Description:

This is a beginning course in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology that is appropriate for HVAC majors and other interested students. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to identify the function of the basic components of an air-conditioning system. Topics will include heat laws, refrigerants, oils and refrigeration cycles of residential and light commercial systems. In the lab, students will design, assemble and operate a working refrigeration system. Competencies will include brazing, wiring, evacuating and charging a system. The student will be required to provide ANSI Z87 safety glasses and may be expected to provide other basic hand tools and/or equipment. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $30 to $150.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Draw the basic refrigerant system, labeling components, pipes and wires.
2. Install/replace refrigerant metering device and adjust their superheat.
3. Measure and calculate system/compressor efficiency.
4. Fabricate a soldering and brazed tubing project using Cu and Al tubing.
5. Examine tubing project joints at 300 psi and test for leaks.
6. Test and evaluate temperatures, pressures and superheat of an operating refrigeration trainer.
7. Wire different electrical circuits to compressors.
8. Evacuate and charge basic refrigeration systems with refrigerant.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Fundamentals of Refrigeration Theory
   A. Define temperature.
   B. Make conversions between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.
   C. Describe molecular motion at absolute O.
   D. Define the British thermal unit.
   E. Describe heat flow between substances of different temperatures.
   F. Explain the transfer of heat by conduction, convection and
radiation.
   G. Define sensible heat, latent heat and specific heat.
   H. State atmospheric pressure at sea level and explain why it varies at
different elevations.
   I. Describe two different types of barometers.
   J. Explain psig and psia as they apply to pressure gages.

II. Matter and Energy
   A. Define matter.
   B. List the three states in which matter is commonly found.
   C. Define density.
   D. State Boyle’s Law.
   E. State Charles’ Law
   F. State Dalton’s Law as it relates to the pressure of different
gasses.
   G. Define specific gravity and specific volume.
   H. State two forms of energy important to the air conditioning (heating
and cooling) and refrigeration industry.
   I. Describe work and state the formula used to determine the amount of
work in a given task.
   J. Define horsepower.
   K. Convert horsepower to watts.
   L. Convert watts to British thermal units.

III. Refrigeration and Refrigerants
   A. State three reasons why ice melts in ice boxes.
   B. Describe applications for high-, medium-, and low-temperature
refrigeration.
   C. Describe the term “a ton of refrigeration”.
   D. Describe the basic refrigeration cycle.
   E. Explain the relationship between pressure and the boiling point of
water or other liquids.
   F. Describe the function of the evaporator or cooling coil.
   G. Explain the purpose of the compressor.
   H. List the compressors normally used in residential and light
commercial buildings.
   I. Describe the function of the condensing coil.
   J. State the purpose of the metering device.
   K. List refrigerants commonly used in residential and light commercial
refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
   L. List four characteristics to consider when choosing a refrigerant
for a system.
   M. List the designated colors for refrigerant cylinders for various
types of refrigerants.
   N. Describe how refrigerants can be stored or processed while
refrigeration systems are being serviced.
   O. Plot a refrigeration cycle on a pressure/enthalpy diagram.

IV. System Evacuation
   A. Describe the deep vacuum.
   B. Describe two different types of evacuation.
   C. Describe two different types of vacuum measuring instruments.
   D. Choose a proper high-vacuum pump.
   E. List some of the proper evacuation practices.
   F. Describe a high-vacuum single evacuation.
   G. Describe a triple evacuation.

V. System Charging
   A. Describe how refrigerant is charged into systems in the vapor and
the liquid states.
   B. Describe system charging using two different weighing methods.
   C. State the advantage of using electronic scales for weighing
refrigerant into a system.
   D. Describe two types of charging devices.

VI. Introduction to Automatic Controls
   A. Define bimetal.
   B. Make general comparisons between different bimetal applications.
   C. Describe the rod and tube.
   D. Describe fluid-filled controls.
   E. Describe partial liquid, partial vapor-filled controls.
   F. Distinguish between the bellows, diaphragm and Bourdon tube.
   G. Discuss the thermocouple.
   H. Explain the thermistor.

VII. Automatic Control Components and Applications
   A. Discuss space temperature control.
   B. Describe the mercury control bulb.
   C. Describe the difference between low- and high-voltage controls.
   D. Name components of low- and high-voltage controls.
   E. Name two ways motors are protected from high temperature.
   F. Describe the difference between a diaphragm and bellows control.
   G. State the uses of pressure-sensitive controls.
   H. Describe a high-pressure control.
   I. Describe a low-pressure control.
   J. Describe a pressure relief valve.
   L. Describe the functions of mechanical and electromechanical
controls.

VIII. Evaporators and the Refrigeration Systems
   A. Define high-, medium-, and low-temperature refrigeration.
   B. Determine the boiling temperature in an evaporator.
   C. Identify different types of evaporators.
   D. Describe multiple- and single-circuit evaporators.

IX. Condensers
   A. Explain the purpose of the condenser in a refrigeration system.
   B. Describe the differences in operating characteristics between
water-cooled and air-cooled
systems.
   C. Describe the basics of exchanging heat in a condenser.
   D. Explain the difference between a tube within a tube-coil type
condenser and a tube
within a tube-serviceable condenser.
   E. Describe the difference between a shell and coil condenser and a
shell and tube
condenser.
   F. Describe a wastewater system.
   G. Describe a re-circulated water system.
   H. Describe a cooling tower.
   I. Explain the relationship between the condensing refrigerant and the
condensing medium.
   J. Compare an air-cooled, high-efficiency condenser to a standard
condenser.

X. Compressors
   A. Explain the function of the compressor in a refrigeration system.
   B. Describe compression ratio.
   C. Describe four different methods of compression.
   D. State specific conditions under which a compressor is expected to
operate.
   E. Explain the difference between a hermetic compressor and
semi-hermetic compressor.
   F. Describe the various working parts of reciprocating and rotary
compressors.

XI. Expansion Devices
   A. Describe the three most popular types of expansion devices
   B. Describe the operating characteristics of the three most popular
expansion devices.
   C. Describe how the three expansion devices respond to load changes.

XII. Special Refrigeration Systems Components
   A. Distinguish between mechanical and electrical controls.
   B. Explain how and why mechanical controls function.
   C. Define low ambient operation.
   D. Describe electrical controls that apply to refrigeration.
   E. Describe off-cycle defrost.
   F. Describe random and planned defrost.
   G. Explain temperature-terminated defrost.
   H. Describe the various refrigeration accessories.
   I. Describe the low-side components.
   J. Describe the high-side components.

XIII. Domestic Refrigerators
   A. Define refrigeration.
   B. Describe the refrigeration cycle for household refrigerators.
   C. Describe the types, physical characteristics, and typical locations
of the evaporator,
compressor, condenser and metering device.
   D. Explain the various defrost systems.
   E. Describe how to dispose of the condensate.
   F. Discuss typical refrigerator designs.
   G. Explain the purpose of mullion and panel heaters.
   H. Describe the electrical controls used in household refrigerators.
   I. Discuss ice-maker operation.
   J. Describe various service techniques used by the refrigeration
technician.

XIV. Domestic Freezers
   A. Describe freezer burn.
   B. Discuss the construction of typical freezer cabinets.
   C. Identify three types of freezer evaporators.
   D. Describe two types of freezer compressors.
   E. Discuss two types of natural-draft condensers.
   F. Explain the function of the capillary tube in the freezer.
   G. Describe condenser efficiency relative to ambient air passing over
it.
   H. Explain procedures to defrost a freezer manually.
   I. Discuss procedures to remove spoiled food odors from the box.
   J. Describe procedures for moving upright and chest-type freezers.

XV. Room Air Conditioners
   A. Describe the various methods of installing window air conditioning
units.
   B. Discuss the variations in the designs of window and through the wall
units.
   C. List the major components in the refrigeration cycle of a window
cooling unit.
   D. Explain the purpose of the heat exchange between the suction line
and the capillary tube.
   E. Describe the heating cycle in the heat pump or reverse cycle room
air conditioner.
   F. Describe the controls for room air conditioning (cooling) units.
   G. Describe the controls for room air conditioning (cooling and
heating) units.
   H. Discuss service procedures for room air conditioners.
   I. List the procedures to be followed to determine whether or not to
install gages.
   J. State the proper procedures for charging a room air conditioner.
   K. List the types of expansion valves that may, under some conditions,
be substituted for the capillary tube.
   L. State the components that may require electrical service.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. Textbook assignments will be made one class prior to their due
dates; unreasonably lengthy assignments will not be made. Read assignments
in the text before coming to class. Take notes during the lecture of
important points. Student participation in class is encouraged.
2. Lab Sessions: Simple and complex problems will be a part of the lab
experience. Tools and testing equipment will be studied and used. Lab
grades for each lab session will be
based on the following criteria:
  a. Ability to work independently         15%
  b. Answers to lab study questions        15%
  c. Ability to work neatly and accurately 15%
  d. Ability to work productively          15%
  e. Successful completion of project      40%
     Total                                100%   
Lab work will be graded according to progress and skill. Quizzes will be
given periodically.

Chapter and/or unit tests              40%
Lab assignments and periodical quizzes 40%
Final Exam                             20%
TOTAL                                 100%

Quizzes: There will be no makeup of quizzes.
Chapter or Unit Tests: There will be no makeup of these exams unless prior
arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Caveats:

1. Safety Glasses: Safety glasses with side shields are required to be worn during lab activities associated with this course. This requirement complies with accepted eye protection practices and Kansas State Law (K.S.A. 72-5207). Safety glasses must meet American National Standards Institute Z87.1 specifications. Safety glasses brought to lab and worn will be part of the lab grade. Failure to bring safety glasses to lab will result in the students being dismissed from class until they have safety glasses. NOTE: Most prescription eyewear does not meet ANSI Z87.1. Students who wear prescription glasses must: 1) provide evidence that existing eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1, or 2) wear cover goggles (if allowable), or 3) purchase and wear ANSI Z87.1 prescription eyewear.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.