Influence of HVACR Manufacturers, Designers Focus of ASHRAE Debate

Jan. 7, 2014
“Manufacturers Are the Real Designers” is the fourth debate in a series offered by the ASHRAE College of Fellows addressing issues of importance in the HVACR industry.

Who has the bigger influence on building performance—equipment manufacturers or system designers—is the subject of a debate to be held Monday, Jan. 20, at 8 a.m. at the New York Hilton as part of the technical program of ASHRAE’s 2014 Winter Conference.

Part of the Systems and Equipment track, “Manufacturers Are the Real Designers” is the fourth debate in a series offered by the ASHRAE College of Fellows addressing issues of importance in the HVACR industry. It will be chaired by Victor Goldschmidt, a consultant from Northport, Mich.

“In most instances, there is a healthy cooperation between equipment manufacturers and design consulting engineers,” Goldschmidt said. “At times, there can be conflicts in resolving responsibilities. The debate will allow opposite arguments to be considered, leading to the best results.”

Topics Goldschmidt expects to be addressed include the impacts of integrated product development and building information modeling, the difference between equipment-driven and system-driven designs, and roles of and expectations for design manufacturers and professional design engineers.

Team One will consist of Larry Spielvogel, PE, consulting engineer, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.; George Adams, president, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE); and ASHRAE Presidential Member Tom E. Watson, PE, Daikin Applied, Staunton, Va.

Team Two will consist of ASHRAE Presidential Member Richard Rooley, FREng, Rooley Consultants, Bucks, United Kingdom; Don Beaty, PE, DLB Associates, Eatontown, N.J.; and ASHRAE Presidential Member Bill Coad, PE, Coad Engineering Enterprises, St. Louis.

Lots will be drawn just prior to the start of the debate to determine which side each team will argue. Each speaker will present an opening argument. The audience will join in the debate before the closing argument.

ASHRAE’s 2014 Winter Conference will be held Jan. 18-22 at the New York Hilton. For complete conference information and to register, visit www.ashrae.org/newyork.