Learning objectives
The educational objectives of the course require each student to acquire knowledge and skills related to air conditioning systems in buildings. The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills (i.e., the ability to apply knowledge) necessary for the plant analysis of buildings and any subset thereof. To develop the indispensable threshold skills required in the study of any component of the heating or cooling system, the student is asked to demonstrate the attainment of knowledge and skills on the following aspects of particular importance.
1) Know the theories underlying mathematical simulation models of heating system components;
2) Identify critical points susceptible to improvement, evaluate the uncertainties and tolerances inherent in each calculation method;
3) analyze any component of the thermal system to check whether it meets the required efficiency requirements;
4) identify the dominant parameters in choosing a system or component, define its dimensions and characteristics;
5) know how to propose appropriate design changes to increase the performance and energy efficiency of any thermal system or component;
6) identify the constraints imposed by the functional requirements and characteristics of systems and materials;
7) Know nomenclature and terminology, both scientific and from regulations, including in English.
At the end of the training activity, in accordance with the Dublin descriptors, the student must have acquired knowledge and understanding, autonomy of judgment, communication and expository skills, and the ability to learn and communicate. In addition, he/she must have acquired the ability to evaluate the performance of the components of an air-conditioning system and to preliminarily design water and air-conditioning systems.
Prerequisites
Elementary knowledge of mathematics and physics. Heat transmission in buildings. Thermophysics of the building.
Course unit content
The contents cover all physical and engineering aspects related to heating and cooling systems in buildings. First, the basic contents of heat transfer in buildings are introduced; then the many plant problems are addressed, presenting the components and their technical characteristics for each type, aimed at efficiency and energy saving. Heating and cooling systems are then reviewed, all related components such as boilers, heat pumps, emission terminals, pumps, compressors, distribution system. The design is assisted by numerous exercises carried out in class and found on the lecturer's handouts.
Full programme
Thermal systems and climate data. Transmittance of components. Winter design heat load. Design losses by transmission, ventilation, recovery. Thermohygrometric comfort.
Generation, storage, distribution, regulation (manual, centralized, room, consumption meter) and emission system. Condensing boiler, chimney, expansion tank. Heat pumps (COP, GUE, BIN). Natural and forced circulation systems. Distribution with water pipes, air ducts, pressure drops, pumps and compressors, head. Valves. Single-pipe, two-pipe, manifold systems. Calculation of flow rates and diameters of pipes and channels.
Sizing of radiators and fan coils.
All-air heating and cooling systems, components and AHUs, heat recovery. Calculation of air flow rates, mass balance and enthalpy equations. Air transformations in AHUs and psychrometric diagram.
Domestic hot water demand.
Bibliography
The lecturer makes the handout covering the entire course syllabus (including solved exercises) available each year on the University of Parma's Elly platform.
He also distributes technical information material that can be useful both for solving exercises and in the field of plant design.
Teaching methods
University Training Credits 4, 32 hours in class (16 hours lecture, 16 hours practicum). Didactics represents that cognitive sphere aimed at setting up, consolidating and evaluating suitable to foster acquisitive processes. The teaching method includes lectures, heuristic Socratic lectures, case studies, exercises, cooperative learning, project work. All teaching materials are easily available or uploaded to the Elly platform. The total study load for this teaching module is between 100 and 120 hours, that is, between 25 and 30 hours per credit. This includes in-class hours, completion of exercises, and study. Each student has the autonomy to increase the study hours. The lecture hours are matched by an equal number of hours of classroom exercises closely related to the lectures, during which the student is confronted with problem solutions or small projects designed to develop his or her ability to apply knowledge to real problems as they arise in practice. The lecturer illustrates the traces of development and solution on the blackboard. Ongoing assistance is provided; the lecturer is always available by appointment and provides assistance or advice by e-mail, at any time. The use of Excel or Matlab for numerical solution of exercises is recommended.
Assessment methods and criteria
There is only the written final exam, which ascertains the acquisition of knowledge and skills by conducting a 120-minute test, without the use of notes, books or computer tools.
The written test consists of three problems, spanning the entire course syllabus, involving all major topics. Answers require knowledge and application of skills. The questions correspond to the various parts of the chapters illustrated through lectures and tutorials. Each question allows for an appropriate score; the correct answer to each question earns a grade of 30 with honors. Students receive detailed news about the correction criteria and are provided with copious information to avoid interpretive misunderstandings with regard to understanding the text of the exercises.
The purpose of analytical grading of student performance is the reliable and objective assessment of the level of achievement of the expected learning outcomes.
Other information
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
