Standard

 

ACT 201 – Light Commercial Air Conditioning Control Systems

Course Description

Emphasizes the study of complex control systems on light commercial air conditioning systems. Topics include: pneumatic controls, electronic controls, electrical controls, mechanical controls, and safety.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Pneumatic Controls

Class

3

Electronic Controls

D. Lab

2

Electrical Controls

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Mechanical Controls

Credit

4

Safety

 

 

 

Prerequisite/Corequisite:

ACT 200

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

PNEUMATIC CONTROLS

7

5

0

Theory

Discuss several of the advantages to using pneumatic control systems.

 

 

 

 

Draw a working diagram of a basic pneumatic control system. 

 

 

 

 

Explain some of the components that make up pneumatic control systems.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the difference between bleed controls and non-bleed type controllers.

 

 

 

Application

Install an electric/pneumatic relay.

 

 

 

 

Install a bleed thermostat.

 

 

 

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS

7

5

0

Theory

Discuss several of the advantages to using electronic control systems.

 

 

 

 

Explain the wheatstone bridge concept.

 

 

 

 

Draw an electric main bridge circuit.

 

 

 

Application

Install an electric main bridge circuit.

 

 

 

 

Install an electronic insertion thermostat.

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL CONTROLS

7

5

0

Theory

Explain the difference between commercial electric control systems and residential electric control systems.

 

 

 

 

Draw a high voltage wiring diagram.

 

 

 

Application

Troubleshoot a faulty compressor control circuit in a commercial unit.

 

 

 

MECHANICAL CONTROLS

7

5

0

Theory

Discuss several of the more common mechanical controls used in commercial air conditioning.

 

 

 

 

Explain the operating principle behind the automatic expansion valve.

 

 

 

 

Explain the difference between an automatic expansion valve and a thermostatic expansion valve.

 

 

 

Application

Install an automatic expansion valve in an air conditioning system.

 

 

 

 

Replace a clogged or broken capillary tube on an air conditioning system.

 

 

 

SAFETY

2

0

0

Theory

Explain the electrical hazards involved in working with control systems.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the mechanical hazards involved in working with control systems.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Althouse, A. D., et al. (1988). Modern refrigeration & air conditioning. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox. http://www.goodheartwillcox.com/.

Haines, R. (1987). Control systems for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning (4th ed.). New York: Van Nos Reinhold.

Herman, S. L., & Sparkman, B. L. (1986). Electricity & controls for heating, ventilating, & air conditioning (4th ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Langley, B. C. (1985). Control systems for air conditioning & refrigeration. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. (1986). Cooling systems troubleshooting handbook. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Langley, B. C. (1988). Electric controls for refrigeration & air conditioning (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Long, W. (1985). Refrigeration & air conditioning: Operation & analysis servicing. New York: Macmillan. http://www.macmillan.com/.

Miles, L. (1987). Refrigeration & air conditioning (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Miller, R. (1983). Refrigeration and air conditioning technology. New York: Bennett Il.

Miller, R. (1988). Electricity for heating, air conditioning & refrigeration. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. http://www.harcourt.com/.

National Center for Construction Education and Research (latest edition). NCCER: Core Curricula:  Basic Communication Skills. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. http://www.cefga.org/.

Prasad, M. (1983). Refrigeration & air conditioning. New Delhi: Wiley Eastern, Ltd. http://www.wiley.com/.

Rudman, J. (1991). Air conditioning, heating & refrigeration mechanic. Syosset, NY: National Learning.

Smith, R. E. (1987). Electricity for refrigeration, heating & air conditioning. Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.

Swenson, S. D. (1990). Troubleshooting & servicing air conditioning equipment. Troy, MI: Busn News.

Terminology of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, & refrigeration. (1986). Atlanta: American Heating, Refrigeration, & Air Engineering.

Whitman, W., & Johnson, W. (1991). Refrigeration & air conditioning technology (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. http://www.delmar.com/.