Heat load estimation & Drafting of HVAC Systems, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

Report on Industry Expert Talk

Organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering

KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology

Event Details

• Event Title: Industry Expert Talk on Heat Load Estimation and Drafting of HVAC Systems

• Speaker: Mr. T. R. Gokula Krishnan

• Designation: Director, Everest Chillers Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore

• Dates: 25 & 26 March 2026

• Time: 09:15 AM to 04:15 PM

• Venue: Elective Hall, Mechanical Block

• Organized by: Department of Mechanical Engineering, KPRIET

1. Introduction

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, organized a two-day Industry Expert Talk on the topic “Heat Load Estimation and Drafting of HVAC Systems” on 25th and 26th March 2026 at the Elective Hall, Mechanical Block.

The session was delivered by Mr. T. R. Gokula Krishnan, Director, Everest Chillers Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore. The program was conducted from 09:15 AM to 04:15 PM and aimed to provide students with practical exposure to the design, estimation, and implementation aspects of HVAC systems.

The expert talk was organized to help students understand the industrial applications of refrigeration and air-conditioning principles, with special emphasis on heat load calculation, HVAC drafting, refrigeration systems, and case-based implementation methods.

2. Day 1 Proceedings

The first day of the event focused on introducing the fundamental and practical concepts related to HVAC systems.

2.1 Welcome Address

The session began with a welcome speech by Mr. N. Udhayakumar, Course Handling Faculty, who warmly welcomed the guest speaker and participants. He highlighted the relevance of HVAC systems in modern buildings, industries, hospitals, and residential applications, and stressed the importance of learning practical design approaches beyond textbook theory.

2.2 Introduction to HVAC

The expert started the technical session with an introduction to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. He explained the purpose and significance of HVAC in maintaining:

• Indoor thermal comfort

• Air quality

• Controlled humidity

• Ventilation and fresh air circulation

Students were introduced to the broad applications of HVAC systems in:

• Residential buildings

• Hospitals

• Commercial complexes

• Industrial units

• Clean rooms and specialized environments

2.3 Vapour Compression Refrigeration (VCR) Cycle

A detailed explanation of the Vapour Compression Refrigeration (VCR) Cycle was presented. The speaker explained the role and function of the four major components:

The thermodynamic process of refrigeration was discussed clearly, along with the flow of refrigerant through the system.

2.4 Types of Refrigeration

The speaker then explained the types of refrigeration systems, mainly classifying them into:

1. Primary Refrigeration

·       Direct cooling method

·       Refrigerant directly cools the required space or substance

2. Secondary Refrigeration

·       Uses an intermediate cooling medium such as chilled water or brine

·       Commonly used in centralized air-conditioning systems

2.5 Efficiency and Heat Load Calculation Equations

One of the most important parts of the session was the explanation of efficiency-related concepts and heat load estimation equations.

The expert explained that the total cooling load in an HVAC system depends on several heat gains such as:

• Occupancy load

• Lighting load

• Equipment/machine load

• Ventilation load

• Building envelope heat gain

He discussed the significance of:

• Sensible Heat

• Latent Heat

• Total Heat Load

2.6 Units and Conversions

The speaker also discussed commonly used HVAC units and conversions, which are very important in practical calculations and design.

Important units covered:

• TR (Ton of Refrigeration)

• kW

• BTU/hr

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

• m³/min

Common conversion concepts explained:

• kW to TR

• TR to BTU/hr

• Airflow conversions

• Practical usage of each unit in HVAC design

2.7 Chillers

The topic of chillers was explained in detail as a key component in centralized air-conditioning systems.

Points discussed:

• Working principle of chillers

• Types of chillers

  • Air-cooled chillers

  • Water-cooled chillers

• Chiller applications in large buildings and hospitals

• Chilled water circulation in HVAC systems

• Importance of chillers in centralized cooling systems

2.8 Data Tables and Standards (ASHRAE)

The expert emphasized the role of standard design data and professional guidelines in HVAC system planning. Discussion points included:

• Importance of standard design values

• Indoor design conditions

• Occupancy heat gain data

• Lighting and equipment load references

• Standard assumptions used in practical HVAC projects

2.9. Case Studies

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of practical case studies, where students were exposed to real-world HVAC implementation and load estimation methods.

2.9.1 Case Study – Hospital Air Conditioning System Implementation

The expert explained the HVAC design process for a hospital building, which requires highly controlled and reliable air-conditioning due to critical environmental needs.

The following calculations and design aspects were discussed:

• Area Calculation

• TR (Ton of Refrigeration) Calculation

• Lighting Load Calculation

• Machine / Equipment Load

• kW to TR Conversion

2.9.2 Case Study – House Air Conditioning System Implementation

The second case study focused on a residential house air-conditioning system.

The speaker explained how HVAC design for a house differs from institutional or hospital applications and how system sizing must be done carefully to avoid:

• Oversizing

• Under sizing

• Excessive energy consumption

Topics covered in this case study:

• Area Calculation

• TR Calculation

• Lighting Load Calculation

• Appliance / Equipment Load

• kW to TR Conversion

• CFM Calculation for Indoor Unit Selection