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Boilers are the topic of our afternoon seminar and after dinner presentations on March 13. Our afternoon seminar gets underway at 3:00 p.m. (2:30 p.m. registration). Dan Watkins, Sales Engineer with Bornquist, Inc., will talk about “Maximizing Boiler Plant Efficiency.” He will discuss strategies for maximizing condensing efficiency and explain when to use non-condensing boilers or perhaps even a hybrid system. After dinner, four more guest presenters will follow up Dan’s talk with a look at a few case studies of successful boiler retrofits. In between both programs, we’ll also hear a brief talk about "Emerging Technologies and Possible Changes to the Gas Energy Rebate Program.”
Click here to learn more about – and register for -- all the above presentations planned for March 13 at Aramark in Downers Grove, IL. |
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Engineers Week 2012 occurred Feb. 19-25 and companies, educational facilities and professionals in engineering societies around the U.S. marked this special event in many ways. A number of career fairs, competitions and other activities took place around Chicagoland. At IIT’s Rice Campus in Wheaton, some 600 middle and high school students and parents participated in an event that showcased engineering careers. Illinois Chapter members Steve Spentzas and Ron Ramey greeted many of them at an ASHRAE booth where students could pick up literature about ASHRAE and ask questions about opportunities in the HVAC&R field. “They seemed enthusiastic about engineering,” Ron noted, “especially if presented the right way.” He said that a laptop computer and small TV at their booth enabled students to learn about energy management while playing an online game at “Energy Hogs.com.”
The Illinois Chapter ASHRAE were cosponsors of the Chicagoland Engineering Week Awards Banquet, held Feb. 24 at the University Club of Chicago. Representing the chapter were President Benny Skelton, Mike Infanger, Will Mak, Brian Medina, and Steve Spentzas.
Ron said that Mike McDermott, Steve Spentzas and himself made plans to participate again at the Chicago Non-Public School Science Fair, March 10, at the Museum of Science of Industry as special judges. Chapter Student Activities Committee members have played a role in this annual competition for several years, helping judge and award the best science projects.
Thanks to all for their great work to attract young people to the engineering profession and ASHRAE. |
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Last month, we introduced the ASHRAE Society’s new logo. This month, we’d like to introduce you to the Illinois Chapter’s new logo, pictured above. ASHRAE redesigned the Society logo to give "a more modern look that fully reflects the evolving structure of the Society," Society President Ron Jarnigin said, and bring “it more in line with its current focus on ‘providing guidance for total building design, reconstruction, construction and operation’.”
The new chapter logo and colors were developed in partnership with the Society, which wants to promote a consistent brand at every level of the Society. |
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Nearly all of the 77 members and guests who attended the Energy Modeling Conference on Feb. 14 had something good to say. The Illinois Chapter’s all-day education event took place at the University Center in Chicago’s south Loop area. The strong turnout is credited, in part, to the support and participation of other key professional groups like AIA Chicago, BOMA Chicago, MCA, Illinois Chapter USGBC, and YEA.
The Conference presented several interesting speakers who illustrated the power that energy modeling can have on the design and operations of buildings. The keynote presenter was Henry Green, president and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), who described “How the Design for Energy Efficiency Serves the Interests of Today’s Business Market.” He was joined by the following presenters and talks:
“Building Energy Quotient (bEQ): Building Labeling Program,” by David Eldridge, Grumman/Butkus Associates
“Measurement & Verification,” by Jeremy Poling, Transwestern
“Assessing Your Building Energy Costs: Benefits of Energy Modeling to Owners,” by Keith Swartz, Energy Center of Wisconsin
“Modeling: It’s Not Just for Swimsuit Calendars and Energy,” by Nathan Kegel, Integrated Environmental Solutions
“Building Simulation for Facilities Management,” by David Callan, Environmental Systems Design
“Preliminary Modeling and Life-Cycle Costing As an Underpinning to Integrated Design,” by Paul Erickson, Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
A panel discussion followed by a reception closed out the program program. We thank all of the above speakers and everyone who attended for adding to the program’s success. |
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As sponsors of the 2012 Region VI Chapters’ Regional Conference (CRC), the ASHRAE Twin Cities Chapter invites everyone to join them in Minneapolis on May 3-5. The event will be held at the Mall of America. The annual CRC is not only an event for Chapter leaders but any ASHRAE member who is interested in expanding his or her professional knowledge and contacts. There are several technical sessions and social events. For more information about these, visit the ASHRAE Twin Cities Chapter website.
ASHRAE will present a free webcast titled “Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems — A Path to Balancing Energy and IEQ” on Thursday, April 19, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. CDT. During the live webcast leading experts will discuss the role of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems in the overall HVAC system and describe various DOAS equipment configurations, characteristics and applications. They will identify common design and operational pitfalls and cover challenges unique to DOAS.
Online registration begins March 19. For additional information download the DOAS Webcast Flyer at the Society's website.
The City of Chicago is conducting a series of focus groups this month to review its Minority-and-Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Program. They have contracted with Collette Holt, an attorney who specializes in M/WBE programs, and the firm of Trinal, Inc. to conduct the sessions.
Among the groups whose input they are seeking are architectural, engineering and other construction-related firms during a 2-hour session planned for March 19. Business owners who would like to participate in this focus group should contact the Holt Firm at 855-692-3529 or at sessionRSVP@mwbelaw.com. |
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March 13, 2012
2:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Maximizing Boiler Plant Efficiency
PLUS: Boiler Retrofit Case Studies
Aramark, Downers Grove, IL
April 10, 2012
2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
PLUS: Liabilities & Legal Issues of Green Buildings
"Student Night"
Location TBD
May 3-5, 2012
Region VI CRC
Mall of America
Minneapolis, MN
May 8, 2012
2:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Understanding Geothermal
Avalon Banquets, Elk Grove Village, IL
June 12, 2012
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Energy Management
Location TBD
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| Congratulations to the following individuals who recently became ASHRAE members (or rejoined) and welcome to the Illinois Chapter:
Associates:
Scott Beckord
Jacob Czechan
Colin Davy
Yogesh Mardikar
Jesse Richardson
Dianna Rudd
Members:
Leslye Sandberg
Daniel Shmouel
Michael Skurla
Jason Vogelbaugh |
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