Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
As the focus on integrated building management systems (BMS) intensifies, HVAC technology plays a key role in enhancing energy efficiency and cost reduction across commercial buildings.
The HVAC sensors market is witnessing significant growth, fuelled by increasing energy consumption. Image by Usertrmk on Freepik
HVAC Integration in Building Management Systems (BMS)
The market trend leans toward BMS solutions that streamline operations, reduce energy consumption, and cut costs. HVAC systems, being major energy consumers, are central to achieving these goals. The rise of smart buildings and the proliferation of internet-connected devices drive the adoption of advanced HVAC technology.
These systems go beyond standalone heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. Integration with lighting, security, and other BMS components optimises energy usage and enhances overall building performance.
HVAC systems maintain indoor comfort by controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality.
BMS platforms leverage HVAC data to ensure optimal conditions for occupants. Sensors monitor parameters like carbon dioxide levels, toxicity, and refrigerant status. The global phase-out of R22 refrigerant (due to its ozone-depleting properties) accelerates the demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems. BMS integration ensures compliance with regulations while improving overall building sustainability.
The below is actually Ryan Rennie’s regular contribution, so please put his usual photo with it.
Fine-tuning and managing BMS alarms can be cumbersome and time-consuming for facility managers
Enhancing building cooling efficiency
Within Schneider Electric’s product lines, Elliwell is a brand within the refrigeration space, distributed by Keystar, though the company’s controls offerings extend beyond that. By offering seamless integration, versatility, and advanced features, Schneider Electric aims to drive efficiency and sustainability in the building and data centre operations landscape.
Thabang Buys, buildings segment leader at Schneider Electric notes that while Elliwell is owned by Schneider Electric, there is a distinct separation in terms of how products are made available. This distinction allows for greater flexibility in distribution and purchasing channels.
“EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO) is the primary platform in Schneider Electric’s portfolio. It serves as a comprehensive HVAC control solution, leveraging a mesh platform to optimise building operations. Its various components include field devices (sensors), programmable logic controller (PLC) controls, and integration with security offerings. It has evolved over the years through acquisitions and strategic integrations,” he notes.
While EBO is commonly associated with building environments, it is equally versatile in data centre applications. Buys cites examples of AWS data centres in Cape Town utilising EcoStruxure for efficient operations.
“Field devices, including sensors for valves and actuators, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and pressure, form the foundation of the system. These devices are complemented by control mechanisms such as PLCs, ASBs (analogue signal boards), and RPCs (room controllers), which facilitate the monitoring and adjustment of HVAC equipment. These are all programmable modules that can be added to the basic RPC platform.
The software component, EBO, serves as the central platform for managing and optimising HVAC operations. Buys outlines the features of EBO as including licensing options, workstation architecture, and server infrastructure. “The system provides real-time monitoring, alarm and exception handling, reporting, and trend analysis, enabling clients to achieve energy efficiency and performance optimisation.”
Sensors and controls are of course key to achieving energy efficiency through continuously monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting HVAC equipment accordingly, Schneider Electric’s solutions minimise energy waste and enhance operational efficiency. Buys highlights the ability of their systems to implement adaptive control strategies, predictive maintenance, and occupancy-based optimisation to achieve energy efficiency goals, whether it be at a data centre, shopping centre or office building. This is the overarching purpose of having a control or BMS system, he notes.
Buys reinforces the necessity of collaboration with clients to tailor solutions to their specific requirements, especially in environments like data centres where stringent cooling requirements are paramount. “EBO ensures precise control over temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.”
A fire detector control panel at a previously featured project at Metro Home Centre at
Pretoria CBD. Supplied by Essensia Heating & Cooling Systems.
Technical expertise and support
The future of controls, says Buys, is to move beyond mere on-site operational capability, to include cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning, with paramount importance devoted to cybersecurity.
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Advisor is a cloud-based platform that is the sister product to EBO. It leverages AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, fault detection, and adaptive control strategies. By infusing AI into HVAC control systems, Schneider Electric aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimise energy consumption, and proactively address maintenance needs. Buys notes that it is an evolving technology that has been installed at only a few key customers to date, but he anticipates a widespread deployment of such platforms over the next five years into building management practices and empowering informed decision-making. “Integrating the Internet of Things into our offering is increasingly becoming a requirement from our clients.”
The control panel at a previous project at Corteva. © RACA Journal
Global HVAC sensor market to grow at CAGR of 5.9% to 2028, says researcher Technavio
The HVAC sensors market is on the rise, with an estimated growth at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2023 and 2028. This surge can be attributed to advancements in temperature sensing technology. Inorganic factors, such as energy efficiency regulations and the booming construction industry, have fuelled this expansion.
Smart HVAC systems, which leverage sensors for temperature control, energy optimisation, and indoor air quality, are driving this growth. Additionally, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows remote monitoring and automated adjustments, enhancing overall efficiency and comfort. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are poised to revolutionize the industry, enabling predictive maintenance, personalized temperature settings, and improved energy management. As demand for energy-efficient and intelligent building solutions continues to rise, the HVAC sensors market remains well-positioned for sustained growth.
The HVAC sensors market is witnessing significant growth, fuelled by increasing energy consumption in both industrial and commercial buildings. Air conditioning (AC) systems, prevalent in these structures, play a crucial role in space heating, cooling, and ventilation control. To optimise energy efficiency, these systems monitor temperature, input temperature, air pressures, and humidity levels.
The key drivers behind this growth include:
- The rise of smart homes and urbanisation has intensified the focus on energy-efficient solutions. Residential buildings now integrate HVAC sensors to ensure optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality control.
- The integration of HVAC sensors in building systems is becoming mandatory for maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ). These sensors help regulate IAQ by monitoring pollutants, humidity, and temperature.
- The demand for energy-efficient solutions extends beyond buildings. HVAC sensors are increasingly used in vehicle cabins and passenger cars to enhance comfort and efficiency.
- In various applications, including industrial processes and space heating/cooling systems, humidity control is critical. HVAC sensors contribute to maintaining the right humidity levels.
- Smart temperature control systems, such as digital programmable sensors and zoning systems, allow users to schedule energy-saving adjustments. Additionally, smart building technology monitors carbon dioxide, toxicity, and refrigerant levels, including the phase-out of R22 refrigerant due to its impact on the ozone layer.
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:
- ABB
- All Sensors Corp.
- Amphenol Advanced Sensors
- Emerson Electric Co.
- ES Systems
- Greystone Energy Systems Inc.
- Honeywell International Inc.
- Infineon Technologies AG
- Ingersoll Rand Inc.
- Johnson Controls
- KMC Controls Inc.
- OJ Electronics AS
- RTX Corp.
- Schneider Electric SE
- Senmatic AS
- Sensata Technologies Inc.
- Sensirion AG
- Siemens AG
- TE Connectivity
Reference: HVAC Sensors Market Analysis – China, US, Japan, Germany, India – Size and Forecast 2024-2028 (technavio.com)
