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As an IES energy modeling Consultant I spend a lot of my time creating & populating large HVAC networks, but life has just got a hell of a lot easier for me. The new Multiplex feature in Version 6 of our software allows me to condense large complex ApacheHVAC networks into a much more manageable format with minimum effort. As the demand grows for more detailed HVAC system analysis tools we have been working hard on enhancing ApacheHVAC’s current capabilities in order to meet these demands. I really feel like it now addresses the practical issues that previously existed within the module. Combining Multiple inlets and outlets with the new Multiplex feature allows for multiple HVAC systems to be arranged and organized in such a way so that detailed air side schematics can be mapped accurately on to the ApacheHVAC work space. Creating and assigning layers to a Multiplex is a very simple process especially when using the “assign from room group” feature. Users can now quickly assign HVAC zones to any number of Multiplexed ApacheHVAC networks and populate any number of network controllers with the simple click of a button using a copy and paste command.

I have been putting the new Multiplex feature to the test over the last couple of months on some real life projects of considerable size and have been amazed with the results. Gone are the days of slogging over 400-1000 zone ApacheHVAC networks populating controllers one by one, this new feature increases productivity by an infinite magnitude. Forgive the rave, but I truly believe that through the invention of the Multiplex we will see a shift in the level of system analysis performed throughout the building industry, especially in the UK, this new feature really breaks down a lot of barriers and gives users of all levels and technical ability the power to perform detailed system analysis quickly and easily at concept or detailed design stage.

Kieran

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Tags:Building, HVAC, multiplex

As a regular visitor to the west coast of Ireland on the pursuit of catching some of the finest surf on the planet I have experienced firsthand the potential for wave generated energy in Ireland. Just so as not to confuse any of our US west coast bloggers surfing in Ireland isn’t the glamour’s Kelly Slater version you would be more accustomed too, I’m talking 5mm wetsuits, gloves & even face masks!…

Due to Ireland’s geographical location, on the downwind side of the Atlantic Ocean in the region of prevailing south-westerly winds, Ireland’s coastline is exposed to one of the most vigorous wave climates in the world. This climate gives the Irish west coast, from Malin Head to Cape Clear, among the highest coastal wave power levels in the world.

Over the last 2 years many companies/research bodies have tested wave energy technology on the SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland) wave energy test site off the coast of Co. Galway. testing has lead to the conclusion that wave energy generation is commercially feasible, test results have shown that the Irish governments wave energy generation target of 500mW by the year 2020 is achievable. Test results show that when a single full-scale turbine is connected to the national grid it would generate sufficient power to provide electricity for over 1,200 houses per year. Apart from the obvious green benefits associated with wave generated energy the harnessing of wave energy will create a considerable amount employment in those parts of Ireland scourged by unemployment.

On a final note wave/tidal energy technology is not a new idea in Ireland as I have recently discovered, it can be traced back as far as 601A.D where tidal energy was used in a simple mechanical system to grind wheat for making bread, so I guess you could say we haven’t really come that far  in the last 1400 years!

Keep the slabs coming!

Kieran

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Tags:climate