Leveraging benefits of IoT in HVAC products and solutions

 ZECO Aircon, in an interview with TCBU Magazine, talks about the transformations in HVAC product. He also mentioned key products and technologies of ZECO Aircon for air filtration and air quality.

How do you view the demand for efficient HVAC products in the present scenario?

I have a very positive outlook on the demand for efficient HVAC products even with the disruption caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. All the social and economic indicators seem to support growing demand in the long run. Rising disposable income, change in perception about HVAC equipment as a necessity rather than luxury will provide the necessary impetus to the industry. Moreover, most of the country witnesses a tropical  or subtropical climate with temperatures touching as high as 50°C. This creates a natural demand for sustainable heating, ventilation and air- conditioning products.

The key drivers for the growing demands are expected to be growing residential construction, surging infrastructure spending and rising disposable income. Among the commercial, industrial and residential end-users, commercial consumption is expected to lead the chart for HVAC products.  As per most estimates, the HVAC market size is expected to grow to $31,598.6 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 16.0 percent during the forecast period (2020-30).

How is ZECO contributing in ensuring clean air quality indoor across the industrial, commercial and residential areas?

Indoor air quality has become a topic of concern today. As our life gets more organized and we spend much of our time indoors (office, homes, shopping malls, etc.), there is an urgent need to look at what we are inhaling. Identifying the opportunity, ZECO has introduced with a range of air purifying products for industrial, commercial and residential areas. For Industrial and commercial purposes, we  have introduced a smart AHU unit with an intuitive dashboard, BMS compatibility, real-time filter status monitoring, wireless control for AHU on the cloud using iOS and Android app. The smart AHU unit delivers high-quality fresh breathable air.

We also have some cutting-edge products in air distribution and Insulated pipe verticals. These are Air Volume Control, Factory Fabricated Duct and Pre-insulated PIR Panel/ Duct and pre- insulated pipe.

Looking at the consumer interest in fresh breathable air, especially during the winter season, we created separate air purification vertical – the O2Cure brand. Its range of products includes air purifiers, in-duct solution (PHI, REME, and HALO-LED®) and commercial air purification solution.

As we all know, the transmission of virus is mainly through surfaces & air, REME technology patented by RGF has been successfully tested under the ZECO AIRCON initiative by an  internationally accredited virology lab in the USA over SARS- COV- 2(COVID-19) virus with a 99.63 percent reduction within one hour from air as well as surfaces. It is also the most advanced product to mitigate respiratory disease and cross infections in indoor spaces.

O2Cure products have shown their efficiency in eliminating pollutants (dust, dander, smoke, pollen, VOC, microbes, PM2.5, 10, etc.) of all kinds across the industry to ensure that clean air quality becomes a norm in our day-to-day life.

How are automated and IoT enabled HVAC technologies helping you maintain quality performance in your products and services?

We place a great deal of importance on new technology and quick to adapt. ZECO AIRCON has always stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. Leveraging the benefits of IoT technology for HVAC, we were one of the early producers of the Smart AHU unit. Our new AHU boasts of some stunning features and functionality. An intuitive dashboard shows real-time information of humidity and CO2 status, maintenance of constant pressure and airflow, BMS Compatibility and real- time filter status monitoring, wireless control for each AHU’s on the cloud using iOS and Android app.

What kind of investments is being done in R&D to measure and maintain safety and performance accuracy?

From its inception, ZECO AIRCON has been a pioneer in manufacturing world- class air management products and solutions. We have maintained the leadership position because of sustained interest and investment in R&D. Our inclination to change the status quo of R&D is what differentiates us from our competitors.

We have planned a slew of investment in R&D to create value for our customers. We are also in talks with some research-oriented companies that share a common vision for strategic collaboration. Our R&D investment is directed at manufacturing world- class products (with high safety and performance accuracy) indigenously in keeping with the goal of “ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT”.

What are your key offerings for the industrial requirements?

For Industrial requirements, we have some value-addition offerings. Our smart air handling units can help the industry to improve the energy-efficiency, cut costs and improve productivity. Smart AHU is equipped with some breathtaking features like wireless control on the cloud using iOS and Android, an intuitive dashboard with real-time information regarding temperature, humidity, filter status monitoring and BMS compatibility. For air distribution, we have factory- fabricated ducts with some amazing feature benefits. As the name suggests, the ductwork is manufactured in a factory as compared to an industrial site.

Some major benefits of factory fabricated ducts are low leakage leading to lower energy loss and low lead time resulting in faster project completion.

With the present emphasis on clean air and clean energy, how do you see the future of HVAC cooling technologies in India?

The future of HVAC cooling technologies in India looks very promising. There is an immense curiosity regarding innovative HVAC technology that can increase efficiency, cut costs and improve clients and customer satisfaction. Some of the technologies capturing attention are movement-activated air conditioning, thermally driven air-conditioning, Ice-powered air conditioning, sensor- enhanced ventilation, smart homes with full automation and 3-D printed air conditioners.

As customers become more aware of clean air and energy, the benefits of the above-mentioned technologies can be harnessed for creating a better and prosperous world.

“Inclination to change the status quo of R&D, and sustained interest and investments in it, makes us unique from our competitors.”