Dedicated Outdoor Air System: Optimizing Indoor Air Quality
and Energy Efficiency
In recent years, with the increasing awareness of indoor air
quality (IAQ) and the demand for sustainable building solutions, the Dedicated
Outdoor Air System (DOAS) has emerged as a critical component of modern HVAC
systems. This essay explores the concept of DOAS, its impact on indoor air
quality, energy efficiency, and the government policies promoting its adoption.
Understanding
Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS)
The Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) is an innovative
HVAC solution designed to supply fresh, conditioned outdoor air to a building
independently of the main heating and cooling systems. Unlike traditional HVAC
systems that recirculate indoor air, DOAS introduces a constant flow of fresh
air, ensuring a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the accumulation of
pollutants, allergens, and odors.
Top Impacting Factors
of DOAS
a. Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): DOAS effectively
mitigates the risk of indoor air pollution, which is a major concern in modern
buildings due to inadequate ventilation and airtight construction. By providing
a continuous supply of fresh air, DOAS reduces the concentration of harmful
airborne particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide
(CO2), promoting better health and productivity among occupants.
b. Energy Efficiency: DOAS's decoupling of ventilation from
heating and cooling offers significant energy savings. With the ability to use
energy-efficient heat recovery systems, DOAS can pre-condition incoming air
using exhaust air, thereby reducing the energy required for heating or cooling.
c. Humidity Control: DOAS enables precise control over
indoor humidity levels. By controlling the amount of outdoor air introduced and
using appropriate dehumidification methods, DOAS helps prevent issues such as
mold growth and maintains a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Government Policies
Promoting DOAS Adoption
Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing
the importance of sustainable building practices and indoor air quality. Several
policies have been implemented to encourage the adoption of DOAS in commercial
and residential buildings:
a. Building Codes and Standards: Many countries have
incorporated ventilation requirements and IAQ guidelines into their building
codes. Some have specific provisions that incentivize the installation of DOAS
in new constructions or major renovations.
b. Energy Efficiency Incentives: Governments offer tax
credits, rebates, and other financial incentives to building owners and
developers who implement energy-efficient technologies, including DOAS. These
incentives aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable building practices.
c. Green Building Certification Programs: Green building
certification programs, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method), reward buildings that meet specific sustainability and IAQ criteria,
often favoring projects with DOAS installations.
Dynamics of Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
Drivers in Dedicated
Outdoor Air System Market
Diverse regulations have been enforced to enhance energy
efficiency and govern HVAC equipment. Within this context, ASHRAE Standard
62-1989, also known as Standard 62-89, holds a pivotal role as the
industry-consensus guideline for ventilation air in commercial structures.
Correspondingly, ASHRAE 62.1 regulations delineate the requisite outdoor air
volume based on spatial dimensions and occupancy metrics. To meet these
stipulations, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) have emerged as a solution,
ensuring optimal indoor air quality by delivering precise quantities of fresh
air to designated zones. Moreover, the efficacy of HVAC units must meet or
surpass the energy efficiency benchmarks set by ASHRAE 90.1, specifically ISMRE
11.1 and ISCOP 8.0, while maintaining a rating below NC-40. These standards
encapsulate the foundational principles of energy-efficient design for most
building types, barring low-rise residential constructions. A notable outcome
of these regulations and their implementation through DOAS is the substantial
energy savings of 15% to 30% observed in commercial edifices, driving a surge in
demand for DOAS equipment.
Governments in key nations are also contributing to the
market's growth through various initiatives. For instance, in 2021, the US
Department of Energy unveiled an endeavor to promote environmentally friendlier
HVAC systems in both residential and commercial settings. Similarly, the Indian
government has allocated budgetary provisions to propel infrastructure
expansion in the HVAC-R sector.
Restrictions in
Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
Obstacles Stemming from Limited Consumer Awareness:
In an era of ceaseless technological advancement, the
imperative lies in illuminating consumers about the merits of novel products.
In the realm of DOAS, the awareness surrounding the cost and environmentally
advantageous aspects remains deficient. DOAS systems are often misconstrued as
expensive and cumbersome, impeding their adoption in developing and
underdeveloped economies. Moreover, a lack of consciousness prevails regarding
the potential energy savings that these systems can confer. Despite numerous innovations,
including the development of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants
for HVAC applications, the uptake of HVAC systems lags behind their potential
benefits.
The merits of DOAS are multifarious, encompassing features
like consistent airflow that facilitates well-balanced outdoor air distribution
across each space. DOAS setups are equipped with superior efficiency air
filters. Their energy consumption is notably lower due to the diminished air
movement in comparison to conventional recirculating air systems, further
alleviated by the absence of return air ductwork resistance. Additionally, DOAS
ensures heightened air circulation rates to expel potential contaminants.
Unfortunately, these technical benefits of DOAS often remain obscured from
consumer understanding. Similarly, a lack of contractor familiarity with DOAS
standards impedes a seamless consumer experience and stunts the growth
trajectory of the DOAS market.
Opportunities in
Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
Boosting DOAS Adoption Through Increased Construction
Activity
The expansion of construction endeavors holds a pivotal role
in driving the demand for HVAC systems, specifically Dedicated Outdoor Air
Systems (DOAS). The upswing in constructing contemporary structures, coupled
with the renovation of existing edifices equipped with DOAS, has served as a
catalyst for the DOAS market's growth. Innovations and the assimilation of
novel techniques within the construction domain have acted as accelerants for
this market's expansion, particularly across the Asia Pacific region. Emerging
economies, including China, India, Indonesia, and Singapore, have channeled
heightened investments into construction due to rapid urbanization and
industrial progress.
The Asia Pacific market's upward trajectory can be
attributed to burgeoning construction activities, a burgeoning population, and
evolving climate patterns. Integral to this growth are various governmental
regulations, enactments, and associations endorsing the uptake of DOAS
solutions. An illustrative example exists in the United States, where the
Environmental Protection Agency administers the Energy Star (ES) program,
offering incentives for procuring efficient HVAC equipment. As the emphasis on
constructing environmentally conscious structures gains momentum, the demand
for energy-efficient DOAS solutions is poised to rise. Furthermore, the allure
of advantages such as diminished operational expenses, heightened energy
efficiency, and favorable government inducements has paved the way for
escalated DOAS implementation within both new and existing structures across
developed nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and
Japan.
Challenges in
Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
The Complex Landscape of DOAS System Implementation
The realm of DOAS technology entails a sophisticated design
integrating indirect evaporative cooling and vapor compression into a compact
unitary air handler. This configuration facilitates the cooling of ventilation
air within commercial establishments. An innovative aspect involves configuring
stale room air as the process air for indirect evaporative cooling. The process
of evaporative cooling hinges on the transformation of sensible heat into
latent heat, constituting a dynamic heat and mass transfer mechanism.
Radiant heating and cooling systems necessitate meticulous
installation, encompassing coordination across building design disciplines and
trades. The complexity of these systems in contrast to forced air mechanisms
mandates careful consideration during both mechanical systems' design and
building envelope installation. Particularly in humid climates, the
installation of any radiant cooling system must occur within an airtight
structure, facilitating precise mechanical humidity control.
Ecosystem of Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) with a capacity of
40–60 tons demonstrate exceptional efficiency, offering additional features and
multi-zone capabilities. These systems excel in providing 100% outside air
proficiency while conditioning only the required amount of air for each zone.
The 40-ton DOAS capacity units are well-suited for commercial and industrial
buildings and are available from various reputable players such as Johnson
Controls, LG HVAC, GreenHeck Fan, and Desert-Aire.
These 40-ton capacity units are versatile, providing chilled
or hot water for fan coil handlers to pre-treat outside air, as well as
facilitating radiant floor heating and hydronic heating or cooling
applications. Their demand remains high, particularly in the commercial and
industrial sectors, attributed to the expansion of technology centers in Asian
countries.
The market for DOAS heavily depends on new construction and
development projects, which are driven by urbanization, economic growth, and
rising disposable incomes in emerging economies like Asia Pacific and the
Middle East & Africa. Governments' substantial investments in commercial
sector infrastructure development contribute positively to the growth of the
DOAS market. The fast-growing construction sector, with a focus on
energy-efficient buildings designed to reduce energy consumption, conserve
water, minimize pollution, and enhance indoor air quality, further boosts the
demand for DOAS systems.
During the forecast period, the cooling requirement market
segment is expected to hold the second-highest share. DOAS is designed to
efficiently handle the latent building load separately from the zone cooling
system. By cooling the outdoor air to a temperature of 55°F (13°C) DB, DOAS
ensures the outdoor air remains neutral on humidity ratio, shifting a
significant latent load to terminal units, which might exceed their designed
capacity. DOAS comes to the rescue by employing total energy recovery devices,
like enthalpy wheels, to cool and dehumidify outdoor air, reducing the need for
additional mechanical cooling.
DOAS is recognized as an ideal system for sustainable
air-cooling designs. Its utilization of sensible cooling systems in combination
with advanced ventilation methods contributes to energy conservation, making
DOAS an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cooling
and ventilation systems.
Increased Adoption of Residential Retrofits Anticipated:
During the projection period, retrofits are set to garner
heightened acceptance within the residential sector. Retrofits provide a
favorable avenue to attain desired levels of energy efficiency, cost savings,
and overall comfort. The inclination among property owners is also evolving in
this direction. The infusion of integrated smart technologies and the Internet
of Things (IoT) into Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) has notably enhanced
their efficiency when compared to older systems. Consequently, the demand for
DOAS within the residential domain is projected to surpass that within the
commercial sector throughout the forecast period.
Challenges, such as initial installation expenses and
prolonged return on investment timelines, are constraining the expansion of the
DOAS retrofit market across commercial and industrial realms. Nonetheless, the
potential savings garnered from utility costs through the incorporation of
novel and highly efficient DOAS systems can be significant, facilitating
quicker cost recovery for building proprietors. Retrofitting for aging
structures presents several advantages, including lowered energy and water
consumption costs, heightened comfort levels due to enhanced airflow and
temperature regulation, and an augmented sustainability quotient that leads to
reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Upward Trajectory for Ventilation DOAS Market in Forecast
Period:
The central objective of DOAS lies in providing ventilation
air to ensure commendable indoor air quality within built environments. A DOAS
system comprises two parallel operational components—one for distributing
ventilation air to spaces and the other for addressing total latent loads
within those spaces. DOAS units have been conceptualized to treat outdoor air
before its introduction into a structure, thereby alleviating the burden on
zone-specific equipment.
DOAS employs specialized equipment to condition outdoor air
as it enters a building, either in direct conjunction with local or central
HVAC units. Several ASHRAE standards, including ASHRAE Standard 62.1, outline
guidelines for establishing ventilation airflow. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1,
which deals with Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, lays down
minimum outdoor air flow prerequisites for design scenarios. The demand for
ventilation, particularly within the commercial sector, is pronounced and is
expected to surge further as the commercial real estate sector continues its
development trajectory.
Segmentation by Verticals categorizes the market into
commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. Among these, the commercial
segment exerts dominance, primarily owing to the application of air handling
systems for indoor air conditioning in commercial settings. These
cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions are known to elevate air quality
within commercial structures. Furthermore, they are witnessing heightened
adoption due to their resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions,
making them an optimal choice for commercial building applications.
Conversely, the residential sector is poised to exhibit the
most robust growth rate of approximately 9% throughout the envisaged period.
This phenomenon can be ascribed to the global increase in disposable income. As
consumers' purchasing power rises, their capacity to acquire advanced products
and services expands, facilitating the penetration of these air purification
solutions into the domestic market.
Regional Insights
North America's Prominent Role in the DOAS Market
North America stands out as a leading stronghold in the
Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) market, predominantly driven by countries
such as the United States and Canada. These nations spearhead DOAS growth
within the region, with a pronounced demand observed across retail, healthcare,
and office applications. The concentration of numerous enterprises, medical
establishments, and commercial venues within North America contributes to this
substantial requirement for DOAS implementations.
Several factors have coalesced to propel the DOAS market's
ascent in North America. Key drivers encompass the imperatives for energy
efficiency, heightened indoor air quality, and escalating requests for DOAS
solutions across both commercial and residential structures. Of particular
significance, the United States is poised to exert considerable influence on
the North American DOAS market's expansion. Governmental regulations have
played a pivotal role in bolstering this market, exemplified by initiatives
like the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and The ENERGY STAR Verified
HVAC Installation Program (ESVI).
APAC Market's Exponential Growth with Friendly Policies
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market is poised to
showcase the most substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.5% within
the period spanning from 2022 to 2030. This robust growth can be attributed to
a confluence of factors, including favorable governmental policies, surging
population figures, burgeoning construction activities, and evolving climatic
conditions. The dynamism of this industry is further propelled by an array of
governmental statutes and regulations that actively advocate for the adoption
of DOAS solutions across the region. Furthermore, a pronounced need for these
systems exists within both the residential and commercial sectors, with notable
demand emanating from countries such as China and Japan.
In China, the manufacturing and construction sectors have
experienced remarkable expansion over recent years, driven by augmented
government expenditures earmarked for infrastructure development endeavors.
Notably, the country commands a substantial 20% share of global construction
investments and is anticipated to channel nearly USD 13 trillion into
infrastructure and construction projects by the year 2030. This substantial
financial commitment, coupled with a surge in real estate construction, has
engendered a burgeoning market for DOAS within the country.
Dominating Companies in Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
- JOHNSON CONTROLS
- CARRIER GLOBAL CORPORATION
- GREENHECK FAN CORPORATION
- DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD.
- NORTEK, INC.
- TRANE TECHNOLOGIES
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
- LG ELECTRONICS
- FLAKTGROUP SEMCO
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS
- RUPP AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- ADDISON
- DESERT AIRE LLC.
- DESICCANT ROTORS INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD. (DRI)
- VENTACITY SYSTEMS INC.
- PETRA
- RENEWAIRE
- MUNTERS
- CAPTIVEAIRE
- UNITED COOLAIR, LLC
- APPLIED AIR
- AQUA AURA INDIA PVT LTD.
- CLIMATEMASTER
- SWEGON NORTH AMERICA
- XETEX
Recent Developments in Dedicated Outdoor Air System Market
- In May 2022, Mitsubishi Electric unveiled plans for a
substantial investment totaling 1.44 billion Turkish lira (equivalent to USD
113 million). This investment is earmarked for the construction of a new
facility within the Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Manufacturing
Turkey Joint Stock Company (MACT). Situated in Turkey, this factory serves as a
pivotal hub for the company's air-conditioning production endeavors. The
primary objective of this expansion is to augment MACT's annual production
capacity for air-to-water (ATW) heat pumps by an impressive 100,000 units,
resulting in a total capacity of 300,000 units. Additionally, the annual
capacity for room air conditioners will experience an increment of 300,000
units, reaching a new capacity of 1,100,000 units. It is anticipated that the
newly enhanced production capacity will be operational by February 2024.
- In the month of March 2022, Johnson Controls introduced a
novel Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) labeled as the York DOAS. This
innovative system is meticulously engineered to fulfill the rigorous fresh air
prerequisites defined by ASHRAE 62.1. Irrespective of varying weather
conditions and climates, the York DOAS ensures the delivery of up to 100%
purified and dehumidified external air. A distinguishing feature of the York DOAS
is its high degree of configurability, complemented by the inclusion of
multiple pre-installed options. The system boasts a robust construction with
double-wall panels comprising foam panels, all of which are reinforced by
renewable and organic insulation material. Additionally, the insulation value
is rated at R13. The system's external casing is constructed from pre-painted
G90 galvanized steel and incorporates features such as hinged bottom lifting
and lockable doors.
- During the month of February 2022, Carrier Global solidified
an agreement to acquire Toshiba's equity share within a longstanding
collaborative venture between the two companies. This strategic move
underscores Carrier Global's commitment to fortifying its presence in the
domain of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and light commercial systems.
The acquisition pertains to Toshiba Carrier Corporation (TCC) and is poised to
amplify Carrier Global's global manufacturing capabilities, particularly within
the realm of VRF systems.
- In August of 2021, LG Electronics introduced two
groundbreaking units: the Split Rooftop and the Split Compact Dedicated Outdoor
Air System (DOAS). Both of these innovations stand as exemplars of
effectiveness and efficiency. The introduction of these units has empowered
building proprietors and facility managers with the capability to condition
outdoor air in a resource-efficient manner. This enhancement in air quality and
comfort is achieved without any compromise on flexibility, dependability, or
ease of integration.
- June 2021 saw Trane unveil a suite of new offerings designed
to assist clients in achieving their energy efficiency, sustainability, and
indoor air quality goals. These offerings are a testament to Trane's
comprehensive approach to improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ),
encapsulated within the Wellsphere initiative. A prominent inclusion in this
product lineup is the Trane Mixed Air DOAS unit. Distinguished by its capacity
to provide up to 100% fresh air, this unit significantly enhances indoor air
quality in alignment with ASHRAE 62.1 standards.
The Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) has emerged as a
game-changer in the HVAC industry, revolutionizing the way buildings handle
ventilation and indoor air quality. With its top impacting factors including
improved IAQ, energy efficiency, and humidity control, DOAS offers numerous
benefits for occupants and building owners alike. Additionally, the support of
government policies promoting DOAS adoption reinforces its significance in the
quest for sustainable and healthier built environments. As we move towards a
more environmentally conscious future, DOAS is poised to play a pivotal role in
creating comfortable and efficient buildings for generations to come.