials inside the walls. In the past, 2 × 4s were used for framing exterior walls in most one-story residential construction.
The energy auditing process is a multistep procedure that is periodically repeated in order to maintain a high level of energy efficiency.
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An energy audit is an in-depth review of the energy use of a building. Energy audits are used to identify energy-saving strategies. Detailed information regarding the energy-consuming devices in a building is collected and a report is written to identify methods of reducing energy consumption. The energy auditing process is a multistep procedure that is periodically repeated in order to maintain a high level of energy efficiency. See Figure 1-6.
Energy auditors are trained professionals who document and analyze the energy use of building systems.
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Energy auditors need experience and a variety of skills to effectively perform an audit. These skills may include using test instruments and a familiarity
with rate structures and rebates. While simple audits can be performed easily by field personnel, more complex audits may require a team of specialized engineers. See Figure 1-7.
Industry regulations include codes, standards, and guidelines, which differ in scope, development, and enforcement.
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A construction manager must be familiar and comply with all regulations, codes, and guidelines. See
Figure 1-8. A regulation is a mandatory rule issued by local, state, or the federal government. A code is a set of regulations that are related to a particular trade or environment. Codes use standards that are developed by a group of industry members. A guideline is a voluntary recommendation. Codes, standards, and guidelines are reviewed and updated periodically as new information or technology becomes available.
The standard applicable to an application depends on the type of equipment, type of building, local jurisdiction, and other possible factors.
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Energy-related standards provide rules or minimum requirements for equipment operation and building management. Standards may be adopted by federal, state, or local code officials as minimum requirements for buildings used by the public. The professional community may also add standards into specifications for private buildings. Standards for energy efficiency, thermal comfort, filtration, and indoor air quality are included in the design of every high-performance building. The applicable standard depends on the type of equipment, type of building, local jurisdiction, and other possible factors. See Figure 1-9.
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a division of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), funds many programs whose goal is to reduce energy use.
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A number of agencies and organizations support regulations, codes, and guidelines for energy
savings. These agencies and organizations include
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), International Code
Council (ICC), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). See Figure 1-10.
Energy Star certification is a voluntary program for showcasing energy efficiency.
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Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program designed to promote energy-efficient products and was implemented by the EPA to save energy and reduce power plant greenhouse gas emissions. Multiple other countries have also adopted the program. Energy Star products carry a distinctive logo and meet the Energy Star guidelines. Energy Star products normally save between 20% and 30% on energy compared to non-Energy Star products. The Energy Star program applies to many different products. See Figure 1-11.
The LEED Green Building Rating System awards the efficient use of energy and resources in different categories with certifications based on achievements in key measurement areas.
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating system that awards points based on specific energy and environmental construction types and activities. The LEED Green Building Rating System was developed and is maintained by the USGBC. LEED certification mandates independent, third-party verification that certain construction strategies have taken place.
Some of these construction strategies include strategies for energy savings, savings in water use, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and more favorable environmental impact. See Figure 1-12.
A preventive maintenance program should be continually improved through the knowledge and experience of the on-site maintenance personnel.
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After completing an energy audit and energy-efficiency program, it is critical for large facilities to evaluate and improve their preventive maintenance programs. See Figure 1-13. Preventive maintenance is the scheduled work required to keep equipment in peak operating condition. Preventive maintenance includes tasks such as inspecting, cleaning, tightening, lubricating, and replacing equipment and parts.