Where to go to learn the Science of HVAC Design?

[BobbaLoui]

I recently started working in the HVAC Design Industry with a MEP consulting firm after 20 plus years in the installation end of it, 10 of which involved drafting\shop coordinated drawing, some PM, some estimating etc., etc.
I enjoy the work and the challenge even though I'm weak with the technical end of it. My question is this;

I have been going to college for a while, and was thinking about switching my major once again to Mechanical Eng., but to be honest with you, I have'nt came across many schools that go into much detail on the subject. The ones that do,don't seem like they'd be to helpful. I'm kinda getting the feeling that Trane or Carrier would be more useful with there training courses. So where do you actually go to learn the science of HVAC design?!?! I've been using industry manuals such as ASHREA fund. 2001, some carrier design manuals and other design manuals

Thanks

 

[gepman]

Some people prefer a very applied approach at college and some people prefer a theoretical approach. I preferred a theoretical approach since I felt that it would be easier to learn theory at college and easier to get the applications in the field but that is my personal preference. It certainly sounds as if you have had your share of field experience.

I use the same manuals that you listed. Knowing the theory (hopefully) helps you understand the limitations of the application of the equations and their derivation. I think that a good HVAC engineer should have a good theoretical background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. If you take those courses, have a good background in the industry, and take some applied design courses like at Trane or Carrier then you may be fine to go if you don't care if you have the degree or not.

If you want a degree then you will need to go to college. In California one of the very good applied programs that I know of is at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. It has a specialization in HVAC, HVAC labs, and many courses (by the way I did NOT go there).

 

[willard3]

One of my professors in Engineering school opined that college had only 4 years to teach an Engineer all the theory required.

Got the whole rest of your career to learn how to apply it.

HVAC is pretty cool, but is a very focused discipline and there's lots more theory to learn to be an Engineer.

 

[MintJulep]

Find a mentor within your firm.

Join ASHRAE and read the ASHRAE Journal. There are articles each month on the science of fundamentals, and case studies of various projects.

ASHRAE also offers various educational options:

http://www.ashrae.org/education/

 

[imok2]

My approach to this profession was to get an AS degree in Air conditioning and Refrigeration and one in Electonic technology at the Community College where I now teach part time then going into the Union and serve a 5 year Apprenticeship to become a Certified Journeyman with Local 250 U.A working as a mechanic and taking many Certification Classes then on to The County of Los Angeles for 28 years, going from Journeyman to The Craft Head. The County has many (5000) types of buildings such as prisons, courts, camps, hospitals, sheriff stations, etc and 85000+ employees so we were involved in many various aspects of the trade incliding all the steam fitting in Power Plants, Prisons and Hospitals. I,m still constantly involved in learning this profession, so if you want to be the best you can be you will never stop learning. I think you need to get some practical experience and working with your hands. It gives you a better understanding of the practical mechanical aspect of this profession. In a nut shell, learning both pracital and theory is the best one can do in my opinion. Good luck

 

[BobbaLoui]

imok2,
It appears we have similar back rounds, I also belong to a union in the northeast. My experiences are with comm., Indust., Labs, medical, hospitals, highrises, etc.,etc.
My degrees of studies were in computer science(programing) and computer aided design. I was just wondering were everyone gained there knowledge in such a technical field. I don't really see any schools focusing HVAC, I guess a lot of the courses will be from the school of hard knocks.
Thanks

 

[imok2]

Bobbat oui
This may interest you:
HVACR Engineering Technology BS, Online
Ferris State University

http://www.ferris.edu/cot/hvacr/

 

[EmeraldCoastHVACR]

Well all I can say is if you pursue ME, you'll be an awesome asset to the industry with your background.

First, HVAC/R is to small of an industry to be considered for major engineering schools & software companies. Georgia Tech, for example, doesn't sponsor ASHRAE because the industry is to small and the HVAC/R doesn't garnish the huge goverment & industry subsidies that other industries command.

In addition, the MEP software that Audodesk uses has poor parametric modelling when compared to the software utilized in other idustries and the CAE aspect is practically nonexistant -- MEP, however, is probaly the software I'll have to use to communicate with Architects...LOL.

 

[EmeraldCoastHVACR]

I took Imok2 route and started out with an Associate degree while I worked for a Fortune 500 firm as a technician working on chillers & other mechanical systems.

Problem is the Applied Science degree doesn't transfer into an accredited engineering program, so you have to start over like I did to get a Physical Science degree.

Today, there's only a select few in the country that started out like me with an Associates and obtained an ME -- I might be the ONLY one in the country that obtained national honors from a top school.

Back in 79 when other ME's belittled my technician background and said that technicians don't have the academic ability to become engineers -- at that time, I knew I had both superior practicle ability and intelligence.

And I proved it -- I hope you strive too.

 

[BobbaLoui]

Thanks Imok2, that was an interesting link. I liked the fact that they had online courses also, especailly due to the fact of being an adult student and the flexablity.

I also came across a tech school that gives courses(clinics) in Manual J, Manual D & Manual T. I know it won't count toward anything, but it's a start on knowing why I'm doing things instead of just how to do them.

ECH, I plan on continuing toward an ME, it's a goal I set for myself and keeps going in a foreward direction.