Effects of Hvac Design, Maintenance, and Climate on Control Room Energy in Libyan Oil Fields
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21706615Keywords:
HVAC energy efficiency, preventive maintenance, desert climate, oil field control rooms, energy managementAbstract
This study investigates the combined effects of HVAC system design specifications, preventive maintenance adherence, and local ambient conditions on operational energy efficiency in oil field control rooms across Libya's Sirte and Murzuq Basins. Adopting a quantitative, descriptive-correlational cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 187 engineering and technical personnel managing HVAC infrastructure in Libyan oil fields operated by the National Oil Corporation and its subsidiaries. The theoretical framework integrates Energy Efficiency Gap Theory, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Theory, and Thermodynamic Load-Response Theory. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple linear regression revealed that all three independent variables collectively explain 68.4% of the variance in operational energy efficiency (R² = 0.684, F = 132.45, p < 0.001). Preventive Maintenance Adherence emerged as the strongest positive predictor (β = 0.398, p < 0.001), followed by HVAC System Design Specifications (β = 0.341, p < 0.001), while Local Ambient Conditions exerted a significant negative impact (β = -0.305, p < 0.001). These findings empirically validate that operational energy efficiency in extreme desert industrial environments is a multidimensional outcome governed by the interaction of technical design ceilings, maintenance discipline, and environmental stressors. The study provides actionable guidance for Libyan oil companies to optimize capital expenditure in HVAC procurement, institutionalize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems, and implement climate-responsive operational protocols to reduce energy consumption, protect mission-critical control equipment, and achieve sustainable industrial operations.
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