Tennessee Tech University Industrial Training & Assessment Center (ITAC)

Three TN Tech ITAC students Mohammad Seyed Sabour, Mohsen Pourfallah, and Sahera Abumariam were recently honored by the College of Engineering at Tennessee Technological University with the Eminence Award for Doctor of Philosophy Best Paper. Mohammad's paper was titled "A Comprehensive Review of Major Water Desalination Techniques and Mineral Extraction from Saline Water". Mohsen's paper titled "Optimization of Heat Transfer in Parabolic Trough Collectors Using Advanced Turbulator Designs and Nanofluids" was published in the Journal of Energy and Power Technology. Congratulations! Wings Up! #itac #tntech

In February 2025, the TN Tech ITAC traveled to the east coast to support DEW HVAC Training ServicesCenter with training and assessment at the Victaulic facility in Leland, NC. The TN Tech ITAC team enjoyed collaborating with the DEW-HVAC team and the plant personnel. The primary goal of this initiative was to conserve energy and reduce costs for the manufacturing plant while training our current workforce in energy assessments within the HVAC field. The team identified several cost-saving opportunities in the areas of HVAC, compressed air systems, noble gas use reduction, and more!

The Industrial Training & Assessment Center at Tennessee Tech is celebrating its 18th year of making a huge impact! We've provided FREE industrial energy assessments to over 320 manufacturers and municipalities. Together, we've saved an incredible $123.7 million in ongoing cost savings and prevented the release of 0.86 million metric tons of CO2!  Shown here are some of the faculty, staff and students of the TTU ITAC and TESLab (back row): Director Ethan Languri, Md. Akter Hossain Bablu, Spencer Jones, Neal Patel, Toby Tomlin, and Mohsen Pourfallah. (Front row): Yixing Wang, Patrick Swiecichowski, Rajendra Tadakhe. Nikita Tungar, and Michelle Davis. Not pictured: Dr. Hiyam Farhat, Mohammad Seyed Sabour, Grace Kimbro, Atra-Niese J., Aniket Nandha, Sahera Abumariam #WingsUp! #TNTech #TTU #ITAC

Join us March 5 from 10-11 CST as Dr. Ethan Languri leads a discussion on Industrial Energy Conservation for Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries. Tennessee Sustainable Spirits (“Sustainable Spirits”) is a voluntary recognition and technical assistance program administered by TDEC’s Office of Sustainable Practices (OSP) which seeks to reduce operational costs and environmental impacts for wineries and wine growers, breweries, and distilleries as well as serve as a gateway to sustainability education through popular brands. Register for the webinar: https://lnkd.in/eTPgh8QX

Edelbrock Group (Olive Branch, MS) implements 7 out of 8 assessment recommendations! The University of Memphis ITAC led by Dr. Jeff Marchetta assessed the Edelbrock Group, a manufacturer of intake manifolds, in January 2024. In the past year, the plant has implemented most of the recommendations made and is on track to save 16% of their annual energy costs. One of the projects being undertaken is the replacement of propane forklifts with electric lifts as they reach the end of their lifespan. This change results in lower fuel costs and decreased emissions, and qualifies for a financial incentive from TVA. The carbon dioxide reduction is estimated at 117,405 lbs CO2/year and the energy savings are estimated at over $36,000/year. Dylan Mock, Edelbrock Mechanical Engineer, remarked, “Our facility benefitted greatly from the assessment recommendations provided by the University of Memphis ITAC team. This is a great federal program!”.  

From Tennessee Tech's Industrial Training & Assessment Center, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Recently the students of the Industrial Training & Assessment Center (ITAC) at College of Engineering at Tennessee Technological University were honored to have a collaborative discussion with Jeff Ralph of AOSmith Water Heaters about Professionalism in Engineering. Mr. Ralph discussed "soft skills" such as communication, relationships and leadership and how they are relevant for engineers in all phases of their careers. We are grateful for this opportunity to complement the students' technical training with these skills that will serve them well at TN Tech and beyond. #WingsUp #ITAC

ITAC lead students Nikita Tungar, Rajendra Tadakhe, Spencer Jones, and Patrick Swiecichowski attended a week-long Energy Bootcamp offered by the DOE Better Plants program at Oak Ridge National Labs. This event had tours and training on topics such as Steam Systems; Motors, Pumps, & Fans; Compressed Air Systems; Process Heating Systems; Building Envelope, HVAC, & Lighting, Process Cooling Systems, Renewable Energy, Water Savings, and more. Training the next generation of Energy Engineers is a core part of ITAC's mission and this event allowed the students to gain insights, network with experts, and expand their knowledge in the energy efficiency field.

TN Tech’s ITAC is marking National Manufacturing Day on October 4 with our sincere appreciation to the manufacturers who partner with us to become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon emissions. Since our inception in 2007, we have conducted over 300 assessments for manufacturing plants in the region and saved industry $123 million in persistent implemented savings on their energy costs. This equates to saving .86 million metric tons of CO2. To receive a no-cost energy assessment contact Ethan Languri or Michelle Davis by visiting our website at www.tntech.edu/iac. #ITAC #IAC #TNTech

Tennessee Tech's ITAC was thrilled to host dinner for the Lead Students from ITACs at universities across America. Data show that more than 60% of ITAC students go on to pursue energy-related careers upon graduation. Alumni report that this training sets them apart in the job market, as employers seek out ITAC graduates. #ITAC #TnTech