Bio-Inspired Design for Energy Efficiency

Many HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems contained in buildings are proven to be energy inefficient. Buildings in the United States (U.S) are responsible for over 70% of electricity consumption and approximately 40% of carbon emissions, with HVAC systems being the main contributor. A boiler is a common HVAC system, which wastes fuel (diesel or oil) and at low temperatures, wastes productive energy (exergy). This waste results in a loss of money and produces harmful emissions. Although some buildings have been using natural gas as an alternative fuel, natural gas still emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas, and energy (exergy) is also lost. These inefficiencies create the need for the redesign and optimization of HVAC systems in buildings.