You are here

Project Updates for Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

Search tips:
  • This form will search for words in the title OR the description. If you would like to search for the same term(s) across both the title and description, enter the same search term(s) in both fields.
  • This form will search for any of the words you enter in a field, not the exact phrase you enter. If you would like to search for an exact phrase, put double quotes (") around the phrase. For example, if you search for Bike Path you will get results containing either the word Bike OR the word Path, but if you search for "Bike Path" you will get results containing the exact phrase Bike Path.

Pages

  1. Meeting with Mark Ginsberg, Paul Francisco, and Sterling Laylock

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Morgan White, Sarthak Prasad, and Quinn Connolly met with Mark Ginsberg, Paul Francsico, and Sterling Laylock to discuss HVAC projects. Below are notes from the meeting:

    Techlink: Contaminant Flow Calculator and Intelligent HVAC

    • Attended by - Sarthak Prasad, Morgan White, Sterling Laylock, Mark Ginsberg, Paul Francisco, and Quinn Connolly
    • Introductions
      • Mark talked about the research
        • Partial differential equation
        • Solve issues using the software
    • Sterling is going to facilitate the meeting
      • Intelligent HVAC systems patent from Mark Ginsberg
      • License the patent
      • So people can do more using that
      • Synergy with University of Illinois and RPC's ICRT
      • Campus as a Living Lab
    • Morgan talked about the Safetraces project
      • Healthy environments for the users - during covid
      • SL connected with students
      • SL and Carl Tutt put together a funding application for SSC in collab with students
      • We don’t have a bucket of funding for these types of project
      • We would like to do another building on campus
        • Using the knowledge with Mark Ginsberg
      • The Building Envelope project for Transportation Building
        • This building is on the list of improvements
        • Blow-door tests
        • SSC project
    • MW asked what kind of opportunities there might be using Mark's technology?
      • Asked SL to start first
        • There is going to be a follow up
        • SL is going to make a recommendation to the Governor's Office
        • Seems that the Governor's office don’t have all the information - so they are asking for it now
        • It will directly benefit the private companies
        • The SB253 and SB 261 - The California Environmental reporting updates starting soon
          • Marsh McClennan is working on this
        • London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and one more stock exchange
        • Marsh McClennan Company to make contact with us - to help with this Environment reporting
          • Can be a good collaboration opportunity
          • Use of the Techlink technology
        • This company's work will not only help California's State Environmental reporting, but also extend to Illinois'
      • Demonstrate the software on university buildings?
        • SL - There is a version
          • Is there an intelligent HVAC in the building
          • MG - EPA is building a simulator at some point
            • A building inside the building
        • MG - The patent takes several years to go through
          • It was awarded at the same time as Covid
          • It was filed when Anthrax issue
        • MG - Trying on campus-
          • The instruction is simple for students
          • One - Solution exist
            • Contaminated person going to hospital don’t cause superspreader event all the time…
          • Recommendations-
            • Replace the air filter frequently
            • Keep the fan on
          • Single family house - taking HVAC from Auto to on (fan) -
            • $18 per month investment
            • Researched some time ago
          • You don’t want somebody downwind of someone
          • Buildings where this technology can be easily deployed?
            • Transportation Building?
            • Classrooms -
        • How would someone do the assessment?
          • Are you getting enough air changes per hour?
          • Are you leaving the builidng's air/fan on when the building is occupied?
            • Turn it off after 6 pm or when everybody leaves
        • The calculation of the consequence is - Advanced UG or Early Grad student could do it
    • SL - Licensing for the technology
      • Small business could use this technology - Phase 2?
      • Phase 1 -
        • Proof of business model?
    • MG -
      • By U of I standard - everything is siting on soft money
      • Nation wide hunt for the tech transfer for his product, and perhaps monetize them
      • MG can keep SL informed but that is how he wants to go
        • Nation wide search himself or hire a specialist
        • Big candidate
          • Big HVAC companies
          • Architecture/Architecture Design companies
            • Benteley Software- company
      • The prospect of
        • What is considered a starter and non-starter
    • There is not a direct benefit to MG?
      • We want to see if we can pay for MG
      • We don’t want to just do this for students to get some experience, we want to learn about the campus and campus buildings too…
    • MG - in terms of monetizing, it is not dependent on if U of I could get some money in the door
    • MW - Which type of buildings?
      • We have some students in Masters in Energy Planning
      • Leon Liebenberg
      • SSC funding - 1 year project
      • Energy efficiency and Air quality
      • We need to make sure that there is someone other than SP and MW advising the students
      • Campus side
        • Students/researchers - propose something they want to do
        • We want to know what would be helpful
    • MG - He has been cooperating with some professors there
      • He will work with some professors who are here currently
      • Right verbiage
      • What I want vs what would fit in student's education
      • Ty Newell - Horizon House
      •  
    • PF - IHSI might be a good connection also
      • Toni Jacobi or Craig Bradshaw
      • Craig Bradshaw is the head of ACRC
    • MW - What we are trying to offer
      • We can help with if we are allowed to use a building for this project
      • Introducing people in faculty and researchers
    • MW - Would you like to do a demonstration project on U of I campus?
      • Yes
      • He will talk to a few people and he will get back to us.
    • We want to start with a small building - Atmospheric Building
    • MG - we can work with some office spaces
      • Not classroom heavy spaces
      • Preferred - Office heavy spaces - some classrooms in the same building are fine
      • Noyes Lab - complicated
      • AITS building
      • Levis Center
      • Orchard Downs
      • North of Green street
      • Transportation Building
      • TBH or Mumford Hall
      • MEL
      • Maybe one of the PRI surveys
      • Formerly SEDAC building
    • Not comfortable with locations with a lot of people at the same time
    • Maybe get together with MG a couple of times a year to maybe tour these places
    • MG - will send a summary email as well

     

     

     

    • Circle back every two weeks?
      • SP will schedule the follow up meeting -
        • Next virtual and then following could be site visits
      • Maybe a site visit as well

     

    Created with OneNote.

  3. Communication with Sterling

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Hi everyone,

     

    Getting these meetings scheduled for the next semester.

     

    Sterling, does this time at 1:30-2 work for you? I will alter the time slot if needed.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Quinn M. Connolly

    -------------------------

    Hi Quinn,

     

    Yes, 1:30-2:00pm works fine for me.

     

    Also, now that you're added our Google Drive please feel free to take a look at the content folders and comment. If you prefer to email me your questions privately, you can do that as well.

     

    Over the holiday I plan to set up a similar Google Drive for us as iCAP Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control as well.

     

    Hi Sarthak + Morgan,

     

    Leon Liebenberg is on the top of my list to answer his questions regarding engineering student participation and SSC.

     

    Thank you for being patient with us up until now and rest assured that it will all be worth the journey!

     

    Have a happy and safe holiday!

     

    Thanks, Sterling

  4. Potential student project for Energy Efficiency HVAC Infection Control

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Hi Leon,

     

    Hope you are doing well.

     

    I am Sarthak Prasad, and I work as the Sustainable Transportation Assistant at Facilities & Services. Morgan and I are working with Sterling Laylock, from Integrating Green Technologies, on Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control. Last year, two of the Masters in Energy Systems, Ali Khan and Dhruvraaj Gambhire, collaborated with us on this project. I wanted to reach out to you and ask if you would be available to meet with us in the next couple of weeks? We wanted to ask if one or two of the Energy Systems graduate students would be interested in helping us out this year as well. Please send me your availability for the next couple of weeks.

     

    Thank you,

    Sarthak

    -------------------------

     

    Good afternoon Sarthak

     

    Thank you for your note.
    It would be a privilege if our M.Eng. students could again work with you, thank you!

    Please can you send me a topic (or topics) and a brief description (or descriptions) of the work that you would like our students to do?

    1. Will you expect our students to perform measurements or will you provide them with acquired data? (Some of our students are online-only, i.e. not on campus …)
    2. Will the students be working with SafeTraces equipment / data? What other equipment might they be working with? Where will students be working?
    3. Will students analyze existing HVAC systems in our buildings or will they need to design systems for yet-to-be-integrated HVAC systems?
    4. Will the students be expected to write proposals for possible SSC funding? If so, please provide details about your financial needs, including the estimated required funds.
    5. Etc.

     

    Many thanks! I look forward to your further communication.

    Kind regards

    Leon

  7. iCAP-IGT2030 Overview 2022-2023 DRAFT-FINAL

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Sarthak + Morgan,

     

    Please see the attached PDF. It includes all iCAP and related activities for 2022-2023.

     

    We have included direct and indirect impacts such as those originating from: active IAQ legislation, public awareness and concerns, capacity and capital building, workforce equity initiatives, violence prevention and cross-disciplinary collaboration between public health officials and building designers.

     

    See you shortly, Sterling

    Attached Files: 

  8. Symposium Registration: Health & Environmental Strategies for Climate Adaptation

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Thank you for your responses so far to attend this very important event to confront Health and Environmental Strategies for Climate Adaptation.

     

    For those who have not yet responded, there is still time. 

     

    Please register using the link below today.

     

    Cart Tutt

    ----------------------------------

    FYI, I'll be speaking at this event this week (online). It is a free event, and we will highlight the indoor air quality project with Safe Traces and Integrating Green Technologies.  Thanks, Morgan 

    ---------------------------------

    Morgan,

     

    Did we get a report on the Astronomy Building from the Safe Traces test they ran?

     

    Dave

  10. SafeTraces follow up meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Sarthak Prasad and Morgan White are meeting with Sterling Laylock from SafeTraces on January 9 from 11 to 12 pm to cover the following:

    • Astronomy Building report findings and potential corrective action
    • Indoor Air Quality Monitoring specific to IT Security
      • UL 2905/UL 2906: Indoor Air Quality Sensor Performance/Sensor Deployment
      • UL Verified IoT Security
      • There is a newer building on campus that has CO2 sensors
        so we can discover what they did and follow that pathway
    • Our ongoing collaborative discussion with the State of Illinois' new Building Infrastructure
      Fund (2nd qtr 2023) where our work with you under iCAP is considered one of the missing pieces 
      of the puzzle.

      Their primary goal is to improve re-occupancy levels within existing buildings and cause new buildings (public and private) to design more effectively for IAQ/IEQ, especially where private development is receiving state funding and concessions.

      Since it was UL Healthy Buildings (Primary Partner of SafeTraces) that introduced IGT to
      the UL/SafeTraces ecosystem, ULHB will be instrumental in providing the capacity needed
      for our efforts with the state led by Illinois Chief Investment Officer, Joe Aguilar.
    • As discussed with Morgan at the end of our Design Thinking Session, Ikenberry Food Hall
      is being considered as our next project and UL Healthy Buildings ULHB is partnering with us
      on it since natural gas and hydrogen sulfide gas may be impacting IAQ/IEQ.

  11. Design Thinking Session Outcomes from the November 10, 2022 meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Here's a short list of outcomes from our Nov 10th Design Thinking Session.

    • There a 2 more Design Thinking Session scheduled for 1st qtr 2023
      • Chicago Archdiocese
      • Cook County Facilities & Asset Mgmt
    • UL Healthy Buildings will become a more hands-on active participant in our iCAP effort to help expand building science expertise specific to the UL Verified Marks to also include the impacts of indoor air particulate, hazardous gases, and building hygiene:
      • SafeTraces Verified Mark for Ventilation and Filtration
      • UL Verified Mark for Healthy Buildings

  13. Nov 10th Meeting Space + Logistics

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Below is an email between Sarthak Prasad, Sterling Laylock, Morgan White, and Carl Tutt:

    Hi Sterling,

     

    Do you know where (which hotel) your guests would be staying for the November 10 all-day workshop? Also, how many people would you expect to attend and how many would require/like the shuttle option? Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you,
    Sarthak

     

    Sarthak Prasad

    ------------------------

    Hi Sarthak,

     

    We are confirming the list of attendees and expect to have a count for you by mid-week. During that process we will verify if any attendees plan on arriving/departing by Amtrak.

     

    I'll be sure to update you asap!

     

    Thanks, Sterling

    -------------------------

    Hi Sarthak + Morgan

     

    As it turns out, there aren't any attendees opting in to arrive by Amtrak. So there does not appear to be a need for the shuttle. Unfortunate but true.

     

    So far, there is a very high-level of interest in this event among attendees. This recent segment that appeared earlier this week on NBC4 Los Angeles made a significant positive impact on everyone.

     

    How IGT2030 Creates Positive Impacts:

    Latest List of Attendees

    To date, we have 35+ confirmed attendees. There is a mix of subject matter experts and non-subject matter experts. They consist of HVAC professionals, engineers, architects, teachers, public officials (elected and non-elected), corporate energy-efficiency executives, industrial hygienists, state and county staff (IL EPA, Dept of Treasury, Cook County), climate investors, K-12 school officials, etc.

     

    Of course, Erik Malmstrom, CEO of SafeTraces will be attending and William P. Bahnfleth, Chair of ASHRAE Covid Epidemic Task Force will stream in via ZOOM to kickoff our Design-Thinking Session after lunch.

     

    On Campus Attendees

    Members for Paul Francisco's team at ICRT will be attending and sharing impactful human-centered health data. When you get an opportunity, please let me know who the potential on-campus attendees may be?

     

    It would be great if we could set up a call for this coming Monday as we continue to tie down any loose ends.

     

    I'd like to send the official invite on Tuesday, Nov 1st at the latest.

     

    Thanks, Sterling

    -------------------------------------

    Hi Morgan,

     

    I chatted with Sarthak now that he's gotten back home to India.

     

    We're hoping to get the exact location and address of our meeting space for next Thursday November 10th so we can send out the formal invitation.

     

    We have 35 plus attendees confirmed and need to get them proper logistics instructions.

     

    Please let us know as soon as you can. We look forward to seeing you on Tues/Wed Nov 8th/9th to see the space.

     

    If there's an actual floor plan we can see beforehand it would be greatly appreciated.

     

    Thank you, Sterling 

  14. Update on the SafeTraces project: Astronomy Building

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Following email was sent by Sterling Laylock regarding the update:

    Hi Sarthak, Yes, we have completed the analysis and are prepared to present our findings for the Astronomy Building.

    We will also be sharing relevant data and insights from additional buildings across other regions of the state as well.

    Proposed Presentation Date

    Thursday, November 10th is our proposed date to present our findings as requested by Morgan White. 

    We also plan to conduct a Design Thinking Session that will include numerous stakeholders as requested by Senator Elgie Sims, Vice-Chair IL, Appropriations II. 

    He is seeking input regarding a strategic allocation of funding for clean indoor air assessments in K-12 and public buildings around the state in order to elevate public outreach and awareness regarding this critical issue.

    Design Thinking Stakeholder Attendees

    Primary stakeholders from outside UIUC-iCAP who have expressed a high level of interest in participating include but will not be limited to:

    • Cook County Facilities and Sustainability

    • Cook County Asset Management

    • Chicago Transit Authority

    • South Suburban Mayor and Managers

    • Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago Asset Management

    • The Obama Foundation Presidential Center

    • Sinai Chicago Health System

    • Indoor Climate Research and Training Center (ICRT)

    • Illinois Growth & Innovation Fund for Social Impact

    Why Are They Interested?

    As we all know, almost all buildings blindly struggle to have enough clean indoor air for us to breathe. 

    Stakeholders need help ending potentially harmful health and financial consequences, so people will feel safe using buildings again.

    In order to do this, we have proposed an Illinois version of the EPA Clean Air In Buildings Program using eligible American Rescue Plan (ARPA), Bipartisan Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Act Funding. 

    Although ARPA dollars have already been allocated in IL, a significant level of funding is still scheduled to be allocated specifically for ventilation and filtration in the near term.

    sKm0HRDI9AINAKNQCPQCDQCjUAj0Ag0Ao1AI9AIrIlA319YE6hmawQagUagEWgEGoFGoBFoBBqBRqARaAQagU0R+L9h3d1F4i113QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==

    We believe our Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control Project under iCAP can serve as an excellent hub for the many fragmented efforts being attempted across the state as we all seek to address this lingering pandemic and pre-pandemic issue. 

    Now that we're in the recovery period of our post-pandemic journey, it is imperative that we use this opportunity to address these issues. 

    Closing the gap between public health and building science is a key effort that will help us deliver on developing Applied Health Strategies for Climate Adaptation, which is why iCAP exists in the first place.

    Let's set a time this week to discuss our proposed date and time so we plan accordingly for a successful event.

    Thanks, Sterling

  18. HVAC and Air Quality Assessment Project Meeting (2-11-2022)

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    Dhuvaraj Gambhire and Ali Khan met with Morgan White on 2-11-2022 to discuss how they can acquire a Notice to Proceed and access to the Atmospheric Science Building for testing.

    They will get a quote from Sterling, which will allow them to get a Purchase Order (PO). After they get the PO, they can get a Notice to Proceed and access to the building.

  20. Information about the occupancy schedule and Air properties of the ATMS Building

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy-Efficient HVAC Infection Control

    According to F&S, Management Engineer, Mike Halm:

    1. Currently, this unit is in occupied mode on weekdays, 6AM to midnight.  Normally the occupancy schedule will more closely follow the hours the building is open, but runtimes were extended across campus as a precaution during the pandemic.

    2. When the building was originally designed, there likely wasn’t a set amount of air changes per hour applied to every classroom.  Typically for classrooms the heating and cooling airflows are determined based on the specific loads in each room, rather than applying a flat rate based on the volume of the room.  If it would help, we could share the original ventilation drawings from 1989.  Regarding the ASHRAE standards, any new construction or renovation work on campus should have mechanical ventilation provided in accordance with ASHRAE 62.1.  However, there were different codes and standards in place when this building was constructed 30 years ago.  The current version of ASHRAE 62.1 may have slightly different requirements than the codes in place when the building was built.

Pages