In the second part of Episode 07, hosts Derby Juez-Perez and Whitney Tapp continue their exploration of the Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center (NAIC) with Dan Rhoades, R&D Lab Manager, and Kasey Worthington, Senior Product Manager. This episode dives deeper into the advanced capabilities of AAON’s premier testing facility, revealing how AAON pushes equipment to its limits, validates performance beyond AHRI ratings, and maintains its position as a technological leader in HVAC innovation.
"We’re trying to design race cars in the lab and squeeze out every bit of performance,” says Dan Rhoades. “And now I like to say we’re also trying to crash that race car as soon as we’re done… We use the chambers to push the compressors outside of their operating envelopes and then allow the controls to recover and bring it back into operating."
Tune in to discover how the NAIC enables AAON to test, refine, and advance performance for the most demanding applications.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE
0:19 — Skip intro
0:58 — Dan discusses the current projects at the NAIC
2:02 — The NAIC’s unique testing capabilities
5:22 — Continuous improvement and modifications to the lab
7:15 — How AAON conducts sound chamber testing
9:40 — The NAIC testing certifications
11:22 — Third-party testing to compare AAON to competitors
12:20 — How the NAIC stays in strict compliance
13:38 — Proving product performance with AHRI certifications
16:54 — The meaning behind the NAIC name
18:10 — A look ahead at the future of the NAIC
To experience the full journey through the NAIC, go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode. Dive into how AAON is redefining HVAC innovation from the ground up.
Inside AAON is a podcast that delves into technical deep dives, product insights, uplifting stories, sustainability initiatives, employee spotlights, and more to offer a 360-degree view of the HVAC landscape as we see it at AAON.
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