11708 - Technical Systems

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Moduli: Giovanni Semprini (Modulo 1) Giovanni Semprini (Modulo 2) Giovanni Semprini (Modulo 3)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 3)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Architecture and Building Engineering (cod. 0940)

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the thermal behavior of the building plant system. design capacity of the different types of HVAC  plants in enclosed spaces.

Course contents

The course deals with the various aspects of the HVAC systems in buildings with particular attention to: thermal comfort , interaction between building-plant-external environment , aspects of energy saving and the use of renewable energy sources according to current national legislation. Starting from the basics of Technical Physics and Hydraulics (preparatory courses), this course discusses the key issues related to the design of heating and air-conditioning systems, and of production of hot water for sanitary purposes. At the end of the course the student will have a base knowledge to evaluate different choices for HVAC systems and identify strategies for energy saving.
A) Thermal Loads and Comfort conditions: thermophysical properties of building components (thermal transmittance, thermal bridges, thermal inertia, solar transmission). Basic concepts on Thermal Comfort: subjective and objective indices. Energy balance of the building-plant system. Calculation of heat losses by transmission and ventilation. Calculation of winter and summer thermal loads. Calculation of building energy needs
B) Heating Plants: Heat generators. Piping systems . Safety and control equipment. Chimneys. Radiators, convectors, radiant systems. Thermal power stations. Criteria for the selection and sizing of a heating system. Global energy efficiency.
C) Ventilation and Air-conditioning systems - Basics on psychrometry. Winter and summer air conditioning. Air handling units. Systematic classification and design drawings. Criteria for the selection and sizing of Air handling units and air ducts. Air quality and filtration systems. Air diffusers and selection criteria. Acoustics and noise problems.
D) Chillers and heat pumps. Basics on the operation of the machines, Types, energy design criteria, drawings.

E) energy production from renewable sources. Basics on solar thermal, photovoltaic, biomass thermal plants
F) Regulatory aspects for energy savings . Basics on european and national directives and regulations. Minimum requirements for new and existing buildings. NZEB buildings  Energy certification .

Teaching methods

theoretical lessons, technical visits to HVAC plants and thermal power plants of the School, use of software dedicated to the calculation of plant components

Assessment methods

The final assessment is done through a final exam that ensures the acquisition of knowledge and skills expected by the presentation of a project of an heating system, followed by an oral test.

To be eligible to take the oral exam the student must submit a technical report of the HVAC system design

The oral exam will focus on the general program of the course

Teaching tools

frontal lectures,

technical visits are planned at the school's thermal plants,

use of software dedicated to the calculation of plant components

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Semprini