Lesson 1Inverter (variable-speed) vs fixed-speed compressors: efficiency, part-load performance, inrush current, ambient considerationsCompare inverter an' fixed-speed compressors fi office applications, focusing pon efficiency ratings, part-load comfort, inrush current, electrical sizing, an' performance at high an' low ambient temperatures in di chosen climate.
How inverter drives modulate capacityFixed-speed behavior at part loadInrush current and electrical sizingEfficiency ratings at full and part loadAmbient temperature effects on capacityLesson 2Choosing system type: single-split vs multi-split, benefits an' tradeoffsExplore how fi choose between single-split an' multi-split systems fi a 2,000 sq ft office, weighing zoning flexibility, installation cost, maintenance complexity, redundancy, an' future expansion needs in a realistic commercial scenario.
Zoning needs and temperature control goalsPiping layout and installation constraintsCost comparison: equipment and laborService access and maintenance complexityRedundancy and impact of unit failureLesson 3Estimating internal gains from computers an' office equipment (W per workstation) an' occupancy schedulesQuantify internal gains from computers, monitors, printers, an' people in a 2,000 sq ft office by estimating watts per workstation, diversity factors, an' occupancy schedules, then convert dese gains into sensible an' latent loads.
Typical W per workstation and equipmentDiversity factors for office equipment useOccupancy density and schedule profilesSeparating sensible and latent componentsConverting internal gains to BTU/h loadsLesson 4Preparing a short justification statement referencing a chosen city climate (sensible/latent balance) an' recommended unit specification sheet items (capacity, SEER/IEER, sound, dimensions)Practice writing a concise justification fi di selected system using a specific city climate, referencing sensible an' latent balance, an' key specification sheet items such as capacity, SEER or IEER, sound levels, an' unit dimensions.
Choosing a representative city climateSummarizing sensible and latent loadsReferencing capacity and efficiency ratingsIncluding sound, size, and clearance dataStructuring a clear justification paragraphLesson 5Calculating sensible an' latent heat loads: people, equipment, lighting, envelopeDevelop skills to calculate sensible an' latent loads from people, equipment, lighting, an' di building envelope, then combine dem into a total design load dat reflects realistic operating conditions fi di 2,000 sq ft office.
People loads: sensible and latent splitsEquipment and lighting heat gain methodsEnvelope loads: walls, roof, and glassUsing CLF or similar factors for timingCombining components into design loadLesson 6Selecting capacity in BTU/h an' tons: rounding, safety factors, diversity an' part-load considerationsLearn how fi select system capacity in BTU/h an' tons fi di office, including rounding rules, safety factors, diversity between zones, an' part-load performance so dat equipment run efficiently without chronic short cycling.
Converting calculated load to nominal tonsRounding up or down from load resultsApplying reasonable safety factorsAccounting for diversity across office zonesChecking part-load operation and cyclingLesson 7Refrigerant options an' implications fi performance an' serviceability (R410A, R32, others)Review common refrigerants such as R410A an' R32, comparing efficiency, pressure levels, glide, flammability, an' environmental impact, an' learn how refrigerant choice affects piping design, service tools, an' future regulatory compliance.
Key properties of R410A and R32Efficiency and capacity differences by refrigerantSafety, flammability, and code requirementsImpact on piping, charge, and componentsService tools, training, and phaseout risksLesson 8Using simplified load sizing rules (BTU/ft²) an' comparison wid Manual J style estimatesLearn how fi apply simplified BTU per square foot rules fi quick office load estimates, then compare an' calibrate dem against Manual J style methods to understand limits, correction factors, an' when detailed calculations are required.
Typical BTU/ft² ranges for office spacesAdjusting rules for climate and building qualityComparing quick rules to Manual J style resultsRecognizing when rules of thumb failApplying safety factors without oversizingLesson 9Selecting auxiliary features: filtration level, noise ratings (dB), controls an' connectivity optionsLearn how fi select filtration levels, noise ratings, an' control options dat suit office comfort, indoor air quality, an' IT requirements, including filter MERV choices, dB targets, smart controls, an' integration wid building networks.
Choosing MERV rating and filter typeNoise criteria and target indoor dB levelsFan speed settings and sound tradeoffsThermostat types and scheduling optionsConnectivity, BACnet, and app integrationLesson 10Matching indoor unit airflow an' coil selection to room sensible load an' thermostat placementUnderstand how fi match indoor unit airflow an' coil capacity to room sensible loads, while considering thermostat placement, air throw, diffuser selection, an' avoiding drafts or stratification dat can cause comfort complaints in office zones.
Calculating required CFM from sensible loadSelecting coils for sensible heat ratioAir throw, diffuser type, and coverageThermostat location and sensor placementAvoiding drafts, short cycling, and stratification