A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Ritter von Rittinger Medal to five industry leaders. Canadian Dr. Michel Bernier of Polytechnique Montréal was among the recipients of the highest international award in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration field (see p10 for other news regarding Dr. Bernier). The award highlights outstanding contributions to the advancement of international collaboration in research, policy and market development and applications for energy-efficient heat pumping technologies that result in environmental benefits. It is awarded every three years in conjunction with the International IEA Heat Pump Conference.
Dr. Sophie Hosatte, chair of the IEA Heat Pump program executive committee, presented the awards. “It is my great pleasure to recognize these dignified gentlemen and honour them with the industry’s most prestigious prize,” said Hosatte during the ceremony. “Our award winners are undoubtedly five of the most influential individuals in the history of the IEA Heat Pump program.”
Daniel Ellis, the president of ClimateMaster Inc., USA was recognized for his product innovation and market development activity for geothermal heat pumps. Ellis, who has been active with geothermal heat pumps since 1978, led the industry efforts that resulted in U.S. federal tax incentives for ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). ClimateMaster’s Trilogy 40 was among the products featured on the exhibit floor. The geothermal heat pump is certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) to exceed 40 EER at ground-loop (GLHP) conditions.
In his closing remarks, Tanguay reported that there were 90 oral presentations and 80 poster sessions on the program. “We received over 300 abstracts for the conference from 32 countries and selecting the final program was not an easy task,” said Tanguay. “The end result was a successful opportunity for dialogue that will help to bridge the gaps between applied and fundamental research, product commercialization, regulation and market transformation.”
Attendance reached 325 and according to Hosatte, interest in the conference has been steadily increasing. The next IEA conference will be held in 2017 with the dates and location to be determined. CGC’s 7th Geothermal Heat Pump Business and Policy Forum was held May 16 at the same venue. <>
