11708 - Technical Systems

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 thermal loads.
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) Air-conditioning systems - Basis on psychrometry. Winter and summer air conditioning. Air handling units. Systematic classification schemes and realization. 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. Basis on the operation of the machines, Types, energy design criteria.
E) Regulatory aspects for energy savings and technical solutions for improving energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources. Energy certification . Solutions for energy savings and use of renewable sources: solar thermal, photovoltaic, biomass.

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 the heating system project technical report

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

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Semprini