Technology is playing an increasingly important role in HVAC installations, with users wanting more control over systems and also demanding more energy efficiency. Cutting costs for commercial users is a key objective when undertaking installation projects, and at Robinsons we take great pride in being at the forefront of new systems and processes which achieve just that. So here is a rundown of some of the new innovations already or soon-to-be on the market, which will influence the future of the HVAC industry.
Air conditioning sensors
Much like movement sensitive lighting sensors, a system has been designed by engineers at MIT to only activate an air conditioning system when people are in the room, further eliminating waste, cutting costs and giving the user total control. Sensors are attached to aluminium rods hung from the ceiling and are activated when people enter a room.
Thermal air conditioning
This is a few years away from being available to commercial organisations, but an Australian company called Chromasun has developed a low-cost air conditioning system that uses solar energy supplemented by natural gas, to totally eliminate electricity usage.
Ice-powered air conditioning
Another technology still developing is the “Ice Bear” brought to the market by a California-based company. This system freezes water in a tank overnight and uses it to provide up to six hours of cool air the next day. So far this needs to be used in conjunction with a traditional air conditioning system, but you would expect this technology to advance and improve quickly.
Duel fuel heat pumps
It is believed that heat pumps become more efficient when using two types of fuel, and a number of US companies have developed systems using electric heat pumps and a gas furnace. Gas is used to draw heat at low temperatures, then at higher temperatures electricity takes over.
Geothermal heat pumps
These get energy from an underground looped pipe, which absorbs heat and carries it into a building, doing the job in reverse when cool air is required. This system also provides free hot water.
Smart technology
This area of technology is developing so rapidly that commercial properties will soon become fully integrated, with heating, lighting, cooling, security and other process equipment being able to be controlled remotely and all with better user functionality. High-tech solutions for heating controls will only improve and allow users more control over usage and efficiency.
Much of the innovation listed above is already happening and on the market, while other solutions such as harnessing the heat generated from your laptop and using it to power a heating system, for example, is merely a concept that people are working on now. However, it shows that wherever an energy source is generated and not 100% utilised, there is a potential to design something to ensure it isn’t wasted. And whatever products do eventually come to the market, you can be sure that Robinsons MEA will be at the forefront of training, information and access to the new technologies.