Podcast

The Consulting-Specifying Engineer Podcast looks at issues relevant to consulting, design and specifying professionals. Topics include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and lighting systems. Tune in for topics that keep building professionals updated on trends and technologies. Hosted by Amara Rozgus.

Ep. 11 Ronald Roos discusses single-phase heat pumps

Single-phase heat pumps have moved to the forefront of the decarbonization movement with higher efficiencies, lower operating ranges and multizone capability. Ronald Roos, senior manager for engineered sales with Lennox International, discusses applications for these pumps and why they’ve become so popular recently.

Decarbonization is often a top priority for new building or retrofit projects, however understanding an owner’s priorities and restrictions can create difficulties in implementing these strategies. Brian Alessi, the sustainability director for Henderson Engineers, gives the audience tips for approaching these conversations and creating building systems that are healthy, sustainable, and resilient.

AI can help create building automation systems that are predictive, rather than reactive, which will save energy, can simplify tasks and save workers from overly repetitive tasks. Richard Vedvik, PE, senior electrical engineer and acoustics engineer at IMEG Corp. talks about how AI can be integrated into current building automation systems and what benefits it might bring.

It can be difficult to strike a balance between cybersecurity and the functionality of control systems, especially with the speed of technological advancements in the world today. Daniel Shepard, Control System Cybersecurity Discipline Manager for Dewberry’s Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Structural practice, discusses key considerations for consulting engineers when considering cyber issues in their projects.

As the use of electric vehicles (EVs) grow, so does the demand for charging stations. Brandon Reynolds and Eric Gaettinger of Peter Basso Associate discuss solutions and considerations to avoid problems down the line and choose the best, most cost-effective option.

Fan Energy Index (FEI) is a metric that can assist engineers in selecting the most energy efficient fans for many different applications. Tyler Mancl, P.E., Principal Application Engineer with Greenheck’s Customer Insights Team, explains how an understanding of FEI can help engineers with code compliance to ensure that fans specified will perform with improved operating efficiencies and lower sound levels.