Efficient HVAC Systems from edX

In this course you will start by identifying the different steps a HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) engineers need to follow to come to a proper design while collaborating with the architect.

You will then learn how to distribute heat and cold using air and water systems, what temperature levels to use in both and how that relates to the type of energy supply and to the thermal quality of the building construction. You will further deepen your knowledge on air handling units and how to humidify and dehumidify air when needed and what that does mean for the energy consumption. As ventilation systems are often responsible for local thermal discomfort, you will also discover how different distribution systems lead to different comfort experiences and different indoor air qualities and you will know which simple control techniques can be applied.

Finally you will study a modern complex system consisting of an aquifer thermal storage, heat pump, boiler, solar collector, PV-cells, air handling unit, water and air distribution systems. This will allow you to develop skills to catch the complexity of such HVAC systems and to understand the basic rules of how to control them to get the best out of them and how to use data from the Building Energy Management System to help you in this task.

This course is part of the PCP Buildings as Sustainable Energy Systems. In the other courses in this program you can learn how to design buildings with low energy demand, how to choose low carbon energy supply and how to determine if this will lead to a comfortable indoor environment.

The development of this course is supported by Climate-KIC.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How air is processed in an air handling unit, and how to distribute it to ensure thermal comfort.
How to distribute heat and cold with an air system, and what the associated pressure losses are.
How to distribute heat and cold by using a water system or a mixed air-water system.

What temperature levels to choose in both types of systems, taking into account efficiency and thermal comfort.
How to make complex combinations of (renewable) energy equipment manageable and controllable.

How air is processed in an air handling unit, and how to distribute it to ensure thermal comfort.
How to distribute heat and cold with an air system, and what the associated pressure losses are.
How to distribute heat and cold by using a water system or a mixed air-water system.
What temperature levels to choose in both types of systems, taking into account efficiency and thermal comfort.
How to make complex combinations of (renewable) energy equipment manageable and controllable.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In-depth look at designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings

Explores topics such as heat and cold distribution, air handling units, and energy consumption

Examines both air-based and water-based systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of HVAC design

Emphasis on thermal comfort and indoor air quality, ensuring the well-being of building occupants

Taught by experts in the field of HVAC engineering, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the content

Requires some background knowledge in engineering or architecture, as it delves into technical aspects of HVAC design

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Efficient HVAC Systems with these activities:

Review basic thermodynamics concepts

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Strengthen your understanding of thermodynamics to enhance your learning in HVAC systems.

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

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Review textbooks, lecture notes, or online resources on basic thermodynamics.
Practice solving problems related to heat transfer, fluid flow, and energy conversion.

Join a study group to discuss HVAC concepts

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Deepen your understanding of HVAC concepts by engaging in discussions with peers.

Browse courses on System Design

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Find a study group or form one with other students in the course.
Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics or concepts.
Share knowledge, ask questions, and work together to solve problems.

Follow tutorials on HVAC system simulation

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Enhance your understanding of HVAC system performance by following tutorials on simulation software.

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Identify a suitable simulation software, such as EnergyPLUS or TRNSYS.
Follow the tutorials provided by the software developer.
Create a model of a simple HVAC system and simulate its performance.

Two other activities

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Attend workshops on advanced HVAC topics

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Expand your knowledge of HVAC systems by attending workshops on advanced topics.

Browse courses on System Optimization

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Research and identify workshops that cover topics of interest.
Register and attend the workshops.
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.

Contribute to an open-source HVAC project

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Gain practical experience in HVAC system design and energy efficiency by contributing to an open-source project.

Browse courses on Energy Efficiency

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Identify an open-source HVAC project that aligns with your interests.
Join the project community and learn about their goals and processes.
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Efficient HVAC Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

HVAC Engineer

HVAC Engineers design, install, and maintain HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to design, install, and maintain them. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to select the right system for a particular application.

See salaries and explore the career path for HVAC Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and test mechanical devices, including HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to design, install, and maintain them. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to select the right system for a particular application.

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Building Engineer

Building Engineers operate and maintain buildings, including HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to operate and maintain them. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to troubleshoot and repair them.

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Energy Auditor

Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and make recommendations for improvements. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to assess their energy efficiency. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to identify and correct inefficiencies.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to design and implement sustainable HVAC systems. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to select and install them in a way that minimizes their environmental impact.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects, including HVAC projects. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to manage HVAC projects. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to plan and execute HVAC projects on time and within budget.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to sell them. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to identify and meet the needs of your customers.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation, including documentation for HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to write clear and concise documentation. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to write documentation that is easy to understand and use.

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Educator

Educators teach students about HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to teach them to others. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to develop and deliver effective lesson plans.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research on HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to conduct research. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to design and conduct research studies.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice on HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to provide advice to clients. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to identify and solve HVAC problems.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies related to HVAC systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to develop and analyze policies that affect them. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to develop and analyze policies that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses, including HVAC businesses. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to start and run a successful HVAC business. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to develop and implement a business plan.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing plans for HVAC products and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to develop and implement effective marketing plans. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to identify and reach your target market.

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Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage HVAC products. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of HVAC systems and how to develop and manage HVAC products. You will learn about the different types of HVAC systems, how they work, and how to develop and manage products that meet the needs of customers.

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