Anil Kondla
Last Updated on January 28, 2024 by Team Experts
Mitsubishi aircon servicing in Singapore can be crucial in optimizing energy usage in commercial buildings. These structures account for 40% of the world’s energy consumption, with the HVAC systems responsible for 60-70% of their energy usage alone. However, inefficient operations can lead to a wasteful 20-30% energy loss. By addressing these inefficiencies through professional Mitsubishi aircon servicing in Singapore, we have the potential to curtail global energy consumption by an impressive 10%.
Embracing such services not only benefits businesses by saving costs but also makes a positive impact on the environment. By effecting a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, we directly contribute to fulfilling our responsibility to forge a sustainable planet for the well-being of future generations. Let us embrace proactive and responsible actions to secure a brighter, more eco-friendly future.
Here’s how the energy is used in HVAC systems:
· 34% of the energy is used by fans for ventilation and air circulation.
· Chillers consume 27% of the energy to create chilled water for cooling.
· The energy used by boilers with hot water for heating is 17%.
· 16% of the energy is used by pumps that circulate hot, chilled, and condenser water.
· Six percent of the energy is used by cooling towers to reject heat.
Optimising HVAC systems is crucial because they are known for consuming a lot of energy. The difficulties faced by conventional HVAC systems make it more difficult for them to be energy-efficient.
Challenges in a traditional HVAC system:
1- Lack of Understanding
Since they operate even when not needed, like on the weekends or at night, traditional HVAC systems waste a lot of energy. We need additional information regarding critical elements like how long the system should run, how many people are there, and indoor variables like temperature and air quality, which is why this occurs. As a result, energy is wasted by having the HVAC system run unnecessarily.
2- Manual Control Issues Traditional
HVAC systems are manually operated, requiring only human involvement. This can result in issues like overcooling or undercooling because it is difficult to adjust the system appropriately. Without intelligent automation, the HVAC system is unable to take into account essential variables like ambient temperature, humidity, indoor air quality, and occupancy rate, all of which are necessary for preserving comfort while reducing energy consumption.
3- Maintenance Problems
· Mechanical Component Wear & Tear
There are numerous mechanical parts in HVAC systems, such as belts and bearings, which may fail over time. The performance of the system is impacted by the failing of these components, leading to problems like insufficient cooling, excessive cooling, heating concerns, or airflow issues. Waiting until these parts break before fixing them interrupts the HVAC system’s operation and makes the occupants uncomfortable. Waiting for faults to occur is more expensive than performing routine servicing.
· Dirty Condenser or Evaporator Coils
Dirt and debris have the potential to accumulate on the evaporator coils within the HVAC system, thereby diminishing its overall efficiency and compelling it to operate with increased effort. Such a situation may subsequently result in premature wear and tear on the system. Additionally, dirty indoor evaporator coils are a common problem, especially if furnace filters are not changed regularly.
IoT-powered HVAC system
An IoT-driven HVAC system is a smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solution that makes use of the Internet of Things.
What is IoT?
(IOT) Internet of Things is a smart network of linked devices that cooperate to collect, distribute, and execute data-driven tasks automatically and without direct human contact. Sensors/actuators, networking, data processing, user interface, and closed-loop actuation/ticketing are the five essential components of an IoT system.
How does IoT work in an HVAC system?
There are many IoT components, including sensors and actuators, in the HVAC system. Such devices can carry out instructions and gather data. For instance, sensors for temperature, humidity, and CO2 gather environmental data and wirelessly transmit it to a cloud-based system. On the other hand, an actuator can modify the water valve or fan speed in response to commands from the cloud-based system to maintain the right temperatures.
These IoT sensors gather data, which is then processed in the cloud and monitored and controlled via a web-based interface. Actionable insights are provided by AI/ML-based analytics, including alarms for unusual equipment behaviour or breaks from the ideal environmental parameters. If designed to do so, the system can even execute corrective steps automatically.
The HVAC system may be optimised on both the low and high sides thanks to IoT. On the negative side, it schedules the Air Handling Units (AHUs) based on information from wireless IoT sensors and manages chilled water valves, variable frequency drives (VFD), and VFDs. On the high end, it controls the secondary pump and chiller using information from pressure and leaving water temperature (LWT) sensors.
How IoT Changes a Traditional HVAC System?
1- Smart HVAC Control & Automation
Smart controls that optimise the flow of conditioned air throughout a building are introduced by IoT technology, which transforms conventional HVAC systems. These smart controls change the airflow in various places to ensure optimum ventilation without wasting energy. They do this by using numerous data inputs like temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, occupancy, and duct pressure.
To enhance indoor climate control, IoT-enabled HVAC systems can also incorporate external data, such as present and predicted weather conditions. This enables the system to be set up for the greatest occupant comfort while consuming less energy.
2- Smart HVAC Maintenance
With the incorporation of IoT technology, enjoy excellent Mitsubishi aircon servicing in Singapore. HVAC maintenance adopts a more pro-active and effective strategy thanks to the Internet of Things. Smart sensors collect data on the system’s health in real-time, including information on temperature, pressure, vibration, and other crucial parameters. The system can quickly spot defects and potential risks before they develop into serious failures by utilising cloud-based AI/ML data analytics.
Adopting this automated fault detection and diagnosis capabilities ensures ongoing monitoring, preventing problems from ever occurring. Reactive maintenance, on the other hand, is frequently started after a breakdown.
3- Remote Asset (HVAC) Management
IoT technology makes it possible to centrally monitor and manage the HVAC systems of numerous properties from a single platform. Property managers can use a laptop or a smartphone to remotely access this portal. They have the ability to regulate particular HVAC elements, such as vents and room temperature settings.
Property managers can remotely monitor the performance and health status of the HVAC system thanks to the real-time data and visibility provided by IoT solutions. When a severe situation arises, maintenance personnel can act immediately, and post-mortem analysis assists in preventing such problems in the future.
4- Smart Multi-Zone Management
Smart HVAC systems that are IoT-powered provide dynamic control over various parts of a building. Facility managers can control ducts and vents to divide a space into several zones with their own schedules and temperature settings. This level of control allows fine-tuning of the indoor climate down to individual rooms.
5- Modular Design Structure
The modular design approach introduced by IoT architecture makes system upgrades, maintenance, and scalability easier. The system consists of independent, separate modules that can individually be changed, replaced, or substituted on their own without affecting the system’s overall functionality. This facilitates effective HVAC system updating and maintenance.
6- Cloud-based Commissioning
Remote commissioning of HVAC systems is made possible by IoT technology and includes developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining the system in order to comply with operational needs. These procedures can be completed online via cloud-based commissioning, which eliminates the need for on-site presence.
Without distractions on the job site, engineers can concentrate on problem-solving, increasing the flexibility and efficiency of collaboration. The best coordination for the commissioning and maintenance is ensured when all required parties are present at one location.
Advantages of IoT-Powered HVAC Systems
1- Predictive Maintenance
An IoT-powered HVAC system monitors and takes proactive actions by utilising advanced data analytics and AI/ML. This aids in defect finding and diagnosis, enabling prompt maintenance, leading to cost savings and energy-efficient operation.
2- Energy Savings
By gathering information from numerous sources and automatically altering system components like valves and pumps, IoT automates HVAC operations. This optimization directly reduces energy consumption.
3- Enhanced Occupant Comfort
The HVAC system can monitor air quality, temperature, and humidity via IoT to maintain the ideal home temperature. Any deviations are promptly corrected to ensure the occupants’ comfort and safety.
4- Centralized Visibility
IoT provides a complete overview of numerous properties, including information on individual rooms and components of automated equipment. With role-based access controls, various stakeholders can access customized views.
5- Electrical Safety Compliance
Smart IoT energy metres keep an eye on current and voltage balancing and look for irregularities that can cause equipment to fail. Potential risks can be avoided thanks to prompt alerts that enable corrective action.
6- Improved HVAC Investment
Returns IoT-powered systems operate more effectively, perform proactive maintenance, and improve the lifespan of HVAC parts, all of which improve HVAC investment returns.
Why Choose IoT?
IoT technology is the future of HVAC systems due to a number of benefits:
1- Hardware Light & Software Intelligent
IoT is cost-effective, simple to deploy, and scalable because it is software-driven and only needs a small amount of hardware. It makes use of communication-enabled hardware, which eliminates the need for other systems.
2- Wireless Technology
Deployment and scaling are simplified by the wireless technology used in the Internet of Things (IoT). To increase system efficiency, various zones can autonomously communicate with the cloud.
3- OEM & Device Agnostic
IoT-based HVAC solutions ensure compatibility and flexibility by working with a variety of infrastructure and equipment brands.
4- Distributed Architectures
IoT employs a distributed method, in contrast to traditional HVAC systems, enabling direct communication with cloud servers from many devices, including smartphones and laptops.
5- Analytics Powered
Predictive maintenance and fault detection are made possible by the cloud analytics powered by AI/ML for IoT.
6- Shorter ROI Periods
Energy management systems offer a faster Return on Investment (ROI) than conventional approaches (12–18 months) because they incorporate all IoT capabilities.
IoT technology is transforming the HVAC sector and enabling businesses like Nature Cool to offer systems that are smarter and more energy-efficient. Nature Cool HVAC solutions with IoT integration provide improved control and adaptability, ensuring optimal performance even in changing environmental conditions.
