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This advanced course focuses on the latest available technology

and practical scenarios of communication and networking between direct digital control (DDC) controllers and DDC systems. The course also addresses frequent questions such as How to upgrade existing HVAC DDC systems? What are the advantages and disadvantages of open systems? How to integrate various building automation systems?

This short but powerful course is structured to enable students to better design and understand HVAC DDC systems and emphasizes critical “Do’s and Don’ts” as well as accepted rule-of-thumb checks in HVAC DDC. The significance of web-based open-building automation systems strategies will be examined.

Course Highlights:

  • HVAC DDC System Architecture
  • Open System Interconnection Model
  • HVAC DDC Topologies and Protocols
  • ASHRAE BACnet
  • Gateways to Closed Systems
  • Open Systems and Tridium Solution
  • Web Services and the Tridium Solution
  • Four Levels of Energy Dashboards
  • DDC Wireless Technology
  • Net-Zero Energy and Smart Building Automation

Course Learning Outcomes:

  • Explain the seven layers of the Open System International (OSI) model
  • Identify the four most commonly used topologies in HVAC DDC
  • Discern between the two most commonly used network access methods
  • Discover how BACnet benefits owners
  • Distinguish between LAN technologies for DDC
  • Review the concept behind web services
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the Tridium Solution
  • Uncover the benefits of energy dashboards for large campuses

Required Textbook: “The Fundamentals of HVAC Direct Digital Control, Practical Applications and Design” 4th ed. 2022 by Frank Shadpour. Available through Hacienda Blue Publishing.

Optional Reading: ASHRAE 2016 Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment (ISBN-13: 978-1939200273) and 2015 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Applications (ISBN-13: 978-1936504930) 

Course Typically Offered: Online. Please see course matrix as schedule fluctuates.

Prerequisites:  Students should have a desire to learn concepts in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC).   

Next Step: Upon completion of this course, consider taking other courses in the HVAC Systems Design and Control program.

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu.

Course Number: AMES-40139
Credit: 1.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: HVAC Systems Design and Control