Technical Session Schedule

Technical Session Descriptions

TRACK A

Ethics Case Studies - Kathryn L. Henshue

Case studies will highlight the general duties and obligations of engineering professionals, as they meet their ethical and legal obligations to their clients and society.

ASHRAE Standards Update - Fred Betz, Jeff Boldt, Dick Pearson      

Each speaker will discuss current activities in their respective Technical Committees. Fred is the chair of T.C 2.8 Energy: Water Nexus subcommittee. Jeff is a voting member of ASHARE Standard 90.1 and 189.1.  Dick is also active in T.C.7.6, Environmental Health committees, and the Technology Council.  Here is your chance to hear firsthand what is going on. Time will be allotted for your participation in a Q&A session.

Applying VFDs to Fan Arrays - Jeff Miller

Discussion of some of the latest VFD application issues such as applying VFD’s to “fan arrays”, when to use bypass versus redundant drive packages or single drive per motor. Discussion will include the major selection criteria for VFD’s as well as interfacing VFD’s with the building automation system as and interfacing with the mechanical system the VFD is controlling (dampers, etc). Leveraging the capability of today’s VFD’s can save on installation costs as well as increasing energy saving.

Mostly Good, Sometimes Bad, and Occasionally Ugly Experiences of an IAQ Mitigation and Remediation Contractor - Kent Rawhouser         

A walk through several projects that his company recently completed that demonstrate how an IAQ/mitigation project can change during the process.  Of the projects included, two are within built-up HVAC units, a crawl space, and an exterior façade failure. You will see job photos, the original Scope of Work and how the project changed in both positive and not so positive ways.

TRACK B

Building a Net Zero Lab in the United Arab Emirates: Mission Impossible? -Gordon Sharp

Laboratories with their intense use of outside air and safety concerns are one of the most challenging building types to achieve net zero.  In fact, some might say it can’t be done at least for many climates. However, a path does exist to achieve net zero energy or at least near net zero using multiple technologies such as VAV lab and exhaust fan control, demand based control of ACH’s, chilled beams or hydronic cooling, and heat recovery. This seminar will explore this topic from a holistic viewpoint and provide a detailed review of an actual case study of a large near net zero lab project in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Net Zero Case Studies - Shanti Pless

A review of current net zero building projects including discussion of cost control for net zero, and the performance-based procurement initiative. Case studies will include Research Support Facility (RSF) and Energy Systems Integration facility (ESIF) at the National Renewal Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.

Demand Control Ventilation Design - John Murphy

Ventilation is an important part of making a building safe and comfortable, but it can require a significant amount of energy to properly condition that air. This session will discuss practical aspects of implementing dynamic ventilation control strategies, which save energy by varying the amount of outdoor air brought into the building as operating conditions change. It will discuss single-zone, dedicated outdoor-air, and multiple-zone systems.

Building Automation System Master Planning - Take Control of Your Facility’s Future- Jim Vallort

A Building Automation System Master Plan can prepare for future technological advancements and enable today’s facility managers to harness the power of their building systems, to better utilize energy, and to increase energy efficiency, reduce utility costs and improve occupant comfort.

Many building owners and operators currently face issues associated with their existing building control systems. These issues can include, but are not limited to: Outdated or obsolete technology, limitations of older generations of automation systems, multiple disparate control systems functioning in the same facility and concerns related to expansion or renovation plans 

These issues lead to underutilization of the control system, robbing the users of the opportunity to maximize their investment in their automation technology.  Discussion will include how to improve the efficiency of building systems with the ultimate goal of reducing utility and energy costs.

TRACK C

Large Cool Thermal Storage - John Andrepont

The presentation explores large, cool Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technologies, applications, and benefits.  Technologies of Latent Heat TES (Ice TES) and Sensible Heat TES (Chilled Water TES and Low Temperature Fluid TES) are briefly reviewed and their typical inherent characteristics are contrasted.

Applications of Radiant Heating and Cooling In Buildings - Bjarne Olesen

Water based radiant heating and cooling systems is an energy efficient alternative to full air-conditioning.  Existing systems can either be suspended ceiling panels or embedded systems, where pipes are embedded in the building structure (floors, ceilings, walls) or in the center of the concrete slabs in multi-story buildings. This presentation will discuss the possibilities and limitations of radiant surface heating and cooling systems. Differences in performance and application of surface systems compared to embedded systems are presented. Results from both dynamic computer simulations and field measurements are presented.      

Safe Design of VRF and Other Refrigeration Systems with Standard 15 - Doug Reindl

The purpose of Standard 15 is to specify safe design, construction, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems. All engineers that work with building mechanical systems need a basic understanding of this Standard. Engineers that work closely with refrigeration or chilling systems must have a deeper understanding of this standard and its requirements. This presentation will provide a review of Standard 15 and highlight recent changes to the standard.

Future of Refrigerants - Bill McQuade

The presentation will be an update on the factors driving the next generation of refrigerants for our industry, the alternatives available, and the considerations manufacturers consider when choosing a refrigerant for a number of common applications.

CRC 2016 Technical Session Descriptions