Saturday, March 3, 2012

Troubleshooting HVAC-R Systems (Heating, Ventilation/Air Cond)

Troubleshooting HVAC-R Systems (Heating, Ventilation/Air Cond) Review



Starting with the essential fundamentals, this book takes a straight-forward approach to repairing and maintaining small refrigeration equipment, commercial equipment and residential HVAC-R systems. Numerous troubleshooting problems offer readers hands-on opportunity to apply knowledge utilizing tips and tricks from experienced professionals. Contains numerous troubleshooting charts from well known manufacturers such as Smokemaster and Trane.


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Solar Domestic Water Heating: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series)

Solar Domestic Water Heating: The Earthscan Expert Handbook for Planning, Design and Installation (Earthscan Expert Series) Review



Solar Domestic Water Heating is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of solar domestic water heating systems. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows, interest in domestic solar water heating is expanding. Solar water heating technology is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat water. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how domestic solar water heating systems work, the different types of systems, types of collectors, both flat plate and evacuated tube, types of storage tanks and other accessories. It also shows how systems are installed and explains how solar water heating can be integrated into existing water heating systems. Numerous examples from around the world have been included. The ideal guide for plumbers, heating engineers, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to solar water heating technology.


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Handbook for Design & Implementation

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Handbook for Design & Implementation Review



With over 1,000 pages covering all fundamental and practical HVAC design procedures and methods, this classic reference is packed with details and a wealth of information that is of great use to the HVAC designer and practitioner, as well as to the student mastering the intricacies of HVAC fundamentals. Unlike any other handbook of its kind, HVAC provides an in-depth treatment of topics via modular self-contained chapters that serve both as a manual for the experienced professional and as a fundamental reference for others. Each self-contained chapter places emphasis on graphical and tabular presentations of data that are useful for easy understanding of fundamentals and solving problems of design, installation, and operation. Everything you need is right here in one complete volume!

Includes two software packages
- Bell and Gossett ESP-PLUS software provides calculations for the selection of equipment such as hydraulic pumps, heat exchangers, and hydronic and steam system components. It also helps select commercially available equipment and components.
- Trane Load 700 heating and cooling load calculation software allows the user to use detailed geometric, weather and exposure parameters to accurately estimate load during the heating and cooling cycles.

Primarily uses U.S. customary units but also uses both SI and U.S. units in some cases.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Radiant Floor Heating, Second Edition

Radiant Floor Heating, Second Edition Review



The latest radiant floor heating methods and materials

In this fully updated guide, master plumber and long-time contractor R. Dodge Woodson explains, step by step, how to install, test, and debug in-floor heating systems--the healthy, quiet, economical, and clean heating method.

Radiant Floor Heating, Second Edition now offers details on alternative fuel sources and covers new material options and installation procedures, updated code information, and state-of-the-art piping and heating equipment. Revised illustrations featuring modern products are included in this practical resource. Get everything you need to:

  • Understand and explain the advantages of in-floor radiant heating
  • Select superior equipment--tubing, boilers, expansion tanks, pumps, and controls
  • Install embedded and dry radiant heat systems in new or existing homes
  • Incorporate hot water heating into your designs
  • Set up heating zones for variable temperatures throughout a house
  • Design a solar-powered system
  • Use alternative fuel sources
  • Provide outdoor ice removal and other amenities
  • Troubleshoot and repair system problems


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Solar Energy Heat Pump Systems for Heating and Cooling Buildings

Solar Energy Heat Pump Systems for Heating and Cooling Buildings Review



A thorough presentation and state of the art, this book grew out of a recent workshop held at The Pennsylvania State University cosponsored by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. The objectives of the workshop were to bring together researcher, consulting engineers, product development engineers, manufacturers, public utility representatives, and the interested public to exchange information and ideas on this important topic. The book includes: status reports on NSF and ERDA funded projects, descriptions and discussions of recent designs and applications, presentations of equipment and performance characteristics, public utility viewpoints on systems potentials, an explanation of the present federal programs, and an identification of future research and development needs.


Monday, February 13, 2012

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)

Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series) Review



Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America.

Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water and space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author’s experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover:

  • Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages
  • System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance
  • System sizing and siting
  • Choosing the appropriate system.

Since people often get turned off by the up-front cost, the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional.

Bob Ramlow is the solar thermal consultant for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program. The owner of a renewable energy company, he has over 30 years experience with solar energy systems and is a founder and director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Benjamin Nusz currently works as a solar water heating consultant and site assessor in Wisconsin.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

The Design of Lighting

The Design of Lighting Review



Written primarily for the practising designer, The Design of Lighting brings together in one volume all that the practitioner is likely to need. The authors combine a technical introduction to lighting and colour theory with a guide to design concepts and criteria, to create a comprehensive source book for architects and designers on interior lighting design.