Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings - Hardcover

Tao, William K. Y.; Janis, Richard R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0130867292 ISBN 13: 9780130867292

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 1997

Synopsis

Designed to bridge the ever-widening gap between textbooks and the realities that confront engineering, and construction professionals, this text provides an overview of the principles and applications of all basic mechanical and electrical systems - with a focus on what, why, and basic design data examples. It explores emerging technology and environmental issues, and makes reference to essential engineering calculations and condensed data to illustrate principles.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

PREFACE

WE ARE GRATIFIED TO LEARN THAT THE FIRST EDITION OF THIS BOOK HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY OUR colleagues in colleges and universities as well as by design and construction professionals. We have received many comments and suggestions, new reference data, and our publisher encouraged us to prepare this second edition only two years after the initial publication.

One major addition in this second edition is Chapter 18, Noise and Vibrations in Mechanical and Electrical Systems. With the increased use of mechanical and electrical equipment in buildings, indoor and outdoor noise and vibration could be a detriment to productivity and quality of life. This new chapter provides practical guidelines for architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners. As in the other chapters, the approach is to emphasize what and why rather than how.

The topics covered in this book are broad and are in a state of continuous advancement. New technologies and practices are occurring at such a rapid pace that substantial updating is necessary every few years. This is particularly true in the area of commuiucations and illumination engineering. For this reason, we decided to engage several contributing authors who are authorities ill their fields of engineering or professional practices. In future editions, additional contributing authors will be invited to participate, providing valuable inputs to one or more of the remaining chapters. We hope that with each new edition, this book will be recognized as the authority in every field of building engineering. Our approach, however, is to stress uniformity, continuity, and consistency so that all chapters read as if written by one hand.

This book covers five major disciplines, namely: HVAC; plumbing and fire protection; electrical power and auxiliary systems; illumination; and noise and vibrations. Chapter 1, The Scope and Impact of Mechanical and Electrical Systems, is a useful overview for both students and professionals. It provides comprehensive information not found in other publications, a culmination of years of practical experience. Instructors may begin the course by briefly touching upon the topics in Chapter 1, later returning to it at the end of the course when students have a better understanding of the topics. Professionals and others will find Chapter 1 useful in guiding them to specific chapters relevant to them. Either way, Chapter 1 is a vital tool and places each discipline into the increasingly complex field of architecture and engineering today.

We are indebted to the reviewers, engineering and technical associations, and leading product manufacturers (listed separately in the Acknowledgments) for their cooperation in providing data and illustrations.

William Tao
Coauthor and Editor

From the Back Cover:

This book is intended both as a textbook and as a reference book for students and professionals interested in building mechanical and electrical systems.  With a complete and practical introduction to the design of mechanical and electrical systems in buildings, the text successfully bridges the gap between architecture, civil engineering technology, and construction management.

 

This edition has two new chapters:

 

Chapter 1 covers topics that are relevant for all the mechanical and electrical systems covered in subsequent chapters.  This chapter describes the:

•  basics of energy required to understand mechanical and electrical systems
• how mechanical and electrical systems affect the design of buildings
• sustainable design principles
• basic commissioning
• economics of building operations
• tools for evaluating options by economics and quality 

Chapter 19 is entitled “Architectural Accommodation and Coordination of Mechanical and Electrical Systems.”  This chapter is written for readers who are involved in planning, design and construction to help them gain an early understanding of: 

• what spaces are required for mechanical and electrical systems
• how to allocate area
• where best to locate systems and equipment
• what construction details are important to make systems work as intended 

The chapter covers topics that can be problematic if they are not addressed and resolved early in the design.

 

 

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0130867292
• ISBN 13: 9780130867292
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 538