HVAC Systems and Controls Fundamentals

150 hours/12 months access - Self-paced learning

 

Take the basics of Heating and Air Conditioning one step further.  This 150 hour program is developed by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).  Topics include: Fundamentals of HVAC Systems, HVAC Control Systems, DDC Controls, Refrigeration, Energy Efficient Design and Indoor Air Quality. 

 

Curriculum:

·         Fundamentals of HVAC Systems     

·         Fundamentals of HVAC Control Systems                    

·         Fundamentals of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Energy Efficient Design)

·         Fundamentals of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 (Indoor Air Quality)   

 

Fundamentals of HVAC Systems

    

Course Length: 35 hours — 3.5 CEU

 

Ideal for:

·         Recent engineering graduates working in the HVAC&R industry

·         Experienced engineers entering HVAC&R from another engineering area

·         Architects, technicians, construction or building management professionals wanting to increase their knowledge of HVAC systems

 

After completing this course, you will understand:

·         The objectives to be achieved by an HVAC system in terms of environmental control.

·         The description of a system - including primary equipment, means of distribution, space and load determination, and operating strategy.

·         The basic function of components that form HVAC systems.

·         The layout and functioning of common HVAC systems, including all-air systems, air-water systems, and all-water systems.

·         The strategies for operating systems and their basic means of control.

·         Identifying the most suitable type of system for different types of applications.

 

The Fundamentals of HVAC Systems elearning System includes:

-          On-demand, interactive course of 13 online modules

-          Online course reader

-          Online self-assessment

-          Completion certificate for 35 PDHs or 3.5 CEUs

 

These 13 short courses:

1.     Introduction to HVAC Design
Introduction to air-conditioning, the environmental factors influencing comfort, and how to determine and prioritise system design objectives

2.     Introduction to HVAC Systems
How to understand and use simple psychrometric charts, description of basic system components and operation of the economizer cycle

3.     Thermal Comfort
Understanding the factors determining thermal comfort and the comfort envelope to design systems that operate within acceptable ranges

4.     Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Understanding the types, sources and effects of air contaminants and how to control them, and the basic concepts of ASHRAE Standard 62.1

5.     Zones
How to define zones and place thermostats effectively

6.     Single Zone Air Handlers and Unitary Equipment
Calculating and maintaining mixed air temperature with single-zone air handlers and refrigeration equipment

7.     Multiple Zone Air Systems
How to describe and sketch the common all-air systems, and discriminate between the advantages and disadvantages of each

8.     Hydronic Systems
Components, strengths and weaknesses of hydronic systems, the effects of varying water flow and considerations for effective ventilation

9.     Hydronic System Architecture
General operation and layout of Steam Systems and Hot Water, Chilled Water and Condenser Water Systems

10.  Central Plants
The value of Central versus Distributed Plants, the significance of pressure in boilers, the operation of chillers and cooling tower performance

11.  Controls
Introduction to types of controls and control loops, DDC point types and protocol to ensure communication between DDC systems

12.  Energy Conservation Measures
How to save energy in the operation and design of HVAC systems, overview of ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Heat Recovery and Control of Building Pressure

13.  Special Applications
Radiant Heating and Cooling, Thermal Storage, Room Air Distribution and Humidity Control

Advanced Energy Design Guide - Small Retail Buildings

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings is a thorough study of the design concepts, strategies, and recommendations suited to the energy requirements of small retail buildings.

Course length: Approximately 18 hours

Designed for:

·         Contractors and designers who create retail buildings up to 20,000 square feet

After completing this course, you will understand:

·         Design strategies and recommendations made by the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings.

·         Techniques and how-to tips for the implementation of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings principles.

Modules:

1) Design Strategies and Recommendations
2) Quality Assurance
3) Building Envelope
4) Lighting
5) HVAC Equipment and Systems
6) Service Water Heating and Bonus Savings
7) Examples and Case Studies

Every module includes:

·         Reading assignment

·         Learning activities

·         Lesson summary

·         Module exam

Outcomes: The 7 online modules help you to understand:

·         Different stages and benefits of the AEDG design process

·         Activities that constitute each AEDG design stage

·         Responsibilities of various personnel in each AEDG design stage

·         Energy goals and strategies for designing small retail buildings

·         Eight climate zones defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the design recommendations for each of the zones

·         Importance of quality assurance in meeting the performance goals established for small retail buildings

·         Good design practices for the quality assurance process

·         Suggested commissioning scope for small retail buildings Good design practices, available options, and cautions for:

o    Opaque and vertical glazing envelope

o    Daylighting

o    Interior and exterior lighting

o    HVAC equipment and systems

o    Service water heating systems

o    Plug Load equipment

Advanced Energy Design Guide - Small Office Buildings

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings course explains the design concepts, strategies, and recommendations for constructing energy efficient small office buildings.

Course length: Approximately 10 hours

Designed for:

·         Contractors, designers, and owners who are building and maintaining office buildings that are up to 20,000 square feet

After completing this course, you will understand:

·         Design strategies and recommendations made by the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings.

·         Techniques and how-to tips for the implementation of the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings principles.

Modules:

1.     Design Strategies and Recommendations

2.     Quality Assurance

3.     Building Envelope

4.     Lighting

5.     HVAC Equipment and Systems

6.     Service Water Heating

7.     Bonus Savings

Every module includes:

·         Reading assignment

·         Learning activities

·         Lesson summary

·         Module exam

Outcomes: The 7 online modules help you to understand:

·         Purpose and scope of AEDG

·         Different stages and advantages of the AEDG design process

·         Activities that constitute each AEDG design stage

·         Responsibilities of various personnel in each AEDG design stage

·         Energy goals and strategies for designing small office buildings

·         Eight climate zones defined by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the design recommendations for each of the zones

·         Importance of quality assurance in meeting the performance goals established for small office buildings

·         Good design practices for the quality assurance process

·         Suggested commissioning scope for small office buildings

·         Good design practices, available options, and cautions for:

o    Opaque and vertical glazing envelope

o    Daylighting and daylighting controls

o    Interior and exterior lighting

o    HVAC equipment and systems

o    Service water heating systems

o    Plug load equipment

Air-Conditioning System Design Manual

The Air-Conditioning System Design Manual is a thorough study of the different types of local and central air-conditioning systems. It provides information on the design considerations, applications, functioning, advantages, and disadvantages of these systems.

 Course length: Approximately 30 hours

Designed for:

Engineers and contractors who are involved in the designing and installation of air-conditioning systems

After completing this course, you will be able to:
 

• Describe the phases of the commissioning process and the responsibilities of the HVAC engineer during each phase
• Define the conditions that govern equipment location and space requirements
• Compare the noise-levels of different terminal equipment and list their potential solutions
• Differentiate between central and local systems
• Define comfort and health criteria that influence design
• Describe humidity control, indoor air quality control, and air contaminant reduction
• Describe the heating and cooling load calculation procedures
• Explain the importance of manual and computerized load calculation procedures
• Describe the following equipment and components used in air-conditioning systems, along with their types, benefits, and design considerations:
• Source equipment
• Heat transfer equipment
• Distribution components
• Describe the design considerations, functioning, advantages, and disadvantages of all-air HVAC systems
• Interpret the effects of heating and cooling loads using a psychrometric chart
• State five commonly used versions of the fan laws and describe their applications
• Describe single-zone and variable-air-volume all-air systems
• Describe the psychometric considerations that influence the VAV system design
• State the design considerations that make it possible for VAV systems to enable energy savings
• Describe the energy and economical viability of reheat systems and their design considerations
• Describe dual-duct systems and their variations
• Analyze the design considerations made for dual-path systems
• Describe multizone systems and explain their design considerations, advantages, and disadvantages
• Describe simple rooftop systems and list their advantages and disadvantages
• Define air-and-water systems and list their design considerations, advantages, and disadvantages
• Describe alternative air-and-water system arrangements
• Describe the key attributes on the basis of which all-water systems are selected as a project solution
• Describe the three types of all-water systems and discuss their benefits and design considerations
• Describe the all-water terminals
• Explain the shortcomings of ventilation in all-water systems
• Compare all-water fan-coil systems with other HVAC systems
• Explain the design sequence for all-water systems
• Describe the workings of desiccant dehumidifiers
• Describe parallel and series desiccant systems and discuss their benefits and applications
• Describe the various energy-efficient subsystems
• Identify the components of a control system and the symbols used for them in schematic diagrams
• Describe the three types of control hardware used in HVAC&R systems and list their advantages and disadvantages
• Describe the VAV, single-zone, and dual-duct control systems

Module
 

1. The Design Process
2. HVAC System Selection Issues
3. Occupant Comfort and Health
4. Load Calculations
5. AC System Components - Source Equipment
6. AC System Components - Heat Transfer Equipment
7. AC System Components - Pumps, Valves, Piping & Ductwork  
8. Introduction to All-Air Systems
9. Single-Zone and Variable-Air-Volume All-Air Systems
10. All-Air Reheat Systems
11. Dual-Duct and Multizone All-Air Systems
12. Simple Rooftop All-Air Systems
13. Air-and-Water Systems
14. All-Water Systems
15. Special HVAC Systems
16. HVAC&R Controls

Every module includes:
 

• Reading assignment
• Learning activities
• Lesson summary
• Module exam

Fundamentals of Sustainable Buildings and High Performance Systems Design (GREENGUIDE)

 A thorough introduction to green design practices, benefits, new green building ideas, and an overview of the architectural decisions and their impact on sustainable and green project goals.

 Course length: Approximately 35 hours

 

Designed for:

 

• Recent engineering graduates working in HVACR
• Engineers entering HVACR from another area
• Technicians
• Architects

 

After completing this course, you will understand:

 

• The key concepts of green design
• The source, phases and importance of commissioning
• The various ways in which the various LEED credits affect the HVAC engineer
• The impacts some architectural decisions have and how these decisions affect sustainable/green project goals
• The importance of maintaining thermal conditions and generating new building design ideas.
• Environmental benefits of green design
• The concepts related to water-conservation, water heating and the different water systems
• How building control increases efficiencies and help in achieving LEED credit points

 

 

Modules

1)     The Basics of Sustainable Design                     

2)     Commissioning                                                

3)     LEED Guidance                                                           

4)     Integrated Design                                             

5)     Indoor Environmental Quality                            

6)     Energy Conservation                                        

7)     Plumbing and Fire Protection Systems              

8)     Building Controls                                              

 

Every module includes:

 

• Readingassignment
• Learning activities
• Lesson summary
• Module exam

 

Outcomes: The 8 online modules help you to understand:

•  The differences between green and sustainable design, the components of a successful green project, the green building rating systems available and the pros and cons of each system and the justification of the system.

•   The five main phases of commissioning, the importance of documentation to commissioning, the interaction of the commissioning agent with the normal site supervision during construction, and the engineer's role in construction quality.

• The five main program areas that LEED summarizes, the key points in each program area, particularly as they apply to ASHRAE members, the various EA credits, and the ASHRAE standard for thermal and lighting control.

• The cost implications when choosing a site, the impact site orientation has on the use of natural resources, the basis of integrated design and how it affects project costs, and the concept of night precooling.

• The five main areas that comprise indoor environmental quality (IEQ), the relationship between indoor air quality (IAQ) and the outdoor air quality, and how HVAC designs influence this interaction, and the new ideas on design of healthy buildings.

•   The environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources, passive versus active renewable energy, and the types of solar energy utilization.

• Where sustainable design can be implemented into plumbing systems, the effect that other disciplines can have on green design, and the importance of conserving water and the positive affects it can have on our planet.

• How building controls may benefit the environment, the importance of building controls in providing good building IEQ, and help a project achieve LEED credit points and help in continued efficient operation of the building after occupancy.

Fundamentals of HVAC Control Systems

Ideal for: System owners and operators, mechanical engineers, mechanical contractors, and facility engineers

Course Length: 47 hours

Fundamentals of HVAC Control Systems includes:

• On-demand, interactive course of 12 online short courses
• Online course reader
• Online assessment
• Completion certificate for 35 PDHs or 3.5 CEUs

These 12 short courses, which make up the full course, are also available separately:

1. Introductions to HVAC Control Systems
   Introduction to control theory and how to evaluate, select, position and sequence the appropriate type of control
2. Basics of Electricity
   Introduction to the electrical knowledge needed to understand controls and the use of electrical circuit drawings
3. Control valves and dampers
   Understanding the various types of valves and dampers, and their selection, installation and operation
4. Sensors and Auxiliary devices
   Terminology and attributes of sensors, the selection of moisture sensors, pressure, flow, and auxiliary devices
5. Self- and System-Powered Controls
   The characteristics, pros and cons of common self-powered and system-powered controls
6. Electric Controls
   Introduction to electric controls, bridge circuits, control diagrams and control logic
7. HVAC Controls: Pneumatic Controls
   The components of pneumatic systems, control application diagrams and calculating pressure to temperature
8. Analog Electronic Controls
   Understanding wiring conventions, application-specific electronic controllers and how to use them in HVAC applications
9. Control diagrams and Sequences
   The use of written specifications, schedules, and drawings to clearly identify what is to be installed, how it is to be installed, and how it is expected to operate
10. DDC Introduction to Hardware and Software
    Introduction to Direct Digital Control (DDC) components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of DDC routines
11. DDC Networks and Protocols
    Understanding interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols with an introduction to BACnet and LonWorks
12. DDC Specification, Installation and Commissioning
    How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements and a demonstration of energy performance for heating and cooling

Introduction to DDC Controls for HVAC

Ideal for: System operators, Mechanical engineers, architects, mechanical contractors, and system owners and operators

Course Length: 12.5 hours

After completing this course, you will understand:

• Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of simple DDC routines
• Interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols and the foundations of BACnet® and LonWorks®
• How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements, and energy performance for heating and cooling

Introduction to DDC Controls includes:

• On-demand, interactive course of 3 online short course modules
• Online course reader
• Online assessment
• Completion certificate for 12.5 PDHs or 1.25 CEUs

This course is made up of these 3 modules:

1. DDC Introduction to Hardware and Software
   Introduction to Direct Digital Control (DDC) components, their inputs and outputs, and the programming of DDC routines
2. DDC Networks and Protocols
   Understanding interoperability of controllers, network and data protocols with an introduction to BACnet® and LonWorks®
3. DDC Specification, Installation and Commissioning
   How to specify and design DDC systems to match client requirements and a demonstration of energy performance for heating and cooling

 

Fundamentals of Standard 90.1 for Architects

Standard 90.1 for Architects is a concise online course to help architects understand, apply and comply with the standard.  It provides the information essential to architects, with a brief overview of engineering that avoids the complex details. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 is the minimum energy efficiency standard for all non-residential buildings, and all residential buildings greater than three stories in height in the USA. 

Course Length: 18 hours 

Standard 90.1 for Architects includes:
• On-demand, interactive course of 8 online modules
• Essential electronic extracts of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 
• Essential electronic extracts of Standard 90.1-2004 User's Manual 
• Online Assessment 
• Completion certificate

This course has been submitted to become a registered American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System Provider Program and US Green Building Council Approved Education Provider Program.

Ideal for:  Architects

This course is made up of 8 modules

-          Standard 90.1: Scope, Application, and Administration

-          Building Envelope - General and Mandatory Provisions

-           Building Envelope - Prescriptive Requirements

-           Overview of Mechanical Systems

-          Lighting – General and Mandatory Provisions

-          Lighting - Interior Power

-          Energy Cost Budget Method

-          Building Performance Rating Method

 

Fundamentals of ASHRAE Standard 62.1

Properly designed ventilation systems are essential for the well-being of building occupants, to minimize adverse health effects and improve productivity of workers and students. Standard 62.1, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, is the industry standard for the design and operation of ventilation systems to provide acceptable indoor air quality.

 

Course Length: 29 hours

This course is a practical guide to applying the standard's ventilation rates and demonstrates the regulatory application to new buildings, and additions and changes to existing buildings. 

It demonstrates the interaction of ventilation with heating and air-conditioning systems and how various parts of a building affect indoor air quality.  This understanding will help you design, construct, operate and maintain buildings with acceptable indoor air quality.

Ideal for:

• Architects, HVAC Designers, HVAC Facility Managers and Operating Staff
• Equipment Design, Application and Sales Engineers
• Mechanical Contractors
• Code Officials

After completing this course, you will understand:

• The requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2004 for design, construction, building operation and maintenance
• How to apply the requirements in a hypothetical new building and an existing building being retrofitted
• The different approaches to HVAC design that result in different quantities of outside air at the outside air intake
• The requirements for ventilation and air-cleaning system design, installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance
• The mandatory language of ventilation standards

Based on the newly released 2007 edition of Standard 62.1

 

Fundamentals of Refrigeration

Course Length: 9 hours

The course is ideal for:

• Recent engineering graduates working in the HVAC&R industry
• Experienced engineers who need an introduction to refrigeration
• Architects, technicians, construction, or building management professionals who need to improve their knowledge of refrigeration systems

The course includes: 

• 6 online modules or short courses
• Online course reader with printable PDFs
• Online self-assessment and exams
• Completion certificate for 9 PDHs or 0.9 CEUs

The course contains 6 modules Course Orientation

• Module 1: Heat Transfer and the Basic Refrigeration Cycle
• Module 2: Thermodynamic States, Properties, and Laws
• Module 3: Psychrometrics
• Module 4: Multi-Stage and Cascade Refrigeration Cycles
• Module 5: Refrigeration System Parameters and Performance
• Module 6: Refrigerants

Refrigeration Equipment

An introduction to the configurations and operation of air cooling and liquid cooling evaporators, positive displacement and aerodynamic compressors and the different heat transfer processes. 

Course length: Approximately 12 hours

  

Designed for:

 

• Recent engineering graduates working in HVACR
• Engineers entering HVACR from another area
• Technicians

 

After completing this course, you will understand:

 

• The configuration and operation of air cooling and liquid cooling evaporators.
• The operating principles of positive displacement and aerodynamic compressors.
•  The basic convection heat transfer processes involved in the condensation of the refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor.
• The two modes of fluid flow in a pipe: laminar and turbulent. The Darcy–Weisbach equation and the Moody chart.
• The information concerning various expansion devices.
• The functions of vessels that may be included in a refrigeration system that store liquid refrigerant and to separate liquid from vapor.

Modules:

1)     Evaporators                                                     

2)     Compressors                                                   

3)     Condensers                                                     

4)     Pipes, Valves and Pumps                                 

5)     Expansion Devices                                          

6)     Pressure Vessels                                             

  

Every module includes:

 

• Reading assignment
• Learning activities
• Lesson summary
• Module exam

 

Outcomes: The 6 online modules help you to understand:

• The heat transfer methods, overall heat transfer coefficient, purpose of fins on an evaporator, and the basic configurations of air cooling evaporators and liquid cooling evaporators.
• The basic operation of a compressor, the two efficiencies for reciprocating compressors, basic operation of different types of compressors.
• The condensation process, the operation of the air-cooled and water-cooled condenser, the air side processes on the psychometric chart and the need for purging the non-condensable gases from the refrigeration system.
• The laminar and turbulent flow, the Darcy–Weisbach equation and the Moody chart, operation of positive-displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps, and give a suitable application for each, and the term net positive-displacement pumps.
• The operation of capillary tubes, short tube restrictors, pressure control valves, thermostatic expansion valves, low- and high-side level control valves, and the application of a turbo expander in a Brayton refrigeration cycle.
• The four classifications and function of vessels in a refrigeration system, and the refrigerant charge in a system.