HVAC and Power Supply for Low-Carbon Buildings

What type of mechanical systems and power supply choices work effectively within a well-designed building envelope to create comfortable and healthful low-carbon buildings? This graduate course focuses on heating, cooling, ventilation and power supply systems for new and future commercial buildings. It introduces HVAC and power supply needs and system choices likely to produce comfortable and healthful buildings that help us move toward a zero-carbon future. It is intended to engage students in consideration of sustainable choices for commercial buildings and how those choices may vary by building type and project location. The course should also strengthen students’ understanding of these systems to prepare for 48-722 – Building Performance Modeling.

Students learn the fundamental components and operations of these systems sufficiently to understand how they impact building design and the environment. The course references current (2024) U.S. commercial building codes, current ASHRAE standards, and climate zones for system design, although we also consider code requirements from EU countries, China and India to provide additional perspective.