Chilled Water System Design Course

Learn how to design a chilled water system for a modern high-rise building — from cooling load, AHU/FCU selection, fresh air, chiller and cooling tower sizing to chilled water piping, pump sizing, ductwork, VAV system, controls, drawings, and calculation templates.

120+ Enrolled
10–12 Hrs
English
Intermediate Level
67 Lessons
Not Available
Self-Paced
No Certification
One-time purchase: $129.99Payment plan: 3 monthly payments of $45
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Also included in Pro Membership from $20/month or $220/year.

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Chilled Water System Design Is Hard to Learn from Isolated Topics

You understand chillers, pumps, cooling towers, AHUs, FCUs, and chilled water pipes separately, but still struggle to connect them into a complete chilled water system design workflow.

This course gives you a structured foundation so you can understand HVAC systems more clearly, follow technical discussions with more confidence, and start building practical HVAC design knowledge step by step.

1

You Know the Components, But Not the Full System

You understand what a chiller, pump, cooling tower, AHU, and FCU are, but still feel unsure how they connect in an actual building design.

2

Equipment Sizing Feels Disconnected

You know how to calculate flow rate or cooling capacity, but still struggle to connect load profile, chiller sizing, cooling tower sizing, pump selection, and equipment location.

3

Piping and Pump Design Can Be Confusing

You understand chilled water pipes in theory, but still feel unsure about pipe sizing, bypass line sizing, head loss calculation, pressure rating, valve positions, and pump head selection.

4

Real Projects Need More Than Formulas

You know the calculation method, but real projects also require drawings, plantroom arrangement, equipment location, control strategy, coordination, ductwork, VAV design, and practical design decisions.

Who This Is For

Engineer

HVAC Design Engineers

For engineers who want to understand the full chilled water system design process from load calculation to equipment sizing, piping, pumping, and air distribution.

Student

Junior HVAC Engineers

For learners who already know some HVAC basics but want a structured path to understand commercial chilled water system design.

Company

Facility Managers and Chief Engineers

For people operating chilled water systems who want to understand why the system was designed a certain way and how design decisions affect performance.

Project

Contractors and Technical Teams

For contractors who want to understand chilled water design logic, BQ/design documents, piping layout, pump selection, AHU/FCU selection, and system control.

Technician

Project Engineers and Site Engineers

For project personnel who need to understand design drawings, plantroom arrangement, pump sizing, equipment location, ductwork, VAV systems, and installation coordination.

This Course May Not Be for You If…

  • You are completely new to HVAC and have not learned basic HVAC system concepts yet.
  • You only want a quick chiller sizing answer without learning the design workflow.
  • You are looking for local authority submission training only.
  • You want someone to design your actual project instead of learning how chilled water system design is done.
  • You are not comfortable reading technical drawings, calculations, and HVAC equipment data.

New to HVAC? Start with the HVAC Beginner Course first.
Need project-specific review? View HVAC Engineering Services.

What You Will Learn in This Course

01

Cooling Load and Supply Airflow

Learn how cooling capacity and supply airflow are determined for the sample project, including check figures and calculation results.

02

AHU and FCU Selection

Understand AHU component selection, cooling coil design conditions, FCU selection, and AHU/FCU location planning.

03

Fresh Air and PAHU Design

Learn fresh air calculation, heat pipe selection conditions, CO₂ control system design, PAHU cooling capacity calculation, and PAHU selection.

04

Chiller and Cooling Tower Sizing

Learn chilled water design temperature, chilled water flow rate, chiller sizing, condenser water flow rate, chiller selection, cooling tower selection, and makeup water tank sizing.

05

Chilled Water Piping Design

Understand chilled water system configurations, plantroom arrangement, chilled water flow control, bypass line sizing, pipe sizing, friction loss, valves, gauges, and piping schematic.

06

Pump Sizing and Head Loss

Learn minimum flow, pump load profile, head loss calculation, condenser water pump head, makeup water pump sizing, pump selection, pressure calculation, and NPSH.

07

Air Distribution and VAV System

Learn diffuser selection, return air grille sizing, duct sizing, ductwork design, VAV system design, and ductwork layout.

Course Outline

This course takes you through a practical chilled water system design workflow using a high-rise sample project. You will start with project requirements and drawings, then move through load calculation, AHU/FCU selection, fresh air system design, chiller and cooling tower sizing, piping design, pump sizing, air distribution, and bonus system design topics.

In this section, you’ll be informed about the basic functions available in this course and how to navigate them. Then, you’ll be introduced to a sample project that we’re going to be using for this course. Subsequently, we’ll go through the client’s requirements and establish a preliminary design decision for the sample project. You’ll be able to download the floor plan drawings to start the design of a chilled water system for the sample project.

Lessons:

  • User Manual
  • Sample Project Briefing
  • Client’s Requirements
  • Floor Plan Drawings (DWG)
  • Section Drawing (DWG)

In this section, we will compare the common methods currently practiced for cooling load calculation (capacity+airflow). One of the methods will be selected to calculate the required cooling capacity and supply airflow using the sample project. The material used for the calculation will be provided to you and the cooling load calculation result of the sample project will be revealed.

Lessons:

  • Cooling Load Calculation Methods
  • How to Use Cooling Load Check Figures
  • Cooling Load Check Figures (PDF)
  • Cooling Capacity Calculation Result (EXCEL)

In this section, you’ll learn about the common components available in a typical AHU. At the same time, you’ll learn the reason behind each AHU component selection through the sample project. Then, you’ll learn how to specify the design conditions (DB/WB temperatures of air) of AHU and FCU cooling coils. At the end of this section, you’ll be able to download editable excel files that show you exactly what type of AHU and FCU are selected for the sample project.

Lessons:

  • AHU Component Selection
  • Filter Grade Conversion Chart (PDF)
  • Cooling Coil Design Conditions
  • Chilled Water Fan Coil Selection
  • AHU and FCU Selection Result (EXCEL)
  • AHU and FCU Location (DWG)

In this section, you’ll learn a way to determine the amount of fresh air needed based on different applications. Then, you’ll learn how to specify the design conditions needed for heat pipe and pre-cool air handling unit (PAHU) selection. After that, you’ll learn how to design a CO2 sensor system to control the fresh air supply based on demand. Finally, you’ll learn how to calculate the cooling capacity of PAHU to find the total cooling load.

Lessons:

  • Fresh Air Supply Calculation
  • Fresh Air Calculation Result (EXCEL)
  • Heat Pipe Selection Conditions
  • Outdoor Design Conditions (PDF)
  • CO2 Control System
  • CO2 System Schematic (DWG)
  • PAHU Cooling Capacity Calculation
  • PAHU Selection Result (EXCEL)

In this section, you’ll learn how chilled water and condenser water temperatures are determined. Then, we’ll work on the chilled water and condenser water flow rate calculations for the sample project. Subsequently, you’ll learn a way to identify and select the right chiller and cooling tower through the sample project. Finally, all results will be revealed to you and the procedure to size makeup water tanks will be taught.

Lessons:

  • Chilled Water Design Temperature
  • Chilled Water Flow Rate Calculation
  • CHW Flow Rate Calculation Result (EXCEL)
  • Chiller Sizing
  • Projected Load Profile (EXCEL)
  • Condenser Water Design Temperature
  • Condenser Water Flow Rate Calculation
  • Chiller Selection
  • Cooling Tower Selection
  • CH and CT Selection Result (EXCEL)
  • Makeup Water Tank Sizing
  • Major Equipment Location (DWG)

In this section, you’ll learn about different chilled water system configurations and their suitable applications. Then, you’ll learn how to control chilled water flow in one of the system configurations. Subsequently, you’ll learn how to size chilled water pipes and how to calculate system pressure to set the pressure rating of the water-side equipment. Finally, you’ll learn about different types of valves and gauges, their functions and their positions in chilled water systems.

Lessons:

  • CHW System Configurations
  • Chiller Plant Room Arrangement
  • How to Control Chilled Water Flow
  • CHW Bypass Line Sizing
  • How to Size Chilled Water Pipe
  • Piping Friction Loss Chart (PDF)
  • Valves and Gauges Position
  • Chilled Water Piping Schematic (DWG)

In this section, you’ll learn how to determine the quantity and flow rate of chilled water pumps based on flow demand and minimum flow requirement. Then, you’ll learn how to calculate the total head loss in the piping system in order to determine the required pump head with the detailed calculation process revealed to you. Subsequently, you’ll learn more about pump sizing, particularly the open-loop condenser water pump and the makeup water pump that has an NPSH requirement. Finally, you’ll learn how to select a suitable pump through the sample project.

Lessons:

  • Minimum Continuous Stable Flow
  • Pump Load Profile (EXCEL)
  • Head Loss Calculation
  • Valves/Fittings Head Loss Table (PDF)
  • Condenser Water Pump Head
  • Makeup Water Pump Sizing
  • Head Loss Calculation Details (PDF)
  • Pump Selection
  • Pump Selection Result (EXCEL)
  • CHWS Pressure Calculation
  • Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)
  • Pump and Piping Layout (DWG)
  • Expansion Tank Size and Location

In this section, you’ll learn how to determine the appropriate supply airflow for various kinds of supply air diffusers and thus, the number of diffusers needed. Also, you’ll learn how to size grilles and ducts. Then, we’ll go through the thought process behind ductwork design. Finally, you’ll learn what is CAV and VAV and we’ll design a VAV system for the sample project including its control system.

Lessons:

  • Diffuser Selection
  • Diffuser Quantity and Airflow
  • Airflow Profile (EXCEL)
  • Diffuser Airflow Control Damper
  • Return Air Grille Sizing
  • How to Size Ducts
  • Duct Sizer Software (WindowsOS)
  • Ductwork Design
  • Elbow Radius and Guide Vanes Chart
  • Variable Air Volume (VAV) System
  • Ductwork Layout (DWG)

What You Get Inside This Course

67 Self-Paced Lessons

Learn online at your own pace. You can complete one module per day or move faster depending on your schedule.

8 Structured Modules

A detailed project-based course covering the complete chilled water system design workflow from establishing load requirements to equipment sizing and selection.

Design Demonstration

Learn the design reasoning behind major decisions including equipment selection, piping layout, pump sizing, bypass line, VAV system, CO₂ control, and system control points.

Downloadable CAD Drawings, Excel Files, Charts, Tables, and Templates

included DWG drawings to study equipment location, piping schematic, CO₂ schematic, ductwork layout, AHU/FCU location, and project layout. Excel files for cooling capacity, airflow, fresh air, flow rate, load profile, equipment selection, pump load profile, head loss, and pump selection. Practical references such as filter grade conversion, outdoor design conditions, piping friction loss chart, valve/fitting head loss table, elbow radius / guide vane chart, and duct sizing software.

Course Discussion and Clarification

Learners can ask questions through the lesson comment section, chat, or email.

Access to Course Platform

Lessons are delivered online through my course platform.

By the End of This Course, You Should Be Able To…

  • Understand the chilled water system design workflow for a high-rise building.
  • Calculate or review cooling capacity and supply airflow.
  • Understand AHU component selection and cooling coil design conditions.
  • Select chilled water FCUs and understand AHU/FCU location planning.
  • Understand heat pipe and PAHU design conditions.
  • Design a basic CO₂ control system for demand-controlled fresh air.
  • Calculate PAHU cooling capacity.
  • Determine chilled/condenser water design temperature and flow rate.
  • Understand chiller sizing and projected load profile.
  • Understand cooling tower selection.
  • Size makeup water tank conceptually.
  • Understand chilled water system configurations.
  • Size chilled water pipes using charts and calculation logic.
  • Understand chilled water bypass line sizing.
  • Position valves and gauges properly.
  • Calculate head loss for pump sizing.
  • Understand CHWS pressure calculation and NPSH.
  • Understand ductwork layout and VAV system concept.

Preview the Learning Journey

This course teaches chilled water system design through a full project workflow. You will see how drawings, calculations, Excel files, equipment selection, piping layout, pump sizing, ductwork, and control decisions connect in one design process.

Enroll in Chilled Water System Design Course

Choose How You Want to Learn

Buy This Course

$129.99

one-time purchase

or

$45

payment for 3 months

Best for learners who only want this beginner course and focus on HVAC fundamentals.

Included:

  • Chilled Water System Course
  • 67 lessons
  • High-rise building sample project
  • Downloadable DWG drawings
  • Excel files, templates & charts.
  • Self-paced access
Enroll in Chilled Water System Course

Join Pro Membership

$20

per month

or

$220

per year

Best for learners who want this course plus selected beginner resources beyond this course.

Included:

  • Chilled Water System Course
  • Duct Design Course
  • Psychrometric Analysis Course
  • RTS Cooling Load Course
  • HVAC Beginner Course
  • Pro resources and references
  • Exclusive Pro Zone community
View Membership

Should You Buy the Course or Join the Membership?

Choose this

Best if

Buy Chilled Water System Design Course

You mainly want to learn chilled water system design and prefer a one-time purchase.

Join Pro Membership

You want access to multiple HVAC design courses and continuous learning resources.

Start with HVAC Beginner Course

You are still new to HVAC and need stronger fundamentals first.

Recommendation: If you only want to learn chilled water system design, buy this course. If you want to build a broader HVAC design foundation, Pro Membership is the better learning path because chilled water design connects closely with cooling load calculation, psychrometrics, duct design, air distribution, equipment selection, and project engineering.

How Chilled Water System Design Fits Into HVAC Engineering

Chilled water system design connects many parts of HVAC engineering:

  • cooling load calculation
  • AHU and FCU selection
  • fresh air system design
  • chiller and cooling tower sizing
  • chilled water and condenser water flow rate
  • piping system configuration
  • bypass line sizing
  • pump sizing and head loss
  • equipment location
  • ductwork and air distribution
  • VAV system design
  • controls and BMS points
  • water treatment and system operation

This course helps you understand how those design pieces connect in one project workflow.

Learn from Practical HVAC Field Experience

This course is taught by Yu Chang Zhen, founder of aircondlounge. The teaching approach is based on practical HVAC experience across design, installation, operation, maintenance, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical content development.

MBOT Professional Technologist

MASHRAE Independent CxS

HRD Corp TTT Certified Trainer

10+ Years HVAC Field Experience

“My goal is to help learners understand HVAC in a practical, structured, and field-relevant way, not just memorize theory.”

Hero Section Real photo of me explaining at site 2

What Learners Say

  • I finished the course, i don’t mind saying it connected a lot of dots for me. Really got a lot out of it. I will recommend it to everyone.
    T. Crane
    Enrolled in CHWS Design Course
  • Really liking the course, if there could be different units added, would be greatly appreciated. Great work this is really good.
    Nick Taylor
    Enrolled in CHWS Design Course

FAQ

This course is created with a beginner mindset, but it is better if you already have at least a few months to one year of HVAC exposure so you can understand the technical terms, drawings, and equipment shown in the course.

This is a self-paced online course. You can access the lessons online and learn at your own pace.

The course covers cooling capacity and supply airflow calculation, AHU and FCU selection, pre-cool fresh air system design, chiller and cooling tower sizing, chilled water piping design, pump sizing and selection, and air distribution system design.

Yes. The course includes downloadable DWG drawings such as floor plans, section drawings, AHU/FCU location, CO₂ system schematic, major equipment location, chilled water piping schematic, pump and piping layout, and ductwork layout.

Yes. The course includes Excel files for cooling capacity, AHU/FCU selection, fresh air calculation, PAHU selection, chilled water flow rate, projected load profile, chiller/cooling tower selection, pump load profile, pump selection, and other design calculations.

Most essential HVAC design skills are broadly applicable. For lessons that depend on location, the limitation will be stated and explain how you should adapt the principle to their own project or market.

Knowing chilled water system design is a valuable HVAC engineering skill. This course can help strengthen your technical understanding and improve your ability to discuss chilled water system design, but job outcomes still depend on your experience, portfolio, communication, market conditions, and role requirements.

Yes. This course is included in Pro Membership.

Buy this course if you only want chilled water system design. Join Pro Membership if you want access to multiple HVAC design courses and continuous learning resources.

Continue Your HVAC Learning Path

After completing this course, you can choose one of the following paths based on your needs to pursue further learning.

Browse All HVAC Resources

RTS Cooling Load Calculation Course

Learn how cooling load is calculated and how load affects equipment sizing and airflow requirement.

Duct Design Course

Learn how airflow, diffuser selection, return grille sizing, duct layout, and static pressure connect in duct design.

Psychrometric Analysis Course

Learn how air properties, humidity, coil load, AHU cooling coil sizing, and psychrometric processes affect HVAC design.

HVAC Beginner Course

Start here if you need stronger HVAC fundamentals before going deeper into duct design.

Start Learning Chilled Water System Design Step by Step

If you want to understand how cooling load, AHU/FCU selection, fresh air, chiller sizing, cooling tower selection, chilled water piping, pump sizing, ductwork, VAV systems, controls, and system design decisions connect in a real project workflow, this course gives you a structured path to learn the process.

Enroll in Chilled Water System Design Course

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