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An Introduction to Design of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems

J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI


Course Outline

1.         INTRODUCTION

2.         SYSTEM SELECTION
2.1       DISTRIBUTION MEDIA SELECTION
2.1.1     Connecting to an existing system
2.1.2     Installation Of new system
2.2       SYSTEM TYPES
2.2.1     Heat Distribution Systems in Concrete Trenches
2.2.2     Pre-engineered Underground Heat Distribution Systems
2.2.3     Prefabricated Underground Heating/Cooling Distribution System
2.2.4     Aboveground Heat Distribution System
2.3       SYSTEM SELECTION
2.3.1     High Temperature Water and Steam/Condensate Systems
2.3.2     Low Temperature and Chilled Water Systems

3.  GENERAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM DESIGN
3.1       GENERAL
3.2       SITE SOIL SURVEY
3.3       UTILITY INVESTIGATION
3.4       SYSTEM LAYOUT PLAN/PROFILE
3.5       EXPANSION COMPENSATION

3.6       VALVE MANHOLES

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 student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for engineers, architects and construction professionals who want an introduction to the design of steam, hot water and chilled water distribution systems outside of buildings.

Benefit for Attendee

This course will give engineers and others an understanding of some of the basic materials, systems, and configuration of piping, valving, manholes and drainage for systems that distribute hot water, steam, and chilled water for use in buildings and other facilities where heating and cooling are required.

Course Introduction

This is an introduction to the basics you will need to begin designing piping, valving, manholes and drainage for steam, hot water and chilled water systems that deliver heating and cooling media to buildings and other facilities where heating and/or cooling are required.  The course provides a number of useful graphic details showing typical distribution system features. 

About Course Author

Paul Guyer is a registered mechanical engineer, civil engineer, fire protection engineer and architect with over 35 years experience in the design of buildings and related infrastructure.  For an additional 9 years he was a senior-level advisor to the California Legislature on infrastructure and capital outlay issues.  He has designed and supervised the design of hundreds of construction projects requiring the preparation of detailed working drawings and specifications for federal, state and local public agencies and private companies.  He is a graduate of Stanford University and has held numerous national, state and local positions with the American Society of Civil Engineers and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Course Content

The course content is contained in the following PDF file:

An Introduction to Design of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

For engineers and construction professionals needing an introduction to the basic principles and features of heating and cooling media distribution systems outside of buildings, this course will give an understanding that will allow you to immediately address real project design and construction issues.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


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.