ACREX India 2024
22nd February 2024
Unveiling the Future of HVAC Sustainability and Innovation
We are thrilled to share the experience of Gokul, Abhay, and Fahad from the WAVE India team as they ventured into the dynamic realm of ACREX India 2024, an exciting conference and exhibition brought to life by ISHRAE, focusing on Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, and Intelligent Buildings. Spanning three eventful days from February 15th to 17th in Delhi, the expo radiated with the resonating theme “Powering Global HVAC Supply Chain,” celebrating India’s surging manufacturing sectors and unveiling cutting-edge HVAC supply chain technologies.
Seminars Illuminating the Path to NetZero 2070
The heart of the expo was insightful seminars, igniting discussions on India’s ardent pursuit of achieving net-zero status by 2070. The sessions delved into the pivotal role of the HVAC&R industry in curbing carbon footprints, harmonising with India’s ambitious 2070 NetZero roadmap. Key seminars shed light on crucial topics like net-zero targets and sustainable practices. Notable figures like Saurabh Diddi, Director of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, discussed groundbreaking efforts to slash carbon footprints and boost energy efficiency. With ambitious policies and codes in the works, India aims to race towards achieving net-zero status by 2070, illustrating a profound commitment to a greener, sustainable future.
Fire-Side Chat: Saurabh Diddi & Yogesh Thakar
Delving into decarbonisation opportunities, Saurabh Diddi (Director of Bureau of Energy Efficiency) and Yogesh Thakar (President ISHRAE) engaged in a thought-provoking chat. Saurabh shared the government’s strides in bolstering energy efficiency within new commercial buildings through initiatives like the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), setting the stage for significant energy savings and sustainability.
Balancing Embodied and Operational Carbon
Ashish Rakheja (Vice president ASHRAE India and Director of AEON) shed light on the challenges India faces as the third-largest CO2 emitter globally, emphasising the critical role of HVAC manufacturers in the net-zero mission. India will face a significant challenge in dealing with global warming, with the rising demand for air conditioners expected to reach one sold every 15 seconds by 2037. With a surge in construction activities in India the total energy consumption needed for Air conditioning units will be greater than the whole energy consumption of Africa. The seminar concluded the need to balance embodied and operational carbon emerges as a linchpin to ensure a sustainable future amid India’s construction boom.
Role of Buyers: Driving Net-Zero Adoption
Sandeep Narang (Director Energy Consulting Practice) underscored the importance of buyers in the net-zero conversation, articulating a crucial shift towards a bottom-up approach in fostering sustainable practices. Traditionally India’s green building movement has followed a top-down approach. Both designers and developers have become aware of the benefits of sustainable development. However, the same is not true for the user. Bridging the gap between sustainable building design and user awareness is imperative to mitigate environmental impacts and propel India towards a carbon-neutral future.
Showcasing Exhibits
The exhibition hall at ACREX India 2024 buzzed with a diverse array of showcases predominantly hosted by Contractors and Suppliers, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the latest innovations in the HVAC industry. Attendees were treated to a visually stimulating display featuring various types of essential equipment such as AHUs, FAHUs, FCUs, compressors, heat exchangers, evaporators, condensing units, Dehumidifiers, and Air Terminals. In addition to these, the exhibits also included an impressive array of cold room panels, cold storage doors, pipes, fittings, strip curtains, and insulation materials, highlighting advancements in storage and temperature control solutions. Noteworthy displays of different fans for ventilation from a range of manufacturers underscored the industry’s commitment to enhancing air quality and circulation. Moreover, various sensors, filters, expansion valves, hangers, fire dampers, and volume control dampers on display showcased the technological prowess and innovation driving the HVAC sector towards greater efficiency and sustainability. The exhibition served as a testament to the industry’s vibrancy and dedication to pushing the boundaries of excellence in HVAC technology.
Innovations on display
At the forefront of innovation at ACREX India 2024 were revolutionary technologies like the Autonomous HVAC CFD, an AI-powered Building Simulation Platform showcased by SimulationHub. Tailored for Energy Modelers, Building Performance Analysts, HVAC design professionals, and IAQ consultants, this cutting-edge system boasts a myriad of features including BIM Interoperability, Envelope Design, HVAC System Modelling, Load Calculation, Thermal Comfort CFD analysis, Energy Efficiency Analysis, Code Compliance checks, and Building Performance Reporting. This platform promises to revolutionise the industry by providing comprehensive insights and optimisations for enhanced building performance and sustainability. Additionally, the Automatic Screen Filtration System by Ensavior caught the eye with its ingenious design aimed at efficiently filtering airborne contaminants in cooling systems. By tackling issues like sand, silt, scale, and rust buildup, this filtration system not only minimises maintenance requirements but also extends the life of cooling equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. These innovations underscore the industry’s unwavering commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.
ACREX Embrace the Future, Champion Sustainability!
ACREX India 2024 stands as a beacon of innovation, uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and enthusiasts in a shared mission towards a greener, more sustainable future. Let’s forge ahead, embodying the spirit of sustainability and innovation as we power the global HVAC supply chain towards a net-zero horizon!
