Call for Programs

2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference (June 22 - 26, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN, USA)

2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference Tracks

1 Fundamentals and Applications:  Fundamentals are the foundation for understanding applications in engineering. Key components of ASHRAE fundamentals include thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, 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 Chair: Atilla Biyikoglu  | abiyik@gazi.edu.tr

2 HVAC&R Systems and Equipment:  HVAC&R Systems and Equipment are constantly evolving to address the changing requirements of the built environment.  Papers and programs in this track focus on the development of new systems and equipment, novel applications of existing systems and equipment, improvements to existing systems and equipment and the proper application and operation of systems and equipment.

Track Chair: Ng Yong Kong  | nyk@nyk.com.my

3 Research Summit: Active research, and the exchange of those research findings, are critical to the development of our HVAC&R industry and built environment. The 2024 Annual Research Summit invites researchers to share those results, including ASHRAE-sponsored research and research of interest to the ASHRAE community. Researchers are invited to present papers, extended abstracts, seminars, forums or participate in panel discussions. The Research Summit includes a partnership with ASHRAE's archival journal, Science and Technology for the Built Environment.

Track Chair: Kristin Cetin  | cetinkri@msu.edu

4 Professional Development: As members of a professional organization, we participate not only for the great value of technical exchange, but also the interpersonal exchange. We recognize that the single greatest strength of our organization is its membership. This track is designed to allow those professionals an opportunity to develop in the areas of presentation skills, leadership, team building, understanding various business operations, interpersonal skills, etc. The Professional Development Track will cover all aspects of business outside of engineering/technical applications and lends itself to interactive session types such as workshops and forums.

Track Chair: Ahmed Abdelsalam  | ahmed.abdel-salam@usask.ca

5 Electrification: Possibilities and Pitfalls: Global legislative efforts are pushing for full electrification of the building sector. This track features programs that explore the required technology to meet legislative targets and the seen and unforeseen challenges and consequences of rapidly electrifying the built environment in parallel with other sectors. Submissions are encouraged in the areas of relationships between electrification and decarbonization, electrification of space and water heating, building/grid interactions in a highly electrified environment, onsite energy generation and storage, district energy systems, and all other areas related to the electrification of building systems.

Track Chair: Kevin Brown  | kevin@kbsquared.net

6 Artificial Intelligence and the Built Environment: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have the potential to transform how we design, optimize, and operate buildings and equipment. From the automated design of heat exchangers to adaptive controls to the development of new working fluids, the possibilities are vast. This track highlights papers, case studies, and programs that separate the hype from reality and explore the possibilities of AI and ML tools for advancing technology for the built environment.

Track Chair: Vinod Venugopal  | vinodpvgopal@gmail.com

7 Building Life Cycle Assessment: The explosion of computational capacity and data collection capability is rapidly expanding the scope, complexity, and practical applications of modeling and performance characterization both during design, construction, end-of-life, but even more so for fault detection, diagnostics, and operational optimization. These data can provide better insights on the whole life cycle impact of building construction and operation on efficiency and decarbonization goals. This track welcomes programs related to all aspects of building life cycle assessment, with a particular interest in successful applications that have extended modeling into operational phases of the building life cycle.

Track Chair: Money Khanna  | khannamoney@gmail.com

8 Legislation, Standards, Codes, and Guidelines: Legislation such as the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 and global F-Gas regulations can dramatically impact the building sector by incentivizing different technologies and approaches to managing building energy systems. In addition, ASHRAE is well known for its standards and design guidelines and their continuous evolution to improve the built environment and its systems in terms of IEQ, resource efficiency, and energy consumption.  ASHRAE Members must be able to keep up with the rapidly evolving legislative environment and prepare to inform future legislation, standards, and codes.  The programs in this track highlight recent changes and opportunities to inform new legislation, standards and guidelines and their impact on the buildings sector.

Track Chair: Cindy Callaway  | cindy.callaway@p2sinc.com

Contact Info

Conference Chair: Brian Fronk
Email: bmf141@psu.edu

Staff Support
For information on the technical program, special events, special sessions and general conference inquiries:

Haley Booker-Lauridson
Conference Programs Coordinator
Email: hblauridson@ashrae.org

Technical Support

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

Tracks

Track 1: Artificial Intelligence and the Built Environment

Track Chair: Vinod Venugopal
Email: vinodpvgopal@gmail.com

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have the potential to transform how we design, optimize, and operate buildings and equipment. From the automated design of heat exchangers to adaptive controls to the development of new working fluids, the possibilities are vast. This track highlights papers, case studies, and programs that separate the hype from reality and explore the possibilities of AI and ML tools for advancing technology for the built environment.

Track 2: Building Life Cycle Assessment

Track Chair: Money Khanna
Email: khannamoney@gmail.com

The explosion of computational capacity and data collection capability is rapidly expanding the scope, complexity, and practical applications of modeling and performance characterization both during design, construction, end-of-life, but even more so for fault detection, diagnostics, and operational optimization. These data can provide better insights on the whole life cycle impact of building construction and operation on efficiency and decarbonization goals. This track welcomes programs related to all aspects of building life cycle assessment, with a particular interest in successful applications that have extended modeling into operational phases of the building life cycle.

Track 3: Electrification: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Track Chair: Kevin Brown
Email: kevin@kbsquared.net

Global legislative efforts are pushing for full electrification of the building sector. This track features programs that explore the required technology to meet legislative targets and the seen and unforeseen challenges and consequences of rapidly electrifying the built environment in parallel with other sectors. Submissions are encouraged in the areas of relationships between electrification and decarbonization, electrification of space and water heating, building/grid interactions in a highly electrified environment, onsite energy generation and storage, district energy systems, and all other areas related to the electrification of building systems.

Track 4: Fundamentals and Applications

Track Chair: Atilla Biyikoglu
Email: abiyik@gazi.edu.tr

Fundamentals are the foundation for understanding applications in engineering. Key components of ASHRAE fundamentals include thermodynamics, psychrometrics, fluid flow, and heat and mass transfer. 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 5: HVAC&R Systems and Equipment

Track Chair: Ng Yong Kong
Email: nyk@nyk.com.my

HVAC&R Systems and Equipment are constantly evolving to address the changing requirements of the built environment. Papers and programs in this track focus on the development of new systems and equipment, novel applications of existing systems and equipment, improvements to existing systems and equipment and the proper application and operation of systems and equipment.

Track 6: Legislation, Standards, Codes, and Guidelines

Track Chair: Cynthia Callaway
Email: cindy.callaway@p2sinc.com

Legislation such as the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 and global F-Gas regulations can dramatically impact the building sector by incentivizing different technologies and approaches to managing building energy systems. In addition, ASHRAE is well known for its standards and design guidelines and their continuous evolution to improve the built environment and its systems in terms of IEQ, resource efficiency, and energy consumption.  ASHRAE Members must be able to keep up with the rapidly evolving legislative environment and prepare to inform future legislation, standards, and codes.  The programs in this track highlight recent changes and opportunities to inform new legislation, standards and guidelines and their impact on the buildings sector.

Track 7: Research Summit

Track Chair: Kristen Cetin
Email: cetinkri@msu.edu

Active research, and the exchange of those research findings, are critical to the development of our HVAC&R industry and built environment. The 11th annual research summit invites researchers to share those results, including ASHRAE-sponsored research and research of interest to the ASHRAE community. Researchers are invited to present papers, extended abstracts, seminars, forums or participate in panel discussions. The Research Summit includes a partnership with ASHRAE's archival journal, Science and Technology for the Built Environment.

Track 8: Workforce Development

Track Chair: Ahmed Abdel Salam
Email: ahmed.abdel-salam@usask.ca

As members of a professional organization, we participate not only for the great value of technical exchange, but also the interpersonal exchange. We recognize that the single greatest strength of our organization is its membership. This track is designed to allow those professionals an opportunity to develop in the areas of presentation skills, leadership, team building, understanding various business operations, interpersonal skills, etc. The Workforce Development Track will cover all aspects of business outside of engineering/technical applications and lends itself to interactive session types such as workshops and forums.

Submission Process

The website is now open for Seminar and Workshop Proposals. Please follow these steps:

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; 3-5 presentations - 90 minutes in length) 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 seven steps to the submission process:

  1. Track: You will be asked to choose which track you are submitting to.
  2. 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.
  3. Additional Background and/or Scheduling Request for this session: Please provide any additional information that will be useful in describing the session that is being proposed. If you have any scheduling requests please state them here.
  4. 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.
  5. Objectives: Please include 4 Learning Objectives for the entire session (not required for Forums). 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:
    • Define Smart Grid functions, objectives and architecture
    • Describe how the Smart Grid affects building operations
    • Provide an overview of Smart Grid projects in North America
    • Describe the federal policies and regulations promoting the Smart Grid
  6. Method of Assessment: Please include 10 questions and answers (in T/F, Yes/No, or multiple choice format only) for the entire session based on the Learning Objectives and what will be covered within the speakers' presentations (not required for Forums).
  7. Confirmation: When your submission is complete, click the "Conclude Submission" button. Note that you will still be able to make changes to your abstract up until the submission deadline.

Seminars and Workshops are eligible for GBCI and AIA credits.

The website is also open for Forum, Panel, and Debate Proposals. Please follow these steps:

To begin, please choose the program type that you would like to submit a program proposal to: Forum (1 Moderator; 60 minutes in length), Debate (1 moderator; 60-90 minutes in length; 3-6 presenters; no individual presentations), or Panel (1 moderator; 3-4 panelists; 60-90 minutes in length).

  1. Track: You will be asked to choose which track you are submitting to.
  2. 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.
  3. Additional Background and/or Scheduling Request for this session: Please provide any additional information that will be useful in describing the session that is being proposed. If you have any scheduling requests please state them here.
  4. People: Enter the name and contact information and select the appropriate role for all session participants.
  5. Confirmation: When your submission is complete, click the "Conclude Submission" button. Note that you will still be able to make changes to your abstract up until the submission deadline.

Forums, Debates, and Panels are not eligible for GBCI and AIA credits.

Panels, Debates, Workshops, and Seminars are recorded for the Virtual Conference.

Publication Schedule

This is the overall publication schedule for the 2024 ASHRAE Annual Conference. For specific details and questions regarding these dates, please contact the appropriate Track Chair.

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Conference Paper Abstracts, Technical Papers, and Paper Session Requests Due
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Conference Paper Abstract Accept/Reject Notifications
Friday, January 5, 2024 Website Opens for Extended Abstracts and Seminar, Workshop, Forum, Debate and Panel Proposals
Monday, February 26, 2024 Debate, Panel, Seminar, Forum, Workshop, and Debate Proposals Due
Friday, March 15, 2024 Extended Abstracts and Full Conference Papers Due
Monday, April 1, 2024 Conference Paper Abstract Accept/Revise/Reject Notifications
Monday, April 1, 2024 Extended Abstract Accept/Reject Notifications
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Revised Conference Papers, Technical Papers Due
Friday, April 12, 2024 Debate, Panel, Seminar, Forum, Workshop Scheduling Notifications
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Conference Paper Final Accept/Reject Notifications

Authors' Resources

Sample Paper

View a sample paper in PDF format.

Templates

Download the conference paper template in MS Word.

Agreement to Publish

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 2021 ASHRAE Virtual Winter Conference in , . 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 March 18, 2019. (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 July 8, 2019 and 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 March 18, 2019, and must complete final review by August 9, 2019.
    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., BEMP, BEAP, CPMP, HBDP, OPMP).
      • 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. Upload in Word format 2 Learning Objectives and 4 Question and Answers (select the file designation "not for review".)
    7. 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 and Workshop Session Chairs are required to submit 4 Learning Objectives and 10 Questions and Answers. These cover the entire seminar.

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

Q&A sets should be in multiple choice or true-false format. These questions will be used for quizzing in the Virtual Conference to provide virtual attendance certificates to Virtual Conference users.

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:

  1. Is 55F the desired coil leaving air temperature in Florida?
    1. Yes
    2. No
  2. True or false: You should use a humidifier in a Florida Lab.
    1. True
    2. False