Comparing the life cycle costs of a traditional and a smart HVAC control system for Australian office buildings

Abstract

Many smart technologies have been introduced in buildings with the aim to reduce the energy and GHG emissions associated with their operation, particularly through improved control systems for regulating heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Despite their energy saving potential, only a few studies have comprehensively assessed the costs associated with their practical implementation from a life cycle perspective. Accordingly, this study quantifies and compares the life cycle costs of a smart HVAC control system with that of a traditional control system, in the context of an Australian office building. For both systems, the required hardware are specified based on the c..