Module 1

Module 3 – Design of Sustainable HVAC Systems


About this module

Delivering and operating a sustainable HVAC system is dependent on accurate and well-documented design, and the transference of that design to installers, commissioners, operators, and users. A documented design decision process and the use of digital design tools facilitates transparency. This provides opportunities for improved system integration, analysis, and operation.

This module deals with the design of sustainable HVAC systems. It relies on other modules for design principles; code, standard, and rating tool compliance; and operational sustainability.

MODULE 3 TOPICS
TOPIC 1 Design documentation
Exploring the stages of design, types of documentation, and workplace requirements with respect to commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
TOPIC 2 Design safety and review
Reviewing the safe design process, commissioning, and building operator reviews, as well as compliance recording for coordination, industry standards, building codes, and energy/environmental rating tools.
TOPIC 3 Calculations, options analysis, and records
Specifically reviewing important elements of the calculation process and the need for design records. Also outlining the use of psychrometrics as a calculation tool and analysing important issues related to option analysis as part of the design process. Stakeholder assessment is considered as part of the sustainable design process, as well as the iterative process of design review, feedback incorporation, and change management.
TOPIC 4 Digital design tools and systems
Exploring the use of digital design tools and systems to assist in the design process, enable design information transference, control HVAC systems, provide connectivity for analysis, and offer more intelligent control and digital mimicking of buildings.

The design process and, more importantly, the design record that conveys the design intent to all parties is essential to realising energy-efficient sustainable design throughout the life of the building. Design pricing documentation may not be sufficient to convey all this information, so consideration should be given to additional design record documentation – schematic diagrams, user guides, digital methods, and operational design reviews.

The abundance of information, new equipment, design tools, and many competing factors will lead to different energy-efficient solutions being applicable to various projects. Designers of energy-efficient sustainable HVAC should continue to consider new design solutions, and challenge existing designs for applicability and opportunities for efficiency improvement.

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this module, participants should have a good understanding of the design processes, tools, and documentation for sustainable HVAC systems from a process, documentation, and problem-solving perspective. 

The specific learning outcomes covered in this module are:

  • The process and stages of design is defined to establish sustainable design methods.
  • The types of project documentation are defined, developed, and confirmed with appropriate stakeholders as required.
  • Plans and specifications are reviewed to ensure sustainable outcomes.
  • Design information – including commissioning, operation, maintenance, and user information – is established for workplace requirements.
  • Safety in design is incorporated to ensure safe serviceability operability and construction, including Safe Design Reports.
  • Sustainable design is documented according to project requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Computations and other supporting evidence are appropriately recorded to support design.
  • Outcomes from psychrometric analysis report are confirmed and applied to system design.
  • Sustainable design is presented and assessed with key stakeholders to facilitate improvements.
  • Alterations to the design resulting from feedback are implemented as required.
  • Final design is documented and submitted to client for approval.
  • Digital design tools and systems are considered in relation to improved design, information transfer, control, monitoring, and operational feedback.

Explore modules 1, 2, and 4 using the links below or return to the program page.


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