The Setty Family Foundation: 2022 Applied Engineering Challenge
Register
ASHRAE’s stated goals and objectives include: extending the reach of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) information, connecting with others, and educating and adapting today’s technology for tomorrow to local and global communities to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Many engineering and sustainability challenges exist in the world. The 2022 Setty Family Foundation Applied Engineering Challenge (AEC) is intended to stimulate student-led groups to find engineering solutions for designing self-sustaining, interconnected communities.
Teams must consist of two to six students with each team member's name and school affiliation listed on the title page of the submission. Teams can consult industry professionals, such as local ASHRAE chapter members, or faculty advisors for mentorship and advice. However, all work, calculations, drawings, etc. that are presented in the final submission shall be generated exclusively by team members.
Entries should originate from an undergraduate engineering or architecture curriculum and all team members must be enrolled in an undergraduate program during the semester/term they contribute to the design.
Introduction
As the global pandemic rages on, the need for climate-controlled transport containers for vaccine delivery has become a top priority. Reportedly, up to 10% of vaccines can be lost in transit due to fluctuations in temperatures required for preservation. With supply chains stretched to their breaking point, the need for spatially efficient and reliable containers is critical.
Scope
Design an ultra-cold refrigeration system that is capable of being transported to all global locations. The system can be designed as a standalone container, or in such a way that it can be retrofitted into an existing truck. The temperature must be steady and maintained at -70°C. The system should identify issues and provide solutions and/or next steps to solve these problems.
The system shall take into account multiple system variables, including space temperatures, humidity, envelope, portability, and outdoor conditions to determine the best possible environment for the vaccines.
Constraints
Designs should accommodate a standard 40’ shipping container (40’ x 8’ x 9’) or smaller, capable of being shipped globally. Assume the internal temperature of the container must remain at a stable ultra cold temperature. Assume the container has cooling systems as well as ventilation and airflow to meet all ASHRAE standards. Designs shall consider all types of HVAC systems that could be used in a cold storage space construction in your local area.
Judging
This project is intended to challenge not only design and engineering skills, but also your ability to diagnose and correct both common and complex issues.
Projects shall be evaluated, at a minimum, according to the following criteria. For items not covered specifically below, judging will be based on the merits of the proposal and documentation presented as justifications. Teams are urged to use their creativity, but like most real-life situations, the proposed solutions must adhere to industry approved engineering guidelines, utilize currently available technology, be financially feasible, and be deployable from concept through construction within a reasonable timeframe.
- Depth and breadth of solutions considered
- Creativity and innovation of the proposed solution
- Use of ASHRAE Standards and other related materials
Submission
Entries must be submitted electronically by June 8, 2022 to the ASHRAE Society FTP site established for this purpose. Only teams who register will receive the FTP site information, so please register at least 30 days prior to this date to allow for processing. The submission must be limited to a 25-page maximum technical report. The document must be formatted to 8.5 x 11 inch paper with margins of 1 inch, a font size of 11 points using either Arial or Times New Roman, and a line spacing not less than the Microsoft Word standard of 1.15. All documents must be delivered in PDF format and should be clearly readable in black and white print.
Questions
Click here to fill out a Question Submittal Form.
Prizes
Awards will be presented to the winners at the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting
- 1st place
- 2nd place
- 3rd place
- Rising Star
In conjunction with the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting, members of the winning teams will be invited to meet with ASHRAE’s Executive Committee.
First Place: $5,000 prize plus the entire team will receive free transportation and two nights’ lodging for (capped at $5,000) to attend the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting where the award will be presented at the ASHRAE Plenary. A 24 x 36 inch ARCH D, or ISO A1 poster is required for display at the ASHRAE Student Program.
Second Place: One representative from the team will receive free transportation, two nights' lodging at the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting where the award will be presented at the ASHRAE Student Program. A 24 x 36 inch ARCH D, or ISO A1 poster is required for display at the ASHRAE Student Program.
Third Place: One representative from the team will receive free transportation, two nights’ lodging at the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting where the award will be presented at the ASHRAE Student Program. A 24 x 36 inch ARCH D, or ISO A1 poster is required for display at the ASHRAE Student Program.
Rising Star: One representative from the team will receive free transportation and two nights lodging for attendance at the 2023 ASHRAE Winter Meeting where the award will be presented at the ASHRAE Student Program. A 24 x 36 inch ARCH D, or ISO A1 poster is required for display at the ASHRAE Student Program.