Data center design practices have improved over the years due to industry lessons, equipment design improvements, increased operational reliability, innovations in mechanical system control technologies, and enhanced programming capabilities. However, electrical equipment’s reliability rapidly decreases after 20 to 25 years; parts availability dwindles, compatibility between new and older technology becomes problematic, and failures become more frequent and difficult to repair. Built in 1978 as an office building for an aerospace company and later converted to…
For the fourth consecutive year, Hood Patterson & Dewar is pleased to be in the top tier of the 25 firms recognized on the Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 2022 Commissioning Giants list. “This recognition is a testament to the faith our clients have put in us, and we feel honored to be in this position,” said Mike Bryan, President and CEO. “Our success is truly due to the hard work of our people and the relationships we have…
In the Beginning 1973 was an extraordinary time in my life; my family and I moved to Atlanta and started our new adventure. A big part of that adventure was starting work at Patterson & Dewar Engineers, Inc., which turned out to be one of the most satisfying experiences in my life. In high school, I always wanted to be an electrical engineer. A neighbor who was an engineer and another friend who was a…
Relay Testing Background Nearly all complex relays installed today are microprocessor-based. Relays no longer use a disk and magnetic fields to determine the overload condition, instead they rely on complex circuitry, programming, and user input settings to protect the facility. Each relay manufacturer utilizes different programming interfaces and languages and offers varying levels of customization. The various functions utilize an input (current, power, voltage, frequency) with or without a directional element to trigger a user-defined pick-up….