Oakland, California, United States
I'm a building performance researcher with a passion for creating validated simulation models, developing smart controls (Topics such as model predictive control and load shifting), machine learning, collaboration, and education. Specific areas of recent work include: -Developing model predictive controls for heat pump water heaters, -Predicting the potential Title 24 compliance benefits of load shifting with heat pump water heaters, -Developing "Right-Shifting" controls for heat pump water heaters, -Testing a flow-rate adjusting controller to increase the effective COP of ground coupled heat pumps, -Creating an experimentally validated model of drain water heat recovery devices and adding it to Title 24.
• Currently managing $7m of research projects dedicated to low-GWP heat pumps and load shifting control • Leading a team of six organizations to reduce the cost of electrification in cold climates by 20-40% • Developed and field tested deployment-ready heat pump water heater controls that reduce operating costs by 29% and peak period electricity consumption by 77% • Led development and field evaluation of automated price-responsive controls for central heat pump water heaters, reducing electricity costs by up to 46% • Started an industry consortium to develop and deploy price- and load-responsive controls for heat pump water heaters • Organizing teams submitting $2-6m proposals to the California Energy Commission and Department of Energy • Developed relationships with new funding clients, yielding 3 new projects • Maintaining relationships with DOE, CEC, utilities, and industry partners
In this new role I continue to start and grow a research division at Beyond Efficiency. Though this is currently a very fluid role, I am focusing on the following areas: -Developing smart controls, based on IoT availability and artificial intelligence, to improve energy efficiency and building comfort. -Performing Emerging Technologies studies, estimating the potential performance and impact of new technologies entering the market. -Identifying potential clients for targeted business development efforts. -Understanding the current needs of the industry, and designing research solutions to position Beyond Efficiency as a key problem solver. -Networking and building teams to submit research proposals and execute projects. -Managing projects including monitoring budgets, delivering project results on time, ensuring work quality, and delegating work as needed. -Managing and mentoring staff to ensure their success within the organization. Completed projects at Beyond Efficiency include: -Making the Title 24 Hot Water Draw Profiles publicly available. -Consulting on CASE reports for drain water heat recovery and hot water distribution systems in multi-family buildings. -Developing a simulation model of a gas absorption HPWH prototype. -Consulting to Frontier Energy on a field demonstration project studying load shifting controls in HPWHs. -Developed Beyond Efficiency's new HPWH Performance Verification business model. -Brought in new clients including Bonneville Power Administration, Frontier Energy, and TRC Companies.
In this new role I am helping Beyond Efficiency start and grow a research division. Though this is currently a very fluid role, I anticipate focusing on the following areas: -Identifying how and why building simulation predictions differ from real building performance. Improving simulation models, underlying assumptions, and/or modeling methods to bridge the gap. -Developing smart controls, based on IoT availability and artificial intelligence, to improve energy efficiency and building comfort. -Performing Emerging Technologies studies, estimating the potential performance and impact of new technologies entering the market. -Low carbon construction techniques. I will update this information as the role becomes more defined.
This is a continuation of the job at Davis Energy Group, as a result of the acquisition and merger. New projects and topics pursued since the merger include: -Laboratory testing and data analysis studying the potential of load shifting with heat pump water heaters in California's Title 24 code environment -Developing machine learning algorithms to predict building occupant hot water use behavior, and using model predictive controls to minimize heat pump water heater electricity use -Creating a Python script to automatically implement load shifting controls in Rheem HPWHs in the field. Additionally, I have begun performing roles in business development and laboratory management. This includes: -Business development --Fostering business relationships with PG&E, Applied Technology Services, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, California Energy Commission, CalSEED, and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, --Writing proposals based on the expressed needs of the clients and strengths of Frontier Energy, and --Leading teams to develop proposals responding to large RFPs and GFOs. -Laboratory management --Setting priorities for the laboratory, and directing experimental staff, --Scheduling access to lab resources, balancing the needs of multiple different projects, --Overseeing development of laboratory capabilities, --Mentoring junior staff, and --Assisting other staff developing laboratory test plans.
On the side, I also work independently as an English language technical writing consultant. I work with non-native English speakers, improving the quality of their English language publications. When editing publications, I include both grammatical mistakes and the style differences between various languages. My specialty is in research papers, but I am happy to work on other types of publications as well. I approach each project with a teaching mindset. My favorite part of the project is teaching people the grammar, and writing style that they need to improve their writing on their own. Especially if I can find a fun way to make the point (For an example, feel free to ask me about the Oxford comma)!
My role at Davis Energy Group primarily focuses on technology evaluation, and including new technologies in Title 24. Projects include either most of, or all of, the following tasks: 1. Understanding the fundamental operating principles of the technology. 2. Designing either laboratory testing or field monitoring plans to collect data describing the performance of the technology. 3. Either working with external partners for laboratory testing, or installing field monitoring equipment. 4. Analyzing data to determine how well the technology works in various situations (Different weather patterns, building size, occupant behavior, etc). 5. Understanding the market, in terms of available products, prices, installation costs, standard practice, etc. 6. Performing a cost/benefit analysis to determine approximate payback period for average users in California. 7. Writing reports documenting the data collected, analysis results, state of the market, benefits to Californian's employing the technology, and proposed method of including the technology in California building code. Each project also included project management tasks, such as monitoring timelines and budgets, customer relationship management, and supervising junior staff and/or external project partners. So far I have performed this role on numerous projects including: 1) Drain water heat recovery, 2) Compact hot water distribution systems, 3) Combination domestic hot water and space heating systems, 4) Large diameter shallow bore ground coupled heat exchangers.