ASHRAE announced that registration is open for its 2019 ASHRAE Webcast, The Future of Refrigerants: Unitary and VRF Systems. There is no fee for registration, however, registration is required to view the free webcast at ashrae.org/webcast. 

In response to viewer feedback, the webcast will be just two hours long and broadcast live at two different days and times for the convenience of a global audience. The webcast will broadcast live on April 17, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. EDT and on April 18, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT. 

“Our webcast presenters will offer insight into how the refrigerant industry will meet the needs of installed packaged and split system air conditioners and specifically VRF systems,” says Steve Piccolo, chair of the Webcast Ad Hoc committee. “We hope to expose viewers to this expanding refrigerant technology in DX air conditioning (including VRF) equipment design, performance and application and explain why low-GWP refrigerant are being necessary options.”

Opening remarks will be provided by 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J. Hayter, P.E.

Viewers will learn:

• How the refrigerant industry will meet the needs of installed packaged and split system air conditioners, specifically VRF systems
• Future trends in DX air conditioning [including VRF] equipment design, performance and application
• Future of low-GWP refrigerant options for unitary products, if future refrigerant retrofits are possible, and how to recognize the challenges and best practices in working with flammable refrigerants

Webcast presenters are:

• Sarah Kim, Ph.D., ASHRAE, Scientist/Project Leader, Arkema Fluorochemicals, Philadelphia, Pa.
• Stephen “Steve” Kujak, ASHRAE, Director, Next Generation Refrigeration Research, Ingersoll Rand, Onalaska, Wis.
• Douglas Tucker, ASHRAE, Director of Industry and Government Relations, Mitsubishi Electric US (MEUS), Suwanee, Ga.

Participants of the webcast may receive two Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or two Learning Units (LU/HSWs) awarded by American Institute of Architects (AIA), or two CE’s from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).