Fundamentals of HVAC

Properly designed and operated HVAC systems are critical to support comfortable and healthy building indoor environments. This practical course will develop your knowledge of the principles of heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems found in commercial building applications. Attend and learn more about HVAC technologies to help you better understand how and where they are applied.

• Facility managers
• Facility engineers
• Architects
• Project managers with HVAC responsibilities
• Anyone needing an overview of HVAC systems

Introduction to HVAC

• The need for HVAC
• References, standards and codes
• Terms, definitions and units
• HVAC system type overview
• Ventilation and air quality
• Buildings and energy efficiency

Psychrometrics

• Properties of moist air
• Psychrometric chart
• Sensible and latent
• Combined processes
• Mixing of air streams
• Design conditions

Refrigeration in HVAC

• Phase change and refrigerants
• Vapor compression cycle
• Chilled water vs. D/X cooling
• Decarbonization and heat pumps

Hydronic Systems

• Definition of "hydronics"
• Comparison to air systems
• Types of hydronic systems
• Heating Hot Water
• Chilled Water
• Condenser Water: Tower and Geo-exchange
• Glycol Water
• Types of central equipment
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Cooling Towers / Fluid Coolers
• Pumps
• Heat Exchangers
• Types of terminal equipment
• Coils
• Unit Heaters
• Fan Coil Units
• Chilled Beams
• Radiant
• System Comparison – Advantages / Disadvantages

All Air Systems

• Definition of "all air systems"
• Types of all supply and return air systems
• Recirculating / Mixed Air Systems
• Dedicated Outside Air (DOAS) Systems
• Overhead / Dilution Type: Constant Volume (CAV) and Variable Volume (VAV)
• Displacement / UFAD Type
• Types of exhaust systems
• General – Toilet, etc.
• Laboratory, process, or other specialty systems
• Types of central equipment
• Packaged / Unitary systems
• Split systems
• Air handling units
• Fans
• Types of terminal equipment
• Air Terminal Units / VAV Boxes
• Grilles, Registers, & Diffusers
• System Comparison – Advantages / Disadvantages
• Hybrid approaches
• Applications / Examples 

Steam and Steam Condensate

• Definition of "steam"
• Comparison to air and hydronic systems
• ASME Codes / Safety
• Types of steam and condensate systems
• Low Pressure
• High Pressure
• Condensate Collection: Gravity return, Pumped return, Vacuum
• Types of central equipment
• Boilers
• Heat Exchangers
• Make-up water systems
• Types of terminal equipment
• Coils
• Humidifiers
• Unit Heaters
• Fan Coil Units
• Radiant
• System Comparison - Advantages / Disadvantages
• Applications / Examples

Field Tour - Wisconsin Energy Institute

Controls: Building Automation Systems

• Definition / Purpose of "Building Automation System (BAS)"
• Types of HVAC control systems
• Local
• Centralized (Building-wide)
• Pneumatic
• Direct Digital Control
• Pneumatic-Hybrid
• Programmable Logic Control (PLC)
• Type of control equipment
• Valves
• Dampers
• Actuators
• Sensors and thermostats
• Types of Controls
• Proportional/Modulating Control Concepts
• Open/Closed Loop Control/li>
• Wisconsin Energy Institute 
• Sequence of Operations
• Mechanical Flow Diagrams

 “Having no HVAC background I liked the clear presentation of material. I liked the: graphics showing the various HVAC systems; the interaction with conference attendees; the binder; the course outline we received prior to class; and the ability to ask questions.”  

- Laura, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA

“I really liked the real world knowledge of the class. Very good amount of info to get the basics of HVAC w/o getting too far into the engineering world or details. The field trip to see what we were learning was key, please don’t take that out.”  

- Brandon, Facilities – Engineering, Epic Systems Corporation, Verona WI

“Very informative. Broke down complicated info into simple enough chunks for even newbies to understand. Touring the Wisconsin Energy Institute was awesome!”  

- Endeavor, Facilities Technician II, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison WI

"With my non-engineering background I am now better prepared to converse in a project management role with HVAC designers and contractors as an owner's rep."
—Rick, Construction Manager, Iowa State University, Ames IA

"I am a PM for a GC, so I was looking for just a basic knowledge of what our HVAC subcontractors do and are quoting. This course gave me that and more."
—Kyle, ACE Building Service, Manitowoc WI

"Great fundamental course … I plan on adding this course to the roster of UW classes that I encourage my employees to take.”
— Greg, President and CEO, LM Consultants Inc., Grayslake IL

"I now have a much better understanding of everything involved in HVAC...Really like the course - will definitely recommend."
—Eric, UW–Madison Physical Plant, Madison WI 

"It renewed my love of actual engineering and was reminiscent of being in class at school. Thank you."
—Alexa, Mechanical Inc., Freeport IL

"This class took the four years of information I learned while getting my BSME and applied it directly to the HVAC industry and the systems I work on now...I really wish I could've taken this class in school."
—David, Project Manager, Mechanical, Inc., Westmont IL

"Extremely informative course; took difficult systems and explained them in an elementary way to ensure all students understood concepts & processes … I got what I came here for and am definitely interested in taking additional courses in the future.”
—Eric, Senior Project Manager, The Walsh Group, McFarland WI

"I was looking for general knowledge of different types of HVAC systems and when they are used. This is exactly what I got."
—Logan, Vyron Corp., Milwaukee WI

"I believe this course does an excellent job of covering the fundamentals of HVAC systems no matter what your background or level of training/education is...This course will help me convey the pros and cons of various mechanical equipment to the owners that I deal with on a daily basis...Very informative, and enjoyable class. Thank you!"
—Jacob, J.H. Findorff and Son, Inc., Madison WI 

"Great overview of HVAC and support systems. I learned a ton."
—Ashley, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton WA

"Really enjoyed all of the graphics and images in the slideshows. Makes it easier to learn and help with identification of systems/equipment in the future."
—Alyssa, GDS Associates, Inc., Manchester NH

"I feel that I will now be able to more confidently discuss equipment and the "why” with field personnel, engineers, and my colleagues … I learned a lot and will recommend it to coworkers.”
—Tori, Assistant Project Manager, Grunau Company, Oak Creek WI

"Very informative and loved being able to ask questions and get real, experience-backed answers."
—Lauren, FE Moran, Northbrook IL

"Gained confidence in HVAC system knowledge...Liked broad view of information...I will be able to interact with subs better and provide better planning ideas for my client."
—Frank, Project Manager, Vogel Bros. Building Co., Madison WI

"Subject content was great, tours were really good particularly WEI. Interaction with class members was awesome."
—Bob, SSM Health, Fond du Lac WI

Brian Clark

Brian Clark, PE, is a registered mechanical engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. His experience is extensive and includes HVAC design of health care, laboratories, clean rooms, manufacturing, office space, and indoor waterpark resorts to name a few. He now focuses on building energy security and resilience research. Brian received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Doug Showers

Mark Malkin

Mark P. Malkin, PE, is a program director in the Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs in the College of Engineering at UW-Madison. He is a registered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in university facilities project management and HVAC systems design. His course offerings include HVAC, plumbing and fire protection fundamentals, building code reviews, and design and operation of science labs, data centers, museums and libraries. Mark received his bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and his MS in Mechanical Engineering from UW–Madison.

Tim Fritsche

Dave Meinzer

David J. Meinzer, DES, is a Sr. Project Design Engineer in the Science/Technology and Healthcare department at Ring & DuChateau, LLP (Ring & Du) Madison office, focusing on Laboratory and Healthcare HVAC design. Dave is a registered Designer of Engineering Systems (in the state of Wisconsin) with over 24 years of experience in HVAC systems design, including coordinating and collaborating design concepts with clients, other disciplines, and contractors. He has been leading or co-leading the mechanical design of Lab research projects for the last eight years. Dave is fluent in Revit modeling (including revit BIM 360), load calculations, and systems design.

Jacob Weber

Jacob is a registered professional mechanical engineer at Affiliated Engineers, Inc where he focuses on HVAC and utility system analysis and design for industrial test, manufacturing, and university clients. His design experience includes hydraulic shaker test cells, aircraft hydraulic test systems, engine and chassis test cells, wind tunnels, and climatic chambers. In addition, he is well versed in utility and infrastructure designs such as steam, heating hot water, chilled water, process water, and tower water systems. Jacob’s current prominent clients include General Motors, Collins Aerospace, and University of Wisconsin – Madison.