Capitalaire
The National Chapter of ASHRAE
April 2023
President’s Corner
Dear Members of the National Capital Chapter of ASHRAE,
Spring is in full swing, and I hope this message finds you all well. With the early blooming of the cherry blossoms in DC, it's hard not to feel optimistic and energized about what's to come in the months ahead.
Our April meeting is fast approaching, and I'm excited to announce the lineup of presentations that we have planned for the event.
The PES presentation, "Inside the Box – Fan Characteristics and Applications," will cover the different types of fans and their characteristics, fan curves and fan laws, and how to select the best fan for the desired performance. This is a great opportunity for designers to learn how to apply the equipment properly and ensure optimal performance.
For the dinner presentation, we welcome past-president Kinga Porst Hydras to talk about Federal High-Performance, Low-Carbon, Resilient Buildings Programs. She will address the US government's new climate goals and low-carbon initiatives, including programs targeting buildings. The presentation will focus on the new Building Performance Standards and decarbonization efforts in the US General Services Administration.
Our chapter has been busy over the past few weeks with a range of events and activities, and we have more planned for the coming months. Our Women in ASHRAE (WiA) committee has a networking event on April 27th at Bronson Bierhall. Our Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee has planned a joint event with the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley chapters to attend a Philadelphia Union game on May 20th. Tickets for both events are limited, so be sure to register soon.
Our Spring Golf Tournament is now finalized, and invitations have been sent out to all members. The response has been tremendous, and spots are filling up quickly, so if you haven't already registered, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. This year's outing promises to be another great event, with opportunities for networking, fun, and friendly competition. Our host this year will be Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club on May 24th. We still have a few foursomes and sponsorship opportunities available so please reach out if you are interested.
I look forward at seeing you at the events we have coming up for the rest of the year. Thank you for your continued support of the National Capital Chapter of ASHRAE.
Best Regards,
Nick Barrett
President, National Capital Chapter, 2022-2023
Board of Governors & Committee Chair Contact
| Board of Governors | Email Address | |
| President | Nick Barrett | president@nccashrae.org |
| President-Elect | Mike Morder | president_elect@nccashrae.org |
| Vice President | Jonathan Rumbaugh | vice_president@nccashrae.org |
| Treasurer | Michael Spencer | treasurer@nccashrae.org |
| Secretary | Lauren MacGowens | secretary@nccashrae.org |
| Sr. Governor | Ryan Westlund | senior_governor@nccashrae.org |
| Governor | Drew McPheeters | governor1@nccashrae.org |
| Governor | Mikelann Scerbo | governor2@nccashrae.org |
| Governor | Bailey Estes | governor3@nccashrae.org |
| Committee Chairs | Email Address | |
| Annual Social | Laura Morder | |
| Bradey Jump | ||
| CTTC | Jonathan Rumbaugh | |
| Directory | Morgan Stevens | directory@nccashrae.org |
| Finance | Michael Spencer | finance@nccashrae.org |
| Jonathan Rumbaugh | ||
| Mike Morder | ||
| Nick Barrett | ||
| Golf Outing | Mike Morder | |
| Gov’t Affairs | Mikelann Scerbo | government_activities_national@nccashrae.org |
| Historian | Ryan Westlund | historian@nccashrae.org |
| Research Promotion | Drew McPheeters | research_promotion@nccashrae.org |
| Honors/ Awards | Stephen Niez | honors_and_awards@nccashrae.org |
| Membership | Stephanie Gonzalez | membership@nccashrae.org |
| Lauren MacGowens | ||
| Newsletter | Ian Faulconer | newsletter@nccashrae.org |
| Laura Morder | ||
| Reception | Catherine Jones | reception@nccashrae.org |
| Caroline Evans | ||
| Molly Sizemore | ||
| Student Activities | Dante Freeland | student_activities@nccashrae.org |
| Alex Ratliff | ||
| Website/ Electronic Communications | Michael Spencer | website@nccashrae.org |
| Lauren MacGowens | ||
| Caroline Evans | ||
| Directory | Morgan Stevens | directory@nccashrae.org |
| Sustainability | Ryan Westlund | sustainability@nccashrae.org |
| Diversity in ASHRAE | Bailey Estes | |
| Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) | Zach DeLuke | yea@nccashrae.org |
| Ryan Cleary | ||
| Tech Awards | Stephen Niez | tega@nccashrae.org |
Nominations 2023-2024
Nominations for 2023-2024 Officers and Board Members
In accordance with the NCC chapter bylaws, a Nominating Committee was formed to recommend a slate of candidates for the chapter officers and governors for Society Year 2023-2024. As per the NCC bylaws, the current President-Elect, Michael Morder, shall automatically succeed to the office of the President on July 1st, 2023 for the Society Year of 2023-2024.
The members of the Nominating Committee, Stephanie Mages (Chair), Laura Petrillo-Groh, Scott Houghton, Ryan Westlund, and Alec Petrillo-Groh, enthusiastically recommend the proposed slate of Officers for Society Year 2023-2024:
(SY 2024-25) President-Elect : Jonathan Rumbaugh
Vice President: Jonathan Rumbaugh
Treasurer: Michael Spencer
Secretary: Lauren MacGowens
Senior Governor: Ryan Westlund
Governor 1: Bailey Estes
Governor 2: Stephanie Gonzalez
Governor 3: Zach DeLuke
Governor 4: Dante Freeland
As per the bylaws, additional nominations of members in good standing who consent orally, or in writing, to be candidates, may be made in writing to the Secretary or from the floor at the next chapter meeting, on April 12, 2023. Congratulations to these nominees and thank you for your past service to the chapter!
Voting for candidates will take place at the April Chapter Meeting. You may also vote for any position by email to Lauren MacGowens, Secretary@nccashrae.org, prior to the April meeting.
Corporate Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsors
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level Sponsors
Research promotion
Below are some projects in our region funded by the ASHRAE RP Campaign:
Flammable Refrigerants Post-Ignition Simulation and Risk Assessment Update
GEXCON US - Bethesda MD
Investigation of Ignition Temperature (Hot surface and Auto Ignition) for 2L Refrigerants
AHRTI - Arlington, VA
Completed RP Mar. 2019
Transport of Indoor Biological Dust
PENN. STATE U-Parichehr Salimifrad
Airside heat transfer augmentation using multi-scale analysis and shape optimization for compact heat exchangers with small hydraulic diameters
U-MARYLAND - Daniel Bacellar
Demonstrating the application of novel multi-criteria ventilation algorithms in office buildings
DREXEL U. - Tom Ben David
Quantifying Non-Energy Benefits of High-Performance, Urban Elementary School Buildings
CATHOLIC U. - Emily Oldman
CTTC
Upcoming 2022 - 2023 Meeting Dates & Themes:
April 12, 2023
Inside the Box - Fan Characteristics and Applications - Mark W. Fly | Federal High-Performance, low-Carbon, Resilient Buildings Programs - Kinga Porst Hydras
May 2023
Refrigeration & Spring Tour
Programs
April 12, 2023
Hilton Arlington
950 N Stafford St
Arlington, VA
3:30-5:30 PM - PES Seminar
5:30-630 PM - Happy Hour
6:30-8:00 PM - Dinner
Inside the Box – Fan Characteristics and Applications
Fans provide the primary transport method for moving thermal energy into occupied spaces in most all cases. Designers need to understand the characteristics and limitations of fans, even if imbedded in into packaged or self-contained equipment to apply the equipment properly. This presentation will cover:
- Different fan types and their characteristics
- Fan curves and fan laws, how to use and apply them
- Fan stall and unstable regions of operation
- How to select the best fan for the flow, static and acoustical performance desired
Mark W. Fly, P.E. - Executive Director of the Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center & Laboratory
Mr. Fly has over 40 years of experience as a Researcher, Consulting Engineer, Contractor, and Manufacturer in the HVAC Industry. He is currently the Executive Director of the Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center & Laboratory, (NAIC) at AAON, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as Director of Engineering of AAON for 11 years prior to taking that position. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from Missouri State University and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in two states.
In ASHRAE, Mr. Fly holds the grade of Fellow and has been honored with both the Distinguished Service and Exceptional Service Awards. He has been and is currently active on numerous Technical Committees, Standing Committees and Councils, currently serving on the Publishing and Education Council and as a Trustee on the ASHRAE Foundation Board. He served as a Director at Large on the ASHRAE Board of Directors from 2014-2017. He has also been active in the HVAC Industry Trade Association, AHRI. Serving on the Board of Directors from 2012-2016 as Section Chair for Unitary Large Equipment, and Air-to-Air Energy Recovery, he has also participated on the AHRI Technical on Sound, Unitary Sector Leadership Council and is currently serving on the Systems Steering Committee.
Federal High-Performance, Low-Carbon, Resilient Buildings Programs
The US Government has set new climate goals, and new legislation has been signed into law that provides incentives for low-carbon initiatives including programs targeting buildings. In addition, the President issued multiple Executive Orders addressing climate change. The presentation will discuss the new Building Performance Standards and decarbonization efforts in the U.S. General Services Administration. ASHRAE members need to be aware of these new initiatives which will impact their professional lives.
Kinga Porst Hydras, Sustainable Design Expert - GSA Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings
Kinga Porst Hydras serves as a Sustainable Design Expert in the GSA Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings, with particular focus on decarbonization, electrification, grid-interactive efficient buildings, energy efficiency programs, renewable energy, and indoor environmental quality. She has been working on improving the usage of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) in the federal government, forming public-private partnerships to achieve deep energy retrofits in existing buildings. Kinga has over 25 years experience in the public and commercial building industry with extensive knowledge in energy analysis, air conditioning and high performance building practices and policies coupled with 10 years experience in sales and marketing management. In 2010 Kinga served as the elected President of the National Capital Chapter of ASHRAE for a one year term, she was the first female President of the Chapter. Kinga has an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a Masters in Engineering Degree from the Technical University of Budapest. Kinga is a CEM and a LEED-AP.
MEMBERSHIP PROMOTION
Please welcome our newest members to the National Capital Chapter!
Allaina Honda
Brendan Lannig
Alyssa J Gentile
Hyuk Jin Choi
Melissa L Davis
Albert D Venson
Michael Keidar
Batoul Dawood
Achintya B Prasad
Yoftahe T Giorgis Eng
Stephen Wetherhold
Benjamin G Mank
Aaron J Batson
Adam Wolfe
Patrick M Kenny
Want to know more? email membership@nccashrae.org
Women in ashrae
Save the Dates
Networking Event
Bronson Bierhall 4100 FairFax Dr Arlington, VA
April 27 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
young engineers in ashrae
Save the Dates
Region lll YEA Philadelphia Union Soccer Club Tailgate & Game
Soccer Night – DC United Tailgate & Game – August 26th, Washington, DC
Student Activities/YEA Washington Nationals Game – Date TBD
Picnic and Field Day – Date TBD
Young Engineers in ASHRAE’s National Capital Chapter had a great time at the March happy hour at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. Thank you to Johnson Controls to sponsoring this event!
NCC ASHRAE Spring golf outing
Historian's Archives
As the NCC Historian, I (Ryan Westlund) am always looking for opportunities to share something about the buildings of the DC metro area. As a strong believer in anthropocentric design, it also behooves us to dig into the people for which buildings have been built or to whom they are dedicated in History. This is one of those looks back.
Every morning, my wife walks our 6-year-old to Kindergarten at Myrtilla Miner Elementary in Northeast D.C. Although you may not recognize her name on an elementary school, you may have seen The Myrtilla Miner Building at Howard University. If not, and given International Women’s Day is this week and after just coming out of Black History Month it seemed appropriate to dig into a bit of our own local History.
Here is a great article, The Story of Myrtilla Miner: Uplifting the Black Scholars of the Nation's Capital, recently published in The Dig, a publication by Howard University, to highlight Miner and her great contributions. Additionally, it provides a history about the building on Howard’s Campus, which has been chosen to kick-off the major campus renovation that has begun in the last few weeks. For those in our Chapter that are privileged to work on the Miner Building or other projects in the Campus Master Plan, the Board would love to hear from you, so that we can share with the chapter and AEC community.
Technology awards
Have your project and design team recognized by ASHRAE!
ASHRAE Tech Awards provide an opportunity to have your project and design team recognized by ASHRAE, from the chapter level, to the regional level, even up to ASHRAE society level. Have you worked on a project that incorporated innovative design approaches, or achieved noteworthy sustainability metrics? New construction, existing building renovations, and existing building commissioning projects are all welcome.
Fill out the short form submission, which is at the end of the Tech Awards flyer - click the button below to jump straight to the flyer.
But hurry! Submissions to NCC are due by April 30th.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tech Awards chair, Stephen Niez, at stephen.niez@gmail.com
government affairs
There are plenty of opportunities to engage in policy conversations on building energy and climate change in 2023! Here are a few local events to check out
Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy
Where: Capital Hilton, Washington, DC
When: April 11-13, 2023
Meet your elected officials!
We're working to arrange an opportunity for you to meet your elected officials to talk about ASHRAE! To get involved and learn more, please email government_activities_national@nccashrae.org and include your zip code.
Part of Government Affairs is to educate our elected officials about what an important role ASHRAE plays in the built environment. We want our elected officials to turn to ASHRAE as a key resource of information as they work on policies that affect anything from energy efficiency to indoor air quality to legionella safety. This is a great opportunity to highlight your experience as an ASHRAE member with one of your elected officials.
ASHRAE relies on YOU for support. If you are interested in donating, please visit
https://nccashrae.org/product/corporate-sponsorship/