Capstone in Energy Management and Controls Technology

Course Description

This capstone course serves as the culminating experience for students completing the Energy Management and Controls Technology program. Students integrate and apply the full range of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program — including HVAC/R commercial systems, control theory, logic and programming, system design and integration, and Building Automation Systems (BAS) — to complete a comprehensive, industry-aligned project. The course emphasizes professional-level technical documentation, system commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance analysis in preparation for immediate entry into the building automation workforce.

This course is classified under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) taxonomy of Engineering Technologies > Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat (ETM prefix). It is typically offered as a combined lecture and laboratory course (denoted by the "C" suffix) at participating Florida colleges including Valencia College and Tallahassee State College.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Design, program, and integrate Building Automation System (BAS) hardware and software by interpreting technical submittals, developing control strategies, verifying system functionality through testing, and producing complete technical documentation.
• Install and commission energy management systems in accordance with industry standards and project specifications.
• Construct and configure a secure energy management system data communication network, applying appropriate network protocols and cybersecurity practices.
• Create energy management system control logic to meet commercial building systems requirements, including scheduling, setpoints, and alarm management.
• Diagnose, repair, and validate the operation of BAS hardware, software, and communication networks using diagnostic tools, trend data, and standard troubleshooting procedures.
• Monitor, analyze, and optimize BAS operations by applying control strategies, trend data analysis, and system tuning techniques to improve performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
• Evaluate energy management system operational data and produce a professional analysis report with actionable recommendations.
• Communicate clear, accurate technical documentation, reports, and presentations explaining automation and control system components, operation, and performance to diverse professional audiences.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included depending on institutional emphasis and available industry partnerships:

• Complete a structured industry-based internship or supervised work experience component and document professional competencies demonstrated on the job.
• Develop energy control strategies to improve efficiency across integrated commercial building systems including HVAC, lighting, and access control.
• Apply ASHRAE standards and energy codes in the review and commissioning of building system designs.
• Demonstrate proficiency with industry-leading BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls Metasys, Siemens Desigo, Tridium Niagara) in a capstone project context.
• Prepare and deliver a capstone portfolio or professional presentation to a panel of industry representatives or faculty.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Capstone Project Planning and Scoping — Defining project objectives, timelines, deliverables, and performance criteria aligned with industry expectations.
• BAS System Design and Integration — End-to-end design, configuration, and integration of building automation hardware and software components including controllers, sensors, and actuators.
• Control Logic Development and Programming — Writing, testing, and validating control sequences for HVAC and building systems using DDC (Direct Digital Control) programming tools.
• Energy Management System Installation — Hands-on installation of EMS/BAS components in accordance with technical specifications and applicable codes.
• Data Communication Networks — Configuration and troubleshooting of BAS communication networks including BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks protocols.
• System Commissioning and Functional Testing — Verifying system operation against design intent through structured commissioning procedures and functional performance testing.
• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting — Systematic fault isolation and repair of BAS hardware, software, and network faults using trend logs and diagnostic tools.
• Energy Performance Analysis — Analyzing operational trend data to evaluate system efficiency and identify optimization opportunities.
• Technical Documentation and Reporting — Producing professional-grade documentation including as-built drawings, control descriptions, commissioning reports, and operator manuals.

Optional Topics

• Cybersecurity for Building Automation Networks — Best practices for securing BAS/EMS networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Integration of Renewable Energy and Demand Response — Incorporating solar, demand-side management, or utility incentive programs into building energy control strategies.
• Industry-Based Internship Experience — Supervised field placement with a building controls contractor, facilities management team, or systems integrator.
• Professional Presentation and Portfolio Development — Preparing and delivering a capstone project presentation to faculty and/or industry panelists.
• Emerging BAS Technologies — Survey of IoT integration, cloud-based BAS platforms, and AI-driven predictive controls.

Resources & Tools

• BAS Hardware Platforms: Industry-representative building automation controllers, sensors, and actuators (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Tridium Niagara)
• DDC Programming Software: Manufacturer-specific control programming environments; Tridium Niagara Framework
• Network Diagnostic Tools: Protocol analyzers for BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks communications
• Energy Analysis Software: Trend logging and reporting tools integrated into BAS front-end workstations
• Technical References: ASHRAE Handbooks (Fundamentals, HVAC Systems and Equipment), NFPA 70 (NEC), applicable Florida Building Code sections
• Florida SCNS Course Profiles: Available via the Florida Department of Education SCNS portal at flscns.fldoe.org

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete this capstone course are prepared for high-demand technician and specialist roles in the commercial building automation and energy management industries. The building sector is the single largest user of energy in the U.S., driving sustained demand for skilled BAS professionals.

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician — Installs, programs, and troubleshoots computerized control systems for commercial HVAC, lighting, and security
• Energy Management Systems Technician — Monitors and optimizes building energy consumption using EMS platforms
• Controls Systems Integrator — Designs and integrates multi-vendor BAS systems into unified building management platforms
• Facilities Controls Specialist — Manages day-to-day BAS operations and energy performance for commercial or institutional facilities
• BAS Field Service Engineer — Provides commissioning, startup, and ongoing service for building automation equipment
• HVAC Controls Programmer — Develops and validates control sequences for commercial mechanical systems

Graduates may also pursue advanced education through Valencia College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Leadership (BASBOL) or similar programs at Florida state colleges to advance into supervisory and management roles.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This capstone course supports preparation for the following industry-recognized credentials frequently required or preferred by Florida employers:

• HVAC Excellence Employment Ready — Building Automation Technician Certification: Covers DDC Fundamentals, Building Automation Networks, Building Automation Controllers, Digital Logic and Programming, Sensor and Actuator Installation and Applications.
• Association of Controls Professionals (ACP) — BAS Technician Credential: Validates competencies in installation, programming, and troubleshooting of computerized commercial building control systems.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification: May be required for students working with refrigerants as part of integrated HVAC/BAS system work.

Students at Valencia College and other Florida institutions may also be eligible to receive credit toward this program for approved Gold Standard industry certifications under the Florida College System's Career Pathways credit recognition framework. Students should consult their Student Success Coach for eligibility details.

Program-Specific Notes

• This is typically a terminal course taken in the final semester of the Energy Management and Controls Technology A.S. degree program.
• At Valencia College, most specialized ETM program courses — including the capstone — are offered on the West Campus and may not be available every session.
• Students who have completed approved HVAC/R programs at technical colleges (e.g., Orange Technical College, Osceola Technical College, Lake Technical College, Southern Technical College) may be eligible for articulated credit toward the A.S. program.