The main purpose of the course is to describe and study the thermo-physical phenomena that determine the energy-environmental performance of the building and the consequent connections with architectural design. The topics necessary for understanding the interaction between the external environment - building - internal environment are covered in order to highlight the implications for an energy-aware design capable of guaranteeing adequate levels of thermal and visual comfort.

This course contributes to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing crucial issues related to energy, energy efficiency in buildings, and the environmental impact of building technologies, in accordance with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4 - Quality Education: Students acquire knowledge that raises their awareness of energy and environmental challenges, preparing them to develop innovative solutions in construction and technology.

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Covering topics such as heat pumps, solar thermal, and photovoltaics, the course educates on the use of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency in buildings.

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: Focusing on air quality, thermal and hygrometric well-being, and managing the energy needs of buildings, the course prepares students to design and build sustainable and comfortable buildings, promoting more inclusive and resilient cities.

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Students learn how to reduce energy consumption, limiting environmental impact, and promoting sustainable use of resources.

SDG 13 - Climate Action: Teaching about energy systems such as solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) promotes renewable and sustainable energy sources, essential for mitigating climate change.

1. Thermodynamics 
Thermodynamic system. General energy equation. Thermodynamic processes. Work equations in systems with and without flow. First law of thermodynamics. Enthalpy in systems. Second Law of Thermodynamics. Carnot cycle and Entropy. Thermodynamic diagrams. Ideal gases. Real Gases. Mollier diagram. Notes on direct and indirect cycles. Energy in systems.
2. Fluid dynamics
Motion of compressible and incompressible fluids. Friction factors. Pressure losses due to friction. Fluid motion in elementary geometries. Air movement in the ducts. Sizing of ducts and pressure equipment.
3. Heat transfer
Thermal conduction for flat, cylindrical and spherical geometry in steady state. Thermal convection for flat, cylindrical and spherical geometry in steady state. Thermal radiation for flat, cylindrical and spherical geometry in steady state. Global heat transmission. Heat exchangers.
4. Thermodynamics of humid air
Parameters characterizing the air, characteristic diagrams, transformations of humid air, treatments of humid air in HVAC systems. Use of the psychrometric diagram for determining the transformations and related calculations for the main equipment present in air conditioning systems.
5. Heating and DHW production systems
Thermo-hygrometric comfort. Permanent heat transmission through the building envelope for determining the winter heat loads necessary for sizing the heating system. Regulations relating to energy saving purposes. Autonomous systems with wall-mounted boiler. Pre-sizing of heating systems powered by boiler and heat pump.
6. Cooling systems
Heat transmission in a variable regime and in the presence of solar radiation for the purpose of evaluating the summer heat loads necessary for the sizing of air conditioning systems. Classification, description and pre-sizing of air conditioning systems.

7. Lighting technology
Photometric quantities and visual performance. Natural lighting. The perception of light and visual comfort. Artificial light sources and artificial lighting systems.

8. Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems

Calculation of captured solar energy. Estimate of domestic hot water energy requirements. Estimate of electricity needs. Calculation of collecting surface and number of collectors/panels. Checking the distance between collectors/panels. Estimated accumulation volume. Components of the photovoltaic system. Design, installation and maintenance of a photovoltaic system.

1. Barney L. Capehart, Ph.D., CEM, Wayne C. Turner, Ph.D. PE, CEM, William J. Kennedy, Ph.D., PE, Guide to Energy Management, CRC Press
2. Yunus Cengel, Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications McGrawhill
3. Duco Schreuder, Outdoor Lighting: Physics, Vision and Perception, Springer

Energy balances of thermophysical systems

Mechanical systems for the production of heat and cold

Air conditioning cycles

Heat transmission mechanisms

Heat exchangers

Calculation of pressure drops in distribution ducts

Natural lighting and daylight factor

Types of lamps and methods for artificial lighting design