João Pimenta
Professor
University of Brasilia
UnB, FT/ENM, Campus Asa Norte
Brasilia/DF
Brasil
5561999874249
Region:
Honorarium: None
Professor João Pimenta has spent the past 30 years focusing on academic activities on mechanical engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with major focus on HVAC&R studies.
João received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Fundação Souza Marques at Rio de Janeiro. He received a Master of Mechanical Engineering from University of Uberlândia (UFU) where his graduate work focused on experimental testing of refrigeration compressors by means of indicator p-V diagram. After his work at UFU he starts a Doctoral Program at Université e Liège (ULg), in Belgium, under the guidance of Prof. Jean Lebrun, head of the Laboratoire de Thermodynamique, receiving a doctorate degree of “docteur en sciences appliquées” after his thesis on Fault Detection and Diagnosis applied to HVAC systems in buildings.
After concluding his PhD in Belgium, João returns home in Brazil, where he began his academic career. Initially he dedicated 2 years as a recent doctor, with a scholarship from FAPEMIG (Minas Gerais Research Support Foundation) working with prof. Oscar Hernandez and other researchers at UFU. He then held a visiting professor position at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), teaching heat transfer, thermodynamics and air conditioning for mechanical engineering students. Leaving UFC, João served as a professor at the University of Fortaleza (Unifor), as a member of the Combustion Technology Center, developing R&D activities for the LPG and NG sector. João left Unifor in 2002 to assume his current position as a professor at the University of Brasília (UnB) where he is part of the Energy and Environment Group of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In the last 20 years, in his work at UnB, João created the LaAR (Laboratory of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) developing several works in the HVAC&R field.João become a student member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 30 years ago, during his doctorate. In ASHRAE he has acted as advisor for the Student Branch of Brasília, formed by architecture and engineering students, since 2016 as well as the chair of the Refrigeration Committee of the ASHRAE Brasil Chapter.João has published numerous technical papers and presented his work at a variety of national and international conferences. His publications include technical papers on: modelling and simulation of HVAC&R system components; energy efficiency in buildings, fault detection and diagnosis.
João takes part of Board of Directors in the ANPRAC, the National Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Professionals) and ABEMEC-DF, the Brazilian Association of Mechanical Engineers of the Federal District.João also served for nine years as a member of the Chamber of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of CREA-DF (Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy of the Federal District).João conducts training seminars for architects, engineers and technicians and others involved in the design and application of HVAC&R systems and components. In such seminars João makes use of his wide teaching experience and didactic capacity, seeking to give participants an initial training base that allows them to continue deepening as differentiated professionals. The themes addressed in these seminars cover different topics in the area, such as energy efficiency, thermal comfort, refrigerants, refrigeration cycles, modeling and simulation. Over the last 20 years João has participated in the main national conferences and events in the HVAC&R area.
Among activities not related to the HVAC&R universe, João dedicates himself to DIY, cooking and outdoor activities in contact with mother nature such as trail running, trekking, mountain and road biking and scuba diving.
Topic
Refrigerant Fluids: Past, Present and Future Prospects in the HVAC Industry
The HVAC industry has undergone significant changes over the years, especially when it comes to refrigerant fluids. In the past, refrigerant fluids such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were widely used in HVAC systems. However, due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer, these fluids were phased out, and more eco-friendly alternatives were introduced.Today, the industry has seen advancements in the development of newer refrigerant fluids such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and propane. These newer fluids have better environmental profiles, improved energy efficiency, and lower global warming potential (GWP) than their predecessors.The future prospects of refrigerant fluids in the HVAC industry are promising. With the ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, there is a growing demand for sustainable HVAC systems that are energy-efficient and have low environmental impact. This has led to the development of newer refrigerant fluids that have even lower GWP than the ones currently in use.Furthermore, there are ongoing research and development efforts aimed at improving the performance of these fluids, reducing the cost of production, and increasing their availability in the market.In this lecture, we will explore the advancements made in refrigerant fluids in the HVAC industry, the current state of the market, and the future prospects of these fluids. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different refrigerant fluids, including their environmental impact, energy efficiency, and safety concerns.Finally, we will consider the regulations governing the use of refrigerant fluids in the HVAC industry, including the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali Amendment, and other global and national policies. We will discuss how these policies have impacted the HVAC industry and what we can expect in the future.Overall, this lecture will provide valuable insights into the advancements and future prospects of refrigerant fluids in the HVAC industry, giving attendees a better understanding of the role of refrigerant fluids in sustainable HVAC systems.Target Audience: Engineering students and professionals in the HVAC-R sector.
How Climate Change Impacts HVAC&R
Climate change is a global challenge that is having significant impacts on our environment and the systems that support our daily lives, including HVAC&R. In this speech, We will explore the various ways climate change affects these systems and the steps we can take to mitigate these impacts.Deforestation is a leading cause of climate change, with forests acting as natural carbon sinks that help regulate the climate. The Amazon Basin is home to the world's largest rainforest, and the deforestation of this region is having a profound impact on the world's climate.The deforestation of the Amazon Basin affects HVAC&R systems in several ways, including the creation of flying rivers, which can impact weather patterns and increase the likelihood of extreme weather events. So we will discuss how these flying rivers impact HVAC&R systems and the importance of addressing deforestation to mitigate these impacts.Furthermore, it will be explored the ways in which climate change is affecting the demand for HVAC&R systems. As temperatures rise, the need for air conditioning increases, placing additional strain on energy resources and contributing to the vicious cycle of climate change.However, I will also highlight the opportunities that climate change presents for HVAC&R professionals, including the development of more sustainable and efficient systems. By embracing renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce the environmental impacts of HVAC&R systems while still meeting the growing demand for these systems.By the end of this speech, the audience will have a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate change on HVAC&R systems, particularly in the context of deforestation and the flying rivers created by the Amazon Basin. They will also have a greater appreciation for the opportunities presented by climate change, including the development of more sustainable and efficient HVAC&R systems.In conclusion, climate change is a significant challenge that impacts every aspect of our lives, including HVAC&R systems. By understanding these impacts and taking steps to mitigate them, we can help create a more sustainable and resilient future.Target Audience: All interested public.?
Evolution of HVAC and Refrigeration – Why things are as it was and where are we going.
HVAC and refrigeration systems have been an essential part of our lives for centuries. From ancient Rome's aqueducts to the first air conditioning system in the early 1900s, the history of HVAC and refrigeration is a fascinating journey that has significantly impacted our way of life.By tracing the history of HVAC and refrigeration, we can better understand how these systems have evolved and why they are the way they are today. We can also explore the various technological advancements and scientific discoveries that have driven the evolution of these systems.However, the journey does not end there. As we move forward, the HVAC and refrigeration industry is facing new challenges, including increasing energy efficiency requirements, environmental concerns, and the need for more sustainable systems.In this speech, We discuss how the industry is adapting to these challenges, including the development of more energy-efficient systems, the use of alternative refrigerants, and the incorporation of smart technology into HVAC systems.Moreover, it is explored how advancements in materials science and nanotechnology have contributed to the development of more efficient and sustainable systems. For instance, new insulation materials and coatings can help reduce heat loss and improve overall system performance.By the end of the speech, the audience will have a better understanding of the historic evolution of HVAC and refrigeration and where the industry is headed. We will have explored the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and discussed how the industry can continue to evolve and innovate in the future.In brief, the historic evolution of HVAC and refrigeration is a fascinating story that has significantly impacted our way of life. By understanding this history and exploring the challenges and opportunities ahead, we can continue to drive innovation and development in the industry, creating more sustainable and efficient systems for future generations.Target Audience: All interested public.?
Realizing Net Zero Energy Buildings by integrating active and passive solutions
Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) are buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. Achieving this goal requires a holistic approach that considers the building's design, construction, and HVAC systems. High-efficiency HVAC processes are essential for reducing energy consumption, but passive cooling solutions can also play a significant role in achieving net-zero energy goals.In this speech, it will be discussed the benefits and challenges of passive cooling solutions and how they can be integrated into NZEBs. Evaporative cooling walls, for example, use evaporative cooling technology to reduce the temperature of the air passing through them. Solar chimneys use the natural convection of hot air to create a passive ventilation system, while ground heat transfer systems use the thermal energy of the ground to cool buildings in the summer.Furthermore, it will be discussed how these passive cooling solutions can be integrated into high-efficiency HVAC systems to achieve maximum energy efficiency. For example, solar chimneys can work in conjunction with a high-efficiency HVAC system to reduce energy consumption while still providing comfortable indoor air quality.By the end of this speech, the audience will have a deeper understanding on the role of passive cooling solutions in achieving net-zero energy goals for buildings. They will understand the benefits and challenges associated with these solutions and how they can be integrated into high-efficiency HVAC systems.In conclusion, achieving net-zero energy goals for buildings requires a holistic approach that considers both active and passive cooling solutions. Passive cooling solutions, such as evaporative cooling walls, solar chimneys, and ground heat transfer systems, can play a significant role in reducing energy consumption and achieving net-zero energy goals.Target Audience: Architecture and engineering students and professionals in the HVAC-R sector.
Bringing Simulation to HVAC&R professionals
In the field of HVAC&R, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of how heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems work. This knowledge is necessary to design, install, and maintain these systems effectively. However, it can be challenging to gain a comprehensive understanding of HVAC&R systems due to the complex nature of these systems.This is where simulation technology can make a significant impact. By bringing simulation to HVAC&R professionals, we can provide them with an effective tool to better understand how these systems work, optimize system performance, and predict the behavior of these systems under different operating conditions.Through simulation, HVAC&R professionals can model their systems and test different scenarios virtually, allowing them to make informed decisions about system design, operation, and maintenance. This technology can also help professionals identify and troubleshoot potential issues before they occur, reducing system downtime and improving overall efficiency.Moreover, simulation technology can help HVAC&R professionals optimize system performance, reduce energy consumption, and reduce overall environmental impact. This technology allows professionals to test different configurations, materials, and operating conditions to identify the most efficient and sustainable options.However, despite all this importance and even though there has been a great development in this field in the last half century, one can see a very timid use of modeling and simulation tools by professionals in the sector. Much has evolved since then, and today there are several computational tools to help professionals in the sector in their work. Despite this, a certain inability to model components and systems and use them to obtain simulated results persists and predominates among professionals. Important computational tools such as Energy Plus, EES, Ansys, OpenFoam, among many others, are still little used by professionals and are basically restricted to academia. So, this speech is intended to disseminate more the subject, in favor of a more qualified community of professionals.Target audience: Students and professionals with some previous background in energy studies od HVAC&R systems and components.?
INTERNET OF THINGS: Concepts and Applications in HVAC-R
IoT has revolutionized the way we interact with technology, connecting devices, and systems to the internet and each other. The HVAC-R industry is no exception, with IoT offering numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, enhanced system monitoring, and improved maintenance.In this speech, I will consider the concepts of IoT and explore how it applies to HVAC-R systems. It will be discussed the various devices, sensors, and communication protocols involved in IoT and how they are integrated into HVAC-R systems.Moreover, it will be explored the numerous applications of IoT in HVAC-R, including the ability to monitor and control temperature, humidity, and air quality remotely. IoT can also help identify issues early on, reducing downtime, and improving system performance.Another application of IoT in HVAC-R is predictive maintenance. By collecting and analyzing data from various sensors and devices, IoT can predict when maintenance is required and even schedule maintenance automatically, reducing costs and improving system reliability.In addition, I will discuss how IoT can improve energy efficiency in HVAC-R systems. By collecting and analyzing data, IoT can identify areas where energy is wasted and provide recommendations for improving system efficiency.By the end of this speech, the audience will have a thorough understanding of the concepts of IoT and its various applications in HVAC-R. They will be able to see the benefits of incorporating IoT into their HVAC-R systems and understand how it can improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.In conclusion, IoT is a game-changer for the HVAC-R industry. By embracing this technology, professionals can improve system performance, reduce costs, and provide more efficient and sustainable solutions.Target Audience: Architecture and engineering students and professionals in the HVAC-R sector.
