According to the IEA (International Energy Agency) data of 2018, the use of air conditioners and fans It takes about 20% of world electric production. The growing demand for the air conditioning of the buildings is putting to the test the sustainability of electrical production systems (mostly still based on the use of fossil sources) and, inevitably, increases harmful emissions for the environment, generating a vicious circle for which air conditioning becomes even more indispensable.
Over the years, the global demand for air conditioning systems will go up to the years will go up, especially in developing countries, generating a big problem at the level ofelectric availability. In such a challenging context, the development ofartificial intelligenceIt represents both an opportunity to break down increasing energy requirements and another obstacle to the supply.
In a lucid analysis of the problem,RactecIt illustrates the obstacles that await companies, in order to learn to consciously exploit these technologies to optimize resources and reduce the environmental impact, overcoming fear and abandoning the logic of immediate profit.
Is there a sustainable air conditioning?
Although the basic technology of air cooling or air conditioning systems made important steps in terms of research and development, Ractec highlights that the efficiency of air conditioning systems necessarily passes through theconscious use. That’s why the company believes in a connection, or rather a bridge, betweenArtificial intelligenceAndair conditioningtaking advantage of innovative approaches and a long -term vision that takes into account the paradoxes and challenges that can emerge.
We enter detail: when it comes to air conditioning, it is important to discern all the aspects that concern it. Inindustrialized areasthe buildings represent about 26% of global energy consumption, with air conditioning (64% heating, production of 15% hot water and, minimally the cooling 0.4%) which absorbs almost 21% of global energy consumption.
This significant consumption can and must be optimized not only through consumer education, but also through the help of artificial intelligence, which every day simplifies our life through the simplest home automation devices. In fact, if the first reflection that jumps to mind is to move from production systems ofgreen energyleaving behind the fossil fuels, Ractec is a convince that further strategies exist to optimize consumption, and that they pass through the mechanisms and opportunities provided by artificial intelligence.
Air conditioning and artificial intelligence: future opportunities and challenges
Considering homes as part of an interconnected energy network, the potential of artificial intelligence in improving theManagement of energy flows. Modern technologies, based on Deep Learning techniques and on the elaboration of natural language, are already able to analyze large quantities of data in real time, take
autonomous decisions and identify strategies to increase energy efficiency.
By adopting the data from iodic sensors installed, for example, in air conditioning systems, the IA canmonitor consumption,identify inefficienciesAndpropose solutionsto optimize the use of energy. This translates into a reduction in operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This approach not only promotes economic sustainability, but has a positive impact on the environment.
At what price? Although IA can significantly contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, its adoption involves an increase in the application for processing capacity, which in turn requires energy.
Currently, Ractec says that the data centers consume about 1% of global electricity, and it is expected that by 2030 this share can reach 8%. However, this apparent paradox is attenuated byconstant progressIn processing technologies and cooling systems, which are making infrastructures increasingly efficient, capable of reducing energy consumption while improving overall performance.
To encourage a faster transition to asustainable energy systemit is essential to adopt an integrated approach that includes the analysis of the existing building heritage and the creation of a European database dedicated to the management of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems (HVAC & R). A platform based on the use of artificial intelligence would allow to monitor and optimize energy consumption in real time, improving efficiency in the management of energy flows both locally and nationally.
Are heat pumps a valid alternative?
Let’s start from the current data. ThereRACTEC strategic consultancy companyIt highlights how the problem of heat pumps is inherent in the cost, definitely out of scale compared to other air conditioning methods.Substitutea traditional fossil fuel heating system, such as methane gas, with oneheat pumpIt requires an investment on average 3-4 times higher than the simple replacement of the generator with another powered by fossil fuels. This significant cost gap explains why, in the absence of government incentives, sales undergo a clear drop, especially in acontext of economic uncertaintylike the current one.
In fact, Ractec indicates that the manufacturers have focused mainly on the expansion of productive skills and commercial networks, neglecting a fundamental aspect: the industrialization of the “product system”. This concept includes not only the heat pump, but also thedesigntheinstallationand themaintenancewho accompany her. Guaranteeing real economic sustainability is crucial to make this technology more accessible and favor its wider diffusion. The creation of an integrated and standardized system, capable of fluidly managing all these elements, will be decisive.
To achieve this goal, Ractec considers essential to collaborate strictly with designers and installers, exploiting artificial intelligence formap and optimize every phase of the processenhancing the potential of the system to the maximum.
Word of order: responsibility
At the same time, it is necessary to promote greater awareness of the environmental impact of our daily actions, also in the use of digital platforms. Energy is a precious resource that has a high cost on the environment, and which should be used with greater awareness.
Ractec is a corporate consultancy company based on the creation of sustainable and growth -oriented development plans. Its goal is to put ideas in place, and not prefabricated patterns, which adapt to the company model, going to make the right changes to find the way towards a sustainable transition, among other things, creating value through the rationalization of processes and consumption.
