Monthly Archives: July 2018

Case Study

Parking Garage: Dayton Public Library

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Parking garages might seem like a simple, low-tech construction; and comparatively speaking most are. However, because the structure is meant to house automobiles and similar gasoline-powered vehicles, there are related hazards that must be accounted for.  So, when Ohio’s Dayton Public Library wanted to ensure the safety of patrons in its new multi-story parking garage, AEB Technologies stepped in to help.

Dangerous Fumes

Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) are two of the most abundant and dangerous airborne contaminants found in parking structures.  Serious life-threatening health risks occur when the accumulation of one or more of these gasses exceeds acceptable levels.  Consequently air quality must be continually and reliably monitored.  When toxins accumulate – quick response is nothing short of critical.

Because of the importance to accurately monitor air quality and provide high-level alerts, the building controls contractor was prepared to make a significant investment to ensure the safety of the garage patrons. What they would find, however, was a more reliable and cost-effective solution.

Air Monitoring

The contractor needed a system that would continually and reliably:

  • Sample the air throughout all levels and areas of the structure
  • Automatically initiate the start-up of fans and/or other air moving equipment as needed
  • Activate sirens and/or other warning sources if dangerous levels persisted

According to project specifications, a pump-driven sequential sampling system consisting of twelve sensors would be installed to draw and sample air.  Two possible manufacturers were listed as options for supplying such a system.  In the end however, neither option would prove to offer the optimum solution.

A Linear Approach?

AEB recognized that such a system was neither the most effective nor cost-effective solution. The company’s Vice President, John Downing had a better solution in mind.

“Sequential air sampling systems are inherently slow and costly,” explained Downing.  “The linear aspect of such systems means that the sampling cycle is measured in terms of minutes.  And when dealing with CO or NO2, every second is critical.”

Furthermore the proposed air monitoring system was dependent on pumps which, with their moving parts, require frequent maintenance and will eventually fail.

A More Reliable, Cost-Effective Solution

AEB proposed a system from the gas detection experts, Critical Environmental Technology (CET).  Founded in 1995, CET is a leading global manufacturer of gas detection systems, including self-contained systems, controllers and transmitters, and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitors.

The point-to-point system utilizes an open BACnet control system integrated through a building control dashboard. And, because the electric/battery back-up powered system does not rely on a pump, it is reliable and requires little maintenance. Most importantly, the non-sequential system provides instantaneous air quality readings.

What’s more, the CET air monitoring system was installed at a cost significantly less than the sequential system in the original building specifications.  This equated to a cost savings of approximately $15,000 to $20,000 on the project.

Results

Today the Dayton Public Library is home to a modern parking garage offering safe and reliable air monitoring.  Thanks to AEB and CET, building owners and patrons alike can rest assured knowing that the quality of air within the structure is being continually and effectively monitored.

Case Study

Saving Time and Costs with AEB Technologies & TAMCO

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In hospitals and other wellness facilities, heating and cooling inefficiencies have a direct bearing on the comfort, health and well-being of patients and visitors alike. Additionally, energy costs associated with the inefficient heating/cooling of such massive facilities can quickly add up.  So when HVAC control and reliability became a problem at one of the country’s most respected Ohio-based hospitals, AEB stepped in to help.

Challenges

Because the facility’s aging air handling system was becoming increasingly inefficient, wild temperature variations of anywhere from 8 to 15 degrees off set-point were common.

This inefficiency resulted in:

  • Noticeably uncomfortable conditions for hospital patients, staff and visitors
  • Continuous adjustments to controls and equipment by maintenance staff
  • Excessive heating/cooling costs

Not only were energy and money being wasted; but the facility’s maintenance staff was constantly called in during off hours or away from other duties to make adjustments to the control units and dampers.  And so, when an opportunity to upgrade the dampers arose, the hospital knew exactly where they would turn for the solution.

Solution: AEB & TAMCO Dampers

AEB was awarded the project to retrofit the hospital facility with new dampers. TAMCO low-leakage airfoil blade dampers are aluminum constructed and completely maintenance-free for 20 years. As TAMCO’s authorized Ohio representative, AEB worked with the hospital to plan and carry out the project.

“TAMCO certainly has a reputation for quality and we’ve always had good experience with their dampers,” said the hospital’s facility manager. “They seal up tight with precise and smooth functionality. For us, the choice to rely on AEB and TAMCO was a no-brainer.”

Results

Today, following renovation, uncontrollable temperature swings are a thing of the past. “The difference is nothing short of incredible,” said the client. “Today we set a temperature and know with confidence that throughout our facilities will be within plus or minus one-tenth of a degree.”

Aside from obvious comfort improvements, the new dampers are delivering a fast return on investment.  In addition to lower energy costs, cost-savings can also be tied to labor. “Because of the reliable performance of the new tightly sealing TAMCO units we no longer waste time, money and resources continually making adjustments to the dampers,” explained the client.  “This eliminates overtime costs and allows us to focus our resources and attention in other areas.”

And what was the client’s experience with AEB? “AEB was extremely professional and responsive throughout the entire project.  As an example, because of a contractor error one of the damper units needed to be remade.  AEB worked to get the replacement unit turned around very quickly.”