College: Technical

This program focuses on the principles and techniques of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Students explore key areas such as thermodynamics, refrigeration, HVAC systems, and energy efficiency. The program emphasizes technical skills, design principles, and the application of engineering concepts to create comfortable, efficient, and sustainable indoor environments. Graduates are prepared for careers in air conditioning and heating engineering, building services, energy management, and related industries.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
• Develop skills in the design, installation, and maintenance of HVAC systems.
• Learn techniques for analyzing and improving energy efficiency in refrigeration systems.
• Explore the role of air conditioning in interior environmental quality and comfort.
• Understand regulatory standards, safety procedures, and sustainability practices in HVAC engineering.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for HVAC projects and applications.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
   • Overview of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, their history, and applications.
   • Fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer.
2. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration
   • Principles of thermodynamics, including thermodynamic laws and refrigeration cycles.
   • Techniques for designing and analyzing refrigeration systems.
3. HVAC Systems Design
   • Basics of HVAC systems, including components, configurations, and control systems.
   • Design and optimization techniques for HVAC systems in various building types.
4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
   • Methods for improving energy efficiency in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
   • Techniques for integrating sustainable practices and renewable energy sources into HVAC design.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
   • Principles of indoor environmental quality, including air quality, thermal comfort, and ventilation.
   • Techniques for designing and maintaining healthy and comfortable indoor environments.
6. Control Systems and Automation
   • Basics of control and automation systems in HVAC, including sensors, controllers, and building management systems.
   • Techniques for designing and implementing automated control systems for HVAC applications.
7. Regulatory Standards and Safety
   • Understanding regulatory standards, safety procedures, and best practices in HVAC system engineering.
   • Techniques for ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing safety in HVAC systems.
8. Emerging Trends in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
   • Analysis of innovations such as smart HVAC systems, IoT integration, and advanced refrigerants.
   • Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in the field.
9. Capstone Project in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
   • A practical project to apply learned skills in designing or improving HVAC systems.
   • Techniques for delivering comprehensive solutions to HVAC challenges.

Assessment Methods:

• HVAC system design projects, energy efficiency analyses, indoor environmental quality evaluations, research papers, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Principles of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning" by Robert McQuiston, Gerald D. Brown, and William J. Weaver.
• "Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology" by William Whitman, William Johnson, and John Tomczyk.
• "Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Physical Perspective" by Bo Nordell and Lars Olovsson.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. Suitable for students in mechanical engineering, building services engineering, and related fields.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships. Advanced degrees may take additional years.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in air conditioning and refrigeration and pursue professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or HVAC Designer Certification (HVAC-D).

Target Audience:

Aspiring HVAC engineers, building services engineers, energy managers, and professionals seeking to specialize in air conditioning systems, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. This specialization provides students with the technical, analytical, and practical skills necessary to excel in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, supporting progress in indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, and sustainable HVAC design.