Summary

In our February meeting we will explore:

• Innovative process for cleaning and disinfecting coils in HVAC systems and how it improves the energy efficiency and indoor air quality of building and facilities.
• EC technology (electronically commutated motor) for high performance fans and blower and the future of HVAC. Their comparison to AC motors, BDC Motors, and VFD losses.
• What happens after an energy efficiency project is closed out? Understanding in real time how a system is performing using “live bench-marking” is one of many practical applications of machine learning. This presentation will present practical applications for machine learning in our industry, presenting fundamental concepts for understanding how machine learning works, and demonstrate tools that you can apply today to machine learn your data.

Speakers

Jim Metropoulos

Jim is the Founder & CEO of Blue Box Air, a new generation Cleantech company based in

Southern California. Utilizing its patent pending process for cleaning and disinfecting coils in

HVAC systems, Blue Box has innovated how to improve the energy efficiency and indoor air

quality of buildings and facilities.

Prior to Blue Box, Jim was involved with several technology start-ups involving software

development, thin film deposition, diesel emissions controls and waste to energy conversion

processes. He is a UCLA alumnus.

Brian Thurston

Brian currently works as a Senior Advisor for Blue Box, focusing on business development and

strategic partnerships. His background is in business development and consulting – utilizing

innovation and technology to build multi-disciplinary networks to attack big problems at scale.

He previously worked for Waste Management where he focused on customized and scalable

programs for Waste Management’s Fortune 500 customers, leveraging internal assets and

technology. With Brand Neutral and Live Earth, Brian worked on corporate sustainability strategy

and consumer engagement, and as a Program Director for CBS EcoMedia he developed and

managed public/private partnerships.

Brian holds a MS from Johns Hopkins University in Environmental Science and Policy, and a BA

in English from the University of Southern California.

Travis Smith, PE

Travis is the founder and President of Smith Engineering, located in NYC. Travis is an engineer with extensive experience in the design and optimization of central utilities. Travis has been directly involved in the study and optimization of over 500,000 tons of chilled water plants and over 600 MW of power generation.

John Rundell, PE

John is a Principal at Smith Engineering with a responsibility for overseeing the direction of design, optimization and master planning projects. With an extensive experience in the design and commissioning of central utility thermal and power systems, building mechanical systems, and energy distribution, his core focus has been on identifying and implementing the optimal approach for operation of mechanical systems, from the energy source to the energy sink.

Rafik Galyanurov

At age 18, one of my first jobs was as a Helper in a lead HVAC company (sheet metal division). After a few years, I worked my way up to a lead sheet metal mechanic and I supervised large projects. I was with that company about 5 years and learned a lot about designing ductwork and ventilation systems. One of my last projects with that company involved a large ductwork replacement in NYP hospital. At that time, we did project Charles Cuthbert, HVAC manager at NYPH, and he loved the work we did. He also loved the fact that he saw a 22-year-old kid (me) telling 50 years old guys what to do. He offered me a job as HVAC mechanic and even though it was little different from what I was doing, I still took the job. He knew that I didn’t know much about HVAC but he realized that I learn very fast. I had to interview with an Assistant director (Jerry Arizona) in order to get this job. Charles taught me about some pneumatic and BMS controls before the interview and he told me if Jerry asked me something that I didn’t know, I shouldn’t tell him I didn’t know, just say English problem. Sure, enough he asked me some stuff I had no clue about. I used my magical trick and told him English problem. For the next 5 years when I saw him in hallway, he would always smile and tell me English problem 😂😂😂.

I worked at the Hospital for almost 5 years and at the same time after work and on weekends I was going to college. Because of college and work, I had a crazy schedule. For Almost 2 years, I was working Wed-Sunday. I was also working a lot of 4-12 and 12-8 shifts. Those 2 shifts, help me learn many things and were very valuable for me! I learned how to make decisions in critical situations, troubleshooting, and jump everything I could to make equipment run😀).

After 4 years working in the hospital, me and my 2 brothers started our Company (GRR Cooling Experts). Six months later, I quit my job at the hospital and joined my brothers. That was 11 years ago. Today we are working in the largest hospitals and universities in NY. For the last 8 years, we have specialized in retrofits and replacement of the HVAC equipment.

About 4 years ago, tired of dealing with very poor costumer service, poor quality of equipment and crazy long lead time on different HVAC manufacturers mostly AHU’s and fans, we opened our Sister Company, Baikal mechanical, that specializes in design and built custom AHU, return /exhaust fans, air curtain, large space heaters and other HVAC equipment. Our equipment is installed in biggest hospitals and Universities in NY state.