STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Develop an understanding of basic thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics as it relates to HVAC systems.

 2. Identify and describe the importance of how indoor air quality, ventilation, humidity, zoning and control, and human comfort affect HVAC system designs.

 3. Demonstrate knowledge in basic heating and cooling load calculation looking at both external and internal heat gains and cooling loads.

 4. Demonstrate knowledge in basic HVAC system designs.  Understanding the importance of local codes, air distribution and duct design, and the equipment used to theses systems.

 5. Develop an awareness of different HVAC systems in commercial buildings, including how to identify them on drawings and in the field, characteristics of each, the basis of operation and why different systems are chosen in design.

 6. Demonstrate knowledge of automatic control system techniques used for commercial HVAC systems, and why different sequences are applied.

 7. Demonstrate knowledge of terms and concepts that are fundamental to commercial HVAC design, equipment, efficiency, and controls.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Introduction

 a. HVAC System Design

 b. Overview of HVAC systems

 II. Review of Basic Scientific Principles

 a. Thermodynamics

 b. Heat Transfer

 c. Fluid Mechanics

 III. Indoor Air Quality

 a. Human Comfort

 b. Ventilation

 c. Heating and Cooling

 d. Humidity

 e. Psychrometrics

 f. Air Cleaning and Filtration

 IV. Load Calculations

 a. Climatic Conditions

 b. Building Materials and Heat Transmission

 c. Overall Heat Transfer Function (U) of Composite Surfaces

 d. Infiltration and Ventilation

 e. Heating Loads

 f. External and Internal Heat Gains and Cooling Loads

 g. Sensible and Latent Loads

 V. HVAC System Design

 a. Codes and Standards

 b. Acoustic, Vibration and Seismic Design

 c. Humidification and Dehumidification

 d. Space Air Distribution and Air Diffusion

 e. Duct System Design

 f. Fans and Central Air Systems

 VI. HVAC Design Considerations

 a. Energy Efficiency

 b. Zoning

 c. Air/Water Balance

 d. Building Pressurization

 e. Hydronic vs. Air Systems

 f. Constant vs. Variable Flow Systems

 g. Central vs. Unitary Equipment

 h. Heat/cool Energy Transport

 i. Redundancy

 j. Pick-up loads and Reserve Capacity

 k. Part load Operation, Modulation, and Standby Losses

 l. Automatic Control Strategies

 m. Service Access Provisions