Mechanical Systems for Passive Buildings

How are mechanical systems in a Passive Building different? What are the main considerations in properly designing for an air-tight, low-load building? How can these systems be optimized? These are just a few of the questions that Mike Schaefer, Alex Long, and Kevin McHugh will answer in their presentation and discussion.

Introduction & Welcome
Ventilation/ERVs – Alex
Mini-splits residential – Mike
VRF & Commercial ventilation – Kevin

Mike Schaefer, Performance Construction Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US LLC

Mike has been in the HVAC Industry since 2005 where he has worked on all levels including contracting, distribution and manufacturing. Mike joined Mitsubishi Electric in 2014 and has held multiple roles including Commercial Area Manager, Residential Area Manager and was most recently part of Mitsubishi Electric’s Performance Construction Team which is focused on providing healthy, efficient and reliable mechanical solutions to the high performance building market. He is currently the Regional Sales Manager for the Chicago market.

Alex Long
Vice President, Senior Controls Engineer
Build Equinox

Alex Long graduated from the University of Illinois 2008 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on electrical design, controls, and robotics. Upon completion of his degree, he has worked at Build Equinox, in Urbana, IL, to prototype, design, and bring to market the CERV (Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator) and CERV2 smart ventilation systems. Alex has developed all of the CERV’s power electronics and low voltage controls, touchscreen user interface, and online capabilities. Along with his controls expertise, Alex brings significant experience in indoor air quality analysis and management for high efficiency, super-tight homes.

Kevin R. McHugh
President, Windy City Representatives

Kevin has over twenty-five years of general management, sales leadership, business development, operational optimization and direct sales experience in the industrial manufacturing, construction and energy services sectors. He helps the Windy City team provide the broadest selection of leading brands and products to satisfy the diverse needs of HVAC and industrial clients. From helping clients identify the optimal solution to providing onsite technical expertise, the resources of Windy City Representatives provide the knowledge, support and service to make projects run smoothly.

Prior to joining Windy City, Kevin spent seventeen years with York International and Johnson Controls. Positions ranged from direct sales to corporate leadership with experience in areas of; channel optimization, M&A, general management, program implementation, product deployment and strategy.

Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He and wife Heather reside in the suburbs of Chicago with their three children. As a life-long Chicagoan, Kevin and his family enjoy all the great city has to offer.