'Controlling' the HVAC Industry - One Building at a Time
Anthony
Experience Information
Employer: Trane
Job Title: Contracting - Mechanical Engineer Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Trane is a worldwide company owned by Ingersoll Rand. They provide residential and commercial HVAC solutions of every shape and size. Specifically, Trane West Michigan, where I have spent my (3) co-op rotations, is a commercial sales office as a branch of the Michigan District. Our office is in Grand Rapids while our district has other offices in Detroit, Flint, and Lansing. Our office provides HVAC solutions to commercial buildings all along the West side of Michigan from Traverse City to the Michigan-Indiana border.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My co-op rotations were spent working with the contracting department. This department is contracted to building owners to install Building Automation controls. Once our sales department wins a job, the contracting department takes over the project management, engineering, installation, and programming of the controls. Specifically, I was/am involved in the engineering of this process. The engineering consists of creating Control Drawings for the installation and programming phases of the jobs. The Control Drawings show our electrical subcontractors and control technicians what controllers are going to be used throughout the job and what end devices / equipment are going to be used in the Building Automation System.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Throughout my three co-op rotations with Trane, I learned valuable skills using AutoCAD and Visio software. Furthermore, I learned how to take Mechanical Drawing plans and specs to find the pertinent information needed to complete controls drawings. Also, working in the contracting department I learned a lot of proper engineering etiquette. Working alongside the Project Engineers in my group, I learned how to stay focused creating the control drawings for a job while getting questions from project managers/controls technicians/other contractors/building owners/vendors/etc. on other on-going jobs. This department requires a lot of multitasking and working with people. This co-op has taught me how to properly handle this.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op has been the experience of going to the sites where I am creating control drawings for. I am a hands on learner and this was a perfect way for me to see the controls being implemented on site, rather than only on paper. I learned a lot from the other project engineers and project managers on site and cherished anytime I went to visit one. The group of guys I work with are very helpful and patient with taking the time to teach me and listen to the many questions I come up with which was a great learning experience as well.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
Looking towards the future - I now have a better idea of the work environment I need to be in to be a successful engineer. I learned I thoroughly enjoy working in an environment where I am not solely in an office 40+ hours a week. I also learned it is important for my future to work with a group that is interactive with each other and willing to help each other out. Lastly, I learned how awesome the HVAC field is and that it is a business that will always have a huge demand. I would enjoy staying in this field of HVAC for my future career - and I do enjoy HVAC controls specifically.