Tag: Mechanical Engineers

Optimized Cooling Tower Design for Increased Performance and Efficiency

Posted on by 360 Engineering

At 360 Engineering, we consistently optimize projects by creating custom designs and recommendations. This project we started in 2018 for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was no exception. Once COVID-19 hit, we learned how the economy could quickly derail a project, but we steered it on the right track by helping NREL find a viable path forward and breaking the project into two phases.

NREL realized one of its cooling towers at the Solar Energy Research Facility (SERF) was using a significant amount of water, and they brought our team in to find a solution. During a gas line replacement project, water was encountered immediately below the access road, and it was determined to be a leak of the condenser water lines from the cooling towers to the chilled water plant. 

“360 Engineering reconfigured the operation of the cooling tower condenser water plant to optimize both the performance of the plant as well as increase the system redundancy moving forward.”

The design phase of this project could be broken down into the following general steps:

  • Pre-Design – During this process, the design team determined the new cooling tower could be placed next to the others instead of in a separate location, eliminating extra landscaping work.
  • Design Solutions – The team decided to route the condenser water lines from the cooling towers to the chillers over the service road to keep the chillers operational while the underground lines were replaced. This solution also maintained the service road access for other vehicles.
  • Testing and Balancing – We worked closely with the contractor and NREL to diagnose some pump issues and provide additional designs to improve the water flow. 

Our early discussions and understanding of intent led to a better end solution for NREL with these positive outcomes:

  • Optimized the plant’s performance and increased system redundancy
  • Maximized the life of the new piping with a high-quality pre-insulated option, less subjectable to corrosive soils
  • Saved time and money by breaking the project into phases and using forward-thinking design solutions

This project included our long-time electrical engineering partner, AE Design, and structural and civil engineers from Martin/Martin. We have an amazing team of expert consultants who have worked with us on NREL projects since the beginning. 

For any questions, inquiries, or to get started on your next project, Contact Us.

Announcement: 360 Engineering Welcomes Two New Engineers

Posted on by 360 Engineering

 

We are excited about these two talented additions to our team!

 

Brennen Guy

Project Engineer – Mechanical

Brennen joined the 360 Engineering team in March.  He is a graduate of the University of Arizona, Tucson, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry.  While in school, Brennen focused his attention on thermodynamics and has a background in pharmaceutical manufacturing.  Brennen chose Mechanical Engineering because he finds it really satisfying to see a project through the stages of concept to construction, especially knowing other people will benefit from a design he was a part of.  He also enjoys being constantly challenged with tasks that are logic and math based, but with a bit of creative flair thrown in the mix.

 

Kerri Zoetewey

Project Engineer – Mechanical

Kerri joined 360 Engineering in April, bringing 16 years of mechanical engineering experience to the team.  She is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning a BSE with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering.  Her strengths in math and science drew Kerri to choose mechanical engineering as a profession.  Kerri’s background includes 5 years with Trane and 11 years of engineering consulting.  She has worked on a wide-range of project types including tenant finish, office buildings, retail, restaurants, churches, schools, and multifamily.

 

Read the announcement in Mile High CRE:  Here

Celebrating EWeek – Why We Love Engineering

Posted on by 360 Engineering

National Engineers Week is February 19-25, 2017. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the purpose of EWeek is to recognize engineers’ positive contributions to society, and communicate the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills. According to NSPE.org, “EWeek is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.”

As a Marketing Coordinator for Three Sixty Engineering, and a newcomer to the AEC (Architecture/Engineer/Construction) Industry, it has been fascinating learning about the engineering field. While I’ve just begun to scratch the surface, I’ve been learning about mechanical systems, energy efficiency, and the consulting and design process. I’ve enjoyed listening to all the problem solving that happens around our office. It’s great how our engineers work together and support each other, all working towards the same end goal, providing top-notch service to our partners and clients.

To celebrate National Engineers Week, and raise awareness (about how awesome engineering is), I asked some of our mechanical engineers to share why they decided to go into the field and what they enjoy about being an engineer:

 

Craig Crow, Project Engineer:
I have always been intrigued by how things work, and I have always had strengths in math and science. As time passed and the moment came closer to choose a major; engineering seemed like the logical choice because it allowed me to continue to explore how things work. I chose mechanical specifically because it seems to offer the largest variety of industries/knowledge.

Spencer Rioux, Project Engineer:
I enjoy being an engineer for several reasons, a few of which are my love of learning, the satisfaction associated with solving puzzles, and the real-life impact of my work. The construction engineering field is constantly evolving with new technologies and codes, so there is always more to learn and skills to develop. It’s also very gratifying to recognize the ways in which our designs make everyday life possible in an office, or a school, or any number of facilities we work on by creating comfortable spaces with practical mechanical and plumbing systems in operation.

Joe Wittenberg, Project Engineer:
I entered engineering for two reasons. First, I was good at math, but being a math teacher didn’t appeal to me. Second, I enjoy problem solving and I like the idea of there being a correct answer or solution to a given problem. This drove me to study engineering in school, the problem-solving aspect still keeps me interested in my day to day work as an engineer.

Taylor Reese LEED AP BD+C, CxA, Project Manager:
Throughout human history, individuals have faced challenges everyday of their lives. In our modern society, these struggles may be as inconsequential as being a little chilly at our desk at work or wanting to safely send emails as we drive. Many years ago, the tribulations were much more dire, such as avoiding hypothermia during an intense blizzard or crossing wide rivers or high mountain passes during a long journey. Over the years, engineering has provided solutions to these in the form of buildings that can keep us warm and safe during extreme weather and bridges and tunnels that allow us to cross all sorts of perilous terrain with ease; and it will only be a matter of time until the challenges of today are solved.

I became an engineer because I recognized these deficiencies in my life and wanted to be able to do something about them. Engineering is a state of mind, a different way of looking at the world. It’s a toolkit of skills rooted in math and science that can be applied to the world around us. It’s a technique of not just seeing a problem, but understanding, characterizing, and simplifying it on the way to a solution. Engineers are indispensable contributors to the advancement of society, and I am proud to be one.

 

Wow, it really gives me goosebumps to read these testimonials, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I have. I’m thrilled to be a part of this team of passionate engineers!

-Stacey Richardson, Marketing Coordinator

2017 AHR Expo – Post Conference Follow-Up

Posted on by 360 Engineering

The 2017 AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) set several records this year, including attendance of more than 68,000 registered attendees and exhibitor personnel, as well as 500,159 square feet sold. Three Sixty Engineering sent two of our mechanical engineers, Project Manager Taylor Reese LEED AP BD+C, CxA and Project Engineer Joe Wittenberg, to learn about the latest technologies and products in Mechanical Engineering and HVAC.

With over 2,000 exhibitors, our engineers had a large amount of ground to cover, it was hard to fit it into just three days! Upon their return, Taylor and Joe were excited to share what they had learned with our team. There were so many new systems and products to talk about, we asked Joe to pick a few of his favorite:

1. Trane® – CoolSense System – Intelligent Variable Air Systems. An HVAC using chilled water to provide sensible cooling and cooling for the DOAS (Dedicated Outside Air System) system. It also uses small terminal units in the space to pick up the sensible load, using chilled water coils.
2. Metraflex – Flexible Hoses. Manufacturer of NSF (International public health standards and certifications) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) rated flexible water hoses.
3. Fulton – Boiler. A new boiler technology that allows the heat exchanger to float which eliminates stress due to thermal expansion.
4. Stamped Fittings, Inc. – Gasketed Spiral Duct. Spiral duct fittings with gaskets that eliminate the need for duct seal.
5. Trane® – Humidity Sensor. New sensor that collects temperature and relative humidity readings.

In addition to providing access to the latest products, the conference offers educational seminars. This year, Joe attended a class on DOAS (Dedicated Outside Air System) and a one on Commissioning.

Click here to read our first AHR Expo blog: 3 Benefits of Attending or to learn more about the AHR Expo, visit http://ahrexpo.com.