**Abstract**

Urbanization has led to a sharp rise in the demand for power over the past 10 years, alarmingly rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems account for nearly half of the energy used by buildings, and minimizing the energy use of the HVAC systems is essential. However, the common problems, such as hot spots and cold spots in office spaces, experienced in the building need to be addressed. Therefore, this chapter introduces the application of artificial intelligence proactive control to resolve typical office issues. A demonstration testbed was implemented on the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus. The experiments were conducted in baseline mode and smart mode. In the case study, two big zones were segregated into 43 micro-zones equipped with smart dampers at each diffuser, allowing a localized set point to improve thermal comfort and eliminate hot and cold spots. It has been observed that the proactive AI control reduces cooling provided to the office by 29 percent and AHU electricity usage by 50 percent, respectively, while keeping the area within thermal comfort range of 23 to 25°C and 50 to 63% relative humidity.

**Keywords:** energy efficiency, all-air systems, airside energy reduction, artificial intelligence, micro-zones concept, energy savings

### **1. Introduction**

Energy is the most important component for the operation of various sectors, including transportation, business, residential buildings, and many others. Recent technological developments have led to a sharp rise in global energy consumption, which is alarmingly increasing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. As shown in **Figure 1**, the world energy consumption by different sources of fuels was about 173,340 Terra-Watt-Hr (TWh) in 2019, while it was 122,073 TWh in 2000. The world's energy consumption increased by approximately 42% within 19 years. Electricity is the prime energy source that the built environment utilizes. Global electricity generation in 2021 increases approximately twofold compared to 2000 to accommodate the drastic increase in energy consumption in the built environment, as indicated in **Figure 2**. Primary fuel sources, like coal and gas, account for almost 60% of total primary energy sources, whereas renewable energy makes up only 13%

*Energy consumption by different fuel sources since 2000 [1].*

*Global electricity generation by sources from 2000 to 2021 [1].*

of total primary energy sources. IEA reported that the increase in coal-fired power plants contributes to a sharp rise in carbon dioxide emissions. The electricity demand continues to grow by 4% in 2022. Despite substantial expansions of renewable energy usage, it is anticipated to offset the rise only partially in electricity consumption [2]. Due to the rise of greenhouse gas emissions, the environment is seriously threatened by the continued growth of energy consumption. Authorities from many countries, however, are focused on achieving net-zero carbon emissions and a major increase in the production of renewable and clean energy for end consumers. **Figure 3** shows that the total generated capacity will be 38,900 GW in 2050, while the expected rise in electricity output will be roughly 88,000 TWh.
