Cool Winds Of Change

Given the increasing energy costs, hotels are showing a growing inclination to invest in energy-management solutions

Air conditioning systems account for approximately 50-60% of the total energy borne by any hotel building. Increasing demand for energy not only adds to the bottom line, but also exerts adverse impact on the surrounding. To keep this in check, many hoteliers have started investing in energy-management solutions.

The specifications of a system depend on the usage of the area to be conditioned. Individual temperature control, ventilation and air supply, noise level, simplicity of controls and operating efficiency are basic considerations to be made while setting up a HVAC unit. “Chillers with magnetic bearings and VFDS providing best IKW/TR, and automatic tube cleaning systems along with mechanised chemical treatment of the condenser water are some of the new developments in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies. Apart from this, chiller management system, building management system (BMS) and variable frequency drives (VFD) are being used widely to provide better automation and increased energy efficiency,” says Shankareswaran Jayaraj, director, RFM.