Preface

This book presents research on energy self-sufficiency for buildings, focusing on HVAC solutions and their energy systems.

As technology continues to advance, the construction of buildings has become increasingly complex and technologically advanced, similar to the automobile and aeronautics industries. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is a pressing need for novel solutions to address the escalating technological demands in buildings. This leads to the question of whether traditional HVAC systems will suffice or if alternative methods must be considered to tackle these new challenges.

The near future is set to be revolutionized by disruptive technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, polygeneration of energy, second-use electric batteries for energy storage in buildings, and 3D printing being extensively employed in construction. As a result, it is crucial to contemplate how HVAC system managers will adapt to these innovative advancements.

The book starts by examining research on waste heat recovery from heat pumps. Experimental data is used to validate the proposed model, which shows that waste heat can be utilized for water heating without disrupting the heat pump cycle, making it suitable for bathing and cleaning. Chapter 2 discusses the application of artificial intelligence in air conditioning systems to resolve typical office issues, showing significant energy savings. Chapter 3 discusses the challenges of reclaiming thermal energy from cryptocurrency mining. It presents an innovative heat recovery system and demonstrates its results. Chapter 4 proposes a new heating solution for retrofitting existing steam heating systems and for new installations in high-rise buildings. The book concludes with Chapter 5, which discusses an indirect evaporative cooler that uses a unique operational setup, making it adaptable to various weather conditions.

> **César Martín-Gómez** Department of Construction,

Building Services and Structures, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

Section 1

Heat Recovery

**1**

Section 1 Heat Recovery
