Misconceptions in heating, ventilation and air conditioning - airside strategy implementation of commercial buildings in Sri Lanka

Abstract

To lower energy consumption and emission patterns in the building sector, discussions about climate change, the depletion of fossil fuels, and energy conservation are emphasised to create a more sustainable built environment. Thus, this paper examines common misconceptions regarding the implementation of HVAC airside strategies in commercial buildings, with a primary focus on Sri Lankan commercial buildings, where Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of electricity consumption. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature synthesis was conducted, a qualitative research approach was used to pursue the research aim, and an interview survey using semi-structured interviews was conducted targeting 17 experts. The collected data was then analysed using content analysis using the NVivo software. The findings of the research were discussed under three topics i.e., (i) adaptation of HVAC airside strategies to a tropical country, (ii) adaptation of HVAC airside strategies to coastal and highly humid areas, and (iii) sufficiency of prioritising waterside efficiency to gain overall HVAC system efficiency. In conclusion, it was derived that a balanced approach between airside and waterside HVAC systems should be maintained for optimal energy efficiency and the HVAC system can be tailored to diverse environmental conditions buildings are situated in. The knowledge gathered through this study can be used by industry professionals to enhance HVAC energy performance, while aiding academia in researching this sub-branch of HVAC systems in the Sri Lankan context.