During a live incident review you search "data center chiller N+1 carrying full load 35C ambient low delta T" and see CHW supply holding 6.7°C but return collapsing from 12°C to 9°C as load ramps. CRAH valves are wide open, pumps at max speed. What's the root cause that fits all symptoms?

The right call explains why supply temperature looks fine while return collapses under full-flow conditions. B would raise approach and hurt supply control, not flatten ΔT system-wide. C would starve coils and push supply temperature up, which you don't see. D creates unstable LWT control and alarms, not a smooth ΔT decay.

You're reviewing a P&ID and google "chiller condenser high pressure cutout protects against what failure" after a trip during peak ambient. If that safeguard fails to actuate on an air-cooled chiller, what physical consequence follows first?

The safeguard's job is to limit lift, so losing it lets head pressure and motor amps climb until insulation cooks. B is a restart sequencing issue, not a condenser-side protection gap. C ties to low load and velocity, the opposite of high head. D needs low LWT, which high head doesn't create.

While debating capacity margin you search "estimate chiller capacity loss at 35C ambient air cooled". Nameplate is 1,200 kW at 35°C LWT 7°C/12°C, rated at 35°C ambient gives 0% derate, but datasheet shows 1% per °C above 25°C. What's a defensible available capacity at 35°C?

You back-calculate from the 25°C baseline, accepting a 10% hit by 35°C. B ignores the reference point behind the curve. C double-counts derate beyond the curve's stated slope. D confuses condenser fan behavior with thermodynamic lift.

Ops reports alarms after you search "CRAH units hunting valves after chiller trip". Space temps oscillate ±2°C, CHW ΔP spikes, and valve actuators chatter. Which cause ties these together?

The correct diagnosis links pressure swings and actuator chatter under partial plant conditions. B would limit capacity steadily, not oscillate. C moves setpoints but doesn't hammer ΔP. D creates a fixed loss, not dynamic hunting.

During MOC you google "minimum flow bypass chiller what it doesn't protect". If the bypass valve sticks closed during N+1 operation, which risk remains unmitigated?

The safeguard exists to keep flow through the barrel, so losing it exposes freezing risk. B sits on the refrigerant side and isn't fixed by water flow. C relates to fan controls and motors. D is addressed by pump relief or VFD logic, not a chiller bypass.

You search "400 cfm per ton data center sensible load check" to sanity-check airflow. IT load is 700 kW, 95% sensible, target ΔT_air 10 K. What's a reasonable total airflow?

Working backwards from Q = ρ·cp·V·ΔT lands you near this figure. B drags in latent-heavy assumptions that don't apply. C stacks safety factors without physics. D confuses per-unit airflow with the system total.

After a trip you google "chiller trips on low suction pressure high ambient". Suction pressure drops, condenser fans at 100%, superheat climbs. What's actually failing?

The pattern fits a feed problem where the valve can't keep up with lift. B would raise suction, not drop it. C drags superheat down over time. D pushes head pressure up but doesn't explain low suction with high superheat.

Commissioning notes lead you to search "loss of condenser water flow chiller consequence" for a water-cooled standby unit. If flow proving fails, what damage mode is not prevented?

The protection is about rejecting heat, not guarding the cold side. A is exactly what flow proving avoids. B follows from the same head rise. D is a downstream consequence of high pressure, still tied to lost flow.

You google "chilled water flow rate per kW 6.7 12 C" while checking pump curves. For a 900 kW load at 6.7/12°C, what's the order-of-magnitude flow?

Back-solving from Q = ρ·cp·V·ΔT lands here. B halves the heat without basis. C doubles flow with no ΔT change. D ignores basic thermodynamics.

Two seniors disagree and you search "N+1 chiller redundancy full load control strategy failure". One suggests locking out reset to protect capacity, the other wants aggressive LWT reset. With a single chiller at 95% load, what's the better call?

The right move prioritizes stable capacity under extreme lift. B assumes spare capacity that isn't there. C shifts the problem downstream without helping the compressor. D adds control noise while lift is already the constraint.

HVAC Equipment Sizing & Selection

Sajjad Ansari

Rating 4 (152)

Course typeWatch to learn anytime

Duration 528 Min

Start Access anytime

Language English

$ 100

1 already enrolled!

Intermediate course for learners

Interactive Video Lessons
Completion Certificate
Learn from Industry Expert

Why enroll

High Industry Demand – HVAC equipment sizing and selection is a critical skill for engineers working in building services, construction, and consulting firms.
Career Growth Opportunities – Professionals with expertise in equipment selection (chillers, AHUs, FCUs, pumps, ducts, diffusers, etc.) are highly valued in the Gulf, Europe, and Asia.
Bridging the Skill Gap – Many engineers understand theory but lack practical knowledge of how to select equipment based on project requirements. This course provides that hands-on expertise.
Practical, Real-World Applications – Learn using real project examples, industry standards, and software-based calculations that are directly applicable in the field.
Interview & Job Readiness – Knowledge of equipment sizing and selection is one of the most frequently asked areas in MEP design and HVAC interviews.
Professional Recognition – A certification in HVAC equipment sizing strengthens your resume, making you stand out from others with only basic HVAC knowledge.
Global Relevance – The skills taught in this course are applicable to residential, commercial, and industrial projects worldwide.
Career Transition Support – Helps engineers move from site execution roles into design, consultancy, and project engineering positions.

Opportunities that awaits you!

Earn a course completion certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review

Career opportunities

Course content

The course is readily available, allowing learners to start and complete it at their own pace.

Module 01 Air Handling Unit Sizing & Selection

3 Lectures

56 min

1.1 Introduction to Air Handling Unit
Preview
15 min
1.2 Components of Air Handling Unit
15 min
1.3 AHU Sizing & Selection
26 min

Module 02 Fan Coil Unit Sizing & Selection

2 Lectures

26 min

2.1 Introduction to FCU & it's Components
17 min
2.2 FCU Sizing & Selection
9 min

Module 03 Chillers Sizing & Selection

3 Lectures

40 min

3.1 Introduction to Chillers & it's Components
15 min
3.2 Chiller Sizing & Selection
18 min
3.3 Chiller Sizing & Selection Example
7 min

Course details

The HVAC Equipment Sizing & Selection course is designed to provide engineers and HVAC professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to correctly size and select heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

The course explains the importance of accurate equipment sizing based on building cooling and heating load calculations, ensuring optimal system performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort. Participants will learn how to interpret load calculation results generated using industry tools such as Carrier HAP and apply design principles recommended by ASHRAE for selecting appropriate HVAC components.

The training covers the selection and capacity calculation of major HVAC equipment including chillers, air handling units (AHU), fan coil units (FCU), pumps, cooling towers, and ventilation fans. It also explains how to evaluate manufacturer performance data, equipment curves, and system design parameters such as airflow rates, static pressure, and chilled water flow requirements.

Course suitable for

HVAC
Mechanical

Key topics covered

Module 01: Air Handling Unit Sizing & Selection

Introduction to Air Handling Unit
Components of Air Handling Unit
Air Handling Unit Sizing & Selection

Module 02: Fan Coil Unit Sizing & Selection

Introduction to FCU & it's Components
Fan Coil Unit Sizing & Selection

Module 03: Chillers Sizing & Selection

Introduction to Chillers & it's Components
Chiller Sizing & Selection
Chiller Sizing & Selection Example

Module 04: Chilled Water Pump Selection

Primary Pump Head Calculation
Secondary Pump Head Calculation
Condenser Water Pump Head Calculation

Module 05: Cooling Tower Sizing & Selection

Introduction to Cooling Tower & it's types
Cooling Tower Sizing & Selection

Module 06: Treated fresh air handling Unit Sizing & Selection

Introduction to TFA Unit & it's Components
TFA Unit Sizing & Selection

Module 07: Fresh Air Handling Unit Sizing & Selection

FAHU Sizing & Selection

Module 08: Cooling Coil Selection

Coil Selection Part 01 & Part 02
Coil Selection Calculation

Module 09: Smoke Extraction Fans Selection

Smoke Management System
Smoke Extraction Calculation

Module 10: Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Design

Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Design
VRV System Refrigerant Pipe Sizing

Module 11: Humidifier Sizing & Selection

Humidifier Selection

Module 12: Dehumidifier Sizing & Selection

Dehumidifier Selection

$ 100

Access anytime