HVAC Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Explains conduction, convection, and radiation as they apply to building envelopes and ductwork. Connects heat transfer theory to equipment sizing decisions.

Lesson 2 • HVAC System Types and Components

Surveys central, split, packaged, and variable refrigerant flow systems and their core components. Provides context for comparing system configurations in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Mechanics and Airflow Basics

Introduces pressure, velocity, and flow rate relationships governing air and refrigerant movement. Provides the basis for duct and pipe system design.

Lesson 4 • Thermodynamics Principles for HVAC

Covers laws of thermodynamics, enthalpy, and energy balance relevant to heating and cooling cycles. Establishes the physics framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Load Calculation Software and Validation

Uses industry load calculation software to model building loads and cross-checks results against manual methods. Builds confidence in digital tools and output interpretation.

Lesson 2 • Building Envelope Heat Gain and Loss

Analyzes conductive, solar, and infiltration loads through walls, roofs, windows, and floors. Directly feeds the peak load values used in equipment sizing.

Lesson 3 • Manual Load Calculation Methods

Applies Manual J residential and Manual N commercial procedures step by step. Reinforces hand-calculation skills before transitioning to software tools.

Lesson 4 • Ventilation and Outdoor Air Loads

Calculates the thermal impact of required outdoor air based on occupancy and air quality standards. Links ventilation requirements to total system capacity.

Lesson 1 • Compressor Types and Performance

Examines reciprocating, scroll, screw, and centrifugal compressors and their performance curves. Enables informed compressor selection based on capacity and efficiency requirements.

Lesson 2 • Absorption and Alternative Refrigeration

Introduces lithium bromide and ammonia-water absorption cycles and heat pump configurations. Broadens students' equipment knowledge beyond vapor-compression systems.

Lesson 3 • Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Traces refrigerant through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation stages on pressure-enthalpy diagrams. Establishes the analytical foundation for all mechanical cooling equipment.

Lesson 4 • Condensers and Evaporators

Analyzes air-cooled, water-cooled, and evaporative condensers alongside direct-expansion and chilled-water evaporators. Connects heat exchanger design to system efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Air Balancing and Testing

Applies proportional balancing and test-and-adjust procedures to achieve design airflow at each outlet. Validates system performance against design specifications.

Lesson 2 • Air Outlets and Diffuser Selection

Covers throw, spread, and drop characteristics of grilles, diffusers, and slot outlets. Links outlet selection to occupant comfort and ASHRAE comfort zone compliance.

Lesson 3 • Fan Selection and Performance

Analyzes fan curves, system curves, and operating points for centrifugal and axial fans. Ensures fan selection meets airflow and pressure requirements at peak efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Duct System Design Methods

Applies equal friction, velocity reduction, and static regain methods to size supply and return ducts. Produces duct layouts that minimize pressure drop and noise.

Lesson 1 • Pump Selection and System Curves

Constructs system curves and selects centrifugal pumps at the best efficiency point. Addresses parallel and series pump arrangements for variable flow systems.

Lesson 2 • Expansion Tanks and System Accessories

Sizes expansion tanks, air separators, and pressure relief devices to maintain safe system operation. Ensures hydraulic stability across all operating conditions.

Lesson 3 • Terminal Units and Heat Exchangers

Covers fan coil units, chilled beams, radiant panels, and heat exchangers as hydronic terminal devices. Connects terminal unit selection to zone load requirements.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Sizing and Pressure Drop

Sizes supply and return piping using velocity and pressure drop criteria for water and glycol solutions. Produces balanced piping networks with acceptable flow velocities.

Lesson 1 • Sensors and Actuators

Covers temperature, humidity, pressure, CO2, and flow sensors alongside valve and damper actuators. Accurate sensor selection and placement underpin reliable control performance.

Lesson 2 • Standard HVAC Control Sequences

Programs economizer, supply air reset, demand-controlled ventilation, and chiller plant sequences. Translates design intent into executable control logic.

Lesson 3 • Direct Digital Control Systems

Explains DDC controller architecture, programming environments, and communication protocols. Enables students to configure controllers for standard HVAC sequences.

Lesson 4 • Building Automation System Integration

Integrates HVAC controls with lighting, fire, and security systems through a central BAS platform. Covers data visualization, reporting, and remote access configuration.

Lesson 1 • Financial Analysis of Energy Projects

Applies simple payback, net present value, and internal rate of return to rank energy conservation investments. Enables engineers to present business cases to decision-makers.

Lesson 2 • Energy Modeling and Simulation

Builds whole-building energy models to predict annual HVAC energy consumption and evaluate design alternatives. Connects simulation outputs to design decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Retro-Commissioning and Auditing

Conducts HVAC energy audits and retro-commissioning to restore and improve existing system performance. Identifies low-cost operational improvements before capital upgrades.

Lesson 4 • Energy Conservation Measures

Evaluates measures including heat recovery, variable speed drives, economizers, and demand control. Quantifies energy and cost savings for each measure independently.

Lesson 1 • Commissioning Process and Documentation

Outlines the commissioning authority role, commissioning plan, and design intent documentation. Establishes the procedural framework applied throughout the commissioning phase.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Functional and Startup Checks

Performs installation verification, equipment startup, and pre-functional checklists before functional testing. Catches installation defects early to reduce rework during functional tests.

Lesson 3 • Functional Performance Testing

Executes scripted functional tests to verify that equipment and controls meet design intent under all operating modes. Produces test reports accepted by the owner and design team.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Programs

Develops scheduled maintenance tasks for filters, coils, belts, refrigerant circuits, and controls. Extends equipment life and sustains energy performance between commissioning cycles.