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ASHRAE Research: Laboratory Test of Five Non-Chemical Devices Used in Cooling Towers Showed No Effectiveness in Preventing Biological Growth
ASHRAE Research: Laboratory Test of Five Non-Chemical Devices Used in Cooling Towers Showed No Effectiveness in Preventing Biological Growth
April 7, 2010 - ATLANTA –New research supported by ASHRAE indicates that non-chemical devices (NCD) marketed to control the growth of biological agents, such as Legionella in cooling towers, may not materially reduce biological growth.
Research project No. 1361, Biological Control in Cooling Towers Using Non-Chemical Water Treatment Devices, a two-year project recently completed by Dr. Radisav Vidic at the University of Pittsburgh, evaluated five non-chemical devices using different technologies to control biological activity in a model cooling-tower system. The devices studied included a hydrodynamic cavitation device, pulsed and static electric field devices, an ultra-sonic device and a magnetic device.
In Dr. Vidic’s research, none of the non-chemical devices measurably reduced planktonic or sessile microbial populations in comparison to no-treatment tests and to a conventional chemical microbial control treatment protocol. The findings appear to be inconsistent with previous research by non-chemical device manufacturers and some independent researchers on some of the same devices tested in the ASHRAE study. Those other studies reported measurable degrees of biological control within the parameters of testing conducted.
“These results suggest that equipment operators, building owners and engineers should consider taking more frequent water sample tests for their systems that rely on NCDs for biological control. If the testing shows an issue, one possible measure is to add chemical treatment capability to their system to prevent a potential health hazard from developing until additional research and field testing can resolve this question,” according to Dr. Vidic .
The study results are still subject to final approval by the sponsoring technical committee, TC 3.6 – Water Treatment. ASHRAE anticipates formal approval and the release of the final report for this project at its 2010 Annual Meeting Conference in June.
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ASHRAE Annual Conference to Focus on High Efficiency, Energy Conservation and Facts vs. Simulation
ASHRAE Annual Conference to Focus on High Efficiency, Energy Conservation and Facts vs. Simulation
April 7, 2010 - ATLANTA—Guidance on how to improve building systems—from moisture issues to ventilation—including high efficiency HVAC&R systems and ventilation systems, is an important focus of the technical program at ASHRAE’s 2010 Annual Conference, June 26-30 in Albuquerque, N.M.
“The program is strong in presentations that are market-based, addressing existing technology, systems and equipment, giving attendees more practical, hands-on knowledge that they can use daily in their professions,” Kirk Mescher, conference program chair, said. “The conference presents more paper-related sessions, a result of integrating a shorter, conference paper into the program.”
The technical program starts Sunday, June 27, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The program features 10 technical paper sessions (with 29 papers presented), 16 conference paper sessions (40 papers presented), 61 seminars, 10 forums and one technical plenary session for a total of 98 sessions and 69 meeting papers. For a complete listing of the technical program, visit www.ashrae.org/newmexico.
The program is divided into seven tracks. The tracks with the most number of programs are: High Efficiency HVAC&R Systems, Energy Facts vs. Simulation, Living with HVAC&R Systems, Energy Conservation vs. New Generation and Ventilation Systems.
Sessions of interest in these tracks include: Standard 90.1-2010, A First Look, a two-part seminar that presents information on the development and content of the upcoming 2010 version of 90.1; Energy Efficient Operation and Design of Data Centers, addressing efficiency improvement options in data centers and the resultant operating cost associated with these improvements; Energy Efficiency Retrofit Measures for Government Buildings, focused on energy efficient retrofits of existing buildings; HVAC System Noise Control for Classrooms, summarizing guidelines/requirements related to noise control in schools; and Building Energy Simulation 101, covering the basics of simulation programs and selecting the appropriate type.
Conference registrants will also be able to experience the technical program through the Virtual Conference, providing the most complete access to the state-of-the-art concepts and latest design techniques. Participants of the Virtual Conference can view and listen to programs on their own schedule, post comments and view presenters’ responses. Access to the Virtual Conference is included with paid conference registration or can be purchased separately.
Advance conference registration is $515 (ASHRAE member) and $680 (non-member) by May 31. Virtual Conference registration is $299 (ASHRAE member) and $464 (non-member). To register or for more information, go to www.ashrae.org/newmexico.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
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ASHRAE Rises to the Occasion in Albuquerque
ASHRAE Rises to the Occasion in Albuquerque
April 5, 2010 - ATLANTA–From the soaring Sandia Mountains to peacefully floating hot air balloons, at almost 5,000 feet above sea level, Albuquerque, N.M. is a city of great heights. Since ASHRAE is always striving to reach the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainability, Albuquerque serves as the perfect site for the 2010 ASHRAE Annual Conference.
“Raising Efficiency to New Levels serves as the Conference theme and echoes ASHRAE’s mission,” Gordon Holness, ASHRAE president, said. “As leaders in the industry, ASHRAE should continually strive to set high standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. Not only that, but ASHRAE also must lead by example by achieving and exceeding those standards to the highest level.”
With a focus on energy efficiency system design for high elevations and dry climates, this year’s technical program features more market-based papers and programs than in previous technology-driven ASHRAE conferences. In addition, the conference includes traditional full-length Technical Papers as well as a new Conference Paper format. Technical program tracks include: What Is Sustainable Anyway?; Energy Facts vs. Simulation; Ventilation Systems; Refrigeration for the Future; Energy Conservation vs. New Generation; Living with HVAC&R Systems; and High Efficiency HVAC Systems.
The technical program begins Sunday, June 27, and ends Wednesday, June 30, with all sessions at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Complete program details will soon be available at www.ashrae.org/newmexico.
The Albuquerque Virtual Conference also creates exciting new opportunities for attendees—present and remote—to interact with the speakers and other attendees through the posting of questions and comments, viewing comments and viewing the presenters’ responses. The Virtual Conference consists of some 250+ presentations of seminars and conference and technical paper sessions.
The ASHRAE Learning Institute offers eight courses, including new full-day seminars on integrated building design and implementing Standard 189.1-2009 and a new half-day seminar introducing the IAQ design guide as a tool for avoiding IAQ problems.
The Conference keynote speaker is Karan Grover of Karan Grover and Associates in India. Grover will share his thoughts on the need to look at a society’s culture and heritage for clues to the direction of contemporary architecture and sustainable development. The Plenary session takes place Saturday, June 26 at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque.
ASHRAE technical tours offer an inside view of how technology developed by members is practically applied in building environments. Tours at the Annual Conference include the Albuquerque Aquarium and the heating and cooling plants of the University of New Mexico.
Additionally, ASHRAE President-Elect Lynn G. Bellenger, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, a partner at Pathfinder Engineers & Architects, Rochester, N.Y., takes office as 2010-11 president. Bellenger presents her inaugural address at the president’s luncheon on Monday, June 28, focused on modeling a more sustainable world through energy simulation, daylight analysis, CFD and BIM software.
The ASHRAE Annual Conference takes place June 26-30. To register or for more information, visit www.ashrae.org/newmexico. The Hyatt Regency Albuquerque will serve as the headquarters hotel.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
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ASHRAE Handbook Becomes More Accessible in Online Format
ASHRAE Handbook Becomes More Accessible in Online Format
November 4, 2009, ATLANTA—What was once the turn of a page will now be the click of a mouse. The ASHRAE Handbook is now available online to allow for quick and easy access to a vast amount of HVAC&R information.
“The advantages of the ASHRAE Handbook Online are numerous,” Dennis O’Neal, 2009-10 chair of the ASHRAE Handbook Committee, said. “For one, the text is fully searchable and includes live links to figures, tables, footnotes, equations and other Web references. Going online also allows for fast navigation among all four current Handbook volumes, with live cross-reference links.”
Unlike the ASHRAE HandbookCD+ 2006-2009, an ASHRAE Handbook Online subscription provides immediate access to Handbook content, in contrast to the two weeks required for the shipping of the CD; requires no software installation; eliminates dependency on one computer by allowing for quick and easy access from any computer with an Internet connection; and costs considerably less than the price of purchasing each volume separately, offering a $331 savings for non-members.
The benefits of the ASHRAE Handbook Online don’t stop there. Taking the Handbook online will provide an opportunity for the Society to fulfill its mission of advancing the HVAC&R industry through publishing by making the Handbook more accessible.
“This helps ASHRAE position its publishing program for customer expectations in the digital age,” O’Neal said. “Additionally, having the Handbook online opens it to members globally and makes ASHRAE information more readily available.”
The ASHRAE Handbook is the most widely cited reference source for HVAC&R technology in the world. The hardback version of the Handbook is published in a series of four volumes, one of which is revised each year, ensuring that no volume is older than four years. The ASHRAE Handbook Online, however, allows access to all of the four most recent volumes at once. To subscribe to the ASHRAE Handbook Online, visit https://handbook.ashrae.org for immediate access to vast and valuable HVAC&R technology and resources. Additional information may be found at www.ashrae.org/handbookonline.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
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Sessions to Boost Efficiency, Sustainability of Contractor Projects Featured at AHR Expo
Sessions to Boost Efficiency, Sustainability of Contractor Projects Featured at AHR Expo
October 29, 2009, ATLANTA – Two sessions to assist contractors in construction management and high-performance building are being offered by ASHRAE at the AHR Expo.
"The bottom line is that we’re all striving to deliver excellent service for our clients and to do that more effectively," Billy Austin, chair of ASHRAE’s task group on contractors and design build firms that is sponsoring the sessions, said. "These ASHRAE sessions will bring together all members of the building team to learn new skills and to explore ways to work more closely together. With contractors representing 25 percent of Expo attendees, ASHRAE seeks to bring their knowledge and expertise into these sessions as well as to help shape the Society’s future activities in contracting and design/build."
The sessions, which require no conference badge or fee for AHR Expo attendees, are Construction Management, 2-3 p.m.,Monday, Jan. 25, and Cost/Benefit Analysis Methodology and Tools Needed by Owners, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26.
Both take place at the Orange County Convention Center, site of the 2010 AHR Expo, Jan. 25-27, Orlando. The ASHRAE 2010 Winter Conference takes place Jan. 23-27, Rosen Shingle Creek hotel, Orlando. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/orlando.
Construction Management addresses two key contractor-related topics to help improve the quality of their work: whether systems commissioning will improve the contractors’ ability to perform well and preconstruction management basics for mechanical engineers and contractors on design-build/design-assist projects.
Cost/Benefit Analysis Methodology and Tools Needed by Owners providesan understanding of high-performance building cost-benefit analysis with a focus on the LEED rating system. Several topics are addressed, including cost/benefit project setup, fiscal metrics, constraints and length of analysis.
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
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