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| Local Dynamics |
BIM is IN! Inlet Technology, a local company that provides Autodesk products and solutions, has recently partnered with ODU's Professional Development Center to provide training on the future of the building industry-Building Information Modeling (BIM). Through the integrated BIM process, designers, engineering, architects and builders can explore a project's key physical and functional characteristics digitally, before construction even begins, to improve accuracy and reduce wastes. As a Contributing Sponsor of Engineering Unplugged, Inlet Technology is a glowing example of how local businesses can use green practices to help increase their bottom line. For additional information about Inlet Technology's products and services, visit their website at www.inlettechnology.com. You can also view upcoming classes being offered by the PDC at http://vatpdc.com/pdc.
Maglev Levitation: slow speed maglev vehicle passes significant milestone. A team from ODU has taken slow speed magnetic levitation (maglev) to the next level by successfully completing a test run on a 50-foot, elevated track. The achievement is significant because it demonstrates how the idea of magnetic levitation can be removed from the lab and used as a viable solution for commercial transportation applications. Read more... |
| Collaborations |
DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE LOCAL NEWS? Send your press releases, news announcements to pdc@odu.edu. | |
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| Engineering Unplugged was Green Gold for Attendees |
Thanks to all of our partners and sponsors:
Certified Sponsor
Clark Nexsen
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
Power Secure
Sumitomo Drive Technologies
Virginia's Philpott Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Norfolk Economic Development Authority
Clancy & Theys Construction Company and S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company
Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C.
Innovation Research Park @ ODU
Contributor
Dominion Resources
Inlet Technology
Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Trane
Tymoff+Moss Architects
Warwick Plumbing & Heating Corporation
 Living up to all of the pre-conference expectations, the first green conference of its kind was held at Old Dominion University on a fittingly green day-- March 17, 2008--and even gained national attention as it was covered by such media giants as the Chicago Tribune. Nearly 250 architects, designers, builders, contractors, engineers and facility managers came out to see for themselves how "green" could prepare them for changes in building practices and manufacturing processes.
More than 25 exhibitors were also on hand to share their vision of the future and to help building professionals, government agencies and manfacturers understand how new ideas, products and services could help conference attendees turn green into gold.
"We are very pleased with the level of attendance and with the quality of the information that was shared at the conference," says Clair Dorsey, Director of the Professional Development Center at ODU-the organizer and host of the conference. "The whole point of the conference was to show local professionals that going green is not just a fad, but an all-encompassing trend that will continue long into the future. With the information presented and the networking opportunities available, attendees learned how to save costs and expand their businesses."
According to comments from the attendees, Engineering Unplugged did just that. "This was the best conference I have been to in a while," says Bob Congdon, also known as "Builder Bob". "It did exactly what it said it was going to do, which was to show local businesses how to get involved, educated and that they can afford to go green." Other comments about the conference ranged from simply "Great event!" to "This was very worthwhile. Thank you for bringing it here."
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| Do You Know the Answer? |
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William Draves was the guest lecturer at the luncheon during Engineering Unplugged. His lecture was so successful he had attendees lined up out the door to purchase of copy of his book. What is the name of the book he discussed at the conference?
Email us your answer at pdc@odu.edu and you could win a soft, insulated ODU 12-pack cooler. Respond by May 15th. The winner will be selected at random from all the correct responses.
Last Month's Question: Old Dominion is working on a pilot project of the Virginia Costal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC) to produce biodiesel fuel from algae. Where are the algae cultivation tanks stored?
There were no correct answers to last month's question (although there was one very amusing one). The correct answer is: On the rooftop of the Virginia Initiative Plant (VIP) Wastewater Treatment Facility at ODU. |
| Cool Factor - GET OUT OF THE FOG |
Old Dominion University's Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics was recently awarded a patent for an invention that can be attached to the exhaust system of motor vehicles to dramatically reduce harmful emissions. Utilizing a plasma reactor, the Plasma Muffler places plates at the top and bottom of an exhaust system's emission port to "zap" harmful gasses and reduce them to more basic molecules such as water and nitrogen. For a lucky few, a tour of the Center for Bioelectrics to see the Plasma Muffler was offered as one of the door prizes at Engineering Unplugged. For those who missed it,read more here... DO YOU KNOW OF A COOL INNOVATION? Send it to pdc@odu.edu | |
