Commercial buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy and account for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Global sustainability concerns, combined with the limitations of the traditional heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, necessitate the need for cost-effective & ROI driven solutions. Internet of things (IoT) is a network of interconnected & internet-connected objects that can collect and transfer data over a network without human intervention. This technology is transforming the way HVAC systems work, allowing the connected equipment within the platform to gain insights into their operations and optimise performance. Traditional chiller condenser cleaning practices can be reshaped by leveraging the IoT tube cleaning system (ATCS) integrated with HVAC. Revolutionising HVAC maintenance and operation, some of the benefits of this integration include:
1. Real-time Monitoring
Traditional monitoring on HVAC systems is unable to tell when an equipment is not maintained properly – it only surprises when it finally breaks down. Now, the IoT based ATCS can be on watch 24/7 by implementing remote monitoring with in-built diagnostic capabilities and predictive maintenance. This transfers the data through a network in real time, monitors the equipment performance, pinpoints for inefficiency, enables automating tasks and streamlining processes. The live monitoring provides HVAC operators with invaluable insights into the productivity and efficiency of their systems, enabling proactive decision-making and timely interventions.
Operators no longer have to rely solely on periodic inspections or reactive maintenance. With IoT-enabled monitoring, any deviations from optimal performance can be detected quickly, allowing them to take immediate corrective action, streamlining the processes, leading to increased profitability. For instance, if there is a water leak (indicating a potential decrease in efficiency), the IoT solution will trigger an alert, prompting maintenance personnel to attend to it urgently, this will increase the employee engagement and shorten the response time, thereby improving productivity.
2. Predictive Maintenance
Traditional monitoring is unable to provide insights on predictive maintenance i.e. fault detection and diagnosis. Most operators are conducting chiller maintenance reactively, leading to business disruptions which will translate into a higher business cost. This is where smart ATCS using IoT steps in. Expanding on its real-time monitoring capabilities, such an IoT tube cleaning system facilitates the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies across the connected HVAC equipment. Leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms across the network, HVAC systems can analyse historical data to anticipate when condenser tubes cleaning is necessary, identifying patterns and trends to optimise maintenance schedules and prevent potential issues before they occur.
Predictive monitoring and troubleshooting of HVAC equipment before the problems impact the operation, saving not only the hassle and costs of large repairs and minimising costly extended downtime cost by optimising the efficiency of cleaning operations but also extends the lifespan of HVAC equipment by preventing unnecessary wear and tear. Addressing issues before they escalate into major problems enhances system reliability and minimises disruptions to building occupants. According to the study of Deloitte, predictive maintenance can reduce the time required to plan maintenance by 20 to 50%, increase equipment uptime and availability by 10 to 20%, and reduce overall maintenance costs by 5 to 10%.
3. Energy Optimisation
HVAC systems account for the majority of the energy consumption in the built environment, and among which, the chiller plant constitutes the top portion. As much as one-third of a chiller’s energy is wasted in operations. Approximately three quarters of operating chillers may be undercharged, leading to reduced cooling capacity and energy performance. One of the most significant advantages of integrating an IoT tube cleaning system into HVAC sets is the ability to optimise energy and water consumption. Clean condenser tubes are essential for efficient heat transfer and water flow within HVAC systems. However, over time, the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other contaminants can impede the flow of water and reduce heat exchange efficiency, leading to increased resource consumption.
With IoT-driven insights from ATCS, HVAC systems can dynamically adjust operation parameters based on real-time data, ensuring optimal energy at all times. For example, if an anomaly like rising uptrend of temperature is detected, the system can troubleshoot the matter before the occurrence of downtime. Additionally, considering concerns such as “are cooling towers bad for the environment” – since cooling towers are typically part of the HVAC in large buildings, the IoT integrated HVAC systems can help mitigate environmental impacts by maintaining optimal efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy use across the platform.
4. Cost Reduction
Generally, poor maintenance strategies can reduce a plant’s overall productive capacity between 5 and 20%. Traditional HVAC maintenance practices often involve periodic inspections and manual cleaning, which can be labour-intensive and costly. Moreover, incompetent HVAC systems often result in higher energy bills and increased operating expenses over time. On average, manufacturers face around 800 hours of downtime annually, resulting in a substantial financial burden. This is significant when you consider not just the long-term maintenance cost, but also the cost to overhaul existing equipment. As such, efficient maintenance and reduced energy consumption translate directly into cost savings for building owners and operators.
Invest in a solution that will perform well over its entire lifecycle, consider the extensive benefits of smart and integrated IoT solutions! By implementing IoT based energy saving HVAC solutions, organisations can significantly reduce maintenance costs through targeted cleaning operations. Predictive maintenance strategies minimise the need for costly emergency repairs and downtime, while energy optimisation measures result in substantial reductions in utility expenses. Additionally, by extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment and improving overall system reliability, organisations can also realise long-term cost savings and maximise the return on their investment.
The integration of IoT tube cleaning solutions represents a paradigm shift in sustainable HVAC solutions. As the demand for sustainable and energy & water efficient building solutions continues to grow, smart HVAC technologies will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of the industry and reducing carbon emissions.
If you are considering upgrading your HVAC system, explore HydroBall’s automatic tube cleaning system and witness the transformation in your operations firsthand. Take the first step towards a smarter, more sustainable future with HydroBall. Contact us today to know more!
