Russ Keeler is an HVAC and Plumbing Expert Witness with over 30 years experience. 303-670-4430

by John Gaudio,

I need higher ceilings, but floor-to-floor height is limited.  How can I reduce the space required for my air conditioning ducts and still keep my space cool?  Russ Keeler knows.

"LOW TEMPERATURE AIR DISTRIBUTION

Conventional air distribution systems employ conditioning air at 56-60F.  Low temperature air distribution, usually combined with thermal storage, supplies air at 47F.  The major benefit of low temperature air is to reduce the required cooling air quantity by over 40%, shrinking ducts and fans by a significant amount.

The savings are not only in duct and fan size, but also in fan room requirements.  Smaller ducts can increase the ceiling height without increasing the floor-to-floor height of the building."

Have a question for Russ?  Please post a comment below to ask Russ Keeler a question, or contact him by telephone at 303-670-4430.

This is the sixth in a series of short collaborative posts about Russ Keeler.  I'm helping Russ learn about new media, blogging, Twitter, and getting the word out to lawyers in need of his services, while Russ is helping the rest of us learn about Plumbing, HVAC, and the technical side of HVAC and Plumbing Litigation. 

Please visit the links below for more information.  Then check back for more expert advice from Russ Keeler.

HVAC and Plumbing Expert Witness with over 30 years experience. 303-670-4430

by John Gaudio,

How do you and your client get paid if your consulting engineer screws up your Design/Build Specification?  You call Russ Keeler. :-)

"INTERPRETATION OF A DESIGN/BUILD SPECIFICATION

A few years ago, I was involved in a matter where a contractor hired an engineer to create plans and specifications based on a performance specification issued by an owner.  The documents created by the engineer were used by the contractor to prepare a bid (in this case a casino).  The performance specification was rather specific in terms of expected sound levels and temperature conditions in the various spaces.

The engineer developed bid documents, which the contractor then used to prepare his bid.  His bid price was low (by half) compared to the next bidder, and he was awarded the project.  Surprise, surprise, when the plans were reviewed by the concept engineer, they were rejected!  The contractor was forced to provide an installation that conformed to the performance specification.  As expected, the contractor sued the engineer for the difference in cost between the bid price and the cost to install the required installation.  It was my task to identify the areas where the engineer had taken liberties in the design.

The judge found for the contractor."

Have a question for Russ?  Please post a comment below to ask Russ Keeler a question, or contact him by telephone at 303-670-4430.

This is the fifth in a series of short collaborative posts about Russ Keeler.  Russ is learning about new media, blogging, Twitter, and getting the word out to lawyers in need of his services, while the rest of us to learn from Russ Keeler about Plumbing and HVAC, and the technical side of HVAC and Plumbing Litigation. 

Please visit the links below for more information.  Then check back for more expert advice from Russ Keeler.

HVAC and Plumbing Expert Witness with over 30 years experience. 303-670-4430

by John Gaudio,

How can you use ice like a battery, for more efficient air conditioning?  Russ Keeler knows.

"Ice based thermal storage is an excellent means to reduce the size of an air conditioning cooling plant. This is achieved by providing undersized water chillers capable of producing chilled water at low temperature (22-24F).  The typical cooling load of a building shows that the peak design cooling is only required for a few hours in the afternoon.  Thermal storage acts as a “battery”, which creates ice during minimal load hours at night, then melts that ice during the peak daytime hours. 

Successful installations have reduced the size of the chiller plant by up to 40%, and saved a significant part of the electric demand cost, with no loss of comfort.  It's also a green solution, as nighttime electric production uses the most efficient part of the generating system.  Care must be taken in design; many systems have failed due to overly complex control systems."

Have a question for Russ?  Please post a comment below to ask Russ Keeler a question, or contact him by telephone at 303-670-4430.

This is the fourth in a series of short collaborative posts about Russ Keeler.  Russ is learning about new media, blogging, Twitter, and getting the word out to lawyers in need of his services, while the rest of us to learn from Russ Keeler about Plumbing and HVAC. 

Please visit the links below for more information.  Then check back for more expert advice from Russ Keeler.