Achieving greater sustainability in the built environment has never been more urgent and necessary. This is especially true for heating and cooling, a leading contributor to global carbon emissions. Is there a way to keep people comfortable without heating the planet?
Consider the typical multifamily HVAC system, for example. Packaged terminal air conditioning (PTAC), vertical terminal air conditioning (VTAC), and split HVAC technologies have long represented reliable packaged heating and cooling systems, well suited for the multifamily, hospitality, and student housing sectors.
This acceptance raises a question: Could artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning supercharge heating and cooling efficiency and comfort well beyond today’s standard?
It’s a question Brent Sturgell can now answer with an emphatic yes.
Up to 30% Energy Savings
Sturgell runs the HVAC division of KOVA, a leading building materials company. His team is readying the Q1 2024 launch of an HVAC technology destined to disrupt the industry with savings of up to 30% over legacy VTAC, PTAC, and split systems. It’s a major leap forward for architects and material specifiers looking to advance sustainability and occupant comfort in multifamily unit construction.
“We have proven how AI and machine learning can leverage HVAC engineering in ways that advance people comfort and sustainability,” the 37-year HVAC industry veteran explains. The new HVAC system utilizes an onboard computer powered with AI-driven data models. Think smart thermostat with a four-digit IQ. “This is a unique approach to climate control,” Sturgell reports. “AI is a catalyst that uses behavioral, environmental, and real-time occupancy detection to optimize comfort with minimal energy consumption.”
The product is called KOVA Comfort. The tall, slender unit looks nothing like old-school VTAC, PTAC, and split systems. It’s engineered from the ground up to install easily in a standard stud wall with only minimal drywall work. There’s no bulky exterior compressor, copper lines, closet construction, waterproofing, or ducts involved. “It’s very uncomplicated,” Sturgell says.
Sensor data is continuously analyzed by the AI-enabled processor about the apartment’s current conditions, including:
- Ambient temperature
- Humidity
- Real-time occupancy
- Light intensity
- Usage patterns
“Since the system runs in partial load condition up to 90% of the time, it uses only enough energy to meet heating and cooling loads. No more, no less,” Sturgell reports.
The push to innovate didn’t stop there. The team also focused on footprint, acoustics, aesthetics, and maintenance:
- Footprint. Conventional VTAC, PTAC, and split systems typically require up to 8 square feet of interior space. The unit’s slim vertical profile takes virtually no space.
- Acoustics. In most operating modes, the system remains under 50 decibels, equivalent to a quiet refrigerator.
- Aesthetics. The tall slender configuration is unobtrusive, a contrast to boxy VTAC, PTAC, and split systems. It pairs visually well with large glazing units.
- Maintenance. Onboard diagnostics simplify troubleshooting. Sturgell says a mobile app is on the way for anytime, anywhere readings. If ever required, the unit is easy to swap out and replace.
There is no silver bullet in meeting sustainability goals, but the impact AI can have on comfort and efficiency is one of the most exciting recent developments in an industry that typically focuses on system mechanics. Next-generation HVAC systems using AI and machine learning help speed the sustainability journey and help us design a healthier future.
Learn more about how advanced AI and machine learning can help differentiate your properties and resident experience.
