Innovative technologies are taking the HVAC industry by storm. As high-tech gadgets and the latest innovations continue to improve our lives, revolutionary HVAC technologies that could change how we heat and cool our homes, offices, industries etc. Many of these HVAC technologies are still on the drawing board, but there are some you can take advantage of now to boost your ambient comfort levels. From smart watches and Google glasses to 3D printing and 4K televisions, the world has seen many technological advances over the last decade. The HVAC industry has been hard at work too, developing new functions, features and systems designed to improve your indoor comfort while slashing energy expenses to a minimum. Whether you need a heating or air conditioning replacement or you want to upgrade an outdated system, investing in a new HVAC installation gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the latest and greatest high-tech advancements.
Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC systems) account for 39% of the energy used in commercial buildings. Consequently, almost any business or government agency has the potential to realize significant savings by improving its control of HVAC operations and improving the efficiency of the system it uses.
Airports are one of the major energy consuming sectors for HVAC. Every one degree of temperature setting results in saving of 3% in energy consumption.
The use of high performance HVAC equipment can result in considerable energy, emissions, and cost savings (10%–40%). Whole building design coupled with an “extended comfort zone” can produce much greater savings (40%–70%). Extended comfort includes employing concepts such as providing warmer, but drier air using desiccant dehumidification in summer, or cooler air with warmer windows and warmer walls in winter. In addition, high-performance HVAC can provide increased user thermal comfort, and contribute to improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
Movement-Activated Air Conditioning
The modern technologies have come up with a new air conditioning design that utilizes sensors along Aluminum rods hung from the ceiling. Movement then activates these sensors. In other words, the air conditioner only kicks on when people are present.
A motion-activated (PIR) system seems like such a simple, ingenious idea that it’s almost baffling it hasn’t been tried before now. However, this kind of prototype is just one example of how future HVAC systems are going to be more compact and portable, helping to reduce both energy and utility costs.
Thermally Driven Air Conditioning
Another design that’s recently been implemented is thermally driven air conditioning. An Australian company named Chromasun has produced a low-cost alternative to traditional A/C units. It isn’t a widespread technology yet, and it will likely be several years before this kind of design becomes widely available in the United States. However, thermally driven air conditioning is a system that uses solar energy and is supplemented by natural gas, making it a highly efficient and effective system.
In fact, the double-chiller design provides more cooling capabilities than any other system so far, and it eliminates electricity costs altogether.
On-Demand Hot Water Re-circulator
A US-based company out of Rhode Island has designed an “on command” pump for a home’s water lines, which allows cool water to be circulated back into the water heater upon activation.
This product was engineered to be a solution to a major problem to which all of us contribute: Each year, the average home wastes 12,000 gallons of water just waiting for that water to warm up. Re-circulating this otherwise-wasted water back into the system is an eco-friendly solution that’s bound to play a huge part in future homes.
Ice-Powered Air Conditioning
Air conditioners seem to be prime systems for tweaking and making better. That’s why MERC has encouraged an ice-powered A/C system called the Ice Banking. The Ice Banking essentially works by freezing water in a tank overnight during off peak hours of the electrical energy demand, so the ice can help cool a building the next day. So far, the design has been able to provide enough cooling which offset appreciable part of conventional cooling load of the peak demand during peak electricity demand hours i.e. office hours. An article has been contributed by me in earlier issues of Cooling India with actual case study.
Sensor-Enhanced Ventilation
Each year, several products debut at technology expos all across the country, and 2015 was the year of the Ecovent. This ingenious product consists of sensor-driven vents that replace a home’s existing ceiling, wall, or floor vents. The best part? A smartphone app can control the Ecovent, providing precise, room-by-room temperature control.
Additionally, the system utilizes sensors to monitor a home’s temperature, air pressure, and other indoor air quality factors. Even though this system design is brand new, it’s been well tested and has already hit the market. Therefore, this is one piece of technology you can take advantage of today.
Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps
Another US-based company has come up with the dual-fuel heat pump concept. The argument is that heat pumps tend to be more efficient and provide the maximum amount of comfort when using a combination of fuel. In this case, the system is a combination of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace.
At low temperatures, the pump draws on gas heat to maximize efficiency. When the temperature rises above 35 degrees, electricity takes over. The initial costs associated with a dual-fuel heat pump are more than a conventional system, but the amount of money you can potentially save over the next several years more than makes up for the costs.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Along those same lines, geothermal technology is a major investment that promises to save you much money over its lifetime. Geothermal heat pumps have been around since the 1940s, so they’re not exactly a new technology. Nevertheless, these products haven’t really caught on until recently.
With more homeowners waking up to the importance of going green, geothermal heat pumps have grown in popularity. A geothermal heat pump gets its energy directly from the earth through an underground looped pipe that absorbs the heat and carries it into the home. When cooling is needed, the process occurs in reverse, with the pump removing warmth in the home. A major bonus of having a geothermal heat pump is the availability of free hot water. Therefore, if you’re considering having geothermal technology installed in your home, ask your technician about this valuable perk.
Smart Homes
Everything is getting smarter these days. From the cars we drive to the televisions we watch, just about every piece of tech you can imagine has been outfitted with smart technology. It’s only natural, then, that our homes would be next.
Connected systems and phone apps now allow us to control our home’s lighting, heating, cooling, security systems, surveillance, and entertainment at the push of a virtual button. It’s a no-brainer that these “smart” technologies will continue to evolve and become integrated into our homes, allowing us to control a home’s comfort levels down to the last detail. Since many of these innovations are already available on the market, this movement toward a smarter home has changed how HVAC engineers and designers approach the next big thing, which is good news for those of us who appreciate high-tech solutions.
Fully Automated Homes
As if owning a smart home wasn’t convenient enough, fully automated homes will soon become a reality. There are already technological solutions on the market that are allowing companies to experiment with automated appliances and other products. Therefore, it’s only natural that HVAC systems will one day be directly tied into other systems in your home, making adjustments according to the status of the rest of the house.
3-D Printed Air Conditioners
It may seem a little far-fetched, but 3-D printing has advanced rapidly over the last few years, so expecting products like 3-D printed A/C systems could very well be a reality one day.
In fact, a company called Emerging Objects has already created a 3-D printed “brick” that draws moisture out of an area to cool it. While this simple innovation can’t be used in extreme temperatures, and we’re still a far cry from 3-D printed air conditioners, it’s just one example of the power of such a simple technology. We never know what tomorrow may bring.
Harnessing Heat from a Computer
If you own a laptop and have ever used it for several hours in one setting, you know how much heat it begins to generate. One innovator named Lawrence Orsini, founder of Project Exergy, has seen how efficient computers are at generating heat. This is why he’s theorised they can be used for powering heating systems.
Consider this: How many times have you thought of how great it would be if you had to use your stationary bike or treadmill to power your television? It may not be a serious thought, but it’s something almost everyone has considered at one time or another. Harnessing heat from a product you already use every day draws upon the same principle. At the end of the day, why waste all that excess energy when you don’t have to?
It’s fun to speculate about the future of HVAC technology, but only time will tell which systems will make the cut and catch on with most homeowners. If you’re interested to learn which high-tech systems are available now, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating at 888-414-4655.
Say ‘solar energy’ and most people instantly think of those large panels that go on the tops of homes or vast structural arrays outside of buildings that are designed to collect the rays of the sun. The chemistry, engineering and nanotechnologies behind these materials and systems often play an important part in their cost, availability, and effectiveness — something many of the individuals on this list of solar and renewable energy instructors already know about. This is a driving factor in looking for more effective solutions, processes and materials, and in disseminating any new found knowledge through instruction, shared research, or publication – so that others can make advances.
Nanotechnology, by the way, is an examination of materials or science on a very small scale, including through atoms and molecules. That said, there are many different manifestations of green energy systems and sustainable energy, whether that’s HVAC, solar, wind power or something else unique. This list examines that broad range, hitting on instructors who are involved in research, but also others who engage in hands-on teaching and/or work with students through energy laboratories and institutes. Many have a degree in engineering, but others work in related science fields, such as chemistry. This just goes to show there are many facets to renewable energy careers and that’s true whether you are looking at a start though an associate-degree level program (with HVAC as a possibility) or seek to advance your knowledge through upper-level education.
When it comes to heating and air conditioning in the home, advancements within the components themselves are making units more energy efficient than ever. HVAC systems are increasingly communicating between the indoor and outdoor controls while also reducing heat loss and maximizing dehumidifying processes. The systems also run quieter and are easier to use with touch screen, programmable thermostats with multiple settings.
While there are some definitive changes in the HVAC components and controls themselves, some external technologies are also helping to take that efficiency to even another level. A driving force behind these advances are the ever-expanding capabilities of smartphones, allowing users to basically control and monitor their home or business from anywhere in the world.
The driving forces behind these technological advancements are 1) improving efficiency or reducing utility bills, 2) lessening the strain on both the grid and the environment, and 3) increasing the comfort of rooms in a home or building. What’s making this possible is the fact that interconnection is at an all-time high between both people and machines and only improving on basically a daily basis.
Perhaps the best example of how HVAC technologies are changing the game is NEST and its Learning Thermostat. In short, the NEST Learning Thermostat is almost like a virtual butler as it educates itself on what temperatures you like and automatically adjusts the room to those settings based on time of day and occupancy. NEST turns itself off when you leave the room and is controllable via Wi-Fi which means you can perform tasks like warming up the bathroom before heading in for a morning shower — if NEST hasn’t already done so.
While NEST is a remarkable advancement, the concept of a programmable or even teachable thermostat isn’t necessarily new. That should change in the near future since Google purchased NEST for $3.2 billion and will only continue to improve on these technologies. That being said there are numerous other HVAC concepts that are a reality now or will be sooner than imagined.
Utility Sales
One thing that NEST incorporates that will benefit the function of all grid members is the ability to remotely shut off during peak demand. This program is already somewhat existent with ‘demand pricing’ in which utility companies offer lower rates for those customers who can manage their electricity usage when demand is at the highest. On very hot summer days, for example, there is only so much energy to go around, so those customers who ‘help out’ the utility company by temporarily turning off their air conditioning get a kickback with lower overall rates. The problem is not knowing when the peak demand starts or if the temperature is hot enough to be considered such a situation. Technology will make this process more automated, offering notifications or even automatic shutdown of utilities as local demand rises.
Self Diagnostics
For the most part, consumers are at the mercy of HVAC technicians when their air conditioner or furnace goes out. In some cases, this can be a harrowing time especially in extreme hot/cold temperatures or when the repair company is experiencing a backlog of calls. The ability for HVAC components to self-diagnose and repair much like a computer could be a game-changer to get consumers heat or air back online. While repair personnel may worry about their jobs being nonexistent, those technologies could go to a next level and send them a notification when their clients are experiencing issues — after all, somebody still has to perform parts replacements.
Variable Refrigerant Flow
One of the biggest energy losses occurs when an entire house is being warmed or cooled and only one room calls for the HVAC system to kick in. A great example is a home that sits in the shade on one end and in the direct glare of the sun on the other side. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) allows users to simultaneously heat and cool different parts of the building to various temperatures while maintaining energy efficiency.
These innovations are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the changing face of HVAC technologies. Eventually, smartphones will be even more connected with the furnace and air conditioner with more zoned heating and cooling options and even further control if that’s possible. Repairs may soon be electronically guided by the system itself as the smart home becomes more and more abundant.
Either way what this means is that ratty old furnace that barks and squeals for three minutes before starting up will soon be a thing of the past.
HVAC technology is constantly changing due to new discoveries and influences outside the industry. As recently as this century, central, indoor climate control was available to only a privileged few. Today, even central air-conditioning in homes is common in the US. Improvements occurred through a number of factors such as technical, market changes, energy and environmental concerns, and political decisions. Changes continue to occur and they benefit of our customers and are our part of our future.
Environment
The environment has possibly had more influence on HVAC technology than has energy. The environment will continue to impact the industry into the foreseeable future. Policies regarding climate change have also directly impacted our industry. As we design and operate more energy-efficient equipment and systems, we use less energy, energy that in many cases comes from burning CO2-producing fossil fuels. The environment will continue to impact the industry. The industry has proven that it can respond in a timely way. As new environmentally friendly products are developed, those products are also more energy efficient. Adopting new technologies and supporting research will help our industry meet the challenges of the future.
User-Friendly Controls
While smart, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats promise significantly increased energy efficiency, the real draw for homeowners seems to be how easy the interfaces are to operate. Take the Nest Learning thermostat, for example. It is programmed by the user to remember his preferred temperature settings. If the user prefers the thermostat to kick in a faster, warmer temperature, on cold, wintery mornings, the Nest thermostat will store that information and adjust the temperature accordingly. The thermostat also monitors temperature with humidity and activity sensors, and it can determine regional climate by the user punching in their zip code Wireless-controlled thermostats present HVAC data in a language that contemporary consumers understand. Homeowners are accustomed to easily digestible, visual representations of information and data. The reporting tools that smart systems include take the mystery and obscurity out of an industry that has been thriving on overall complacency from its customers.
DEVap Air Conditioning
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the DEVap (desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner) in 2011 and estimates that it reduces air conditioning energy usage by 40-90 percent. So far, DEVap is found primarily in commercial buildings, and the technology is so new that it’s difficult to find for residential use. But, given how promising the innovation seems, and how cost-effective it has already proven to be, and is anticipated great gains in the future.
Zero Energy Buildings
Zero-energy buildings that produce energy instead of just using large quantities will gain traction with companies that target eco-friendly employees and consumers. Many businesses are already headed in this direction with geothermal heating and cooling, solar-powered systems, and white roofing. If HVAC manufacturers can work to design structures that are both energy efficient and comfortable for their residents, we’re sure to see some fresh companies take on the challenge.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
A popular trend in Eastern markets, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is the future of the HVAC industry. Though US market have yet to reach the demand experienced abroad, VRF systems are establishing their place as in-demand items for housing and commercial cooling needs. Simple and elegant in design, VRF systems connect an outside condensing unit to several fan coil units throughout the building. Each coil and evaporator in the system can be controlled individually to reduce waste from over-allocated resources. The shift will stimulate job growth and overall economic development throughout the HVAC sector that will continue well into the coming years.
Career Trends
Current industry trends indicate a future growth rate of nearly 28% nationwide. This trend is predicted to continue until 2018, a total period of researching and studying 10-year industry trends beginning in 2008. Studies have revealed that once the results of that research and those studies are complete, there will be nearly 395,000 individuals who make their living in the HVAC industry, and choose to make this their lifelong career Choice. The rate of change in our industry will be exponential. Some changes will be caused by improvements in technology whereas others will be the result of influences outside our immediate control. As engineers, we have an obligation to be proactive in encouraging changes that are of benefit to the society we serve. This in turn will have direct benefit to our industry and to each of us individually.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
No matter how low the thermometer dips in Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities during the winter, the temperature beneath the earth’s surface remains consistently warm. Geothermal heat pumps tap into that reliable source of heat to move comforting warmth into your home in cold weather and transfer heat out during the summer. While they cost more to install than other types of heating and cooling options, the savings they offer is substantial. Operating costs can be up to 70 percent lower than conventional systems.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant flooring systems take advantage of a simple law of physics: heat rises. By embedding electric wires or loops of pipes circulating warm liquid beneath your flooring, you get comforting warmth from the ground up. Instead of heating your home with hot air, the system generates radiant heat, effectively eliminating uncomfortable swings in temperature. Depending on your home’s level of insulation, radiant flooring can be up to 30 percent more energy efficient that forced-air heating systems.
Ductless HVAC Systems
Most HVAC systems supply conditioned air through a hidden maze of ductwork, but ducted systems aren’t your only option when you’re on the hunt for a heating or air conditioning replacement or new HVAC installation. Ductless systems use point-of-use air handlers to deliver conditioned air directly into individual rooms or zones, and they run at up to 40 percent better efficiency than central heating and cooling systems as well. Installation is simple and non-intrusive. The only alterations made to your home are small holes drilled behind the air handlers to connect them to the outdoor unit.
High-Tech Features and Functions
From traditional systems to unconventional alternatives, the best of today’s modern HVAC systems come loaded with features engineered to save you money and enhance your comfort:
- Scroll Compressors Instead of conventional piston-driven compressors, many heat pumps and air conditioners now feature scroll compressors that pressurize refrigerant faster using less energy. One spiral-shaped scroll remains stationary while a twin scroll revolves around it. Scroll compressors not only last longer than their piston counterparts but operate more quietly too.
•Variable-Speed Motors HVAC systems equipped with variable-speed fan motors automatically adjust air flow according to your comfort needs, blowing air more slowly when heating or cooling demands are low. The result is an even delivery of air that reduces temperature swings in your home. The systems use less energy too, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.
• Dual-Heat Exchangers Heat exchangers are the components in furnaces and boilers that extract heat from the burning fuel. Modern condensing heaters have a second heat exchanger that condenses the water vapor found in exhaust gases to capture additional heat. This allows them to use less fuel without compromising your comfort.
• Smart Controls Sensors in advanced HVAC equipment allow the system to monitor everything from the temperature and air flow in a room to its humidity level. They can work as communicating centers too, notifying you when you need a heating repair or air conditioning maintenance. Some systems even have Wi-Fi, so you can adjust or program settings from your computer, smart phone or tablet.
Summary
Building Management Systems and air-conditioning controls systems will develop to become:
- Intelligent self-learning systems that measure the performance characteristics for the building and its systems for different ambient and occupancy conditions and using thermal modelling technology are able to operate the buildings systems to provide the required conditions whilst minimizing energy consumption and plant wear and tear.
- Self-checking systems that are able to eliminate the fly by wire problems that many systems suffer from, which the head end computer is thinking one thing is happening, however, in the field the actuality is very different.
- Self-diagnosing systems that are able to determine fault conditions analyses the cause and report or even rectify the condition, systems that are able to recognize fault situations that are resulting in excess energy consumption or unacceptable equipment wear and report.
- Systems with seamless remote access, diagnosis and control functionality.
Systems with the flexibility to take advantage of wireless technology and the onboard intelligence that is already starting to be installed in items of central plant.
AUTHORS CREDIT & PHOTOGRAPH
Dr OmPrakash G Kulkarni
Scientist, Mentor, Adviser,
Technology Provider &
Consulting Engineer
in Automation, Instrumentation,
Energy Management, IPR,
CDM & Renewable Energy
