Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 - (Page 40)

Solution Partner Authorized TALON® Dealer out that I did know what a heat exchanger was; I just had never heard it called a converter.) Developing a system diagram is a great way to learn and verify the system. Carefully tracing out a pipe on the plans and then in the field with the intent of understanding what it does causes you to notice things that you simply would not have seen otherwise. The system diagram makes it much easier to understand how the system works. Chuck’s point about untangling things was well-founded. I really could not have explained the operation of the system from the original schematic I found. But once I had my system diagram, both the way it operated and a potential problem jumped right out at me. couple of times, it becomes second nature. You might have to apply a theoretical principle to a practical situation a few times, however, before you have an instinctive comfort with it. Understanding the fundamental physics behind how a system works is the foundation for understanding how the control system should work. To truly understand something, you likely will have to examine the fundamentals behind it. This is one of the most important things you can assist with as a mentor. Several times, I’ve had to tell a mentee that I would need to get back to him or her with an answer to a question. I knew I basically understood the issue, but in trying to explain it, I uncovered a few questions of my own that I needed to address to fully answer the mentee’s questions. A local, independent Siemens Solution Partner is your source for a complete TALON® system. And, as an authorized TALON dealer, they are also your source for the full line of high quality Siemens valves, sensors, actuators, controllers and variable frequency drives. Siemens Solution Partners offer unparalleled customer service, training for your staff and technical support. Each has completed extensive training to become a Siemens Solution Partner. When you choose TALON, you don’t just get the best technology, you get con dence backed by the resources of Siemens. To nd your local, independent Siemens Solution Partner, visit www.usa.siemens.com/SSP Understanding the fundamental physics behind how a system works is the foundation for understanding how the control system should work. To truly understand something, you likely will have to examine the fundamentals behind it. Understanding how the system works is the first step in understanding how it should be controlled. The control and operation of HVAC systems and the buildings they serve are inextricably intertwined. To do a good job of control, you have to understand how the system you are controlling is intended to function. This, of course, is the foundation of my conviction that a well-written narrative control sequence supplemented by a logic diagram and point list is a critical component of the design documentation for a project. The fundamental physics learned in the classroom apply in the field. A real system sure looked different from the neat little black-and-white diagrams in the textbooks. I really did understand conservation of mass. But making the connection between the concept in a book and a real, working system was a jump for me, as I suspect it is for many. Once you’ve made that jump a Understanding the fundamental physics behind how a system works provides insight into critical operating parameters and commissioning targets. I never would have been able to write the tests or system manual for the preventive maintenance program discussed above if I didn’t understand how the system worked. The system diagram is a great way to communicate what you have learned to others, including the construction team, the control contractor, the commissioning team, and the operator. Typically, my system diagrams start as design or analysis tools, become troubleshooting tools during start-up and commissioning, and morph into training and persistence tools for ongoing operations. Mentoring lessons While I was a mentee I appreciated the mentoring lessons, but their significance Input #221 at csemag.com/quickResponse 40 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • SEPTEMBER 2008 http://www.usa.siemens.com/SSP http://www.usa.siemens.com/SSP http://www.csemag.com/quickResponse

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008 Contents Viewpoint Letters News M/E�Roundtable Selecting Appropriate Egress Strategies Commissioning On-Site Electrical Systems Mentoring Control Engineers and Technicians Casting Call for Cx Case Study New Products Equipment Lifecycles Advertiser Index Green Space

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - September 2008

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