Chapter History
In dedication to the tradition of our monthly newsletter, The FOG, we recognize the contributions of our past historian, Tom Gilbertson and the efforts of our current historian in continuing this legacy. As we navigate this transition, we remain committed to preserving and sharing the rich history of our chapter. Below is a sample from the June newsletter of last year.
FOG June 2024: History...another year!
What has changed in ASHRAE’s realm over the past year?...or should we say.. ”What has not changed?...and do we recognize the effect on our history?
Clearly the COVID-experience changed our ASHRAE-historical patterns...Our industry is somewhat uniquely suited to “remote, individually driven tasks”...”working at home”...assuming that the work is really being performed, suits very nicely our engineering activity. So, the COVID-influenced remote activity was in many cases an incredibly positive development. We are driven almost universally by individual computer-action activity. Think CAD drafting and spread-sheet calculations, and there is no need to commute 2-hours a day to do this in an office.
Historically the system and the skill levels that we apply today have really changed, and the skills frequently to do this work have simply vanished.
When was the last time that you designed and detailed concrete forms to support a field-erected open, centrifugal water chiller? Until 1951, that is about the only way the chillers came.
Think of the air-conditioning systems and equipment systems and equipment that pretty “come and gone” in our lifetime.
Schoolroom Unit ventilators with overly complicated pneumatic temperature and ventilation equipment, Rooftop Packaged Multizone Units...and Multizone Systems in general, Natural-gas-fired package multizone equipment,
Yet at one time in the past, the above list of equipment and systems mesmerized and monopolized the design activity of our ASHRAE Golden Gate Chapter members.
Do not forget that 50 years ago over 90% of all HVAC Mechanical design was by independent consulting engineers. Today over 90% (by my observation) is done by design-build mechanical contractors.
ASHRAE Technology is a moving target!
To explore past entries, please visit our archive of previous newsletters HERE.
