Institute for Transportation

Description

HVAC Fundamentals provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, terminology, and operating concepts of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. This course is designed for participants seeking foundational knowledge of how HVAC systems maintain indoor comfort and support energy-efficient building operation.

Participants will explore the environmental factors that define human thermal comfort, learn standard HVAC terminology used across the industry, and gain a clear understanding of the refrigeration cycle, the core process behind modern cooling systems. The course also introduces the components and operation of basic cooling and heating systems, including direct-expansion air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas furnaces.

Target Audience

• People new to the industry
• Existing professionals looking to navigate plans faster and more efficiently
• Experienced workers looking to expand knowledge: have experience at one discipline, but now need to take on a superintendent role

Topics Covered

• Human comfort (temperature, humidity, air movement, indoor air quality, psychrometric and comfort standards)
• HVAC terminology and concepts (common industry terms and definitions, units of measurements and system performance metrics)
• The refrigeration cycle (heat transfer fundamentals, roles of the compressor, condenser, metering device, and evaporator)
• Cooling system fundamentals (direct-expansion cooling systems, heat pumps and their operating modes, airflow considerations)
• Heating system fundamentals (gas and electric furnaces, heat pump heating operation, radiant systems)

Speaker Bio

Brad Perkins, a professional engineer and teaching professor at Iowa State University’s (Iowa State’s) Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE), brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as an educator. A graduate of Iowa State’s construction engineering program, Brad transitioned seamlessly from his position as a design engineer to join the faculty in 2005. His passion for guiding students toward success in the engineering field is evident in his commitment to mentoring and advising.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Brad serves as the faculty advisor for Iowa State’s Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) student chapter, fostering connections between students and industry professionals. He plays a pivotal role in providing stability and support for the organization, ensuring compliance with policies while facilitating networking opportunities and industry partnerships. Brad’s efforts have been recognized with accolades such as the Outstanding Achievement in Advising Award from Iowa State’s College of Engineering and the MCA’s Educator of the Year Award in 2018. Through his tireless dedication, Brad continues to shape the future of the construction industry by empowering students to pursue rewarding careers.

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