Will I learn how AHU design relates to BMS control?

Yes. The course explains how AHU sensors, actuators, equipment selections, and design requirements are translated into BMS monitoring and control points.

Who should take this course?

This course is suitable for BMS engineers, HVAC engineers, technicians, facility professionals, building operators, and learners entering building automation or HVAC design roles.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

AHU System Design and Sizing

AHU System Design and Sizing

This course is part of Understanding Building Management Systems Specialization

Instructor: Taught by Schneider Electric Experts

Included with Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify major AHU components and interpret airflow, capacity, filtration, and ventilation requirements.
Perform basic AHU sizing calculations and select suitable components for typical building applications.
Relate AHU design requirements, sensors, actuators, and I/O points to BMS monitoring and control.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Understanding Building Management Systems Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

By the end of this course, learners will understand the key principles used to design and size Air Handling Units (AHUs) for typical building applications. They will learn to interpret project requirements, identify major AHU components, determine airflow and capacity requirements, and evaluate filters, coils, dampers, fans, sensors, and actuators used in HVAC systems.

Through practical examples, guided calculations, case studies, and interactive activities, learners will explore how design requirements influence AHU configuration, equipment selection, energy performance, and system operation. The course also introduces how AHU design information is translated into BMS monitoring points, control requirements, and engineering documentation. This course is suitable for learners entering HVAC, BMS, building automation, and facility engineering roles who want to develop a practical understanding of AHU sizing before progressing to control logic, interface design, and commissioning.

This module introduces the principles and practices of system sizing within Building Management Systems (BMS). Learners will explore why proper sizing is critical for energy efficiency, performance, occupant comfort, and safety. The module also develops the skills needed to analyze technical specification documents and extract sizing requirements accurately. Finally, learners will become familiar with the tools and software commonly used to support sizing decisions and optimize BMS design outcomes.

What's included

11 videos5 readings4 assignments2 plugins

11 videosTotal 42 minutes

Introduction - The 'Why' Behind BMS Sizing 2 minutes
What is System Sizing in BMS?4 minutes
Why Proper Sizing is Non-Negotiable?4 minutes
Introduction: Why Specifications Matter3 minutes
Tackling the Spec Doc: A Systematic Approach 6 minutes
Don't Assume, Ask! Engaging Stakeholders4 minutes
Introduction: Beyond Manual Calculations 3 minutes
Why Rely on Sizing Tools? 4 minutes
Categories of Relevant Software 4 minutes
Key Software Features for Sizing Tasks 5 minutes
Examples in Practice: Context is Key3 minutes

5 readingsTotal 50 minutes

Defining BMS System Sizing – The Foundation of Performance10 minutes
The Consequences of Incorrect BMS System Sizing10 minutes
Navigating the Specification Document10 minutes
The Art of Clarification10 minutes
A Toolkit for Sizing10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

BMS Sizing Fundamentals 30 minutes
Reading and Analyzing the Specifications Document30 minutes
Tools, Types, and Features 30 minutes
Understanding Building Management System30 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 30 minutes

Scenario - The Short Cycling Boiler15 minutes
BMS Sizing Toolkit - Matching Tools with Tasks15 minutes

This module guides learners through the process of sizing and selecting Air Handling Unit (AHU) components for HVAC systems. Learners will develop functional analyses based on client needs, create operational scenarios, evaluate technical constraints, and perform equipment sizing calculations. The module also covers equipment selection, capacity determination, BMS integration, and practical application through a real-world AHU design case study.

What's included

16 videos3 readings4 assignments3 plugins

16 videosTotal 53 minutes

Introduction of the course 1 minute
Introduction of the theme words 2 minutes
Key steps and their importance in functional analysis 6 minutes
Identifying the Client’s Needs 4 minutes
Developing Operational scenarios 4 minutes
Summary of key points 2 minutes
Overview 2 minutes
AHU key components and functions 3 minutes
Calculate heating and cooling loads 5 minutes
Selection of equipment 4 minutes
Determine the capacity of the equipment 4 minutes
Verifying equipment and identifying the products in the catalog 3 minutes
Case Study Introduction: Project Context3 minutes
From Client Needs to Operational Scenarios4 minutes
Listing Components and Technical Constraints 5 minutes
Validation and Final Design Decisions4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

Develop operating scenarios tailored to the identified needs _Practical examples 10 minutes
Understanding technical constraints in AHU design 10 minutes
Considering additional factors in AHU component sizing10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Foundations of Functional Analysis30 minutes
Air Handling Unit (AHU) design process30 minutes
Air Handling Unit Design Fundamentals30 minutes
Graded Assessment30 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 45 minutes

Assign control points to the automation system15 minutes
Sizing and Selecting AHU Components15 minutes
Design a AHU System15 minutes

This module explores the challenges and decision-making processes involved in HVAC system sizing and Building Management System (BMS) design. Learners will examine the technical and economic constraints that influence equipment selection, evaluate strategies for creating scalable and flexible systems, and develop communication architectures that support seamless system integration. Through practical examples and case studies, learners will learn how to balance performance, cost, reliability, and future growth requirements to create efficient, adaptable, and future-ready HVAC and BMS solutions.

What's included

14 videos3 readings4 assignments2 plugins

14 videosTotal 54 minutes

Introduction: Beyond Basic Needs – The Art of Smart Component Choice 2 minutes
Defining the Boundaries: Technical & Economic Constraints Explained4 minutes
Real‑World Sizing Failures & Lessons Learned4 minutes
Balancing Trade‑offs: How Engineers Decide 4 minutes
The Path to Solutions: Finding and Evaluating Your Options 5 minutes
Introduction: Future-Proofing Your BMS Designs 3 minutes
What are Scalable & Flexible Systems in BMS?4 minutes
Modular & Scalable BMS: Before/After Building Expansion4 minutes
Why Designing for Change is Non-Negotiable 5 minutes
Design Review Red Flags and Quick Fixes4 minutes
Introduction: The Unseen Network – Making BMS Components Talk2 minutes
What is Communication in BMS & Why Define it Clearly? 4 minutes
The Language of Control: Understanding BMS Protocols 4 minutes
Gateway Selection & Sizing: A Practical Guide4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 30 minutes

A Deeper Dive into Key Constraints & Their Impact10 minutes
The Pillars of Future-Ready Design10 minutes
Defining Communication Requirements in Real Projects 10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

HVAC Design Principles: Constraints and Component Selection30 minutes
Principles of Scalable & Flexible Design 30 minutes
Communication & Protocol Fundamentals30 minutes
Graded Assessment 30 minutes

2 pluginsTotal 30 minutes

Technical and Economic Constraint Scenarios15 minutes
Practical Case Study: Evaluating a BMS Design for Future-Readiness (Ungraded Assessment) 15 minutes

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Instructor

Taught by Schneider Electric Experts

Schneider Electric

4 Courses1,330 learners

Offered by

Schneider Electric

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Frequently asked questions

No. Basic familiarity with HVAC or building systems is helpful, but prior BMS design or AHU sizing experience is not required.

Yes. The course introduces the key parameters and calculations used to determine AHU airflow, capacity, and major component requirements for typical building applications.

Yes. Learners will use practical examples, guided calculations, case studies, and interactive activities to apply AHU design and sizing concepts.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.