HVAC Engineering Fundamentals: Part 1
3
durable way. The results of the value engineering process now per-
meate our lives, and the techniques are pervasive in business. Con-
sider our improved automobile construction methods, home appli-
ances, and the like as examples. Even newer technologies such as
those pertaining to television and computers have been improved by
quantum leaps by individuals and organizations challenging the
status quo as being inadequate or too costly.
Alphonso Dell’Isolo is generally credited as being the man who
brought value engineering to the construction industry, which indus-
try by definition includes HVAC systems. Dell’Isolo both ‘‘wrote the
book’’
1
and led the seminars which established the credibility of the
practice of value engineering in architectural and engineering firms
and client offices across the land.
There is a national professional society called SAVE (Society of
American Value Engineers), headquartered in Smyrna, Georgia. The
society certifies and supports those who have an interest in and com-
mitment to the principles and practices of the VE process.
Value engineering in construction presumes an issue at hand. It can
be a broad concern such as a system, or it can be a narrow concern
such as a device or component. The
VE process
attacks the status quo
in four phases.
1.
Gather information.
Clearly and succinctly identify the pur-
pose(s) of the item of concern. Then gather information related to per-
formance, composition, life expectancy, use of resources, cost to con-
struct, the factors which comprise its duty, etc. Make graphs, charts,
and tables to present the information. Identify areas of high cost in
fabrication and in operation. Understand the item in general and in
detail.
2.
Develop alternatives.
First ask the question, Do we even need
this thing, this service at all? Or are we into it by habit or tradition?
If the function is needed, then ask, How else could we accomplish the
same objective? Could we reasonably reduce our expectation or ac-
ceptably reduce the magnitude of our effort? Could we eliminate ex-
cess material (make it lighter or smaller)? Could we substitute a less
expensive assembly? Could we eliminate an element of assembly la-
bor? Could we standardize a line of multisize units into just a few
components?
In this phase, we learn not to criticize, not to evaluate, for the ‘‘cra-
zies’’ spawn the ‘‘winners.’’ ‘‘Don’t be down on what you are not up on.’’
Be creative and open-minded. Keep a written record of the ideas.
3.
Evaluate the alternatives.
Having developed ideas for different
ways of doing the same thing, now evaluate the objective and subjec-
tive strengths and weaknesses of each alternative. Study performance
HVAC Engineering Fundamentals: Part 1
Downloaded from Digital Engineering Library @ McGraw-Hill (www.digitalengineeringlibrary.com)
Copyright © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved.
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use as given at the website.
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |