In 2016, after being purchased by FCA, it was announced the auto giant would invest $1.48 billion to again retool the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) site to build the next generation Ram 1500 and support the future growth of the Ram brand. The overhaul included an upgrade of the South paint shop and its Energy Center which houses chillers, hot water generators, pumps, purified water equipment, non-potable water supplies and associated equipment.

tekWorx blue ribbon was presented for the Xpress® control and optimization solution that optimizes the chilled water equipment at the SHAP South Energy Center. tekWorx Xpress® optimization algorithms continuously adjust equipment sequences and key setpoints based on parameters related to process requirements and outdoor air temperature.  This ensures maximum system efficiency in real‐time while maintaining cooling requirements at the lowest total kW per ton.

Xpress®, combined with the energy impact of YORK® YMC² magnetic-bearing chillers, has resulted in an average annual total system efficiency of 0.42 kW/ton over the last three years. Xpress® optimization mode saves the Energy Center nearly 3,000,000 kWh annually and reduces yearly energy expenses by approximately $175,000.

About the ASHRAE Technology Awards

The ASHRAE Technology awards are an international competition that recognize outstanding achievement in the design and operation of energy efficient buildings. Winning projects incorporate ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality and serve to communicate innovative systems design.

Visit this link for more information on the ASHRAE Technology Award and this year’s list of winners. The SHAP optimization project will be featured in ASHRAE Journal’s August issue.

A gifted engineer and a captain of the Army Air Corps, his first major achievement was as a principal designer for the CG-10A glider, which became the first Assault Cargo aircraft. Then he found his true professional love – pumping systems –which earned him the nickname Professor Pump.

Professor Pump first founded Systecon, and then helped launch tekWorx in 2000. He loved designing pumping systems and helping companies operate more efficiently. His work took him across the country, serving as a consultant for the chilled water systems at the Denver International Airport, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institutes of Health.

A prolific writer of technical articles, he also wrote two influential books: “HVAC Pump Handbook” and “Water Pumps and Pumping Systems.”

“At tekWorx, we are indebted to our co-founder, friend and inspiration. His knowledge made us a pioneer in the field. His mentorship molded us. His customer-first focus motivated us,” says Managing Partner Mike Flaherty.

Burt passed away in August 2013, leaving a legacy that all of us at tekWorx strive to live up to every day.