Students

MECH8201 – Energy Sustainable Design and HVAC

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Dr Ann Lee
ann.lee@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40 CP at 6000 level or above including MECH6001
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit critically assesses energy-conscious design procedures, focusing on energy efficiency, and the planning of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The unit encompasses in-depth exploration of psychrometric analysis, calculations for heating and cooling loads, the selection of air-conditioning equipment, methodologies for duct design, as well as a comprehensive study of refrigeration concepts and their practical applications. Topics also include refrigeration cycles, refrigeration equipment components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion devices, as well as the design and analysis of vapour compression systems. Upon completing this unit, students will demonstrate the application of critical design considerations in industry scale energy efficient HVAC systems design.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Affordable and Clean Energy; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply comprehensive knowledge of energy sustainable design processes to evaluate and justify the feasibility and impact of an engineering project in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability
  • ULO2: Design real-world HVAC systems for different scenarios by applying integrative knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer using appropriate tools and methods
  • ULO3: Critically analyse, research and apply established theories to the body of knowledge or practice in refrigeration and air-conditioning cycles and apply critical knowledge to improve the design and optimization of HVAC systems performances. 
  • ULO4: Apply specific, higher-level skills in project management, teamwork, professional conduct and ethical practice towards the completion of complex engineering projects
  • ULO5: Evaluate and apply problem-solving techniques aligned with industry requirements

General Assessment Information

Student must achieve at least a 50% aggregate grade in order to obtain a passing grade (P/CR/D/HD).

Notifications

Formal notification of assessment tasks, grading rubrics and due dates will be posted on iLearn. Although all reasonable measures to ensure the information is accurate, the University reserves the right to make changes without notice. Each student is responsible for checking iLearn for changes and updates.

Logbook

Logbook tasks will be posted on iLearn at least two weeks prior to their due date. Submissions will not be accepted after the solutions have been demonstrated by the teaching staff. 

Logbooks may be handwritten or typed but must be neat, legible, and logically structured. Poorly organised or illegible submissions will not be marked. Logbooks will be marked in person by the class's assigned casual academic during Week 8. Students must bring their completed logbooks to class for assessment.  

Group Project Presentation

The final presentation will be delivered as a group presentation. Each student group is required to present their HVAC design for a selected building to a panel comprising industry experts and internal assessors. The presentation should highlight the group's design innovations and clearly articulate the value proposition of their proposed solution. 

A statement of individual contribution, with percentage allocation for each group member, must be submitted alongside the presentation. This is essential for ensuring fair and transparent assessment. Discrepancies in contribution may result in differentiated individual marks. Attendance during all presentation sessions is expected, as students are encouraged to learn from their peers’ work.

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

From 1 July 2022, Students enrolled in Session based units with written assessments will have the following university standard late penalty applied. Please see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/assessments for more information.

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

The unit will be graded according to the Macquarie University Grading policy. The following grades will be used according to the listed numerical range:

HD High Distinction 85-100
D Distinction 75-84
Cr Credit                    65-74
P Pass 50-64
F Fail 0-49

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Final examination 35% No Exam week
Professional Engagement and Logbook 30% No Week 8
Group Project Presentation 35% No Week 12

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 3 hours
Due: Exam week
Weighting: 35%

 

Final examination assessing all material delivered throughout the course

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of energy sustainable design processes to evaluate and justify the feasibility and impact of an engineering project in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability
  • Design real-world HVAC systems for different scenarios by applying integrative knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer using appropriate tools and methods
  • Critically analyse, research and apply established theories to the body of knowledge or practice in refrigeration and air-conditioning cycles and apply critical knowledge to improve the design and optimization of HVAC systems performances. 
  • Evaluate and apply problem-solving techniques aligned with industry requirements

Professional Engagement and Logbook

Assessment Type 1: Log book
Indicative Time on Task 2: 27 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%

 

Students are required to maintain a physical logbook that documents their engagement and progress throughout the semester. This logbook must demonstrate professional and consistent work output and reflect satisfactory participation in the majority of learning activities. The final presented work must be traceable through the documented progression in the logbook.The logbook will be assessed during the first half of the session.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of energy sustainable design processes to evaluate and justify the feasibility and impact of an engineering project in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability
  • Design real-world HVAC systems for different scenarios by applying integrative knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer using appropriate tools and methods
  • Critically analyse, research and apply established theories to the body of knowledge or practice in refrigeration and air-conditioning cycles and apply critical knowledge to improve the design and optimization of HVAC systems performances. 
  • Apply specific, higher-level skills in project management, teamwork, professional conduct and ethical practice towards the completion of complex engineering projects
  • Evaluate and apply problem-solving techniques aligned with industry requirements

Group Project Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 35%

 

The final presentation will be conducted in a group presentation format. Each student group is required to present their HVAC design for a selected building to a panel comprising industry experts and internal assessors. The presentation should highlight the group's design innovations and clearly articulate the value proposition of their proposed solution. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of energy sustainable design processes to evaluate and justify the feasibility and impact of an engineering project in terms of environmental, social and economic sustainability
  • Design real-world HVAC systems for different scenarios by applying integrative knowledge in the field of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer using appropriate tools and methods
  • Critically analyse, research and apply established theories to the body of knowledge or practice in refrigeration and air-conditioning cycles and apply critical knowledge to improve the design and optimization of HVAC systems performances. 
  • Apply specific, higher-level skills in project management, teamwork, professional conduct and ethical practice towards the completion of complex engineering projects
  • Evaluate and apply problem-solving techniques aligned with industry requirements

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

The following texts are recommended:

“Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning: Analysis and Design, 6th Edition” by F.C. McQuiston, D. Parker and J.D. Spitler

 

Unit Schedule

Refer to ilearn page for unit schedule

Lectures: Weeks 1-13

Practicals: Weeks 2-13

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

This is a first offering. 

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

ULO1:100%

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

ULO2:50%

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO2:50%

ULO3:33%

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

 

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

 

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO3:33%

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

 

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

 

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

ULO3:34%

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

ULO4:50%

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

 

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

 

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO4:50%

Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook