VFD E-Bypass 101 The Basics
An easy-to-understand discussion on what variable frequency drives do, how they save energy, increase building comfort and mechanical equipment life. It details the difference between a conventional and electronic bypass and provides a simple explanation of popular bypass capabilities. The white paper also offers tips on typical standard bypass features vs. extra-cost options and how to get the most out of a VFD investment.
Selecting HVAC Control Valves; Ball vs. Globe: No longer a cost issue
In the past, ball valves had been attractive to HVAC control contractors primarily because they appeared to be half the price of a comparable globe valve. However, this included the purchase price of the valve only, and not the costs of extra pipe reducers and added installation time. That said, with the advent of new ball valves and more competitively priced globe valves, the decision on whether to use a globe or ball valve is no longer dictated by price. This paper addresses some technical differences between ball and globe valves and makes recommedations on factors to consider when selecting the proper valve.
Understanding Open Protocol Standards: How to leverage LonWorks technology to your advantage
Today, the age of digital open systems has arrived allowing different types of control devices to interact from different manufacturers, using open standards.Over the past decade, the LonWorks™ protocol has become a popular open standard for HVAC systems, gaining increased acceptance in the marketplace. The LonWorks protocol allows HVAC manufacturers to use LonWorks technology as an "automation tool kit" to support device level communication and provides many off-the-shelf products with a high rate of interoperability. This paper further explains the basic LonWorks terminology and answers the question: "How does the LonWorks protocol work best as an end device solution?". It describes how the open protocol offered by LonWorks technology offers an excellent solution for highly specialized applications or specific retrofit scenarios.
Is "universal" better? Are "generic" actuators a better solution or a bigger headache?
Damper actuator development has taken a new turn with the introduction of the “generic” or "universal” damper actuator. Built for a wide range of applications, the universal damper actuator is generic until it is programmed to specific operating parameters. This paper addresses the technical differences between a universal damper actuator and a conventional damper actuator, and reviews the impact of labor costs from selection through commissioning.
Steam Valves
Siemens Building Technologies delivers when the heat is on with the broadest range of valves available for both low and high pressure steam applications.
How the SED2 achieves low harmonics, without the use of line reactors/chokes
The generation of harmonic currents on the AC line of PWM drives can lead to problems and increased installation cost. Building design specifications often require compliance with IEEE 519 standards that limit the amount of harmonic current and voltage distortion allowed on the power system. In many cases this requires the use of some method to reduce the harmonic currents produced by standard PWM drives. Conventional methods of harmonic current reduction from PWM drives require extra hardware, space, and cost. This paper describes how a new PWM drive from Siemens Building Technologies, specifically designed for HVAC, provides a method for reducing the line harmonic currents without the need for additional components.