A toolkit towards performance based green retrofit of HVAC systems: Literature review and research proposal

It has been argued that energy and environmental performance of existing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems can be improved significantly if the retrofit measures are selected and implemented properly. Various new retrofit technologies for HVAC systems have emerged that aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions, but outcomes of retrofits often present difference from expected performance, with some succeeded, and some failed to meet the expected targets. This is, to some extent, due to relatively less knowledge and rare experience for design and construction of these technologies in HVAC systems. Moreover, lack of systematic assessment approach and limited examination guide make it hard to define the behaviour of each component of HVAC systems. These knowledge gaps and practical deficiencies have in the past prevented practitioners from selecting appropriate HVAC retrofit measures. Therefore, more in-depth research with practical case studies is needed to help test the retrofit outcomes and validate the claimed potential benefits. This chapter firstly will present an overview of the research on HVAC retrofits and introduce the challenges and risks commonly encountered in building renovation. Secondly, the key factors affecting HVAC retrofits will be reviewed and categorized. Finally, a brief description of the overall framework of the research method will be provided, which aims to develop a toolkit for green HVAC systems retrofits