Presentations
Strategies to Deploy Decarbonizing Residential Buildings at Scale
Justin Margolies, Slipstream and Kevin DeMaster, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC
This session will highlight the promise for air source heat pumps to decarbonize residential buildings in Iowa. Dual fuel present one compelling application to offset a portion of fossil fuel consumption with efficient electric heating. We will share research results from a dual fuel field study Slipstream completed in Michigan. New products that can retrofit a variable-capacity heat pump with an existing furnace present further versatility. The Mitsubishi Electric Intelli-Heat additionally offers cold-climate performance and flexibility for multizone integration with ductless indoor heads. We will share real-world insights from two Mitsubishi Electric employees from Iowa and Wisconsin who installed the product in their own homes. Finally, drawing from collective experience in heat pump market development across the Midwest, the presenters will offer recommendations to utilities and programs to help responsibly scale heat pump adoption for single-family and multifamily markets.
***How the University of Iowa, the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative and ENGIE work together to achieve more sustainable utility operations and improve upon ESG goals
John Bergerud, Garry Patricio (ENGIE NA), Ben Fish, University of Iowa and Krista Wenzel, University of Iowa Energy Collaborative
Moderator: Stacy Christoffersen
Location: Skinner B
The University entered into a Public, Private Partnership (P3) with the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative (UIEC), an entity comprised of ENGIE North America and Meridiam to help the university meet its energy transition objectives and become completely coal-free by 2025 – continuing a tradition of leadership by example and contributing to the achievement of several UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To ensure the long-term reliability and sustainability of the university’s utility services, through the 50-year partnership with the UIEC, the University benefits from industry-leading expertise in energy and utility asset management. UIEC will accelerate progress toward sustainability goals while ensuring reliable electricity, water, heating, and cooling services.
3D Printed Homes Panel Sponsored by IEDA
Pete Evans, Iowa State, Chengde Wu, Iowa State
Location: Skinner C
More questions about the keynote speaker, Pete Evans, and his 3D printed homes project? This will be your opportunity to dive deeper into this exciting project and ask questions. The presentation will also cover the specifics of a 3D printed home's envelop performance, including design, materials and testing.
Decision Support for Integrated Electricity and Natural Gas System Planning under Uncertainties: A Real Options Approach
Zhuoyi Zhao, Dr. Cameron MacKenzie and Dr. K Jo Min, Iowa State University
Moderator: Jeff Gorrie
Location: Salon 2
In this research, we consider the integrated electricity and natural gas system planning. To provide decision support for the management of an energy utility with options to execute, delay or abandon expansion plans under uncertainties, we model the planning problem using a real options approach. As a case example, an application for transitioning from a conventional roof to a cool roof for a commercial building is prepared. We assume that it consumes electricity for cooling and natural gas for heating, where the electricity and natural gas prices follow correlated geometric Brownian motion (GBM) processes, which leads to a lower electricity consumption but a higher natural gas consumption. We construct and analyze the transition decision using a real options approach and derive the optimal energy price thresholds and the expected time. We also numerically examine how the parameter values impact the transition decisions to derive managerial insights and economic implications.
10:25am / Breakout Session 2
***Engaging the Real Estate Community to Reach Market Transformation
Pamela Brookstein, ELEVATE and Kathryn Eggers, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Moderator: Andy Pohren
Location: Skinner A
A strategy for scaling residential energy involves transforming the way energy efficient homes are bought and sold, so that efficient homes sell for a premium compared to similar, non-efficient homes. When a critical mass of homeowners acts on the belief that efficient homes are more valuable, the result is market transformation, characterized by a strong homeowner demand for energy efficient goods and by clear and consistent evidence that energy efficient homes sell for a premium. Real estate agents are key to ensuring that information about these homes becomes part of the real estate transaction. It is crucial that efficiency professionals know what information agents and buyers want to effectively engage both communities. Elevate has researched what buyers, agents, and appraisers in the Midwest think about energy efficiency and value. This research has led to practical recommendations to ensure that high-performing homes are consistently valued in the real estate market
***Pathways to Future Proof Buildings
Joel Logan and Vinoth Sekar, Willdan
Moderator: Stacy Christoffersen
Location: Skinner B
The building design community has a key role in decarbonizing our economy to mitigate the impacts on human health and safety caused by climate change. Buildings constructed today will be in operation for decades, and it is vital that the carbon impacts be considered during design. There is no one single method to decarbonizing buildings, and multiple strategies must be implemented. This session will cover five key actions to implement in every building project that will minimize operational carbon, improve resiliency and future proof the building: Developing goals within an integrated design team; Backing up decisions with data; Selecting the energy source; Tracking energy use; Preparing the building for the integration of electric vehicles
Batteries and Beyond Panel Sponsored by IEDA
Shan Hu, Iowa State University, Steve Martin, Iowa State University, Justin Foss, Alliant Energy
Location: Skinner C
This session will provide insight into future battery technologies. Project teams from Iowa State will discuss their projects "Low Cost, Safe and High Performance Sodium Batteries for Wind Energy Storage" and "3D Printing Batteries". Alliant Energy will close out the session with a discussion of what battery storage technology looks like in their territory.
Digital Gold Rush: The Opportunity Cryptocurrency Presents for Utilities
Matt Hein, CFU
Moderator: Jeff Gorrie
Location: Salon 2
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are very popular right now. The processes of mining these digital assets requires large amounts of electricity. Join the conversation about cryptocurrency miners to find out how to best serve these customers and the potential benefits they may provide to your system.
11:20am / Lunch Sponsored by Alliant Energy
Location: Bishop B
12pm / Federal Investment Energy Efficiency from IIJA and IRA
Stacey Paradis, Executive Director, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Location: Bishop B
With passage of the Infrastructure and Investment Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government has dedicated more than $15B for energy efficiency. The session will provide an overview of the efficiency funds and programs and discuss potential impact of current state and utility efficiency programs.
12:20pm / Breakout Session 3
***Heat Pump Water Heaters in the Midwest
Jacob Serfling, Midwest Bldg Decarbonization Coalition
Moderator: Matt Karamanlis
Location: Skinner A
The Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI) is a project of the New Buildings Institute (NBI) that aims to scale heat pump water heater (HPWH) installations by shaping policies, building demand, bringing products to market, and educating the supply chain. NBI has partnered with the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition (MWBDC) to address the unique cold-climate and equity challenges of the region. HPWHs have already demonstrated impressive energy savings and payback for customers reliant on propane or electric resistance water heaters. They could also be a key technology for decarbonizing residential and commercial buildings while mitigating impact on energy burden.
This session will introduce attendees to the opportunities the Midwest AWHI team sees for HPWHs, dive into our initial analysis of the current regional market landscape and explore replicable program models from other states.
***Understanding the Energy in Your Facility
Nick Freund and Brandon Umscheid, Baker Group
Moderator: Ethan Hohenadel
Location: Skinner B
Smart buildings require smart power. Most public, commercial and industrial buildings are not energy efficient, representing an enormous untapped potential for decarbonization and sustainability efforts, as well as utility bill savings. Power digitalization helps facility management and maintenance personnel make better decisions, resolve issues more quickly, minimize downtime, and use less energy. Metering energy combined with software to organize data/information allow users to understand their energy issues and usage in one easy to use platform.
Energy Innovations Panel Sponsored by IEDA
Jared Burma, Bristola, Rick Zrostlik, Legov Group, LLC, Tom Lograsso, Ames Lab
Location: Skinner C
Join three energy innovators as they discuss their innovative energy projects, with topics ranging from Shape Memory Alloys and advances in submersible robotic cleaning systems to an exciting recycling technology.
***The Thermal Envelope; What Have We Learned The Last 50 Years To Make It Better
Bill McAnally, Bill McAnally Consulting
Moderator: Don Otto
Location: Salon 2
We say we have been trying our best to build good housing forever. But if we really examine the results of “trying” we see we have a long way to go to achieve the end. So many techniques, materials, technologies, builder skill sets, budgets and then throw Building Science into the mix, no wonder we struggle with our projects. Let’s see what has happened in the last 50 years, (Yes, I’m that old), and offer some options that do work. (Results depend on reading all product directions, specs, plans and follow all applicable codes.)
1:25pm / Breakout Session 4
***Using AMI Data to Find Deep Demand Savings with Smart Thermostats
Kurt Sempf, Alliant Energy
Moderator: Matt Karamanlis
Location: Skinner A
Advanced Metering Infrastructure data (AMI) can help utilities understand how energy is used by their customers. Analyzing this data during demand response events can give insights into what customers are able to see deep savings by using smart thermostats while also identifying the customers who may not save as much energy. This information can be used to market alternative energy saving opportunities to customers.
***The Status of Decarbonization in Iowa
Charles Stanier, University of Iowa
Moderator: Ethan Hohenadel
Location: Skinner B
In this session we will present, using plain language and clear graphics, Iowa’s greenhouse gas emissions with a focus on the contributions and trends in residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling. We will explain what decarbonization is, and highlight the critical role that alternatives to natural gas and propane play in decarbonization. We will cut through the confusion and hype, and cover technical, financial, and policy drivers that are incentivizing specific alternatives: heat pumps, other beneficial electrification strategies, hydrogen, synthetic natural gas, and natural gas/propane replacements derived from biomass. Finally, we will introduce a calculator built at the University of Iowa for determining cost and environmental implications of heat pump, hybrid heat pump, and fuel-based heating systems at the residential scale.
IIJA/IRA Panel Sponsored by IEDA
IEDA Staff
Location: Skinner C
From hydrogen to the grid, join members of the Iowa Energy Office as they discuss both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act and their impacts on the Iowa's energy landscape.
***Electric Vehicles: Improving the Customer Experience
Eric Kamm, Stanley Consultants
Moderator: Don Otto
Location: Salon 2
The objective of the presentation is to outline a balance framework to create an ideal experience for Utility Electric Vehicle (EV) customers based on lessons learned in the marketplace.
Who takes the first step in developing a thriving EV market? Car manufacturers are building electric vehicles, customers are buying electric vehicles, but there is not consistent adoption or acceptance based on location. Adoption is dependent on availability and infrastructure.
Availability is being addressed by car manufacturers. A key partner in the development of EV infrastructure is the utility, who, like a gas station, plays an important role in encouraging EV adoption and keeping them on the road. Physical electric infrastructure is important, but a knowledge-base that supports the physical infrastructure is just as important to easing customers concerns with adoptions limitations such as range anxiety and operation concerns.
2:15pm / Afternoon Break
Location: Exhibit Hall
2:30pm / Breakout Session 5
***All Electric New Construction
Kellen McSweeney, Slipstream
Moderator: Robert Renken
Location: Skinner A
Residential home construction is beginning to shift and utilities have an opportunity to be at the forefront of this movement. Not only is it important for the market to shift toward all-electric construction, but also focus on high-performance construction. Builders, contractors, and potential homeowners must be provided education, technical resources, and financial incentives to maximize the impact of the all-electric home market. Slipstream implements a utility-funded all-electric residential new construction program for a large utility in the Midwest which began as a feasibility study in 2019, a pilot program in 2020, and is now a full program. This session will share key findings from the 2019 feasibility study and lessons learned from 2.5 years of program implementation.
***Introduction to GEBs and GEB Controls – Building Integration, Communication, and Optimization of DERs to Provide Grid Services
Xiaohui Zhou, Slipstream
Moderator: Kurt Sempf
Location: Skinner B
A Grid-interactive Efficient Building (GEB) is not only energy efficient but can also automatically shed building load during peak hours, or shift demand to use cheaper or cleaner power. Most of the existing building automation systems (BAS), however, do not have the capability to integrate with different Distributed Energy Resources (DER), directly communicate with utilities' automated demand response (ADR) signals, or implement complex algorithms optimizing all DERs to maximizing benefits.
Electric Vehicle Panel Sponsored by IEDA
Stuart Anderson, Iowa DOT, Jacob Maass, Kum and Go, Abbie Christophersen, IEDA
Location: Skinner C
Members of this panel will discuss the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, the Iowa Clean Cities Program, and an exciting new Electric Vehicle charging technology from Kum and Go.
***Update from the Beneficial Electrification League
Jim Sayers
Moderator: Julie Blackwell
Location: Salon 2
This presentation will provide updates about programs and activities of the Beneficial League, BEL. Beneficial Electrification includes the application of electricity to end-uses where doing so satisfies at least one of the following conditions, without adversely affecting the others: Saves consumers money over time; Benefits the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; Improves product quality or consumer quality of life; Fosters a more robust and resilient grid. BEL's mission is to increase understanding of the benefits of electrification by promoting the market acceptance of beneficial electrification, educate policy makers on the value, benefits, and tools of Beneficial Electrification and serve as a conduit and facilitator of BE resources.
3:25pm / Breakout Session 6
***Iowa Energy Code Consultant Experience
Ryan Lovan and Kelly Needles, The Energy Group
Moderator: Robert Renken
Location: Skinner A
As our firm has been serving as the Iowa Energy Code Consultant through a grant from MEEA and the U.S.DOE we have gained much direct knowledge about the understanding or misunderstanding about the Iowa Energy Code for residential dwellings in Iowa.
Our presentation will center around our experience serving in this role and offering perspective to Iowa energy professionals about the gap in understanding Iowa Energy Codes and how the lack of a statewide commitment to a universal code allows local jurisdictions to administer code enforcement as they see fit.
This will not be intended to be a pointed or critical presentation but yet an educational offering of insight gained through our experience that we feel needs to be shared with others in the industry.
***Heat Recovery Chillers: Opportunities, Decarbonization, and Other Considerations
Alan Niles, Dunham-Bush Americas
Moderator: Kurt Sempf
Location: Skinner B
Opportunities: Heat Recovery on Condenser Water Systems, Energy Code Compliance, Flooded Evaporator Condenser, Benefits: Minimum Expense/Maximum Recovery of Capital Investment, De-Carbonization, Economic Path toward 100% Fossil-Free Heat
Other Considerations: Non-HVAC "free" heat recovery sources often overlooked
***Designing Virtual Assessments That Work
Lee Ann Head, Franklin Energy
Moderator: Julie Blackwell
Location: Salon 2
When COVID-19 hit the US in 2020, energy efficiency programs grappled with how to maintain operations and serve customers effectively with social distancing in place. Franklin Energy quickly fine-tuned and successfully launched three virtual assessment programs across the US. We have identified four best practices and unexpected engagement benefits through our experience. First, customers need choice; online self-service, phone-assisted, and video virtual assessment options should be offered in addition to the traditional in-person format. Second, easy-to-use online and telephone scheduling, cancellation, and rescheduling tools are required to ensure a positive customer journey. Third, the assessor must prepare well, with up-front eligibility confirmation and investigation of the home to minimize time and ensure an excellent experience. Fourth, recommendations should be prioritized clearly and framed correctly. There are also opportunities to expand the reach and impact of virtual.