On March 14, 2025, the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) UOB Student Branch organized an educational visit to Khater Engineering and Trading, providing students with invaluable insights into advanced Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and sustainable solutions. The visit included tours of two significant sites, each showcasing different aspects of HVAC technology.

Accompanied by the Club Advisor, Dr. Chawki Lahoud, Assistant Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, the first stop was the fitness club at ABC Verdun, where students were introduced to the air-cooled chilled water system installed for cooling the gym. Additionally, the electrical heat pump system used for water heating was highlighted. Both systems were explained in detail, allowing students to understand their operation and benefits. These systems are considered sustainable solutions because they utilize energy-efficient technologies that reduce overall energy consumption and environmental impact.

The second site visit was to the Ghandour Building in Beirut, where students were given a comprehensive overview of the boiler room used in the central heating system. The explanation covered all components of the boiler room, providing a thorough understanding of its functionality. Furthermore, the VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system used for cooling the apartments was introduced. VRF systems are known for their sustainability and flexibility, offering efficient cooling solutions. These systems optimize energy use and provide precise temperature control, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.

"This visit was a remarkable opportunity for our students to witness advanced HVAC technologies firsthand. Students should regularly participate in similar industry visits to gain deeper insights into modern real-world practices, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable engineering solutions”, stated Dr Lahoud.

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