Stricter regulations, new system concepts and client-specific solutions are challenges facing the HVAC industry.

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for approximately 40 per cent of the energy used in commercial buildings. Thus, almost any business has the potential to realise significant savings by improving its control of HVAC operations and improving the efficiency of the system it uses. HVAC industry is evolving fast to meet the needs of energy-efficient systems like never before. This is particularly true for large commercial complexes and buildings. To meet these goals, system manufacturers are looking at improving the performance of their compressors.

Multi-step compressors
The latest technologies available for manufacturers are – systems available that work on modulation technologies, multi-step compressors which are capable of handling part loads more efficiently and adoption of natural, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, according to BB Kale, Head-Product & Marketing, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions.

Employing high-performance HVAC equipment in conjunction with an optimised building design can result in significant energy savings, adds Kale. In addition to selecting a right-sized HVAC, consideration needs to be given on minimising the heat load through the right design practices.

BITZER ORBIT scroll compressors and BITZER CSV screw compressors
The Indian market will be shaped by climate-friendly and energy-efficient solutions in the future:the costs for refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) are rising. “BITZER has centuries of experience using low-GWP refrigerants – an expertise which is essential in India. BITZER ORBIT scroll compressors and BITZER CSV screw compressors are particularly efficient solutions for air-conditioning applications,” says Harvinder Bhatia, Managing Director, BITZER India.

The latter are extremely efficient in that they are optimised for use in air-conditioning systems, reversible chillers and heat pump applications as well as in industrial process cooling. Thanks to an integrated frequency inverter, they simplify to a high degree the installation and safe use of speed controlled compressors in relevant applications. These particularly powerful compressors have a displacement of up to 1,156 cu.m per hr (50 Hz). The series operates with a wide range of control, is ideal for systems with high part-load and meets the most stringent requirements in terms of seasonal efficiency.

Considerations for efficient HVAC solutions
Testing and commissioning reduce HVAC costs
Pre-Engineered Buildings offer design flexibility and an extremely short construction time as they are supplied on site as a virtually finished product. The system provides for seamless customisation based on varied building requirements. Plus, insulated roofing and wall systems along with focus on installation of energy efficient HVAC products, testing and commissioning can reduce HVAC costs.

While designing the PEB façade, care should be taken to have minimal windows facing towards the West. Tree plantation around the building is encouraged to lower down cooling demand. At the design stage itself, it should be ensured that the outdoor units are installed in the shade to ensure low compressor discharge pressure, says Kale.

Climate-friendly, energy-efficient solutions
New refrigerants, the use of intelligent electronics in system components, increasing energy efficiency requirements for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, stricter regulations, new system concepts and client-specific solutions are all challenges facing the HVAC industry. It is crucial to have the right refrigerant for each application and environment. BITZER has been offering climate-friendly, energy-efficient solutions for a whole host of applications for centuries. These are ideal for a populous country like India, where the transition to sustainable, intelligent technologies is a high priority due to the significant environmental impact. It’s going to take brand-new system concepts and further development of existing ones to phase out high-GWP refrigerants, which have always been the ones most commonly used, says Bhatia.

ORBIT+ and ORBIT FIT series
A very flexible solution for the HVAC industry is the ORBIT+ and ORBIT FIT series. They take compressor performance to a new level, enabling users to meet the strictest energy efficiency standards. ORBIT+ with line start permanent magnet motor boosts scroll chiller and heat pump system efficiency. The economiser operation of ORBIT FIT(Flexible Injection Technology) enlarges the application envelope and increases capacity as well as efficiency. All ORBIT series can be used with BITZER Advanced Header Technology (BAHT) in more than 700 tandem and trio combinations which can also be uneven, meaning they combine different compressor types. The technology guarantees proper compressor lubrication and reduces costs, increasing overall system economy. All series are suitable for A1 refrigerants like R410A as well as for the low-GWP A2L refrigerants R454B, R452B and R32. Furthermore, ORBIT compressorsare easy to install, compact in size and have very low noise emissions.

Energy-efficient and eco-friendly HVAC solutions
BITZER offers an extensive portfolio of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly HVAC solutions. Apart from products using low-GWP refrigerants, another great possibility to reduce energy costs are frequency inverter driven solutions. Users can smoothly adjust a compressor’s capacity to meet the actual requirements and save energy. If the motor is controlled by a frequency inverter, the frequency of the starting current and thus, the speed of the motor, can be adapted to the required refrigerating capacity. If less energy is required at certain points in the process, the frequency inverter can adjust the electrical frequency and slow the motor down. This ensures that the engine consumes only the energy the process needs right now. Such an energy-efficient solution is the before mentioned intelligent, speed-controlled CSV series. Also the CSW105 is a unique innovation in the field of compact screw compressors. This series can be used with R134a, R513A, R450A, R1234yf and R1234ze (E) for improved energy efficiency. CSW105 boasts high cooling capacities of up to 1,500 kW in water-cooled chillers while relying on mechanical capacity regulation.

Employing high-performance HVAC equipment in conjunction with an optimised building design can result in significant energy savings.
BB Kale,
Head-Product & Marketing, Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions

BITZER ORBIT scroll compressors and BITZER CSV screw compressors are particularly efficient solutions for air-conditioning applications.
Harvinder Bhatia,
Managing Director BITZER India