Thermal analysis is the systematic evaluation of how heat interacts with a system or structure, encompassing both steady-state and transient conditions. Thermal analysis plays a critical role in the design and optimization of Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC systems are responsible for maintaining indoor environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and air quality. Thermal analysis in HVAC involves various analysis as below.

• Heat transfer analysis: Understand how heat is transferred within the HVAC system and between the system and its surroundings. Study of conduction, convection, and radiation processes to identify areas of heat gain or loss.
• Thermal comfort analysis: Ensure that indoor spaces provide thermal comfort for occupants by considering various factors like air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air movement to assess occupant comfort.
• Air distribution analysis: Optimize the distribution of conditioned air throughout the building by examining the airflow patterns, pressure differentials, and ventilation rates.
• Thermal zoning: Dividing a building into zones with similar thermal characteristics by considering variations in occupancy, solar exposure, and thermal mass.
• Dynamic simulation: Model the transient behaviour of the HVAC system under varying conditions and simulation of temperature fluctuations, system response to changes in demand, and energy consumption over time.
• Tools for thermal analysis: Energy plus, Design builder, IES virtual environment, etc. are a few tools used for thermal analysis.

Thermal analysis in HVAC ensures that heating and cooling systems are not only appropriately sized but also designed to operate efficiently, meeting both thermal comfort requirements and energy efficiency goals. This approach contributes to sustainable and cost-effective HVAC solutions for buildings.