AABC Virtual Annual Meeting2020-12-21T23:47:34-05:00
2020 Virtual Annual Meeting

2020 AABC Annual Meeting Virtual Program

With the move to a virtual conference this year, for the first time ever the AABC technical program is accessible to anyone in the industry through a series of test and balance webinars!

This series of technical presentations from industry experts showcases practical information that will help commissioning providers, engineers, and of course TAB professionals understand key equipment/system-, process- and project-level aspects of HVAC testing that will help deliver better results on behalf of the building owner.

Noon – 12:30 p.m. Eastern

Welcome & General Business Session Reports (for AABC members only)

Charles Gulledge

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Digital Transformation in The Building Industry
(ASHRAE Presidential Address)
Charles Gulledge, III, ASHRAE President 2020-2021

Digital transformation is not simply associated with adopting new technical solutions. Knowledge needs to be captured and linked in such a way that all relevant stakeholders’ benefit. Doing so requires understanding of how to collect, store, and analyze data; so that it is insightful and actionable. The ASHRAE Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0 focuses on reimagining the building industry by not only integrating industry segments, but technology. This presentation will examine how we will lead the industry in becoming a part of the digital transformation that will guide the building industry into the next decade and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define what Value means and how to find it.
  • Comprehend how Lean Integrated Project Delivery seeks Value.
  • Explore how the Digital Landscape drives Value and Productivity.
  • Understand how Off-Site enhances Value.
Sponsored By

Thomas C. Smith

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Eastern

New Methods to Verify Proper Functioning of Modern Fume Hood Systems
Thomas C. Smith, 3Flow

Abstract:
Laboratory fume hoods are still the primary means of protecting people working in labs with hazardous airborne materials.  However, fume hood systems are becoming increasingly more complex.  The introduction of new technologies to control and modulate airflow and with new fume hood design features require new and different test methods.  The safety and health of users and the ability to reduce energy consumption may depend on application of appropriate test methods.  The most recent ASHRAE 110 “Method of Testing Performance of Laboratory Fume Hoods” was published in 2016.  This presentation will discuss proper techniques for measuring face velocity, evaluating variable air volume flow response and diagnosing problems affecting fume hood containment performance.  New methods under development to simplify and reduce the costs of conducting fume hood tracer gas tests will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how new technologies and features impact fume hood performance
  • Understand the objectives of the ASHRAE 110 test and how it applies to lab safety
  • Recognize the need for new test specifications and the methods required to evaluate performance.
  • Understand where the technology is headed and the opportunities to be more involved in lab safety and energy efficiency.
Sponsored By

Wade Conlan

Justin Garner

Troy Byers

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern

Field Analysis of HVAC Systems’ Ability to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission (panel discussion)
Wade Conlan, P.E., CxA, Hanson Professional Services
Justin Garner, P.E., TBE, CxA, Engineered Air Balance Co., Inc.
Troy Byers, P.E., TBE, CxA, Palmetto Air & Water Balance Inc.

This session will explore system analysis in the field, from the perspective of three members of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force’s Building Readiness Team. The intent will be to review not only the approach to the review of the existing systems and how to best check the current operation but also to review how they can be improved to reduce the risk of transmission for the systems. The implementation of increased ventilation, improved filtration, adding air cleaning devices, potential re-entrainment and to identify failure points in the system. The concepts will be looked at from the commissioning and TAB perspective.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how to investigate the existing systems for their ability to reduce infectious aerosol transmission
  • Learn the different engineering control strategies that are available to mitigate transmission
  • Understand the methods to check for re-entrainment
    Understand the methods to check for ERV cross-leakage
Sponsored By
engineered air balance aabc webinar sponsor

Todd Yates

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Case Studies: Commissioning and Test & Balance Collaboration
(Army Reserve Center & Medical Office Bldg/Clinic)
Todd Yates, P.E., TBE, CxA, Synergy Test & Balance

We examine two projects where the commissioning provider and TAB agency demonstrate coordination of system design and installation review, scheduling of related activities, and delivery of final reports.  The entire project team, including the owner, benefit from effective coordination of the Commissioning and TAB processes, by way of greater efficiency in the completion of site activities and delivery of documented functionality of systems.

Learning Objectives:

  • Early collaboration and setting the stage for success.
  • The difference between scheduling and sequencing, and how one affects the other.
  • The importance of coordinated site activity.
  • Consistency in documenting deliverables for the final reports.
Sponsored By

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF/VRV) Systems: Function, Testing & Monitoring
Mark Harte, Technical Training Manager, Daikin

Variable refrigerant flow systems, a ductless technology originally introduced in the 1980s, have become increasingly common in commercial buildings in recent years. In this technical session from the company that literally invented the technology, attendees will get a brief overview of how these systems work, how to test them properly and what to look for when troubleshooting, and how remote monitoring technology supports efforts to keep them running properly long after initial installation and testing.

Learning Objectives:

  • Installation- Cover the proper methods of installation for the VRV systems
  • Commissioning- Cover the steps during the start up process for the VRV systems
  • Service- Show the diagnostic tools that are available to assist with the proper system diagnosis of the VRV systems
  • Maintenance- Cover maintenance procedures for proper maintenance of the VRV systems
Endorsed by

Robin Rader

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Effects of Temperature Change on Building Static Pressure Measurement
Robin Rader, P.E., CxA, Design Alaska

Do you provide commissioning or testing on tall buildings, or any multi-story building in a cold place? If so you should be aware of how these conditions affect static pressure measurements. The author of an ASHRAE Journal article on the subject leads this session to explain the effects of cold weather (temperature change) on building static pressure measurement when the indoor and outdoor references at two different elevations. If not addressed, this effect has the potential of over a 100% reading error.

Learning Objectives:

  • Why does control of building static pressure matter
  • Calculation of zero setting error with changes in temperature
  • Methods to reduce weather related sensing errors
  • Verification of sensor and sensor reference tubing as part of the commissioning process
Sponsored By

Rebecca Ellis

Miles Ryan

Molly Meyer

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Hospital Air Balancing Planning & Coordination Case Studies
Rebecca Ellis, P.E., CxA, Questions & Solutions Engineering
Miles Ryan, Questions & Solutions Engineering
Molly Meyer, Questions & Solutions Engineering

The required sophistication of air systems in a healthcare setting and the process of working in existing hospitals present many obstacles to the TAB process. The case studies presented highlight how to anticipate such obstacles as well as clearly outline the constraints the team must work with to achieve success.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the common challenges to the TAB process that existing hospitals present.
  • Explain the reason for an existing conditions assessment prior to a project design.
  • List the benefits of the TAB contractor performing a design review.
  • Describe the items to be discussed at a TAB integration meeting.
Sponsored By

Jeremy McDonald

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Creating a Healthy Workplace in a COVID World: A Better Path Forward
Jeremy McDonald, P.E., Principal, Guth DeConzo, Consulting Engineers, PC

Known shortcomings of modern HVAC systems and existing indoor air quality (IAQ) may be a major contributor to the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. By acknowledging this part of the problem through investment and new diligence by all citizens, as well as understanding the role of weather patterns and human reactions to them (while continuing strategies to mitigate community spread), we can mitigate the economic and social upheaval associated with this pandemic, while hardening our building indoor air quality against future pandemics.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the basic fundamentals of Indoor Air Quality.
  • Understand the role of outdoor air environment and how we react to it in the spread of Covid-19.
  • Understand the role of basic fundamental HVAC principles (i.e. belt tension, outdoor air dampers working properly, etc) in the spread of Covid-19.
  • Understand the role of technology to harden the IAQ of facilities.
Sponsored By
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