HVACR Educators Flock to Trainers' Conference

March 31, 2009
Provided an opportunity to learn about changing HVACR technologies, training issues

The HVAC Excellence National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference — March 8-10, Las Vegas, NV — provided an opportunity to learn about the changing technologies and issues effecting training and education in the HVACR industry.

The 2009 conference offered 50 sessions over a two-day period for attendees to attend both teaching technique classes and technical sessions. Subjects included:

  • ABC's of Teaching
  • Accountability
  • Air Flow Measurements
  • Carbon Monoxide and Building Pressures
  • Duct Design
  • Electronically Commutated Motors
  • Energy Auditing

William Craddick — Deputy Director of the Building Technology Research and Integration Center based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) — delivered the keynote address. Craddick introduced many of the DOE's equipment efficiency initiatives and explained their impact on the HVACR industry.

Terry Hoffmann, director, BAS marketing for Johnson Controls, gave a presentation on the growth of direct digital control techniques.

Don Reynolds of Rheem Manufacturing covered ECM technology relative to motor theory, installation, set-up, service, maintenance, how motors are programmed, basic ECM technology, and how ECM motors are able to achieve constant airflow. Emphasis was placed on the comfort and efficiency benefits of variable speed motors.

Richard Benkowski, a sales engineer for Carrier, introduced green awareness as it pertains to HVAC, indoor air quality (IAQ), plumbing, and electrical.

Train the Trainer — Carbon Monoxide
Upon completion of the 2009 National HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference, the Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (COSA) offered a one day train-the-trainer program on March 11th at the Imperial Palace. The 9 hour train-the-trainer program empowers educators and trainers to offer carbon monoxide and building pressure training as part of their curriculum.

Award presentations

  • The Leadership Award was presented to Michael Flynn of Hampden Engineering.
  • The Green Award was presented to Richard Benkowski of Carrier.
  • The Award of Merit was presented to David Meister, Jevaris Pettis, Jeff Langly, and Ed Desch of Midwest Technical Institute, Springfield, IL.

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