What is HVAC Automation? How Do They Work? Get All The Insights!

Smart operation in the buildings is the ultimate need of every business. When it is about HVAC systems, the drive for automation just rises as they regulate heat, airflow, ventilation, and air conditioning of an entire building. Today, the demand for HVAC controls is very much evident. Markets and Markets have forecasted that its market will grow from USD 13.6 billion in 2018 to USD 27.0 billion by the end of 2023. This growth of its application lies in the controllers that have high-end computational capabilities to efficiently control processes, such as event-initiated programs, time-based programs, and energy management programs. Want to know more about it? Let’s get into the details.

HVAC Automation Defined

A typical HVAC system consists of functionally or geographically distributed controllers that control several processes in a building or group of buildings either from a central host computer or through the Internet from a unit that connects the functions of the host computer and the web server. HVAC equipment coming today has embedded controllers to smartly and remotely handle operations of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning of the building.

Enabling Automation in HVAC systems is the need of today. It gives rise to the most efficient technology where building owners can adjust their cooling and heating preferences over time and adjust them automatically without wasting energy. Installation of IoT sensors in these systems gives the power to detect when occupants leave or enter the room. It prevents the unnecessary consumption of energy (air cooling or heating) in unoccupied areas. Also, these systems connect to smart devices as well such as mobile phones or laptops. The users can remotely control the temperature when needed.

As one of the four key segments of the overall Building Automation System industry, HVAC systems contribute valuably to the management of energy consumption in buildings. Its utility and application are usually high in big-size facilities. According to the system, the users can perform the configuration at a workstation, off-line computer, HMI terminal, or through web-enabled devices (laptops and mobile devices). The automated HVAC system is comparatively more expensive than a standard one, but it’s worth the investment. The users can cut the energy consumption costs by up to 20%. At the same time, they can ensure that comfort is not compromised. To make a building “smart”, automation in HVAC systems is necessary.

How do automated HVAC systems work?

For a better understanding of the application of systems based on input data received from sensors and other pieces of HVAC systems, understanding the sequence of operations is necessary. They automate the functions of HVAC equipment that are taking place simultaneously. The motive should be to maintain the flexibility to control various degrees of comfort required in different applications and the least possible energy use within the same building.

In short, automation in HVAC systems means less need for human intervention. There are several processes included in it. Some basic ones are:

• A process variable to be controlled
• A desired control setpoint for the variable
• A controlled device
• A controller that manages decision-making
• A sensor to give some feedback for a directed change

Every control HVAC system is integrated and creates a larger BAS for a building. In the case of more than one building, several BAS come together, leading to better energy management.  However, in larger HVAC systems and more complex equipment, there are complex series of operations. To bring simplicity, setting the priority is vital to determine the set of instructions. There are basically three priority levels:

1. Operator – The person who drives the system and directs commands as to how to run it.
2. Logic Programming – This decides the sequence of operations discussed previously.
3. Weekly Schedule – To know days/times equipment should be on or off.

In reality, there are multiple levels of applications, logic, and priority levels present in the operation of HVAC Systems.

Maximize the energy efficiency with Automated HVAC Systems

With technologically advanced and automated HVAC Systems in a building or a campus comprising several buildings, the facility managers can perform accurate building load calculations and energy modeling. The constant interaction and changes in HVAC loads can register the energy impacts. Not only this, but it also provides other vital information for control requirements such as:

• Off-hour controls with automatic shutdown feature in HVAC systems regulate start/stop under different time schedules, based on occupancies, life safety, or security reasons.
• Motorized shutoff damper controls for outdoor air intake and exhaust systems automatically open or closes the systems when not in use to reduce energy costs or meet code requirements.
• Ventilation fan controls can automatically shut off fans when not required.
• Including variable air volume (VAV) pressure optimization in systems by using static pressure reset based on the zone reduces fan power requirements.
• Multiple-zone HVAC systems with supply-air temperature reset controls can respond to building loads or outdoor air temperatures based upon the recent climate zone.
• Pump-pressure optimization in systems reduces pump energy by varying control valve positions in a hydronic system of the building, resulting in variable fluid flows.

Not all HVAC systems have the capacity to function like this. That is why automation is the absolute need in these systems. To make it happen, facility managers need to follow the intricate processes that include:

• Review and inspection of the design of the entire building,
• Checking the construction and installation of each heating and cooling component
• End-to-end testing to achieve fail-proof operations
• Troubleshooting each part of the HVAC system to prepare it for everyday operations

These tasks make sure that everything is going as planned. Installation of HVAC Automation systems can bring optimal results as it accounts for nearly half of a commercial facility’s energy consumption. It’s always better to invest in technologies that save valuable time to look into other pressing matters. Contact Zenatix now. Install the automated HVAC systems and smartly save on energy consumption without compromising on heating and cooling requirements.