About this course

Delve into the world of modern building automation with Slipstream's comprehensive "Smart Building Systems" training, designed to empower facilities professionals with cutting-edge knowledge of integrated building technologies. Beginning with fundamental HVAC systems and controls, this course progressively advances through complex Variable Air Volume systems, networked lighting integration, and Distributed Energy Resources essential for Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings. 

Explore how smart technologies are revolutionizing building envelopes and plug loads through innovations like automated window tinting, thermal energy storage, and intelligent receptacle management. This professional development opportunity provides the technical foundation needed to implement, manage, and optimize smart building systems that enhance operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and energy performance in today's interconnected building environments.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss basic HVAC equipment and system types
  • Describe the control systems for these equipment and system types
  • Explain a simple HVAC control logic
  • Introduce modern smart packaged controls
  • Know why an economizer saves energy and how multiple control loops form an economizer sequence
  • Name typical control sequences for more complicated equipment and systems
  • Know the components of a Building Automation System (BAS)
  • Highlight trends in modern building automation system

This course is included in this bundle

5 Course Bundle Solar Heat Pumps Building Performance HVAC Design Smart Buildings

Smart Buildings Training Series

16 hours of training on building systems, sensors & IoT devices, smart building controls, smart building applications, with lots of examples, knowledge checks, and slide downloads.
5 courses
Slipstream Continuing Education and 6 others
Free

Course outline

6 modules
5 hours to complete
3:53 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Basic HVAC Systems

This session introduces basic HVAC systems and controls to serve as a foundation for learning about smart buildings. Simple HVAC systems introduced include unit heaters, split systems, packaged rooftop units (RTUs), and simple boiler systems. The session also discusses basic control logic and control loops, which are the building blocks for advanced controls and eventually smart controls. The session then covers the controls for simple HVAC systems and ends with an explanation of a more complicated economizer control sequence to show how these control devices work together.

  • Building HVAC - Basic Systems (37:21 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Building HVAC - complex systems, Building Automation System

This session continues introducing building HVAC systems and moves into more complex systems, with emphasis on Variable Air Volume (VAV) air systems. The session also introduces decentralized air HVAC systems and the components of larger hydronic systems. The session then reviews more complicated BAS control loops focused around VAV system controls, and introduces demand-controlled ventilation controls. Next, the Building Automation System (BAS) and its components are discussed. The session concludes by introducing upcoming trends for smart building systems that will be covered in the next sessions.

  • Building HVAC - Complex Systems, Building Automation System (48:44 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Networked lighting controls and HVAC integration

This session covers networked lighting controls and HVAC integration. More specifically, the session begins with interior lighting types and controls, then segues into networked lighting controls, their capabilities, architecture and a version known as luminaire level lighting controls. The session concludes with a discussion of the integration of networked lighting controls with HVAC controls, the benefits, basics, control sequences, and lessons learned from several demonstrations.

  • Networked lighting controls and HVAC integration (57:44 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Solar PV, BESS, and EV charging

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are essential systems with a Grid-interactive Efficient Building (GEB). This session introduces DERs, their interconnection, common codes and standards, and typical communication. The following DERs are covered in more detail: Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and Managed EV charging. Finally, GEBs are introduced and discussed for deeper exploration in future sessions.

  • Solar PV, BESS, and EV charging (44:02 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Smart window, automated shades, thermal energy storage, phase change material, and plug loads

This session will cover smart technology related to other building systems outside of HVAC and lighting. In particular, new technologies related to the envelope and plug loads are discussed. The session then covers emerging smart window technologies with the ability to automatically tint the window, allowing for privacy, reduced glare, or prevention of solar radiation into the building. Automated window shades are discussed, followed by thermal energy storage (TES) and phase change material (PCM) that can shift thermal energy in the building. Finally, the session covers smart plug technologies that can automatically limit or turn off receptacle equipment in a building.

  • Smart window, automated shades, thermal energy storage, phase change material, and plug loads (46:04 minutes)
  • Presentation Slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Conclusion • 2 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)

Authors

Slipstream Continuing Education

Slipstream creates, tests, delivers, and scales the next generation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that move us farther, faster toward a clean energy economy. Slipstream partners with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies and other organizations to inspire new solutions to big energy challenges. With decades of experience...

Kevin Frost, PE

Senior Energy Engineer, Slipstream

Kevin Frost brings his experience in designing heating and cooling systems and HVAC controls programming to Slipstream’s Research and Innovation team. He advises Slipstream’s building consulting clients on how to ascertain their energy and sustainability goals and how best to achieve those goals. He recommends energy efficiency measures and builds energy models for the...

Scott Schuetter, PE

Principal Engineerg, Slipstream

Scott Schuetter is a Principal Engineer at Slipstream with 13 years' experience leading research projects that focus on emerging technology performance in the built environment. His commercial building experience encompasses field measurement and modeling of emerging technology performance for energy efficiency, electrification, load shift, load shed and continuous...

Joe Zhou, PhD, PE, CEM

Director of Research and Innovation, Slipstream

Xiaohui “Joe” Zhou is a Director of Research and Innovation at Slipstream, headquartered in Madison, WI. Joe has 30+ years of experience in commercial building controls and his current areas of research focus on emerging technology field testing and verification. Before joining Slipstream, he worked for several organizations, including Iowa Energy Center and Johnson...

Rob Kline, PE, MBA

Senior Energy Engineer, Slipstream

Rob Kline is a Professional Engineer who has led renewable energy product development startups, providing engineering leadership and subject matter expertise, creating and managing technical writing organizations, and leading product and project management end-to-end lifecycles. Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from UW-Madison. He is...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.

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