AI-empowered autonomous HVAC control

A cloud-based software solution that takes building engineering management to the next generation by adding Artificial Intelligence on top of existing automation systems.

Climate Change Mitigation Health, Wellbeing and Social Value Resource Use Advancing Net Zero

Problem Addressed

1. Climate change: In 2021 the operation of buildings accounted for 30% of global final energy consumption, according to the IEA.

2. Resource Use: Every day unnecessary wear is occurring in HVAC equipment that leads to additional resource use to replace / maintain equipment. Automated fault detection applied to large modern buildings typically identifies many faults that can cause strain and premature wear of HVAC equipment. Examples include situations where: a) equipment is running continuously and does not need to; b) control settings are contradictory e.g. heating and cooling happening in the same areas at the same time c) other unique faults are identified, these could relate to errors in the original installation or events that have happened subsequently e.g. a bird being trapped in a damper and reducing the flow of air.

3. Health & Wellbeing: Many buildings have areas which are frequently identified as being uncomfortable to work-in due to poor climatic conditions e.g. too hot/cold, draughty etc. This in turn impacts on the health of the workers and their productivity and translates into poor health and lost output.

Solution Overview

R8tech’s cloud-based software solution, Digital Operator takes building engineering management to the next generation by adding AI on top of existing automation systems. This enables clients to have autonomous control over their HVAC (Heating-Ventilating-Air Conditioning) systems, which is continually optimised 24/7. The results are energy cost savings and CO2 emission reductions of up to 30%, together with improved indoor occupant comfort.

The Digital Operator improves HVAC data transparency and reliability with advanced fault diagnostics features. R8tech ensures that buildings are heated, cooled and ventilated at the right time, with the right amount of energy. Their AI engine takes account of the constant fluctuations in visitors, weather and energy market prices. It does not require any additional hardware or capital investment.

Average energy savings are 15-20%, whilst enhancing indoor comfort. The Digital Operator has avoided over 32,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions to date. Savings are measured against normalised energy consumption prior to the introduction of the R8 Digital Operator.

For new buildings, R8 Technologies offer a commissioning service, where R8 checks the set-up of the HVAC and BMS systems before they are used. This typically identifies multiple errors, which can be corrected prior to occupancy.

There is a simple monthly fee for the Digital Operator service. Customers receive a detailed technical report on condition of their HVAC systems and ongoing monthly reports on savings achieved and technical issues identified. Alternatively, some customers prefer to pay outright to own the software and retain 100% of the savings. Bespoke quotations for this can be provided on request.

Company name

R8 Technologies

UK availability

Yes

Solution launch date

2017

Case Study

Clients include CBRE, We Work, EDP, Radisson BLU, Swedbank, a leading serviced office company and many others. R8 Digital Operator is running 1,200,000+ sq.m of commercial buildings today and is growing.

<30 %

32,000 tonnes

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