SUS 7900A: Intro to Building Science and Engineering

Spring 2024. Subject to refinement/updating.

Time: Fall 2024, TBD        Room Location at CCNY  TBD

Instructors: Peter Krumdieck, PE, CEM,

Senior Building Science Educator, CUNY Building Performance Lab;

Availability:  in class and by appointment at BPL Marshak 826

Contact:  pkrumdieck@ccny.cuny.edu   XXX-XXX-XXXX

Michael Bobker, M.Sc., CEM  Founding Director, CUNY Building Performance Lab

Availability:  by appointment

Contact:   mbobker@ccny.cuny.edu     212-650-5084

Description: This course introduces students to Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems and equipment in buildings. Building upon the first course in the sequence, Introduction to BuildingScience and Energy Engineering, students are exposed to details of equipment, its operation and control, especially adjustments and retrofits for energy efficiency, water conservation and carbon reduction. The course emphasizes professional practice, including field testing, measurement, data acquisition and key parameter analysis as methods in energy audits and performance assessment before and after adjustment/retrofit. Graduate students will be responsible for coordination and quality control of student-team work, including clarity of analysis, quantification procedures, and quality of technical writing.

Pre/Co-requisite:  Introduction to Building Science and Energy Engineering (WAP 1.1)

Texts Walter Grondzik and Alison Kwok Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Builidngs

ASHRAE Handbooks (on Reserve)

Learning Objectives

1. List major pieces of equipment as part of distinct MEP-HVAC building systems.
2. Recognize, describe and measure operating conditions of systems and equipment.
3. Explain and quantify various system-specific upgrading options
4. Draw simple system schematics
5. Write clear technical prose describing system conditions and recommendations.

Requirements

Student will be evaluated based on the following course requirements:

1. System Reports (4) (40%)
2. Mid-term Exam (20%)
3. Quizzes (5) (10%)
4. Final Exam and Project (25%)
5. Team Support (5%)
6. Attendance: > two absences may compromise grade

System Reports:  Over the course of the semester, students will complete a series of analyses of building systems based on case study descriptions to be provided. Each student will submit case study reports following exercise directions.  Students will work in class in pairs or small teams on the assignments but will be expected to submit their own individual reports.  Students are expected to need additional time outside of in-class work sessions to complete these assignments. Evaluation is based on quality of analysis and clarity of written expression. Graduate students will be additionally evaluated based on the support provided to assigned teams.

Quizzes:  Unannounced short answer questions on class materials and readings.

Mid-term Exam:  An in-class exam with multiple choice questions and short essays for topics covered in class discussions and readings.

Final Exam and Project:  Multiple choice and short answer exam. Graduate students will complete a short paper describing and quantifying an upgrade technology for one building system or major piece of equipment.

WEEKLY TOPICS AND READING/HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Readings and homework are shown in the session that they are due, i.e. – complete for that session’s class.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RESOURCES

Books

ASHRAE Handbooks  Fundamentals, HVAC-Applications, HVAC-Systems and Equipment

ASHRAE Green Guide: The Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable Buildings

De Wilde, Pietre   Building Performance Analysis

Janis, Richard and William Tao  Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Buildings

Mark’s Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers

Standard Handbook of Plant Engineering (McGraw Hill)

Zito, Phillip   Building Automation A to Z