Careers in HVAC&R: Illuminating Engineers

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Careers in HVAC&R

Illuminating Engineers

Electricity is the lifeblood of today's buildings. Lighting systems represent a significant fraction of the energy used in all major cities. Efficient lighting systems cost more money, however they often justify their expense by reducing the cost of energy. Waste heat must be removed by the cooling system, most of which are powered by electric motors. Combine that with our convenient appliances plugged into wall outlets and one can quickly see how important an understanding in electricity should be to everyone involved in the HVAC&R industry.

Since electricity must be generated upon demand and cannot be easily stored, alternative methods of managing electrical loads must be used. Thermal storage systems allow the use of less expensive nighttime electricity to replace the more expensive daytime usage.

The recent deregulation of the electrical power industry has unlocked tremendous career opportunities. Cost changes make managing facilities an exciting and dynamic career choice. Traditional time-of-day rates are giving way to instantaneous price adjustments.

The ability to generate electricity on-site (through co-generation) offers greater opportunities. These systems allow an even more efficient use of primary energy. Up to 80% of the energy in the primary fuel is used, compared to approximately 35% of the energy converted by a conventional power plant.

Professionals involved in the generation, distribution and use of electricity generally have either a two or four year college degree in a technical field.

For more information on the efficient use of electricity, check out these web sites:

www.ieee.org

www.eei.org

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Revision Date: June 2, 1999