Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

As the 2014-15 academic year nears, school districts around Burlington County are making sure that construction projects are complete and that hallways and classrooms are spruced up and ready for students.

Some districts are busy at work on projects to be completed by September, when school starts after Labor Day.

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Burlington County schools gear up for 2014-15

Editors note: this article is part of a series exploring the role of networking in the Internet of Things.

Three types of networking topologies are utilized in the Internet-of-Things: point-to-point, star, and mesh networking. To provide a way to explore the attributes and capabilities of each of these topologies, we defined a hypothetical (but realistic) application in the building monitoring and energy management space and methodically defined its networking requirements.

Lets pull it all together to make a network selection for our building monitoring application. As described previously, the application will monitor, analyze, and optimize energy usage throughout the users properties. To accomplish this, monitoring and control points need to be deployed throughout each building, including occupancy and temperature sensors. Sensor data will be aggregated back to a central building automation panel located in each building. A continuous collection of data will provide a higher resolution of temperature and occupancy information, thus rendering better insight into HVAC performance and building utilization patterns. Comparison of energy utilization throughout the portfolio of properties allows lower performing buildings to be flagged.

The networking requirements for this application are summarized in Table 1.

The attributes and capabilities of each of our three network topologies are summarized in Table 2.

We now have the information we need to assess which topology best fits our application requirements. From our review we can see that all three topologies have adequate reliability, interoperability, component availability, and cost. However, the first four attributes in each table range, power consumption, scalability, and bandwidth address the core requirements of the application. These four attributes are quite different for each topology. Within this series, the following points were made regarding these networking options:

Our best networking topology choice is therefore a Zigbee mesh networking architecture. The Zigbee standard, as mentioned earlier, has been designed for low power, low data rate networks and has been widely used in residential, building, and industrial automation/control applications.

The Internet of Things is in its early stages of development. Networking architectures, protocols, and standards are continuing to evolve on both broad (horizontal) and industry-specific (vertical) fronts.

6LoWPAN is one noteworthy emerging standard that has been designed to allow Internet Protocol data, specifically IPv6 packets, to be sent and received over low-power, low data rate 802.15.4-based mesh networks the same networks on which the ZigBee protocol operates. A gateway device converts the IPv6 packets into the 6LoWPAN message structure and then back again to IPv6 so that a Wi-Fi device can receive them. Even with the required packet conversion, the 6LoWPAN protocol promises to provide a much tighter integration between 802.11 IP-based Wi-Fi networks and mesh networks designed for small form factor device (thing) networking.

Originally posted here:
How to identify a scalable IoT network topology

Traditionally, there have been two main options for solar installation designers and engineers to convert DC to AC power: string inverters or micro inverters. Both present significantly different advantages and disadvantages for installers, with installation expenses varying up to 20 percent depending on the inverter selection. Either solution had drawbacks: what one would gain in convenience, it would sacrifice in performance and maintenance and vice versa. But a new class of inverter is entering the market that combines the installation simplicity of a string inverter with the intelligence and energy harvest advantages of a micro inverter.

Analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) showed installation labor to be largest expense category associated in PV applications. With installation and maintenance costs outweighing the panels, framing, and other associated expenses by a factor of two to three, a new solution was needed to make solar energy installations more affordable for residential and small/mid-sized commercial applications.

The micro-parallel inverter (MPI) is a new emerging class of inverter; aimed at helping to further the proliferation of solar energy into the residential and small commercial market segments (5 kW-200 kW) by reducing installation and maintenance costs. A micro-parallel inverter is designed to invert four panels in parallel and provide advanced data, communications and IT features. The MPI system can also be utilized for off-grid, grid-tied, and grid-tied with emergency backup applications. It has a wide enough input; voltage, current and frequency range to operate with generator or battery based grids for application flexibility that surpasses its two predecessors.

Incorporates the Latest Communication Technology

Designed around the concept of easing the ergonomic burden of installation, registration, and maintenance, the micro-parallel inverter tackles the difficult chore of reducing the cost of acquisition and ownership by simplifying the installation, cabling and activation processes.

MPIs benefit from newer technological innovations in controller and communication modules, allowing additional features previously not available in existing inverters. The resulting innovations give the MPI improved intelligence, ubiquitous data display with remote control, and continuously adjusting energy harvest schemes controlling the MMPT for each individual panel. This control automatically throttles energy conversion based on temperature to maximize the energy production of each panel. Fault alert processing notifies maintenance when a specific part has failed, and isolates the location and identifies the specific failed part for expedited ordering and replacement. These features will reduce unneeded maintenance truck rolls to repair and replace.

MPI Installation Is Simplified

Wiring for residential or commercial 240-VAC single or 3-phase MPI systems is similar to standard building construction. PV system installation with the MPI is configured as a modular, plug-n-play approach.

Continue reading here:
New Micro-Parallel Inverters Aim to Reduce System Costs, Improve Performance

Could Holladay Park project be a model for future plans?

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, OBryant Square in downtown Portland is mostly deserted. On the parks raised northeast corner, two piles of discarded clothing and one discarded shoe sit in the shade of a tree, a flattened cardboard box on the ground beside them.

Four men are sleeping on the parks upper level. A dozen or so people rest on the parks perimeter, on benches and retaining walls, most in shade, all but a few balancing lunches from the nearby 10th and Alder food carts on their laps.

Five park garbage cans are already overflowing at 3:15 p.m., with chopsticks and half-filled sauce cups on the ground beside the cans. Plastic forks and paper napkins are scattered throughout the parks bark dust.

A tall, 30-ish man with a scruffy beard scavenges a couple of the garbage cans, coming away with what looks like some leftover biryani and a half-filled paper Coke cup with straw.

There is absolutely nobody in the center of the park, its plaza. The large bronze fountain built in the shape of a rose dominates the plaza but is empty. The fountain hasnt spouted water for at least 13 years.

Two men and two women, travelers maybe, homeless quite possibly, have taken ownership of the parks northwest corner. Approached by a reporter, one of the women shakes her finger and shouts, Keep walking.

A few blocks away, lively Director Park has shown what intelligent programming and around the clock security can accomplish. Holladay Park next to the Lloyd Center is on its way to joining the list of Portland destination parks. OBryant Square is, well, the counterpoint, an example of what happens when a city park is badly designed and allowed to determine its own fate.

Design is the primary reason OBryant cant be made to feel safe, says Matthew Arnold, associate principal director of urban design and planning at SERA Architects. More specifically, Arnold says, the problem is the altered grade of the park.

Read more here:
Tale of two designs: O'Bryant Square languishes; Director Park flourishes

As the algae bloom in Lake Erie continues to grow, so does the debate on who's really to blame.

A report released by Environmental Defence, an environmental and health organization, Wednesday morning suggested a four-point plan to fix the bothersome bloom.

We are seeing increasing intensity, increasing frequency in algal blooms on the Great Lakes obviously what we're doing so far is not enough, said Nancy Goucher, water program manager for the organization.

The plan outlines four key points that will fix the algae issue, including harnessing market forces to help farmers cut down on nutrient runoff, building water smart cities, improving scientific understanding of the blooms and forming a policy framework that pushes for action.

A press release from the organization stated:

The Ontario government should evaluate the applicability of market mechanisms such as tax shifting, pollution taxes and nutrient trading to transfer money from undesirable acts like polluting to desirable ones that reward farmers for 'doing the right thing.'

It's this kind of statement that raises questions from agriculture experts like Ivan O'Halloran, an associate professor at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus who studies nutrient use and soil fertility.

What they're saying is reasonable, he said. The only concern I have is that when you write it that way they did it sort of implies that farmers are doing the wrong things now and I don't believe that is the case for all farmers.

O'Halloran has been fielding questions about farmers and phosphorous for years.

He's encountered all sorts of explanations and studies and while he admits that farmers play a role in adding phosphorous to Lake Erie he said the issue isn't that simple.

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Algal blooms on Lake Erie. Who's to blame?

As the algae bloom in Lake Erie continues to grow, so does the debate on who's really to blame.

A report released by Environmental Defence, an environmental and health organization, Wednesday morning suggested a four-point plan to fix the bothersome bloom.

We are seeing increasing intensity, increasing frequency in algal blooms on the Great Lakes obviously what we're doing so far is not enough, said Nancy Goucher, water program manager for the organization.

The plan outlines four key points that will fix the algae issue, including harnessing market forces to help farmers cut down on nutrient runoff, building water smart cities, improving scientific understanding of the blooms and forming a policy framework that pushes for action.

A press release from the organization stated:

The Ontario government should evaluate the applicability of market mechanisms such as tax shifting, pollution taxes and nutrient trading to transfer money from undesirable acts like polluting to desirable ones that reward farmers for 'doing the right thing.'

It's this kind of statement that raises questions from agriculture experts like Ivan O'Halloran, an associate professor at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus who studies nutrient use and soil fertility.

What they're saying is reasonable, he said. The only concern I have is that when you write it that way they did it sort of implies that farmers are doing the wrong things now and I don't believe that is the case for all farmers.

O'Halloran has been fielding questions about farmers and phosphorous for years.

He's encountered all sorts of explanations and studies and while he admits that farmers play a role in adding phosphorous to Lake Erie he said the issue isn't that simple.

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Algal blooms on Lake Erie. Who's to blame? 0

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Significant Tree Maintenance Adelaide - Phone AdelaideTreeRemovalcom now at 08 7100-1599 - Video

Removal of sweet chestnut tree near St Mary's Church in Thornbury creates furore

6:18am Thursday 14th August 2014 in News By Joshua Wright

Children playing on the tree which was moved to Streamleaze Green (9212296)

THE SWEET chestnut tree in Castle Street was cut down last week after being deemed a safety hazard.

The tree, by the vicarage near St Marys Church in Thornbury, which protruded onto the pavement had restricted the path to being 33 inches wide and was originally marked for felling because of the risk of bark falling on to passersby.

Thornbury Town Council was given a grant of 2,600 by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) to fell the tree and SGC then moved it on to Streamleaze Green where plans are in place for it to be sculpted.

These plans will be discussed at Thornbury Town Councils Environment Committee meetings on Tuesday, September 9 and Tuesday, October 14 which the public are invited to attend.

The tree surgeon had to remove many of the trees side branches to enable it to be transported to its new location.

They said that whilst the main trunk was solid there was a considerable amount of rot in the branches, which were beginning to degrade quite badly.

Town mayor Cllr Guy Rawlinson said: Losing a tree, which was at least 200 years old is always a sad occasion, but it now has a home on Streamleaze Green where it will be enjoyed as a local feature.

Read more here:
Removal of sweet chestnut tree near St Mary's Church in Thornbury creates furore

One of theiconic mosaics on Astor Place that will be temporarily removed this fall. Photo by Yannic Rack

BY YANNIC RACK | Famous East Village artist Jim Mosaic Man Power, has been rallying support to save some of his iconic lamp poles from being removed during upcoming restoration work on Astor Place.

Power, known for his East Village Mosaic Trail of tile-encrusted lampposts, has reportedly been putting up signs alerting passersby that his artworks are endangered, starting roughly two weeks ago.

The Village Alliance has been getting calls from concerned residents as well, according to executive director William Kelley, who contacted the city Department of Transportation, resulting in a commitment on the D.O.T.s part to salvage and store the poles until they can be re-incorporated into the streetscape at a later date.

Powers 9/11 tribute to the NYPD. Photo by Yannic Rack

The planned Astor Place redesign will commence this fall and see the temporary removal and storage in a D.O.T. facility of seven of Powers mosaic poles, according to an emailed statement from the city agency.

The D.O.T. is working closely with the artist Jim Power and our partners City Lore and the Village Alliance to incorporate the light poles into the new plaza design, the statement further read.

I had a meeting with Jim to tell him that we are interested in helping to save them, Kelley said on Tuesday, adding that there is no immediate danger to the artworks. He said the signs started appearing about two weeks ago, but that nothing precipitated that in terms of specific developments in the construction works.

Jim Power couldnt be reached for comment.

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Community rallies to protect Mosaic Man tiles on Astor Place

A few months ago, a rock sat in the middle of a blink-and-you-miss-it strip of green space along Charlotte Avenue between 16th and 17th avenues. The rock's engraving called the green space a park, and said it was dedicated to the memory of artist William Edmondson, approximating his birth at about 1883, and his death in 1951. Edmondson, a sculptor, made playful, rounded carvings from sandstone; in 1937, he became the first African-American artist to be given a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Many consider him the greatest artist ever to call Nashville home one reason his name now adorns one of the first parks in the city to focus primarily on commissioned public art.

Several weeks ago, a crew of landscapers and art handlers moved into block-long Edmondson Park, surrounding the marker with broken column relics from the Parthenon, laying down rubber track like a swirl of Yellow Brick Road, and adding small hills and shallow valleys throughout. On one side of the Edmondson marker now stands a jagged metal structure by acclaimed Alabama-based artist Thornton Dial. Nearby is Bell Buckle, Tenn., artist Sherri Warner Hunter's "The Gathering" three clay and tile mosaic figures, a bluebird resting peacefully on one's shoulders.

On the far corner of the green strip, directly in view of the Nashville skyline, is a spiny steel structure cradling a large boulder. The sculptor of this work is Lonnie Holley, and this is the first large-scale public work he has ever created. This blazing July afternoon, Holley eyes the giant sculpture he's created a 14-foot-tall piece whose three legs cross each other to create a teepee-like nest, as well as a shelter for a similar boulder beneath.

The shape is familiar to those who've visited the undeveloped lot in Atlanta that Holley treats as a studio a place he calls his "environment." But there, as here, it isn't what people are accustomed to thinking of as public art. Back home in Georgia, Holley says, suspicious neighbors have even wondered aloud whether he's performing voodoo.

The artist is quick to dismiss that charge with a gentle shrug, like someone who's dealt with prejudice and misunderstandings his whole life. But there's something to that accusation: Holley is indeed a kind of magician. Just maybe not the kind his neighbors or Nashvillians expect.

Driving Lonnie Holley around downtown Atlanta is like a quest with an extremely creative knight. At every corner is a potential story, hidden from most but clear as day to Holley, an expert at building something from nothing. As readily as a scrapyard Michelangelo, he picks apart pieces until he's left with a single sculptural relic that can distill a story to its essence.

"Pull over here," he says, and we stop in a recycling plant just around the corner from the Souls Grown Deep warehouse, the storage facility for the foundation that represents Holley. The plant is stacked high with colorful cardboard scraps that have been flattened and bundled together. They resemble either haybales or soft Mike Kelley sculptures, depending on your reference point. Holley's lies somewhere between.

"Look at this!" he exclaims, with a schoolteacher's earnest excitement. It's early May, and the sun shines so brightly on the stacks that Holley flips down his sunglasses, reflective aviators that he asks people to see themselves in when he's having a conversation. He finds an old issue of Life magazine commemorating the World Trade Center on its cover. It's in near-perfect condition.

Holley opens to a photo spread of Ground Zero soon after the 9/11 attacks. He holds it open in one hand with a few rusted metal parts and a flower he'd just picked tucked under his finger, and he asks me tells me, really, as if he has my best interest in mind to take a picture.

Just like that, Holley transforms trash into his own kind of art a no-frills spiritual exercise that's simple enough to take you by surprise, but might also make you rethink how you see things every day. Among the rusted detritus, sometimes there's a flower. Everything is personal in Holley's world.

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Born of struggle and a Dickensian childhood, Lonnie Holley's work is not Nashville's typical public art