Baqir Ali Joher, general manager of Carrier Saudi Arabia, outlines the trends in the air-conditioning industry and the solutions offered by this leading air-conditioning manufacturer to meet the demands of the market.

01 April 2007

Air conditioners are designed to taken on super-high mercury levels – at times touching 55 deg C.

They also roll in a myriad of features – multiple filtration system, programming control, energy efficiency and low sound levels. Multi-programmable units allow the user to programme the systems by the day, week, and even the month. There are units that can be turned on and off by phone.
Air-conditioners are being built to meet exciting challenges – both environmental and commercial. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace to meet the changing preferences of the end-user, besides suitably fitting into plans laid out by architects and designers.
The market trend today is inclined towards energy-efficient systems given that air-conditioning is by far the biggest utility expense in a home or an industry. Another product category that is fast gaining the favour with the market is environment-friendly cooling systems.

Saving the Earth’s ozone
Growing concerns about global warming and greenhouse gases have triggered major technological advances in air-conditioning. Since the mid-80s, commercial air-conditioning systems have undergone a transition from using ozone-depleting compounds, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to low and non-ozone depleting compounds such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Because of their excellent refrigerant properties, CFCs were used in large chillers while HCFCs were used in smaller room and roof-top air-conditioners. Today, blends including R-407C and R-410A have been introduced to replace HCFC-22 in small machines and hydrocarbons are used in some new equipment.
Worldwide, several countries have stopped the production and subsequent use of non-ozone friendly refrigerants and air-conditioning equipment that uses them. It’s a matter of time before laws in the Middle East get aligned with international legislations such as the Montreal Protocol that restrict the use of non-ozone friendly refrigerants. While some countries in the region have already initiated laws phasing out the use of refrigerants that damage the Earth’s ozone layer, others are expected to gradually follow suit.
Additionally, industry trends are also focused on sealing refrigerants in tight systems and containers, thus minimising atmospheric releases. Steps are being taken to recover, recycle and reclaim refrigerants.

Striking a balance
Air-conditioners account for almost 60 to 70 per cent of power bills in apartments and complexes. With increased focus on efficient use of energy, demand for air-conditioners that consume less power is rising. Energy-efficient air-conditioners are not only favoured in new buildings but also replace old systems in existing properties.
Carrier’s newest product line – Aquaforce 30XA – is an air-cooled chiller based on a unique micro-channel heat exchanger coil technology. A technological breakthrough, the micro-channel heat exchanger enables the chiller to operate with up to 30 per cent less refrigerant. The 30XA Aquaforce chiller offers superior energy efficiency, greater durability and low noise. In tests, Aquaforce achieved record part load seasonal energy efficiency ‘IPLV’ of 0.76 kw/ton on an average.
The chiller suits the extreme climatic conditions of the Middle East. Its screw compressors use non-ozone depleting refrigerant HFC 134a that benefits the Earth’s ozone layer. Also, its all-aluminium, brazed construction coils provide enhanced reliability through improved corrosion resistance.
The launch of 30XA Aquaforce is an important step in the expansion of Carrier’s operations in the Middle East – a region that Carrier is focusing on for launching its newest technologies. The industry’s initial response to the chiller’s energy efficient and non-ozone depleting features has been remarkable. 
The product, which has been so far being marketed in the West, is now available in the region for the first time. It comes in 20 sizes with capacities ranging from 75 to 475 tons, offering customers the widest range of high-efficiency air-cooled chillers.

IAQ
Aside from energy efficiency and environment issues, the quality of indoor air is emerging as the focal point of product development these days.
The quality of indoor air may be compromised by dust, smog, microbial contaminants such as mould, bacteria and chemicals including carbon monoxide and allergens. This is especially common in the central air-conditioning segment, which is more prone to re-circulation of air. Further, prolonged humidity in a room also encourages mould, which can trigger allergies.
The standard air-conditioner has evolved over the years to minimise, and in some cases, eliminate these elements. Modern-day air-conditioners are armed with an array of filters that effectively ward off substances that are harmful to health. Multi-layer filtration systems these days include smoke filters, carbon filter and UVC-treated filters, to name a few. These filters do away with odours, microscopic duct particles, viruses and bacteria. Most of these are fitted in split systems.
Popular among these is the electrostatic filters – that prevent dust and ensure pure air. How does this happen? As the air moves to the middle layers of the polypropylene filter, ioniser technology eliminates dust, odours and pollutants. Electrostatic filters are not just practical in terms of preventing allergies and breathing problems, but are also ozone safe and less resistant to air flow. Carrier offers air-conditioners that are fitted with electrostatic filters.
Carrier has also recently launched a one-of-its-kind air conditioner fitted with high-power UVC emitters, which supply enough germicidal energy to penetrate viruses, bacteria and mould, altering their DNA. As a result, UVC eliminates both surface organisms that grow inside HVAC systems and microbes that normally circulate through the air and back to building occupants. Carrier has started installing the UVC lights in retrofit programmes as well for existing air-conditioning units. These lights are normally fitted on models such as 39 series air-handling units or commonly known in the industry as AHUs; 40 RM/RMS FCU; 42 series FCU and 50 series packaged units.

Options for comfort
Cooling technology today is dictated by the changing preferences of architects and interior designers. The demand for centralised distribution and district cooling is growing at a rapid pace for large establishments. In the residential segment, consumer’s tastes are moving from window to split systems, which offer better air filtration, higher energy efficiency, less noise and are more aesthetically appealing. The latest models in split systems use ionised or electrically-charged filters that help eliminate odours, viruses and air-borne bacteria.
Concealed, ducted-type air-conditioners with lower operating sound levels are preferred. These are not only unobtrusive but also help in better distribution of air. Large complexes opt for chilled water systems, which are better suited for large-capacity applications and offer overall energy efficiency over the life of the building.
In smaller residential buildings and villas, ducted splits and rooftop package units are in vogue.

Varying needs for cooling
Air-conditioning needs vary from one individual to another. Also, there are cold points and hot points inside a room. Thus, it is impractical to use one thermostat in a place that has varying temperatures and age groups. An ideal air-conditioning is one that can provide both cooling and heating in an area. This is made possible by dividing a house into separate zones, wherein temperatures are controlled to suit various needs. The advantage of this system is that it limits the requirement to one air conditioning unit.
For instance, Carrier systems with comfort zone can scientifically and electronically control temperatures in upto eight zones inside the house using one cooling system and more than one thermostat, thus accommodating the needs of all members.

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