Consulting-Specifying Engineer - May 2008 - (Page 31) M entoring is the process of transferring knowledge and experience between individuals and groups of people. In 28 years spent in the engineering profession, I have been exceedingly fortunate to live and work with myriad unique and talented individuals. My mentors and mentees have included family members, employers, coworkers, and friends. I firmly believe that the process of mentoring is the best way to grow better HVAC engineers and people. I learned from mentors a long time ago that it is easier to learn from other people’s mistakes (and successes) than having to do it all yourself. For example, when I was a young engineer, the firm that I served had an experienced engineer that was nearing retirement. It was quickly clear to me that if I could learn 10% of what he thought he had forgotten, it would be a huge amount of new knowledge for me. I tried asking him questions about what I was doing. Sometimes I got help, sometimes not, usually depending on how busy he was and how he felt that day. He had reached the point in his career where he was given the difficult and tricky assignments (the ones that I enjoyed) and he always had the right answer. Eventually, I figured out that he was tired of the production side of doing the plans and specs. I lobbied with our management to let him do the concept work and for me to do the execution. After that, we made a great team because I was good at the production side (not bored with it yet) and I could make his life easier by removing these tasks. In return, I received his attention, the things he thought he’d forgotten, and all the war stories that allowed me to learn and benefit greatly from his experience. If you can’t find a mentor don’t be afraid to teach yourself. You can do it if you have the will and the patience. On-the-job training There are a few essentials for HVAC design engineers. This list also is known as “what they didn’t teach you in engineering school.” HVAC engineers need to be well-rounded. They need exposure to all the design disciplines so that they know how to interact and coordinate with them (and keep them honest). A good engineer needs to know what is practical and possible within other disciplines. Some examples of this type of knowledge: • How do you know what depth to allow for a reflected ceiling grid? Light fixtures? • Where do you get dimensions of structural shapes and bar joists? Can you cut a hole in an I-beam to make a pipe go through it? • When does a rooftop air conditioning unit need a starter? When does it need a disconnect switch? • How does the waterproofing and support for a roof curb work? How is ductwork running across a roof properly anchored to the structure and waterproofed? • What types of materials and insulation are applicable in which envelope systems? Where can glazing or insulation with better thermal characteristics be applied to reduce HVAC loads and thus first and operating cost? • Where do you need vapor barriers or active means to control condensation on and in building envelopes? Organized design process HVAC engineers need to learn an organized design process. Here are some key elements: • Recognize and document project and owner requirements and constraints from the project program or owner project requirements document. If these documents don’t exist, discuss the project with the owner or architect and establish them. Consulting-Specifying Engineer • MAY 2008 31
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