Contact Info/Tracks

• Track 1: Indoor Environment – Health, Comfort and Productivity

  Track Chair: Thomas H. Kuehn / Joel Primeau

  Email: kuehn001@umn.edu / joelp@rogers.com

  Besides addressing thermal comfort and other IEQ issues, buildings and other enclosed spaces are increasingly challenged to provide a healthy environment in an energy efficient manner. The complex relationship between indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, coupled with the impacts of climate change, requires a paradigm shift towards creating buildings that are comfortable and healthy for the occupants yet also energy efficient. Although the goal of improved IAQ and thermal comfort can be achieved by increasing energy consumption, it can also be achieved without significant increase or even with decreased energy consumption. However, there is little information on how to improve energy efficiency in buildings while still ensuring healthy, comfortable and safe indoor environments. This track will review the state of knowledge of the balance of environmental health and energy efficiency in buildings and help define future education, policy and research directions. The roles of building, HVAC and passive system design and operation for achieving good environmental health in low energy buildings (both new and retrofit) will be the core theme of track.

• Track 2: Research Summit

  Track Chair: David E. Claridge / Robert Neely

  Email: dclaridge@tamu.edu / alan_neely@pghcorning.com

  The 2nd Annual ASHRAE Research Track seeks to present innovations in HVAC&R research with particular emphasis on High Performance Building Design and its role as we strive towards a clean energy economy. A high performance building refers to a building that is designed, constructed, and capable of being operated in a manner that increases environmental performance and economic value over time. Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that high performance buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. This track seeks research that covers the most important element(s) of the building that lead to its designation as a high performance building. This may include both the equipment and operational strategies, and how these elements are integrated into the whole building, both functionally and aesthetically. Researchers are invited to present papers, seminars, forums or participate in panel discussions. Also, highlights on ongoing ASHRAE funded research will be presented. Join us in this comprehensive compilation of research-related papers and programs that peer into what the future holds.

• Track 3: Ground Source Heat Pumps: State of the Art Design, Performance and Research

  Track Chair: Jeffrey Spitler / Michael Kuk / Carol E. Marriott

  Email: spitler@okstate.edu / Michael.p.kuk@gmail.com / carol@carolmarriott.com

  Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems are known to be one of the most energy-efficient, cost effective, and environmentally benign HVAC options available.  This has been proven over and over again through energy efficient buildings which are the highest performers in EnergyStar and LEED performance ratings.  However this performance only comes with proper design and application of the technology.  This track will take the engineer through aspects of site development, design, construction, commissioning and system turn-over that lead to optimally performing systems and satisfied building owners.  It will also help the engineer avoid common pitfalls that lead to poorly performing systems.  Research into innovative systems, heat exchanger performance, design and simulation methods, and optimal operation will also be covered. Papers/presentations are invited for all types of GSHP systems– including closed loop, open loop, vertical, horizontal, standing column wells, thermal piles, and surface water heat pump systems.

• Track 4: HVAC&R Systems & Equipment

  Track Chair: Kevin Gallen / Chuck Curlin

  Email: kevin@gallenengineering.com / ccurlin@shultzeg.com

  Selection of equipment and systems is paramount to HVAC&R design. Choosing the best combination for a building can be a daunting task. This track will discuss how to implement traditional, non-traditional, and hybrid systems to achieve successful HVAC&R systems design. Considerations for designing systems and equipment for high performance, LEED certified and sustainable buildings will be emphasized. Papers and programs in this track will assist designers, engineers, and operators in the design, selection, and operation of HVAC&R systems and equipment.

• Track 5: HVAC&R Fundamentals and Applications

  Track Chair: Daniel Fisher / Jennifer E. Leach

  Email: dfisher@okstate.edu / pennst8jen@yahoo.com

  Fundamentals are the foundation for understanding applications in engineering. Key components of ASHRAE fundamentals include thermodynamics, psychrometrics, fluid and mass flow. This track provides opportunities for papers and presentations of varying levels across a large topic base. Concepts, design elements and shared experiences for theoretical and applied concepts of HVAC&R design are included.

• Track 6: Standards, Guidelines and Codes

  Track Chair: Samir Traboulsi / Chris Balbach

  Email: samir.traboulsi@mail.ashrae.org / cbalbach@psdconsulting.com

  ASHRAE is known for its standards and design guidelines – and they are constantly evolving with the intent on improving the built environment and its systems. Designers, Contractors and Owners must be able to keep up with the continuing changes in the current cycle but to also be prepared for the future changes. What is the relationship between ASHRAE Standards compared to codes utilized internationally? How do European (CEN) and ISO standards support building performance? In addition, there is a large interaction of ASHRAE with the code authorities and government to incorporate these standards and guidelines. The series of sessions in this track highlight the changes to the standards and guidelines, their projected path and optimum design techniques to meet or exceed the standards.

• Track 7: Refrigeration

  Track Chair: Pam Androff / Ann Peratt / Jeff K. Smith

  Email: pamela.androff@gmail.com / ann.peratt@gmail.com / jksmith@southernco.com

  Refrigeration is such a huge part of our daily life.  It satisfies our daily environmental comfort needs; it cools, freezes and aids in storing food; it makes ice for our drinks and the skating rinks; it is even used in medical environments such as cryogenics.  With refrigeration having such an impact on our life, how much about it do you really know?  There have been a lot of improvements and changes to the refrigeration systems to accommodate the increased system efficiency and decreased global warming targets.  New refrigerants, variable refrigerant flow applications, magnetic bearing compressors and refrigerant management are all seeing significant international market exposure for comfort cooling.  In addition, the non-comfort cooling applications are pushing boundaries in food preservation, medical cryogenics, and other areas of everyday life. This track seeks papers and programs that address the wide range of applications of refrigerants and its improvements. Papers and programs in this track will educate everyone on the simplest of applications to the most difficult of systems.

• Track 8: Installation, Commissioning, Operation, Maintenance of Existing Buildings

  Track Chair: Sarah E. Maston / Andrea Zarour

  Email: sarah@greenfootprintscx.com / azarour@greaterbaymechanical.com

  With low energy and zero energy buildings becoming more prevalent, there are many issues that arise with installation, startup, commissioning and O&M. Making sure that the design intent of these more complicated HVAC systems is understood by all team members and building operators is key to the building’s success. This track will address an array of topics including lessons learned, improvement of process and team communications and effort to improve the installation, startup, O&M and commissioning of HVAC systems

• Track 9: Professional Skills

  Track Chair: Pam Androff / Ann Peratt / Leon Shapiro

  Email: pamela.androff@gmail.com / ann.peratt@gmail.com / leoneshapiro@gmail.com

  People judge other people in one of four ways: how you look; how you act; what you say; and what you do. The Professional Skills track of ASHRAE is focused on all of these items with emphasis on the final two items – what you say and what you do. The Professional Skills track is designed to help professional engineers and others to develop in the areas of presentation skills, business acumen, understanding the areas of accounting, finance and customer service, human resources, contract and collections, and legal issues. In short, the Professional Skills Track can cover all aspects of business management and business ownership that do not involve the actual engineering of projects and systems.

Conference Program Chair: Mike McDermott

Email: MMcdermott@grummanbutkus.com

Staff Support

For information on the technical program, special events, special sessions and general conference inquiries
Tiffany D. Cox
Conference Program Administrator
Email: tcox@ashrae.org

Technical Support

For technical problems or for help in submitting an abstract online, email Tech Support

Submission Process

To begin, please choose the program type that you would like to submit a program proposal to: Seminar (1-2 presentations - 60 minutes in length; 3-4 presentations - 90 minutes in length), Forum (1 moderator; 60 minutes in length; no presentations), or Workshop (1 chair, 1-2 presentations; 60 minutes in length; 30 minutes reserved for discussion).

Before beginning your submission, it may be a good idea to gather all the information that you will be required to submit.

There are five steps to the submission process:

1. Session Description: Enter the title of the session. Also please provide a 100 word abstract. Please complete the rest of information, including TC sponsors (if any), estimate of the size of audience, etc.
2. People: Provide your name and contact information as the session organizer. Enter presenters by choosing the "Presenter" checkbox. You will need to enter the presentation title as well. Once a presenter has been entered, you will see the presentation title and presenter's name listed on the "People" step. Click on the icon in the Abstract text column to enter the abstract. Click on the author's name to add co-presenters and speaker bios.
3. Objectives: Please include 4 Learning Objectives for the entire session. The Learning Objectives should complete the statement, "After attending this session, the attendees will be able to..." All 4 Learning Objectives need to be addressed by the speakers. The Learning Objectives should use measurable verbs such as "Explain," "Describe," "Distinguish," "Design," "Apply," etc., such as the example below:
1. Define Smart Grid functions, objectives and architecture
2. Describe how the Smart Grid affects building operations
3. Provide an overview of Smart Grid projects in North America
4. Describe the federal policies and regulations promoting the Smart Grid
4. Method of Assessment: Please include 10 questions and answers for the entire session based on the Learning Objectives and what will be covered within the speakers' presentations.
5. Confirmation: When you are happy with your submission, click the "Conclude Submission" button. Note that you will still be able to make changes to your abstract up until the submission deadline.

Publication Schedule

This is the overall publication schedule for the ASHRAE 2014 Annual Conference, Seattle. For specific details and questions regarding these dates, please contact the appropriate Track Chair.

Jan. 6, 2014	Web Site Opens for Seminar, Forum, and Workshop Proposals
Jan. 9, 2014	Final Conference Papers Submitted for Review (Includes Bio, Learning Objectives and Methods of Assessment)
Feb. 13	Seminar, Forum, and Workshop Program Proposals Due
Feb. 21	Conference Paper accept/reject notifications
Feb. 25	Technical Papers Final Review
March 5	Conference Paper accept/reject notifications
March 25	Notifications of Seminar, Forum, and Workshop Accept/Reject Distributed
May 6	Upload of PPTs Begin
June 2	All PPTs Due Online
June 28	Speaker's Lounge Opens

Authors' Resources

Sample Paper

View a sample paper in PDF format.

Templates

Download the conference paper template in MS Word.

Publishing Agreement

Authors of approved Conference Paper abstracts are required to submit a signed Agreement to Publish form. A link will be in the acceptance letter to access and submit the form in electronic format.

Description of Papers

There are two types of paper presentations: Conference Paper and Technical Paper. Both must be submitted by their respective deadlines in order to be considered for presentation at the ASHRAE 2014 Annual Conference in Seattle, WA. Please note the submission process is different for each paper type.

1. Conference Papers: two-step process - an abstract of the paper (400 words or less) is due for review by September 23. (Please select the "Submission Process" tab for more details and examples). The abstract must be approved prior to submitting the paper.

   Conference papers are shorter than technical papers, undergo a less stringent review and can be prepared closer to the conferences. Unlike technical papers, abstracts of conference papers are submitted first for review. Upon acceptance of the abstract, papers are due January 9, 2014, undergo a single-blind review and must be approved by two reviewers. Due to this shorter time frame for review as well as a single review cycle, Conference Papers being submitted should be considered "Final" by the author. "Final" means that it could be published on the internet the next day – which puts responsibility by the author to have quality checks prior to submitting. Conference papers can be a maximum of eight single-spaced pages in length. Papers are submitted in 'final' form using the template.

   Guidelines for Authors of Approved Conference Paper Abstracts
   Below are some guidelines to consider when preparing your Conference Paper. Please note that the guidelines are significant factors in determining the acceptance of your Conference Paper.

   • Adherence to the template.

     The Conference Paper template and paper sample are located on the Author's Resources tab for your reference. Per the conference paper template, please include an author's note at the bottom of page 1 of your manuscript.

     1. Author note with job title, affiliation, and address (city, state, country) must be given for each author in the following form:

        J.L. Doe is associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan. R.L. Roe is president at Consulting Engineers, Inc., Lawrence, Kans.

     2. Paper is no more than 8 single-spaced pages in length total (includes text, tables, figures, etc.)
     3. Non-commercial (paper does not focus on a single product -- proprietary or not.)
     4. Paper has not been previously published.
     5. Equations are accurate.
     6. Paper includes dual units (I-P and SI). Both text and tables require the addition of dual units.
     7. Technical merit, effectiveness of the manuscript (organization & writing), originality.
     8. Relevance to ASHRAE members.
     9. Acknowledgment of the work of others by reference.
     10. Ready to be published.
   • Additionally, your Conference Paper must be submitted as a PDF file, referencing your ID# as the file name.
2. Technical Papers: full-length Technical Papers are due September 23, 2013 and must complete final review by February 25, 2014.
   Technical papers are presented by authors at ASHRAE Winter and Annual conferences and then published in ASHRAE Transactions. Papers submitted for review must be both technically accurate and clearly written. Technical papers undergo a rigorous double-blind review and must be approved by three reviewers knowledgeable in the subject matter. Presentation is by poster or orally, if grouped into a session with related papers. Technical papers can be up to 30 double-spaced manuscript pages in length, including tables and charts, and a maximum of 12 figures (not counted in the page count).

   Guidelines for Complete Submission of a Technical Paper for Review

   To submit a full-length technical paper, go to http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ashrae. The following items are mandatory for submission:

   1. When writing your Technical Paper manuscript, please follow the guidelines in the ASHRAE Authors Manual.
   2. Upload a title page with complete authors' listing (Word format). The author's listing should be submitted as a separate file (Word format), and must include:
      • Title of the paper
      • Author names in desired order, principal author first, with (if applicable) ASHRAE membership grade, academic degrees at the doctoral level (e.g., Ph.D., D.Sc.), and professional certification (e.g., P.E.).
      • Author note with job title, affiliation, and address (city, state, country) must be given for each author in the following form:

        J.L. Doe is associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan. R.L. Roe is president at Consulting Engineers, Inc., Lawrence, Kans.

      • Complete contact information for the corresponding author, including mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and email address.
   3. The paper has a maximum of 12 figures.
   4. The length of the text including tables is a maximum of 15 single spaced pages (and figures can be extra.)
   5. Upload your Agreement to Publish form(s) signed by every author.
   6. Include dual units of measurements in tables and text (I-P and SI Units)

Learning Objectives and Q&A

ASHRAE submits its conference technical program for approval for NY PDHs, AIA Learning Units and GBCI LEED-AP continuing education credits. Among the requirements for approval are Learning Objectives and Questions and Answers for each of the sessions.

Seminar Session Chairs are required to submit 4 Learning Objectives and 10 Questions and Answers. These are for the entire seminar as opposed to providing that number for each presentation.

Conference Paper and Technical Paper Authors are required to submit 2 Learning Objectives and 4 Question and Answers upon upload of the final paper

Following are examples of each:

Learning Objectives: The Learning Objectives should complete the statement, "After attending this session, the attendees will be able to…" Learning Objectives need to be addressed by the speakers and should use measurable verbs such as "Explain," "Describe," "Distinguish," "Design," "Apply," etc., such as the example below:

1. Define Smart Grid functions, objectives and architecture
2. Describe how the Smart Grid affects building operations
3. Provide an overview of Smart Grid projects in North America
4. Describe the federal policies and regulations promoting the Smart Grid

Method of Assessment (Q&A): Please include questions with answers based on the Learning Objectives and what will be covered within the Seminar.

Example:

Q1.Is 55F the desired coil leaving air temperature in Florida?
A1. No. Not enough moisture is removed from the airstream at 55 LAT.

Q2. Would you use a humidifier in a Florida Lab?
A2. Yes - for 100% Outside Air systems because it reaches less than 30% RH for periods of time which impact powdery substances.