Capstone course: HVAC systems design at University of Wyoming

The architectural engineering program at the University of Wyoming offers four HVAC courses, beginning with the fundamentals of HVAC and culminating in a capstone design course. This paper describes the experiences we encountered over the past several years while developing and teaching the HVAC curricula in the Architectural Engineering program. We emphasize the importance of how such disciplines as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and electricity together create a successful curriculum. In addition, we describe briefly the history of the architectural engineering curriculum at University of Wyoming, the capstone design HVAC project, and the HVAC design process. Most importantly, project methodology will be discussed, beginning with system selection (fancoil, VAV (Variable Air Volume) terminal box, under floor air distribution system, displacement ventilation and beam system), heating and cooling load estimation, systems sizing, airflow distribution, commissioning and culminating with administrative topics. We demonstrate this methodology through the use of a comprehensive design project. We discuss the capstone design program from students' point of view, and the experience earned in design, integration, and also in written and oral communication skills. Methodology used to evaluate the effectiveness of the capstone design program in term of learning outcomes is also described. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.