Using IoT in the HVAC industry is not something unusual anymore. There are a lot of advantages that refer to it. The most important one is effective maintenance of the systems and decreasing costs. What is more, it is environmentally friendly. So, let’s see what it is all about in detail.
A General Word about the Topic
The IoT or the Internet of Things refers to a complex of interrelated objects that can collect and transfer data. Certainly, they are internet-connected, and the participation of humans is not necessary in this case.
IoT system cannot be considered working unless it is linked to the four aspects given below:
- Sensors/devices. Here, physical devices are meant. A temperature sensor is one of the most spread ones used today.
- Connectivity. This refers to sending data to the cloud. Some of the ways to complete it are WiFi, BACnet, and others.
- Data processing. The data sent to the cloud has to be processed, and there is no other way. For instance, it turns out to be really helpful when it’s necessary to check whether the temperature captured by the sensors is acceptable.
- User interface. The data that was processed can be given in the form of an alert that will tell the user what has to be corrected, and so on.
HVAC is an abbreviation which means Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems. Integration of IoT in this sphere allows reaching maximum efficiency as has been already stated above.
As for the smart HVAC industry, it is vital to keep in mind that it is much easier to monitor equipment by means of IoT. For instance, IoT-enabled sensors help to do so. This helps to decrease the repair time and maintain stuff in general.
Smart HVAC systems are aimed at introducing a lot of useful functions. Some of them are discovering usage patterns, managing temperature, and predicting maintenance.
The Most Important IoT Applications for HVAC to Be Aware of
Let’s look at the list given below to get some knowledge about this.
1. Remote temperature control.
IoT platforms assist with managing temperature and quality evaluation. For instance, this is especially relevant when speaking of restaurants and cafes. In this case, it is vital to deal with the maintenance of the prescribed temperature (in the fridges). Such a control can be performed in a remote way which is very convenient.
2. Regulatory compliance.
Dealing with the standards is a matter that is considered to be a pain for many business owners. And, IoT turns out to be really useful here as well.
Manual inspections are replaced with internet-connected sensors. The biggest advantage of this is saving a great deal of money. And, clients’ experience also gets better in this case.
3. Predictive maintenance.
As you can judge from the name, predictive maintenance is aimed at helping you to save money as long as it will tell you about the possible errors before they occur. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of this stuff.
Checking the equipment condition gets much easier. What is more, the business owner and the team are going to come across the alerts if there is a repair that has to be done asap.
The Essentials of Building a Smart HVAC System
The first step here is the implementation of an IoT-based platform that will help to promote the tech needs of a certain company or business.
A smart HVAC ecosystem consists of the following components:
- Universal data connector.
It is the very basics of the IoT-enabled HVAC platform. Processing a data flow through server-to-server networking is going to be possible thanks to it.
- Data historian.
As you can guess, careful storage of data makes a lot of sense. What is more, data analysis allows you to deal with the data in general and use it afterward.
- Notifications and alarms.
They can be delivered via email or SMS. This is a great chance to deliver exceptional services without the risk of losing funds.
- Data and device connectors.
These ones play a crucial role in the data transfer that takes place between various types of equipment.
As for the data connecting, it can be performed through cables or wirelessly.
- IoT connectors.
A nice way to link the IoT devices with other systems in real-time mode is using the internet-connected gateway.
- SDKs and APIs.
SDKs are vital for introducing custom automation IoT apps for mobile gadgets, the web, and Windows. Integration with .NET APIs helps to make the development process look the way you want.
- Visualization instruments.
Now, it is real to configure what the data will look like when projected on the screens (by means of visualization instruments for web, Windows, and native iOS and Android gadgets).
- Networking features.
Network-enabled devices are able to interact with each other and access resources without the participation of the human.
Also, it is vital to keep in mind that network management is far easier if the business owner uses single software instead of multiple solutions.
Some Other Benefits of Smart HVAC Systems
The first one to mention here is reduced power consumption. As long as HVAC systems gather operating data and send it to the cloud on a regular basis, and it is processed after this, it is relevant to speak about energy saving. What is more, the facility managers are going to be able to suggest a better experience when they are aware of how energy is utilized.
Besides, it becomes possible to create the so-called “healthy” buildings. The matter is that CO2, humidity, temperature, etc. influence the efficiency and health of the staff. All of these aspects can be easily controlled by the sensors. Accordingly, the business owners get the chance to improve them and achieve even better results in what they are involved in. Isn’t it nice?
As you can see, the IoT-enabled smart HVAC system is able to provide a business owner with a lot of benefits.
