Online Air Systems eLearning

BUILDING INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS Instructions in the current building maintenance and construction practices necessary to provide and maintain buildings and building systems in safe, efficient conditions are provided through on-line, self study presentations; along with the presentations of performance standards required for industry workers. Links are provided to appropriate industry guides. regulatory manuals, technical  more...

Operational Efficiency - O M Best Practices Effective O&M is one of the most cost-effective methods for ensuring reliability, safety, and energy efficiency. Inadequate maintenance of energy-using systems is a major cause of energy waste in both the federal government and the private sector. Energy losses from steam, water and air leaks, uninsulated lines, maladjusted or inoperable controls, and other losses from poor maintenance are often  more...

Heating and Cooling System Upgrades - Energy Star Overview Heating and cooling systems are the largest single consumers of energy in buildings. These systems condition the air within a building so that occupants are comfortable. Heating and cooling systems consist mainly of chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and pumps. There are central heating and cooling systems, and unitary systems that combine heating and cooling. Opportunities exist for  more...

Building Envelope Airtightness Overview Infiltration in commercial buildings can have many negative consequences, including reduced thermal comfort, interference with the proper operation of mechanical ventilation systems, degraded indoor air quality, moisture damage of building envelope components, and increased energy consumption. The objective of the study used for this course was to investigate the impact of envelope  more...

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters Overview The commercial HPWH is one of many energy-efficient technologies which have been carried through the R&D stage and brought to market. A heat pump water heater is an effective and efficient way to provide hot water for commercial buildings. The system uses a water heating heat pump to move heat from a cool reservoir such as air and transfer this heat into water. The system employs  more...

An Introduction to Passive Solar Buildings Attention New York Engineers: This course cannot be taken to fulfill your continuing education requirements for the state of New York since the course does not fall under the category of "Areas of Practice" or "Laws / Rules." For more information, check the New York State Board Requirements. Overview Passive solar energy is one of the most efficient forms of energy in the world. Not only  more...

Reduction of Radon Levels in Schools and Other Large Buildings Overview Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in ambient air. It can also accumulate in varying amounts in enclosed buildings. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Our increased understanding of the risks posed by indoor radon has  more...

Laboratory Building Energy Analysis Overview Because laboratories use a high amount of energy, often more than five times as much per square foot as an office building, it is important to find cost-effective ways to reduce their energy use and costs. In this course the student will learn about energy efficiency strategies including reducing the air flow during unoccupied periods, variable-air-volume systems, lower static  more...

Energy Savings in Building Electrical Mechanical and Plumbing Systems Overview In today's building industry, the concept of integrated sustainable design has taken root and is branching out into full blossom. Green is in. Green is considered the responsible way to design. Integrated design is a process whereby the various disciplines involved in design-architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, interior design professional, etc.-work together to  more...

Indoor Air Quality Overview In modern life, people spend more and more of their time indoors - home, office, cars, and airplanes. A lot of us even exercise indoors. Unfortunately, we've rarely thought about indoor air quality (IAQ) and its health effects, until recently. Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness are related to poor indoor air quality and other indoor environmental factors. More and  more...

Controlling VOCs Using Carbon Adsorbers Overview In air pollution control, adsorption is employed to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from gas streams, when a stringent outlet concentration must be met and/or recovery of the VOC is desired. Although there may be several types of adsorbants used, this course is oriented toward the use of activated carbon, a commonly used adsorbent for VOCs. Of the various types of adsorption  more...

Air Pollution Control Ventilation Equipment The type of equipment needed to convey waste gas are the same for most kinds of control devices. These are: (1) hoods, (2) ductwork, (3) stacks, and (4) fans. Together, these items comprise a ventilation system. A hood is used to capture the emissions at the source; ductwork, to convey them to the control device; a stack, to disperse them after they leave the device; and a fan, to provide the  more...

Particulate Control - Baghouses and Filters Overview Fabric filter units are used in industry as an effective pollution control device for removal of particulate material within a captured air stream. This course presents the process descriptions of various styles of baghouses and air filter systems. Design and operating parameters are analyzed. The applicability of filter materials and operating principles are explained for a variety of  more...

Facility Lightning Protection Fundamentals Overview Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) are designed to protect assets, but more importantly to save lives. The Lightning Protection Institute estimates that lightning causes billions of dollars in property damage each year. Common misconceptions lead some to underestimate the challenge caused by lightning. It is said that lightning never strikes in the same place twice; this is not true,  more...

Incinerator System Air Emissions Control Overview The majority of the waste fed to an incinerator or other thermal treatment system will be burned out to harmless gases and an ash. A small amount of materials generated from the burning waste, however, will be released as undesirable air emissions. Regulations limit the allowable emissions that can be discharged from a stack to the atmosphere. Where the emissions leaving an incinerator  more...

Thermal Treatment of Wastes Overview Incineration can be an effective technology for the clean, efficient disposal of wastes. Related processes such as gasification, pyrolysis, plasma-arc and starved-air combustion have been proposed as alternatives to incineration whereas in most cases these processes are incineration process under a different name. This course defines incineration and these other thermal treatment  more...

Thermal Processing of Biosolids Overview Workers in environmental engineering, as design engineers, operators, permitting agency staff, consultants etc. will benefit greatly from a basic understanding of thermal processing systems for biosolids: especially the primary, secondary and tertiary treatment sludge generated in wastewater treatment. This course provides such a capability for both drying and incineration concepts.  more...

Fundamentals of Combustion for Environmental Applications Overview Workers in environmental engineering, as design engineers, operators, permitting agency staff, consultants, etc. will benefit greatly from a basic understanding of the fundamental laws, relationships, and calculation methods that characterize the behavior of combustion systems. This course provides such a capability, introduces the concept of ?wastes as fuels? and gives the diligent  more...

HVAC Tips for Green Buildings Overview Buildings as they are designed and used today, symbolize unrestrained consumption of energy and other natural resources with its consequent negative environmental impact. According to the Department of Energy, in 2005, commercial buildings accounted for 35 percent of total electricity consumption. Roughly 40-50 of the total electricity consumption is accounted for by HVAC systems,  more...

Laboratories Best Practices Energy Recovery Overview Energy recovery can substantially reduce the mechanical heating and cooling requirements associated with conditioning ventilation air in most laboratories. Laboratories typically require 100 outside air at high ventilation rates, between 6 and 15 air changes per hour, primarily for safety reasons. The heating and cooling energy needed to condition this air, as well as the fan energy  more...

An Introduction to Air Conditioning Systems Overview This is a course for all of the members of the building design team?.except the mechanical engineers. It will give you a basic introduction to air conditioning system design so you can better understand the technology, concepts and terminology in design of air conditioning systems. It will help you to be a better partner in the building design and construction process. This is your  more...

Safe Rooms and Shelters - Chemical Biological and Radiological Threat Protection Overview A safe room is a system of barriers that protects the occupants from the outside environment. Under usual operations, a building does little to protect occupants from external airborne hazards because outside air must be continuously introduced through these openings to provide a comfortable, healthy inside environment. A building can provide substantial protection against agents  more...

HVAC Design for Hospitals Healthcare Facilities Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are complex environments that require special attention to HVAC design. Hospital air conditioning assumes a more important role than just the promotion of comfort. In many cases, proper air conditioning is a factor in patient therapy; in some instance, it is the major treatment. Studies show that patient in controlled environments generally has more rapid  more...

HVAC - Concepts and Fundamentals Overview HVAC helps keep people comfortable and healthy by maintaining good indoor air quality, humidity and comfortable temperatures. Designing for comfort requires integrated knowledge of human physiology, heat transfer, psychrometrics, and mechanical systems. Most professionals don't learn this stuff in school or on the jobsite, but are expected unrealistically to meet your physiological needs  more...

Evaporative Cooling Design Guidelines Overview Evaporative cooling is a method of converting hot air into a cool breeze using the process of evaporating water. There are two essential requirements for evaporative cooling: 1) a wetted surface (supplied by filter pads) and 2) A source of moving air (supplied by a blower powered by an electric motor). The technology is a versatile and energy-efficient alternative to compressor-based  more...

Alternatives to Active HVAC Systems Overview The global energy scenario has undergone a drastic change in the last two decades. Due to ever growing demand and shortage of supply, the cost of fossil fuel (coal, oil and natural gas) is increasing day by day. Increasing consumption has led to environmental pollution resulting in global warming and ozone layer depletion. Consequently, the era of fossil fuel is gradually coming to an  more...

HVAC - Equipment and Systems Overview HVAC system components may be grouped into three functional categories: source components, distribution components, and delivery components. Source components provide or remove heat or moisture. Distribution components convey a heating or cooling medium from a source location to portions of a building that require conditioning. Delivery components serve as an interface between the  more...

EPA Definitions - Mechanical Overview In working in the profession of mechanical engineering today, it is essential that a command of the technical language and terminology used in codes and standards be understood in order to properly communicate with other professionals in the engineering, environmental and legal fields. In this course the student will learn some of the basic terminology that is used in EPA standards  more...

Improving the Efficiency of Duct Systems The duct system, used in air heating and air cooling your home, is a collection of tubes that distributes the heated or cooled air to the various rooms. This system can make a big difference in both the cost and the effectiveness of heating and cooling the home. The duct system can have an important effect on health of the occupants through the distribution of indoor air pollution. In this  more...

Fresh Air Inlets for Large Open Structures ...ng patterns Primary and secondary circulation Blended air systems Recirculation boosted dual air inlets Supplementary heating with recirculation State Board Acceptance This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all  more...

Underfloor Air Distribution Recent trends in today? s office environment make it increasingly more difficult for conventional centralized HVAC systems to satisfy the environmental preferences of individual office workers using the standardized approach of providing a single uniform thermal and ventilation environment. A task/ambient conditioning system, such as an underfloor air distribution system, is defined as any space  more...

Process Piping Part 6 - Ancillary Equipment This 1-hour online course addresses ancillary equipment, which plays a vital role in process piping systems. These appurtenances enhance the operation, maintenance, and safety of process piping. The course covers couplings, air release valves, drains, sample ports, pressure relief, backflow prevention, expansion joints, and insulation. This course is relevant to Civil, Environmental, Sanitary,  more...

Energy Efficiency Improvements in Process Heating Equipment Overview Fossil fuel-fired equipment (e.g. boilers, thermal oxidizers, process furnaces, dryers, ovens, heaters) frequently represents a significant portion of an industrial site?s total energy consumption. This course will cover several low-cost, quick-payback energy efficiency improvement opportunities that can be implemented relatively quickly and easily to improve productivity, reduce  more...

Heat Exchanger Fundamentals Overview A heat exchanger transfers heat from one fluid to another. Without heat exchangers, many of the products that we use today would not be possible. Without a radiator (which is a heat exchanger), vehicles would quickly overheat. Without an evaporator (another heat exchanger), you would not have the comfort of air conditioning in your home. Because of the importance of heat exchangers in  more...

Compressed Air System Design ...esigning, purchasing, upgrading or maintaining compressed air systems, as well as engineers interested in learning more about compressed air systems. This is an introductory course for engineers with little or no knowledge of compressed air systems and experienced engineers seeking a refresher course on the basics. The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twelve questions at  more...

Compressed Air System Basics ...ew Section 1, "Introduction to Industrial Compressed Air Systems" and Appendix A, "Glossary of Basic Compressed Air System Terminology" in the document "Improving Compressed Air System Performance" published by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. This section of the referenced publication provides an overview of compressed air system basics, including the major components.  more...

Acoustical Considerations in HVAC Systems Overview Acoustics and noise have been proven to be factors that affect indoor environmental quality and work, as well as students' performance in a classroom. Although noise and sound are sometimes confused in definition and different factors affect individual hearing ability, the perception of noise and sound is the reality by which people function. Although acoustic considerations are  more...

EPA - Building Air Quality BAQ Action Plan Overview In today's complex building structures, it is imperative that the HVAC engineer have a basic knowledge of building air quality (BAQ) issues and action plans. With this knowledge the HVAC engineer can design the appropriate systems to help minimize BAQ problems. In this course the student will learn some of the basic steps in the EPA Building Air Quality Action Plan. The student  more...

Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical Biological or Radiological CBR Attacks Overview In today's complex political world, the buildings in which we live, work and enjoy entertainment are becoming targets of evil minded individuals who seek to harm other humans. Part of the job of being a professional in the building industry now, more than ever, involves taking into consideration these possibilities. There are measures that can be taken to help minimize the  more...

Sound Attenuators - Aerosonics Products and Applications Overview Sound attenuators (silencers) are used in HVAC systems to help absorb noise that is generated by fans or other air moving equipment. Attenuators can also be used to prevent cross-over noise between rooms, such as conference rooms or toilet rooms. Manufacturers of attenuators such as AeroSonics offer a variety of attenuator types and models uniquely designed for a multitude of  more...

Fabric Filter Bag Leak Detection Overview Fabric filters are used in many applications in both the commercial and industrial sectors. Efficient operation of a fabric filter system depends heavily on proper maintenance and monitoring of the fabric filters. In this course the student will learn about the use of triboelectric monitors as fabric filter bag leak detectors. This course includes fabric filter and monitoring system  more...

Geothermal Heat Pumps Overview The geothermal heat pump, also known as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. Its great advantage is that it works by concentrating naturally existing heat, rather than by  more...

Desiccant Dehumidification Systems for Comfort Conditioning Overview Desiccant air-conditioning systems can be used as alternatives for conventional air-conditioning equipment in any commercial or residential building. Recent breakthroughs in desiccant materials technology and the creation of new markets by Indoor Air Quality issues make desiccant-based air-conditioning equipment practical for many space-conditioning applications. In this course the  more...

Displacement Ventilation and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems ...ation and space conditioning functions (dedicated outdoor air systems or systems that distribute air to achieve thermal stratification within the space). In this course the student will learn about the principles and practical applications of displacement ventilation and dedicated outdoor air systems for commercial buildings. The student will gain an understanding of the energy and cost  more...

Flexible Ducts - Thermaflex Overview Flexible ducts are used extensively in HVAC systems. The Air Diffusion Council has information that may be used as a comprehensive guide in evaluating, selecting and installing flexible ducts in heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems. In this course the student will learn about applications requirements and recommendations for the use of flexible air ducts including  more...

Duct Sealing with Aerosolized Sealant Particles Considerable research has been conducted on the leakage levels of various types of ducts and duct fittings. Electricity energy savings potential by eliminating air leakage from ducts in large commercial buildings is on the order of 10 kWh/m2 per year. The research discussed in this paper is based on two large commercial buildings, using a new technology that simultaneously seals duct leaks and  more...

Compressed Air System Design Operating and Maintenance Tips ...air systems that are not properly designed, operated and maintained. Fortunately, there are many opportunities available for the engineer to minimize compressed air energy losses - even in systems that are already operational. In this course, the student will review review (14) "Compressed Air Tip Sheets" published by the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Office of Industrial Technologies.  more...

Duct Thermal Performance Despite the potential for significant energy savings by reducing duct leakage or other thermal losses from duct systems in large commercial buildings, California Title 24 has no provisions to credit energy-efficient duct systems in these buildings. The overall goal of the Efficient Distribution Systems (EDS) project within the PIER High Performance Commercial Building Systems Program is to bridge  more...

VAV System Design Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems are a popular type of HVAC system in commercial buildings for both energy savings and comfort; however, there are multiple considerations that must be taken into account during design in order to realize these design objectives and avoid pitfalls. In this course the student will learn some of the basic considerations that should be taken into account when  more...

Air Movement and Fire Protection The fire hazards associated with heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are significant. Fire isn? t the only hazard ? the smoke generated by the fire can be much more dangerous. Protection is needed from the spread of fire and smoke due both to fires starting inside an HVAC system and fires starting outside an HVAC system. Fire performance of materials for HVAC components is  more...

Fire Protection of Confinement Ventilation Systems Overview Fires in industrial and nuclear facilities have been caused by a variety of energy sources, including electrical energy and spontaneous combustion of pyrophoric metals. While fixed fire suppression systems or operator intervention have limited the size and consequences of most of these fires, some did propagate and cause significant damage and material release. In this course the  more...

Pumps This 3-hour audio online course covers key features, operating ranges and problem areas of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. The discussion on centrifugal pumps covers impeller types, capacity ranges, material selection, and suitable operating conditions. Problem areas are discussed, such as cavitation, low flow, vapor bind, reverse rotation and high flow. The course author, who has  more...

An Introduction To Fire Protection Engineering For Buildings Overview This course will introduce you to fire protection engineering fundamentals related to building materials and design, water supply for fire protection, fire extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems, special occupancies and hazards, and storage of flammable and hazardous materials. The student will begin with fire protection basics related to building materials and design, including  more...

Air-Cooled Lithium Bromide Absorption for CHP Applications Overview The objective of the source document for this course was to summarize the development status of air-cooled lithium bromide water absorption chillers. The use of LiBr is possible in CHP systems but research is still in progress for commercial applications. In this course the student will learn some of the more recent design approaches of LiBr chillers. The student is expected to read  more...

Energy Conservation Overview This 4-hour course covers the factors that influence the energy efficiency of small commercial and residential type buildings. It includes sections on the building envelope and related factors such as infiltration, insulation, and vapor barriers. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) are covered in detail including explanations of the various types of HVAC systems  more...

Filters for Industry Overview Filtration of air is crucial to the HVAC system performance and the commercial and industrial applications that these systems serve. Filters are widely used in nuclear ventilation, air cleanup, and confinement systems to remove particulate matter from air and gas streams. Air filters are defined as porous structures through which air is passed to separate out entrained particulate  more...

High Temperature Water Heating Systems Overview High temperature heating water systems have numerous advantages over steam heat distribution systems. The inherent losses of a steam system mean that significant fuel savings in a high temperature heating water system may be achieved relative to an equivalent capacity steam system. As energy rates continue to climb, alternate types of central plant heating concepts should be  more...

Ductsox and Fabric Air Distribution Systems Overview Air distribution in America has been undergoing a material change over the past few years, literally. Engineers, interior designers, architects, facility owners and contractors have found that the use of fabric material ducts have provided the technical answer to air distribution problems that traditional sheet metal ducts haven't been able to achieve without significant additional  more...

HVAC - Hydronic Systems ...nditions. Traditionally, HVAC systems are designed as All-Air Systems, which means that air is cooled at one location and is than distributed to the required space through ducts. All-Air Systems achieve the task of cooling a building by convection only. Hydronic systems provide an alternative to cool/heat through a combination of radiation and convection inside the building. Hydronic heating  more...

Air Conditioning Systems Most people think the air conditioning system's job is just to add "cold? air to the space. Actually air-conditioning is a process by which air is cooled and dehumidified by mechanical means. In a broader sense, air conditioning includes both the cooling and heating of air, cleaning it and controlling its moisture level, and conditioning it to provide maximum indoor comfort. Engineers define  more...

HVAC for Oil and Gas Oil & Gas (O & G) facilities are fraught with numerous challenges related to health and safety, logistics, economics, quality assurance and overall performance. HVAC design for such facilities needs special considerations not only to minimize the potential loss to capital investment but also to isolate the personnel from life-threatening environment. The main objectives of HVAC systems in O & G  more...

Filtration and Air Cleaning Systems Overview The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 Public Law 91-596 assures, so far as possible, safe and healthful working conditions for every employed man and woman in the Nation. The Act charges the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with conducting research and making science-based recommendations to prevent work-related illness, injury, disability, and  more...

Desiccant Dehumidification Wheel Testing Overview Desiccant cooling systems are energy efficient and environmentally benign. Desiccant systems allow more fresh air into buildings, thus improving indoor air quality without using more energy. Desiccant systems also displace chlorofluorocarbon-based cooling equipment, the emissions from which contribute to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. In this course the student will  more...

HVAC - Ventilation Exhaust Systems Ventilation systems supply and remove air to/from buildings and other structures. In doing so, these systems control the quality of breathing air and protect personnel and sensitive equipment from potentially hazardous airborne contaminants, fires, explosions, and excessive heat/cold. Ventilation systems include a supply, or makeup air system and an exhaust system. Supply systems replace  more...

HVAC - Variable Air Volume Systems In central air conditioning systems there are two basic methods for delivering air to the conditioned space: constant air volume (CAV) systems, and variable air volume (VAV) systems As the name implies, constant volume systems deliver a constant air volume to the conditioned space irrespective of the load. VAV systems, on the other hand, are designed to simultaneously meet a variety of  more...

Application of Psychrometrics to Heating and Cooling Psychrometry is the study of moist air. It is significant in terms of thermal comfort and is a major consideration in the design of air conditioning systems. Air conditioning engineers use the psychrometric chart to predict changes in the environment when the amount of heat and/or water in the air changes. A psychrometric chart provides a convenient way to look at the air conditioning processes  more...

Cooling Towers The machines and processes of industry, as well as the air-conditioning systems for buildings generate tremendous amounts of heat, which must be continuously dissipated if these machines and processes are to continue to operate efficiently. Water cooling is the most efficient method of dissipating heat. A cooling tower is a device used in industry to cool hot water (by partial evaporation)  more...

Commercial HVAC Most people think the air conditioning system's job is just to cool the spaces. Actually, a complete air-conditioning system is capable of maintaining temperature and humidity below or above that of surroundings and provides fresh air into spaces free of contaminants, dust and odorants. Air-conditioning systems are bifurcated in two broad categories: comfort air conditioning and process  more...