Browsing by Author "Fisher, D."
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Item Achieving Sustainability, Energy Savings, and Occupant Comfort(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2009-11) Fisher, D.; Bristow, G.Sustainability, energy savings, and occupant comfort are not mutually exclusive objectives, as buildings can be designed that incorporate all of these features. Sustainability is often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Reducing the demand for energy produced from depletable resources and generating energy from renewable sources leaves more resources available for future use. Therefore, energy savings and sustainability go hand in hand. Occupant comfort can be maintained in conjunction with energy savings, and some sustainable practices enhance comfort. Properly planned and implemented construction programs can help ensure efficiently operating systems, reducing the consumption of valuable resources, while providing an acceptable indoor environment. The authors have more than 30 years combined experience working with Texas schools in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and design as well as energy management.Item Energy Savings for Centrifugal Compressors(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2011) Fisher, D.; Elliot GroupCurrent design improvements of both the rotating and stationary aerodynamic components of centrifugal compressors can greatly increase the efficiency of vintage machines. A centrifugal compressor built in the 1970's or 1980's might have an external polytropic efficiency in the high 70's, whereas a newer compressor might have an efficiency over 85 percent. Centrifugal compressors are designed to operate at a best efficiency point (BEP) shown on its performance map. Whether a centrifugal compressor is operating at its BEP, near choke, near the surge point, or in recycle, the operator may be able to significantly reduce the total energy consumption by rerating the installed machine with new, higher efficiency aero components. Whether the compressor is driven by an electric motor, steam turbine or gas turbine, costs for operating these drivers is ever increasing and how much it may go up in the future is uncertain. With a greater worldwide focus on protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gases, improving the efficiency of an installed centrifugal compressor by rerating can go a long way toward that goal. This paper will explain the reasons for rerating a compressor and provide details of the rerate process.Item Getting Serious About Safety and Loss Prevention Emergency Power and Standby Generators(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2004) Fisher, D.; Fenter, T.; McClure, J. D.Power failures can occur for a variety of reasons. The consequences of such outages range from mere inconveniences to damaged equipment, ruined goods, lost revenue, and diminished safety. In all buildings lighting is among the greatest safety requirements during a power outage. Depending on the type of facility, other systems and equipment may also be considered critical. Batteries may be used to provide power for emergency lighting as well as computers, telephone and intercom systems. However, they are not an option for powering large users such as HVAC systems and elevators. Backup generators are a viable solution in these cases. They can provide electricity as long as fuel is supplied and can run virtually any type equipment. This paper will discuss how some schools and other facilities are addressing building safety and functionality during power outages by using backup generators. Issues involving selecting, operating, and maintaining generators will be discussed. Also, several case studies will be presented.Item Homeland Security Issues for Facilities(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2004) McClure, J. D.; Fisher, D.; Fenter, T.The events of September 11, 2001, along with the Oklahoma City bombing and Washington, DC area sniper attacks have forever changed America's sense of security. Federal, state, and local governments, businesses, and individual homeowners have become more aware of safety, security, and protecting property and people should similar incidents occur in the future. The initial steps in facility protection are identifying potential threats and evaluating the condition of existing building infrastructure and systems. After assessments are complete, the results should be compared with guidelines and recommendations produced by government agencies or professional organizations. Areas to address to enhance security and safety include ventilation, control systems, air filtration, alarm systems, building access, and surveillance. This paper will look at the objectives of task forces, sources of information, and measures owners can take in schools and other facilities. Although actions involving increased awareness, structural reinforcement, and emergency water supplies are important, this discussion will focus on mechanical and security systems and related items. The authors' experiences in assisting Texas school districts will also be shared.Item Investigation of the Accuracy of Calculation Methods for Conduction Transfer Functions of Building Construction(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2006) Chen, Y.; Li, X.; Zhang, Q.; Spitler, J.; Fisher, D.Conduction transfer functions (CTFs) are widely used to calculate conduction heat transfer in building cooling load and energy calculations. They can conveniently fit into any load and energy calculation techniques to perform conduction calculations. There are three methods: the Laplace transform (LP) method, the state-space (SS) method and the frequency-domain regression (FDR) method to calculate CTF coefficients. The limitation of methodology possibly results in imprecise or false CTF coefficients. This paper investigates the accuracy of the three methods applied to the material properties of a single-layer and a multilayer heavyweight building construction.Item The Terranova Situation Issue 7: an Adult Love Story Featuring Vinnie Terranova and Frank McPike, and Roger Lococco(Almost Foolproof Press, 1994) Fisher, D.In Issue 7 of this sixteen-part slash Wiseguy story, "Family problems abound: Frank and Jenny have a showdown over Drake; Roger must make some important decisions about Travis; and Vinnie must reconsider his decision about fatherhood"--Fanlore.org wiki.Item Waterless Urinals: Features, Benefits and Applications(Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2004) Bristow, G.; McClure, J. D.; Fisher, D.Billions of gallons of water are used annually to flush toilets in the United States. Consequences of this usage include consumption of natural resources and construction of new infrastructure to treat and transmit potable water and wastewater. Waterless, or no-flush urinals, may help mitigate these effects and offer other advantages, including lower utility charges, improved restroom hygiene, and decreased fixture maintenance. Some notable caveats include possible lack of acceptance by users, odor control problems, and rejection by code officials. As urine is about 96% liquid, no additional water is really needed to wash it down the drain. The waterless, urinal, looking much like its conventional counterpart, takes advantage of this concept with generally positive results. This paper will discuss the design, applications, operation, maintenance, advantages, and disadvantages of waterless urinals. The results of two surveys of current users will be shared. A case study from a Texas school district will be also presented.