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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
E SD078.
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Energy Management Systems and Controls
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
This course will describe the most commonly used controls and energy management systems in commercial and institutional applications. Topics will include complex automatic systems for major energy-consuming equipment, as well as simple controls such as occupancy sensors, photocells, and programmable thermostats. Computer-based energy management systems, as well as control systems to reduce peak electrical demand will be discussed. (One out-of-class field trip may be required for this course.)
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Environmental Technologies (Environmental hazardous material technology, hazardous material abate- ment, environmentally conscious manufacturing, waste water pretreatment, air pollution control technology, integrated waste management, water treatment, sewage treatment)]
Discipline 3
[Ecology]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - FACILITIES MAINTENANCE TECH]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is CSU transferable and a requirement of the CTE Energy Management and Building Science Certificate and Degree. It provides an emphasis on controls and energy management systems in commercial and institutional applications. Students will develop the skills to assess computer-based energy and building management systems, as well as control systems to reduce peak electrical demand.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
2.0
Maximum Credit Units
2.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours2.04.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
24.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
48.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem-solving performed in class

In-class exploration of Internet sites

Homework and extended projects

Guest speakers

Field observation and field trips

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Assignments

  1. Required reading assignments
  2. Required video viewing assignments of controls topics and guest speakers
  3. Required viewing of lecture videos
  4. Discussion postings on controls research topics and feedback on other student postings
  5. Short answer homework assignments requiring the use of building control and analytics software applied to a simulated building and the °®¶¹´«Ã½ College campus

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Completion of several short answer homework assignments requiring student to use controls and analytics software to observe, troubleshoot, measure, and analyze building performance.   
  2. Multiple quizzes to evaluate student comprehension of concepts and principles
  3. Controls Research discussion posting to demonstrate student understanding of cost, key features, and energy efficiency of a controls technology.
  4. A comprehensive final exam including multiple-choice and short answer questions that will require students to demonstrate knowledge of the core concepts covered in lectures, readings, and homework assignments covered in the course.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Access to internet connected computer (Mac or PC) with ability to download a free software utility used to access a server provided by °®¶¹´«Ã½ College.
Essential College Facilities:
  • Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies (Special purpose facilities: sustainable building with sustainable materials, design, data management lab (KC239), PV (Photovoltaic/outdoor lab KC West), rooftop/building systems: solar thermal system, PV system, controls room & other equipment, ES max learning labs (KC111, KC101, KC208 & KC201) including the Stewardship Resource Center (KC224), KCES mechanical room KC204 & KCES electrical, mechanical and architectural drawings KC205

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Auvil, Ronnie J.HVAC Control SystemsAmerican Technical Publications2017/4th Edition
Stephan A. Roos; Steve Doty; Wayne C. TurnerEnergy Management Handbook, 9th EditionRiver Publishers2018 / 9th Edition9781138666979, 1138666971

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Describe Key Controls Concepts
  • Examine the various components and functions of energy management systems
  • Assess the benefits and justification of energy management systems and controls
  • Evaluate techniques to reduce electrical peak demand

CSLOs

  • Apply and assess the criteria necessary to be successful in the Energy Management Systems and Controls class.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of energy efficiency principles, principles of energy management, control system design and a sustainable society utilizing energy management and control systems.

Outline

  1. Describe Key Controls Concepts
    1. Definition
    2. Scope
    3. Typical building systems handled by controls
    4. Controls architectures
    5. Industry standards
    6. Sequence of Operations
    7. Data Communication and Networking in Controls
    8. Smart Building Analytics
    9. Terminology/Vocabulary
  2. Examine the various components and functions of energy management systems
    1. Inputs/Sensors
    2. Outputs/Relays
    3. Setpoints
    4. Thermostats and Controllers
    5. Scheduling
    6. Basic Control Algorithms
    7. Alarms
    8. History / Reporting / Analysis
    9. Basic HVAC equipment control
    10. Human Machine Interface to Building Systems
    11. California Title 24 for Building Controls
  3. Assess the benefits and justification of energy management systems and controls
    1. Manage energy consumption and demand
    2. Optimize operating efficiencies of energy consuming equipment
    3. Improve comfort
    4. Improve indoor air quality
    5. Alarm activation for equipment malfunctions
    6. Monitor/log/analyze building equipment performance and energy use
  4. Evaluate techniques to reduce electrical peak demand
    1. Basics of Power, Energy, and Metering
    2. Energy and Demand Cost
    3. Demand Response
    4. Load Shedding and Rotation
    5. Demand Shifting
    6. Smart Grid Connected Buildings
    7. Building Integrated Energy Storage
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