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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Commercial Air and Water Test and Balance
Course: FAC235

First Term: 2021 Fall
 Lec + Lab   4.0 Credit(s)   6.0 Period(s)   6.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load


Description: Specific types of duct distribution systems, fans, coil types and applications. Characteristics of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) piping systems. Specific types of pumps and applications. Air and water flow measuring and control devices. Collection and analysis of data specific to air handling systems. Principles of fluid dynamics, thermal loading factors, system design, and component performance. Test and balance plans for air and water systems.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Perform the functions of specific air and water flow measurement instrumentation and control devices. (I, II)
2. Describe and test types and appropriate applications of duct distribution systems, fans, and coil types. (III)
3. Record and analyze air handling system component performance data. (III)
4. Demonstrate use of the characteristics and applications of specific HVAC piping systems, coils, and pump types. (IV)
5. Utilize the principles of fluid dynamics, including pressure- temperature-volume relationships, to determine K factors and differential pressure setup criteria for variable volume terminal units. (V)
6. Integrate thermal loading factors, system design and component performance data to test and balance air and water systems. (V, VI)
7. Evaluate performance data using collected readings of operating air and water systems including chilled water, condenser water, boiler, chiller and air handlers. (VII)
8. Evaluate and document air conditioning systems for energy balance using the principles of psychrometrics. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Air measurement
   A. Instruments
      1. Pitot tube
      2. Orifice
      3. Hoods and velometers
      4. Incline manometer
   B. Equivalent standard air
      1. Compensation factors
      2. Heat of compression
   C. Minimum outdoor air
II. Water measurement
   A. Venturi
   B. Orifice
   C. Turbine flow meter
   D. Annular flow meters
III. Air distribution systems
   A. Fans
      1. Fan laws
      2. Fan and motor information
      3. Fan curve characteristics
   B. System characteristics
      1. Air volume changes
      2. Unstable flow
      3. Total system pressure
      4. Air flow through terminals
   C. System variations
      1. Fixed minimum fresh air
      2. Economizer control
      3. Multi zone
      4. Reheat
      5. Low velocity double duct
      6. High velocity, constant volume double duct
      7. Variable volume
      8. Induction units
   D. Air handling system component performance data
IV. Hydronic systems
   A. Pumps
      1. Pump laws
      2. Pump and motor information
      3. Pump curves
      4. Pump types
   B. System characteristics
      1. Pressure control
      2. Unstable flow
   C. System variations
      1. Direct return
      2. Reverse return
      3. Primary/secondary variable flow
   D. Coil characteristics
      1. 2-row
      2. 4-row
      3. 6,8-row coils
   E. Primary equipment
      1. Chillers
      2. Cooling towers
      3. Fluid coolers
      4. Heat exchangers
      5. Boilers
V. Balancing device adjustments
   A. Air system
      1. Fan
      2. Dampers
      3. Terminal units
      4. Grills and registers
   B. Water system
      1. Coils
      2. Primary systems
VI. Testing
   A. Air system
      1. Fans
      2. Terminal units
      3. Duct heaters
   B. Water system
      1. Pumps
      2. Chillers
      3. Cooling towers
   C. Unitary systems
      1. Package AC
      2. Heat pumps
      3. Split systems
VII. Evaluation of air and water systems
   A. Chiller refrigerant pressures
   B. Chilled water (CW) supply and return temperatures
   C. Hot water supply and return temperatures
   D. Air handler supply and return temperatures
   E. Air handler mixed air percentage (using the psychrometric chart)
   F. Humidification (using the psychrometric chart)
   G. Filter static pressure drop
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 23, 2021

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.