Buildings that clean themselves – the idea sounds like something out of science fiction movie or a 1950s version of the future. But, in this case, fiction is becoming reality, thanks to the nano-scale technology being incorporated into concrete mixtures and window surfaces. This story was published originally in the March 2009 issue of Architectural [...]
Now You See Dirt – Now You Don’t
Who Is Prepared for the Electric Car?
Electric vehicles are closer than ever to becoming a large-scale reality. Chevrolet’s much-hyped Volt is still on schedule for a 2010 introduction, despite the manufacturer’s financial woes. Toyota may be releasing its own plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to fleet customers later this year. With production getting in gear, attention is turning to another important question: how [...]
Demand-Side Management: An Old Idea Becomes New Again
Here’s a scenario you may find familiar: Oil and gas prices rise as concerns about supplies worsen. Electricity rates begin a climb that seems unlikely to reverse itself. And consumer groups and government regulators both urge utilities to initiate programs that reward customers for using less, rather than more, electricity. This article originally was published [...]
Installation Requirements for IBC Compliant Generator Sets
I ghost-wrote this technical white paper for Cummins Power Generation, a major manufacturer of industrial-size electrical-generating equipment. The assignment involved working in close collaboration with the credited engineer, along with researching the topic and revising over a series of review cycles that included the client’s public relations agency. It was published in full in the [...]
Building Information Modeling – A New Dimension for Buildings
Today, building-design software is in the process of making its next great leap. Current 3D modeling capabilities are expanding to provide a virtual database of all information related to a building’s construction and performance. This technology, called “building information modeling” (BIM) is still in its infancy. But, at this early stage, facilities owners are beginning [...]
On-Site Power
I served as editor for four editions of this annual supplement to Consulting-Specifying Engineer, sponsored by the Electrical Generating System Association. My responsibilities included article soliciting, setting contributor deadlines, article editing and working with the in-house designer to select cover photos and other artwork.
Get Fresh
The holidays are approaching, and already you’re dreading that trip to the basement or attic to haul out all the seasonal kitsch. For a fresh approach, consider flowers, greenery and plants – they can create an atmosphere that’s every bit as holly-jolly, and the easy clean-up afterward will be a Christmas wish come true. This [...]
The Classics (Revisited)
Adventurous cooks face an annual dilemma when it comes time to start planning their holiday menus. New
recipe ideas beckon from the covers of every cooking magazine, but family members grouse if even one of their decades-old favorites is booted from the lineup. Expert chefs say simple tweaks can keep the traditionalists happy while still giving [...]
Groups Plan To Enact Smart Grid Capabilities
It’s not news that our national electrical system is in a squeeze; existing transmission lines are reaching carrying capacity just as a new generation of electronics is driving electricity demand higher. This situation is forcing intense debates among those who argue new power plants and transmission lines are the only solution, and others who believe [...]
Make Mine Well Done
So, do you really need us to tell you that outdoor kitchens are no longer a trend, but a fact of life for high-end homeowners? The move from backyard kettle grills to fully applianced outdoor living spaces is well documented, but new high-end offerings promise to take these designs to a newly luxurious level. This [...]
