Heat is constantly being transferred between ‘hot’ and ‘cold’, trying to reach an equilibrium. Understanding the modes of heat transfer and terminology can help make use of transferring the heat to where is required, either to a fluid (boilers and chillers), or to a space for comfort applications. The relationship between heat transfer and flow are examined, and common design issues are presented.

As a career, the HVAC Engineer can be involved in many aspects of building construction, from initial planning, new construction, energy retrofits, building commissioning, and energy modelling. The HVAC Engineer needs to interact with many different people, including the owner, architect, other engineers, and contractors. Knowledge of different systems is important to provide options that suit the project to the client. Other duties of the HVAC Engineer include preparation of drawings and specifications, overseeing the tender process, construction observation, and commissioning.

Hydronic systems can offer space and energy savings over non-hydronic systems. The fundamentals of a water-based system are presented, including piping layouts and materials, pump basics, terminal unit performance and heating or cooling generation.

Proper understanding of air system design is a key component to providing comfort and meeting ventilation code requirements of occupied buildings. The basic properties of air including psychrometrics are presented, and the different types of air systems are reviewed. Air system fan performance and sizing and sound issues are explored.

Ethics are becoming increasingly important in the life and work of all people, and especially professionals. What does it mean to be an ethical professional in the world today? How can we strive to meet the ASHRAE Code of Ethics in our work, and how does that compare with our professional obligations and other codes of ethics? As project risks increase, so does the opportunity to stretch what we determine to be ethical. Some ethical case studies will be presented with the opportunity for discussion.