Industry experts gathered at Weber State University to address strategies for reducing energy waste and implementing advanced grid services, featuring presentations on industrial system efficiency and microgrid technology scheduled for March 19 and March 20.
Industrial Energy Efficiency Sessions
On March 20, industrial experts An Ho and Christopher Price led sessions focused on cutting energy waste through strategies and tools for industrial systems. The programming included a morning instructional session at 8:30 a.m. followed by a site tour at 1:00 p.m.
Dr. An Ho, an Assistant Professor and Director of the Weber Industrial Training and Assessment Center at Weber State University, serves as the leader of the university's Energy Engineering Program. His research encompasses hydrogen storage, energy efficiency, and nuclear hybrid energy systems, with his work published in publications such as the Journal of Energy Storage, Renewable Energy Focus, Digital Chemical Engineering, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Contributions
Christopher Price, an R&D associate with the Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Research and Analysis (MEERA) Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, participated in the March 20 sessions. Price holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, with a specialized focus on energy efficiency, building HVAC systems, and advanced control systems.
Price serves as a Technical Account Manager for the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings, Better Plants Program Partners. In this role, he assists companies in tracking energy consumption and implementing energy management programs by identifying cost-effective opportunities. His professional work also includes the development of technical resources and software tools for industry, such as utility bill analysis, renewable energy, and energy baseline tracking. Additionally, Price is involved in strategic analysis of new technologies, including smart manufacturing and the geothermal energy sector, and coordinates international energy efficiency outreach to assist developing countries in adopting efficient technologies.
Weber State Microgrid and Sustainability
On March 19, Justin Owen, the Interim Director of Plant Operations at Weber State University, presented on loading shifting, grid services, and backup power regarding the Weber State Microgrid. Owen oversees building operations, maintenance, energy, sustainability, and commissioning for the university.
As part of his role, Owen manages the university's revolving green fund and pursues energy rebates. He is responsible for managing energy upgrades to lighting and HVAC systems, as well as calculating annual energy savings. Under his management, Weber State has implemented solar systems, variable refrigerant flow, and ground source systems to drive energy savings. Owen holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Weber State University and Master's degrees in Public Affairs and Environmental Science from Indiana University. He is a Certified Energy Manager and holds a certificate in Financing and Deploying Clean Energy from Yale.
Academic and Community Outreach
Dr. An Ho maintains a focus on community outreach through high school STEM programs and hands-on teaching methods intended to inspire future engineers. His role as Director of the Weber Industrial Training and Assessment Center also involves providing no-cost energy audits for manufacturing facilities while providing professional mentorship and hands-on training for students.
