Managing the successful design process of HVAC systems The WritePass Journal

Managing the successful design process of HVAC systems Introduction Managing the successful design process of HVAC systems IntroductionHistory of HVAC SystemDesign Process and ManagementConclusionReferencesRelated Introduction A good HVAC system design plays a critical role in creating an optimal building environment.   The design process of a HVAC system is complex process involving client’s needs, building regulation compliance, energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainability. A lot of different professionals with distinct disciplines, such as clients, architects, structural and service engineers are involved in a building construction project. The design process involves constant communication and clarification between the different team members. By working together at key points in the design process, participants can often identify highly attractive solutions to design needs that would otherwise not be found (1). The effectiveness of the design process in the building industry has a great influence on the success of subsequent processes in the construction of projects and also on the quality of the environment (2). Several studies have also pointed out that a large percentage of de fects in building arise through decisions or actions taken in the design stages (3). It is also said that poor design has a very strong impact on the level of efficiency during the production stage (4). In recent years, the increasing complexity of modern buildings in a very competitive market–place has significantly increased the pressure for improving the performance of the design process in terms of time and quality. Despite its importance, relatively little research has been done on the management of the design process, in contrast to the research time and effort which has been devoted to production and project management (5). This essay will concentrate on various issues related to the management of successful design process of HVAC system and put forward arguments to reflect the above. History of HVAC System HVAC is an acronym that stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is based on the principle of thermodynamics and heat transfer. The functions of heating, ventilation and air conditioning are interrelated. HVAC systems provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Like many great innovations, earliest heating and plumbing systems originated with the Romans. A hypocaust(6) was an ancient Roman system of central heating / under floor heating; they were used for heating public baths and private houses.   English historian Edward Gibbon mentions â€Å"stupendous aqueducts, when describing the building of public baths in The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire(7). The Romans built an aqueduct that carried water for many miles in order to provide a crowded urban population with relatively safe, potable water. In modern buildings the design, installation and control systems for these functions are integrated in to HVAC systems. Design Process and Management Throughout the history of mankind, people have always designed things; it is human nature. It may take years to design a new system but it could be made in a matter of hours. When one is trying to design something, drawing is widely used as a most understandable form of communication. Designers sit down and brainstorm a lot of ideas, discard most of them until a suitable one is found for investigation at a more detailed level enabling the best to be chosen (8). In the past the HVAC system was given less priority in term of design on the basis of sub-optimal consideration, such as preferences for certain types of systems, or equipment budget or space constraints imposed by architects (9). Design and construction were carried out by two different parties. Designers used to design the system and walk away. The contractors carried out the HVAC installation and commissioned the systems. Poorly designed HVAC systems pose health hazard and discomfort to the building occupants. The emergence of â€Å"sick building syndrome† led to the realization that the HVAC system itself acts as a breeding and concentration site for pathogens and allergens (9). The duct net work of a central air handling system poses fire hazard as these are ideal path for fire, smoke and explosive gases. They are also prime target for terrorists to release chemical and biological agent into a building. Nowadays, traditional professional practices are replaced by multi-disciplinary practices. A fresher approach is needed to the planning and co-ordination for multi disciplinary buildings and their system designs to facilitate integration and communication across the disciplines (10). It has been pointed out that poor communication, a lack of documentation, missing input information, a lack of co-ordination between disciplines and erratic decision making is the main problem in design management (3). Designers try to achieve satisfactory or appropriate solutions. The design tends to take place through a series of stages during which design components are continually trialled, tested, evaluated and refined. Therefore, most design processes involve much feedback from the different individuals employed to design the system. It can be seen that defects in a finished building also shows the failure to communicate the known technological factors that have been accepted for many years during the design process. The problems caused seem to be due more to the deficiencies in managing communication during the design process, rather than technology failure (3). HVAC systems for the modern buildings must become fully optimized. Comfort, health and safety function required for each area in the facility must be executed perfectly. Performance of a good HVAC system makes economic sense. Optimized HVAC systems reduce the capital cost and equipment space. They provide the best comfort and health which increases productivity (9). Life-cycle cost is greatly reduced because optimized systems operate with the least possible energy. In recent years, the HVAC industry has been under immense pressure to reduce the energy consumed by HVAC plants and increase energy efficiency to conserve fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. HVAC systems in typical commercial buildings are responsible for more than 40 percent of the total energy output (11). Low and zero carbon technologies can be integrated into the HVAC systems to achieve sustainability. Properly designed HVAC systems run at peak efficiency maximising energy used without compromising thermal comfort or indoor air quality.   It requires an integrated design approach. It has been pointed out that by adopting this type of design, high performance with multiple benefits can be achieved at a total cost lower than all the components used in the project (1). The design process needs to be well planned and controlled, in order to minimise the effects of complexity and uncertainty (12). As the involvement of interdependent professionals’ disciplines with conc urrent design processes is now the norm, well managed design processes with effective communication is the key to minimising errors that could lead to defective buildings or systems in the future (3). A successful HVAC design process involves interactive efforts, Co-ordination and project programming Conclusion HVAC systems play an important role in keeping a building comfortable. The design of HVAC systems involves working with a team of professionals demonstrating various disciplines. Design errors should be prevented or identified during the design process. These design errors are costly in time, rework, money and lost reputations. Effective design of sustainable HVAC system is needed to make buildings survivable in a current climate of very high energy costs. Managing the HVAC design process successfully saves considerable time and money as well as delivering projects on time and within budget. References 1. Building Design. Fedral Energy Management Program. [Online] US Department of Energy. [Cited: 17 April 2011.] http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/29267-4.1.pdf. 2. Formoso, C. T., Tzotzopoulos, R., Jobim, M. S. A Protocol for Managing the Design Process in the Building Industry. London  : Spon, 1999. 3. Cornik, T. Quality Management for Building. Rushden  : Butterworth, 1991. p. 218. 4. Ferguson, I. Buildability in Practice. London  : Mitchell, 1989. p. 175. 5. Manipulating the Flow of Design Information to improve the Programming of Building Design. Austin, S., Baldwin, A., and Newton, A. London  : spon, 1994, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 12 (5), pp. 445-455. 6. Fagan, Garrett G. Bathing in Public in the Roman World . Michigan  : The Unversity of Michigan Press, 2002. pp. 56-66. 7. Gibson, Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London  : Strahan Cadell, 1837. p. 433. Vol. 1, chapter XXXL. 8. Cross, N. Engineering Design Methods: Strategies for Product Design. Third Edition. London  : John Wiley and Sons Limited, 1994. 9. Donald R. Wulfinghoff, P.E. The Future of HVAC. Energy books. [Online] [Cited: 19 April 2011.] energybooks.com/pdf/Future_of_HVAC_for_EIP_Website_071025.pdf. 10. A data flow model to plan and manage the building design process. AUSTIN, S., BALDWIN, A. NEWTON, A. No. 1, 1996, Journal of Engineering Design, Vol. 7, pp. 3-25. 11. Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom. DECC. [Online] [Cited: April 15 2011.] decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/publications/ecuk/file11250.pdf. 12. Pennycook, K. Design Checks for HVAC. Second edition. s.l.  : BSRIA, 2007.

Successful Selling at Christmas Craft Fairs

Successful Selling at Christmas Craft Fairs Three years ago, I accepted an invitation to sell my novels at a local gym’s mini Christmas craft fair. I wound up selling 21 copies. The experience was so positive that the following Christmas I expanded to high school fairs and sold 51 copies. This year, I sold over 80 books at more venues, all within five miles of home. Needless to say, Christmas craft fairs can be a lucrative way to sell books. To do so successfully, it’s a good idea to first visit local craft fairs at high schools, community centers, and churches. Talk to vendors and show organizers a copy of your book. Ask about registration requirements and ask to be put on a mailing list. Begin with smaller venues that charge a minimal fee. Large community center events draw larger crowds, but their fees can be $350 or more. Most craft fairs have an adjudication process and prefer only handmade goods. For this reason, even self-published books can be a gray area for judges and organizers. Although I not only wrote, but typeset my first mystery series, the professionally designed cover disqualified me at some fairs, but not at others. A third of this year’s fairs accepted my traditionally published series as well. If you’re upfront with organizers, some of them will make an exception, especially if you’ve tried both publishing options with a single series. Competition for table space at established venues can be fierce, so apply long before the deadline. If you’re accepted at several fairs, be mindful of the dates. Most fairs occur on weekends in November and early December, (fees and application forms might be required months earlier). You won’t want to double-book an event, as organizers require you to be there in person. A few days before the fair, you’ll receive rules and helpful information. High schools are especially great venues as students are on hand to help carry your stock and will watch over your table if you need a break. Once you’ve set up your table (make it festive) employ the same strategies you’d use at a book signing: stand as much as possible, smile and engage people, offer to sign copies, and bring water. You’ll also need a float, receipt book, food, (events are five to seven hours long) and bags for customers. The great thing about Christmas craft fairs is that attendees are looking for something to buy and they bring cash. Visa/debit machines are a good idea for large venues, but not worth the bank’s fee at smaller fairs. If you have more than one book in a series, sign and wrap the books in clear cellophane, add a bow and ribbon, and sell them as signed gift sets. Generally, tables are large enough to show promotional materials and an info sheet featuring review excerpts and availability elsewhere. Business cards are a must! I handed out cards to several book club members and teachers looking for guest speakers. Customers also wanted to know if my books were available on Kindle, and preferred a card to a bookmark. Christmas craft fairs are often unpredictable. Books will sell well at some venues but not at others. The following year, the reverse will be true. Keep records to analyze which fairs work best for you. If your books are set locally or have some other local slant, emphasize this, as people love to read about their own area. Above all, have fun.

Transport-Homeostasis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words - 1

Transport-Homeostasis - Assignment Example 1.2 The heart is a critical muscle within the body whose location is between the lungs and whose chief purpose is pumping of blood throughout the entire body. This role is executed with the assistance of Pulmonary Circulation and Systematic Circulation which are tasked with blood circulation. The heart consists of 4 chambers; 2 upper atria as well as 2 lower ventricles. Both the left and right sides of the heart operate together. Blood enters into the right side of the heart via 2 big veins; the superior and inferior vena cava, which empties deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body inside the right atrium. The pulmonary vein on the left side then pours oxygenated blood from the lungs and into the left atrium. The atrial contraction occurs when blood flows from the right atrium and into the right ventricle via the tricuspid valve that is usually open. The tricuspid valve normally shuts whenever the ventricles become full, a role that holds blood from backward flow into the at ria as the ventricles squeeze/contract. On the left side, blood flows from the left atrium and into the left ventricle via the open mitral valve. Whenever the ventricles fill, there is shutting of mitral valve which stops blood from backward flow and into the atria as the ventricles contract (squeeze).Ventricular contraction comprises of carbon dioxide and oxygen travelling to and from small numerous air sacs in the lungs via the capillaries walls and into the blood. On the right side, blood comes out of heart via the pulmonic valve and into the pulmonary artery and finally finds its way to the lungs. On the left side, blood comes out of the heart via the aortic valve, and into the aorta and finally to the body. Normally this pattern is normally repeated, resulting in the continuous flow of the blood to the heart, then lungs and onto the entire body (Storad, 2006). 1.3 The circulatory system comprises of the blood vessels, the

How do media affect public opinion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How do media affect public opinion - Essay Example So let’s take a look at a few concepts of affecting public opinion by media. The term "public opinion" (English public opinion) first was applied in the second half of XII century. English statesman Lord Salisbury used it for definition of moral support of the country for acts of parliament. Gradually the term became common. Public opinion represents a specific manifestation of mass consciousness, based on the estimates (verbal and nonverbal) of social processes and it characterizes the attitude of people to socially significant events and facts, actual problems of social life (Gorodyanenko, pp.308). According to the concept of total influence, public opinion is formed mostly under the considerable influence of mass media information, circulated by communicative channels. Such kind of information largely defines social values and forms stereotypes and cultural dominants in society. Propaganda motives can help form dominants in the society (Gorodyanenko, pp.325-326). Such appro ach to the media leads to the disjunction of society on masses and elite, and the masses is influenced by the elite, despite of being the largest part of it. Elite’s priority is the obtrusion of its standards and values. The elite is much more active object of the structure of society, it determines the value system, cultural and social objects, what helps the elite to subordinate the masses. The concept of the â€Å"mass society† leads us to the perception of necessary changes in the social values, because propagation of the simplified cultural dominants causes the reduction of the common cultural level (Gorodyanenko, pp.327-328). On the other side, there is a concept of limited effects. It’s main idea is that media is not the sufficient impact factor in forming of the public opinion; it is not able to provide the total changes of attitudes and beliefs of individuals and groups. The audience of the media varies on its views on life, and, accordingly, the obtain ed information. Distinct layers and individuals differ much and react differently on what they are told or what they see. But media can cause the unpredictable consequences of their affecting the public, because a man is not a passive recipient of information, but a generator of ideas based on the received information. Pursuant to the concept of limited effects, media is considered to be separated and independent of the authorities. It is a social institute and a spreader of the information, almost free of the external pressure, and its job is only to inform the public, but not to manipulate it. Personally I do not agree with that point of view, so let’s explore in details the mechanisms of TV’s influence, because today it is the most powerful media tool that affects people’s consciousness. Impact on adults Foremost, it’s a political impact. Electioneering makes a strong pressure on the public opinion. Hundreds of promises of political leaders repeated ma ny times gradually do their job because, in spite of his social status or financial situation, a man will always be an optimist. So he would rather vote for the person, who often appears on TV, takes part in different debates and embodies potential though ephemeral desired possibility of living. Also it is important to state that today there is a dominance of the TV-shows and their popularity increases continuously. However, the depicted image of reality in these shows does not always coincide

The Physics of Basketball Essay examples -- Athletics Sports Essays

The Physics of Basketball The more and more I look around I begin to see how physics are integrated into practically everything that we do. These things would surely go unnoticed without making a conscious effort to notice them. For example simple things like riding a bike, or driving a car, or playing catch with a son or daughter. Just as these activities are loaded with elements of physics, sports are also, especially basketball. Physics play a part in every aspect of the game, from dribbling, passing, and shooting, to things as simple as setting a screen. First we should take a look at the elements of dribbling. Dribbling is all based on conservation of energy and the two different types of collisions, elastic and inelastic. The more air pressure a basketball has inside it, the less its surface will bend or deform during a bounce, and the more its original energy will be stored in the compressed air inside (Bill Willis, 2001). The reason for this is that the air inside of the ball can return the energy of the ball better than that of the material of the ball, which is usually leather. This is the basic concept of the conservation on energy. A reason to inflate the ball more is to produce a more elastic collision between the ball and the surface it is hitting. The more inflated the ball is the less energy is lost in the deformation of the ball, ensuring you that it will bounce back. The less energy that is lost in this process will make the collision more elastic, and produce a better bounce of the basketball. Another aspect of basketball that relates to collisions in the very basic, but useful technique of setting a â€Å"screen† or â€Å"pick.† This collision is more of an inelastic process that involves one player runn... ...I step foot on the floor. Sometimes I think we get lazy and don’t take the time to think about how physics affect our lives, because you don’t realize how integrated physics are in every thing we do until you have to look at things critically. With this newfound knowledge, hopefully I will be able to play basketball just a little bit better. Bibliography 1).Kirkpatrick, Larry D. and Wheeler, Gerald F. Physics a World View. 4th ed. Fort Worth, Philadelphia, San Diego, New York, Orlando, Austin, San Antonio, Toronto, Montreal, London, Sydney, Tokyo: Barrosse and Vondeling, 2001 2).Willis, Bill. The Physics of Basketball. 30 April 2003 http://www.geocities.com/thesciencefiles/physicsof/basketball.html 3).Unknown. The Physics of Basketball. 1 May 2003 http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/staff/trobinso/physicspages/PhysicsOf/Basketball/Physics%20of%20 Basketball.html

Administrative assistant

I am actively seeking an executive assistant opportunity in a demanding, fast-paced multi-tasking office. I possess years of executive experience, which have equipped me with a multitude of skills, and I would like to continue my growth at AB Volvo’s Group Accounting Department.I am a college graduate and am proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of software (MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint).Throughout my career I have demonstrated for my employers an exceptional facility for meeting organizational objectives and demands. In addition to my secretarial skills, I am an adept event planner, and am proficient in administrative work regarding the Sarbanes Oxley Act. I am also well versed in financial related communication due to my having worked in accounting environments previously.Furthermore, my current and previous employers have regarded my secretarial skills in planning meetings, taking minutes, filing and documentation as high quality.I am certain I would pr ove to be an asset at AB Volvo as well.If my abilities meet the needs of AB Volvo’s Group Accounting Department, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity of speaking with you personally at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.Sincerely,Jane Smith

Characters Names Meanings in Harry Potter - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 823 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/04/04 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Harry Potter Essay Did you like this example? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling uses a vast variety of words that are made up, but are secretly derived from Latin, Greek, Old English, and many other old languages to portray Rowlings genius writing. Although many of the names, spells, potions, and even places seem like casual made up words, nearly all of them have a hidden meaning behind them. Understanding the meaning behind these words give even more insight into the thought and detail that went into making this series so outstanding. A lot of the characters names in the books have a Latin origin. Rowling spent a lot of team researching names with Latin roots and finding their specific meanings. Then, Rowling implemented these names is some version into the series. For example, Albus Dumbledores first name is Latin for white. Many people take this as symbolic for the role Dumbledore plays, while others simply believe Rowling used this name because of Dumbledores long white beard. The main villain in the series, Tom Marvolo Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort, had part of his middle name derived from Latin. The Latin term volo means to want or to move quickly. This is representative of Voldemort as he had a desire for power and moved swiftly into the spotlight of being the most feared wizard. Draco Malfoys first name is Latin for dragon. This is symbolic of the level of power and strength Malfoy believed he possessed in the series. Remus Lupins last name is a version of the Latin word lupinus, which means of a wolf. This is symbolic as Lupin turns into a werewolf every month during a full moon. There are many more names in the series that are derived from Latin, all of which have meanings that give clues to the specific characters purpose or qualities. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Characters Names Meanings in Harry Potter" essay for you Create order Rowling, being a very gifted and trained writer and researcher, also used greek words and mythology as origins for her characters names. For example, Narcissus Malfoy, the mother of Draco Malfoy, had her name from Greek Origins. Narcissus was a male character from Greek mythology, who loved his image so much that he looked at his reflection until he died. This reflects the arrogant attitude the entire Malfoy family had throughout the series. Because of their pure blood genes, the Malfoys believed they were better than most and were keen to portraying it. Another example of Greek origins playing a role in the names of Rowlings characters would be Argus Filch. Filch is the caretaker at Hogwarts and is described as very strict and always keeping a close watch on the students of Hogwarts. His job likely has to do with the picking of his name as Argus was a ginormous hundred-eyed watchman in Greek mythology. Draco Malfoys best friend, Gregory Goyle, also had his name derived from Greek. S he chose the name Gregory based on a Greek word that means observant and attentive. This could be representative of the fact that Goyle basically plays the role of Draco Malfoys bodyguard throughout the series. Old and Middle English words were also a factor when Rowling was picking the names of her characters. One example of this would be with Godric Gryffindor. Godric is a version of the Old English name Godrich. In Old English, Godrich essentially meant good person. This can a nod at the fact that the characteristics Gryffindor wanted his students to possess were bravery, nerve, and daring. Rubeus Hagrid, everyones favorite character, also had part of his name derived from Old English. In Old English, Hagrid was a dialect word that basically meant you had a bad night. Considering Hagrid enjoyed drinking and did it a lot more than he probably should have, one can reasonably assume that he had a lot of bad nights. A final example would of course be the most important character in the series, Harry Potter himself. Rowling needed the perfect name as it is featured in every title and is a name that everyone around the world is familiar with. She ended up choosing the Middle English name, Harr y. The name Harry is derived from Henry. Henry was the name of many kings of England and it is no coincidence that Rowling gave her main character a name of such stature. Its fascinating to know the amount of research that went into simply picking the names of the characters. Rowling truly expressed her genius and advanced knowledge of older languages through her characters names alone. The ability of an author to provide history in all of the characters names while still writing one of the most popular book series of all time is incredible. It is extremely impressive that without even reading a single page, a reader could have a legitimate basis for all of the characters by simply looking at their names and doing a little research. Not many other book series, if any, could say the same.