Outline

Overview

This unit of study develops an advanced knowledge of air conditioning systems and refrigeration applications. At the completion of this unit students will be able to determine thermal loads on structures and design an air conditioning or refrigeration system with attention to comfort, control, air distribution and energy consumption. Course content will include: applied psychrometrics, air conditioning systems, design principles, comfort in the built environment, cooling load calculations, heating load calculations, introduction and use of computer-based load estimation packages software, air distribution, fans, ducts, air conditioning controls, advanced refrigeration cycles, evaporators, condensers, cooling towers, compressors, pumps, throttling devices, piping, refrigerants, control, refrigeration equipment, simulation of refrigeration systems, food refrigeration and industrial applications; Use of CFD packages as tools to simulate flows in building and to optimise air conditioning design, energy estimation methods and software, energy evaluation and management in the built environment. Use of experimental air conditioning systems to test for thermal balances and compare with simulations.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Students are expected to be familiar with the basic laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matthew Dunn, matthew.dunn@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Matthew Dunn, matthew.dunn@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Hamdy Ahmed, hamdy.ahmed@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assignments Field trip report	10%	Multiple weeks	Field trip report
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Calculation assignment Calculation assignment	20%	Week 09	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz In class quiz	20%	Week 10 Due date: 16 Oct 2022 at 23:59	1hr
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Project progress reports, final report, presentation	40%	Week 12	multiple weeks
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Comfort report Comfort report	10%	Week 13	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment: Practical examples and assignments will elucidate the relevance of the basic concepts with respect to engineering applications. The assignments and quizzes will help students absorb the concepts and stay up to date with the pace of lectures
Project: The project report and the seminar will test the ability of students to interact in a group environment, apply the concepts to a realistic problem, and relay them effectively in the form of a seminar and report. Group projects and seminars are aspects of training that are beneficial for engineers since this is common practice in the profession. The projects are essentially emulating real job situations that graduates will face in professional practice.
Final exam: The final examination will help evaluate the overall understanding of the concepts covered in this UoS and the student’s ability to analyse and solve related problems.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Fundamentals	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Psychometrics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Design conditions and solar loads	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Thermal loads	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Fans and compressors	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Condensers and evaporators	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Air conditioning systems and energy evaluations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Computer simulations - thermal loads	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Computer simulations - equipment selection	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Computer simulations - duct analysis	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	A/C controls - food refrigeration	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Computer simulations - energy analysis	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendence required as per coursework policy and Engineering faculty resolutions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

ASHRAE, Handbook of Fundamentals.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of complex refrigeration systems
LO2. demonstrate an appreciation of thermal comfort in the built environment
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of thermal loads and energy consumption in buildings
LO4. analyse, size and select air conditioning systems including estimates of heat and air flows as well as cost and energy analysis
LO5. demonstrate familiarity with at least one software package used in the air conditioning industry and ability to compute total thermal loads
LO6. effectively relay knowledge on group project in the form of a professional report and seminar
LO7. interact with the manufacturing and consulting industry on real project related to the built environment
LO8. select appropriate mathematical tools for air conditioning and refrigeration analysis
LO9. complete a design project with open ended specifications.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation. 3.3. Creativity and innovation. 3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities. 3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 3.7. A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes. 4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance. 4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria. 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. 4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives. 4.6. Skills in operating within a business environment, organisational and enterprise management and in the fundamental principles of business. 5. PRACTICAL AND ‘HANDS-ON’ EXPERIENCE 5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis. 5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices. 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials. 5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings. 5.6. Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements. 5.7. Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment. 5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering. 5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1. Design: Project briefing 1.1. Preparation & endorsement of an agreement between client and Architect. This agreement will clearly communicate terms, services to be provided, and fees appropriate for the scale and type of project. 2. Design: Pre-Design 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 3. Design: Conceptual Design 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 4. Design: Schematic Design 4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements. 5. Documentation: Detailed Design 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 5. PRACTICAL AND ‘HANDS-ON’ EXPERIENCE 5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field. 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1. ENABLING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT 1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice. 2. IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL COMPETENCE 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 3. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large. 4. ENGINEERING APPLICATION EXPERIENCE 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 5. PRACTICAL AND ‘HANDS-ON’ EXPERIENCE

Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1		Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2		Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1		Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
3.1		An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
4.1		Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
5.1		An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Further emphasis has been placed on site visits and guest lecturers.

Additional information

Additional information related to this unit will be provided in class and on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

WHS requirements for laboratories and site visits will be outlined in the course material in Canvas and in lectures.

Work, health and safety

WHS requirements for laboratories and site visits will be outlined in the course material in Canvas and in lectures.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MECH5255: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect