IAC: Tennessee Technological University

IAC Center of Excellence: 2018

Student Video Contest Winner: 2015

The Tennessee Technological University Industrial Assessment Center (TT-IAC) provides free energy, productivity, and waste assessments to small and medium-sized industrial facilities through funding provided by the US Department of Energy.

277	Assessments
1,939	Recommendations
5.16	Tbtu Energy Saving*
$43.00	million Cost Savings*
214	Students Trained

*Recommended Savings

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Tennessee Technological University also coordinates a Satellite IAC Center at:

University of Memphis

Recent Case Studies

Electrical Switchgear Manufacturer Realizes Large Savings in VSD

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Everyone Wins with Tennessee Tech University Industrial Assessment Center Program

Launched in 2006, the TTU-IAC program provides manufacturers in the state with free energy, productivity, and waste assessments – including best practices for compressed air systems, and blowers and vacuum, as well as cooling towers and chillers. The assessments to date have provided manufacturers in the program with $27.48 million in recommended cost savings, equaling 3.82 trillion British thermal units of energy savings.

Assessment - Case Studies

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TT | Assessment: TT0052

Electrical Switchgear Manufacturer Realizes Large Savings in VSD

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Related Papers & Publications

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2018

2 Papers / Publications

Bahraseman H, Languri E., " A Numerical Modeling of Liquid-to-Vapor Phase Change inside a Porous Medium under Heat Localization, Heat Transfer Engineering, Volume 39, Issue 15, | TT-IAC

Babazadehrokni, H., Languri, E., " Flow of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry through Planar Spiral Coil, Heat Transfer Engineering, Volume 39, Issue 11, | TT-IAC

2017

5 Papers / Publications

Bahraseman, H., East, J., Languri, E., " Fast Charging of Thernal Energy Storage Systems Enabled by Phase Change Materials Mixed with Expanded Graphite, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Volume 109, pp 1052-1058, | TT-IAC

Esfahani, M., Languri E., " Exergy Analysis of a Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger using Graphene Oxide Nanofluids, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, Volume 83, pp. 100-106, | TT-IAC

Taylor, A., Cunningham, G., Languri, E., " Development of a Compressed Air Flow Meter Installed at the Compressor Inlet, The Industrial Energy Technology Conference, New Orleans, LA, June 20-22, | TT-IAC

Patil, P., Languri, E., Cunningham, G., Welch A., Loftis, A., " Role Variable Frequency Drives on Cooling Tower's Energy Saving, Proceedings of the 2nd Thermal and Fluid Engineering Conference, Las Vegas, NV, April 2-5, | TT-IAC

2016

4 Papers / Publications

Ehsan Languri, Pallavi Patil, Glenn Cunningham, Albert Welch, Anthony Loftis, " Dynamic Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Indeced Draft Cooling Tower, ASME Power and Energy Conference June 2016, Charlotte, NC, June, | TT-IAC

Ehsan Languri, Glenn Cunningham, Jie Cui, Stephen Idem, " Feasibility Study of the Use of Ground-Coupled Condensers in Industrial Thermal Management, ASME Power and Energy Conference June 2016, Charlotte, NC, | TT-IAC

Hamidreza Ghasemi Bahraseman, Ehsan Languri, " Numerical Modeling of Liquid-to-Vapor Phase Change in Porous Medium under Solar Heat Localization, ASME Power and Energy Conference June 2016, Charlotte, NC, June, | TT-IAC

M. Esfahani, E. Languri, " Effect of Particle Size and Viscosity on Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Graphene Oxide Nanofluid, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol 76, Pages 308-315, August, | TT-IAC

2015

4 Papers / Publications

H. Bahraseman, E. Languri, " Numerical Modeling of Evaporation in Porous Media Flows, ASME IMECE, Houston Texas, November, | TT-IAC

H. Rokni, E. Languri, W. Johnson, " Convective Electronic Device Cooling using Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry in Planar Spiral Coil, ASME IMECE, Houston Texas, November, | TT-IAC

V. Prabhu, E. Languri, " Numerical Modeling of Buoyancy-Driven Air Flow inside Irregular Tent Air Gap, Proceedings of the 1st Thermal and Fluid Engineering Summer Conference, TFESC, New York, New York, August, | TT-IAC

M. Nunna, E. Languri, " Utilization of Graphene Oxide Nano Particles in the Base Fluid for Enhanced Heat Transfer Fluid - An Experimental Study, Tennessee Tech University Research Day, Cookeville, TN, April, | TT-IAC

Noteworthy Feedback

- Source: Mike Skroski, Energy Engineer, Chromalox, 09/06/2022

"Thanks for the report and thanks again to the TTU Team for the assessment, they were a great team to work with!"

- Source: Steve Bullard, Sr. Plant Manager, Geon, 04/21/2022

"This is great! Thank you so much for the efforts of you and your team!"

- Source: Mike Mancour, IS Director, MISA Metal Processing Inc, 01/31/2022

"Please pass along our sincere thanks to the team. We enjoyed hosting them and look forward to digesting the report."

- Source: Chad Morgan, EHS Manager, Exedy America Corporation, 10/25/2021

"On behalf of the Timken Corporation’s Mascot, Tennessee operations team, we greatly appreciate the service provided by the Tennessee Tech Center for Manufacturing Research and the entire team that participated in the Energy Assessment. I have performed a cursory review of the report and will be excited to share with the leadership team. Going forward, we will use the assessment as our guide to help drive down costs associated with energy waste streams and practices. I welcome the thought of a return visit by the IAC in the future to perform another assessment not only to monitor how we are doing, but to provide a platform for other students to further their education while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Please reach out to any of us when that opportunity arises. Respectfully, Dick Moisan"

- Source: Richard (Dick) Moisan, Timken, 06/15/2021

"I wanted to send a quick note as appreciation for the excellent assessment that TTU performed under your leadership. The level of professionalism and willingness that your group demonstrated during the past few months was outstanding. Our company is pleased with the results of the assessment and for the recommendations to improve our energy consumption. It will help our site to achieve targeted cost savings and energy conservation KPI’s. This assessment will be used as a reference to implement similar studies in our sister sites within North America region. Please extend my recognition to the students that participated, they were very professional and supportive."

- Source: Mario Aguilera, Technology Development Sr. Manager, Schott Gemtron, 07/13/2021

"It was a pleasure working with the students during the inspection. Their interest and energy were most appreciated. I have hope for the next generation of Tech engineers."

- Source: Don Haynes, Environmental Manager, Florim USA, 10/08/2020

"This communication is to express our appreciation for making us aware of the assessment help available from the US Department of Energy through your group at the University of Memphis. The free services you provided yielded some great recommendations. Some of these we’ve already working on, some we can enact now, and others we will continue to look at to take advantage. The information provided in the study presented was very informative and was supported well with the data collected and analyzed by your team. While we understand there are thing we must improve to reduce energy cost, it was exciting to hear we are currently in the “Gold Standard” area regarding the air loss/leak portion of the study. Again, we appreciate the time and effort it took for your team to collect, compile and present such a thorough study that will be a benefit to us in our efforts to reduce energy usage."

- Source: 06/11/2020

"The energy assessment went very well. Thank you, to all of you, for your time and attention to detail. The team has already been generating some great ideas, for savings opportunities. This was a great hands-on experience, and it was also a networking opportunity, as we offer internships... We are definitely interested in a Cybersecurity assessment! ... Thank you, Michelle, for your helping coordinate both assessments. We are so excited to partner with you!"

- Source: Jennifer Stockman, HSE Specialist, Mann + Hummel, 02/06/2019

"On behalf of Bridgestone Warren County, thank you so much for the work the Tennessee Tech Industrial Assessment Center did at our facility to identify ways for us to reduce our energy costs. The team was very professional, and it was terrific to get some new perspectives on our processes, with some great ideas! We were happy to be part of getting the students in your program exposed to Industry applications as part of their education. Please pass our gratitude on to everyone involved in the assessment."

- Source: Tamara Martensen, Plant Manager, Bridgestone, 12/07/2018

"Dr. Cunningham: I had very high expectations for this event...they were blown away and were exceeded on the upside in all aspects of this exercise. Thank you and your team for the outstanding work you performed on our behalf. We look forward to receiving your formal report and recommendations as soon as it is completed. ... I am forwarding the D.O.E./IAC program information to our two plants in Dayton and Springfield TN, along with a recommendation that they request the Tennessee Tech team for their site visit. Thanks again for your outstanding work and we look forward to your recommendations! Please forward our high praise to the rest of your team."

- Source: John Mahan, CI Specialist, International Automotive Componenets, 06/03/2016

"Energy Assessment Team, I wanted to take a few moments to thank you all for the opportunity to work with you on the energy assessment at our Clinton, TN plant. The managers and employees here were very impressed with the way your team carried out their assignments. I look forward to seeing how all the data comes out and to using your recommendations as a roadmap to future energy savings."

- Source: John Humler, Maintenance & Tooling Manager, Nelson Global Products, 01/13/2016

"â€œThe benefits we felt by working together with Tennessee Techâ€™s IAC group have been substantial. Dr. Glenn Cunningham and his team of graduate and undergraduate students brought an opportunistic attitude to our energy assessment, worked in a highly professional manner at all times and delivered a thorough analysis of our current condition, how we could improve and the potential cost savings from implementing their recommendations. We strongly encourage any eligible manufacturing site to take advantage of this program.â€ "

- Source: Kyle Corbin, EHS Manager, ABC Inoac, 06/11/2015

""They [the team] did an amazing job yesterday. I'm very excited about the possibilities of their analysis.""

- Source: Gavin Mabe, Clayton Homes, 03/13/2015

""I just wanted to note that, that the 10th recommendation, we added 57 total occupancy sensors throughout the plant. The assessment team initially recommended 15 in our warehouse and the project was such a success we added 57 total throughout the plant.""

- Source: Dustin Wallace, Environmental & VPS Coordinator, Volvo Penta, 10/02/2015

"The work you guys helped us with has paid off. Thank you very much. I look forward to working with you guys in our new plant in the near future."

- Source: Chuck Moore, Maintenance Manager, Ficosa, 08/26/2015

""Just to let you know, the Giles facility and our Manufacturing Operations President loved the report. They are excited and are already implementing some of the recommendations and we've forwarded the report to all our Facility General Managers for them to evaluate their own facilities.""

- Source: Gavin Mabe, Engineer, Giles Industries, 07/10/2014

""I reviewed your report with our Board on Friday. They were sufficiently impressed that we would like to engage with IAC at our Monticello AR and Anderson SC plants. Thank you so much for the good work!""

- Source: George McCabe, Board of Directors, Drew Foam, 07/28/2014

"I just want to express my sincere appreciation to you and your team that worked so diligently in our facility this week. I am really pleased with the progress and the recommendations that were proposed. As you saw, we have many opportunities to enhance our energy conservation efforts and we are indebted to your team for bringing those to the forefront for us. The students were really engaged in the process and their presentations supported such. Again, thank you for your efforts and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the future. Please donâ€™t hesitate to contact us if you ever need assistance."

- Source: David Whitworth, Plant Manager, 03/13/2014

"Thanks MIchelle and team. This was a great audit, especially given the small amount of time allotted. I believe it was beneficial to everyone involved. I am hopeful that we can move forward with some of the recommendations and get some savings in the near future. Thank you! Mark "

- Source: Mark Rogers, Engineer - Corporate Energy & Reliability, Shaw Industries Group, 03/20/2014

""You guys did an awesome job and I was totally impressed with the energy team." - Tim Brown "I want to thank you again for the effort you and your team displayed yesterday at our facility. It is refreshing to see young minds at work and eager to please. They did an outstanding job and were complimented in our 8:00 am production meeting. I have already began the process to complete the Manufacturing Tax Exempt form for Piedmont Natural Gas Company. I am looking forward to your official report from your assessment team. Please send a compliment to your team from me. Thanks again.""

- Source: Tim Brown, Engineering Leader, 03/11/2014

"Quote from client "Please tell your group that their visit was a very successful one. It gave us the information needed to acquire some capital money to help fund the lighting program we have in place now. We are more aware of our compressed air system and have an air conditioning replacement schedule.""

- Source: Chris Cantrell, Facilities Maintenance, 02/07/2014

"- We just finished our lighting project in the plant. What a difference. More light, less kWh and a rebate from TVA. win, win, win. Professor Cunningham's team did a study in our facility which has been very beneficial. Thank you sir."

- Source: Michael Jackson, Engineer, Thomas and Betts, 02/28/2013

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Center Director	Dr. Ethan Languri, P.E.
Email	elanguri@tntech.edu
Phone #	+19313726790
Fax #	+19313726345
Mailing Address	1020 Stadium Drive, Prescott Hall 233 Cookeville, TN 38505

Assistant Director	Jeffrey Marchetta, Ph.D.
Other	Michelle Davis
Assistant Director	Steve Idem

Tennessee Technological University has trained 214 students

The following students have participated in IAC assessments with Tennessee Technological University since 2003, when student name tracking began.
The 88 students (in BOLD) have also been awarded IAC student certificates for exceptional participation.

Aaron Cook

Aaron Thomas Bain

Aaron Willey

Abby M Mink

Adam Cunningham

Aditya Jayanthi

Albert Wilson

Alejandro Pujol Pradillos

Allison Muraski

Amanda Rushing

Amanda Winter

Andrew Gordy

Andrew Henson

Andrew Rausch

Anthony Freeman

Anthony Griffith

Anthony Taylor

Austin Estes

Avery Stokes

Ben Hassler

Benjamin Runyon

Blake Yancey

Blakely Goans

Bradley Beach

Brandyn Hoffer

Brian Ridley

Brian Traylor

Brianna Sullins

Brodie Metcalf

Brooks Goans

Brooks Hayes

Carl Groover

Carlo Garcia

Carlos Canelo

Casey Potts

Casey Tipton

Chandler S Cain

Charles Collier, Jr.

Chase Ray

Chris Loftis

Chris Reedy

Clay Paul

Cody Bateman

Collin Barlow

Dakota Mays

Dalton Bowen

Damon Dowd

Dan Brookshear (ETSU)

Daniel Glover

Daniel Kirkman

Daniel Samoila

David Clifford

David Hinson

David Pumroy

David Rogers

David Sierra

David Ward

David White

Davin Strom

Dean Sewell

Dini Williams

Douglas Uzcategui

Douglas Williams

Dustin Boyett

Dylan Davis

Dylan Mock

Eddie Strickland (Memphis)

Elijah Gasmen

Emily Hancock

Eric Ng

Eric Pillow II

Evan Kixmiller

Garth Ghearing

George Gulas

Ghabros Messiha

Gregory Stanford

Grover Hickman

Hannah Ross

Harley Brown

Henry Joure

Herbert Yau

Hollee Sadler

Ian Brown

Ian Swagerty

Jacob Barbee

Jacob Bilbrey

Jacob Burian

Jake Jordan

Jaladi Divyasusmitha

James Leverette

James Pratt III

Jamie Sharp

Jared Oliver

Jared Thaxton

Jared Zeringue

Jason Fathi

Jason Morgan

Jay Howard

Jeffery Walker

Jeremy Prince

Jeremy Rehbein

Jerry Lucas Crawford

Jerry Thompson

Jessica Shappley

Jimmy Kitchens

Jin Sen Chen

Joel Beretta

John Hamer

John Rampy

Jonathan Seals

Jonathan Stephenson

Jordan Hayes

Josef Bangean

Joseph Meadows

Joseph Richards

Joseph Saucier

Josh Osborne

Joshua Daugherty

Joshua Hooper

Julius Phillips

Justin Dorning

Justin Hall

Justin Tripp

Kade Howard

Katye Graves (Memphis)

Ken Mitchell

Kevin Mainini

Kevin Rumbolt

Kevin Smith

Kyle Bieze

Kyle Huffman

Kyndal Rozelle

Lacy Robbins

Laurie Messerschmidt

Lelyn Masters

Levi Carroll

Luis Rey

Maheshwar Roa Nunna

Makayla Logan

Marcia Turco

Marco Gonzalez

Marcus Bohac

Marina Ayoub

Mark Umbehagen

Maruthi Srinivas

Marvin Mecwan

Matt Beard

Matthew Lewis

Matthew Vela

Matthew Webster

Melissa Moffet

Micah Kassner

Michael James

Michael Sampson

Miles Nevills

Mindy Ren

Narendar Mogulla

Nathan Eason

Nathan Payne

Nathaniel Taylor

Neil Dries

Noah Small

Pallavi Pandit Patil

Patrick Swiecichowski

Persephone Johnston

Peter DeGloma

Philip Chadwick Bays

Raman Senthil Kumar

Randall Hodges

Raymond Bowker

Razvan Gavriliuc

Richard Bazar

Riley Collins

Rob Griffin

Ryan Burns

Ryan Henderson

Samantha Blanton

Sara Gordon

Scott Davis

Sebastian Barajas

Seth Leedy

Shane Terry

Spencer Freeman

Spencer Jones

Spencer McKnight

Stephanie Parnell

Stephen Doorley

Stephen Louis

Stephen Mason

Stephen Mirdo

Steven Duong

Suman Acharya

Sung Kyung Lee

Sydney McKinney

Taelen Boyd

Teri Ross

Timothy Avello

Tomas Attalla

Travis Danis

Trey Mallory

Tristian Fenwick

Troy Rudolph

Tyler Cortner

Tyler Coulter

Tyler Huffine

Vanessa Hughes

Wilkins Dedwylder

William Alston

William Anderson

William Broyles

William Gaetjens

William Parker

Zach Demko

Zachary Rose