HVAC suppliers in focus

LG has been proactive in adopting environment-friendly R410a refrigerant in its inverter system (Multi V) and R407C in its ceiling-concealed units
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What do you see as some of the major trends?

Blanchflower: The energy-efficiency drive is moving away from individual components like chillers to a more holistic system overview (‘system’ kW per ton). A high-efficiency chiller does not automatically translate into a high-efficiency system. The pumps, cooling towers and controls must all be integrated.

How is the R22 phase-out expected to impact on your product range in the UAE?

Blanchflower: The impact on Trane’s global markets, especially the UAE, will be minimal. The first product to use the new refrigerant has already been sold in the region.

What is your outlook for growth?

Blanchflower: In the US, the market is about two-thirds retrofit and one-third new equipment. Of course, here a lot of equipment is still relatively new. However, as the market matures, you will end up with a lot of older equipment that needs to be replaced.

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PANASONIC MIDDLE EAST FZE

Can you give us a bit of background on your commercial HVAC product range?

Abby Thomas, senior manager: consumer electronics department: Panasonic’s key focus area for 2010 will be split air-conditioners, followed by large-room air-conditioners using ducted units. Ducted capacities range from 24 000 BTU up to 108 000 BTU.

What are some of your latest developments?

Thomas: In the case of split air-conditioners, our aim is to provide for multi-functional products – that is, air-conditioners plus in-built air purifiers plus energy-conserving patrol sensors. In the case of large-room air-conditioners, our main focus is on on thin indoor ducted and quiet operational units.

How is the R22 phase-out expected to impact on your product range in the UAE?

Thomas: As a company we are very well equipped for the R22 phase out, as we are the largest compressor manufacturer in the air-conditioner industry. We have already introduced R410A refrigerant for the European sector, and are very much capable of fulfilling any similar request from this region.

What would you cite as your main sustainability/energy-efficiency benefits?

Thomas: The recent test conditions carried out by ITS, and also our internal laboratories, show clearly that our energy-efficiency ratio as per the industry standards is the highest. If customers require any documentation in this regard, Panasonic can provide this for purposes of comparison.

What is your outlook for growth in the HVAC sector in general?

Thomas: The growth or driving factor will be surely from the big markets – that is, Saudi Arabia/Iran and the UAE. We should also not forget Oman and Qatar, which cater to large-capacity unit requirements for the major industrial projects that have been confirmed in the region.