As more and more jurisdictions and building owners are requiring higher levels of LEED certification for their projects, design teams are looking beyond traditional HVAC solutions to provide the energy efficiency needed to maximize LEED points while maintaining occupant comfort and safety.  In-slab radiant heating systems have enjoyed popularity both here in the United States and abroad for years.  Now, with the availability of improved control systems and better understanding within the design and construction community, the same concept can be applied to radiant cooling as an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution.  This program will cover the following topics:

• Radiant Cooling Heat Transfer Fundamentals
• Radiant Cooling Performance/Capacity
• Typical Construction Methods
• Case Studies

Attendees will gain an understanding of how in-slab radiant cooling systems can be used as part of an energy-efficient design solution to maximize Energy and Atmosphere credits for LEED certification, and see examples of how this has been accomplished on projects both here in the United States and abroad.

Radiant heating and cooling systems continue to gain popularity in North America, due largely in part to the system’s ability to deliver high-efficiency sensible capacity while providing optimum comfort. When specifying a radiant system, there are certain key elements that should be included in the construction documents (plans and specifications) to ensure that the contractors have the necessary information required to meet the engineer’s and owner’s expectations. This seminar covers these key elements, including: manifold schedules, specifications, details and controls.

The integrity of the HVAC industry is dependent on sound technical design, reliable products, skilled construction practice and consistent maintenance and operation. But another critical element that is sometimes overlooked is professional ethics. As members within the HVAC industry engineers, contractors, architects, manufacturers, vendors and building owners are expected to exhibit the highest standard of honesty and integrity to safeguard the confidence that the public has in us.  In this very competitive climate, however, it is sometimes tempting to "bend the rules" to some degree in order to gain an advantage over competition or to simply get the job done on time. But how much is too much? Is there a clearly defined line between ethical practice and "just the way things are done?"

“The (un)Ethical Engineer” is an interactive, multimedia, dramatic presentation that explores these issues through the eyes of a well-intentioned engineer.

While the use of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) piping has been widespread in residential applications for some time, building owners, contractors and engineers are moving towards it as a cost-effective and flexible alternative to conventional metallic piping systems on large-scale commercial projects. PEX has become a proven system solution that can reduce both material and labor costs while providing the reli­ability and peace of mind that building owners demand. When considering PEX, however, it is important that contractors and engineers understand not only the benefits but the challenges and potential pitfalls.

This seminar will examine the following:

• What is crosslinked polyethylene (PEX)?
• What are the different types of PEX available in the commercial marketplace?
• What are the advantages of PEX compared to conventional metallic systems?
• How does a PEX design differ from a metallic pipe design?

What are common design and installation best practices?

In 2020, ASHRAE’s Board of Directors approved a Diversity Commitment for the Society and established a Proactive Diversity Task Group with a goal to recommend detailed programs and initiatives seeking to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice, and proactively drive diversity through all levels within ASHRAE. This led some members to ask “why?” As a technical engineering society, shouldn’t ASHRAE be focusing its efforts and the efforts of its volunteer members on industry-related research and education, rather than furthering what some consider to be a political agenda? What role, if any, should ASHRAE play when it comes to diversity in the AEC community and social justice? Is there really a problem that needs to be solved? This highly-interactive, engaging and thought-provoking presentation will tackle these questions head on by:

• Reviewing ASHRAE’s current Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
• Defining terminology – What exactly does DEI mean?
• Discussing metrics, trends, and research
• Encouraging a respectful exchange of ideas through an online digital platform than ensures privacy and anonymity.

Now more than ever, facility owners and local jurisdictions are demanding more energy-efficient, cost-effective building solutions. Engineers continue to look beyond traditional HVAC solutions to provide the energy efficiency needed to maximize efficiency while maintaining optimum occupant comfort and safety. A system that continues to gain momentum in North America is in-slab radiant heating and cooling. A radiant design strategy embodies the integration of architectural design and HVAC systems design with overall energy efficiency and comfort in mind. Because of the way an active slab reacts to water temperatures and changing conditions, typical air-based control strategies cannot be used. This seminar will explore different approaches to radiant system controls which maximize the effectiveness of the system while ensuring that surface overheating or condensation does not occur. The session will cover:

• Radiant system fundamentals
• Zoning strategies
• Water temperature control options
• Sensors: where do you need them and how do you use them?
• Integrating the radiant system with the other HVAC system components
• Avoiding common controls mistakes

Hydronic radiant heating and cooling systems have been proven as an effective strategy for reducing building energy usage while maintaining optimum thermal occupant comfort. This seminar will cover some of the most common pitfalls and challenges seen from the design through construction and commissioning phases of residential and commercial projects so that today's practitioners can design and install more effective and efficient systems that meet the needs and expectations of the clients.

Learning Objectives

• Attendees will gain an understanding of typical heating and cooling capacities that can be expected from a radiant systems, as well as the factors that impact capacities.

• Attendees will gain an understanding of typical construction methods.

• Attendees will review the most common coordination issues that occur and learn how to avoid them on a project.