January Lunch Meeting

Topic Description-

How significant are recent and forecasted climate trends to the practical design of HVAC systems in the southwest

This presentation reviews a range of sources of published weather data,  and summarizes past temperature trends and forecasts.  Energy modelling of a recent HVAC design in the Environmental and Natural Resources Building  at the University of Arizona is used to demonstrate the impact of increased outside air temperature on peak energy demand and equipment sizing criteria.  Trends in industry standards, technology, and HVAC design approach over the past decade are discussed in the context of the increasing environmental and economic pressures brought on by increasing ambient temperature. An assessment of the need to consider climate forecast in current design of air conditioning is offered.

About the Speaker-

Henry Johnstone

Henry Johnstone, P.E. serves as the President of GLHN Architects & Engineers, Inc. in Tucson, AZ.  As a senior mechanical engineer, he has been Project Manager and led multi-disciplinary teams on numerous large-scale projects for public sector including governmental, municipalities, and higher educational projects, including the $50 million Residence Life Building Renewal and a $15 million Phase VI Utilities projects at the University of Arizona and $50 million Utilities Infrastructure Renewal project at the University of New Mexico.  Henry, is a member of IEDA and has presented papers at previous IDEA conferences in Reno, Pittsburg, Chicago, and Boston.