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Andrew Fix
Assistant Professor, Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Speaker Biography:
Andrew Fix is an Assistant Professor in the Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests broadly include energy efficient air conditioning and atmospheric water harvesting technologies. More specifically, his research group blends materials science, classical thermodynamics, analytical modeling, and prototype development and demonstration to create next-generation thermal technologies that address grand challenges at the intersection of energy and water for the built environment. Dr. Fix earned his B.S. In Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tulsa and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University where he conducted research at the Center for High Performance Buildings. Before joining UT, he was a postdoctoral scholar at the Center for Environmental Energy Engineering at the University of Maryland. He has published over 20 journal papers and conference papers on membrane dehumidification, heat pumps, atmospheric water harvesting, and other thermal technologies.
Abstract:
It is estimated that 10% of global electricity is spent on cooling and ventilating buildings, and more than 50% of carbon emissions from cooling our buildings stem from the condensation of water vapor in our air conditioning systems. Concurrently, nearly 4 billion people experience water scarcity for at least one month out of the year while the energy sector takes up 10% of global water withdrawals. Improving the energy efficiency and water sustainability of our society are two interlinked problems. One class of technologies that can make a big impact in this problematic intersection is water vapor selective membranes: unique materials that allow gaseous water transport but block the transport of all other gases. This seminar will explore Dr. Fix's research in areas of membrane-based air dehumidification, air conditioning, and atmospheric water harvesting, bridging the gap between materials science and system-level performance. While vapor-selective membranes have excellent potential to provide decentralized atmospheric water generation and to revolutionize the way we condition air in our buildings, many technical barriers remain. This talk will not only cover the progress of this field, but will also address the challenges, opportunities, and emerging applications for vapor selective membrane separations.