The Mechanical-Electrical Technology (MET) program provides instruction in design, installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of mechanical and electrical equipment from small residential equipment to large commercial and industrial facilities. The entire spectrum of mechanical and electrical systems is covered including energy management, mechanical system commissioning, indoor air quality, building automation systems, refrigerant recovery and management, electrical controls, pneumatic controls, electronic controls, instrumentation, and heat pumps. These systems include heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigerating (HVAC/R).
Students will learn the theory and fundamentals of mechanical equipment and be exposed to hands-on training in sophisticated training laboratories. Laboratory equipment that students will work with include a water cooled chiller, cooling towers, steam and hot water boilers, thermal energy storage system, heat reclaim system, power management system, packaged and split system air conditioners, furnaces, and high, medium, and low temperature refrigeration systems. Students will also configure, program, and commission several Direct Digital Control (DDC) Systems, pneumatic systems, variable frequency drive (VFD), and programmable logic controllers (PLC), and work directly on the operating systems in the laboratory facility.
The program includes both day and evening lecture and laboratory class sections. Classes are conducted as both lecture and laboratory. Effective writing, verbal communication, electronic communication, sketching, drafting, mechanical calculations, and computer skills are emphasized across the curriculum.
Recommended High School Preparation
Completion of college preparatory English and general mathematics courses is highly desirable but not required. Courses in drafting, algebra, and computer fundamentals will be beneficial.
Program Costs
In addition to normal student expenses such as tuition and textbooks, MET students must purchase safety glasses for use in laboratory and shop classes. If this fee creates a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
✔ apply problem-solving and analytical thinking skills in the maintenance, operation, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, accessories, and controls.
✔ utilize tools and equipment in the maintenance, operation, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, accessories, and controls.
✔ demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of the Federal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification license examination.
✔ recognize the importance of proper handling of refrigerants and the environmental impact of improper refrigerant management.
✔ operate and troubleshoot both a water boiler and low pressure steam boiler system, pumping and piping systems, and related heating equipment.
✔ design a heating-cooling system for a residential and commercial application from concept to finish.
✔ explain the operation of chilled water systems, air distribution, variable air volume systems, thermal storage, cooling towers, and energy management.
✔ explain the concepts related to absorption air conditioning systems, helical-rotary, and centrifugal water chillers.
✔ demonstrate an understanding of electrical circuits and controls.
✔ design an electrical control schematic and troubleshoot various electrical equipment.
✔ utilize freehand sketching and drafting skills for use in field applications.
✔ demonstrate an understanding of the different types, applications, and proper use of instruments to measure and record temperature,
✔ humidity, flow, light, sound, velocity, pressure, combustion emissions, air quality, voltage, level, force, and vibration.
analyze complex systems of the automatic controls industries.
✔ design and program Variable Frequency Drives, Programmable Logic Control systems, Direct Digital Control systems, and Pneumatic Control systems.
✔ explain the theory and demonstrate practical skill sets required of an entry level Building Automation Systems Technician.
✔ analyze manufacturer’s data of equipment performance and economic factors related to heating, cooling, and refrigeration equipment, and ✔ estimate the cost of a refrigeration system installation including materials, labor, and profit.
✔ solve problems involving heat transfer, heating and cooling loads, air distribution, and psychrometrics of air.
✔ evaluate and determine the need for periodic equipment maintenance and demonstrate an understanding of a maintenance contract.