CCC Engineering’s comprehensive energy modelling study has demonstrated how MyPlaceIQ’s smart air conditioning technology can transform standard ducted air con systems, with potential energy savings of up to 46% compared to conventional systems.

The Independent Study

The assessment was conducted using Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IESVE), a sophisticated thermal simulation suite designed for modelling building performance. The study compared MyPlaceIQ Air’s innovative 10-zone system against a standard two-zone BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) arrangement, which is typically required by New South Wales government regulations. The goal was to determine how much energy savings the standard household could achieve with MyPlaceIQ smart air conditioning compartively to standard ducted air con systems.

Study Overview

MyPlace engaged CCC Engineering to complete an independent assessment comparing the energy savings provided by the MyPlaceIQ technology against a standard residential air conditioning installation. The study utilised Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IESVE), a sub-hourly thermal simulation suite, to accurately model the relative energy consumption of both systems. This modelling approach enabled accurate comparison of energy consumption between the two systems under identical building conditions and usage scenarios.

Testing Environment for MyPlaceIQ

Researchers based their modelling on a typical Australian single-storey, five-bedroom house in Penrith, NSW. The location was specifically chosen for its temperate climate, representative of many Australian households. The study collected data at six-minute intervals throughout an entire year to ensure thorough results.

Understanding Ducted Air Conditioners

Ducted air conditioners are a sophisticated type of air conditioning system that use a network of ducts to distribute cooled or heated air throughout a building. These systems are designed to provide efficient and effective temperature control, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial buildings. One of the key features of ducted air conditioners is their ability to be divided into multiple zones, allowing for separate temperature control in different areas. This zoning capability is particularly useful for homes with multiple living spaces or commercial buildings with varying temperature requirements, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

MyPlaceIQ’s Smart Ducted Air Conditioner Features

The study evaluated three complementary technological features that make MyPlaceIQ ducted air con systems more energy efficient:

1. Advanced Zone Design: Instead of the standard two-zone layout (typically day/night zones), MyPlaceIQ smart air conditioning systems divide the home into up to 10 individually controlled zones. This means individual rooms or areas can be cooled independently rather than conditioning entire sections of the house unnecessarily.
2. Individual Temperature Control Technology: While conventional systems rely on a single temperature sensor at the return air grille, MyPlaceIQ places individual sensors in each zone. These sensors provide temperature readings for their specific areas, rather than an averaged reading for the whole house.
3. Smart Damper Management: Each zone’s temperature sensor directly controls its own supply air damper. This creates a responsive system where airflow adjusts automatically based on each zone’s actual temperature, rather than relying on a central system’s estimate of cooling needs.

These three features work together as part of MyPlaceIQ smart air conditioning approach. For example, when cooling a bedroom at night, the system can measure that room’s temperature, adjust only that zone’s damper, and leave other zones closed – significantly reducing energy waste compared to traditional ducted air con systems that would cool entire sections of the house unnecessarily.

Real-World Scenarios

To demonstrate practical energy savings in Australian homes, the study examined five common household scenarios:

1. “Got home from work” – utilising theatre, kitchen, family/meals areas, and one bedroom
2. “Nighttime” – multiple bedrooms in use
3. “Kids gone to bed” – theatre and children’s bedrooms
4. “Work from home” – study and kitchen areas
5. “Day time nap” – one bedroom plus living areas

Energy Savings Results

The findings demonstrated significant energy reductions across scenarios:

• “Got home from work”: 58% reduction
• “Kids gone to bed”: 62% reduction
• “Work from home”: 51% reduction
• “Day time nap”: 57% reduction

The “Nighttime” scenario showed a slight increase in energy usage, which researchers attributed to reduced thermal loads during night-time operation.

Overall, over the course of a year the MyPlaceIQ technology can reduce air conditioning energy consumption by up to 46%.

Technical Specifications

The testing used equivalent ducted air con specifications for fair comparison:

• 14kW total cooling capacity – the most common size of ducted AC in Australia, and highly representative of the capacity of system installed in the home used for the purpose of the report
• Coefficient of Performance: 3.02
• Comparable to standard Direct Expansion air conditioning systems

Australian Building Standards and National Construction Code

The modelling incorporated current Australian building standards, including:

• Insulated Colorbond roofing
• Double-glazed windows
• Insulated wall systems
• Standard internal partitioning

Expert Validation

The study was conducted and verified by CCC Engineering Director Chris Colborne, providing independent validation of MyPlaceIQ Air’s energy-saving capabilities.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study confirms MyPlaceIQ’s innovative approach to ducted air conditioning through intelligent control to increase household energy efficiency. The technology demonstrates significant potential for reducing household energy consumption through intelligent zoning and precise temperature management.

For Australian households looking to improve their energy efficiency while maintaining comfort, MyPlaceIQ Air’s demonstrated up to 46% reduction in annual air conditioning energy usage presents a compelling solution. Additionally, comparing suppliers to ensure customers receive the best prices for electricity and gas plans is crucial for maximising savings and promoting environmentally friendly energy options.

Ready to Reduce Your Energy Bills?

Transform your home’s air conditioning efficiency with MyPlaceIQ’s smart air conditioning. Contact our team today to learn how our smart zoning technology can help you achieve significant energy savings while maintaining perfect comfort in every room.