How smart HVAC is creating sustainable buildings

It stands to reason that an essential part of a smart building is an efficient air-conditioning system that can manage energy consumption and enhance sustainability.

By integrating advanced technology and data-driven strategies, building operators can significantly improve the environmental performance of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The use of Wi-Fi and Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions allows these systems to be more precisely controlled and monitored, which can lead to greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Kyle Rafter, General Manager, Product and Strategy at Fujitsu General Australia, explains that smart building management systems use a centralised platform to monitor and control HVAC systems, automatically adjusting settings based on real-time data like occupancy levels, weather conditions and indoor air quality.

“This can help lower energy bills by ensuring air-conditioning output aligns with demand, while also contributing to a reduced environmental impact,” he said.

IoT-enabled sensors and devices provide detailed insights into the building’s internal climate by monitoring internal conditions such as temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels. This provides precise adjustments to HVAC operations for efficient performance and occupant comfort. For example, motion detectors can identify if spaces are unoccupied in a building, then alert the system to adjust cooling levels for those spaces so that energy is conserved during off-peak times.

Advanced systems can offer low installation costs and rapid deployment; eg, wireless-enabled sensors eliminate the need for extensive wiring, reducing both risk and disruption. Replacing sensors is a quick process and requires little to no downtime for easy integration of new wireless sensors into existing systems. This scalability enhances resource use and delivers seamless updates.

Machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics further enhance HVAC energy efficiency by predicting usage patterns and anticipating heating and cooling needs. This proactive approach can reduce energy consumption during peak periods and supports base predictive maintenance strategies to identify potential issues before they cause system failures. As a result, downtime is minimised and equipment lifespan is extended.

Additionally, energy-efficient components like variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and inverter-driven compressors provide precise control of refrigerant flow and compressor speed, adapting to specific cooling and heating needs to reduce energy waste.

“Today’s comprehensive smart building solutions bring together environmental sensors, asset controllers and building management software in one package,” Rafter said. “These full-stack systems can be deployed locally or in the cloud to overcome the limitations of older set-ups that often require multiple products and come with high installation costs. In contrast, newer solutions use wireless communication for quick deployment with minimal downtime.”

The system architecture includes an IoT multi-language gateway that collects and aggregates data to connect both wireless and wired sensors. Low-cost IoT modules communicate wirelessly and offer various inputs and outputs for flexibility and scalability. Wireless sensors capture multiple data points, empowering building operators to make informed, data-driven decisions to optimise energy efficiency.

“Optimising air-conditioning systems is essential to achieve sustainability goals and reduce urban carbon footprints,” Rafter said. “Energy-efficient HVAC systems create comfortable, healthy indoor environments that generate cost savings and enhance building reputations.

“As demand for smart, efficient buildings grows, advanced HVAC technologies will lead the industry toward a more sustainable future, with air-conditioning systems playing a crucial role in shaping resilient urban landscapes.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Nikada