How it works

By combining advanced algorithms, real-time data and dynamic setpoint adjustments we can significantly reduce HVAC energy consumption while maintaining comfort and operational efficiency.

Arkitech equipment gathers real-time data from the vessel which includes data from the chillers, AHUs, pumps and actual and forecast weather data. This data is stored in a secured cloud platform and published into a real-time dashboard.

DATA COLLECTION

Our onboard PC gathers real-time data from the vessel which includes data from the chillers, AHUs, pumps and actual and forecast weather data

Outdoor air temperature and humidity Actual and forecast data
Seawater temperature
Indoor temperature and humidity
Chiller performance The current efficiency and output of the chiller (CoP, supply and return temps, cooling capacity, setpoints, etc)
AHU performance Monitoring the efficiency and energy consumption of the AHUs (SP temperature, pressure, valve positions)
Pump Efficiency and energy consumption

SECURE CLOUD PLATFORM

The data collected from various onboard equipment is securely transmitted to our cloud platform. This platform prioritizes data integrity and cybersecurity, ensuring that the information remains accessible only to authorized users. The cloud infrastructure allows for robust data storage and management, providing redundancy and scalability to handle high volumes of real-time data. The secure environment enables seamless integration with remote access capabilities, offering insights to both onboard and onshore teams and supporting analytics, alerts, and predictive maintenance tools.

REAL-TIME DASHBOARD

Our real-time dashboard tooling provides a user-friendly interface displaying the performance and energy consumption of the onboard HVAC systems. Users can view live operational status, monitor HVAC efficiency and analyze historical performance data. The dashboard enables tracking of energy consumption and savings over time, showing real-time adjustments in chiller and AHU performance based on ambient conditions and forecasts. It supports data export in various formats (CSV/XML) for further analysis and reporting, offering complete visibility into HVAC operations and empowering proactive management.

The collected data is being feeded into Arkitech’s predictive models and by combining advanced algorithms, real-time data and dynamic setpoint adjustments, HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort and operational efficiency.

BALANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COMFORT

The system ensures that energy savings are maximized without compromising passenger comfort. Energy savings often come at the expense of thermal comfort or vice versa. The objective of the setpoint optimization is to find an optimal balance where energy use is minimized without sacrificing occupant comfort. For instance, raising the setpoint temperature of a chiller might reduce energy consumption by the chiller but could increase the energy use of water pumps or cause discomfort if the space is inadequately cooled.

HOLISTIC SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

The dynamic setpoint optimization considers the entire system rather than just optimizing individual components (e.g., the chiller or AHUs). For example, optimizing the chilled water temperature alone can lead to higher energy use by other components like pumps and fans. Therefore, it is crucial that the model takes a “systems-level” approach that includes chillers, pumps and AHUs and other equipment (such as VFDs).

MACHINE LEARNING AND MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL

By using a combination of AI and model predictive control we train a dynamic model of the system to predict future behaviour and optimizes control actions over a finite time horizon. This allows the system to learn and adapt to changing conditions (e.g., occupancy, weather) and anticipate the need for heating or cooling.

By combining advanced algorithms, real-time data and dynamic setpoint adjustments, HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort and operational efficiency.

Reduced Overcooling: Without dynamic control, the HVAC system often cools more than necessary, wasting energy.
Lower Chiller Loads: By adjusting the setpoints in real-time, the entire HVAC system operates closer to its optimal efficiency range.
Demand-Based Cooling: By only providing cooling when necessary, the system minimizes energy waste during off-peak hours or when the load is low
Off-peak optimisation: Energy is conserved by reducing the fan speed of Air Handling Units that are not needed during off-peak times, such as nighttime or when specific areas are unoccupied. This targeted approach reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining essential cooling in active areas.

Expected energy Savings can be up to 20%, depending on system configuration, usage patterns, and climate conditions.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

You might find your unanswered questions on our FAQ page.

If you would like to learn more about the savings that we can offer to your ship, let’s get in touch!