Mechanical Engineering

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (10 credits)
• Duration: 2 semesters/24 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

The aim of this module is to enable learners to design, develop and implement, building services design using computer-based heat loss and heat gain load calculations and to assess the efficacy of system selections.

Additionally, learners will be able to carry out software-based energy simulations and determine the energy rating of buildings.

This module is also designed to teach the concepts of Building Information Modelling and bring the learner to a level where they are proficient in the use of BIM software and can carry out tasks within the graphical user interface.

Course Content

One section of this module is an intermediate course in fundamental and applied heat transfer as it pertains to buildings. It is aimed at learners who need to be able to understand heat losses and gains in buildings using the fundamental laws of heat transfer and the methods used in industry by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE).

The knowledge gained above is applied to the use of industry-standard software in the design of engineering services in buildings. The module offers learners the opportunity to scope the design requirements of a building, to carry out the heat loss and heat gain calculations and to analyse the heat loss and heat gain calculations.

The module also offers learners the opportunity to carry out building energy simulations and determine the energy rating of buildings.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering  or an approved equivalent qualification

Schedule

This module runs for 24 weeks over Semester 1 and 2.

• Semester 1: September - December, Wednesday 9am to 2pm.
• Semester 2: January - May, TBC *

*Subject to change 

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

This module aims to provide Building Services Engineers with an understanding of electrical services concerning power applications and distribution systems.

Course Content

• Electrical Supplies to Buildings: the national grid system, distribution voltages, forms of the supply arrangement, high voltage intakes, low voltage intakes, ring main arrangements and radial arrangements, accommodation requirements of intake rooms/substation rooms/ transformer rooms; transformer arrangements, cooling arrangements, performance, intake earthing arrangements.
• ETCI Wiring Rules: introduction to safety and protection, overcurrent protection, influence of ambient temperature, grouping and thermal insulation on maximum rated current, cable sizing procedure and examples; short circuit protection, fault calculations, discrimination; electric shock protection, effects of electric shock, earthing and bonding, the function of the RCD device; protection against indirect contact; calculation of voltage losses in cables. 
• Cable Management Systems: types of cables, types of conductor, insulation and protection, cable support and housing systems, cables run in void spaces, current rating of cables.  Protective equipment: fuses, miniature circuit breakers, moulded case circuit breakers, air circuit breakers, performance characteristics – current/time graphs and description of operation, fault energy I2 t, overload and short circuit operation, discrimination and circuit breakers, fault calculations. 
• Wiring Distribution: electrical distribution schematics, construction of mainboards and distribution boards, sub-main system design and diversity, final sub-circuits, lighting circuit design, circuit loading, power circuits design, distribution to motive power loads, extensive worked examples

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 1 (September to December). Wednesday 3pm to 7pm.

Times are subject to change.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

The module facilitates the learning of advanced analytical and computational methods used in engineering and science. This provides the learner with fluency and confidence in these methods as they are used in many other modules.

Course Content

• Multiple integrals and their applications: line, surface, and volume integrals. Green’s Theorem.
• Vector operators; div, grad, curl.
• Fourier series.
• Power Series solutions to differential equations.
• Matrix Eigenvalues and eigenvectors with applications.
• Solution of simple systems of ordinary differential equations using eigenvalues and application to vibration problems.
• Numerical methods for the solution of differential equations, both first and second order.
• Finite differences. Initial and boundary value problems.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 1 (September to December).  Lectures: Friday 12pm - 1pm.

Times are subject to change.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

This subject introduces the student to water & sanitary services in buildings and water quality. It encompasses the design, installation and regulatory requirements of common water & sanitary services, along with laboratory experiments on water quality. This module aims to enable the students to understand the fundamental principles underlying water & sanitary services in buildings. This module will help the students to develop engineering skills in designing water and sanitary services for buildings. 

Syllabus (Indicative)

• Mains Water Services: Water treatment systems, Direct & Indirect mains water pumping systems, Pipe & pump sizing principles, break tank sizing, Pump control, Local water authority policies, and requirements, water quality, designers responsibilities, backflow prevention, mains water supplies to fixed first aid fire fighting-wet & dry risers, fire hydrants, fire hose reels. Storage capacity requirements and sizing considerations, practical aspects of system design in accordance with current British Standards and European Norm standards.

• Cold Water Services: Storage capacity requirements, probability or usage ratio, simultaneous demand units, cold water supply systems using available static head, static head pipe sizing, identification of index circuit, assessing pressure available at the branches and sizing branches, sizing the cold water storage tank(s), chlorination and disinfection of water services systems, practical aspects of water services system design in accordance with current British Standards and European Norm standards.

• Hot Water Services: Storage capacity requirements, Regeneration period, probability or usage ratio, load units, hot water supply systems using available static head, pumped systems, pumped & static head water services pipe sizing, identification of index circuit, assessing pressure available at the branches and sizing branches, sizing the hot water storage vessel, centralised & localised storage, use and sizing of indirect gas-fired hot water generators, use and sizing of heat pumps for generation of domestic hot water, sizing the secondary return, hot water storage temperatures, legionaries disease, pipework materials & fittings in accordance with current British Standards and European Norm standards.

• Above Ground Drainage: Single, ventilated stack systems & applications, traps, the importance of water seal in traps, loss of water seal, sanitary pipework sizing, practical aspects of sanitary services system design in accordance with current British Standards and European Norm standards.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 1 (September to December). Lectures: Monday 1pm - 4pm. 
Labs: 4 labs, Thursday from 9 am - 11 am throughout the semester. 

Times are subject to change.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

The aim of this module is for the learner to achieve an appropriate knowledge and understanding of the core principles of heating systems design so as to allow the learner to reach a level of academic competence in heating system design for buildings.  

Course Content

• Pump and System – Closed and open systems, pump consideration, pumps on closed systems, centrifugal pump laws, pumps having invertor speed control

• High Temperature Hot Water Systems - Pressurization methods, pressurization of large systems, roof-top plantrooms.

• Steam Systems

• Plant Connections and Controls – Identifying services and plant, building energy management systems, control strategies for heating systems.

• Flues and Draught – Generic formulae, natural draught, draught stabilisers, draught diverters, forced draught, induced draught, determination of fan duty, diluted draught, balanced draught.

• Boiler House Design - Primary header and secondary circuit design, constant Vs Variable temperature circuits.  Location of valves, connection of pressurisation unit and fill tank, etc. 

• System Schematics – Draw for a concept design, troubleshoot incorrect schematics, identification of valves, different methods of boiler connection to primary mixing header.

• Electric Heating – static storage heaters, fan-assisted storage heaters, electrothermal storage.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 1 (September to December).  Lectures: Thursday 11am – 1pm.  Labs: 4 labs on a Tuesday 3pm – 6pm throughout the semester. 

Times are subject to change.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: 2nd week in December
• Teaching commences: February
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

Initially, some fundamental aspects of fluids are dealt with which forms a basis for an analysis of turbulent flow in closed conduits which in turn forms the basis of an analysis of fluid flow networks. Subsequently, the material is consolidated in two case studies considered - fluid flow in porous media and centrifugal fan design.

Course Content

The project involves a suitable building with a floor area of approx. 2000 m². The building will allow the student to demonstrate their ability in designing a LPHW & water services systems, as well as addressing the building design.

Outline of Requirements

• Fundamental Aspects: Viscosity: Laminar and Turbulent Flow- Derivation of basic equations. Variation in viscosity with fluid temperature. Euler's and Bernoulli's equations. Pressure changes in pipe flow. Venturi, Pitot and orifice measurements.
• Turbulent flow in conduits: Turbulent flow of air in ducts. Theoretical treatment and analysis of pressure drop coefficients in duct and pipe fittings. Implications for duct system design. Examination of the relative impact of surface roughness, velocity, dimensional changes. Theory of static pressure regain. Sizing distribution systems by static pressure regain methods.
• Flow in non-circular ducts: Hydraulic diameter, equivalent diameter for equal volume flow Fluid flow networks Fluid flow networks. Pressure head at junctions and determination of fluid flow rate. Derivation of equations for more rapid solution techniques. Hardy-Cross method. Derivation of equations. Ring main sizing with and without variation in friction factor. Applications.
• Case Studies: Particle mechanics and filters. Kozeny-Carman equation. Drag forces, terminal velocity. Flow through porous media and fluidised beds. Fan design theory. Theoretical pressure and volume developed in centrifugal fans. Vector diagrams. Theoretical power characteristics. Vortex casing equation.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 2 (January - May).  Lectures: TBC.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: 2nd week in December
• Teaching commences: February
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

An appropriate acoustic and lighting environment is essential in ensuring a quality internal environment while minimising energy consumption. This module covers the areas of artificial & natural lighting and acoustics theory.

Course Content

• Acoustics
  • General principles of acoustics: wavelength and frequency; sound pressure, intensity and power; sound power level and sound pressure level; decibel scale; addition of sound pressure levels; point, line and planar sound sources; the frequency spectrum; constant and equal percentage bandwidth.
  • Physiology and psychology of hearing: the response of human hearing and the decibel scale, A weighting; the ear and the hearing mechanism, frequency response of the ear; noise-induced hearing loss and audiometry; quantifying loudness, the sound level meter. NR/NC criteria.
  • Variation of noise over time: Continuous equivalent noise level, LAeq. Energy-based and statistical-based noise descriptors.
  • Free-field propagation of sound: Unidirectional spherical and hemispherical propagation; directivity effects; line source propagation of sound; atmospheric effects.
  • Sound in rooms: Direct and reverberant components; sound absorption, reflection and directivity effects; the room effect; reverberation time, live, dead and semi-reverberant rooms; sound transmission through partitions; sound transmission from inside to outside; room modes.
  • Noise in ductwork systems: Assessment of fan sound power level; ductwork attenuation; regenerative noise; room side and atmospheric side noise assessment; flanking transmission; noise break-out from ducts; plant room noise; cross-talk.
• Lighting
  • Point & linear light sources: Luminance, illuminance, point sources, light output ratios, linear sources, polar curves.
  • Lumen method: Formula, utilisation factor, maintenance factor, uniformity, spacing to height ratios, glare index.
  • Emergency escape route lighting: Design recommendations, luminaire and lamp types, response time, duration.
  • Noise in ductwork systems: Assessment of fan sound power level; ductwork attenuation; regenerative noise; room side and atmospheric side noise assessment; flanking transmission; noise break-out from ducts; plant room noise; cross-talk.

 Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 2 (January - May).  Lectures: TBC.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: 2nd week in December
• Teaching commences: February
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

As traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels become increasingly scarce and the energy demands from many modern buildings are regularly scrutinised. Building designers and engineers are now relying more on alternative energy resources, with the application of renewable energy and low carbon systems being increasingly common in the area of building services engineering.

This module aims to give the learner a detailed knowledge and understanding of various renewable energy and low carbon technologies applicable to buildings. It’s structured to provide the learner with the ethical and technical knowledge to enable the optimal design and application of various renewable energy and low carbon technologies which are applicable in the field of building services engineering.

Course Content

• CHP/CCHP/Stationary Fuel Cells – Building load profiles, heat & cooling demands; CHP & CCHP core components; Operational strategies; pipework integration, calculation sizing & selection; SFC – Theory & basic principles; Core components; Application, integration & sizing for building engineering systems.
• Geothermal – Hydrothermal (+70oC) High-temperature Liquid / Vapour dominated & ORC systems; Aquifer design, lifetime & bores hole required calculations. Ambient temperature (≤15oC) air/water heat pumps, open & closed collector technology, system sizing, integration and design.
• Water Conservation – Water energy demands, sustainable water systems, efficient use & reuse of water, rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, sizing, integration and application into buildings.
• Photovoltaic Energy – PV Cell / Module / Array technology, BOS, PV system types; Demand load profile sizing; Calculations for Isc, Cell temperature, Voc, FF, Max power; PV system calculations for peak power, string length, available area & battery capacity; BIPV systems, integration with buildings electrical power supply, PV/T System design. e) Solar Thermal Energy – Nature & characteristics of solar radiation; Passive & active solar thermal collector types; Direct & indirect passive thermal systems; labyrinth preheating/cooling, energy storage systems (PCM), thermosiphon systems; Active air & liquid-based solar thermal systems, design, sizing, application and integration of solar thermal energy systems in buildings.
• Wind Energy – HAWT & VAWT core components; Calculation for Betz limit, power, torque, efficiency, TSR, RPM, angular velocity; Effect of height/topography on wind energy, microturbines, BIWT & integration with building design.
• Biomass Heating – Energy conversion, boiler technology, fuel storage types & sizing, thermal store/buffer vessel system sizing, fuel & ash handling systems, controls & pipework system integration.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 2 (January - May). Lectures: TBC.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

This module builds on the material covered in the Building Services Engineering modules in the third year of the programme. It practically examines the student’s ability to design commercial Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation systems for buildings, with emphasis on how to select, layout plant, and design air distribution systems and controls to provide acceptable indoor comfort conditions while minimising energy consumption for a particular project.

The duration of the project is approximately 12 weeks. Each student is provided with a detailed project design brief that clearly identifies the requirements of the project, critical submission dates, project assessment marks/procedures and repeat project requirements etc. The students are given a set of scaled architectural floor plans and sections of a building along with a detailed design brief for the proposed Air Conditioning & Mechanical systems. This design brief clearly defines the deliverables required by each student, the project start and finish date along with a marking scheme. Depending on the class size, project scale and complexity the students will either work on an individual basis or in various design TEAMS of max 4 students.

During the scheduled weekly project design classes, the students on an individual or group basis can address/discuss various design issues arising in their design of the Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation systems for their particular building and seek guidance from the project tutor(s). Progress will be monitored by the project tutor(s) on an ongoing basis for the duration of the project. The project tutor(s) will provide guidance throughout the project. Students are also encouraged to seek guidance from any other engineering lecturer for expert advice on a particular aspect of the project work. Guidance is given regarding the time management of the project by providing a schedule specifying when elements of the project should be completed and submitted. The project tutor(s) performs the detailed marking of the project.

Course Content

The project involves a suitable building with a floor area of approx. 2000 m2. The building will allow the student to demonstrate their ability in designing the Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation systems while addressing the building design. Outline of Requirements

• Design Investigation & Analysis Work: Building investigation – including application, façade details, design challenges and design objectives. Project programme – Each student/team will produce an overall project programme which will be continuously updated and reviewed by the project tutors. Building thermal analysis – Selection of internal & external conditions, calculation of U-values, building regulations compliance check, calculation of infiltration, fabric & total building heat losses. Sensible & latent heat gains, calculate & select the optimum airflow rates for each of the air systems.
  
  Choice of solution/Systems selection – The appropriate Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation system types are chosen based on the above and with a view to minimising energy consumption.
  
  
• Detailed Design stage – Documentation for submission Design report – introduces the project – includes in detail the investigations, analysis work, recommendations to the architect, design criteria & conditions, design decisions, calculation methodologies, a summary of heating & cooling load calculations, description of systems & controls, a summary of equipment sizes & plant duties, references to guides, regulations, codes of practice, engineering standards etc. Design calculation file – includes all the detailed manual calculations & computer-generated result sheets, design sketches, photocopies of referenced information, equipment vendor data, etc. Detailed design – Plant and associated equipment sizing. Designing and sizing of fluid distribution systems. Designing the control systems. This should include thermal control of the indoor environment, system process controls, safety controls, balancing and commissioning controls, and all the associated instrumentation. Engineering design drawings : (i) Water schematic(s) of the LPCW chilled water systems designed. (ii) Air schematic(s) of the Air Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation systems designed. (iii) Air Conditioning / Mechanical Ventilation air ductwork distribution layout drawing(s). (iv) Rooftop / Plant room plan(s) and section(s). (v) LPCW Chilled water pipework distribution layout drawing(s).

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 2 (January - May). Lectures: TBC.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: Early September
• Teaching commences: Mid September
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

This module builds on the material covered in second year on Energy & Buildings Systems Engineering. The module covers the fundamentals of air flow in duct systems and fan engineering, the design of common air / water based systems and the design and specification of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems. The aim of this module is to achieve a level of knowledge and understanding of the principles associated with air conditioning & ventilation systems and to achieve academic competence in the analytical and computational elements to be able to apply the knowledge gained to design the most optimal & ethical engineering solutions.

Course Content

• Ventilation Requirements: Indoor design conditions and comfort criteria. Measurement of comfort. Internal heat gains, occupancy density and calculation of occupancy. Indoor air quality and classifications. Outdoor air quality, requirements, and factors determining the amount required. Dilution equation for ventilation air. Ventilation requirements for heating & cooling loads. 
• General Principles of Air Flow in Ductwork: Fundamentals of airflow, basic concepts. Density, mass, volume, continuity, conservation of energy principle. Measurement of airflow in ductwork systems. Total, Velocity & Static pressures profiles in a ductwork system. Pressure flow characteristics in straight ductwork & fittings. Measurement of pressure loss factor in fittings.
• Ductwork & Fan Sizing: Duct sizing from first principles. Concept of hydraulic diameter. Recommended velocities in ducted systems for various applications. Circular & Rectangular Duct sizing with equal pressure and limiting velocity. Pressure loss factors (zeta) in fittings. Methods of ductwork and fan index sizing procedure used. The concept of overall system resistance with parallel and series resistance.
• Fans & Air Handling Plant: Fan types, characteristic curves, performance and efficiency, capacity variation and control, series and parallel operation, fan laws, interaction effects, requirements of current standards. Selection of main AHU components & configurations, AHU Types, modular manufacture, specification of materials, pressure drop, air handling recovery techniques, testing to current standards.
• Air Conditioning: Air properties, review and plotting of basic Psychrometric processes, winter & summer Psychrometric cycles, and calculations, single & multiple zone constant volume terminal reheat systems, zoning, calculation of plant heating, humidification & cooling loads, fresh air requirements, room sensible & latent heat gains, full fresh, basic air conditioning controls strategies i.e. zone temperature and humidity control, supply air temperature calculation and dew-point control.
• Space Air Distribution: Behaviour of jets, basic flow patterns. Grille & diffuser types, location & application. Diffuser selection, throw, terminal velocity, & noise criteria design requirements for ADPI. Effects of heating and/or cooling mode of operation on diffuser performance. g) Air Filtration Technology: Air filter technology, application, and classification of air filters. Current test standards for filter types, gravimetric, optical, and particulate tests

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 1 (September to December). Monday 9am to 12pm with 4 labs from 4 pm to 6 pm throughout the year. Times are subject to change.

Application Details

• Closing date for applications: 2nd week in December
• Teaching commences: February
• Module fee: €450

Module Details

• TU Code: TU825
• Level: NFQ Level 8
• Award: CPD Certificate (5 credits)
• Duration: 1 semester/12 weeks
• Course type: Undergraduate
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Method of Delivery: Classroom
• Location: Bolton Street
• Contact: ciara.ahern@tudublin.ie 

Overview

This module builds on the material covered in Building Services Engineering subject in the third year of the programme. It practically examines the student’s ability to design commercial Low-Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) Heating Systems & water services for buildings, with emphasis on how to select and layout plant and design distribution circuits and controls to provide acceptable indoor comfort conditions while minimising energy consumption for a particular project

Course Content

The project involves a suitable building with a floor area of approx. 2000 m². The building will allow the student to demonstrate their ability in designing a LPHW & water services systems, as well as addressing the building design.

Outline of Requirements

Design investigation & analysis work:

• Building investigation – including application, façade details, design challenges and design objectives.
• Project programme – Each team will produce an overall project programme which will be continuously updated and reviewed by the project tutors.
• Building thermal analysis – Selection of internal & external conditions, calculation of U-values, check for compliance against current building regulations, calculation of infiltration, fabric and total building heat losses.
• Choice of solution/Systems selection – The appropriate heating & water service system types are chosen based on the above and with a view to minimising energy consumption.

 Detailed Design stage Documentation for submission

• Design Report – introduces the project – includes in detail the investigations, analysis work, recommendations to the architect, design criteria and conditions, design decisions, calculation methodologies, summary of heating and cooling load calculations, description of systems and their controls, summary of equipment sizes and plant duties, references to guides, regulations, codes of practice, engineering standards etc.
• Design Calculation File – includes all the detailed manual calculations and computer-generated result sheets, design sketches, photocopies of referenced information, equipment vendor data, etc.
• Detailed Design: Plant and associated equipment sizing. Designing and sizing of fluid distribution systems. Designing the control systems. This should include thermal control of the indoor environment, system process controls, safety controls, balancing and commissioning controls, and all the associated instrumentation.

Engineering design drawings

• Schematics of the LPHW heating & Water Services systems designed.
• Plant room plans and sections.
• LPHW/Water services pipework distribution drawings.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The conditions for entry to the programme at third year for graduates with a level 7 degree in Building Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or an approved equivalent qualification.

Schedule

This module runs for 12 weeks in Semester 2 (January - May).  Lectures: TBC.