Reducing environmental impact has been the number one goal of HVAC firms.

Anuraaga Chandra

- Head India, Sales, Danfoss Climate Solutions

What is the current demand scenario in the HVAC segment and how do you foresee the growth of this sector? What are the driving factors?

During the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, both demand and supply were negatively affected for HVAC industry due to lockdowns, thereby affecting not only manufacturing but import as well. However, the sector was also among the first to recover - owing to the demand and dependence created by the food and pharma sector to address the needs of citizens - even at the last mile.

With the rising avenues of sociological development and economic growth recovery, India's urban population is expected to soon reach close to half a billion. This accounts for more than 70% of India's GDP, which in turn requires a steady boom in the infrastructure sector. Currently, commercial buildings account for approximately one-third of global energy use and is expected to contribute 45% of efficiency-related CO₂ emissions savings by 2040. Sustainable HVAC systems will therefore emerge as key in the puzzle that goes into making buildings green and eco-friendly.

The industry has already adopted advanced technology and today the systems are AI/ML enabled. What are the future technologies we are expecting in this segment?

AI/ML has been the talking point in technological transformation for many years and the HVAC segment has followed suit. In the current phase of building the potential for next generation technology, the focus has shifted towards making products more environment friendly and sustainable for future generations. Reducing environmental impact has been the number one goal of companies in the HVAC segment. Danfoss's attempt to provide energy efficient solutions that reduce the dependance on energy and protect natural resources have come a long way in leading the industry towards positive change.

Currently, there is still a sizeable number of market players that use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydro fluorocarbon (HCF) and hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) as refrigerants. At Danfoss, we believe natural refrigerants are the environmentally safe alternative and we are championing this industry transformation.

How has the Covid pandemic impacted the sector, especially in the backdrop of the concerns raised about air conditioning being a potential route of transmission for the virus?

The lockdown due to Covid did have an impact on the industry as a whole which is similar to what other industries experienced. During the two months of the lockdown, sales lost were never recovered. We have however seen sales coming back to normal within the cooling sector over the past 5 months and are also seeing a good visibility and pipeline moving forward. As regards the concerns on air-conditioning as a transmission, the industry along with ISHRAE had published a Covid guidance document on running of air conditioning and ventilation which answers all the concerns that have arisen.

Which are the newer technologies that the company has introduced and is also working on? How do you see FY22 in terms of growth for Danfoss?

India's transformation across the global mega-trends of electrification, digitalisation, urbanisation, climate change and food supply is growing stronger by the day. In view of this, Danfoss is committed to deepening its industry relevance and furthering the scope for innovation and sustainability for its customers and partners. The merger of Danfoss Heating and Cooling businesses into Danfoss Climate Solutions will unlock a huge potential for Danfoss to leverage the combined scale, resources and technology of both businesses to become a global player with an unmatched value proposition across industries and a green agenda that will re-energise the economy. 

In recent years, the key products introduced by Danfoss includes the Danfoss Intelligent Purging System (IPS), Danfoss Gas Detectors, Danfoss Plate Heat Exchanger, the EKE 400, the ICFD and the ICSH 2 Step Solenoid Valve. These products have changed the standard for solution offerings in the industrial refrigeration and cooling industry.

With several innovations in the pipeline, Danfoss plans to gain stronger foothold in the coming years across India and the global market to identify opportunities that could lead to cross-selling among consumers.

Can you throw some light on the challenges with regards to carbon emissions and what are the sustainable solutions that need to be adopted?

The surge in industrial growth and technological advancements has resulted in a widespread move into cities and the expansion of city limits. By 2050, the number of urban residents is expected to increase exponentially (6.3 billion). Cities account for 60-80% of global energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions, and this alarming growth will inevitably increase the pressure on the climate.

Selecting the right HVAC design will therefore make a critical difference to the carbon emissions levels. It goes without saying that the HVAC systems and equipment must first and foremost be energy efficient. Some basic questions that to be answered during the selection process such as: how will the
system help reduce the overall carbon footprint and use less energy? What are the specific features and advanced technology offerings of the system?

More specifically, each feature and equipment within the HVAC system must be put through careful scrutiny during the selection process. Each equipment of the system works in coordination to achieve the desired energy efficiency and long-term profitability goals of the business. The right chillers must be selected based on their full load and part load efficiencies; variable speed solutions for fans, compressors and pumps must be used that can operate at varying loads; a dedicated outdoor air system can help reduce the energy consumption compared to a mixed air system; close control systems are helpful to achieve higher reliability, better temperature and humidity control etc. Additionally, smart chillers with oil -free compressor technology and in-built diagnostics are available which helps in getting consistent energy performance over the years when compared to conventional technologies.

It is when architects, engineers, and contractors bring knowledge of the best HVAC systems to owners and developers, collaboration that it serves as the cornerstone of a successful building project.

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