CITS Mechanic Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Trade Syllabus (English)

Overview

The CITS Mechanic Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning trade is a one-year program designed to train instructors to teach the installation, maintenance, and repair of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in ITIs. Divided into two semesters, the course covers Trade Technology (theory and practical), Training Methodology, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Soft Skills. It aligns with NSQF Level 5 standards, emphasizing advanced refrigeration technologies, energy efficiency, and effective teaching methods. The syllabus adheres to the latest Directorate General of Training (DGT) guidelines for outcome-based learning.


Semester 1 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Introduction to CITS and Mechanic Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Trade: Role of instructors, scope of the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry, and trends (e.g., eco-friendly refrigerants, smart HVAC systems).

  • Safety and Standards:

    • Advanced workshop safety: Risk assessment, PPE usage, and handling refrigerants.

    • Compliance with IS, ASHRAE, and F-Gas regulations for refrigeration systems.

    • Safe handling of high-pressure systems and electrical components.

  • Refrigeration Fundamentals:

    • Principles: Vapor compression and absorption refrigeration cycles.

    • Components: Compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves.

  • Air-Conditioning Basics:

    • Types: Window, split, and central air-conditioning systems.

    • Psychrometrics: Humidity, temperature, and air distribution.

  • Electrical Systems:

    • Motors, relays, and thermostats used in refrigeration/AC systems.

    • Wiring diagrams and electrical troubleshooting.

  • Refrigerants:

    • Types: CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and natural refrigerants (e.g., ammonia, CO2).

    • Refrigerant recovery, recycling, and retrofitting.

  • Maintenance Basics:

    • Preventive maintenance: Schedules for compressors and cooling coils.

    • Troubleshooting common faults: Leaks, low cooling, and electrical issues.

  • Quality Control: Inspection of repaired systems for performance and compliance.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Implement safety protocols in a refrigeration/AC workshop (e.g., PPE, refrigerant handling).

  • Dismantle and assemble refrigeration components (e.g., compressors, evaporators).

  • Service and test air-conditioning systems (e.g., split, window units).

  • Maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems (e.g., motors, thermostats).

  • Perform refrigerant charging, recovery, and leak detection.

  • Conduct preventive maintenance on refrigeration/AC units.

  • Diagnose system faults using tools (e.g., manifold gauges, multimeters).

  • Conduct quality checks on repaired systems for cooling efficiency.

  • Document maintenance and repair procedures.

Training Methodology

  • Instructor Role: Lesson planning, teaching strategies, and student evaluation techniques.

  • Communication Skills: Clear verbal and non-verbal communication for effective training.

  • Classroom Management: Engaging diverse learners and ensuring discipline.

  • Instructional Aids: Using projectors, digital tools, and e-learning platforms.

  • Practical Training: Demonstrating repair tasks, guiding practice, and providing feedback.


Semester 2 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Advanced Refrigeration Systems:

    • Cascade and multi-stage refrigeration systems.

    • Cold storage and industrial refrigeration units.

  • Advanced Air-Conditioning Systems:

    • Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and chilled water systems.

    • Smart HVAC: IoT-enabled climate control.

  • Electronics and Control Systems:

    • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for refrigeration/AC automation.

    • Sensors and microcontrollers for temperature and humidity control.

  • Energy Efficiency:

    • Inverter technology and energy-efficient compressors.

    • Green certifications: LEED, BEE star ratings for AC systems.

  • Diagnostics and Repair:

    • Advanced diagnostics: Use of diagnostic software and thermal imaging.

    • Overhauling compressors and heat exchangers.

  • Sustainable Practices:

    • Low-GWP refrigerants and eco-friendly systems.

    • Recycling of system components and refrigerants.

  • Entrepreneurship:

    • Starting a refrigeration/AC service business: Business plans, budgeting, and marketing.

    • Client acquisition and service contracts.

  • Industry 4.0 in Refrigeration & AC:

    • IoT for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance.

    • AI for system optimization and fault prediction.

  • Legal and Ethical Issues: Refrigerant regulations, environmental laws, and ethical service practices.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Install and service advanced systems (e.g., VRF, cold storage units).

  • Program and test PLCs for refrigeration/AC control.

  • Diagnose faults using advanced tools (e.g., thermal imagers, software).

  • Overhaul compressors and heat exchangers in a lab setup.

  • Retrofit systems with low-GWP refrigerants.

  • Implement IoT-based monitoring for system performance (if available).

  • Apply energy-efficient solutions (e.g., inverter AC installation).

  • Develop a business plan for a refrigeration/AC service business.

  • Document compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Training Methodology

  • Advanced Teaching Techniques: Micro-teaching, flipped classrooms, and blended learning.

  • Assessment and Evaluation: Designing tests, practical assessments, and grading systems.

  • Digital Tools: Using Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-learning modules.

  • Mentoring: Supporting trainees in skill development and career planning.

  • Project-Based Learning: Guiding trainees to complete repair projects (e.g., AC system overhaul).


Additional Components

Workshop Calculation & Science

  • Calculations: Cooling load, refrigerant charge, and power consumption.

  • Science: Thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.

Engineering Drawing

  • Drawing Basics: Detailed drawings of refrigeration/AC components.

  • Schematics: Piping layouts and electrical control circuits.

Soft Skills & Employability Skills

  • Communication: Client consultations, report writing, and technical presentations.

  • Leadership: Managing service teams and installation projects.

  • Time Management: Meeting repair and maintenance deadlines.


Assessment

  • Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through assignments, practicals, and tests.

  • Final Examination: Theory and practical exams conducted by NCVT at year-end.

  • Project Work: Complete a refrigeration/AC project (e.g., installing a cooling system) and a teaching demonstration.

Trade Type