Better Building Systems

Welcome to the Better Building Systems Podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we bring on special guests Joe and Mike with RP Fedder to help discuss Cleanrooms and the Cleanroom design process along with the Building Hotrodders Clay, Mark, and Nick. If you are new to cleanrooms, they are critical environments that control the quantity of airborne particles within the space to serve a specific process. These facilities are utilized in many different industries such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, electronics, and much more. The cleanroom experts with RP Fedder help cover many different aspects related to the cleanrooms and the cleanroom design process. We discuss the cleanroom basics such as different cleanroom classes (ISO standards/Class 100, 1000, 100000, etc), particle sizes in microns, what a HEPA filter is, where particles come from, and much more. From there we dive into airflow considerations in cleanrooms, HEPA density for different classes of cleanrooms, and construction considerations in these spaces. Cleanrooms are very critical environments that not only depend on cleanliness, but also temperature, relative humidify, and pressure. Cleanroom experts Joe and Mike discuss how these critical parameters are included in the design process as well as common design and operation principles for different classes of cleanrooms. This includes general construction, HVAC systems, and controls to support the cleanrooms. Tune into the podcast to hear some great conversation on cleanrooms and cleanroom design with RP Fedder and the Building Hotrodders and keep on the lookout for some additional episodes with RF Fedder on cleanrooms. For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/ https://www.rpfedder.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems Podcast with the Building Hotrodders! In this episode the Hotrodders bring back Steam expert Chase to continue the steam discussion, specifically on Steam, Energy Conservation at Point of Production. This discussion revolves around steam boilers and Energy Conservation Measures to help make the Boilers as efficient as possible. Throughout the episode we discuss steam boilers in general, typical efficiencies of boilers, where energy is lost in boilers, how the experts dive into energy studies with these systems, and much more. Some key discussion topics of the episode are boiler blowdown controls/energy recovery, stack economizers, combustion air preheating, and O2 trim. We also cover maintenance requirements such as trap maintenance, burner maintenance, and boiler tuning to keep boilers operating in peak efficiency. As always this was a very interesting discussion and having the experts cover how they approach steam plant energy studies, different energy conservation measures to implement, important maintenance items, and key considerations for all types of facilities implementing steam boilers was eye opening. Tune into the episode to hear some great discussion on steam boilers and key efficiency measures! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/ https://www.steammgt.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we discuss How Might AI Tools Improve the Work of Small to Medium Sized Engineers, Consultants, Contractors, and Subject Matter Experts? The Building Hotrodders start off the discussion covering different types of AI (Weak AI, Strong AI, and Super AI) and how it is currently applied in todays society (such as AI chatbots). We also outline what we consider to be a lot of positives to todays Artificial Intelligence as well as some potential negatives to current and future Artificial Intelligence. The Building Hotrodders then take the discussion to our professional world and how it can help industry professionals in day to day tasks as well as some very complex tasks. Some examples of this is accounting, excel calculations, email writing, marketing, and then for complex energy studies, complex energy usage estimates, sequence of operations writing, and more. Overall his was a very engaging and interesting discussion to have. What we consider technology of the future is here with us today! How we utilize this technology will ultimately determine if Artificial Intelligence will truly benefit our industry or not. Tune into the podcast to hear all of our thoughts and as always be sure to let us know what you think! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we discuss Steam, anybody making it anymore? You bet! For this episode we bring on steam expert Chase with Steam Management Inc. to help the Building Hotrodders discuss current uses of steam, how its made, and the future of steam. Steam is currently plays a very large role in commercial and industrial facilities for mechanization of equipment, sterilization, heating, food processing, and more. Another large aspect of steam is its use for electricity generation with steam turbines. We cover the above items in detail as well as other advantages and uses of steam such as district heating. A great place to get information on steam is energy.gov and as stated on the website "Steam has many performance advantages that make it an indispensable means of delivering energy. These advantages include low toxicity, ease of transportability, high efficiency, high heat capacity, and low cost with respect to other alternatives. Steam holds a significant amount of energy on a unit mass basis that can be extracted as mechanical work or as heat for process use. Since most of the heat content of steam is stored as latent heat, large quantities of steam can be transferred efficiently at a constant temperature, which is a useful attribute in many process heating applications." This was excellent information from Energy.gov that truly summarizes the importance and relevance of steam. The Hotrodders also discuss replacing steam systems with hydronic systems using condensing boilers. In many instances steam is impossible or not cost effective to replace even with todays very efficient condensing boiler technology. To close out the podcast, Chase and the Hotrodders discuss the future of steam with Electric boilers and the cost to operate vs gas boilers. Overall this was a very thought provoking episode and helped outline the importance of steam in our current and future society! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/ https://www.steammgt.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we discuss the possible heartbreak of an electrified nation. What do we mean by this? With the recent push for electrification of our heating, cooking, transportation, and more there are inherent risks and challenges that the Building Hotrodders discuss. Two large examples are grid capacity and grid stability. Throughout the episode the Hotrodders outline some great ways to help these issues such as distributed generation at the residential and municipal level, use of renewable energy and nuclear, and much more. The hotrodders outline the importance of proper planning and thought put into the electrified push to ensure an electrified nation is a stable nation. Overall this was a very interesting episode and a very interesting outtake of the discussion was how utilizing distributed energy can help the evolution to a more electrified society. Without it, there could be a major heartbreak of an electrified nation. For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we discuss The 4 Cardinal Virtues and how they apply to Energy Management. The cardinal virtues are four virtues of mind and character in both classical philosophy and Christian theology. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance which form a virtue theory of ethics. The 4 Cardinal Virtues can be defined as: a. Prudence – discerning the appropriate course of action. b. Temperance – restraint and self control c. Justice – fairness d. Fortitude – courage and perseveranceHow do these fit into our industry you may ask? Well that is what the Building Hotrodders discuss throughout the podcast. This was a very thought provoking discussion and we feel there are so many examples to discuss. We hope you join the Building Hotrodders to reflect on these Cardinal Virtues and feel the examples we provide are fitting to the industry and life we live. For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast with the Building Hotrodders. In this episode we discuss Heat Pumps for HVAC. Many people may think Heat Pumps are new green technology but in fact have been around for a very long time. The Heat Pump was invented in 1856 but did not become "popular" until the 1970's. With todays very high COP (coefficient of performance) Heat Pumps and push for green solutions, Heat Pumps have been placed in the spotlight. The Building Hotrodders spend the episode reviewing different types of Heat Pumps such a ground, air, and water sourced, as well as outlining some key details when it comes to the economics and emissions of Heat Pumps. Throughout the episode Mark, Clay, Nick, and Jim review the efficiencies of Heat Pumps during different seasons/temperatures and compare the systems to other HVAC equipment such as gas furnaces/boilers, and chillers. There are a lot of considerations when it comes to heat pumps in residential, commercial, and even industrial applications and we cover all three sectors throughout the episode. This was a very interesting topic to discuss with todays green push for heating and cooling and we hope you join us for the conversation! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast. In todays episode the Building Hotrodders Clay, Nick, and Mark take a dive into the "green agenda" and provide our opinions on what we believe is currently the most important aspect of the green agenda and why we feel energy and resource conservation should be at the top. Throughout the episode, the Building Hotrodders discuss various examples outlining why conservation should be the forefront in the green agenda as well as provide some thought provoking questions surrounding conservation, green energy, and our culture as Americans. Our discussion ranges from a light left on in the house to heat recovery on large scale manufacturing processes. We often refer to the top of the green agenda as renewable electricity production but without conservation, renewable energy and a clean grid have an uphill battle to success. Tune in to hear our thoughts! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome to the Better Building Systems Podcast with the Building Hotordders. In this weeks episode we bring on a special guest Pat Kyne from LotusWorks to discuss the cleanroom HVAC commissioning process. Cleanroom HVAC commissioning requires precision, thoroughness, and patience as the areas this HVAC equipment serves are very high performing, low tolerance facilities with very stringent temperature, pressure, and relative humidity setpoints. Often times, the HVAC commissioning for cleanrooms is done with the cleanroom active or partially active, so the margin for error is extremely low making the commissioning process challenging. That is why there are often specialized teams to perform the cleanroom HVAC commissioning process. For this episode we had the pleasure of having a cleanroom HVAC commissioning expert join the Building Hotrodders to discusses his personal experience, the commissioning process, and some do's and don'ts along the way. Tune in with the Building Hotrodders to cover cleanroom HVAC commissioning today! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome to the Better Building Systems Podcast with the Building Hotordders. In this weeks episode we discuss Electric Vehicles. There are many aspects to this discussion as Electric Vehicles and their implementation is highly dependent on electric production and distribution. The Building Hotordders brought on a special guest to help discuss the pro's and con's of EV's and breakdown the challenges faced in the large scale implementation of Electric vehicles. Some major topics discussed are the grid, power generation, renewables, carbon emissions of EV's and ICE's, facility infrastructure requirements, and much more. Tune in to hear our thoughts on Electric Vehicles and see where the Building Hotrodder's stand on this very controversial topic! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Better Building Systems podcast! In this weeks episode the Building Hotrodders cover VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) HVAC systems in detail. With a recent push to electrify HVAC systems we felt it was a great time to bring this discussion to the podcast. We outline the two different types of VRF (2 pipe and 3 pipe) and breakdown the pro's and con's of this technology. Our resident experts cover where VRF excels and where it faces challenges. We also cover some key regulations to be aware of when it comes to VRF system design in facilities. If you have not experienced VRF yet you are bound to in the future. Tune in to hear our thoughts on VRF and see where the Building Hotrodders stand on this old but up and coming technology!

Welcome to the Better Building Systems throwback series. In this episode we are recovering another great past podcast episode from the archives to bring to you! This episode is originally from our Building Management Systems podcast. We discuss the importance of proper control loop tuning. We discuss the three different closed control loops P (proportional), PI (proportional and integral), and PID (proportional, internal, and derivative) and the tuning aspects of each along with the characteristics of each control loop. Ultimately, a control loop should function like the cruise control on your car, smooth and steady and able to respond to changes such as hills and speed changes with ease. Our industry experts Mark and Rich also dive into the evolution of the control loop and give some personal and professional experiences on the good, bad, and ugly of control loop tuning.

Welcome to the Better Building Systems throwback series. In this episode we are recovering a great past podcast episode from the archives to bring to you! This episode is originally from our Building Management Systems podcast. We cover the physics behind mechanical refrigeration and cover the positives and negatives of all different types of chillers utilized in industry (Centrifugal, Screw, Reciprocating, and Scroll). Our subject matter expert Mark covers these technologies in depth with the help of Rich and Nick and outlines his favorite type of chiller...the magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller. Join our team for a great discussion on the technology and application of many different chillers in the HVAC world!If you enjoyed the podcast check out the other episodes from the Building Management Systems podcast series here! https://building-management-systems.captivate.fm/listen.

In this podcast episode the Building Hotrodders take a dive into a very complex topic, Renewable Energy. We start off by defining what we consider to be "renewable" vs "sustainable" energy sources which was very thought provoking. After defining what was considered renewable vs sustainable energy, the Building Hotrodders began to assess the various renewable energy sources such as Wind, Solar, and Nuclear. Overall, there were some very convincing pros and cons towards renewable energy and its application residentially and at a utility scale. Do you see the U.S. and the World functioning on 100% renewables in the future? If so how long will this transition take? What is the holy grail to renewable and sustainable energy? If you are an advocate or adversary of renewables, we hope you tune in to hear our thoughts and questions. Stay tuned for follow up episodes regarding this topic! As always, we want to hear your thoughts in the comments! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

In this podcast episode the Building Hotrodders take a dive into some unthinkable ways to save time and increase productivity. We review 5 possible ways presented in a recent article, give our thoughts and opinions on them, and provide our own insight into the subject. Tune in to hear our thoughts and let us know what you think in the comments! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

In this podcast episode the Building Hotrodders take a dive into the question "Has Mediocrity increased in todays society and professional world?" We try our best to answer this complex question and in doing so cover what we believe Mediocrity is, what it may stem from, and some rules to live by to not be Mediocre. We even jump into the time machine to review some very challenging questions from an 1895 8th grade final exam. Tune in to hear our thoughts.......hopefully you don't find this podcast to be mediocre and let us know what you think in the comments! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome back to the Building Hotrodder's podcast! We are opening Season 2 by discussing what it means to hotrod a building. We discuss the origin of our podcasts name, take a dive into what hot-rodding really is, and how the roots of hot-rodding come into play with todays facilities. This is a very long overdue discussion that we are excited to have with our listeners. Some key takeaways from the episode are:Building hot-rodding has many similarities with car hot-rodding. Some hot-rodding tasks can be simple, while others should only be done by professionals. A key aspect of hot-rodding is having an end goal in mind before you start. By clearly defining facility performance requirements such as energy conservation, redundancy in critical systems, reliability, etc., hotrodders can develop a tailored approach to ensure a "hot-rodded" building preforms as specified. Tune in to hear more about these key takeaways/others and let us know your thoughts in the comments! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

In this weeks episode the Building Hotrodders Nick, Jim, Mark, and Clayton discuss the Engineering Quandary. What exactly is this? We believe the Engineering Quandary is how much practical knowledge is needed before one becomes an Engineer. We start with what we consider practical knowledge to be in our industry, discuss some of our own thoughts/experiences, and try to boil down this complicated topic. Tune in to see if we can solve the Engineering Quandary and let us know your thoughts in the comments! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

Welcome to the Better Building Systems podcast! In today’s episode we will be discussing the importance (or not) of increased filtration/ventilation/disinfection of supply air in facilities as we re-open in 2021. As you all know, COVID-19 has caused some substantial changes in 2021. In the building world, there is increased visibility in OA intake, filtration, and disinfection in our buildings HVAC systems. The thought is these measures are making our buildings safer for occupants. We discuss the viability in these measures, and see where the Building Hotrodders stand as facilities begin to open back up. Do we keep these measures in place? Or are the current minimum standards adequate? That is the 1,000,000 dollar question. Tune in to hear our thoughts! As a disclaimer, we are only providing our thoughts for the podcast. Always refer to your local and state codes/guidelines for operational requirements. For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/

In this weeks episode the Building Hotrodders talk about the importance of getting small. What does that mean you may ask......to the Building Hotrodders, getting small means multiple things. Overall, to have the ability to get small means you can take the tour from the boiler room to the board room. It also means an individual or a team can break down complicated calculations/tasks to clearly identify the foundational elements. This can mean raw data, operating principles, and much much more. Another outfall of this episode is we were able to outline what we feel are the 10 (off the cuff) commandments to getting small. Slow downTake accountabilityDocument everythingDo error checkingDont assumeBe humbleCheck your work (big and small)Provide a sensitivity analysis of your outcomeCheck continuity continuouslyBe consistentTune in to hear our thoughts! For more information on us check out our webpages:https://www.vsenergy.us/https://www.appliedfacilityscience.com/https://dipasquale-eng.com/