93680 - Thermo-technical Systems Workshop M

Learning outcomes

the achievement of credits allows to acquire the essential tools to understand and locate the thermo-mechanical plant equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) of a building and in the general of a civil work.

Course contents

The course offers the knowledge and tools necessary to understand, select, pre-size, and integrate the main technical systems within a building, with a particular focus on air conditioning, hydronic and aeraulic systems, and domestic hot water production. It addresses aspects such as comfort, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources. The lectures cover the theoretical, physical, technological, and regulatory foundations of system design, while the workshop allows students to apply this knowledge to the coordinated development of a building-system project over the semester. Upon completing the course, students will possess the foundational knowledge required to evaluate various HVAC system options and identify strategies for energy savings.

The course is divided into the following modules:

1. Introduction to Building-System Design (2 hours):
Explore the relationships between the building envelope, climate, users, and building systems. Gain a functional understanding of building-system design processes.


2. Comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality (4 hours)
Learn about thermohygrometric comfort, indoor air quality, and acoustic comfort. Understand the relationships between comfort, ventilation, the building envelope, and air conditioning systems, as well as the parameters and regulatory references used in system design.


3. Thermal Loads (6 hours)
Examine external and internal design conditions, heat losses due to transmission and ventilation, solar gains, and internal loads. Understand the differences between design power, energy demand, and consumption, along with the effects of architectural choices on system loads.


4. Thermal and Cooling Generation Systems (8 hours)
Study different generation methods including combustion generators, traditional and condensing boilers, as well as air, water, and ground source heat pumps. Learn about nominal and seasonal performance, the effect of flow and return temperatures on efficiency, hybrid systems, and integration with renewable sources. Get an overview of centralized production and district heating.

5) Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems (10 hours)
This module covers the components of hydronic systems, including generation, distribution, emissions, and regulation. It includes the classification of water systems, hydronic networks, flow rates, temperature differences, and water energy balance. Additionally, it covers pressure drops and general piping sizing criteria, circulation pumps, and hydraulic balancing. Topics also include operating temperatures and compatibility with generators, types of terminals (such as radiators, convectors, and radiant panels), general selection criteria, and sizing criteria.


6) Air and Ventilation Systems (8 hours)
This module explores natural, mechanical, and hybrid ventilation systems, as well as outdoor air flow rates. Key topics include air handling units, filtration, heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, and heat recovery. The module also addresses ducts, supply and return terminals, as well as the types, selection criteria, and sizing of components. Noise control and acoustics in ventilation systems are also covered.


7) Cold and Hot Water Distribution Networks (3 hours)
This section focuses on the requirements and types of water distribution systems. It addresses piping and accessories, sizing criteria for networks and storage tanks, and integration with heat pumps and solar thermal energy systems.


8) Energy Production from Renewable Sources (6 hours)
This module covers solar thermal energy and photovoltaic systems, including their operating principles and performance parameters. It also includes discussions on storage systems, design criteria, and strategies for low-emission buildings.


9) Regulation, Automation, and Energy Management (2 hours)
This section introduces the types of regulation along with sensors, actuators, and control devices. It covers climate curves, programming, and consumption monitoring.


10) Regulations, Safety, and Technical Documentation (2 hours)
An overview of energy and system regulations is provided, along with safety requirements and key technical standards. The module includes guidance on reading technical data sheets and catalogs.

 

MODULE 2 - Design Workshop
This workshop allows participants to develop a single building-system project, either individually or in groups, divided into intermediate deliverables:

1. Case study analysis and project design
2. Thermal load assessment using software
3. System comparison and selection, including system diagrams
4. System component sizing

 

Readings/Bibliography

• Dispense e PPT del docente
• AA.VV. "Miniguida". ed. AICARR
• AA.VV. "Manuale di Progettazione termotecnica - Idronica". ed. AICARR
  AA.VV. "Manuale di Progettazione termotecnica - Aeraulica". ed. AICARR
• AA.VV. “Manuale di progettazione edilizia” – vol.2, HoepliG. Moncada Lo Giudice, L. De Santoli, “Progettazione di impianti tecnici”, ed. Masson
• A. Magrini, L. Magnani, “La progettazione degli impianti di climatizzazione negli edifici” EPC Libri

Teaching methods

Lectures:

- Theoretical lectures
- Analysis of system diagrams
- Numerical examples
- Discussion of case studies
- Guided reading of technical data sheets
- Short application exercises
- Comparison of technological alternatives


Laboratory:

- Assisted project development
- Individual or group reviews
- Calculation exercises
- Use of spreadsheets and digital tools
- Drafting diagrams and tables
- Midterm assessments
- Presentation and discussion of choices

Assessment methods

The assessment verifies both the understanding of theoretical principles and the ability to apply them to the project.

Theoretical-application test (50%)
Laboratory project (50%)

Teaching tools

Slides of the lectures

Software to support design and energy calculation

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Semprini