India HVACR sector has been witnessing a buoyancy on account of the government’s enhanced focus on infrastructure development. According to the market research report published by P&S Intelligence, Indian HVAC market is expected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2024, registering a CAGR of 7 per cent during the forecast period. The growth in the market can be attributed to increasing number of high-rise buildings, shopping complexes and malls, and hypermarkets in Tier-II cities. Apart from this, the market is expected to propel on account of ongoing smart city projects in the country.

To give a new fillip to India’s infrastructure, the government has granted Rs 103 lakh crore infra projects besides providing about Rs 17 thousand crore for transport infrastructure in the Union Budget. Enhanced infra outlay is expected to stimulate HVAC market growth in the country.

Here, we are featuring a few HVACR companies that are making strides with advanced technologies and their business plans for 2020. Here are the key highlights:

Highlights
Air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire-fighting) contracting major Blue Star strives to stay ahead of the technology curve and invests heavily in R&D mainly to unleash technology. Senthil Thangam, Senior General Manager for Commercial Air Conditioners at Blue Star informs that on the commercial air conditioning front, Blue Star offers the Next Generation inverter ducted system which is capable of saving up to 25 per cent power as compared with the conventional systems. On the VRF side, the company has introduced the 5th generation VRF which apart from being advanced on the technology front is also designed for high ambient Indian temperature and erratic power conditions. Blue Star also offers oil free centrifugal chillers which are capable of part load power consumption of 0.29 KW per TR. Besides, the company provides remote monitoring service whereby it can monitor the air conditioning systems at clients’ premises from its service centre.

Testo, one of the market leaders in testing and measurement sector, has a basket of products that are used in several industries and applications. “We have always strived to develop and provide solutions that make the work simpler, better and reliable Testo has brought transformational change in T&M industry with an entirely new range of smart measuring products for multiple applications,” says Vimal Chavda, Manager – HVACR, Testo India.

Testo has also revolutionised the measurement technology with products like testo 440 and testo 400, intuitive air velocity and IAQ measuring instruments which can carry out measuring tasks on air conditioning and ventilation systems reliably under control with just one versatile instrument and multiple range of probes.

Danfoss India is committed to innovation through rigorous R&D to enable the delivery of technologically advanced solutions to its customers and promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. The company has transitioned to the use of natural, low GWP (global warming potential) and low ODP (ozone depletion potential) refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), thus, making its solutions energy efficient as well as environmentally friendly.

“From a technology standpoint, we are moving steadfastly on the digitisation path, setting the stage for Industry 4.0 and IoT, incorporating automation and efficiency at every level of operation. This is sure to permeate into every industry that Danfoss has a presence in,” informs Anuraaga Chandra, Head – Cooling Sales, India Region, Danfoss Industries.

CAREL designs, manufactures and sells high-tech components and solutions for high energy efficiency in the control and regulation of air conditioning systems and equipment and refrigeration sectors. “Research, innovation and technology are the cornerstones of CAREL’s success. For CAREL, efficiency represents both the starting point and the final objective of a process. In order to achieve this objective and lead the evolution, every year we invest approximately 6 per cent of consolidated sales in Research & Development (R&D),” states Daniel Chen, CAREL APAC Marketing Manager (HVAC).

The company lays its focus on advanced technology along with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). “We offer customers data-driven services through our IoT platform, so as to provide personalised value, increase efficiency and simplicity for end users by smart use of data”, says Chen.

Desiccant Rotors International (DRI) is at the forefront of desiccant based technologies for energy recovery, IAQ, fresh air treatment, evaporative cooling, humidification, RH control and clean air. At the Pahwa Group, innovation in technology and business processes is the driving philosophy. DRI’s ‘Green’ products help optimise energy performance of the air conditioning systems. This results in a considerable reduction of installed tonnage, reduction in utility bills for the product’s entire lifecycle, enhanced IAQ and productivity and reduced health risks. DRI products also help procure rating points for energy certification programs like Greenstar and LEED, says Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International. Further the company wants to focus on growth both in domestic as well as international market backed by innovative technology and products.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In the past few years, number of MNCs have their set-ups in India and introduced Indian companies to the advantages of automation for entrances and material handling. Further, the demand for material handling automation and equipment has increased exponentially over the past few years.

Gandhi Automations designs and manufactures a wide range of automated doors that perfectly suits to any architectural environment.

According to Kartik Gandhi, Director Gandhi Automations, “Emerging technology and proliferation of digital technologies have opened up avenues for new business models and service delivery frameworks. We leverage such technologies in providing value added services to the clients”.

The company has upgraded its systems by transitioning to Artificial Intelligence. Gandhi Automations’ products are now designed with sophisticated systems that can be integrated with BMS (Building Management Systems), thus, giving an ease of operation from anywhere and any compatible device.

One of the globally leading specialists for refrigeration and airconditioning technology major BITZER works towards a climatefriendly future, keeping the key elements natural refrigerants, energy efficiency and user-friendliness in mind.

The company plans to focus on the energy efficiency, intelligence and usability of its products as well as the suitability with futureproof refrigerants. “We strive to create further efficiency gains while at the same time reducing system complexity. In India, specifically, we will increase the local stock of air-cooled condensing units to be able to respond to immediate requirements for highly efficient German quality,” informs Harvinder Bhatia, Managing Director BITZER India.

India is an emerging market and demand for cooling products will see multi-fold increase. There is wider focus on food conservation and energy saving. Parker Hannifin understands the need of Indian market and have products that support this demand. “Parker plays a pivotal role in applications that have a positive impact on the world. HVACR is a critical market and we will continue to lead with purpose”, says Yatheendar Ramakrishnan, Product Sales Manager – RAC, Parker Hannifin India. With respect to HVACR technologies, the company’s Sporlan is leading the changes in technologies. “We were one among the first to introduce electric motor valves for expansion and pressure regulation. Now, we have introduced Zoomlock which is changing the way copper connection are made and helping HVACR technicians worldwide,” claims Ramakrishnan.

Belimo offers technology-based quality products such as the Energy Valves, Electronic Pressure Independent Valve, ZoneEase VAV solution with NFC. Belimo is the first company to offer the world its first direct coupled actuator way back in 1976.

At the beginning of the year, Belimo produced its 100 millionth actuator. Today, hundreds of thousands of buildings around the world incorporate Belimo actuators into their HVAC systems.

“We support our customers with innovative, efficient and energyoptimising solutions. Electronic Pressure Independent Valves has now been accepted as a technology which is reforming the way pressure independent valves have been looked in the past will be a game changer. Our sensor range will increase its visibility in the market as we create more value for our customers,” informs Prakash Lewis, Head – RAC India, Belimo Actuators India.

According to Kigali agreement 2016, the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump manufactures should phase out the fluorine refrigerants with high global warming potential. The environment-friendly refrigerant option gives Hans Industrial Corporation an opportunity to directly address a critical environmental issue facing by refrigeration and air conditioning industry, says Vivek Dewan, CEO, Hans Industrial Corporation. “The Hans refrigerant products with negligible global warming potential will fill the vacuum as drop-in substitutes. Our products are aimed at replacing not only the current generation refrigerants but also the next generation options like R1234yf proposed by various companies,” claims Dewan. Hans expects good potential for its refrigerant products in Indian market.

Luxembourg-based VTS Group is a manufacturer of high-tech devices for the HVAC industry, offering the highest standard of equipment, service, low prices, and the shortest delivery time on the market.

Considering the vast Indian market, the company is planning to spread awareness on its high energy efficient air curtains and its feasibility in the usage for all types of industrial and commercial usage. VTS combines the pleasure of creativity with perfection, quality and simplicity to create a new dimension of products in the HVAC sector. “We at VTS focus on dynamic market trends in the HVAC industry and try to implement all new innovative technologies which are high performing and energy efficient in nature,” says Marian Baran, EH Business Development Manager, VTS Group.

The demand for intelligence in buildings has witnessed a boost in recent years. As a result, energy efficiency as well as good return on investment have become the priority. Beckhoff, one of the leading companies in the automation and control technology, has been implementing PC-based control technology since last three decades in all areas of industrial automation.

Beckhoff offers a universal, scalable building automation control system covering PC and Ethernet based controllers and a modular I/O system for logging all data points in buildings.

“From the economic perspective, by choosing a highly efficient building automation system from Beckhoff, the client can tap into an energy-saving potential of up to 30 per cent, which directly affects the profitability of his or her investments,” says Rajesh Adhangale, Business Development Manager, Beckhoff Automation.

Established in 1990, Dry All is one of the leading manufacturers of full range of HVACR line products. The company has developed new product Filter Driers with TW that are capable of locating leaks in the system for its customers, thus helping to reduce cost of service and repairs.

“Dry All is investing in new technology in order to meet the needs of the next generation HVACR systems. Furthermore, Dry All will actively keep its product range updated and compatible with the introduction of new green refrigerants. This aligns with the company’s strategy to reduce greenhouse emissions and the impact of the greenhouse effect,” says Vikash Sekhani, Director, Dry All.

Ice Make Refrigeration, one of the leading suppliers of innovative cooling solutions and manufacturer of refrigeration equipment, has focus on key business verticals like ammonia refrigeration, reefer van, food segment, exports and South India operations that will help the company grow faster.

Ice Make has unveiled its plans to enter new emerging and fastgrowing segments like online food chains, airport flight kitchens, cash and carry vans to leverage its capabilities and basket of innovative products. It is also foraying into overseas markets in a bid to grow faster. “We believe India’s online retail market will grow multi-fold in the next 5-10 years. The company is making huge efforts in joining hands with new brands and leading online food companies,” states Sanjeev Seth, General Manager – Sales & Marketing, Ice Make Refrigeration.

Indian cold chain transportation is expected to grow at the rate of about 15 per cent CAGR over next five years. According to Nipun Goyal, Director – Business Development, Geetee Carriers, Geete is well positioned and gearing to cater to these requirements.

Geete Carriers’ vehicles are equipped with GPS sensors used for monitoring the route of a vehicle, temperature of storage during transportation. Key account managers get real time monitoring updates of temperature and accordingly they take due actions in case of deviations.

AAF is one of the pioneers in the air filtration industry. AAF understands the vital importance of clean air. The company is committed to improving indoor air quality (IAQ) not only in India but around the globe. “We are committed to improve quality of life, increase productivity, protect critical processes and equipment and create products that advance the human condition,” says Rahul Uppal, COO, AAF-Daikin – EEMEA, CIS & SAARC Countries. AAF has introduced Sensor360, a next generation monitoring and facility management tool that enables the customer to understand and plan their air filter performance and maintenance in an entirely new way.

A provider of energy efficient pumps and smart pumping solutions Grundfos India has applications in heating and hot water service systems, cooling and air-conditioning systems, industrial applications, pressure boosting and liquid transfer, groundwater supply, etc. Grundfos’ electronic speed control pumps give HVAC customers intelligent pump operations that always match system loads. These pumps give guaranteed of maximum efficiency at minimum energy consumption.

According to Saravanan Panneer Selvam, General Manager, Grundfos India, the company completed two decades of operations in India last year and has been growing consistently at a CAGR of 20 per cent. We hope to further increase our market presence and remain cost competitive. As we prepare to be future ready, digital solutions and e-pumps are going to be important growth drivers for us in 2020.

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