Data Center HVAC Design & Drafting Course

Join our Data Center HVAC Design & Drafting Course

MEP Academy

Noblesville, IN 46060, USA

About This Course

The HVAC Design and Drafting Course for Data Centers is a specialized training program designed to equip engineers, designers, and facility professionals with the expertise required to plan, design, and draft HVAC systems for mission-critical data center environments.

Unlike conventional buildings, data centers demand precision cooling, redundancy, continuous operation, and strict adherence to international standards. This course provides learners with the technical knowledge, drafting skills, and practical tools necessary to create reliable, energy-efficient, and sustainable HVAC solutions tailored to high-density IT facilities.

Through a blend of theory, case studies, drafting exercises, and a capstone project, participants will gain confidence in handling real-world design challenges such as hot/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH unit selection, chilled water system integration, and BMS/CPM control strategies.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to design, draft, and document complete HVAC systems for Tier-rated data centers, ensuring compliance, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive pathway for mastering HVAC design and drafting specifically tailored to data center environments, where continuous operation, redundancy, and precision cooling are critical.

Learners will progress through step-by-step modules, starting with the fundamentals of data center cooling requirements and moving into advanced topics such as load estimation, system selection, drafting documentation, BMS integration, and energy efficiency strategies.

The course blends theory, practical drafting exercises, and case-based learning to ensure participants not only understand HVAC design concepts but can also apply them to real-world data center projects. The program culminates in a capstone project, where learners design and draft a complete HVAC system for a Tier-rated data center, including layouts, schematics, and system documentation.

Key Highlights

Duration: 8–10 weeks (flexible, self-paced or instructor-led)
Format: Online learning with practical drafting assignments
Tools: AutoCAD / Revit / BIM drafting applications
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Target Audience:
- Mechanical / HVAC engineers
- MEP consultants and designers
- Facility managers working with data centers
- Drafting professionals seeking specialization in mission-critical projects

By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently design, draft, and document HVAC systems for high-performance data centers, aligning with international standards (ASHRAE TC 9.9, Uptime Institute, IEEE, local codes).

Course Modules

Module 1 – Introduction to Data Center Environments

Importance of HVAC in data centers
Data center classifications (Tier I–IV by Uptime Institute)
Heat loads: IT equipment, UPS, lighting, occupancy
Standards and guidelines: ASHRAE TC 9.9, IEEE, local codes

Module 2 – Cooling Concepts for Data Centers

Sensible vs. latent load in data centers
Hot aisle/cold aisle containment
In-row cooling, overhead cooling, and underfloor air distribution
Direct expansion (DX) vs. chilled water cooling
Liquid cooling and emerging technology

Module 3 – Data Center HVAC System Types

CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) vs. CRAH (Computer Room Air Handler)
Chilled water systems for data centers
Precision cooling systems
Economizers (air-side and water-side)
Hybrid cooling solutions (chilled water + free cooling)

Module 4 – Load Estimation & Redundancy Design

IT load calculation methodology
Non-IT loads (UPS, lighting, envelope)
Redundancy levels: N, N+1, 2N
Cooling capacity planning with growth factor

Module 5 – HVAC Equipment Sizing and Selection

Chillers, cooling towers, and pumps for data centers
CRAC/CRAH sizing
Air distribution system selection
Energy-efficient design with variable frequency drives (VFDs)

Module 6 – Drafting and Documentation

HVAC layout for data centers (AutoCAD/Revit)
Airflow management drawings (hot/cold aisle)
Ductwork and piping network drafting
Schematics for redundancy and controls
BIM coordination with electrical and IT systems

Module 7 – Control Systems & Monitoring

Building Management System (BMS) integration
Chiller plant manager (CPM) for data centers
Sensors (temperature, humidity, airflow, differential pressure)
Alarms, monitoring, and predictive maintenance

Module 8 – Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE)
Free cooling and economizers
Renewable integration (geothermal, solar-assisted cooling)
Case study: Green data center cooling design

Module 9 – Safety, Reliability & Compliance

Fire safety and smoke control in data centers
Seismic, vibration, and noise considerations
Reliability testing and commissioning
Maintenance planning (preventive vs. predictive)

Module 10 – Capstone Project

Design Task:
Learners will design and draft a complete HVAC system for a Tier III data center, including:

Load calculations
Equipment sizing and selection
Drafted HVAC layout (ducting + chilled water piping)
Redundancy and energy-efficiency considerations
Final report and presentation
Submit detailed drawings, calculations, and commissioning plan.

How long is the course?

The course duration is a Total of 40 to 60 hours and it varies, typically spanning several weeks with flexible scheduling options.

Is certification provided?

Yes, participants receive certification upon successful completion of the course.

Certification & Benefits

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a recognized certificate:

Certified Data Center HVAC Design & Drafting Professional

This certification validates your expertise in designing and drafting HVAC systems for mission-critical data centers, demonstrating your ability to apply international standards, advanced cooling technologies, and redundancy principles in real projects.

Benefits of the Course

✅ Specialized Knowledge
Gain in-depth understanding of precision cooling, redundancy design, hot/cold aisle containment, CRAC/CRAH systems, chilled water networks, and energy efficiency strategies for data centers.

✅ Hands-On Drafting Skills
Develop practical drafting skills using AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM tools, enabling you to prepare professional-grade HVAC layouts, schematics, and documentation.

✅ Career Advancement
Stand out as a specialist in one of the most in-demand fields of HVAC and MEP design—mission-critical facilities. Certification enhances your credibility for roles in design consultancies, data center operations, and project management.

✅ Industry Compliance
Learn to align designs with ASHRAE TC 9.9, Uptime Institute Tier Standards, IEEE guidelines, and local building codes, ensuring global applicability.

✅ Energy & Sustainability Focus
Understand PUE, WUE, economizers, free cooling, and renewable integration to design sustainable data centers that meet modern energy benchmarks.

✅ Capstone Project Experience
Work on a complete Tier III data center HVAC design project, applying load calculations, equipment sizing, redundancy planning, and drafting—building a portfolio that proves your skills to employers or clients.