HVAC as a subject has majorly been focused on air conditioning. Hence the focus in air conditioning systems has been to keep increasing the efficiency of existing products and accessories. However, it is the heating and ventilation space that has seen major innovations being taken place. In the space of water heating, the introduction of electronically controlled tankless water heaters, Multiple energy source heat pumps, Hot water tanks with integrated plate heat exchangers to supply water instantly and hygienically are trending.
Ventilation has majorly been an ignored element in design, however due to changes in government norms and awareness worldwide, we have seen many innovative solutions like Energy Recovery and Heat Recovery Ventilation systems and Ventilation systems working on electronic commutating motors controlled by AQI sensors and smart controls. We have even seen a rise in ducting technology specifically designed for the purpose of Ventilation.
Innovations in the HVAC space always have the ecological impact as a focus. With global warming and pollution on the rise, the reduction of the carbon footprint has been the prime focus for governments and manufacturers worldwide. Hence new products are also made to have a low carbon footprint.
Innovative products from Germany like electronically controlled tankless water heaters carry an energy class rating of A, and products like all in one air to water heat pumps carry an energy class rating of A+. In fact, when a heat pump is integrated with solar, the energy efficiency class rating goes upto A+++. These ratings are of the highest standards which denote the efficiency and sustainability of such products and innovations.
Ventilation refers to movement of air from positive pressure zones to negative pressure zones. This system primarily focuses on this phenomena in a dwelling whereby equal amounts of fresh air is supplied thereby creating positive pressure, and equal amounts of stale air is extracted at the same time thereby creating negative pressure, which creates a balanced climate and also encourages movement of air in a dwelling. The secondary purpose of this system works in conditioned spaces where the temperature and humidity that is being extracted from the space is exchanged upto 90% with the air that is being supplied, thereby preventing any heat load build up in the conditioned space.
The innovation of Electronic Commutating motors enable HVAC systems to be more energy efficient and enable the systems to effectively use Air Quality sensors. EC motors can be controlled automatically when integrated with sensors like CO2, Humidity, and VOC sensors, thereby making the ventilation system more energy efficient , sustainable , and reliable.
The shift towards smart HVAC systems is gaining momentum in India, driven by rising energy consumption and the need for improved system efficiency. Please explain.
The importance of implementing HVAC systems today in India has been larger than ever, and this space will always grow considering the high magnitude of its effect in our lives. Hence with more systems being implemented, the cost of energy plays an important role in design. Hence, implementing smart HVAC systems that can increase efficiency is the way forward.
Industries will be prone to shift to systems that incorporate EC motors, as they use less energy to work. At the same time EC motors can be integrated with AQI sensors and BMS systems, which automate the functioning of the system, thereby maximising efficiency, and reducing any probability of human error.
HVAC systems employ various antibacterial and antifungal measures tailored to their type and purpose. In conventional systems, particularly in thermal insulation materials, there is an emphasis on evaluating and rating them for antifungal properties. Also, implementing robotic cleaning in air ducts at regular intervals has significantly enhanced the quality of conditioned and purified air.
To maintain clean rooms such as operation theatres, High Efficiency Particle Filters are used to effectively control the presence of bacteria in both fresh and recirculating air. Standard AC systems use electrostatic filters.
The HVAC field is not extensively covered in our higher education engineering programs. Graduates from Electrical and Mechanical branches often enter this field with limited knowledge and practical experience, while more lucrative sectors such as IT remain popular career choices. Encouraging research and innovation in HVAC is crucial. Allocating a portion of the budget to enhance education, provide practical training for students, and support research institutions would significantly benefit the industry.
Resonating with the larger cause of curbing carbon emissions to mitigate climate change issues, the HVAC industry undertakes ecological measures by incorporating energy-efficient solutions. As part of the commitment to encourage sustainability, there is a rising demand for low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, comprising R-32 and R-410A to minimize the impact on the environment as compared to that registered by traditional refrigerants like R-22. To expedite the transition to green solutions, sustainable building codes and standards are being mandated to promote the integration of energy-efficient HVAC equipment in the form of high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps.
Along similar lines, to achieve sustainability goals, green building has been gaining a lot of prominence in recent years with a focus on saving energy. Along with this, solar HVAC systems and geothermal HVAC systems also provide advanced solutions for regulating the environment in the commercial and industrial space by harnessing the benefits of renewable energies.
The allocation of Rs 11.11 lakh crore for infrastructure development in the interim budget bodes well for the growth of the HVAC sector. Ushering the path toward resilient infrastructure of the country, it is expected to give the desired impetus to the construction activities across the sectors, ultimately translating into surging demand for HVAC systems. Understanding that residential, commercial, and industrial spaces are invariably seeking HVAC systems for achieving a comfortable and controlled indoor environment, it is expected to bolster the prospects of the Indian HVAC industry. Working on similar lines, companies like Desiccant Rotors International are the frontrunners in curating innovative solutions to achieve a conducive environment within the building.
The poor IAQ can lead to various health repercussion entailing breathing issues, lethargy, pain in the eye, coughing, headaches, fatigue, etc. In certain cases, it can also lead to development of a condition called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ that can impact the overall health of the person. Therefore, to address the rising concern around health issues, the industry is continuously innovating to scale its offering to come up with effective solutions. In the pursuit, it stays abreast with the latest technologies to revolutionize the way heating, cooling, and ventilation of the building is achieved with the help of HVAC products. The integration of advanced sensors and controls is empowering the HVAC systems with the ability to seamlessly adapt to dynamically changing environmental conditions. Here, harnessing the ability to optimize energy utilization, it ensures the comfort of the occupants. Moreover, developments in heat pump technology, including the widespread adoption of advanced compressors, have significantly improved energy efficiency and performance. Along with this, advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning algorithms, etc. are transforming the sector by promoting predictive analytics for enabling proactive maintenance. Translating into reduced downtime of the systems the technologies are invariably extending the lifespan of the equipment.
The transition to smart HVAC systems can be considered a response to the rising concern of energy inefficiencies and soaring energy costs. In order to address the issue, building owners and facility managers are invariably resorting to smart meters and IoT-enabled devices to enable remote monitoring and exercising real-time control of the HVAC systems. The devices are further adept at optimizing energy utilization in accordance with the occupancy patterns and weather conditions of the space.
Furthermore, the industry players are adopting building management systems (BMS) with agility for augmenting the energy-efficiency and system performance by drawing seamless coordination between HVAC, lighting, and other building systems. Owing to the comprehensive advantages the smart HVAC systems have to offer, they have been gaining momentum across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in India.
In the pursuit of achieving optimal environmental conditions, HVAC manufacturers are constantly involved in the innovation of advanced filtration technologies in the form of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and electrostatic precipitators. The ground-breaking filtration systems come with the proficiency to capture a wide range of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that conform to a healthy indoor environment with a significant improvement in IAQ. Moreover, the industry is also focusing on VOC abatement to minimize the impact of volatile organic compounds like synthetic building materials, furnishings, cleaning supplies, etc. within the building.
Moreover, deciphering the importance of ventilation and air circulation in inhibiting the spreading of infectious diseases within the space, industry players are invariably focusing on enhancing the HVAC design with the incorporation of ventilation strategies and air exchange rates into the system.
Here, state-of-the-art technologies such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) and demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) systems play a crucial role in striking the right balance between ventilation requirements and energy efficiency for promoting a healthy and sustainable environment in the building. Offering an ideal solution for achieving the twofold purpose of maintaining optimal IAQ while minimizing energy consumption is leading the way for bolstering the HVAC industry.
Read the full story that first appeared in Architect & Interiors magazine’s June 2024 issue here:
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