EcoThermics has assembled a diverse world-class development team with experience from basic lab research, design and production engineering through military product development, in addition to energy-based solutions for building automation and computer control design and manufacturing.
Dr. Eckhard Groll, Purdue University
FESTEC Automation LLC
Industrial Carbonics
Mennie Machine
NORDYNE, Inc.
Valent LLC
Water Furnace Renewable Energy Inc.
Dr. Eckhard Groll, Purdue University
Dr. Groll, Purdue University Herrick Labs, Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Groll is one of the leading US academic researchers on use of transcritical CO2 for heating and cooling systems. As global leader in HVACR thermal sciences research, and in particular carbon dioxide based systems, his research interests include alternative refrigeration technologies, such as transcritical CO2 -cycle for automotive air conditioning, transport refrigeration, and heat pumping applications, vapor compression systems and cycle components. His work includes design, modeling, analysis, and testing of components and systems, often in collaboration with various industrial partners. Additionally, Dr. Groll has been involved with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army in prior CO2 research on using expansion devices for performance enhancement. As our SBIR partner, Dr. Groll provided ECU system design and component testing, including optimization via computer modeling and simulation and testing of the our compressor.
Future work with us will include construction and setting up of a specialized test stand, testing of the prototypes, verification and modification of the computer simulation model, performance evaluation, optimization and design refinements, implementation of refined designs and re-testing, and final recommendations.
http://engineering.purdue.edu/Herrick/index.html
https://engineering.purdue.edu/ME/People/ptProfile?id=11748
FESTEC Automation LLC
FESTEC Automation LLC, Delphos, Ohio, Doug Wenninger, CEO. FESTEC is a full service designer, manufacturer and integrator of innovative, high quality automated equipment and industrial services. Festec’s proven product development capability ranges from designing, modeling and prototyping concepts to fully automated manufacturing. With extensive engineering knowledge, experience, and a full set of mechanical, electrical, quality and computer tools at their disposal, they are able to ensure that products are done right the first time, in a timely manner. FESTEC provides (i) engineering staff experienced in design, simulation, prototyping and production of compressors, (ii) project management consultation and support, and (iii) full prototype fabrication, including procurement, precision machining, testing and test equipment.
Industrial Carbonics
Industrial Carbonics, Danville, Illinois, John Smythe, CEO. Industrial Carbonics provides high pressure liquid pumping systems and delivery equipment for the food and beverage and manufacturing industries nationwide. They custom design and develop pumping systems for a wide variety of companies including Pepsi, Coke, Clean Energy Systems and General Electric, for applications including cylinder filling, pumping CO2 in a manufacturing atmosphere and DOT certified delivery. John has worked with customer engineers and designers to solve their CO2 delivery problems both in the USA and around the world.
Industrial Carbonics is a strategic partner with an equity interest in WhiteMoss and specific interests in the development and distribution of new products for product line expansion to meet the needs of the CO2 pump industry.
They will provide (i) engineering personnel knowledgeable and experienced in CO2 operations, (ii) technical assistance with prototype assemblies, field operations and systems evaluations, (iii) procurement of machined parts, supplies and inspections, (iv) full access to facilities, specialize equipment and staff for the assembly of prototypes, product development and testing.
Mennie Machine
Mennie Machine Company, Inc. of Mark, Illinois is one of the most integrated contract machining companies in the country. Mennie Machine was chosen as our primary production partner primarily for their expertise in production design and engineering, high degree of automation and reasonable production costs, quick response time, and their willingness to invest in EcoThermics. The addition of Mennie Machine as production partner will integrate seamlessly with our long-term research and development prototyping partner Festec Automation.
With a highly skilled and stable workforce, state-of-the-art machining centers, computer integrated manufacturing and quality inspection lab, industry certifications at the highest quality standards, and over 215,000 square feet of modern facilities, Mennie is well prepared to meet the challenges of producing high-quality compressors for our OEM customers.
Mennie’s customers, who have awarded the company their highest supplier rating based on quality, delivery, and cost management, include blue-chip names such as Caterpillar, Bosch Rexroth, Allison Transmission, Cummins Fuels Systems, Eaton Corporation and Sauer-Danfoss.
NORDYNE, Inc.
NORDYNE, Inc. (a Nortek subsidiary) designs, develops, builds and launches quality indoor comfort systems from standard efficiencies to the highest efficiency in the market place. NORDYNE maintains a loyal distributor, dealer, builder and consumer base and partners with some of the most well-known appliance manufacturers to bring these high-end, whole-home comfort solutions under consumer recognized brands. NORDYNE uses their years of industry experience as well as their distribution channels to distribute these high-end branded systems into the consumer market. Differentiated innovative products, ahead of their competition, creates an outstanding value proposition for each step of the channel. NORDYNE believes that CO2 systems will soon have a significant impact on the HVACR industry and has plans to employ EcoThermics technologies in future products.
Valent LLC
Valent (a Greenheck Fan Corp. subsidiary), was formed in 2007 to design, market and manufacture innovative packaged rooftop air handling equipment. Valent is not just a manufacturer of quality packaged rooftop ventilators built for use in high-outdoor air applications, but rather, a provider of air management systems designed to address the needs and preferences of building owners, installing contractors, and consulting engineers when handling large quantities of outside air. Valent’s Vice President and General Manager Mr. David Pflum serves as a Business and Technical Advisor to EcoThermics.
Water Furnace Renewable Energy Inc.
WaterFurnace Renewable Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes geothermal water source heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings worldwide. WaterFurnace products are used in homes, schools, hotels, hospitals, offices, manufacturing facilities, aquaculture operations, and skyscrapers. The company, formerly known as WFI Industries, Ltd., was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A wide variety of innovative and extremely efficient residential geothermal products testifies to their product development capabilities. WaterFurnace dealers and installers are the most highly trained in the industry. WaterFurnace is an early partner of EcoThermics, providing test labs, equipment and controls expertise in hydronic systems.