Module Details

Module Code: MECH6023
Title: Hydronic Systems Design
Long Title: Hydronic Systems Design
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: Hydronics is the use of water as the heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems. This module applies fluid mechanics theory & control applications including system balancing techniques to understand the efficient design and operation of hydronic systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply fundamental theory of fluid flow and control in Hydronic systems
LO2 Identify the components necessary for the correct functioning and commissioning of piping systems.
LO3 Differentiate between different piping circuit configurations and the merits of each for different applications.
LO4 Combine system components and system controls to produce piping schematics for a specified system's mode of operation.
LO5 Explain the control philosophies for Boiler, Chiller, and AHU heat exchange control.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Valves
Isolating valves, non-return valves, strainers, motorised valves, fixed orifice and variable orifice double regulating valves, typical valving arrangements.
Water circuit design
Primary circuits: Split flow & return headers, common flow & return headers, injection circuits. Secondary circuits: injection circuits, mixing circuits, compensated heating circuits.
Balancing
Benefits of balanced systems, proportional balancing
Thermal expansion
Thermal expansion of pipes, flexibilty of offsets & loops, expansion loop design, anchors & guides.
System pressurisation
The need for pressurisation. Sizing of pressurisation units.
System controls
Domestic controls, BMS systems, boiler control, pump control, AHU control
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Hydronic Control Laboratory
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Course content
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Hydronic System Schematic & Plantroom Design
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • J. R. Waters. (2003), Energy Conservation in Buildings, Wiley-Blackwell, p.216, [ISBN: 1-4051-1253-0].
  • C. Parsloe. (1995), Commissioning of Pipework Systems AG 20/95, BSRIA, [ISBN: 0-86022-422-8].
  • CIBSE. (2003), Commissioning Code W, [ISBN: 1-903287-39-1].
  • CIBSE. (1996), Commissioning Code A, [ISBN: 0-900953-73-X].
  • BSRIA. (1998), Library of System Control Strategies, [ISBN: 0-86022-497-X].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website, www.cibse.org.uk.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBENS_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Energy Systems 3 Mandatory
CR_EBSEN_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_EBSEN_6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Building Services Engineering 3 Mandatory