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NRG 140 Commercial Building Systems

This course introduces plumbing, electrical, lighting, life safety, and HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Emphasis is placed on the performance characteristics and maintenance requirements of these systems as they drive control requirements. Various sequences of operation and maintenance procedures are covered.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

NRG 140 Commercial Building Systems

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces plumbing, electrical, lighting, life safety, and HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Emphasis is placed on the performance characteristics and maintenance requirements of these systems as they drive control requirements. Various sequences of operation and maintenance procedures are covered.

Additional Materials

On-line materials

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Engage in professional behavior. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5)
  2. Describe the systems and codes common to all commercial buildings. (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 3, 6)
  3. Describe the various types of plumbing systems and their operation. (CCC 1, 5, 6; PGC 3, 6)
  4. Describe the building electrical system and the requirements for emergency, standby, and egress electrical and lighting systems. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 1, 3, 6)
  5. Discuss the various types of HVAC systems and ventilation requirements in commercial buildings. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 2, 3, 6)
  6. Explain the sequence of operation and maintenance requirements of commercial building systems described by a set of plans, schematics, and specifications. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 3, 4, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Engage in professional behavior.
    1. Demonstrate punctuality when attending class, participating in off-site projects, and submitting assignments.
    2. Communicate using industry-appropriate language in presentations, reports, and homework.
    3. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior when working with others.
  2. Describe the systems and codes common to all commercial buildings.
    1. Review codes and standards.
    2. Discuss the role of agencies such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) in building construction, operation, and maintenance.
    3. Discuss the role of model code writing agencies such as the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in commercial building construction, operation, and maintenance.
    4. Discuss the resources available for information on commercial buildings such as the National Institute of Building Sciences, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
    5. Discuss the concepts of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), licensing, and permitting in building construction, operation, and maintenance.
  3. Describe the various types of plumbing systems and their operation.
    1. Identify building water distribution systems and components from plans and drawings.
    2. Differentiate between hot and cold water systems, and identify hot water recirculating lines.
    3. Sketch a water distribution system from a survey of a commercial building.
    4. Determine the operational schedule of a hot water recirculating pump.
    5. Identify energy and water saving measures.
    6. Identify wastewater piping and components from construction plans and drawings.
  4. Describe the building electrical system and the requirements for emergency, standby, and egress electrical and lighting systems.
    1. Describe a basic electrical circuit.
    2. Differentiate between direct and alternating current.
    3. Use a multimeter to test for voltage in a building circuit.
    4. Identify the uses for single-and three-phase power and the power equations for each.
    5. Identify building electrical distribution circuit form construction plans and drawings.
    6. Sketch a single line diagram of an electrical distribution system from a building survey.
    7. Discuss the application of the National Electric Code (NEC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in building construction and equipment.
    8. Discuss ground fault circuit protection requirements.
    9. Describe a building lighting circuit from construction plans and drawings, and identify emergency and end egress luminaire and fixtures.
    10. Identify the fire alarm system wiring and components using construction plans and drawings.
    11. Identify the security system wiring and components using construction plans and drawings.
  5. Discuss the various types of HVAC systems and ventilation requirements in commercial buildings.
    1. Identify a hydronic system and components from construction plans and drawings, and differentiate among heating, chilled, and condenser water systems.
    2. Identify air conditioning ductwork, and differentiate between supply and return ducts using construction plans and drawings.
    3. Identify mechanical rooms from floor plans and drawings.
    4. Identify boilers, chillers, water towers, fluid coolers, and condensers; and locate them from construction plans and drawings.
    5. Identify the standard for ventilation in commercial buildings, and apply it to a specific space.
    6. Identify the Delaware Energy Code for commercial buildings.
    7. Compare and contrast Delaware's energy code to another state's code.
  6. Explain the sequence of operation and maintenance requirements of commercial building systems described by a set of plans, schematics, and specifications.
    1. Discuss the purpose of plans and specifications in the installation, operation, and maintenance of building systems.
    2. Perform a survey of plumbing systems and components, and research maintenance requirements and intervals.
    3. Identify the sequence of operation of any pumps in the plumbing systems.
    4. Survey electrical systems and their components, and research maintenance requirements and intervals.
    5. Identify luminaires that could be scheduled for occupancy.
    6. Survey HVAC systems and their components, and research maintenance requirements and intervals.
    7. Research and identify occupancy schedules for a specific commercial building.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on building lighting systems operation and energy consumption.
  2. Utilize building system and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems operation and energy consumption.
  3. Evaluate commercial buildings and make recommendations for optimized building performance and occupant comfort.
  4. Prepare and present technical reports.
  5. Assemble, install, service, and repair direct digital controls (DDC) for building electrical and mechanical systems.
  6. Program and explain operational sequences for building equipment and systems.
  7. Integrate and commission building systems and components to ensure reliable performance and compliance with building codes.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal