Get fresh air inside buildings via AHU implementing free cool mode

We all should try and collaborate and see how we can serve the country depending upon the kind of infrastructure.

What are upcoming trends in smart HVAC systems? 

Yes we do see every OEM upgrading the mechanical components to an efficient variable speed compressor, electronic commutated fans, Green refrigerants and various other modes of enhancing the controller to a smarter and energy efficient system which would control monitor and operate all of the mechanical components at its peak performance in line with the sustainability goals of the user and as a trending factor user are focusing more on the safety and well being with the Covid situation. 

Could you brief me about the product and solution which FlaktGroup has, particularly for conditioning of air in indoor and outdoor spaces? 

FläktGroup India has three business verticals to cater the cooling’s needs for indoor and outdoor space. 

• Air handling units 
• Ventilation Fans 
• Close Control units. 

When you talk on air conditioning as such we have our best energy efficient- Air handling units (AHU) designed for various cooling capacities and air flow range with option of controllers, customisable to meet customer applications and needs and all of these units are certified under the Eurovent standards to meet the applications of pharma, commercial, malls, industry etc. 

To add to this our Close control units (CCU) cater to the critical data centre, industry designed at high sensible cooling loads and with various cooling capacity and air flow pattern with a permutation and combination of flow type, controller etc., to meet customer needs and application, Multi Denco is our best energy efficient CCU unit globally, with SASO Certification, All CCU are certified in accordance with CE. 

What are the redefined measures for improving indoor air quality as pandemic is going to be the trend? 

With the pandemic situation we see the below measures being implemented in HVAC facilities.

• New HVAC installation with high efficient single / multi filtration level. 
• Implementation of UVGI in AHU 
• Upgrade existing /old units with single /multi layer filter + UVGI lamps 
• Regular cleaning and checking of the HVAC System and Ducts
• Entry of Fresh Air building into the building 
• Free Cooling concept 
• Optimum Indoor Air Quality. 

Although the above pointers are the best practice methods to impede the virus however not a proven concept as the new covid-19 strains like delta, omicron is still a vast subject to study. 

Improvement in energy efficiency is a factor for the thermal storage market growth, your opinion? 

Yes, however we see the usage of thermal storage especially in the application of Data centre and industrial sectors compared to other applications and sectors and may be in years to come thermal storage could be seen in various other sectors as well, which would eventually add to the market growth. 

What innovative technologies besides UV integration are trending for air handling units to combat airborne transmission of viruses in almost any closed environment? 

As per various reports conducted the two best recommended ways to handling the virus transmission is either by

• Enchase the units with UVGI, Filters and monitoring system or 
• Enchase the Fresh Air intake into the building (Free Cool). 

The innovative way or rather the best way apart from part A would be to focus on the getting the fresh air inside the building via the Air handling units and to implement the free cool mode on the HVAC solution which not only drives away the bad quality / infected air from the facility but in the process takes minimum power consumption on the HVAC system say 30~40 percent as compared to a traditional units especially during the operational cycle, with the free cool mode these unit takes maximum advantage of the lower/favourable ambient conditions. 

What new automation trends are visible in the HVAC industry? 

Artificial intelligence is the talk of the town and trending, however the automation as such are customised and designed as per the site demands and applications with the primary objective to control, monitor, and operate all the components in a Smart way. 

What measures do you suggest for air quality and ventilation from a health and hygiene point of view? 

The best way is bringing in the Fresh Air into the building to have healthier, happier people and as a precautionary measure the fresh air could be treated via the filtration levels as defined by ASHRAE / ISHRAE and other similar agencies. 

State your views about HVAC industry outlook in 2022. 

The HVAC/R continues to grow in spite of the pandemic situation and as per various market reports conducted the approximate growth of HVAC/ R would be around 5 percent ~10 percent or more compared to the previous year. The scare of new virus “Omicron” has increased the dependency of critical industries on the HVAC – R solutions to meet there cooling & heating demands.From the year 2020 onwards we saw the focus shift towards segments of pharma, industrial, manufacturing and data centre over the traditional IT / ITES, commercial and malls requirement and to add to it we have the temperature rising issues due to global warming which means more usage of HVAC/R solution.