Newsletter
The President's Message
April 2021
Eric Fontaine
I would like to thank everyone who attending our March meeting on Condensing Boiler Combustion Technology. It wasa great program and turnout.
For April, we have another great program being offered and we are pleased to welcome Mike Machemehl who will be speaking on The Effects of Different HVAC Technologies on COVID-19.
A few additional announcements and recognitions to made. First, the ASHRAE Winter conference was held last month, virtually but there was a great turnout. I hope many of you were able to attend and listen in on the great number of technical programs. I am hopeful that next winter we can get back and enjoy the conference adn EXPO in person.
Once again, I also want to announce that the CT Chapter of ASHRAE will be once again hosting their annual golf tournament. This year it will be held on Friday, July 30th at 10:00 am. More details to follow along with registration and sponsorship opportunities.
As Chapter President, I just want to acknowledge our members and thank everyone for their support of CT ASHRAE and we look forward to that continuing in the future. We are doing what we can in these difficult and unchartered times to maintain the high level of programing and value to the membership.
Thank you very much,
Eric Fontaine
CT ASHRAE Chapter President
For those interested in volunteering for a position or get more involved with ASHRAE, please reach out to any chapter officer or board member and see what positions are open. We are always looking for volunteers!
Not a member? Join today at https://www.ashrae.org/membership/join.
Join a technical committee and be a part of creating ASHRAE standards, preparing ASHRAE handbooks, participating in research projects, and much more! Please visit https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/technical-committees for more information on how YOU can get INVOLVED!
Newsletter Sponsors
If you'd like your personal or business card to appear here, please contact the Sponsorship Committee today! Click Here to see the sponsorship oportunities!
Meeting Announcement
April 2021 Virtual Chapter Meeting
Effects of Different HVAC Technologies on COVID-19
Meeting Sponsors:
All sponsorships for the April Virtual Meeting have been purchased.
Thank you to our April Sponsors!!
Order of Events:
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Online Webcast
Link to be included in registration confirmation email; also emailed the morning of the meeting
Meeting Info:
This presentation is a broad overview of many of the popular HVAC technologies and building operation strategies that aid in slowing the spread of contagious pathogens. Some of the technologies and strategies that are reviewed include: advanced filtration, bipolar ionization (NBPI), ventilation and humidity control, UVC radiation, photo-hydro-ionization (PHI), and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO).
Virtual Chapter Meeting Speaker: Mike Machemehl
Speaker Bio:
Mike is part of the team that creates sales, marketing, and channel development plans for the commercial markets in the United States for the City Multi Commercial VRF product line. Mike graduated with his Bachelors in Industrial & Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and a LEED Green Associate. Mike has over 30 years of experience in the commercial HVAC market, including 8+ years with METUS and 19 years with Trane.
Mike is an accomplished public speaker with many public speaking engagements in front national audiences including:
- AIA
- ASHRAE (National Webinars as well as Chapters in OH, NH, ME, NE)
- AEE – Association of Energy Engineers
- USGBC
- AHRI
- BisNow
High Performance Building Seminars
Young Engineers in ASHRAE
ALL IN PERSON TRAININGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH THE END OF MAY
Presented by the ASHRAE Learning Institute, the HVAC Design Essentials Training allows attendees to gain the fundamentals and technical aspects to design, install and maintain HVAC systems.
To encourage attendance by young professional ASHRAE members, YEA offers attendance scholarships to the HVAC Design training. The full cost of registration to Level I or II of this training will be covered by ASHRAE. Any additional costs, such as airfare or hotel, are not covered by this scholarship.
Criteria: All applicants must be ASHRAE members and 35 years of age or younger as of July 1, 2019 (student members are not eligible). Applicants will be reviewed based on contribution to the industry, ASHRAE involvement and career goals.
Click Here for More Information
YEA Connection
The YEA Connection newsletter is a member benefit received by all YEA members. If you are not receiving the newsletter please make sure [email protected] is added to your safe list.
Click HERE for the Current YEA News Letter!
Interested in submitting an article? Submit your article here.
Please use the online gift form and select the “YEA Programs” option. This will help ensure that YEA Society level activities continue to expand the opportunities for professional and personal growth of members like you.
Interested in YEA? Contact Kevin Wixom at [email protected]
Student Activities
Through its scholarships, ASHRAE seeks to motivate students and prospective students worldwide to pursue an engineering or technology career in the HVAC&R field, part of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industry. The Society’s Scholarship Program also serves the public interest by aiding in the education of men and women to become qualified to practice as engineers in HVAC&R.
Over the course of 30 years ASHRAE has awarded over $2.25 million to 400+ deserving students.
ASHRAE advances the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education through our 50,000+ members worldwide. Joining and participating in the Connecticut Chapter of ASHRAE is an excellent way to begin networking in the field of HVAC&R locally which often leads to career opportunities.
ASHRAE Chapter Scholarships
We are currently accepting applications for our 2021 Student Scholarship
A total of three $1000 scholarships will be awarded to students in our region pursuing a degree in an ASHRAE related field.
Visit the CT ASHRAE Student Activities Webpage for additional information and application.
Applications are due no later than April 30, 2021
Please contact Ashley Keller at [email protected] with any questions or to submit an application.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration News
SOME INFORMATION ON COVID-19 VACCINATION COLD CHAINS
The two COVID-19 vaccinations currently in use in the US and throughout the world, one manufactured by Pfizer and the other by Moderna, both require storage at below freezing temperatures. The Moderna vaccine requires temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) and Pfizer's requires -70°C (-94°F). Both vaccines use Messenger RNA (mRNA) to trigger an immune system response as if there was a COVID-19 infection. However, the vaccines only contain one virus protein, and thus will not infect the patient with the COVID-19 virus. mRNA vaccinations are a new process that have not previously been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cold temperatures are required because mRNA can be destroyed easily, many enzymes will cause it to break apart. Multiple steps are taken to stabilize the mRNA, and low temperatures are one of several factors that are used, as low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions that break down mRNA.
The "Cold Chain", the system for distributing products at low temperatures, consists of three different chains: ultralow, frozen, and refrigerated. The Pfizer vaccine requires use of the ultralow chain while Moderna's makes use of the frozen chain. Facilities that can handle ultralow temperatures are not very widespread in the US. Large universities and pharmacy chain distribution are two of the typical facility types with ultra-low temperature refrigeration equipment. To make up for the lack of ultralow storage, Pfizer developed packages that keep vaccine shipments at required temperatures using dry ice, which forms at -78°C under atmospheric pressure. These containers can maintain conditions for up to fifteen days as long as the dry ice is replenished every 5 days, which makes them suitable for expedited shipping. Beyond that, the vaccine can be stored up to 6 months in ultralow freezers. The Moderna vaccine can make use of the frozen cold chain, which is in widespread use for transportation and storage of foods. The Moderna vaccine can be stored in a refrigerator for 30 days after it has thawed and can be subject to room temperatures for up to 12 hours.
The refrigeration requirements for these vaccines may pose challenging in developing countries, particularly within Africa, with inadequate cold chain networks. To tackle these challenges, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is partnering with governments within Africa, and a consortium of universities, to develop sustainable cold chains for Africa. Past vaccination efforts, such as for Ebola, required an ultralow cold chain, but were on a vastly smaller scale than will be required for COVID-19. UNEP wants to be sure that development of cold chains within Africa is done in a sustainable manner, as opposed to "quick and dirty" solutions such as using polluting diesel generators to power refrigeration equipment in remote areas without electricity access. They are also hoping that the requirements to get COVID-19 vaccines distributed will be an impetus to develop reliable cold chains within Africa that have been needed for some time for food and medicine storage and distribution.
Sources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-covid-cold-chain-how-a-vaccine-will-get-to-you/
Matt Andel, Refrigeration Chair
We are looking to increase the exposure that refrigeration gets at the CT level, and are looking for help. If you know of any contacts that could help us find possible presenters for refrigeration themed monthly meetings or tours, or if you have any other suggestions for the refrigeration committee, let us know by e-mail: [email protected]
Technology Transfer
ASHRAE continues to monitor the outbreak globally and is committed to the safety of its members, staff, course registrants and the general public. ASHRAE Learning Institute has postponed all in-person, public course schedules. Should you have questions or concerns related to your attendance or travel plans, please contact [email protected]. ASHRAE has developed proactive guidance to help address concerns related to COVID-19 with respect to the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, which can be viewed at ashrae.org/covid19. Please check the website regularly for the updated schedule.
COVID-19 Update for Registrants
ASHRAE certification programs were founded to meet industry need and today provide value to 1,000s of built-environment professionals, employers and building owners.
For the past 100+ years ASHRAE has worked hard to earn and maintain a worldwide reputation for being the leader in HVAC&R design. ASHRAE certification programs serve to reinforce that reputation.
Interested in an ASHRAE Certification? Click here for more information
ASHRAE’s mission is to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields. ASHRAE’s vision is a healthy and sustainable built environment for all.
If you are seeking a job in the engineering field or searching for the most qualified engineers, the ASHRAE job board offers the most qualified opportunities and candidates. Engineers can set up a personal account for job searches, manage resumes and create alerts for new job postings. Employers can set up a corporate account to post new jobs, review resumes and manage recruiting.
Grassroots
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Global Government Affairs |
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U.S. Rejoins the Paris Climate Accord
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U.S. Congressional Activities |
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House Energy and Commerce Committee Leadership Introduces the Clean Future Act
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House Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Package
The House of Representatives passed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package with a 219 to 212 vote. All of the House Republicans voted against the measure, along with two Democrats: Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Jared Golden (D-ME). The bill includes $1,400 direct checks to Americans making less than $75,000 annually, an increase in the child tax credit, direct funding to state and local governments, funding for schools, and more money for vaccine distribution. Schools funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including facility repairs and improvements to reduce risk of virus transmission. The bill states that these specifically include inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrade projects to improve the indoor air quality in school facilities, including mechanical and non-mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, filtering, purification and other air cleaning, fans, control systems, and window and door repair and replacement. The bill would also provide $4.5 billion to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which aids families in affording utilities, $100 million to EPA to "address health outcome disparities from pollution and the COVID–19 pandemic," $50 million of which would be doled out through environmental justice grants. Text of the House package can be found here. |
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Senate Confirms Jennifer Granholm as the Next Energy Secretary
The Senate voted 64 to 35 to confirm former Michigan Governor, Jennifer Granholm, as the next Secretary of Energy. She will lead the Department as President Biden aims to set the country on a path towards net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 and 100% clean power by 2035. Granholm outlined her priorities in a "Message to America" that can be viewed here.
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Senate Holds Confirmation Hearings for Biden Appointees
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House Subcommittee Hold Hearing on Clean Energy
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Federal Government Affairs |
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DOE Begins Review of 13 Trump-era Energy Efficiency Rules
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sent a memo to the Office of Management and Budget saying that it would begin to review 13 separate Trump-era energy efficiency rules. The review is in accordance with Executive Order 13990,"Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis," that was signed by President Biden on January 20. To read the memo and see the list of rules being reviewed, click here.
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Register for the 2021 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit
Registration is now open for the 2021 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit. The event will take place virtually from May 17-20 and is free to attend. Click the links to review the sessions and the latest agenda.
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Green Lease Leaders Now Accepting Multifamily Applications
DOE’s Green Lease Leaders program has published a guidance for owners of multifamily housing looking to green their leases in the pursuit of high-performance properties. The Reference Guide for Landlords was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Institute for Market Transformation. Applications for 2021 recognition are due by March 31. Click here to apply.
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State and Local Government Affairs |
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New Report on States’ Role in Addressing Climate Action
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Energy Security and Climate Change Program has created a Clean Resilient States Initiative to draw lessons from state-level approaches to emissions reductions, clean economic growth and energy resilience. The program recently issued a preliminary report on the role of U.S. states in taking action on climate. The report is intended to inform recommendations aimed at advancing state progress in each of these areas, as well as better integrating initiatives across states. The paper discusses how key measures of emissions reductions, clean growth and energy resilience may shape perceptions about state performance in addressing climate change imperatives. The full report can be found here. |
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Other Events and News |
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National Academies’ Webinar on Decarbonization
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Sustainable Energy in America Factbook for 2021 Released
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New Buildings Institute Releases Building Decarbonization Code
The New Buildings Institute (NBI) recently released a building decarbonization overlay to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). It is designed to help states and cities working to mitigate carbon resulting from energy use in the built environment, which accounts for 39% of U.S. emissions. It is focused on codes for new construction, with the potential of adding code language for existing buildings in a future version. More on the Building Decarbonization Code can be found here.
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For additional information on government affairs issues, please contact [email protected].
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GAC Committee
2018-2019 Year
CT ASHRAE 2020-2021
Officers and Board of Governors
President: Eric Fontaine, van Zelm Engineers
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President-Elect: Michael O. Davis, P.E., Flow Tech, Inc.
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Vice President: Ashley Keller, P.E., CES
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Treasurer: Hank Cullinane, Clover Corporation
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Secretary: Kevin Wixom, Flow Tech, Inc.
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Board of Governor: Jason Bessette, Emerson Swan
Board of Governor: Matt Andel, Van Zelm
Board of Governor: Hank Cullinane, Clover Corporation
Board of Governor: Blair Richardson, BL Companies
Board of Governor: Andrew Dana, Victaulic
Board of Governor: Kevin Wixom, Flow Tech, Inc.
Become a Sponsor
2020-2021 Sponsorship OPPORTUNITies
By becoming a 2020-2021 sponsor, your firm will be exposed to decision-makers from major engineering, design, construction and contracting firms at programs and social events throughout the year. Our membership includes 550+ members made up of owners, principals, senior associates, business developers and more!
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor CLICK THE LINK BELOW to access our sponsorship catalog.
Sponsorship Catalog
Contact Ashley Keller with the sponsorship committee with any questions, concerns or to discuss a customized opportunity.
Have Questions or Want to Purchase Your Sponsorship?
This home page is maintained by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. P.O. Box 143 Cromwell, CT 06416. ASHRAE chapters may not act for the Society and the information presented here has not had Society review. To learn more about ASHRAE activities on an international level, contact the ASHRAE home page at http://www.ashrae.org
