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Day 1
Welcome and Introduction
Design Considerations for Energy Efficiency
- Review of systems: single-stage, DX, flooded, overfed, and multi-stage systems
- Energy efficiency considerations for industrial refrigeration systems
Load Calculations and Psychrometrics
- Temperature requirements
- Load types: envelope, product, internal, equipment, infiltration
- Psychrometrics review
- Sensible and latent loads
- Infiltration loads: theory vs. real-world
- Rules-of-thumb
Load Calculation Workshop Load Calculation Workshop (continues) Evaporators
- Types
- Performance characteristics
- Manufacturer's rating methods
- Selection process
- Energy efficiency considerations
- Variable speed drive fans
Assign Homework – Class Design Project
- Preliminary refrigeration system layouts
- Load calculations
- Evaporator selection/layout
Adjourn to Work on Class Project
Day 2
Homework Review Valves and Valve Selection
- Valve types and uses
- Actuating methods (direct-acting, pilot-operated)
- Installation considerations
- Typical valve groups
- Safety considerations
- Energy efficiency considerations
Condensers
- Performance characteristics
- Sizing considerations
- Selection
- Fan alternatives and methods of control
- Energy efficiency considerations
Condenser Selection Workshop
- Types: high-pressure receiver, thermosiphon, low-pressure accumulator, flash intercooler
- Configurations: horizontal or vertical
- Ratings
- Proper practices for system integration
- Knock-out velocity
- Down-comer sizing
- Refrigerant level control (floats, capacitance probes)
Vessel Sizing/Selection Workshop
Assign Homework
- Evaporator valve selection and valve train layout
Adjourn to Work on Class Project
Day 3
Homework Review Liquid Refrigerant Pumps
- Pump types and performance curves
- Net positive suction head: required and available
- Pump selection
- Energy efficiency considerations
Compressors
- Compressor ratings
- Full-load and part-load operation
- Oil cooler heat rejection methods (screw compressors)
- Volume ratio (fixed and variable)
- High stage and booster selection
- Energy efficiency considerations
Compressors (continued)
Class Design Project Assign Homework
- Select compressors
- Select condensers
Adjourn to Work on Class Design Project
Day 4
Homework Review Refrigerant Piping
- Sizing vapor lines (suction, discharge, hot gas)
- Liquid line sizing
- Wet return line sizing
- Piping practices to minimize potential for hydraulic hammer
- Riser pipe sizing practices
- Energy efficiency considerations
Refrigerant Piping Workshop Heat Recovery Opportunities
- Assessing the potential for heat recovery in ammonia systems
- Heat recovery options Design Project
Assign Homework
- Class design project
Adjourn to Work on Class Design Project
Day 5
Homework Review
Finalize Design Project
Design Project Presentations
Question/Answer Session
Registration Date/Time:
9/20/2027 7:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 9/20/2027 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 9/21/2027 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 9/22/2027 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 9/23/2027 8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
- 9/24/2027 8:00am - 2:00pm Central Time
Course Location
Lodging
Accommodations include: Your stay includes hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, convenient on-site parking. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, complimentary high-speed Internet, and 40-inch, flat screen, high-def TVs.
This in-person course uses the Canvas learning management system to provide access to instructional materials, participation certificates, and course evaluations. A UW NetID is required to log in to Canvas.
Your registration confirmation email will include step-by-step instructions for setting up your NetID and accessing the Canvas course site. Please check your spam folder if you do not see your confirmation or UW communication emails from the "@wisc.edu" address.
This course is part of the Process Safety Management Professional Certificate. Increase your knowledge and effectiveness at managing PSM/RMP programs for your ammonia refrigerated facility, while earning a recognized credential. The course can be taken individually.
Instructors
Douglas Reindl
PROFESSOR
Douglas Reindl, PhD, PE is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a Program Director at the Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He brings extensive expertise in mechanical systems, with a particular focus on industrial ammonia refrigeration. As the founding director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, Dr. Reindl is dedicated to advancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of refrigeration infrastructure. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and both MS and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison. A registered professional engineer in Wisconsin, Dr. Reindl is widely recognized for his leadership in refrigeration education and applied research.
Marc Claas
Researcher
Marc Claas is an Associate Researcher with the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, specializing in industrial refrigeration since 2009. He focuses on system maintenance, safe operation, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance, with a growing interest in emerging cooling technologies. Marc has led online operator training programs and brings extensive field experience in Process Safety Management (PSM), including audits and Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). He also investigates energy efficiency and operational improvements in refrigeration systems. Marc holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Platteville and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Thermal Sciences from UW-Madison. He is an active member of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
Todd Jekel
Assistant Director
Todd Jekel, PhD, PE is the Assistant Director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium (IRC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads applied research and technical outreach in industrial refrigeration. His work focuses on system and component modeling, refrigeration load and energy calculations, accumulator design, and safety relief vent systems. Dr. Jekel has contributed to the development and instruction of several web-based and in-person courses for refrigeration professionals, covering topics such as ammonia refrigeration, process safety, and energy efficiency. He holds degrees from Calvin College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition to his academic and research roles, he is an active member of ASHRAE and the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), serving on multiple technical committees. Dr. Jekel is recognized for his expertise in vessel design, oil separation, and dehumidification strategies for cold storage facilities.
Program Director
Douglas Reindl
Attendees participating in this course will be able to earn a digital badge as evidence of the knowledge they obtained during the course. Digital badges are micro-credentials that can be earned by successfully passing a final quiz administered online after completing the course. Find more information on digital badges.