What’s New In Connectivity And Control Systems For HVAC?

HVAC connectivity and control system markets are growing. Technology is evolving to satisfy the demand for smarter, more eco-friendly HVAC systems. Technology is also utilizing software and smart sensors to provide automation options for internal and exterior controls, including temperature, humidity, and sun position monitoring to ensure HVAC units operate at peak efficiency. As these systems become more advanced, there is a need for increased protection against environmental elements for the unit and its components and for regular maintenance checks to ensure the unit is operating at peak efficiency.

HVAC systems are constantly becoming more intelligent, with new technological enhancements being embedded into individual components. In our VFDs (variable frequency drives), new features have been added, such as wireless keypads, which give users the ability and freedom to have complete control of their VFD remotely from an application on their smartphone. Another new feature, CBM (condition-based monitoring), turns the VFD into a smart sensor that allows users to be notified prior to critical failures in the system’s motors and applications so they can proactively plan for adjustment, repair, or replacement to keep their system running with minimal downtime.

At Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC, we are always continuing to develop and improve our control offerings. We’re in the process of launching our “kumo connect” initiative, the latest improvement to the kumo cloud® mobile app for Mitsubishi Electric residential systems. The program uses the controls platform to promote a one-to-one connection between contractors and homeowners. The in-app update connects them with features such as knowledge-based articles and the ability to request a service call directly from the app. In commercial settings, we will soon introduce kenza cloud™, an IoT solution for light-to-medium commercial spaces where a central controller is not typically needed, but where cloud access for monitoring and basic control is required. kenza cloud is a low-cost monthly subscription-based service allowing users to monitor up to 50 CITY MULTI indoor units.

HVAC systems are becoming increasingly integrated with smart and connected functionalities to predict issues before they happen. For example, Internet of Things (IoT) technology in HVAC systems helps manage heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption. So, technicians need connected mobile devices to interface with these IoT solutions and monitor applications to review energy performance and expedite repairs. This kind of predictive analytics and automation will continue to support the labor shortage in the HVAC industry. With a limited workforce, servicing companies don't have time to send a technician to a site multiple times for a single issue. But with rugged devices, whether at the office or on the job, technicians can review diagnostic information and quickly identify and fix issues to reduce system downtime and keep the service queue moving.

Connectivity has been a trend in HVAC for at least a decade or more, but we're only now seeing it hit a tipping point where connectivity is available on even the most affordable products. At Rheem, we now offer connectivity across a wide variety of units, which unlocks many benefits for both the contractor and consumer including diagnostics, remote monitoring, more efficient and optimized system operations and demand response. With the addition of Bluetooth, contractors will see additional installation and serving benefits that will make their operations more efficient and improve profitability.

As the inexorable march towards ever more powerful control hardware continues across numerous industries, there are several interesting trends impacting HVAC equipment in commercial buildings, namely: cloud connectivity, embedded analytics, proliferation of wireless multi-purpose controllers and sensors, and ESG building score cards. Leading equipment manufacturers like LG are introducing commercial cloud infrastructure, enabling equipment and systems to be securely connected to robust cloud infrastructure, providing 'out-of-the-box' control, energy management, and facility analysis. Multi-purpose aesthetically designed wireless sensors enable monitoring of multiple environmental parameters without the expense of electrical wiring. These sensors are used to drive control algorithms that ensure comfort and indoor air quality while optimizing energy consumption. CFOs have an obligation to report their company's performance, so ESG-building portfolio reports are becoming increasingly important.