As the built environment faces growing pressure to become more energy-efficient, sustainable and cost-effective, HVACR systems are under increasing scrutiny. One technology helping the industry meet these challenges is the rise of digital building twins.
But what exactly is a digital twin? And why is it becoming so popular for HVACR design and maintenance?
What is a digital twin?
Digital twinning technology has been used for some time in industries like manufacturing, construction and telecommunications to improve the design, safety and efficiency of real-world systems and structures.
Now being more widely used in the HVACR industry, a digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object (typically a building in HVACR’s case). This digital building mock-up can emulate the behaviour of a physical system in a virtual world to gather real time data to inform better decisions. Data can offer a degree of certainty to designers about the impact of an intervention, such as installing a heat pump, before going ahead for real.
McKinsey analysis indicates the global market for digital-twin technology will grow about 60 percent annually, reaching $73.5 billion by 2027.
Digital twins vs traditional HVACR design methods
Traditionally, HVACR designers relied on static models like CAD drawings, spreadsheets and manual calculations. These tools were based on predicted data – estimates of how many people would use a space, run various weather patterns and test assumed occupancy schedules. Once the system was installed, designers had limited ability to adjust or verify performance without costly physical inspections or retrofits.
In contrast, digital twins create a dynamic, real-time model of the building and its systems. Powered by live sensor data, they accurately reflect how HVACR systems perform day-to-day, adjusting as conditions change. This allows designers and operators to simulate real-world scenarios, fine-tune performance virtually, predict maintenance needs and continuously improve efficiency throughout the building’s lifecycle.
For example, digital twin modelling can:
- Allow engineers to model airflow, heat loads and occupancy levels across different zones, helping them size equipment correctly and reduce energy waste.
- Allow designers to test multiple HVACR configurations in a virtual space, finding the most efficient layout without the need for physical prototypes.
- Provide performance simulations across different seasons help future-proof system choices and enable low-carbon design.
By bringing data into the early stages of the design process, digital twins allow for smarter, more sustainable decisions.
Smarter maintenance, fewer breakdowns
Once the building is up and running, digital twin technology can become a powerful operational tool.
The HVACR’s IoT sensors and control systems can continuously supply data that enables building owners and operators to monitor system performance in real time and detect any inefficiencies as soon as they appear. Data can also indicate when components need maintenance before they fail. This ‘predictive maintenance’ approach is very beneficial because issues are identified and resolved before they cause costly downtime.
It also gives facility managers a live overview of multiple sites, enabling remote monitoring, rapid troubleshooting and even virtual training for new engineers.
