HVAC systems have gained popularity over the last decade as a result of technology advancements.

Nishat Nishoo, Sales Director, 75F Smart Innovations India Pvt Ltd

What is the current market scenario of HVAC systems in India?

In recent years, the Smart Building market has greatly outperformed industry estimates and expectations. The Indian HVAC market is steadily growing, with a high 16.0% CAGR from $8,526.7 million in 2019 to $31,598.6 million by 2030. People are purchasing these gadgets in order to maintain the optimal temperature inside closed rooms and ensure sufficient ventilation. HVAC appliances are used everywhere, from homes and major stores to workplaces, transportation hubs, and factories. The country's increasing residential construction sector is responsible for the rising installation rate of HVAC systems in India.

What is the demand trend for HVAC systems? How is the demand evolving in commercial buildings?

HVAC systems have gained popularity over the last decade as a result of technology advancements and increased awareness regarding automation and energy use. Furthermore, increased energy demand and expanding urbanization have all contributed to the growth of the country's building automation business. Demand for smart houses that include lighting and HVAC controls is also increasing in the residential sector, which is resulting in a spike in demand for such appliances.

It's not just homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint, more and more businesses are also going green because of the cost-effectiveness associated with such equipment, as commercial buildings have the greater square footage to heat and cool throughout the year. When the temperature rises, more HVAC and control systems are added to limit energy consumption and expenses. Additionally, rising energy conservation awareness and commitment to social responsibility is another key factor fuelling the adoption of HVAC systems on a large scale.

What are the latest environment-friendly features in HVAC?

Global climate change is one of the most significant risks to human survival and well-being. Modern, sustainable, and eco-friendly technologies will not only help to clean up the environment but will also allow facility managers to save money on their electricity bills year after year. HVAC systems cool our spaces by maintaining air quality and temperature. The following are some of the most recent environment-friendly features in HVAC systems:

On-command recirculation of hot water: On-command hot water recirculation requires installing an 'on-command' pump that links to both cold and hot water lines to ensure effective hot water delivery while also conserving money and energy. When the pump is turned on, the cool water is drained and circulated back into your water heating system via the cold water supply. This permits hot water to be delivered whenever it is required and also reduces the amount of wastewater produced by the home by cycling it back into the system for reuse.

Ice-powered air conditioning: Ice-powered conditioning devices can reduce the amount of energy used for air conditioning by up to 30%. It works by freezing litres of water in a tank overnight, making this ice available to chill the building the next working day. As the peak of electricity usage shifts from on-peak to off-peak hours, ice thermal storage technologies can reduce the power consumption of the HVAC system.

Thermodynamic air conditioning: Cooling and heating technology that uses hot water as the driving heat source can also help with energy savings. This technique, a low-cost alternative to typical air conditioning machines, operates on waste heat or solar thermal energy. With the introduction of the adsorption heat pump, lost solar heat may be utilised, reducing waste and expenditures.

HVAC zoning: Zoned HVAC systems are not a new concept, but they are growing more popular since they allow for focused heating or cooling, guaranteeing that no energy is wasted in unoccupied rooms or spaces. A zonal HVAC system divides the building into two or more heating and cooling zones, each with its own set of controls. It guarantees that every area keeps its ideal temperature and that unneeded spaces may be completely closed off, preventing you from wasting energy.

Sustainable duct wrap: Duct wrap is another well-known component of standard HVAC systems; however, companies devoted to a greener future are developing new materials and more sustainable alternatives to traditional wrap. There are duct wraps on the market that are made from recyclable textiles that have been diverted from landfills and contain minimal levels of VOCs and irritants.

Geothermal heat pump: Geothermal pumps operate by utilising heat from the earth via looped piping installed in the ground. When the temperature drops, the fluid in the pipe loops underground and absorbs heat, which is then transported back into the house and used to heat it. Geothermal heating systems can be three to four times more efficient than typical HVAC systems and can provide both heating and cooling.

What are the other emerging technology trends in HVAC?

Below are some of the emerging trends in the HVAC industry:

Data and connectivity to improve control: Today, buildings are built in a slightly different manner. Several contractors and architects are constructing keeping the 'green' philosophy in mind, resulting in an increase in the installation of smart meters, thermostats, and sensors to assist reduce power bills. Not only can building owners manage the temperature, but they can also control the humidity and circulation.

HVAC systems with software collect data and compile it into reports to determine consumption trends, system state, and prior performance, which can be used to advise preventive maintenance and identify the source of a problem for faster repairs. Certain new software-enabled HVAC systems can self-diagnose, allowing HVAC technicians to quickly fix problems and reduce downtime.

Eco-friendly HVAC systems: The adoption of environmentally friendly HVAC units, such as solar panels and wind turbines to minimise energy costs, is on the rise. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are also becoming more popular, which eliminate the need for petroleum-based electricity. Instead, these heat pumps collect energy from the ground and water sources, such as ponds, to heat and cool buildings. Some buildings use a combination of petrol and solar energy, allowing owners to effortlessly switch between the two to control power bills. Thermally driven ACs are already being developed.

HVAC smart technology built for automation: Because technology is more accessible and intelligent, it is at the forefront of many HVAC advances. HVAC designs available to contractors nowadays include sensors that interact with one another. This means that different systems in buildings communicate with one another.

These systems can also monitor external elements such as temperature, humidity, light, and sun position. For example, if one area of a structure is not exposed to direct sunlight, the system will produce less AC during the summer and more heat during the winter. If smart blinds are installed, the system may open and close the blinds based on the sun's location. Building Automation Systems (BAS) are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy-saving potential and ease.

Ductless HVAC systems: Upgrading older buildings with air conditioning is nearly challenging, especially if ductwork cannot be installed. Customers' costs for these modifications can be rather expensive in buildings with available space. Ductless heating and cooling equipment serve as a workaround on both ends.

These little units may be fitted practically anyplace and do not require ductwork. Ductless HVAC units are also ideal for newer infrastructures with defects and gaps in their ducting that allow air to escape. Instead of paying for costly replacements, consumers can choose ductless HVAC systems.

How are the changing weather conditions putting pressure on the HVAC systems?

Weather and back to office trend both have impacted the cooling requirements in offices and large commercial spaces in general. Due to this combined effect, operating hours of the HVAC operations have increased as well as the capacity utilization of the chiller and AHUs. This increased demand has also raised hot and cold spot issues in cases where the cooling circulation is not optimized. This is also a peak time for maintenance-related complaints. So if the cooling demand is not predicted well then it can cause an operational disturbance.

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