Automation is the way forward for Smart HVAC

The automatic and predictive artificial intelligence HVAC control software issues the necessary instructions to the HVAC equipment elaborates ………….. Danfoss Ltd.

Automation is the Way Forward. Among the evolving opportunities, smart technology offers ample convenience allowing us to set triggers and control HVAC systems from mobile devices. Smart ACs, smart controllers, and programmable thermostats provide numerous benefits. Along with comfort and convenience, we can achieve energy savings by setting triggers to activate HVAC units exactly when we need them. 

Another opportunity is ductless HVAC Systems which are superefficient, and their installation does not involve extensive ducts. This makes them easy to install being costeffective. Another benefit of ductless systems is their zoning capability. In the case of a ductless system, we do not need to heat or cool an entire zone, but we can heat or cool a particular zone. These systems are very efficient, with great seasonal efficiency ratings. Ductless HVAC systems can be installed from moderate temperature zones to harsh temperature zones. The already efficient ductless system can be made more efficient by using smart AC controls. 

Further, zoned HVAC systems can customise temperature according to an area. Zones can be applied to central air conditioning, VRF, or ductless systems. Zones can easily be installed in existing systems by utilising a zone control panel. 

 Predictive maintenance, utilising IoT and AI to upkeep and maintenance of HVAC technology, is the contractor’s need to stay alert. HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations can be extremely costly. This makes it imperative to stay alert and be able to predict when maintenance is needed before a serious issue arises!

Smart HVAC technology senses data on air quality and equipment status to predict the right time for maintenance. This helps to fix any problem or indication before it occurs and causes severe damage. Other than monetary benefits, we can significantly benefit from improved air quality at all times and better comfort with predictive maintenance!

HVAC Energy Analysis Software is another need for HVAC contractors to make Informed Decisions. Energy analysis software can be extremely useful in helping owners or constructors to implement the most efficient and least costly HVAC system. This software can analyse and predict a building’s lifetime energy use and calculate savings compared to other HVAC systems.

For training HVAC Professionals, Virtual Reality training is cost effective for organisations because professionals can first use virtual components and develop their skills. It helps in saving money and time as well. With the help of a virtual simulator, technicians can look into the HVAC system’s installation or troubleshoot the new system. A large group of people can be trained through virtual reality in less time and with less equipment.

 

Maintenance and monitoring of HVAC systems by contractors

 HVAC technology of the future will achieve sustainability, cost efficiency and enhanced comfort levels by becoming more environmentally friendly using automation and smart technology and analysing data for peak performance. Hence, increasing Digital Zoning through Programmable Thermostats is a must. Geothermal solutions harness the power of the earth’s heat energy for effective, sustainable HVAC solutions. The systems are estimated to be 65 percent more efficient than other traditional HVAC systems. Also, 3D-printed air conditioners absorb humidity and cool the air through evaporation. User-friendly controls and IoTbased systems allow equipment monitoring and data collection. Through smart technologies, HVAC systems will use sensors to control and monitor humidity and temperature levels.

 

Role of IT and analysis for HVAC systems for contractors 

IT plays a significant role in optimising and maintaining HVAC systems and helps keep commercial buildings healthier and energy efficient. HVAC monitoring systems include IoT sensors for monitoring temperature, occupancy, fresh air intake and other conditions that affect indoor climate. Controllers and actuators turn data collected from these sensors into actions. Smart Building management platforms perform more complex analyses with machine learning capabilities. Some benefits an IoTbased HVAC monitoring system – integrated with smart building management platforms – can offer commercial buildings are stated herein. IoT HVAC monitoring systems help buildings heat and cool spaces more efficiently for greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs. Sensor data can be used to evaluate equipment performance, identify inefficiencies, and create efficiencyfocused automation strategies based on various variables. IoT devices can also monitor elements within an HVAC system, including variable air volume systems and fan coils, to promote energy efficiency.

The other benefit is sustainability. Optimising efficiency, IoT-HVAC monitoring systems can drastically reduce a building’s carbon footprint and are often the key to certifications like LEED and BREEAM. Sustainability programs aren’t just good for the environment. They are also suitable for business. Certified buildings command higher rents than non-certified buildings—and are increasingly attractive to tenants and buyers.

Better occupant health and greater comfort are yet another advantage. A cutting-edge IoT HVAC monitoring system can ensure that HVAC equipment stays responsive to occupants’ needs and safeguards the well-being of everyone inside the building. IoT HVAC monitoring systems help maintain ideal temperatures and humidity levels and ensure buildings stay responsive to changing occupants’ needs.

Data-driven maintenance means less reliance on manual intervention, easier troubleshooting, less downtime and lower maintenance costs. Besides mobile control, remote monitoring of building data from any smart device ensures access to information from remote locations at any time. IoT-enabled HVAC systems work together with other smart systems to unlock new capabilities and support greater efficiency. E.g. HVAC functions can be adjusted according to real-time or predicted occupancy to ensure comfortable conditions while eliminating unnecessary heating and cooling. IoT-driven HVAC systems can also work with smart fans and blinds and adjust indoor conditions according to outside temperatures or weather.

The ability to predict energy consumption in a building is an enormous advantage for demand forecasting. A smart building platform can use IoT HVAC monitoring system data to anticipate future energy needs and facilitate peak energy demand reductions.

 

AI influences HVAC system energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. 

HVAC systems are the largest energyconsuming loads in residential and commercial buildings. For this reason, energy efficiency measures that target HVAC can achieve major savings. However, HVAC upgrades that save energy should not affect the quality of the indoor environment, or they can cause discomfort & health issues.

Artificial Intelligence has promising applications in HVAC since it can improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. AI can optimise variables like Airflow, Temperature and Humidity, conserving air quality with the lowest possible energy consumption. 

The ventilation, heating and cooling needs of a building are constantly changing. Only a smart control system can process all this data in real-time and adjust the HVAC system accordingly. An HVAC system with manual control cannot reach peak performance due to variable working conditions. When ventilation controls have artificial intelligence, they can determine the optimal airflow required by the building. The system can also track the number of occupants in the building and the concentration of key air pollutants like VOCs & Particulate matter. Over-ventilation cause waste of energy and underventilation is detrimental to indoor air quality. Ventilation control with AI helps prevent both of them. There is only one requirement the ventilation system must never reduce airflow below the minimum value required by local building codes.

Energy efficiency measures can become more effective when AI is added to the mix achieving greater savings. The automatic and predictive artificial intelligence HVAC control software gathers information from the machines, temperature sensors and electrical meters. To predict thermal requirements, the data is continuously analysed in conjunction with outside knowledge, such as weather predictions.

The automatic and predictive artificial intelligence HVAC control software issues the necessary instructions to the HVAC equipment. It may automatically lower the office’s air conditioning before the temperature gets too chilly, saving money while enhancing comfort. Secondly, automating tiresome and time-consuming procedures enables facilities managers to do preventive maintenance, minimises downtime and saves time.

 

HVAC upgrades that work better with artificial intelligence are – 

• Airside Economizers can save plenty of energy in some climates. When outside air has a suitable temperature and humidity for free cooling, the economiser increases ventilation rates while reducing the air conditioning output. Electricity is saved because fans are less expensive to operate than air conditioners. Smart controls can optimise the airside economiser to maximise these savings.
• Energy Recovery Ventilation achieves synergy with smart ventilation. When the outdoor airflow is optimised, heating or cooling extra energy waste is avoided. The ERV system can then exchange heat between the supply air and the exhaust air, reducing the HVAC load even more. ERV works with both air conditioning and space heating. Indoor air precools air in summer and preheats outdoor air in winter.

 

Probable preventive and steps to improve IAQ 

Source Control entails eliminating or reducing individual sources of pollution. This is the most costeffective method of protecting IAQ than increasing ventilation, which includes installing an exhaust fan near the start of contaminants and increasing outdoor airflow in mechanical ventilation systems. Other methods include: • Maintaining clean ducts and coils. 

• Pure steam HVAC coil cleaning. 
• Replacing HVAC filters. 
• Scheduled housekeeping. 
• Preventing mould, which is used to supplement source control and ventilation.

 

When source control and ventilation are low, air filters, electronic particle air cleaners, and ionisers can be used to remove airborne particles. Gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants. Other preventive steps include:

• Keeping clean ducts and coils. 
• Using pure steam to clean HVAC coils. 
• Replacing HVAC filters regularly. 
• Scheduling housekeeping
• Limiting VOCs. 
• Preventing mould growth.

 

Some Top solutions for Indoor Air Quality 

 

Eurovent-certified air handling units customised and designed for applications such as hotels, commercial office spaces, pharmaceutical industry, airports, etc. 

Smart AHU unit is equipped with an integrated control system for small projects that may not have BMS and for larger buildings that require linking to existing BMS. These can be controlled remotely and linked to automation systems via communication protocols. Monitoring and controlling parameters such as temperature, humidity, air flows, filters, dampers, and actuator status aid in conserving thermal and electrical energy. Also, this assists in saving operational and maintenance costs. 

Yet, another top solution in providing the best air quality and a comfortable indoor environment is eradicating particulates (Dust, Dander, Pollen), gases (Odorous, VOCs), and microbes (Bacteria, Viruses, and Spores) from the air stream, using air purification systems and Photohydroionisation (PHI) technology.

AHUs with HEPA filters eliminate particulates, dust, and microorganisms in the pharmaceutical industry. Delta P’s air pressure keeps the area cleaner than the surrounding areas, and UV light systems in AHUs kill bacteria and viruses, helping to improve IAQ. This contributes to microbial reduction and pandemic control. Installing UV systems in AHUs has the added benefit of keeping the coils clean.

Real-time IAQ monitoring can factor in air quality standards, below which there will be alerts prompting corrective actions. Using the IoT platform, commercial buildings can initiate communications between the IAQ and HVAC sensors that could only improve the HVAC system and lead to overall energy efficiency.