Fujitsu General Australia general manager of product and strategy Kyle Rafter says facilities managers would be wise to embrace wi-fi and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in bolstering the precision and environmental performance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. 

As outlined in Facility Management’s deep dive into smart building technologies last year, smart building management systems rely on a centralised platform to assess and control HVAC systems and automatically adjust settings based on occupancy levels, weather conditions and indoor air quality. 

Fujitsu General Australia general manager of product and strategy Kyle Rafter says engaging with real-time data brings numerous economic and environmental benefits.

“A centralised platform helps lower energy bills by ensuring air conditioning output aligns with demand, while contributing to positive environmental impact,” he says.

“Smart building solutions bring together environmental sensors, asset controllers and building management software in one package.”

A window into a building’s internal environment 

IoT-enabled sensors and devices equip facilities managers with detailed information on a building’s internal climate by gauging temperature, humidity and CO2 levels. Such insights allow facilities managers to adjust HVAC operations and deliver efficiency and occupant comfort. 

An example of the accuracy smart building technologies afford is illustrated via motion detectors recognising unoccupied areas in a building and subsequently changing cooling levels to save energy during off-peak periods.

Advanced systems also come with low installation costs and can be quickly deployed, as wireless-enabled sensors nullify the need for extensive wiring. Additionally, replacing sensors is time-effective as new wireless sensors can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.

Overcoming issues before morphing into system failures

Machine-learning algorithms reduce system downtime and unnecessary and costly energy consumption by predicting usage trends. This method reiterates the importance of predictive maintenance at a facility, as issues are proactively identified before reaching the point of system failure.

Rafter says retrofitting older buildings with wireless control and IoT-enabled HVAC systems avoids extensive renovations and increases market value.

“These full-stack systems can be deployed locally or in the cloud to overcome the limitations of older setups that require multiple products and come with high installation costs.”

Wireless sensors ascertain rigorous data from multiple touch points and enable facilities managers to make informed and data-driven decisions.

Rafter says optimising HVAC systems is an easy and significant way for facilities to meet sustainability goals and slash their ecological footprint. “As demand for efficient buildings grows, advanced HVAC technologies will lead the industry toward a more sustainable future, with air conditioning systems playing a crucial role in shaping resilient urban landscapes,” he says. Data-driven and energy-efficient solutions proven to elevate a facility’s HVAC performance

This article first appeared on the Facility Management website.