AI-Powered HVAC controls to revise the efficiency and performance

Shankar Ghime, Principal Consultant at Airtechnics MEP Consultants, noted that embracing AI-integrated building controls is pivotal in revolutionising the HVAC industry and shifting from time-based to performance-based preventive maintenance. This technology optimises efficiency, reduces costs, and extends system lifespans.

What is the significance of HVAC efficiency in the commercial segment?
In our diverse range of projects spanning Industrial, Commercial, and Residential sectors, the Commercial segment takes the spotlight. This sector, encompassing Hospitality, Healthcare, Malls, and Multiplexes, greatly emphasises the HVAC system as a vital component of its operations. HVAC consumes a significant 50% of the total energy bills, making it a critical factor in determining business performance and competitiveness within the market. Beyond merely the performance of air conditioners, HVAC efficiency plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, ensuring the well-being of occupants, driving better business revenues, and securing a top position in the fiercely competitive market landscape. A robust and energy-efficient HVAC system is the key to success, bringing prosperity and excellence to every facet of the commercial domain.

What are the primary evaluation criteria for an HVAC system?
The primary evaluation criteria for an HVAC system are centred around ensuring the comfort of occupants and meeting the design requirements, such as temperature, humidity, noise, and carbon dioxide levels. After implementation, it’s crucial to re-evaluate the system’s performance regarding the actual needs of the designated areas. Often, we discover significant disparities between the actual requirements and the system that was put in place. This prompts a thorough assessment of the system’s efficiency and opens up opportunities for enhancements and improvements.

How does the sensor for equipment monitoring in commercial and residential spaces help conserve energy?
For HVAC systems, achieving optimal performance relies on precise controls and safety measures. These control instruments are not a one-time installation; they require regular maintenance and calibration checks to ensure accuracy. If necessary, recalibration or replacement with calibrated controls is advised. Sometimes, controls may malfunction, leading to a drop in system efficiency and preventing desired outcomes. In both Commercial and Residential settings, it’s highly recommended to periodically inspect and maintain HVAC controls to ensure their accuracy and overall system efficiency.

What is the key objective during the early stages of a building project, and what factors must be considered in the design process?
The key objective during the early stages of any building project is to minimise the heat load in occupied spaces, beginning right from the drawing table. Careful consideration is required during the building’s design process, considering factors like its orientation, internal space usage patterns, construction materials, occupancy load, varying patterns, and artificial and natural lighting combinations. The fresh air requirements must also align with the occupancy and their activities. By giving due thought to these aspects, one can achieve optimal heat load results and create a space that meets the desired outcomes.

What are the benefits of building control systems in higher-risk buildings to enhance safety and security?
In today’s business landscape, numerous commercial entities have grown to such a size that individually monitoring spaces or areas becomes impractical. To address this challenge, it is strongly advised to implement building control systems that oversee HVAC and other utilities crucial to the building’s operations. These control systems provide valuable early warnings for preventative and periodic maintenance and access to historical data for comparative analysis of system performance. With such technology, businesses can ensure efficient functioning, proactive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making for optimal building performance.

How can the integration of AI into building controls help address challenges related to building systems?
In many instances, it has been observed that building systems can deviate significantly from their initial designs over time due to usage patterns. Additionally, the scarcity of skilled workforce poses a challenge, leading to missed maintenance schedules. However, there’s a solution on the horizon: Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated building controls. These systems can accurately determine and schedule periodic and preventive maintenance based on performance and usage patterns by harnessing AI. This ensures the HVAC system operates at its peak efficiency levels. AI will dynamically adjust the system to accommodate variable loads and schedules, providing users timely warnings and notifications. This technology saves energy, time, and resources and reduces dependency on a skilled workforce, paving the way for a highly efficient and reliable HVAC system.

How AI-integrated building controls are poised to revolutionise the HVAC industry?
With a shortage of skilled workforce and soaring energy costs, building controls in HVAC systems are set to become pivotal for efficient operation and maintenance. Currently, preventative maintenance relies on time-based schedules, but the future holds a transformation towards performance-based preventive maintenance, all thanks to AI-integrated building controls. This shift will revolutionary change how HVAC systems are managed, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilisation while reducing dependence on human labour.

As a professional in the field, we highly recommend that HVAC installation users embrace AI-integrated Building controls. This cutting-edge technology ensures the system operates at peak efficiency, with a less semi-skilled workforce achieving timely and performance-based preventative maintenance. The benefits are clear: reduced operating costs, consistent desired results without compromises, and an extended system lifespan.