The Inside Track March 2014

Volume 8. Issue 03. March 2014 Rs. 25/-

THE

INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

HVAC Special

W

e all want to live comfortably, be that in our home or office. A major portion of that comfort stems from our environment: Is the room adequately ventilated? Is the air-conditioner set at the right temperature? Does the room feel too stuffy? We all have faced such scenarios. These circumstances are now in check with the availability of high-tech Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units that incorporate measures to reduce unwanted heat gain, reduce the cooling load in a building, maintain optimal temperature and provide clean air and thermal comfort to its occupants.

India falls mainly under three climatic zones (hot-dry, warm-humid and composite), requiring cooling of buildings for almost 6-8 months.

This contributes to significant energy consumption and costs. An efficient HVAC system can help cut down this energy usage as well as the resultant costs.

A properly installed HVAC unit along with intelligent architectural planning can save up to 15-20% of your energy cost. External heat gain can be avoided by various measures which may be as simple as light coloured/reflective building surfaces, green roofs, awnings, solar screens, high performance glazing as well as the use of landscape and vegetation to block solar radiation and

The Indian HVAC Chapter

The growing demand for integrated HVAC systems in India has created a need for hightech, energy efficient units. Here’s a look at the current HVAC scenario and the best options for cost and energy savings. BY REHANA PENWALA provide evapotranspiration cooling.

Using better energy efficient products like lights, computers, etc. and direct

venting of spot heat sources can also reduce internal heat gain substantially.

Load reduction not only saves energy, it

An HVAC system assists in maintaining the right temperature and reduces the cooling load and the building’s energy consumption and costs

allows HVAC equipment to be smaller, resulting in first-cost savings.

Since HVAC accounts for a significant portion (about 40%) of a commercial building’s energy use, it represents an opportunity for considerable energy savings and reducing carbon emissions.

Efficient HVAC systems optimise the delivery system by reducing the velocity, pressure and friction losses in ducts and piping; use high-efficiency fans and non-vapour compression cooling techniques like natural ventilation with cool outside air, ground coupled cooling, night sky cooling, evaporative cooling, absorption cooling etc. Desiccant systems fuelled by natural gas, waste heat or solar energy can also hugely impact a building’s energy and cost savings. continued on page 2

2

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

The Indian HVAC industry India has seen a recent rise in the use of integrated HVAC systems as the country is seeing a boom in infra projects, new commercial space development and the premium housing segment. A few years ago this was not the case. “For several decades, government policies discouraged the use of air conditioning for comfort through a high tax regime. Excise duty on comfort AC equipment was as high as 131.25% in the late 1980s.

Reduction in excise and customs duties, coupled with increase in disposable incomes, has led to the increasing use of HVAC systems in India over the last two decades,” says Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Technical Editor - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Journal, Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning.

ISHRAE ISHRAE, founded in 1981, is an organisation that is geared to provide information and training programs in India to help educate people about HVAC & Refrigeration engineering solutions and services.

Its periodic activities that include trade fairs, workshops and various communication help the industry

keep up to date with the latest happenings, techniques and adopt best practices to improve indoor air quality in buildings.

The industry is also facing its own set of challenges. As the demand for energy rises, it has become more expensive, since it’s non-renewable, thereby increasing overall costs and being inaccessible to many. While India is home to some key companies that manufacture HVAC systems, including the likes of Trane, Johnson Controls, Carrier, DRI and others, let’s take a look at the HVAC system by its three main functions - heating, ventilating and air conditioning - and how these can move up a notch in energy efficiency.

Heating Some of the most common heating systems used in India are central heating systems which distribute heat via forced-air, water or steam after generating heat in a central location; under-floor heating which use electric systems or hydronic systems to heat the floor; chiller boiler systems which use radiant heating and cooling or fan coil systems to condition a continued on page 4

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

March 2014

COVER The Indian HVAC Chapter 1 STORY Natural HVAC 5 Swathe Your Home With Natural Light 6 Future Ready Air Conditioning 8 Kich Ropes In A Brand Ambassador 10 Innovation From The Ground Up 11 Conditioning Your Air 12 INSUflex By Supreme 14 ISHRAE - Mentoring HVAC Standards 15 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 16 Ventilate With HSIL 19 Action Tesa In Action 20 Exhibitions and Fairs 22 Kerovit - Kajaria’s Latest Offering 24

Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 8. Issue 03. March 2014. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Sub-Editors Vikas Bhadra, Ulka Vartak, Rehana Penwala Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Snigdha Hodarkar, Vikas Sawant Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Digital), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 32656823, 23736133, 32958501 Fax: (022) 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia.com Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd,Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 Email: s_biswas1203@ yahoo.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder, 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the demand on the world’s landfills, THE INSIDE TRACK urges its readers to actively participate in recycling efforts.

marvel infomedia pvt ltd

Advertorial

4

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

An energy recovery ventilator exchanges indoor exhaust air with the incoming outdoor air

continued from page 2 building; and space heaters which are employed to heat an enclosed area.

Since saving energy is at the top of an efficient building’s priority list, various energy-efficient products, techniques and systems are being incorporated in their design. This is possible via energy recovery systems that minimise the input of energy to a system by exchanging energy (mostly thermal) from its sub-system and heat exchangers that efficiently transfer heat from one medium to another.

A waste heat recovery unit is a classic combination of an energy recovery heat exchanger that captures excess heat from ‘hot’ streams such as from cooling towers or from the exhaust of an air-conditioning unit and converts it into electricity and steam, or returns energy to the manufacturing process. A heat recovery steam generator is also similar and recovers heat from a hot gas stream. Radiators and convectors transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for space heating.

Another method to increase efficiency is energy recycling - a type of energy recovery process - that utilises energy that would normally be wasted by converting it into electricity or thermal energy.

Energy recycling is loosely associated with thermal energy storage. Waste heat from air-conditioning or heat recovered in summer is stored in thermal banks and then recycled back in winter via heat pumps.

Summer heat from solar collectors is stored inter-seasonally for use in winter; this process is called seasonal thermal energy storage.

Heat pumps, a form of heat exchanger can either be used for heating or cooling. They absorb heat from a cold space and release it to a warmer one against the natural flow and vice versa. Geothermal heat pumps are similar in function, but use the earth as a heat sink in the summer and heat source in the winter. They take advantage of the nearly constant temperature of the earth’s surface and use heat pumps to force the transfer of heat from the ground. This system

is gaining popularity in India due to its energy saving capabilities.

Ventilation Ventilation is extremely important as it affects our health, comfort and ability to work. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings.

A building can be ventilated naturally or mechanically. An air

HVAC systems. Throughout the cooling season, the system works to cool and dehumidify the incoming, outside air while it’s reverse in the heating season. HRVs and ERVs can be stand-alone devices or built-in, or added to existing HVAC systems.

Alternatively, under-floor air-distribution systems provide effective ventilation by introducing supply air at the floor and returning it at the ceiling effectively removing contaminants from the conditioned space.

Air Conditioning India’s tropical climate warrants for using air conditioners (ACs) for a major part of the year. Apart from cooling, an air conditioner provides ventilation and humidity control too for a building. Central air conditioning systems, split system ACs, window ACs are widespread in India. But strides in technology and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, compels us to introduce

Image Source: Carrier

handling unit, for instance, conditions and circulates air as part of an HVAC system. The major components of an AHU are an air filter, air purifier, humidifier, dehumidifier, ventilator, blower and CO2 sensor.

Ceiling/table/floor fans circulate air within a room and reduce the perceived temperature.

Natural ventilation occurs when indoor air is replaced with outdoor air without the use of mechanical systems. Windows, doors and vents help in natural ventilation; the application of trickle vents in naturally ventilated spaces can also help contribute to good indoor air quality in buildings.

The energy recovery options available for ventilation are heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).

HRVs provide fresh air and improved climate control, while also saving energy by reducing heating and cooling requirements. An ERV exchanges the energy contained in indoor exhaust air and uses it to treat the incoming outdoor ventilation air in residential and commercial

energy efficiency in air conditioning systems as well.

Evaporative coolers, that cool air using the principle of evaporative cooling, use a reduced amount of energy and cost less than conventional vapour-compression or absorption refrigeration cycles integrated in air conditioning systems. This system is specifically beneficial in dry climates with low humidity.

Free cooling offers an environmentally friendly way to cool with economic benefits too. It uses low outdoor air temperatures to help in chilling water by installing an air blast cooler with any existing chiller or on its own, which can then be used for air conditioning systems. The chilled water can either be used immediately or be stored for later use.

Seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) is a system of free cooling, whereby heat or cold can be stored for days, weeks or several months in special storage mediums like water or ice-slush tanks. The thermal energy can be collected whenever it is available and be used whenever needed, such as in the opposing season. For instance, the natural cold of winter air can be stored for summertime air conditioning.

A s m e n t i o n e d p re v i o u s l y, heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps are beneficial for cooling functions as well and the efficiency of geothermal heat pumps can be greatly improved by using STES and inter-seasonal heat transfer.

The ratings of an AC are an important aspect while making a purchase since they denote energy savings. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) determines the star level of an AC. As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), from 1st January 2014 to 31st December, 2015, the minimum EER for a 1-star split AC is 2.70, while the minimum EER for a 5-star one is 3.50. For unitary ACs, the minimum EER is 2.50 for a 1-star and 3.30 for a 5-star.

The HVAC industry in India has had its shares of ups and downs with a CAGR of 15% lasting over 12 years, but this has slowed during the past few years due to economic decline. However, it has consistently outpaced GDP growth in the past two decades, and will hopefully continue to do so for the next 20-25 years playing a big role in saving our limited energy resources and our environment.

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

T

he use of outdoor air for natural ventilation combined with daylight and natural cooling techniques have been essential elements of architecture since ancient times.

Classical architecture used H, L, T or U-shaped floor plans, together with open courts, limited plan depth and maximum window sizes, to exploit natural ventilation and the receipt of daylight.

Natural ventilation refers to the flow of external air to an indoor space as a result of pressure or temperature differences. The benefits of natural ventilation include: improved indoor air quality (IAQ), energy savings, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, reduction in occupant illnesses associated with Sick Building Syndrome and increased work productivity.

There are two types of natural ventilations occurring in buildings: wind driven ventilation and

Natural HVAC Ventilation and daylighting are the

most natural and energy efficient ways of HVAC. BY ULKA VARTAK manner that during the day, natural light provides effective internal lighting. Some of the most popular types of daylighting include: Windows Windows are the most common way to admit daylight into a space.

They selectively admit sunlight and diffuse daylight at different times of the day and year.

Skylights Skylights are light transmitting horizontal windows that are placed on the roof of a building and are the most effective source of daylight in a unit area basis.

Architectural light shelves A w h i t e o r re f l e c t i ve m e t a l light shelf is placed outside the

Well-designed natural ventilation can be used to access higher levels of daylight

buoyancy-driven ventilation. The pressure differences that cause wind driven ventilation use the natural forces of wind whereas buoyancydriven ventilation is derived by pressures generated as a result of the differences in temperature and humidity between the interior and exterior.

To capture the wind and bring ventilation to the building, the shape of the building becomes a crucial factor. The building shape can create wind pressures that can effectively drive the air flow through the openings of the building.

Window design and ventilation louver design also affects the airflow greatly.

Well-designed natural ventilation can be used to access higher levels of daylight. Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces in a

5

window. The light shelf projects beyond the shadow and reflects sunlight upward, to illuminate the ceiling. This reflected light can contain little heat content and the reflective illumination from the ceiling will typically reduce deep shadows, reducing the need for general illumination.

Saw-tooth roof Saw-tooth roof is a vertical roofangled glass that captures diffused light. The angled portion of the glass-support structure is opaque and well insulated with a cool roof and radiant barrier.

Heliostats The use of heliostats which are moved automatically to reflect sunlight in a constant direction as the sun moves across the sky, is gaining popularity as an

energy-efficient method of lighting.

Smart glass Smart glass is the collective term given to a class of materials and devices that can be switched between a transparent state and a state which is opaque, translucent, reflective, or retro-reflective.

Fibre-optic concrete wall These are structural concrete walls that are embedded with optical fibres that allow daylight and shadow images to pass directly through the wall.

Hybrid solar lighting Hybrid solar lighting (HSL) combine the use of solar with artificial light for interior illumination by

channelling sunlight through fibre optic cable bundles to provide solar light into rooms without windows or skylights.

Solarium, sunroom, greenhouse These are normally large amounts of glass on the building to let in maximum light during peak hours.

Tubular daylighting devices Tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) use modern technology to transmit visible light through opaque walls and roofs. It is frequently capped with a transparent, roofmounted dome ‘light collector’ and terminated with a diffuser assembly that admits the daylight into interior spaces and distributes the available light energy evenly.

6

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

“H

appiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light,” quoted a popular character in an equally popular book. We can follow the same pattern, albeit a bit differently by turning to a rediscovery of the ancient method of lighting up homes.

In this case, we only need to look towards the sky for inspiration. The illumination powers of the sun can be put to good use with skylights

Swathe Your Home With Natural Light Light up your home, office or any other space naturally with this innovative daylighting system. BY REHANA PENWALA

Daylight improves the ambience of building spaces, creates a positive impact on building occupants and improves building energy efficiency

and daylighting systems. And that is precisely what Skyshade offers - the ability to flood your home or office with natural, beautiful sunlight, and without its usual heat or glare.

Armed with an experience of over 10 years in understanding and designing daylight delivery systems, Sekhar Nori along with wife Anantha, founded Skyshade in Hyderabad. Speaking about the development of the quirky business, Mr. Sekhar Nori, Managing Director, Skyshade, says, “Having worked with solar technologies, both thermal and photovoltaic, we realised that the conversion efficiencies of these systems are low, because of which the system prices are higher and consequently the ROI is not favourable. The government policy framework in our country is not strong to back up the renewable sources and make them sustainable without subsidies. Our Skyshade technology model runs on the idea of using the sunlight as it is without the negative impact of heat and glare. This usable light is called daylight.”

Thus was born the idea behind Skyshade: tapping the sun for light without converting it into solar energy. Using this technology, they conceptualise, manufacture, design and install skylights; skyshelves that redirect daylight into a space while eliminating glare; Skyshade - Parans,

a fibre optic solar lighting system that brings light to spaces where natural window light never reaches, and the most popular of the range, LightPipe™, which conducts ambient sunlight to the desired location in the building interiors.

The LightPipe™ Solar Lighting System has a light collector, a reflective system or light transfer pipe and light diffuser assembly. The UV stable light collector collects sunlight from all directions and delivers light effectively throughout the day even before 9 a.m. and after 3 p.m. during low sun angles. The reflective system delivers high luminance without any colour shift even on cloudy days.

Then the light diffuser controls the

amount of sunlight distributed into indoor spaces, as required, through the three diffuser options available: clear, bright light for high, open ceilings; soft, white light without glass for low office ceilings and bright vision which distributes light evenly through an engineered optical lens.

This method offers optimum energy and saves money. Mr. Nori elaborates, “Each 750 mm size of Lightpipe™ saves about 2000 units of energy annually, which translates to cost savings of Rs. 16,000 per pipe at the commercial electricity rate of Rs. 8. Any establishment installing 20 pipes will save over Rs. 3.2 lakhs annually on electricity bills.”

Subsequently, it also eases the load of the HVAC unit installed in buildings. “One of the misunderstood facts with daylighting is that it increases the air-conditioning load.

On the contrary, a properly designed daylighting system will reduce the air-conditioning load by 15-20%. It is so because the luminous efficacy of the daylight is more than 100 lumens per watt. This means we require less wattage of solar energy in a building to deliver light than electric power,” explains Mr. Nori.

LightPipes come in four sizes of varying diameters, with the biggest (750 mm) costing Rs. 27,000. It is enough to light up an area of 1,000 square feet equivalent to 475 watts of electrical lighting.

Sekhar Nori, Managing Director, Skyshade

Skyshade, which is currently focused on the corporate sector for sales, has the crème de la crème in its client list: Infosys, Tata group, Larsen & Toubro, Aditya Birla Group, Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Hyundai, Toyota, ITC, HP, Dr Reddy’s, Amara Raja Batteries, Indian Railways and the Indian Navy among others.

Skyshade also plans to introduce similar innovative products across other verticals. Integrated daylighting system that seamlessly integrates daylight, electric lighting and lighting controls, light shelves and radiation heat blocking glazing systems for glass are some of the new products to hit the Indian market soon.

As far as the future of daylighting in India is concerned, Mr. Nori sees a promising horizon, “India being an energy deficit country with increase in cost of energy every year, daylighting has a crucial role to play to improve energy efficiency in buildings and reduce the peak load on grid. With knowledge and technology as its forte, Skyshade sees a bright future for it in coming years. Passive ventilation is one good technology area which can grow fast in our country.”

Contact tel: 040 66623392/93 email: info@skyshade.in web: www.skyshade.in

8

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

A

ir conditioners today have become common place in most homes in India - keeping your living spaces nice and cool during the intense summer heat. With the advancement of technology, these products are becoming smarter and more hi-tech.

From air conditioning systems that are controlled through your mobile devices to those that are conveniently powered by water - a new wave of modern air conditioning systems are just round the corner.

Solar Air Conditioning Solar air conditioning refers to any air conditioning system that uses solar power. This can be done through passive solar, solar thermal energy conversion and photovoltaic conversion (sunlight to electricity). The Solar air conditioner simultaneously uses both heat energy from the environment and electricity. These types of Solar air conditioners are eco-friendly, highly efficient, save electricity and provide a return on investment in due course.

Solar ACs are widely available for centralised applications and are ideal for industries and commercial places.

Invertor Air Conditioning Inverter technology (DC) is a new evolution related to the electro motors of the compressors. In an inverter air conditioner, an inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor which allows it to change as per the temperature the air conditioner is set at. Inverter air conditioning units have increased efficiency in contraction compared to traditional air conditioners, extended the life of their parts and minimising sharp fluctuations in load. This makes the inverter AC

Future Ready Air Conditioning As technology develops air conditioning is set to get a lot smarter, greener and cooler. BY ULKA VARTAK

each area, for optimum comfort and maximum energy efficiency.

The system offers large outdoor capacities, greater energy savings and easier installation, among other benefits.

From air conditioning systems that are controlled through your mobile devices to those that are conveniently powered by water - a new wave of modern air conditioning systems are just round the corner

units quieter, with lower operating costs and with less break downs.

Inverter AC units might be more expensive than the constant speed air conditioners, but this is balanced by lower energy bills.

VRV Air Conditioning VRV (Variable refrigerant volume) is an air-conditioning system for commercial building applications with sophisticated individual zone control. VRV is a system developed and designed by Daikin Industries

In an inverter air conditioner, an inverter controls the speed of the compressor motor which allows it to change as per the temperature the air conditioner is set at

and means “variable refrigerant volume”. Daikin protected the term VRV, so other manufacturers use the term VRF “variable refrigerant flow”.

In principle they both work the same and are extremely efficient, reliable, energy saving ways to heat and cool all types of buildings with minimum installation time or disruption. A VRV/VRF system is still the only commercial system that continuously adjusts the refrigerant volume within the system to match exactly the heating or cooling requirement in

Water as AC Refrigerant With temperatures on the rise we’re on the lookout for new technologies that can help us keep cool and save energy too. One new method on the horizon is the refrigerant known as “R-718”, or more commonly “Water Vapour”.

It turns out water refrigeration been around for a long time. R-718 can be more efficient than our current refrigerants (R134A for example), but it takes a special type of compressor to make it work. These compressors use titanium turbines.

Expensive titanium is used because R-718 compressors have to spin very fast to get the right pressures. The air conditioner uses water vapour as the refrigerant. When water vapour is used this way, it is referred to as R-718. Water vapour can be more efficient than traditional refrigerants, but engineering the compressor is difficult and expensive.

DEVap AC This is a system of cooling now in development. Developed by the National Renewable Energy L a b o r a t o r y, t h e D E Va p a i r conditioner avoids the refrigeration

VRV system continuously adjusts the refrigerant volume within the system to match exactly the heating or cooling requirement in each area

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

process powered by a compressor and instead uses high-efficiency pumps and fans, in addition to evaporative cooling. This new method of cooling uses a saline solution instead of traditional coolants.

DEVap technology combines membranes, liquid desiccants and evaporative cooling together in a way that has not been done previously. The NREL DEVap Air Conditioning concept uses desiccant materials which remove moisture from the air by using heat and advanced evaporative technologies.

The result is a cooling unit that uses 90% less electricity and up to 80% less total energy than traditional air conditioning.

Sound Wave Air Conditioning Cooling with sound waves is a relatively new concept. While these designs are just beginning to be tested, this could open the door to a new generation of energy efficient cooling systems. Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) has launched an effort to replace the mechanical compressors in refrigerators and air conditioners with thermoacoustic compressors. Thermoacoustic compressors essentially compress

Greenspeed Intelligence Temperature Control The new Infinity®98 furnace from Carrier boasts some of the smartest technologies available.

Innovations that save on utilities, provide luxury-level comfort and facilitate quiet operation. Infinity allows you to control temperature, humidity, fan speed, air quality and ventilation and it also informs the property owner when the filter needs replacing. The Infinity series heat pump with Greenspeed intelligence one of the first of its kind. Few other ducted, air source heat pump can beat its 13 HSPF rating for heating efficiency.

Greenspeed intelligence is created by pairing adaptable-speed technology with Carrier Infinity control’s intelligence. The unique, variable-speed compressor of this unit, when managed by the Infinity control as part of a complete Infinity system, allows it to literally adapt its output to the needs of the home. With infinite adjustments between 40 and 100% capacity, it gives the home only the amount of cooling or heating necessary.

This allows the system to operate longer at steadier, lower capacities,

The DEVap AC avoids the refrigeration process powered by a compressor and uses high-efficiency pumps and fans, in addition to evaporative cooling

or expand gases with high-intensity sound waves. Compressing gases generates heat, while letting the gases expand cools things off. Think of the chill that gets created when a carbon dioxide cartridge is suddenly discharged and the gas is allowed to expand.

Just like vapour-compression cooling, thermoacoustic cooling takes advantage of the relationship between pressure and temperature. Instead of using a refrigerant to move heat, it uses a gas - in this case, helium, which is environmentally benign.

A loudspeaker turns electricity into sound waves, moving the gas back and forth inside a resonator and causing it to compress on one side and expand on the other. Since the gas absorbs heat when compressed and releases it upon expansion, the process can be used to remove heat from an enclosed space.

which ensures incredible energy efficiency and quiet operation with tighter temperature control than standard systems.

Smart Phone Controlled Air Conditioning Trane has some of the highest quality air conditioning systems on the market. Those who are trying to practice green-living will appreciate their high SEER line of air conditioners. They are available in single or dual stage cool, and with R410A environment-friendly refrigerant. One of Trane’s biggest recent innovations is the idea of a Smart Home. This includes equipment that can be accessed remotely by smartphones and internet devices, what’s smarter than controlling temperature without actually being there?

Air Conditioning That Can Hear You The conveniences of home temperature control get even more extensive with the introduction of this LG air conditioner that takes voice commands from up to 16 feet away. Now there isn’t even a need to get up in the middle of a hot summer night and turn up the AC, because the Whisen Air Conditioner from LG is just waiting for your command.

For those who don’t want to talk to their LG air conditioner, they can sync it with their smartphone and

Smart Home by Trane

9

control it via the LG Whisen App 3.0. Another amazing feature in the air conditioner is that it features a camera, which means via the app you can actually see what’s happening in your house when you’re gone.

Contact www.solarpowerenergyindia.com/ www.arkatechnologies.in/ www.vsmsolar.com/ www.maharishisolar.com/ www.bluestarindia.com/ sharpproducts.in www.lg.com www.daikinindia.com www.daikinindia.com

The LG Whisen Air Conditioner

10

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Spot Light

K

ich, one of the leaders of architectural hardware products in the country, recently introduced a range of new products under its hardware category. The first look of these products was revealed by Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, who is also engaged as the brand ambassador for the Kich range of hardware, bathroom accessories and handrail and balustrade systems.

“I feel really proud getting

Kich Ropes In A Brand Ambassador Cheteshwar Pujara, the brand ambassador of

Kich, launches a new range of products for this innovative architectural hardware company.

The brand ambassador for Kich, Cheteshwar Pujara recently launched a new range of products under Kich’s hardware category

associated with Kich. Being an existing user of Kich products, I endorse the product’s aesthetic appeal, functionality and durability.

It really overwhelms me to know that a brand from my home town is all set to change the architectural hardware scenario of India. On this occasion, when we are joining hands for a branding exercise, I wish Kich good luck,” said Cheteshwar Pujara, the dynamic young cricketer.

Mr. Bharat Hapani, Managing Director of Kich Architectural Products Pvt. Ltd. commented, “Indian real estate’s four verticals: housing, hospitality, commercial and retail require highly reliable products for various usages. With a 100,000 working cycle test, 96hours corrosion resistance test and a 76-minute fire resistance test, Kich

products stand tall on reliability and the consistent performance index satisfying all requirements of the real estate sector.”

Talking about Kich’s presence in the market, Mr. Bharat Hapani added, “Kich has developed more than 40 product galleries, 3 application centres and a strong dealer network across the country. This ensures easy availability of products as well as pre and post sales services. Due to our superior products and service support, Kich has bagged many top notch projects which include the Ranchi International Cricket Stadium in Jharkhand, Gautam Buddha University in UP, Virtuous Mall in Surat, TCS in Gandhinagar and many more. In addition more than 1,400 corporate giants, which include the likes of ICICI, SBI,

TATA, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Adani Group, Infosys, Zydus Cadila, Indian Oil, Jet Airways, etc. depend on Kich for various solutions of hardware, bathroom accessories and railing system. With Cheteshwar Pujara, we are soon launching a national level branding exercise to strengthen our trade channel network.”

Mr. Nitin Hapani, Director, Manufacturing, Kich Architectural Products Pvt. Ltd. talked about how Kich is well equipped in terms of technology. Using CNC, VMC and high-end water jet cutting technologies for a higher degree of precision, quality of manufacturing is further enhanced with a wellequipped tool room, design studio and in-house R&D centre, all under one roof.

Mr. Dinesh Hapani, Director, Ex p o r t s , K i c h A rc h i t e c t u r a l Products Pvt. Ltd. mentioned that the Kich brand has enhanced t h e b e a u t y o f t h e Ta n z a n i a International Airport, Custom House of Mauritius and Seychelles In t e r n a t i o n a l A i r p o r t . K i c h products are also getting preference in overseas market for commercial building applications - such as Naguru Skyz at Uganda. Increasing its presence further in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, US and America, is making Kich a global business. Today Kich competes with leading international brands on parameters of functionality, finish, durability and design.

Shri Chimanbhai Hapani, the visionary chairman of Kich stated, “With a strong focus on quality and international standards, Kich has won the National Award.

With almost 22 years having gone by since its inception, Kich is leading the race of quality and achievement in the premium architectural hardware category. It brings immense pleasure to know national players are following the benchmarks set by Kich.”

Contact Mr. Anil K Vanjani tel: +91 9376013638 email: anil@kichindia.com web: www.kichindia.com

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

W

ith non-renewable energy resources depleting rapidly, there is a worldwide need to come up with alternative energy resources. The process of geothermal heating and cooling is one of them which is gaining popularity all over the world. Geothermal systems work on the principle of using the Earth’s internal heat to provide heating or cooling as circumstances demand.

A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating as well as cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground by acting as a heat sink in the summer and heat source in the winter. (Not to be confused with geothermal power which uses high temperature heat from deep in the earth’s core to generate electricity, ground source heat pumps harvest heat absorbed at the Earth’s surface from solar energy).

The temperature 20 feet below the earth’s surface is a nearly constant temperature between 10°C to 16°C across the world. Geothermal systems

Innovation From The Ground Up Nothing fits the adage ‘energy saved is energy generated’ better than the use of geothermal systems. BY REHANA PENWALA Operations, GIBSS informs, “With a tropical ambient scenario, the market seeks a cooling-only air conditioning equipment. A traditional heat pump would not be feasible. In addition, most of the Indian building market has deployed a water cooled chiller and cooling tower system that rejects heat using the principle of evaporation.

GIBSS’ geothermal innovation for cooling tropical climates such as India not only utilises abundant precipitation that some of the tropical climates experience, but also includes hybrid design strategies to enhance energy efficiency.”

GIBSS (Green India Building

The Indian School of Business’s Mohali campus saves 30% in HVAC operating expense with an annual savings of Rs. 41.6 lakhs

utilise this naturally occurring phenomenon coupled with equipment like a heat pump and a piping system referred to as a loop to transfer heat/cold from the ground to the environment. This increases energy efficiency because the underground temperature is more stable than air temperatures through the year.

Water circulates in this loop to exchange heat between a building, the ground source heat pump and the earth - providing heating, cooling or hot water at remarkably high efficiencies. Considering most of India requires only cooling, in summer, after absorbing heat from a building, the system transfers it to the underground loop where the heat is then absorbed by the cooler earth.

The geothermal heat pump uses the cool water circulating in the loop to create cool, dehumidified air for cooling applications. Mr. Arun Shenoy, Executive Director - Business

11

Systems & Services Pvt. Ltd.) provides energy efficient and environmentally responsible systems that help reduce cost and raise productivity and make net zero energy buildings.

Its global counterpart, ClimateMaster, with over 50 years of industry experience, is the world’s largest manufacturer of residential geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. The geothermal system has numerous benefits to boot.

It eliminates use of chemicals in air conditioning resulting in total operational savings of 40% - 60% compared to traditional systems.

Though they have high capital costs, their low operational costs can guarantee payback within one to 1.5 years as compared to HVAC systems. Geothermal heat pumps have a long life cycle of 50 years and are maintenance free.

Apart from business and economic advantages, geothermal systems also

have environmental advantages such as water conservation, water harvesting, significant reduction in CO2 and reduction of other greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous wastes.

However, it’s an obstacle-ridden path for there is lack of knowledge about this technology. Though customers are impressed with the concept and the benefits it offers, they are sceptical, since there are not many documented success stories in India.

GIBSS is changing that perception with its successful installations such as the one at the Indian School of Business’s Mohali campus, which leads to water savings of 19 million litres per year, reduction in hazardous chemical use of 48,850 kgs, 271 tonnes of CO2, up to six LEED certification points and an annual saving of Rs. 41.6 lakhs and overall 30% savings in HVAC operating expense.

The other challenge facing them is the dearth of an organised ecosystem.

After gaining a contract, GIBSS finds it difficult to get a team of IGSHPA (International Ground Source Heat Pump Association) accredited drillers and mechanical contractors in place to execute the project. “To tackle this, the GIBSS technology and projects team, who have a combined experience of 80 years in high performance HVAC systems, have trained the drillers and

Arun Shenoy, Executive Director- Business Operations, GIBSS

contractors on all aspects including project design, IGSHPA execution methodology and EHS compliance in less than a month,” informs Mr. Shenoy.

Depending on the requirements, the total cost of installation can start from a few lakhs and go up to a few crores, with the geothermal system costing Rs. 35000 - Rs. 40000/ tonne. Although this high cost can be recovered in a few months to a few years with energy savings.

Amid the various eco-friendly technologies that have sprung up, a geothermal system seems to certainly be a good option to invest in.

Contact tel: 022 65566336 email: zeroenergybuildings@gibss.in web: www.gibss.in

Geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps harvest heat absorbed at the Earth’s surface from solar energy

12

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

H

oneywell, a Fortune 100 company, solves some of the world’s toughest challenges.

India is an integral part of Honeywell’s global growth strategy. More than 13,000 employees across India leverage the strength of Honeywell’s 132,000 global work force to deliver innovative technologies to customers and help them improve energy efficiency, safety, security and productivity, which are key imperatives for India.

Honeywell offers a variety of product solutions that can help improve your home’s indoor air quality and HVAC needs. From home air cleaners that filter microscopic particles to humidity control to ventilation systems that bring in fresh air, Honeywell has a wide range of products that make your home a better place to breathe in.

Air cleaners Honeywell air cleaners are available in a variety of sizes and stylish modern designs to easily blend into any room decor. Honeywell TrueCLEAN Enhanced Air Cleaner deactivates 99% of captured particles with the help of a ‘Charge-Capture-Destroy’ process.

TrueCLEAN’s noiseless operation and out-of-sight installation allows you to enjoy clean air in your home without interfering with your daily life. On the other hand, the new 24V UV Air

Purifier with AirBRIGHT Odour Absorption removes potentially harmful viruses and bacteria, as well as odours. It helps improve overall air quality, comfort and HVAC efficiency in your home.

The Ultraviolet Air Purifier system is recommended for homes and families with allergies; for maintaining energy efficiency, dealing with humidity and dry winters. It is also suited for spaces where windows are closed and odours are caused by pets, cooking and other sources.

Conditioning Your Air Honeywell invents and manufactures

technologies to address some of the world’s toughest challenges, including those of indoor air quality. BY ULKA VARTAK Dehumidifiers Honeywell dehumidifiers reduce energy costs by removing moisture improving comfort while reducing the strain on your air conditioner. Honeywell TrueDRY Dehumidification systems are an effective and energy-efficient way to remove humidity and are Energy Star rated. They can be installed “out of sight, out of mind” in the central heating and cooling system or as standalone systems to remove moisture from specific problem areas. With several sizes available in TrueDRY Dehumidification Systems, Honeywell gives you a solution for every application. TrueDRY DR120 Whole House Dehumidifier removes up to 120 pints of moisture per day with minimal maintenance. It removes excess moisture from the air, delivering fresh, filtered air in the home. TrueDRY DR90 Dehumidification System

removes up to 90 pints of moisture per day whereas TrueDRY DR65 Dehumidification System removes up to 65 pints of moisture per day.

Ventilation systems Honeywell ventilation systems bring in fresh air while maintaining energy efficiency. The “set it and forget it” program gives you optimal ventilation without having to worry about settings.

TrueFRESH Ventilation Systems brings fresh air into the home, even when windows are closed. It recovers

From home air cleaners to humidity control to ventilation systems, Honeywell has a wide range of products that make your home a better place to breathe in

up to 70% of the heat (in cold weather) or cooling (in warm weather) from the air leaving the home. Apart from this, Bathroom Ventilation Control from Honeywell helps your bathroom fan operate more efficiently. It can operate manually or with programming and has an easy-to-see backlit display that shows the current time to keep you on schedule when getting ready.

Evaporative air coolers Honeywell evaporative air coolers are engineered to provide the most natural way of creating cool air with significant savings on energy cost compared to using air conditioners. Their comprehensive range offers options for indoor as well as outdoor cooling.

Honeywell evaporative air coolers do not require power components like compressors. The low power consumption translates into significant savings on energy bills compared to using air conditioners. Their product range includes models which are powerful and weather resistant for outdoor use. These are ideal for cooling garden patios, outdoor restaurants and large open areas like warehouses.

Humidifiers Honeywell humidifiers can help introduce moisture into your home helping you reach the appropriate humidity level. The range includes portable humidifiers to whole house humidifiers. Honeywell HCM-6009 Quiet Care Cool Moisture Console Humidifier is a whole room 9-gallon humidifier with Air Washing to help capture dust and pollen; it runs up to three nights per filling. Alternatively,

Honeywell QuickSteam Warm Moisture Humidifier runs 12-24 hours per filling and is recommended for medium to large rooms (650 -1050 sq. ft.) Features include adjustable humidity control, automatic shut-off, low medicine cup and low maintenance design with no filter needed.

Air purifiers Honeywell air purifiers provide a healthier, cleaner home and work environment. Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Whole Room Air Purifier with Allergen Remover has a true HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of microscopic allergens, .3 micros or larger from the air that passes through the filter. On the other hand, Honeywell 50250 True HEPA, Germ Fighting, Allergen Reducer Air Purifier with patented 360° air intake and discharge maximises efficiency, circulating the air and allowing for placement in any area of your room.

No matter what solution you require to improve your air quality, Honeywell air purifiers are sure to give you great results.

Heaters Honeywell offers several models of heaters to meet your personal and home heating needs. The Honeywell HZ-3750GP Easy-Glide Digital Tower Ceramic Heater offers space saving tower design, auto shut off, oscillating option and safety tip over switch. The Honeywell 360 Surround Fan Forced Heater provides energy savings, excellent safety features and the ability to control your comfort all at a reasonable price. The Honeywell

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HZ-8000 EnergySmart Tower Heater is a great way to help with energy savings.

Air coolers Energy efficient Honeywell air coolers provide natural evaporative air cooling without the use of a compressor or refrigerant gas like standard air conditioning units. You can save up to 75% (compared to air conditioners) on energy costs with one of these portable air coolers that also humidify dry air during the cool weather months. The Honeywell CL25AE Evaporative Air Cooler with a 25 litre tank has four fan speeds and oscillating louvers to evenly distribute cool air through the honeycomb cooling media, while the carbon dust filter cleanses the air. The weather resistant and portable Honeywell CO25AE Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler is ideal for cooling small outdoor areas as well as medium to large indoor areas. For optimal cooling power, the Honeywell CO60PM Commercial use Evaporative Air Cooler with a 60 litre tank is perfect for more demanding commercial use or outdoor applications.

Portable ACs Honeywell portable air conditioners quietly cool and dehumidify the air; they require no permanent installation and four caster wheels make it easy to move from one room to another.

The Honeywell MN12CES Portable Air Conditioner has a unique autoevaporation system that allows for hours of continuous operation with no water tray to empty whereas the Honeywell MN14CHCS Portable Air Conditioner with heating cools or heats up to 700 sq. ft. for year round use.

Thermostats Honeywell offers a number of thermostats, both programmable and non-programmable that helps you efficiently manage your home heating and cooling and fit the way you live. With the Honeywell Wi-Fi RET97B5D1002/U Touchscreen 7-Day Programmable Thermostat you can program your thermostat, and manually adjust it with remote access via computer, smartphone or tablet. The Honeywell RTH1100B Horizontal Digital Thermostat offers a digital display with manual

temperature controls. A Honeywell RTH3100C1002/A Digital Heat/ Cool Pump thermostat provides precise temperature control with digital accuracy.

Fans Honeywell offers a large selection of fans, with a wide variety of features to best meet your particular cooling needs. Honeywell HY-224 Tower Cool and Refresh with Febreeze Freshness utilizes Set and Refresh Cartridges that freshens and eliminates strong

13

odours for up to 30 days at a time.

Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator fans are designed to deliver quiet, powerful personal cooling. They offer 3 speeds and up to 90 degree pivot head and a wall mount option.

Alternatively, Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower uses the new and revolutionary QuietSet technology allows eight levels of quiet operation as you adjust the cooling power of this fan.

Contact web: www.honeywell.com

Honeywell offers a variety of product solutions that can help improve your home’s indoor air quality and HVAC needs

14

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

T

he Supreme Industries Ltd., founded in 1942, has pioneered many pathbreaking products in the country and become a trendsetter in the plastics industry by introducing many advanced solutions for various applications and industries.

Supreme’s insulation division

INSUflex By Supreme Supreme introduces ‘INSUflex’, a

high vapour resistant insulator for air-conditioning applications.

Atul Khanna, General Manager -Insulation Division (Thermal and Acoustic),Supreme Industries Ltd.

offers solutions in the areas of ducting insulation, underdeck insulation, pipe insulation, floor insulation, insulation joint sealing tapes, sound insulation, overdeck insulation and wall insulation.

The main goal of a good insulation material should be that of preventing water vapour from spreading through insulation, as water is an optimal heat conductor. INSUflex, by Supreme Industries, is a CFC-free, black, flexible, elastomeric closed-cell Nitrile Rubber thermal insulation that provides a highly efficient method of insulation and effectively controls condensation against both heat loss and heat gain.

The material is particularly suitable for insulating pipe works for condensation control. It can be used on chilled water pipe lines, refrigerated pipe-works, hot and cold water services and on sheets or rolls in air-conditioning ductworks.

INSUflex, has a very high

diffusion resistance factor to water vapour transmission ≥7000, a low thermal conductivity and an excellent fire safe performance. It is suitable for temperature ranging from –550°C to +1050°C. The product does not depend on any additional outer thick skin or covering but is in-built with the insulation that extends through the full thickness.

The INSUflex range is resistant to corrosion, fungal and mildew growth and is therefore suitable for clean room applications. Insulation material with a low ‘K’ value equates to a high energy saving potential and thermal performance. Thermal conductivity is the main data used to technically calculate insulation thickness required to prevent condensation.

INSUflex provides good flexibility at low temperature and ensures a clean, dust-free, fast and easy installation. It protects pipes against corrosion by environmental

elements, has a low toxicity index, offers a minimal toxic fire hazard for safety assurance and rescue operations. Its good fire performance is ideal for buildings with high occupancy. INSUflex is a Class 1 product and has a unique closedcell structure that provides an ideal vapour barrier resistance. It is also available in combinations of various wall thicknesses and diameters to suit G.I., copper and PVC pipes.

The product is applied to the surface using an adhesive compound.

A protective layer of glass cloth, in two layers with an adhesive compound is then applied before providing a weather barrier, such as aluminium/G.I. cladding for outdoor application.

Supreme’s other ‘INSU’ range products include ‘INSUshield’ which is a non-fibrous, fire retardant (‘Class O’ in Fire Propagation and ‘Class 1’ in Surface Spread of Flame), closed cell, tri dimensional

INSUflex provides a highly efficient method of insulation and effectively controls condensation against both heat loss and heat gain

chemically cross-linked polyethylene XLPE foam. An ideal environment friendly insulation material, it is a perfect solution for insulation needs for ducts, roofs, pipes, vessels, etc. The divergent advantages of ‘INSUshield’ are ease of installation, low thermal conductivity and good moisture and vapour resistance preventing microbial growth and optimum condensation protection.

INSUreflector on the other hand is a radiant heat reflective insulation material made of polyethylene air bubble film (ABF) laminated with aluminum foil on one or both sides.

It is a low e-reflective insulation material with a low mass to air ratio, which effectively blocks the radiant heat transfer. The bright surface of the aluminium foil, which encases the FR polyethylene air bubble material, reflects 96% - 99% infra-red radiation received by the surface of the heated slated roof.

Amongst others, there are four primary reasons why Supreme’s Thermal Insulation Division is a choice of discerning customers seeking superior insulation solutions: A methodical, systematic and stringent approach to quality ensures all their products are not only world-class but also durable. They adhere to international quality standards while manufacturing their products.

ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certifications and NABL Accreditation for their various plants is a testimony to their serious approach to quality.

Contact Mr. Atul Khanna tel: +91 9810529116 email: insulation@supreme.co.in web: www.supreme.co.in

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

T

he Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) was founded in 1981 at New Delhi by a group of eminent HVAC&R professionals. ISHRAE today has more than 10,000 HVAC&R professionals and 3,000 students as members with 40 chapters and sub-chapters across India.

ISHRAE’s primary objective is the advancement of the art and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration engineering and other related building services. ISHRAE engages in a broad spectrum of activities to attain its objectives.

ISHRAE conducts conferences, seminars, workshops and catalogue shows throughout the country with both national and international participation showcasing the latest in terms of technologies, systems and services. It also organises ACREX, one of the largest international expositions in South Asia on the air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and building service industry. Held annually, ACREX is considered to be a major platform to display the latest technologies and innovations and to also find buyers for existing products and services.

ISHRAE’s publications strive to help its members keep up to date with the happenings, learn new techniques, improve old designs and adopt the use of new devices to improve indoor air quality in buildings. The ISHRAE standards, the guide books, the fundamentals booklets, the HVAC, refrigeration and ventilation handbooks and the ISHRAE Journal are a few such initiatives.

The organisation promotes research in the field of products or techniques/technology aimed at

15

ISHRAE Mentoring HVAC Standards ISHRAE plays a leading role in guiding the future development of the HVAC industry in India. BY ULKA VARTAK

specific end use. It envisages active user involvement and association in the development effort. The ISHRAE Institute of Excellence (IIE), the education arm of the Society, is also working towards human resource development in the HVAC&R industry in the country through its classroom and distance learning programs.

The ISHRAE student chapters in more than 150 engineering colleges, promotes careers in the HVAC&R industry amongst the students through seminars, quizzes, plant and site visits. While the K-12 initiative of ISHRAE is focused on school students, drawing awareness to energy conservation and environmental concerns through sit and draw competition, poster design, quizzes and planting of trees.

ISHRAE is also working in close co-operation with other similar bodies, both national and international, and government

ISHRAE is an international technical society which allows exchange of HVAC knowledge and experiences for the field’s practitioners and the public’s benefit

agencies for the promotion and development of green and net zero energy buildings in the country.

The organisation has recently also

embarked on a program called the Integrated Approach towards Product Delivery (IAPD), to ensure that all the stakeholders in the building industry can meet their respective roles and deliver systems that meet the requirement and expectation of the end users. It is committed towards building a safer environment for the future.

Contact email: ishraehq@airtelmail.in web: www.ishrae.in

16

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Duravit’s SensoWash

It Products Ducool’s DuHandling Series The Ducool DuHandling series provides dehumidification and cooling powered by renewable energy. It uses hot and cold water as its primary energy source. The desiccant solution is cooled in the moisture collection process and heated to moisture exhaust in the regeneration section.

A flexible range of water supply temperatures enable the usage of renewable and sustainable energy sources such as: solar thermal systems, cogeneration waste heat and chillers waste heat.

The Ducool DuHandling series provides improved comfort conditions with no need to overcool the air for removal of moisture/latent load. It has lower initial and operational cost.

The advantages are builtin dehumidification, particle removal, cooling (optional heating), disinfecting (91± 5% of the airborne microorganisms are eliminated) and improved IAQ (indoor air quality).

Contact web: www.ducool.in

Trane Light Commercial Unit

Nothing is as thorough, as natural and as refreshing as cleaning with water, also after using the toilet. This is why, as a symbiosis of toilet and bidet, shower toilets are becoming more and more popular. Duravit’s SensoWash C shower toilet redefines comfort, quality of life and modern toilet hygiene. From gentle cleaning to pleasant drying, it can all be easily operated by a remote control. The new SensoWash Starck C shower toilet seat comes with concealed connections and a beautifully honed design.

The new SensoWash C shower toilet’s concealed plugin connectors for water and

electricity makes the design even clearer and more minimalist right in line with Philippe Starck’s aim to produce streamlined forms and timeless modernity.

This shower toilet can be combined with Starck 2, Starck 3, Darling New, Durastyle and Happy D.2 ranges and allows for easy installation. Furthermore, the system is compatible with wall-mounted elements of all well-known manufacturers.

The iF product design award winning SensoWash C shower toilet premiers outstanding design and washing comfort in harmony with timeless, modern bathroom architecture.

Contact web: www.duravit.in

Kich Adds One More Gallery At Bangalore

Trane, a global leader in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) has bagged the ACREX Award of Excellence for its Light Commercial Units in the Green Product category.

Trane Light Commercial Unit, the next generation ducted split air conditioning system is a concoction of sustainability, high efficiency, best performance and aesthetics, tailor made for India, using customer insights as a perfect HVAC solution.

Trane LCU is designed with R410, a green refrigerant having zero ODP with an added advantage of very little temperature glide leading to higher system efficiency. Trane LCU units are designed to perform in extreme ambient conditions (upto 52°C). These are high static machines which have been tested and qualified for optimum performance and delivering best in class airflow, EER and capacity with a market

popular footprint. Trane LCU is highly energy efficient as the unit conforms to IS 8148, and has high EER value of 10.5 (10-15% more efficient), which results in higher energy savings and lower operating costs. Trane LCU has the complete range of capacity models from 5.5TR to 22TR. The product provides complete solution to retail chains, schools, colleges, hotels, health care, life science, offices, industries, residential villas, etc.

Contact web: www.trane.com

Kich recently launched its products at L’Atelier - a hardware experience studio, to provide individual house builders, architects and interior designers based at Bangalore an easy access to the entire range of Kich. Kich at L’Atelier studio was inaugurated by Mr. Bharat Hapani, Managing Director, Kich Architectural Products Pvt. Ltd. and Miss Chetna Mistry, Chairperson, Neki Group.

At L’Atelier, one can take first-hand experience of Kich and explore the possibilities how the mortice handle, pull handle, bathroom accessories or handrail will look, if fitted in their premise.

Kich offers international standard quality products at a very competitive price. In fact, at L’Atelier you will gain in depth knowledge about various aspects of Kich such as its National Award, India Design Mark, Bodycote, Warrington Fire, Al Futtaim Exova Testing, Star Brand, Indian Power Brand, IGBC and its LEED Points.

This architectural design studio will be updated with all new offerings of Kich on a regular basis so the customer and influencer group can take benefit of this latest innovation of Kich.

Contact web: www.kichindia.com

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Osim India Unveils uMist

It Products Honeywell Air Coolers Energy efficient evaporative air coolers help meet the needs of today’s world. Honeywell evaporative air coolers are engineered to provide the most natural way of creating cool air with significant savings on energy cost compared to using air conditioners.

Honeywell evaporative air coolers offer an energy efficient option for cooling your home or workplace in the most natural way. Honeywell evaporative air coolers do not require power hungry components like compressors. The low power consumption translates into significant savings on energy bills compared to

using air conditioners. Their comprehensive range of products offer options for indoor as well as outdoor cooling. The product range includes models which are powerful and weather resistant for outdoor use. These are ideal for cooling garden patios, outdoor restaurants and large open areas like warehouses.

Contact web: www.honeywell.com

Emerson Climate Technology Scroll Compressors When Emerson first pioneered the use of scroll technology in compressors, it changed the industry forever. Since then, Copeland Scroll technology remains at the forefront for HVACR applications, impressing contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with its superior efficiency, proven reliability and ease of installation.

Approximately 35% of the electrical energy consumed each year is used by HVACR systems.

Compressors make up a vast majority of the energy used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. That means compressor selection is key to improving the overall efficiency of HVACR systems.The inherent design of Copeland Scroll compressors makes them a preferred choice for more energy-efficient systems. In fact, Copeland Scroll compressors play a key role in helping the industry through major transitions like the 1992 move to a 10 SEER standard and the industry’s shift in 2006 to a 13 SEER minimum. As the industry prepares for another regulatory change - this time the phase-out of R-22 refrigerants in favour of the more environmentally friendly R-410A - it will benefit from the versatility and efficiency of

17

scroll compressor technology.

Copeland Scroll compressors are known for their reliability.

With the broadest product line in the industry, Copeland Scroll compressors range from 1-60 HP and are installed in more than 100 million installations around the world. They have become the compressor of choice to lead the industry through major transitions, including the 13 SEER minimumefficiency requirement and R-22 phaseout. Copeland Scroll compressors can be used in single or tandem configurations and can also be modulated for increased efficiency and homeowner comfort.

Contact web: www.emersonclimate.com

Osim India unveils uMist - The Ultrasonic Humidifier that uses ultrasonic technology to generate cool, fine mist to replenish and maintain a balanced hydrated indoor environment.

The Osim uMist uses ultrasonic sound wave energy vibrating at very high frequency to break up water into extremely fine mist to humidify a room more quickly and effectively.

The increased humidity helps to moisturise your skin, soothe your throat and moistens your airways, relieving breathing difficulties caused by dry air. The high capacity vibration in Osim uMist ensures that you receive the right amount of coolness and desired freshness in the rooms upto 200 sq.ft.

A complete user friendly gadget, the Osim uMist comes equipped with a LED indicator that prompts you for a refill when water level is low. When the water tank is lifted from the

base, it automatically switches off preventing spillage or when the water runs low. The water tank is removable for easy cleaning and refilling as well. Select your desired time of usage and level of uMist intensity for better energy efficiency and indoor environment conditions. With a 3.5 litres water tank, Osim uMist can be used continuously for approximately 14 hours and ensures the correct amount of humidity in the room for a good amount of time with a power consumption of just 30W. Contact web: www.osim.com

18

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Honeywell’s TrueEase Evaporative Humidifiers

It Products DRI Arctic Coolers DRI Arctic Coolers’ range of evaporative coolers, industrial coolers, commercial coolers, air washers, swamp coolers and industrial ventilation coolers offer a completely natural way of delivering refreshing cool air. DRI Arctic range of evaporative cooling units has been specifically designed for the cooling of industrial and commercial buildings.

They are capable of lowering the fresh air dry bulb temperature by 7-12°C; e.g- the air-off temperature from the evaporative cooler for an outside temperature of 40-43°C can be as low as 2830°C. They allow cool fresh air to be introduced throughout a

building and also the stale hot air to be displaced out through openings like windows. Unlike mechanical air-conditioning which continuously cools recirculated air, Arctic coolers introduced 100% cool fresh air into the space.

DRI Arctic Coolers use the EcoCool Evaporative Cooling Pads.EcoCool pads are highly efficient, consistent in performance over a very long life, self-supporting, highly absorbent and can be easily cleaned. They allow higher cooling with lower air volume and are over 80% efficient.

Contact web: www.drirotors.com

Samsung Unveils Its Next Gen Smart AC Samsung Electronics has unveiled its new Smart Digital Inverter Air Conditioner series (AR7000 and AR5000), engineered to deliver exceptional cooling, comfort and health benefits with a striking triangle body design. The triangular shape allows for a larger inlet port, wider blade and bigger fans while maintaining a compact exterior profile.

The digital inverter series allows the user to select ‘Full’ or the ‘Single’ user mode dependent on how crowded the room is or the movement in the room, thereby reducing energy wastage. Going beyond

mere cooling performance, the digital inverter series also offers protection through VirusDoctorTM, and Easy Filter that provides clean air by eliminating dust, airborne contaminants and allergens as well as bacteria and viruses.

Customised for Indian markets, the air conditioners feature Triple Protector Plus technology that ensures protection of the compressor and controller from against electrical surges as well as power overload without the requirement of a separate voltage stabiliser.

Contact web: www.samsung.com

Honeywell offers an extensive line of professionally-installed Whole-House Humidification solutions that are flexible enough to fit all applications; they provide water and energy savings; they are installed with central heating and cooling systems to deliver whole-home comfort; they eliminate maintenance hassles with easy-access pads and save energy by eliminating constant cycling of air.

The versatile design of Honeywell TrueEase humidifiers allows for installation in every home. TrueEase says goodbye waste and hello efficiency by automatically monitoring the dryness in your home, and using only running water and air through the system when humidity is needed. In addition to keeping your home and family comfortable, TrueEase can help reduce heating bills.

TrueEase is installed outof-sight by your heating and cooling professional into your home’s central heating and cooling system. You can forget about having to fill clunky, portable units, because TrueEase automatically fills itself.

Contact web: honeywell.com

Trane TVR II DC Inverter System In the league of coming up with new innovations, Trane brings a new generation of Trane TVR II DC Inverter System, a modular system embodied with most advanced architectural concepts and leading technology.

The TVR II system sets a new standard in meeting the end user’s highest expectations with highly efficient DC compressor and DC fan motor which achieves an EER of up to 4.24 (8HP) thereby offering best-in-class energy efficiency and sheer reliability. Through its night silent operation, low noise level and advanced control technology, TVR II system can accurately control the room temperature thus avoiding energy wastage.

With newly developed dynamic gas balance and high

efficiency oil balance technology together with auto addressing, TVR II is a solution for various applications, even for retrofitting VRF projects. It is easy to install, saves costs and allows for remote addressing. The outdoor units’ capacity ranges from 8HP up to 80HP in 2HP increment.

Maximum 64 indoor units with capacity up to 130% of total outdoor units can be connected as one refrigeration system.

Thus, it’s applicable to different types of applications, large or small.

Along with the excellent performance it is also environment friendly by using R410A, the refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential, ecodesign, waste reduction, etc.

Contact web: www.trane.com

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

HVAC Special

O

ne of the many simple and good things in life, which almost everyone enjoys, is a good meal. Irrespective of who the cook is and where you are eating.

Home or a fine dining restaurant, preparing a good meal is a laborious effort, even if it is a labour of love.

Love it or hate it, it is a universal

Ventilate With HSIL HSIL brings you, Vents - a complete range of domestic extractor fans with unique designs and innovative features.

Vents offers a complete range of domestic extractor fans, which are an amalgamation of unique design and technology

truth, as is good food. So, is there a solution? Well the answer is a resounding yes!

While we cook, we burn gas fuel which creates vapour and steam creating an uncomfortable environment within the kitchen.

This is the main culprit, and acquiring a good kitchen extractor fan is the solution. Ventilation is the key to such situations. A complex action, ventilation facilitates the air exchange arrangement in the kitchen

19

and provides a specified air condition in the premise allowing filtered air supply in summer and warm air supply in winters. Vents from Hindware can be an ideal choice to resolve any ventilation problem that you may face.

As one of the largest worldwide ventilation production companies based in Europe, its products are available in more than 80 countries. Vents offers a complete range of domestic extractor fans,

which help ventilate any part of the household as well as aids commercial ventilation systems.

The range of Vents’ extractor fans are an amalgamation of unique design and technology; it combines outstanding performance and reliability and features low power consumption and noise levels. Vents is an outcome of powerful research and development. In this era of intellectually smart ventilation, Vents are silent operators and perfect companions for your ventilation issues; bathroom, kitchen, living quarters and other premises - they consume less energy (up to nearly 50% in select models).

Speaking about the collaboration Mr. Sandip Somany, JMD, HSIL Limited, added, “Air quality is a major concern for both the indoor environment and atmospheric discharge in commercial kitchens.

Apart from fresh air flow and enhancing comfort level, indoor air and human health are major issues. And, the regular use of kitchen exhaust ventilation systems is becoming imperative to help control excess moisture build-up in the home, thereby creating a moistfree environment, not allowing biological pollutants to grow.

Introducing Vents in the Indian

Sandip Somany, Joint Managing Director, HSIL Limited

market is a mix of broadening our building products basket as much as extending the Hindware legacy of pre-empting a need for consumers looking for better living solutions.�

Low-noise, low-watt axial fans, timers, humidity sensors, motion sensors and other tech smart features; high-powered engines and fans equipped with backdraft dampers to prevent air back flow, Vents is an ideal companion for any healthy home.

Contact tel: 0124 4779200 web: www.hindwarehomes.com

20

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Spot Light

B

alaji Action Buildwell (BAB) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Action Group, a 44 year old conglomerate and leader in the field of footwear manufacture. It is recognised for one of India’s best known footwear brands “Action Shoes” and also manufactures one of the largest ranges of power

Action Tesa In Action Belonging to the reputed Action Group,

Action Tesa marks its presence with superior panelling solutions and wood products. BY ULKA V.

Ajay Aggarwal, Director, Action Tesa

Action Tesa offers a host of value added products that include MDF and particle boards, door skins, laminate flooring, printed MDF, and embossed HDF and UV panels

and line conditioners under its brand “Microtek”.

The company has pioneered the creation of eco-friendly total panelling solutions under the brand name Action Tesa. Their products are not only backed by the high quality standards associated with the Action Group, but are also available at affordable prices to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of the modern Indian middle class.

Action Tesa’s products are ideally

suited for the furniture industry and interior solutions; architects and interior designers often specify their products for their projects, and especially for the kitchens they design. Other industry groups like toy manufacturers, the gift item packing industry, electronic fixtures industry, door manufacturers, etc are also regular consumers of their products.

Action Tesa has many milestones to its credit. It has installed the first thin MDF/HDF plant in the

country as well as the largest particle board plant. The company has also introduced to the country the ‘Dome Technology’ which is unique to every panel products. It is also one of the first companies in India to manufacture true HDF based laminate wooden flooring.

Action Tesa offers a host of value added products that include MDF and particle boards, door skins, laminate flooring, printed MDF and embossed HDF and UV

panels. A combination of technical superiority combined with a wide range of designs spread across a rich palette make Action Tesa products an ideal choice.

As a brand committed to core values such as integrity, quality and innovation, Action has become synonymous with excellence, value-for-money and the consumers’ unshakeable trust. They boast of quality standards that are at par with the international standards.

With superior products, Action Tesa has also bagged a list of prestigious clients which include the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Tata Motors, China Embassy, Wipro, Godrej, Samsung and many more.

Contact web: www.actiontesa.com

Home Review Now on Apple and Android

All you need to do is download the free ‘Magzter app. Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store. Android users can download Magzter from Android Market.

Try it out today.

22

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Fair News

offered by more than 900 exhibitors. The participating companies will gather huge benefits by getting an access to industry leaders and by knowing the latest developments of the market. They will also get to explore the industry at the national and international level and enhance their business opportunities and prospects significantly.

Design Days Dubai Date 17 - 21 March 2014 Venue Dubai, UAE Contact web: www.designdaysdubai.ae The region’s first and leading dedicated design fair, Design Days Dubai, returns for its third edition to deliver a diverse, exhibition-quality collection of compelling, highly-collectible modern and contemporary design pieces and installations, alongside a public programme with leading design personalities and industry experts.

The most internationally diverse Design Days Dubai galleries from new territories including Austria, Hungary and Pakistan to strengthen the fair’s global credentials and appeal to a broad base of collectors.

For the first time, Design Days Dubai has been extended by an extra day, and will now be open to the public on the weekend. The fair will host a stimulating public programme, presented by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, which has been developed to inspire and help educate visitors about principles and innovations in design. The five-day programme will feature informative talks and workshops, as well as live performances and special design installations.

Light + Building Date 30 March - 04 April 2014 Venue Frankfurt, Germany Contact web: light-building.messefrankfurt.com Light + Building is a six day event being held from 30th March to 4th April, 2014 at the Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. Around 2,300 exhibitors take part in Light+Building at the Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre and almost over 196,000 visitors come from outside Germany.

Light+Building is one of the world’s biggest trade fairs for lighting and building services technology and presents solutions that cut the energy consumption of a building at the same time as increasing the level of comfort within it. At the fair, everything is represented, from LED technology, via photovoltaic and electro-mobility, to intelligent electricity usages with smart metering and smart grids. Thanks to the combination of lighting and networked building-services technology, the companies can present an integrated spectrum of products and services that make a decisive contribution to exploiting the energysaving potential of buildings to the fullest.

ZOW Turkey Date 20 - 23 March 2014 Venue Istanbul, Turkey Contact web: www.zow.com.tr ZOW - these three letters are inseparable from the furniture suppliers industry. ZOW became synonymous for a new style B2B event: elegantly furnished, with uniform exhibition modules, brightly illuminated and transparent exhibition areas with limited space for each exhibitor.

Turkey is ranked as a top producing country for the furniture components industry and Turkish manufacturers are looking increasingly at exports to fuel their continued growth. ZOW is an opportunity of the year for the industry to meet, share and discover the latest product innovations for the year ahead. With an increased emphasis on education and information, the event will once again feature seminars on the most relevant topics facing the industry.

China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou) - Office Show Date 28 March - 1 April 2014 Venue Guangzhou, China Contact web: www.office.ciff-gz.com/ China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou) - Office Show is scheduled to be held at the China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou in China. The event is one of the largest exhibition of office furniture in the world. It attracts the attention of the decision makers, professionals, experts, senior level executives and other leaders of the sector and helps them to network and interact with each other. More than 50,000 professionals will visit the show in order to experience the new products and services that are

Salone Internazionale Del Mobile Date 08 - 13 April 2014 Venue Milan, Italy Contact web: www.cosmit.it The 53rd edition of the Salone del Mobile is fast approaching, this year featuring the biennial events EuroCucina and the International Bathroom Exhibition, along with the latest edition of the SaloneSatellite.

More than 2,400 exhibitors are slated to present the best of the furniture sector at the Milan Fairgrounds, Rho, from 8 - 13 April, in pavilions more animated than ever before by exciting cultural initiatives.

As always, the Salone del Mobile is full of new initiatives, with numerous important companies confirming their presence, the return of prestigious past participants, some high-end manufacturers exhibiting for the first time, and even some firms migrating from the world of fashion to furniture.

Milan once again confirms its proud tradition of hosting the world’s most important furniture and design fair, capable of attracting more than 300,000 visitors from 160 countries, and of generating the synergies necessary to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved while at the same time promoting its own cultural heritage.

Advertorial

Postal Registration No. MH/MR//EAST/129/2014-16 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH

24

THE INSIDE TRACK March 2014

Spot Light

S

ynonymous with creating aesthetic design, Kajaria Ceramics Limited, one of the largest wall and floor tile manufacturing companies in India, has launched a white-ware ceramic sanitary brand called Kerovit.

Kerovit’s product portfolio is designed to cater to the aspirations of its discerning consumers by providing them with stylish, classic, innovative yet economical bath solutions. Its product range comprises of wash basins, WCs and touch free, dual flush concealed cisterns along with a range of designer control panels to choose from.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rishi Kajaria (JMD), Kajaria Ceramics Limited opined, “Kerovit is known for its blend of simply elegant aesthetics, enduring style and subtle luxury.

Kerovit is a logical extension to the promptness and speed with which we cater to the continuous and ever evolving consumer trends and surpass their expectations.”

Kerovit Kajaria’s Latest Offering Kajaria launches its exclusive sanitary ware

brand Kerovit, aiming to strike that perfect balance of innovative design and competitive pricing. BY REHANA PENWALA

Perceived to be an in-vogue sanitary brand, Kerovit’s extensive product range uses international quality materials and is available at competitive price points starting from Rs. 3,000. To further harmonise its position as an eloquent and elegant brand, Bollywood actress, Nargis Fakhri has been roped in to be its brand ambassador.

Kajaria’s idea behind starting an exclusive sanitary ware brand is a logical extension to its long term strategy. Explains Mr. Rishi Kajaria, “The sanitary ware market is currently set to grow at a rate of about 15% per year. In addition, sanitary ware is an inevitable extension of our capabilities as a business. We have specialised in tiling for the last 25 years and have pioneered numerous innovations and technologies in the industry which have allowed us to become market leaders. In today’s competitive market, diversification is the key to growth, so it is only natural

that we have decided to leverage our resources into diversifying our product portfolio - thereby being able to offer our customers a complete solution for their interior and renovation needs.”

As far as their marketing strategy is concerned, it will be quite a challenge to compete with the already well-established brands in the Indian market. To meet this goal Kerovit plans to capitalise on Indian sensibilities. “As a consumer group, Indians are probably one of the most shrewd and astute when it comes to making a purchase decision. They scrutinise, analyse and compare possibly every product feature before making their final choice. They demand unsurpassed quality and aesthetics as well as an unbeatable deal and that is where we come in.

Kerovit products appeal to cultured Indian design sensibilities - which tend to be inspired by European design innovators like Italy and Spain.

At the same time, our products also respect the Indian psyche’s sensitivity to value for money, making Kerovit the ultimate choice for our customers’ sanitary ware needs,” this comment by the young and motivated Joint Managing Director, Mr. Rishi Kajaria, pretty much sums up the strategy for their new brand.

Contact tel: 011 26946409 email: info@kajariaceramics.com web: www.kerovit.com

Kerovit’s product range comprises of wash basins, WCs, touch free dual flush concealed cisterns and designer control panels