Application of competitive technology intelligence on HVAC systems for green buildings

Abstract

During the last two decades, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) power consumption have been approximately 50% of the total utilized in the building and construction sector, which equivalent to 10-20% of the total energy consumed worldwide (Perez-Lombard et al., 2011). The global need to optimize operation costs, save energy, and develop more sustainable offices, is driving the development of new technology trends with more sustainable and climate benefits. These trends are generating new codes and regulations applied to these areas, where federal agencies and municipalities offer economic incentives that make investments in green buildings more attractive. The objective of this thesis is to explore existing technology trends focused on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, ventilation, and sustainability, using a Competitive Technology Intelligence (CTI) methodology to identify the key drivers on energy consumption and discover opportunities to innovate towards more efficient systems. This methodology provides insight into opportunity areas such as integrated systems design and innovation in software that allows better flexibility in maintaining the required energy, air management, comfort levels, indoor air quality, and sustainability. Energy demand on HVAC systems varies according to season and climate zone; depending on design and configuration, different applications in several cases might reach up to 21% annual energy savings (Vakiloroaya et al., 2014). Based on a study on cost analysis and technical evaluations, the return of investment values for HVAC systems applications might oscillate between 2 -11 years (in the best scenario) in terms of energy consumption benefits (Marino & Minichiello, 2015). They also may have other benefits, such as the possibility of using renewable energy sources, improving indoor air quality, creating a clean and healthy environment, and low CO2 emissions.