HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical eng […]
HVAC system design is a subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Net zero energy buildings are the buildings that generate 100% of their energy needs on-site. But which role is HVAC system play in net zero buildings?
Net zero building need HVAC.
First, there is no easy path for the current existing building to become net zero, so it has to be done in stages. Improving buildings and building systems over time is essential, but people want to be comfortable, and in a working environment that is a necessity for productivity. Even brand-new buildings have to have some means of keeping their occupants comfortable.
Thus, at the end of the day the role of the HVAC system in a net zero building is to keep the interior environment comfortable, as efficiently as possible, using the least amount of energy possible.
However, this plan is not feasible as so far. Nowadays, buildings that are energy efficient, and supply energy needs from renewable sources (on-site and/or off-site) is a more appropriate target for the mass scale required to achieve Paris Agreement levels of global emission reductions.