Thermally managing urban designs

Thermal technologies improve comfort in urban public spaces. Manish A. Dandekar of Dandekar HVACR Systems shares the challenges designers face in integrating thermal control into public spaces, such as balancing aesthetic and functional requirements and implementing sustainable solutions for climate change.

What is your perception of the thermal control market in India?

The thermal control market in India is experiencing growth driven by industrialisation and increasing awareness of energy efficiency. There is a rising demand for solutions that offer cooling and heating efficiencies due to the climate change impacting temperatures. This market is evolving towards more sustainable and technologically advanced solutions to meet diverse consumer and industrial needs.

How essential are thermal control technologies for ensuring comfort in urban public spaces?

Thermal control technologies improve comfort in urban public spaces. They regulate indoor temperatures, manage humidity levels, and ensure air quality, creating pleasant environments for inhabitants. In crowded areas like parks or squares, thermal management mitigates the urban heat effect to improve liveability and health outcomes for residents.

How do designers address the challenges of integrating thermal control into public space designs?

Designers face obstacles in balancing aesthetic and functional requirements to make maintenance easier and implement sustainable solutions that reduce energy usage. Furthermore, adapting designs to changing climatic situations and user preferences brings new complexity that requires creative solutions.

How does energy efficiency balance optimal thermal conditions in large spaces?

Achieving energy efficiency while maintaining thermal conditions in large spaces involves leveraging advanced HVAC systems, sensors, and predictive analytics. These technologies use energy by adjusting cooling and heating based on real-time occupancy and external weather conditions. The building insulation and passive design processes also reduce energy demands without compromising comfort.

How does thermal management contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of data centres and large-scale hospitality venues?

Thermal management maintains sustainability and efficiency in data centres and hospitality. Data centres require specific temperatures and humidity to control performance and equipment longevity while minimising energy consumption. In hospitality venues, thermal management improves comfort and satisfaction while reducing operational costs through energy-efficient HVAC systems.

How do thermal management solutions meet the requirements of diverse public spaces, such as museums and transportation terminals?

Thermal management solutions preserve artefact integrity and enhance passenger comfort in museums and transportation terminals. In museums, climate control systems maintain stable temperature and humidity levels to prevent exhibit deterioration. Efficient HVAC systems and natural ventilation solutions provide pleasant indoor environments for transportation terminals, accommodating varying occupancy levels and external environmental conditions.

What factors influence the sensors market, and what opportunities exist in the thermal management value chain?

The sensors market in thermal management by IoT technology, demand for real-time data analytics, and regulatory requirements for energy efficiency. Opportunities exist in developing sensor technologies that offer monitoring of temperature, humidity, and air quality, thereby optimising HVAC system performance and enhancing indoor environmental quality. Integration of sensors with predictive maintenance algorithms also improves operational efficiency and reduces downtime in thermal management systems.

These insights highlight the evolving landscape of thermal control across different sectors, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and technological innovations in improving comfort, efficiency, and environment.