Slow winds for air-con in 2010

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The global single packaged market declined by 14% in volume and 11% by value in 2009. The total Americas region accounts for over 60% of the global market in value terms, with the US market alone comprising over 53% of the global sales value. The global single packaged market is dominated by the rooftop sector, in both value and volume terms, representing 74% and 56% respectively.

The European single packaged market represents only 8% of the global market by value. Spain, Italy and France are the three major markets in Europe, representing over 60% of sales value in Europe. Over 75% of the rooftops and indoor packaged units were sold with heat pump applications in Spain. Due to limited commercial projects and competition from other products, these markets declined in Europe in 2009.

The Japanese market for indoor packaged systems represents the greatest share by value, with 35% of the global market. However, the US dominates the rooftop market, with a 6% share by value. The rooftop market and indoor packaged markets are expected to start showing the first signs of recovery this year, predicts BSRIA.

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The chiller market experienced a decline of 14% in value and 13% by volume in 2009. All segments have experienced contraction over the last year. The biggest market, the total Asia Pacific region, declined from US$2.8billion to US$2.5 billion.

There was a decline of 11% in the Middle East region. Iran and Saudi were the only growth areas in this region, as the recession made its impact felt, but at a less significant scale, outside Dubai. Due to the nature of construction and use of district cooling in many parts of the region, there is a strong emphasis on larger-capacity chillers above 500 kW in the region.

In 2010, the global market is expected to remain flat at best, with a 1% decrease in value terms. The Middle East Region is forecasted to show a speedier recovery, with around 3% growth rate in value terms compared to 2009. Reciprocating compressors continue to disappear from the majority of markets, with the trend moving towards scroll and screw compressors.

Airside

After an impressive 8% increase in 2008, the air-handling unit market declined by 15% in 2009 in value terms. The biggest market is Europe, accounting for 37% of the global market, or US$1.7billion in sales value, followed by the Americas at US$1.5 billion. The German market on its own accounts for 28% of European sales. There is a growing trend in Europe towards more complex and energy-efficient units with heat-recovery systems.

However, the growing pressure from the competition keeps the average prices low. Europe is also the biggest market for fan coils, representing a third of the world market in value terms; however, Asia Pacific accounts for 45% by volume. Unlike the European market, the concealed type of fan coil dominates the Asian market, accounting for 72% of the market volume. In the European market, Italy has the largest share of fan coil units sold, by around 33% by volume.

Statistical data was obtained from the World Market for Air Conditioning study. BSRIA is a test, instrumentation, research and consultancy organisation providing specialist services in construction and building.

For further information contact Tim Page on bsria@bsria.co.uk or visit its Web site at www.bsria.co.uk.