This specialization is intended for engineers and architects seeking to develop the skills to design efficient and low-carbon solutions for building energy systems of the future. Through three courses, you will learn the engineering foundations of building energy systems, the design of HVAC distribution and delivery systems, and the opportunity to improve energy and emissions performance of buildings as well as their integration into the evolving electric grid powered by renewable energy sources. Upon completion of this specialization, you are prepared to work on the design and analysis of building energy systems within the building construction industry and engage in research and development of novel solutions. Potential employers include architecture and engineering consulting firms, mechanical system manufacturers and design consultants, electrical utilities, real estate developers, construction contractors, and R&D organizations.
Applied Learning Project
The design of building energy systems is best learned by doing. In a dedicated module on a comprehensive design example in the third course Electrification of Building Energy Systems, we will develop a building energy system design for a building, drawing on material our previous course on Engineering Foundation for Building Energy Systems and Design of HVAC Distribution and Delivery Systems. The example building is being converted from an office building to a mixed use retail, office, and multifamily residential building. We will focus on the residential portion, designing a dedicated outdoor air distribution system to deliver ventilation and a pair of hot and cold water distribution systems to deliver heating and cooling through fan coil units in each apartment. We will select the fans, pumps, and coils to meet system requirements. We will also discuss the design considerations for primary system equipment to electrify and decarbonize the energy systems.
