David Blum

David is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Building Technology in the Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Previously, he received his M.S. degree in Building Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2013 and his B.A.E. degree from Penn State University in 2011. In general, David’s research interests include heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system dynamics and control, intelligent building operations, demand response, and energy systems. His current research project addresses how commercial building HVAC systems can reliably and cost-effectively provide short-term balancing services, called ancillary services, to regional electric grids while also providing an adequate level of occupant service. Providing these ancillary services supports the evolution of sustainable electric grids, which look to include renewable generation, distributed generation, electric vehicles, and all-electric HVAC systems. Outside of research, David also enjoys teaching and presenting on the topics of his research as well as related topics in mechanical engineering and sustainable architecture.