Webinar

Electric Heat Pump Systems: The Future of Heating Buildings

Hosted by Consulting-Specifying Engineer

September 28, 2023

Thursday, September 28th

Heat pumps were first introduced in the 1950s as a residential heating and cooling solution and rarely scaled to the sizes needed for larger buildings. The same constraints that limit heat pumps in residential use in colder climates require the same considerations for commercial buildings, but on a much bigger scale. Despite their limitations, heat pumps are increasingly available for commercial applications, from small to large buildings, as their use is expanding to cold climates and has the potential to transform the industry.

This webcast will explore a wide range of reliable, efficient heat pump technologies and systems available today. Presenters will review equipment limitations and key application considerations. Heat pump benefits, operating principles and typical applied systems will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the electrified heating landscape
  • Identify key considerations for design flexibility and selection of heat pumps
  • Understand key benefits of different types of heat pump technology including VRF, chiller-heaters, packaged units and split systems

Webinar Details:

Recorded Date: 9/28/23

Duration: 60 minutes

Meet the Speakers

 Chris Gist, Portfolio Leader, HVAC Equipment Controls

Rick Heiden
HVAC Systems Development Engineer, Trane Commercial 

Rick is a systems development engineer and is responsible for leading teams to develop systems and sales tools aimed at reducing the energy intensity of the world. Rick’s areas of interest are in hydronic systems, split-systems, mentorship and project management. He has more than 25 years of experience at Trane leading compressor development for centrifugal and screw-based chiller products and holds seven patents. 

Rick is a an ASHRAE member serving on several Technical Committees and SSPC 90.1. He is also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Rick graduated from the University of Denver with a BS in mechanical engineering. 

Rick and his wife, Jamie, raised two children in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area along with horses, goats and chickens, dogs and cats.  Jamie is an accomplished artistic photographer and during the summer they travel to art fairs, enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, camping and exploring the Driftless Region with occasional excursions overseas.  

Brian Meyers, Portfolio Leader, Systems Controls

Abigail Williamson
Unitary Commercialization Leader, Trane Commercial 

Abigail Williamson is the Unitary Commercialization Leader for Trane Commercial. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, she remained in Nashville, Tennessee, and joined Trane’s Light Commercial Unitary support team. After that, Abigail transitioned to Large Unitary Product Management, starting her role with assisting the launch of the IntelliPak® 2 line.

In her current Commercialization role, Abigail supports the entire Unitary 3- to 150-ton portfolio. Throughout her over 15 years with the company, her passion has been helping sales engineers and customers, with a continued focus on the many designs, features and capabilities in both rooftop and split-system equipment.

When she’s not working, she revels in time spent with her family and dogs, cooking (minus baking) and patiently awaiting spring so she can garden vegetables in her backyard.

Trevor Gensch, Strategic Products Sales Leader

Trevor Gensch
Strategic Products Sales Leader, Trane Commercial

Trevor is the Strategic Products Sales Leader for Trane.  In this role, he is responsible for developing and executing the go to market sales strategy for strategic products such as VRF and Ductless. 

He is ASHRAE member, LEED AP, and holds a USCG 3rd Assistant Engineer License for steam and motor vessels of unlimited horsepower. 

Prior to his professional career, Trevor Earned a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Marine Mechanical Engineering from the State University of New York Maritime College.  He has also recently completed MBA from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and the Alliance Manchester Business School in Manchester, UK.  

Trevor is married to his wife of fifteen years, Lauren, and together they have three young children.  As a family they all enjoy skiing, fishing, and playing or coaching soccer in their free time.  

Brian Meyers, Portfolio Leader, Systems Controls

John Saldana 
Marketing Engineer - Chiller Strategy and Sales Support, Trane Commercial 

John began his Career with Trane in 2015 and served as an Account Executive, calling on both Engineering and Contractor accounts in the West Texas/Southern New Mexico Region. His current role is a marketing engineer, in the Chiller Product support group where he primarily supports the sales field. 

John earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. Additionally, John completed the Trane Graduate Training Program as a member of the 2016-II graduating class.

In his free time, he enjoys camping with his wife and three children in the summertime. John also enjoys some hobby welding, DIY home projects, country dancing with his wife and watching college football. 

View More Webinars

outdoor-building

Webinar

Not Your Grandad’s VAV: What’s New in Rooftop VAV Systems
Explore the advancements in rooftop VAV systems. Presenters will discuss VAV system principles and benefits including improved performance, low-GWP refrigerants, optimized indoor air quality, occupant comfort and control, and AI-enabled services.
Skyscraper glass facades on a bright sunny day with sunbeams in the blue sky. Modern buildings in business district. Economy, finances, business activity concept. Bottom up view

Webinar

Scope 1 Emissions Reduction: Why All Eyes are On Heat Pump Technology
Institutions with sustainability goals that include a transition from direct fossil fuel usage (Scope 1 emissions) are increasingly adopting heat pump technology as a low-carbon solution for heating and cooling requirements. Heat pumps, which are nearly a 100-year-old technology, provide ultra-high efficiency cooling and enable heating requirements to be met with the same high-efficiency technology.