Print this page Air-Conditioning Systems
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
Most people think the air conditioning system's job is just to add "cold” air to the space. Actually air-conditioning is the treatment of air to control simultaneously its temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution to meet the requirements of a conditioned space. Common use of the term "air conditioning" applies it to the cooling of air; however, true air conditioning treats all aspects of indoor atmospheric comfort.
This 4-hour course introduces the basics of air conditioning systems found in residential and small to medium commercial and industrial facilities. This course is entirely based on US Navy manual – “Utilitiesman Basic”, Volume 2: NAVEDTRA 14279 and covers chapter 7 titled “Air conditioning”.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the reader will:
- Understand the basic principles of temperature, humidity and air motion in relation to air conditioning;
- Understand the relationship of wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature and dew point temperatures;
- Classify and know the different types of air conditioning systems;
- Identify the needed components in an air conditioning and know their function;
- Understand the operation, maintenance and repair methods of various air conditioning systems;
- Understand the application of heat pumps for residential and commercial air conditioning;
- Understand the chilled water systems for large tonnage capacity air conditioning;
- Recognize and understand different types of cooling towers, compressors and controls;
- Understand the basic maintenance requirements for cooling towers;
- Understand the basic types of ductwork systems and the components of those systems for distribution of conditioned air;
- Understand the basic principles of operation, maintenance and repair of automotive air condition; and
- Learn a systematic method of trouble shooting and preventative maintenance on air conditioning system components.
Intended
Audience
This course is aimed at mechanical and HVAC engineers, facility managers, environmentalists, H &S professionals, O & M personal, safety engineers, industrial hygienists, and engineers responsible for the design, purchase or upkeep of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will understand the basic principles of air conditioning, which are vital in the selection of appropriate equipment. The course will be extremely helpful to the amateur engineers who desire to build on their design experience and the skilled professionals who have learnt the trade informally on the job.
Course
Introduction
Air conditioning is a process to control of temperature, humidity, air movement and air cleanliness, normally with mechanical means. Engineers define the process as one in which a system of mechanical components - usually a compressor, a fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil and a chemical refrigerant - extracts heat from indoor air and transfers it outside, leaving the cooled indoor air to be re-circulated. The cleaning function of air conditioners is performed by filters.
Diverse geographical and operating conditions require considerably different types of air conditioning systems. The intended use of the conditioned space is the primary factor in determining the desired controlled environment and accomplishing the specific purpose by special equipment arrangement. Comfort applications in general aim to provide an indoor environment that remains relatively constant in a range preferred by humans despite changes in external weather conditions or in internal heat loads.
This course will provide you a basic understanding of air conditioning systems for domestic and commercial applications. The course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Course Content
This course is entirely based on US Navy manual – “Utilitiesman Basic”, Volume 2: NAVEDTRA 14279 and covers chapter 7 titled “Air conditioning”.
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Course Summary
An air conditioning system uses an assembly of equipment to treat air. Normally the assembly includes a refrigeration system for modifying summer temperature and humidity, a means to maintain indoor air quality (i.e., air filters and fresh air intake); a method of distribution of conditioned air; and a control system, such as a thermostat, to maintain desired comfort conditions.
Air conditioning systems can be categorized according to the means by which the controllable cooling is accomplished in the conditioned space. Broadly, air conditioning systems fall into two broad classes: 1) comfort air conditioning, which accounts for most applications, is used to modify and maintain the indoor environment for habitation and 2) process air conditioning, which is the modification of the indoor environment to enhance an industrial or a scientific process.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
