Amidst the staggering statistics that buildings are accountable for 40% of global energy consumption and nearly half of urban emissions, Gareth Ash, Marketing Manager at Danfoss, explores the potential of straightforward upgrades in commercial building renovations to enhance energy efficiency without compromising comfort.
Improving the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings is imperative in our pursuit of Net Zero targets. As we strive to create climate-friendly structures, both new and old, maintaining occupant comfort remains paramount. In light of this, the retrofit building sector emerges as a promising avenue to address the climate crisis and unlock substantial energy savings. Given that heating and cooling comprise a significant portion of a building's energy usage, prioritising energy efficiency measures in this area is not only logical but also impactful.
Optimum efficiency
It's well acknowledged that transitioning our buildings to low-carbon alternatives demands a significant departure from fossil fuel reliance towards sustainable options like district energy and heat pumps. Yet, this monumental shift is not devoid of challenges, and while strides are being made, it's evident that achieving widespread adoption will be a gradual process. One of the most cost-effective measures to reduce energy demand right now is by optimising HVAC and technical building systems. On average HVAC optimisation can lead to energy savings of 30%, and with a short payback time of 2 - 4 years. Energy efficiency can be further increased with smart solutions such as demand-response, while digitalisation can be used to control heating and cooling as part of intelligent control systems that have access to accurate, real-time data. Furthermore, new technology can now assist in the design of building services that not only achieve optimum efficiency but also - in our post-pandemic times -include enhanced air filtration and multiple touchless features.
Digitialisation
Digitalisation has transformed our daily lives, work environments, and social interactions, and it's no wonder that it's reshaping the management of heating and cooling systems in buildings. At Danfoss, we refer to this digital transformation as HVAC 4.0 and we're at the forefront of engineering solutions for smart buildings. Through innovative products and services, we're enhancing energy efficiency, comfort, and convenience for building owners, occupants, and maintenance personnel alike.
Danfoss solutions to facilitate HVAC 4.0 include digital actuators that provide BMS with real-time HVAC data to enable Active Energy Management and digital valve control via fieldbus -BACNET or Modbus - that offers advantages in remote commissioning, for example, as well as flow setting and flushing. There are also products for continuous logging of all system data to enable predictive maintenance and energy allocation, and automatically generated alarm messages to support fast and accurate troubleshooting. By using this new generation of connected solutions, the energy efficiency and comfort of a building can be fully optimised.
Dynamic hydronic balancing
The combination of Danfoss AB-QM pressure independent balancing and control valves (PICV) and our NovoCon S digital actuators is a great example of the increasing digitalisation in HVAC. In terms of cost, PICV valves have a very short or in some cases negative payback period, making a compelling case for their implementation.
Typically, terminal units such as fan coil units, chilled beams or radiant panels provide heating and/or cooling in each room of a building. Depending on the size of the building this may require hundreds or even thousands of control valves and actuators for temperature control. Using the latest Danfoss digital actuators and PICVs provides the buildings’ BMS with real-time HVAC data, via BMS networks or Cloud-based solutions, while dynamic hydronic balancing ensures optimal energy efficiency, and comfort, throughout the building.
Perfect connection
At best, traditionally controlled actuators offer an analogue feedback signal to the BMS controller, while digital actuators offer many digital system parameters directly to the BMS via BACnet or Modbus. Danfoss NovoCon S digital gear actuators are designed to be directly connected to the BMS using BACnet or Modbus bus-communication. This adds a whole new dimension to HVAC control, offering designers, system integrators and building owners many features and benefits.
When Danfoss introduced NovoCon S nearly a decade ago, it was a front-runner in establishing ‘Internet of Things’ solutions for smart buildings. As it is designed to fit AB-QM valves in sizes DN 10 up to DN 32 the nominal flow is limited to 4,000 l/h. However, as the concept of smart HVAC solutions has spread it has created new demand for accurate digital control of Air Handling Units, Chillers, and other high flow applications. To meet this demand Danfoss has recently expanded its NovoCon range with the NovoCon M, L and XL digital actuators for use with AB-QM. NovoCon M, for example, can be used in DN 40-100 valves for flows from 3-59 m3/h, while NovoCon L is for valves in DN 125-150 for flows from 36-190 m3/h. Completing the extended range is the new NovoCon XL which is used for valves in DN 200-250, making it suitable for flows from 80-370 m3/h.
The new NovoCon M, L and XL digital actuators can be daisy-chain wired using standard cables, making it easier to cover longer distances. The actuators are equipped with three resistance inputs to connect temperature sensors, for example. When such sensors are installed on the supply and return connections, the actuators can be used for advanced control functionalities like Delta T limitation or return temperature control. With these functionalities the energy efficiency of the AHU or Chiller can be optimised.
The NovoCon range is tailor-made to fit Danfoss AB-QM PICVs and establish the perfect connection between superior hydronic HVAC system performance and smart building automation solutions. The actuators can exchange accurate information about the actuator/valve position, settings, temperatures, and alarms, which gives system integrators and technical facility managers a unique insight, and remote access, to the HVAC system. The actual data supplied can be used to optimise system performance, improving the indoor climate and achieving an energy efficient building that delivers the highest comfort level at the lowest operating cost.
Sustainable energy infrastructure
Amidst the recent energy challenges, economic uncertainties, and heightened awareness of climate change repercussions, the urgency to achieve Net Zero emissions targets has reached unprecedented levels. Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency not only spurs economic growth but also generates employment opportunities while combating climate change. We firmly believe that transitioning to more sustainable heating and cooling systems in existing buildings is a pivotal step towards a greener future. This transition necessitates collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, but the benefits are substantial. These include reduced installation and operational expenses, enhanced indoor comfort, improved HVAC system efficiency, and streamlined servicing and maintenance facilitated by precise, real-time HVAC data. For further details visit: https://www.danfoss.com/en-gb/markets/buildings-commercial/dhs/smart-hvac/
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