Print this page An Introduction to HVAC Systems
J. Paul Guyer, P.E., R.A., Fellow ASCE, Fellow AEI
Course Description
This is a course for all of the members of the building design team. It will give you a basic introduction to air conditioning systems and the design of heating and cooling media distribution systems outside of buildings. After taking this course you will understand the technology, concepts and terminology in design of air conditioning systems. You will learn about heating and cooling load calculations, air conditioning equipment, air distribution, and steam, hot water and chilled water distribution systems. It will help you to be a better partner in the building design and construction process. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Course Outline
1. INTRODUCTION
2. LOAD CALCULATIONS
3 AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
4. AIR DISTRIBUTION
5. RULES OF THUMB
6. HEATING AND COOLING MEDIA DISTRIBUTION
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn how to calculate heating and cooling loads;
- Learn about the different types of air conditioning equipment;
- Learn some important concepts of air distribution ductwork design;
- Learn some rules-of-thumb for estimating heating and air conditioning capacity;
- Learn rules-of-thumb to determine chilled, hot and condenser water requirements;
- Learn some rules-of-thumb for determining steam and condensate requirements;
- Learn about the four most common systems for distributing hot water, chilled water and steam outside of buildings;
- Learn the order of preference for high temperature water and steam/condensate distribution systems;
- Learn the order of preference for low temperature and chilled water distribution systems;
- Learn the basic requirements for plan and profile drawings for laying out distribution systems;
- Learn the basic details of valve manholes for distribution systems;
- Learn about the basic configuration of valve manholes and drainage sumps; and
- Learn the basics of electrical systems for drainage pumps.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for all of the engineers, architects and construction professionals on the building design team.
Benefit for Attendee
This is your opportunity to learn about the issues, technologies and strategies your mechanical engineering partners in the building design process address on real projects. This course will make you a more productive, involved part of the building design and construction team.
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 following links contain the reference materials for this webinar:
An Introduction to HVAC Systems (a PDF file, 64 pages, 4.3 MB)
Lecture Slides (PDF file, 31 pages, 1.3 MB)
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.
You may need to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.
Because this course is offered as a "live" course, you are required to attend the webinar at the scheduled time and date. Please check the Webinar Schedule under course description on our website for currently scheduled meeting date and time. We will send you an invitation to the webinar through email approximately 24 hours before the webinar (confirmation of the receipt of the invitation is required). The certificate of completion will not be issued unless you attend the webinar and pass a quiz. Thank you for your cooperation.
Course Summary
This course will give you a basic introduction to air conditioning system design so you can better understand the technology, concepts and terminology. It will help you to be a better partner in the building design and construction process.
Quiz
Before you attend the webinar, you need to print the quiz questions from your browser (to be used for the discussion during the webinar). At the end of the webinar, you need to complete the quiz and submit your answers to obtain the PDH credit (quiz deadline: midnight on the webinar date).
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.
