Adapting HVAC for rapid urbanisation and ageing infrastructure

Paurush M. Ghadiali, CEO of Surat Refrigeration & Engineering, states that transitioning to eco-friendly refrigerants and integrating renewable energy sources are vital steps in modernising HVAC systems to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation. HVAC technology is developed by improving infrastructure resilience through energy-efficient systems, climate-adapted materials, and smart integration, which aligns with India’s quest for sustainability and renewable energy in different conditions.

How are recent technological advancements in the HVAC sector contributing to infrastructure projects’ overall resilience and durability?

New HVAC systems emphasise energy-efficient technology, which helps reduce energy consumption in infrastructure projects. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, smart thermostats, and heat recovery systems improve energy efficiency. These methods make infrastructure more sustainable and resilient to energy price swings and correspond with India’s greener building aspirations.

 What role do innovative materials play in enhancing the longevity and performance of your HVAC products in large-scale infrastructure projects?

The HVAC sector is adopting more corrosion-resistant materials and modular components to endure India’s diverse climate, ranging from coastal humidity to desert heat. These materials and designs increase the longevity of HVAC systems, making buildings more durable and minimising the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Custom HVAC solutions for India’s diverse climatic zones (humid, desert, tropical) contribute to infrastructure robustness in various places. For example, evaporative cooling systems are utilised in hot and dry areas, while desiccant-based dehumidification systems are employed in humid climates. This adaptation to local climates enhances the overall performance and durability of structures.

How do your HVAC solutions integrate with Smart technologies for optimised performance and maintenance?

Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies allows real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Sensors and automation systems offer information about temperature, air quality, humidity, and equipment performance. IoT-driven HVAC systems improve infrastructure longevity, save maintenance costs, and reduce downtime by optimising HVAC performance and detecting faults before they cause breakdowns.

What are the challenges in ensuring your HVAC products meet evolving sustainability and environmental standards?

Incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable technologies, such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, heat pumps, or Smart sensors, frequently results in higher initial costs. Producers must strike a balance between the rising cost of environmentally friendly components and advanced technologies and consumer demand for low-priced solutions. However, getting consumers and developers to pay upfront prices for long-term energy savings and environmental benefits is a task.

While there is an increasing demand for sustainable solutions, many consumers, particularly in residential and small business projects, are more concerned with short-term cost reductions than long-term environmental impact. It makes it difficult for manufacturers to promote high-efficiency, environmentally friendly systems in a price-sensitive marketplace.

How do you balance cost and performance when developing new solutions for critical infrastructure components?

As energy efficiency rules tighten, HVAC systems must be optimised to fulfil these criteria while maintaining performance, particularly in India’s diverse climatic circumstances. Achieving energy efficiency in hot and cold situations can be challenging, especially for systems designed for residential and commercial use across India’s various regions. Designing HVAC solutions that retain comfort and performance while attaining energy economy, especially in harsh weather conditions such as high humidity or dry heat, is challenging.

How do your HVAC products address the needs of rapid urbanisation and ageing infrastructure?

The refrigerants used in HVAC systems substantially impact global warming and ozone depletion. Under the Montreal Protocol, India is moving to environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-32 and R-290, which have a lower global warming potential (GWP). However, replacing older, dangerous refrigerants like R-22 has technical and economic hurdles, such as rebuilding equipment and addressing concerns about flammability, toxicity, and expense. As India focuses on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, HVAC systems must integrate with them for primary and backup energy. However, designing or retrofitting systems seamlessly with variable renewable energy sources is a logistical and technical challenge, particularly in regions with unreliable energy supplies.

Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge among customers and some industry participants about the necessity of sustainable HVAC technology, along with a need for more experienced workers to install, maintain, and adapt these modern systems to impede the adoption of newer technologies. Educating customers and industry experts on the long-term benefits of sustainable HVAC products and addressing the demand for educated technicians is critical to success in this sector.

What future HVAC trends or innovations will have the most significant impact on infrastructure resilience and why?

Advanced HVAC systems now incorporate improved air filtration and purification technologies, such as UV light disinfection and electrostatic precipitators, resulting in healthier interior environments. It is especially important for infrastructure projects like hospitals, schools, and office buildings, where high air quality is critical to operational life. Improved air quality also increases the durability of sensitive equipment in industries such as pharmaceuticals and information technology.