Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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AE 3421 - Building Mechanical Systems I

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course continues the development of heating and cooling systems design, building on the basics learned in the Principles of Building Mechanical Systems (AE 3301).  The course starts with the topic of Solar Radiation and the principles of Cooling Load calculations and continues to the detailed analysis of HVAC systems and equipment.  The course covers manual calculations for designing and sizing HVAC equipment, studying part-load performance, in addition to the ASHRAE Standards requirements.  Upon completion of the course, the student will acquire an understanding of energy, ventilation, and human comfort standards, and the capability to handle design characteristics, and selection, of HVAC systems components.  (pre-req: AE 3301 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Compute and determine the solar angles, and calculate heat gains from solar radiation
  • Define all heat gains in a given building, and calculate the total cooling load of a building
  • Apply the basic principles of Fluid Mechanics, to calculate pressure losses in Ducts and Pipes
  • Classify and analyze different types and methods of air distributions systems
  • Analyze various types of fans and pumps, including VFD’s
  • Analyze and characterize different HVAC equipment (compressors, cooling towers, condensers, evaporators, furnaces, boilers, domestic hot water systems, radiant heating unit ventilators, unit heaters unitary air conditioners, heat pumps, and room and packaged air conditioners
  • Design heat exchangers
  • Calculate energy consumption in buildings
  • Examine and relate the ASHRAE Standards to HVAC calculations and design

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Psychrometrics
  • Modes of heat transfer
  • Fluid mechanics

Course Topics
  • Solar radiation 
  • Cooling load calculations 
  • Duct design and fans 
  • Piping design and pumps 
  • Air distribution systems 
  • Energy calculations 
  • Compressors 
  • Cooling towers, condensers 
  • Evaporators, COP, PLR 
  • Furnaces, boilers 
  • Domestic hot water, heat pumps 
  • Heat exchanger design and selection 
  • Radiant heating 
  • Unit ventilators, unit heaters, makeup air units
  • ASHRAE standards 
  • Valves 
  • Unitary air conditioners, heat pumps 
  • Room and packaged air conditioners 

Laboratory Topics
  • Photovoltaics
  • Fan curves
  • VC refrigeration cycle
  • Heating, cooling and humidification
  • Compliance with ASHRAE standards
  • Field trips to explore large commercial building mechanical rooms.

Coordinator
David Grassl



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