HVAC: Alternative heating/cooling systems

Balancing year-round thermal comfort and energy efficiency in nonresidential buildings is an ongoing challenge for mechanical engineers. Emphasis on building performance and adoption of energy-efficient building codes are increasing. Demand for heating and cooling technologies, such as variable-air-volume (VAV) and water-cooled chillers, is giving way to high-performance, or "alternative" systems such as displacement ventilation, passive design, chilled beams, dedicated outdoor air systems, evaporative cooling, ground source heat pumps, and hydronic heating and cooling.

To add to the challenges, mechanical and plumbing engineers must consider the various types of technologies that have recently entered the marketplace. Various piping products and methods, insulation options, air movement, and controls also will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• The audience will understand the applicable standards: ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• Viewers will have a basic understanding of the various alternative heating and cooling technologies and systems
• The audience will learn pros and cons of alternative versus traditional heating and cooling technologies for various building applications
• Viewers will know how to apply alternative heating and cooling systems, and in which climates they work best.

Presenters:

Julianne Laue, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP, Senior Energy Engineer, Center for Energy Performance, Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis

Peter Alspach, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Associate Principal, Mechanical Engineer, Arup, Seattle

Moderator: Jack Smith, Consulting-Specifying Engineer and CFE Media, LLC

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