–6 ways HVAC technology can accelerate Thailand’s sustainability goals
As Thailand evolves from a fast-growing developing nation into a high-income economy, it is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint to align with international standards. As part of their commitment to the Paris Agreement, the country has pledged a 20.8% reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions – or 115,600,000 tons of CO2 equivalent – by the end of this decade.
In dense and growing cities like Bangkok, buildings account for up to 60% of energy demand. Therefore, as the nation embarks on its climate goals, the strategic management of commercial, high-rise and tourism industry buildings will be a key factor in cutting emissions.
It’s a challenge that nations and cities worldwide are grappling with – how to give building operators the modern and durable solutions they need to incorporate low-carbon processes into their retrofit and new-build projects, all while maintaining operational integrity and profitability.
In tropical climates like Thailand, air conditioning is virtually a year-round necessity. Because HVAC systems consume more energy in a typical commercial building than any other component, emerging “smart” HVAC solutions will be crucial in this green transition.
Here are 6 ways smart HVAC solutions can accelerate Thailand’s progress towards sustainability.
1. Smart HVAC reduces energy use in large buildings
The HVAC system of a typical building accounts for between 40% to 70% of total electricity consumption. In humid and high-temperature locales, this number tends towards the higher end.
Traditional air conditioning equipment is energy-intensive. The amount of power required is proportional to the amount of latent cooling load to be managed. The bigger the building and the hotter the climate, the more electricity required.
Smart HVAC solutions are designed to tackle the HVAC equation piece by piece. These systems use sensors and algorithms to identify inefficiencies in equipment while giving building operators and end-users real-time data and information to manage their A/C more holistically. A fully integrated smart HVAC system can save a typical commercial building 30% to 50% in total electricity costs.
2. Smart HVAC brings IoT and AI capabilities to the forefront
IoT – or the Internet of Things – is a term we use to describe the digital interconnection of devices, appliances and everyday objects via the internet. IoT innovations are taking hold in nearly every industry, and they are especially adept at modernising traditional processes in heavy industry.
For commercial HVAC systems, IoT involves the installation of sensors at numerous points along the HVAC lifecycle.
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are then applied to the data as it is collected to make intelligent decisions on how the HVAC system operates. This structure is a step up from traditional building management systems (BMS) in that it incorporates variable inputs in real-time, rather than relying on fixed-variable preprograming from humans.
3. Smart HVAC can play a role in modernising Thailand’s resurgent tourism and hospitality sector
The tourism and hospitality industry is a major driver of Thailand’s economy. New construction of modern hotel and resort facilities is a ripe opportunity for the country to introduce smart HVAC technology into the market. Not only does smart HVAC help facilities better comply with indoor air quality and health requirements, but it also makes them stand out in the eyes of visitors.
4. Smart HVAC gives building occupants more information and flexibility
Studies have shown that applications designed to influence the behavior of building occupants with their A/C consumption can reduce their individual energy use by nearly a quarter, and shave 8% off of a building’s electricity costs.
Smart HVAC, therefore, does not just focus on how the building operates from a design engineering standpoint, but how end-users can be empowered with more personalised data on how their behaviour impacts their carbon footprint.
5. Smart HVAC helps operators cut long-term operation and maintenance costs
An HVAC system is often the most complex part of any building, and the integrity of filters, ducts, motors, capacitors, and refrigerants must all be astutely maintained.
Over time, wear and tear takes its toll, shortening the useful life of the equipment and requiring more and more energy to cool the building.
Perhaps the biggest financial payoff for smart HVAC systems will be in the area of predictive and preventative maintenance. This is where sensors and algorithms provide a real-time readout of HVAC systems, identifying weak links and underperforming components.
With smart HVAC, the problems are identified early on so they can be addressed before jeopardising the broader system. This enhances durability, efficiency, lowers electricity bills and extends the life of the system.
Thailand’s local construction industry is still more focused on cost as opposed to sustainability. Therefore, smart HVAC must be framed not only as a way to cut carbon but as an opportunity to save money over the lifespan of a building.
6. Smart HVAC can take advantage of Thailand’s investment in 5G
Because of the interconnection of thousands of sensors and the real-time processing of massive amounts of incoming data, smart HVAC requires high-speed processing capabilities made possible with 5G. This can lay the bedrock that building owners and operators need to incorporate smart HVAC solutions into their designs.
Get an in-depth and analytic look at the themes discussed in this article in our latest whitepaper: Ambition, challenges and opportunities – How Thailand can bridge the sustainability gap by embracing smart HVAC solutions
by Hitachi Cooling & Heating
