Energy-Efficient HVAC Technologies and Strategies:A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

This review paper examines state-of-the-art energy-efficiency technologies and techniques in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field. Specifically, the analysis focuses on the following advanced technologies: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, renewable energy integration (solar and geothermal), drying cooling, and state-of-the-art control technologies. This analysis focuses on the systematic study of the relevant peer-reviewed articles available in the Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases released between the years 2010 and 2024. The primary methodology included in the analysis was the use of experimental studies and high-fidelity simulations, which provided the evaluated criteria on which the research was premised. The advanced energy systems are more energy-efficient than the traditional air conditioning systems, and the research provides clear, demonstrable findings of this claim. For example, energy savings in cooling load use from VRF systems were around 70%. This rivew work also provided the geothermal heat pumps (GSHPs) of which the author focuses on a single performance parameter in this climate model: the GSHPs of which despite the high initial capital expenditure are the most energy efficient systems in extreme climates, which are the most energy. The review also provides evidence of wide scope limitations, including: A global absence of long-term comparative studies on the most mature systems (VRF and GSHP) in a variety of buildings, and a lack of comprehensive economic models, which effectively incorporate lifecycle analysis LCA and the local cost of electricity to facilitate meaningful investment. This review additionally provides an analysis of energy-efficient air conditioning technology, evaluates its performance, and suggests future research to fill the remaining empirical and knowledge-based economic voids.