Maintenance and Technical Support Lab – Focus ” Plumbing and Heating Systems ”

Lab Objectives

• Understand how alternative energy systems work through working teaching models and real measuring instruments.
• Develop technical skills in the design, installation and maintenance of solar energy systems, heat pumps and air conditioners.
• Encourage hands-on learning through individual exercises with real-time measurements.
• Develop energy and environmental awareness by simulating sustainable, high-efficiency systems.

Educational Aims

• Solar thermal
• The teaching model enables students to: o Observe the full cycle of a solar thermal system with a miniaturised flat-plate collector. o Measure temperature, flow rate and pressure, understanding the operating principles and the variables that affect output. o Simulate the effect of real sunlight or an artificial light source in the lab.
• Water/water and air/water heat pump
• The teaching models allow: o Simulation of how heat pumps work, from configuration to control. o Study of the thermodynamic cycle and assessment of efficiency and performance parameters. o Practical exercises with direct, repeatable measurements to consolidate the theory.
• Split system air conditioning (Bosch)
• The teaching trolley with indoor/outdoor unit offers: o A practical view of the cooling, heating and dehumidification cycles. o Real exercises on pipe connection and pressure and temperature adjustment. o Support for learning the maintenance and use of air conditioning systems widely used in residential and industrial settings.
• Additional aids
• A lighting unit and transparent cover make it possible to use the models indoors too, increasing their teaching effectiveness.

Conclusion

The proposed equipment makes it possible to set up a technical lab dedicated to renewable energy and air conditioning, essential for teaching on the following courses:

• Technical Institutes: “Costruzioni, Ambiente e Territorio” (Construction, Environment and Land), “Energia” (Energy), “Tecnologie ambientali” (Environmental Technologies)
• Vocational Institutes: “Manutenzione e assistenza tecnica” (Maintenance and Technical Support), “Industria e artigianato per il Made in Italy” (Industry and Craftsmanship for Made in Italy) With practical, compact and safe devices, students can experience first-hand the operating and control principles of sustainable energy systems, developing skills they can use straight away in the world of work or in post-diploma courses. This solution includes technology systems that help foster inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. Designed to promote active and collaborative learning.