Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, a 781-bed teaching and research hospital, needed heaters to provide hot water to two buildings and for sterilization. Storage tanks, the usual solution, couldn’t be considered because of space restrictions in the 1,000-square-foot mechanical room.

To provide hot water for patients and 7,200 employees in the facility’s main building, the hospital selected AERCO’s A-Plus and B-Plus steam-to-water heaters. The units support intermittent flow rates of 115 GPM and 250 GPM without storage tanks. A vertical heater design requires about one-tenth the space of a storage heater designed for comparable service.

The facility also uses the WaterWizard high-efficiency hot water system to provide 130-degree hot water for sterilization processes. The system has a maximum intermittent flow rate of 250 GPM.

All units are controlled by an electronic control package to provide temperature accuracy within 2 degrees under constant load and 4 degrees under normal load changes. The controls are compatible with building automation or energy management software systems via Modbus open protocol. AERCO

Arc flashes, which can be up to four times hotter than the surface of the sun, are a major concern among electrical system operators at St. Vincent’s, the oldest medical center in Birmingham, Ala. A leading cause of serious injury among electrical contractors, arc flashes occur when the electrical insulation between conductors cannot withstand the applied voltage.

As a preventive measure, facility executives at St. Vincent’s installed Entellisys low voltage switchgear from GE Consumer & Industrial Electrical Distribution. The switchgear allows electricians to work beyond the arc flash energy zone, reducing exposure risk. Operators control the switchgear from a stand-alone stack or wall-mounted enclosure with a touch-screen interface. Protection, control and other functions are handled by central processing units.

In addition, a remote software package provides operators and other designated personnel secure access to the system from networked desktops and laptops. The system can provide alarm information and reports to users via e-mail or messages to their PDAs and other digital devices. GE

St. Cloud Window
The 900 series line of windows features a double frame/sash design, 21⁄2 inches of trapped air space, double weather stripping throughout, a sealed non-structural thermal barrier and security sill latches. Glazing options include clear, tinted, low-e glass and insulated glass. Triple glazing is available in exterior and interior sash. Anodized, painted and split finishes available.

Maine Glass
Interior insulating window is installed inside a building’s existing window to eliminate unwanted air infiltration and reduce solar heat gain. Payback is four to eight years, according to the company. Product is available with between-the-glass blinds that provide sun control and privacy.

EFCO
The E-Strut thermal isolator is available for select windows, sliding glass doors and curtainwall systems, and is designed to improve U-value performance and eliminate dry shrinkage. The product features a total composite shape for enhanced structural performance and is available in five standard lengths. It is also designed to be integrated with the company’s curtainwall systems.

SAGE Electronics
Electronically tintable architectural glass is available for skylights, windows or curtainwalls. At the touch of a button, SageGlass products tint or clear to provide light and heat control. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that electronically tintable windows can provide up to 40 percent savings on energy bills and 20 percent savings on operating costs, according to the company.

Wausau Window and Wall
Out-swing, in-swing and fixed windows in 2.5-, 3.5- and 4.5-inch frame depths accommodate multiple configurations. The 2250, 3250, and 4250 Series windows meet or exceed an AAMA AW-60 rating and uphold egress requirements where necessary. The 2250 series is certified by NFRC for energy performance. All products are backed with up to a 10-year limited warranty.

Andersen Windows
High performance Low-E4 glass features an exterior coating that, when activated by sunlight, helps reduce dirt build-up and water spots and promotes faster drying. The product is 41 percent more energy efficient in summer and 35 percent more energy efficient in winter than standard dual-pane glass, according to the company. A clear protective film provides additional protection against shipping and installation hazards.

Eagle Window & Door
Talon double-hung windows feature a concealed lock and tilting mechanism. With a three-quarters turn of each lever toward the center of the window, the sash is unlocked and can be lifted for ventilation. Continuing another one quarter turn releases the concealed tilting mechanism and the sash tilts inward for cleaning. Tilt latches are spring-loaded.

Traco
The NX–640 C-rated aluminum slider series has a 31⁄4 inch single sliding aluminum window series designed with an energy spacer, thermal barrier system and structural silicone glazing system. The energy spacer reduces the U values in standard IG units up to 12 percent, and the thermal barrier system provides up to 50 percent better thermal insulation than PVC or polyurethane, according to the company.