Traditionally high consumers of energy, air conditioners are becoming more environment friendly
In the Middle East, the hot summers make living or working without an air-conditioner very uncomfortable.
With energy costs slated to rise in the UAE (a news report published in Gulf News on November 6, 2007, stated that DEWA is considering a hike in power tariffs), switching to energy-efficient appliances is the only way to reduce cost.
By cutting down on energy consumed at source, we can ensure that we trim utility bills and continue to live on a healthy planet.
There are a number of ways to reduce consumption of energy, one of which is to switch to energy-saving air-conditioning units. According to Markus Oberlin, General Manager, Avireal Middle East, air conditioners are responsible for almost 60 per cent of the total electricity consumption in a building.
"Energy saving devices on chillers bring the best value for money. Savings of up to 25 per cent can be achieved through this advanced technology," he says.
The recent mandate by the Dubai government that all new buildings should be built according to green building guidelines will benefit the market for energy efficient air-conditioners.
"In October this year, the first Emirates Energy Award took place, when innovative companies were awarded for their efforts. This shows that there is a growing awareness in the market and energy efficient solutions are being supported by senior officials," says Oberlin.
"Power in the UAE is still produced from oil and it is only a matter of time before the potential of solar energy is discovered. With the very low electricity price of 20 fils/kwh, Avireal has energy saving solutions which brings a return on investment in less than two years," he says.
Latest offerings
Carrier recently introduced its latest air-cooled chiller range, the 30XA Aquaforce TM in the Middle East. The 30XA Aquaforce is part of a worldwide programme of new product development.
The 30XA chiller with screw compressors uses non-ozone depleting refrigerant, HFC 134a, and new micro-channel heat exchanger coil technology. In tests, the 30XA achieved record part load seasonal energy efficiencies "IPLV" of 0.76 kw/ton (4.6 kw/kw) in average.
Aftab Khan, Managing Director, Building Systems and Services, Carrier, Middle East, says, "The chiller suits the extreme climatic conditions in the Middle East. The 30XA Aquaforce comprises a unique microchannel heat exchanger, which enables it to operate with up to 30 less refrigerant."
Carrier is introducing the 30XA Aquaforce to governments, contractors, real estate companies and consultants in the region. "The industry's initial response to its energy-efficient and non-ozone depleting features has been remarkable," says Khan.
The 30XA Aquaforce uses non-ozone depleting refrigerant R134a that benefits the Earth's ozone layer. The United Nations has previously reported that ozone depletion causes increased rates of skin cancer, eye diseases and eco-system disruptions.
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.
High temperatures, major projects and new construction have fuelled huge demand in the HVAC/R segment. This rate of growth is set to gain momentum on the back of rapid progress by Middle Eastern economies.
Wide range
The 30XA Aquaforce chillers with screw compressors is available in 20 sizes with capacities from 75 to 475 tons (270 kilowatts to 1.7 megawatts) offering customers the widest range of high efficiency air-cooled chillers.
This year Samsung introduced the duct split units and ceiling type air conditioners in the Middle East.
"We are also selling cassette type ACs, apart from DVM solutions. In this, outdoor units can be connected with multiple indoor units, which maximises energy efficiency," says Sang Yoon Kim, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, Samsung Electronics.
Samsung's smart inverter air conditioners, feature high energy efficiency, powerful cooling and heating capacity, silent operation and reliable performance.
"The compressor can operate at different power levels. This allows the air conditioner to save more energy than any other conventional model. Once the set temperature is reached, the smart-inverter air conditioner operates in the economic mode, that achieves 40 per cent energy saving," says Kim.
In commercial and industrial units, Samsung's Digital Variable Multi (DVM) air conditioning system is equipped with a digital scroll compressor and advanced control solution. Kim predicts that the future of energy efficient air conditioners is positive.
"The next generation modular system in the world of high-efficiency air conditioners and digital scroll compressors will maximise energy efficiency and save energy up to 50 per cent compared to conventional air conditioners.
"As energy regulations get stringent around the world, sales of energy efficient and energy saving air conditioners will increase in Europe, the US, China and Australia," he says.
"For residential air conditioners, sales of inverter air conditioners, which has 50 per cent higher energy efficiency using compressor speed control technology, will gradually increase in the Middle East.
"For commercial and industrial air-conditioners, technology will improve for making higher capacity DC inverter air conditioners in small and middle capacity zone. Second step vapour injection will be an innovation in compressor and main component technology used in high capacity air conditioners such as Samsung's DVM air conditioners," adds Kim.
