The use of digital computers for instructional purposes in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) classes is becoming more commonplace as costs for time on mainframe and minicomputers have decreased and the power of microcomputers has increased. Another factor spurring the use of computers for instructional purposes is the contribution of HVAC software by several major HVAC manufacturers to universities.

This paper summarizes the use of digital computers in a graduate energy management class for demonstrating the performance of commercial HVAC systems. Students are assigned problems to implement on either a micro- or minicomputer. The problems focus on developing simulations of both a simple three-zone terminal reheat and variable air volume systems. The methodology of the assignments are summarized as well as sample results.

Units: Dual