AI in HVAC Industry: Past, Present, and Future (ASHRAE Distinguished Lecture)

Abstract:  

Early AI applications in the HVAC industry started with knowledge-based systems or expert systems applications for HVAC system selection, design and fault-diagnosis based on heuristics. At the same time, data analytics were explored for time-series data analysis for predicting energy use and using BAS data for fault detection and diagnosis. Recent advancements in conversational AI and machine learning techniques have taken the world by storm where every aspect of our work and daily lives will be impacted by these next generation AI technologies. During the early 1990’s, knowledge-based systems and AI application promises fell short of expectations in the HVAC industry. However, with cloud-based computing, internet information resources, and rapid advancements in natural language processing and conversational AI, the HVAC industry can now solve many challenging problems with analysis, design and operation. This presentation will review the history, terminology, concepts, development tools and application of recent advancements in AI for building performance assessments; and provide an overview of AI Chatbot and machine learning technologies for HVAC industry applications.

Bio:

Krishnan Gowri, Ph.D., LEED AP, Fellow ASHRAE, is an expert in building science and energy performance with over 35 years of experience advancing energy efficient design and construction practices. He currently serves as a Senior Engineering Fellow at Energy Solutions, where he drives innovative strategies to improve building performance analysis for energy code development and implementation. Krishnan’s career spans academia, national laboratory research, and industry including Pacific Northwest National Labs, Autodesk and Intertek Building Science Solutions. A long-standing member of ASHRAE, Krishnan was named a Fellow in 2017 and is a recipient of both the Distinguished Service and Exceptional Service Awards. He is the founding chair of ASHRAE Multidisciplinary Group on Generative AI applications and currently is a member of the ASHRAE Board as Director At Large. Krishnan holds a Ph.D. in Building Engineering from Concordia University, where he also taught building science and integrated design. Outside of his professional work, he is an avid tennis enthusiast and volunteers for educational nonprofits.