AAON, Inc. welcomed ASHRAE President Sheila Hayter to the new Norm Asbjornson Innovation Center Research and Development Laboratory (NAIC). Hayter toured the NAIC and was introduced to its industry leading testing capabilities. During the event, ASHRAE was presented with a Platinum Circle Donor check of $20,000 from AAON.
The Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center is a 65-foot-tall 134,000 square foot laboratory marvel able to measure both acoustics and thermal performance. A few features of the lab include supply, return, and outside sound testing at actual load conditions, testing of up to a 300-ton air conditioning system, testing of up to a 540-ton chiller system, and 80 million Btu of gas heating test capacity. Environmental application testing capabilities include -20°F to 140°F testing conditions, up to 8 inches per hour rain testing, up to 2 inches per hour snow testing, and up to 50 mph wind testing. A grand opening of the facility is planned for later in 2019.
"The NAIC solidifies our position in innovation and technological advancement in the HVAC industry," says Gary Fields, President and Director of AAON. "We are honored to have ASHRAE President Sheila tour our facility, and witness firsthand its state-of-the-art testing capabilities."
