Pictured here is an exterior photo of the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR.A team of Ferris State University Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration students can celebrate its win in the International HVAC System Selection Competition sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers.
The six students from Michigan, Ontario and the Central American nation of Belize were tasked with designing a 50,000-square-foot building on a higher education campus in Prince George, British Columbia. This facility was a fictitious two-story cafeteria with office space, a commercial kitchen and capable of sanitary storage of food sufficient to serve up to 720 students at one time and 3,000 customers in a day.
The Ferris HVACR team invited to the 2022 ASHRAE Winter meeting from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, includes:
- Evan Eldred, Flint
- Nicholas Schramski, Kinde
- Cole Weber, St. Johns
- Cole Quinlan, Orangeville, Ontario
- Brian Van Schepen, Owen Sound, Ontario
- Jordanny Williams, Ladyville, Belize
The lead advisor for the ASHRAE team is Ferris Associate Professor of HVACR Joseph Pacella.
“It has been nearly 14 years since a team from our program has earned a first-place result in this type of competition,” Pacella said. “The team did an amazing job and should be commended for the considerable work and ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions they developed in this competition. It was quite the journey leading to this success, as the ASHRAE equipment selection competition has steadily increased in its challenges since 1997. Although our team has earned their degrees and are gainfully employed, this first-place award is a significant achievement for these young professionals and speaks to their efforts and excellence as students.”
The purpose of the competition is to recognize outstanding student design projects, encourage undergraduate students to become involved in the profession, apply their learning in practical design, and promote teamwork.
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an international organization of 55,000 people. The organization’s aim is to advance through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education the science of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, serving the evolving needs of the public.