Hydronic Heating & Cooling for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings
This is a bundle of these 7 courses
About this course
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Bundle outline
7 courses • 32 modules
Course 1 •
10
modules
Mastering Hydronic System Design
Welcome • 4 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Download the Software: Hydronics Design Studio 2.0 (Trial Version)
- Textbook Options (.pdf)
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 8 assignments
Welcome & Fundamentals
This week we'll provide a course overview and review the benefits of hydronic heating, including: superior comfort, ability to zone, low distribution energy use, minimally invasive installation. I'll discuss why we might opt for water versus air, and where the most common mistakes are made by hydronic designers.
- Welcome to Class & Introduction (25:08 minutes)
- What you're going to learn + my philosophy of radiant design (26:01 minutes)
- The benefits of hydronic systems (28:08 minutes)
- Why I think this class is important (15:38 minutes) Preview
- Read Chapter 1 in the textbook
- OPTIONAL: Visit www.pmmag.com to view archives and related content
- WEEK 1 HOMEWORK: Chapter 1 Exercises 1-10 (.DOC) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 1 Homework (.pdf)
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Hydronic Heat Sources
In this module we'll lay a foundation and explore the characteristics of various heating sources. Topics include: Conventional boilers (efficiency and boiler protection), Mod/con boilers, Electric boilers (when are they applicable?), Hydronic heat pump characteristics, Capacity & COP versus operating temperatures, Solar thermal collectors (design considerations, practical combisystems), and General heat source design considerations (head loss, buffering, protection against temperature extremes, and safety).
- Introduction to Hydronic Heat Sources (41:26 minutes)
- Modulating / Condensing Boilers (27:58 minutes)
- Heat Pumps (30:27 minutes)
- Solar Thermal Collectors (36:38 minutes)
- Wood-fired & Pellet-fired Boilers (32:19 minutes)
- Read Chapter 3 in the textbook
- RESOURCE: Download and read issues 9 & 10 of Caleffi's 'Idronics'
- WEEK 2 HOMEWORK: Chapter 3 Exercises 5-15 (.DOC) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 2 Homework (don't cheat yourself by looking at this before you do the assignment) (.pdf)
- Extra Homework
Module 3 • 11 assignments
Pipes, Fittings, and Valves
Good designers need to know the resources available to them. In the context of hydronics, there are thousands of available options for piping, fittings, and valves. This module discusses specific types of pipe and fittings that are appropriate for hydronic systems. It also covers both standard and specialized valves use in hydronic systems. Design tips are provided that help you avoid selection and placement errors. The knowledge this module provides on the "building blocks" will be used to assemble complete systems in later modules.
- Introduction to Pipes, Fittings, Valves (40:59 minutes)
- Fittings (10:38 minutes)
- Pipe Expansion (12:03 minutes)
- Valves (14:57 minutes)
- Specialty Valves used in Hydronic Systems (12:21 minutes) Preview
- More Specialty Valves, including Zone Valves (39:49 minutes)
- Valve and fitting information from Nibco
- Valve and fitting information from RWV
- Read Chapter 5 in the textbook
- WEEK 3 HOMEWORK: Chapter 5 Exercises 1-10 (.DOC) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 3 Homework (don't cheat yourself by looking at this before you do the assignment) (.pdf)
Module 4 • 11 assignments
Fluid Flow Through Piping
This week has a lot of content about the nature of fluid flow through piping. These are the building blocks of the calculations we'll be funning in subsequent modules.
- Properties of water (43:29 minutes)
- Read Chapter 4 in the textbook
- Introduction to fluid flow through piping (16:54 minutes)
- Static pressure in hydronic systems (15:50 minutes)
- Calculating head loss (33:04 minutes)
- Hydraulic resistance (21:24 minutes)
- Operating cost of a hydronic circuit (11:23 minutes)
- Read Chapter 6 in the textbook
- Software demo - so you can start getting comfortable using it (24:41 minutes)
- WEEK 4 HOMEWORK: Chapter 6 Exercises 1-5, 15, 16 (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 4 Homework (don't cheat yourself by looking at this before you do the assignment) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 13 assignments
Circulators
In this module you'll learn: Common types of circulators (PSC, ECM), Review of circulation performance (pump curve), Design techniques to avoid circulation cavitation, Hydraulic separation, Applying variable speed circulators (constant and proportional delta P control), and Circulator selection.
- Wet rotor circulators (23:46 minutes)
- 'Head' within the context of circulators (28:21 minutes)
- ECM Circulators (14:32 minutes)
- How programming of ECM circulators allows for valve-based zoning (24:11 minutes)
- Circulator efficiency (12:05 minutes)
- Cavitation (18:22 minutes)
- Hydraulic Separation (56:23 minutes)
- Note
- WATCH: Caleffi animated video
- Read
- WEEK 5 HOMEWORK: Chapter 7 Exercises 1-9 (.doc)
- WEEK 5 HOMEWORK: Chapter 7 Exercises 1-9 (PDF) (.pdf)
- Solutions for Week 5 Homework (don't cheat yourself by looking at this before you do the assignment) (.pdf)
Module 6 • 8 assignments
Expansion Tanks & Air Elimination
Heat emitters and the distribution systems that feed them are at the heart of hydronic design. In this module you'll learn to master low temperature heat emitter options: Panel radiators, Radiant floors, Radiant ceilings and walls, Homerun distribution systems, 2-pipe distribution systems.
- Expansion of Water (17:48 minutes)
- Sizing diaphragm type expansion tanks (25:16 minutes)
- Placement of expansion tanks within the system (12:45 minutes)
- Air removal devices (28:44 minutes)
- Dirt separating devices (28:07 minutes)
- Read
- WEEK 6 HOMEWORK: Chapter 12 Exercises 3-10 (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 6 homework (don't cheat yourself my looking at this before you do the assignment) (.pdf)
Module 7 • 12 assignments
Heat Emitters
Heat emitters and the distribution systems that feed them are at the heart of hydronic design. In this module you'll learn to master low temperature heat emitter options: Panel radiators, Radiant floors, Radiant ceilings and walls, Homerun distribution systems, 2-pipe distribution systems.
- Baseboard (52:32 minutes)
- Panel Radiators (19:12 minutes)
- Fan-coils (23:58 minutes)
- Slab-on-grade floor heating (51:21 minutes)
- Thin-slab floor heating (18:25 minutes)
- Above floor tube & plate system (22:23 minutes)
- Is radiant floor heating always the answer? (13:40 minutes)
- Site built radiant ceilings (27:32 minutes)
- Thermal equilibrium (18:02 minutes)
- Read Chapter 8 in the textbook
- WEEK 7 HOMEWORK: Chapter 8 Exercises 1-5 (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 7 homework (.pdf)
Module 8 • 12 assignments
Control Concepts and Hardware
Controls are critical to overall system efficiency. This week we'll discuss: Control terminology, Temperature setpoint control, Differential temperature control, Outdoor reset control, Mixing strategies (3-way and 4-way motorized valves, and injection mixing), and Using relays and switches to create logic.
- Closed loop control systems and control concepts (56:44 minutes)
- Controller output signals (22:12 minutes)
- Regulating output of heat emitters (34:22 minutes)
- Controlling heat output using flow rate (09:53 minutes)
- Switches and relays (37:53 minutes)
- Hydronic zoning controls (32:58 minutes)
- Other common controllers (23:29 minutes)
- A survey of mixing methods (44:09 minutes)
- Read Chapter 9 in the textbook
- WEEK 8 HOMEWORK: Chapter 9 Exercises
- WEEK 8 HOMEWORK: Chapter 9 Exercises (.doc file) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 8 Homework (.pdf)
Module 9 • 10 assignments
Distribution Systems
This week we will go through a complete system design for a basic residential system using panel radiators, indirect water heater, mod/con boiler, buffer tank. Schematics, calculations, layout, controls.
- Series distribution systems (11:22 minutes)
- Single circuit / mult-zone systems (27:59 minutes)
- Parallel / direct return piping (11:07 minutes)
- Homerun distribution systems (16:01 minutes)
- Primary / secondary piping (17:20 minutes)
- Hydraulic separation (12:13 minutes)
- Read Chapter 11 in the textbook
- WEEK 9 HOMEWORK: Chapter 11 Exercises 1-10
- Week 9 HOMEWORK: Chapter 11 Exercises 1-10 (.doc file) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 9 Homework (.pdf)
Module 10 • 15 assignments
System Examples
This week we will look at a more advanced system from start to finish for a residential system with radiant ceilings supplied from a geothermal heat pump, inputs for solar thermal collectors, auxiliary boiler. Schematics, calculations, layout, controls. You will see how all the previous materials covered in the course come together to produce an efficient design.
- Single thermal mass-combi systems (20:54 minutes)
- Hydronic-based on-demand domestic water heating (51:01 minutes)
- BTU metering (32:12 minutes)
- Example System #1 (21:53 minutes)
- Example System #2 (26:34 minutes)
- Example System #3 (08:30 minutes)
- Example System #4 (30:13 minutes)
- PDF: Example System #4 (.pdf)
- Read Chapter 14 in the textbook
- WEEK 10 HOMEWORK: Chapter 14 Exercises 1-7
- WEEK 10 HOMEWORK: Chapter 14 Exercises 1-7 (.doc file) (.doc)
- Solutions for Week 10 Homework (.pdf)
- PDF: Details of Example Systems (.pdf)
- Take the final quiz and earn a passing score
- Answer Key, Formulas and Solutions - final quiz (don't cheat yourself) (.pdf)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- LinkedIn: Mastering Hydronic System Design Alumni Group
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 2 •
1
modules
Heat Pump System Fundamentals
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Heat Pump System Fundamentals
This is aimed at those will minimal experience with heat pumps. It “sets the stage” for more detailed topics in later courses. After taking this course you should have a basic understanding of how heat pumps work, the wide variety of heat pumps used in HVAC applications, and an understanding of how they perform.
- Introduction to the Course and Your Instructor (1A) (09:59 minutes)
- Starting Concepts (1B REV) (45:54 minutes)
- What can heat pumps do (1C) (11:43 minutes)
- Basic Heat Pump Refrigeration Systems (1D) (23:51 minutes)
- Basic Heat Pump Performance (1E) (24:05 minutes)
- A brief history of heat pumps (1F) (12:49 minutes)
Conclusion • 7 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- End of Course Knowledge Check - Heat Pump Fundamentals
- More reference material on water-to-water heat pumps (.pdf)
- More reference material on air-to-water heat pumps (.pdf)
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 3 •
1
modules
Air-to-Water Heat Pump Fundamentals
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps - Overview
- Physical Configurations (29:02 minutes)
- Basic Thermal Performance (14:00 minutes)
- Domestic Water Heating Applications (10:32 minutes)
- Why the North American Air-to-Water Heat Pump Market Will Grow (46:55 minutes)
- Air-to-water heat pumps (overview) example systems (24:18 minutes) Preview
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Knowledge Check
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 4 •
7
modules
Air-to-Water Heat Pump Applications
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Thermal performance of air-to-water heat pumps
This module reviews thermal performance considerations that are critical to designing efficient systems. It also covers henhanced vapor injection refrigeration systems and simulated seasonal system performance
- Thermal performance of air-to-water heat pumps (33:08 minutes)
Module 2 • 1 assignments
Integrating boilers with air-to-water heat pumps
This modules explains the benefits of combining air-to-water heat pumps with boilers (either new or existing). It should proper piping and discusses control techniques.
- Integrating boilers with heat pumps (11:37 minutes)
Module 3 • 1 assignments
Domestic water heating considerations using air-to-water heat pumps
This module describes different approaches for adding domestic water heating to systems using air-to-water heat pumps for space heating and cooling.
- Domestic water heating considerations using air-to-water heat pumps (15:14 minutes)
Module 4 • 1 assignments
Air-to-water heat pump sizing considerations
This module shows how the sizing (heating capacity) of an air-to-water heat pump relates to how much of the seasonal heating load it can provide
- Air-to-water heat pump sizing considerations (07:24 minutes)
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Installation details
This module covers several installation details for air-to-water heat pumps
- Installation details (27:27 minutes)
Module 6 • 1 assignments
Example systems using air-to-water heat pumps
This module shows and explains several complete system configurations that range from heating-only to systems that provide heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.
- Example systems using air-to-water heat pumps (18:01 minutes)
Module 7 • 1 assignments
New concepts for air-to-water heat pumps
This module explores several new "form factors" for air-to-water heat pumps.
- New concepts for air-to-water heat pumps (11:19 minutes)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Knowledge Check
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 5 •
3
modules
Geothermal Heat Pump Fundamentals
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 6 assignments
Overview of Residential Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
- "How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work" (.pdf)
- Read: "Geothermal What's in a Name?"
- Read: "The Ground Connection" (.pdf)
- Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 1 (12:07 minutes)
- Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 2 (25:05 minutes)
- Module 1 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 5 assignments
Overview of Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
- Basic Types of Heat Pumps (12:46 minutes)
- GSHP Systems (16:27) (16:27 minutes)
- The Ground Connection (12:48 minutes)
- Pros & Cons of Geothermal Systems (11:58 minutes)
- Module 2 presentation slides - Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Overview (.pdf)
Module 3 • 4 assignments
Economics & Marketing Considerations
It's important to understand the factors that determine when geothermal heat pumps are a good investment and when they aren't. Even if you're not in sales, these are still important considerations in your work.
- Economics & Marketing - Part 1 (12:31 minutes)
- Economics & Marketing - Part 2 (11:40 minutes)
- Economics & Marketing - LoopLink Example (11:14 minutes)
- Module 3 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Learning Check (19 questions)
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 6 •
2
modules
Geothermal Heat Pump Applications
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 15 assignments
Heat Pump Selection & Residential Ground Loops
- Reading "A Basic Guide to Heat Pump Selection" (.pdf)
- Overview of GSHP Performance (23:20 minutes)
- Presentation slides (PDF) - Overview of GSHP Performance (.pdf)
- GSHP Selection - LoopLink Example (10:53 minutes)
- Closed-Loop GHEX Design Basics (11:54 minutes)
- Closed-Loop GHEX Design - LoopLink Example (18:49 minutes)
- Presentation slides (PDF) - Design of Closed-Loop Ground Heat Exchangers (.pdf)
- Read "How to Measure GSHP Efficiency for Forced-Air Units" (.pdf)
- Read "Geothermal Do's & Don't's" (.pdf)
- Important GSHP Design & Installation Considerations (33:21 minutes)
- Presentation slides (PDF) - Important GSHP Design Considerations (.pdf)
- Assignment Calculate the amount of propylene glycol for a 20% concentration in this ground loop. (.pdf)
- LoopLink Assignment – Part 1
- Antifreeze Volume Calculator (.xlsm)
- LoopLink Assignment Part – 2 (.pdf)
Module 2 • 15 assignments
Commercial Ground Loops
- Module 3 Presentation Slides (.pdf)
- Building Understanding, Pre-Modeling, and Site Visit (07:03 minutes)
- Common Fuels (08:55 minutes)
- Heating Energy Cost Comparison (09:03 minutes)
- Operating Costs (13:31 minutes)
- Closed-Loop Ground Heat Exchangers - Advanced Topics (11:34 minutes)
- Piping Systems (05:23 minutes)
- Planning and Design Review (12:25 minutes)
- Design Review - Flushing and Purging (10:23 minutes)
- Construction Verification (13:23 minutes)
- Practical Considerations (07:03 minutes)
- Presentation Slides (.pdf)
- Commercial Applications Quiz (20 questions)
- ASSIGNMENT: Calculate the propylene glycol (gal) for a 20% concentration in this GHEX. (.pdf)
- RESOURCE FOR ASSIGNMENT: Antifreeze Volume Calculator (.xls) - enable macros for proper operation (.xlsm)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- End of Course Knowledge Check
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 7 •
8
modules
Small-Scale Chilled Water Cooling
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Advantages of chilled water cooling systems
- Benefits of small-scale chilled-water cooling (16:41 minutes)
Module 2 • 1 assignments
Thermal performance of AWHPs and WWHPs in cooling mode
A review focussing on the cooling performance of air0to-water and water-to-water heat pumps. Proper understanding of this performance is crucial to optimizing subsequent system design and avoiding installation errors.
- Thermal performance of AWHPs and WWHPs in cooling mode (12:11 minutes)
Module 3 • 1 assignments
Terminal units for chilled-water cooling
This module surveys the hardware available for delivering cooling and dehumidification to interior spaces based on chilled water. It describes sizing and selection.
- Terminal units for chilled-water cooling (14:38 minutes)
Module 4 • 1 assignments
Insulating chilled-water piping
This module shows why insulation of chilled water piping is critical, and described different materials and methods.
- Insulating chilled-water piping (11:15 minutes)
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Psychometrics of chilled-water cooling
This module covers the basic psychrometric concepts needed to understand and design chilled water cooling systems.
- Psychometrics of chilled-water cooling (13:34 minutes)
Module 6 • 1 assignments
Example systems
This modules assembles concepts and details from the previous modules into complete systems that provide chilled water cooling, as well as space heating and in some cases domestic water heating.
- Example systems (34:22 minutes)
Module 7 • 1 assignments
Water loop heat pump systems
This module covers the fundamentals of water loop heat pumps systems used in commercial buildings.
- Water loop heat pump systems (17:21 minutes)
Module 8 • 1 assignments
Systems that separate sensible & latent cooling
This modules describes contemporary systems for cooling where the sensible portion fo the cooling load is handled by chilled water circulating through terminal units at temperatures above dewpoint temperature.
- Systems that separate sensible & latent cooling (29:33 minutes)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- Knowledge Check - Small-Scale Chilled Water Cooling
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 2 NATE Continuing Education Hours
- 6 BPI CEUs
Instructors
-
John Siegenthaler
P.E., Appropriate DesignsJohn Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a licensed professional engineer, and Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology at Mohawk Valley Community College. “Siggy” has over 40 years of experience in designing modern hydronic systems. He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a... Learn more
-
Ryan Carda
Principal Engineer, Dandelion EnergyRyan Carda is Principal Engineer for Dandelion. He is primarily responsible for design and engineering standardization, with a focus on optimizing the performance and lowering the cost of geothermal systems. Prior to that, Ryan co-founded Geo-Connections in 2004 and served as the company’s President until he sold the company to Dandelion. The products Ryan developed... Learn more