ABU DHABI, UAE, 20 March 2024: Tabreed announced that it held its Annual General Assembly (AGA), during which shareholders approved a record-high dividend payment of 15.5 fils per share, paid fully in cash. Making the announcement through a Press release, Tabreed said that as disclosed in the company’s recent full-year results for 2023, this represents an increase of 15% over the previous year and recognises its strong financial performance. Furthermore, Tabreed said, during 2023, it reported a growth of nine per cent in revenue and an increase of 25% in net profit before tax to parent. 

Tabreed said its AGA was chaired by  Khaled Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Tabreed, and added that during the meeting, shareholders confirmed the appointment of Geert Bunkens and Marion Deridder Blondel, as the new board members.

Commenting on Tabreed’s record-setting 2023, Al Qubaisi said: “The confirmed dividend payments demonstrate the company’s approach to growth is the right one. Our shareholders are a top priority, and the business has a reputation for delivering consistently excellent returns for our investors. Moreover, we have just enjoyed another remarkable year, and our name as a torchbearer for sustainability is growing, with the company playing a decisive role in steering the conversation about global cooling during COP28. The simple fact is that Tabreed’s steady growth is good for business and the planet. Our experience, stretching back over a quarter of a century, is unrivalled. As more countries turn their attention to ever-increasing demands for cooling, realising that they must act to mitigate climate change, District Cooling is an obvious and well-established solution. And nobody does it better than Tabreed, so we are now gearing up for further international expansion.” 

Tabreed said that last year, it added 53,000 refrigeration tons [RT] of new connections across its portfolio, which grew with the addition of six new plants. The company said it now operates in six different countries, including India, and sees enormous potential to increase market share over the coming months and years. Furthermore, Tabreed said, it is investing heavily in renewable energy and setting new standards in decarbonisation. 

ATLANTA, United States, 19 March 2024: The American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) announced that abstract submissions are now being accepted for the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference, which will be held in Hilton Orlando, in Orlando, Florida, from February 8 to 12, 2025.

Som Shrestha, Technical Chair of the Conference, said: “Several novel technologies are emerging to improve building energy efficiency that can directly impact heating and cooling loads and indoor environmental quality. The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) coupled with advanced controls can also influence the thermal management of buildings. This is an exciting time for ASHRAE members to be able to accelerate the new technology developments that can make our buildings more affordable, energy efficient, and resilient. The programme tracks for the upcoming winter conference explore the challenges and opportunities associated with emerging technologies and their impact on decarbonisation initiatives while continuing to focus on core HVACR fundamentals and equipment research and development.” 

ASHRAE said conference papers are requested for the following:

• The “Energy Storage and Grid Resiliency” track focuses on advances in cost-effective thermal energy storage materials and systems, integration of thermal energy storage in building envelopes or HVAC systems, and grid resiliency.
• The “Artificial Intelligence, Building Automation, and Controls” track focuses on applications for AI and machine learning technology in building automation and controls to enhance energy efficiency and comfort, cyber security, fault detection, and more.
• The “Pathways to Building Decarbonisation” track highlights methods, advancements in technology and policies across the globe being developed to reduce carbon impacts on the global environment.
• The “Future-Proofing the Built Environment” track highlights innovative technologies and strategies across the globe that reimagine our relationship with the built environment now and into the future, including design strategies for extreme climates and weather, appropriate responses to energy supply disruptions, and how these factors are tied to resilience and energy conservation efforts.
• The “Ventilation and Indoor Environmental Quality” track covers topics of ventilation, air distribution systems, and all indoor environmental quality aspects, including noise, vibration, and lighting in residential and commercial buildings.
• The “Industrialized Construction: Opportunities and Challenges” track explores advancements in building construction practices and workforce development, as well as opportunities and challenges associated with conventional and industrialised construction.
• The “Refrigerants and Refrigeration” track explores refrigeration systems, which generate and use cold for a range of processes, from food preparation and conservation to vaccine preservation, to long-term protection of fragile ancient inks of historical documents and others.
• The “Fundamentals and Applications” track provides opportunities for papers of varying levels across a large topic base. Concepts, design elements and shared experiences for theoretical and applied concepts of HVAC&R design are included.
• The “HVAC&R Systems and Equipment” track focuses on the development of new systems and equipment, improvements to existing systems and equipment and the proper application and operation of systems and equipment.

According to ASHRAE, the deadline to submit abstracts (400 words or less) is May 29, and added that if accepted, final conference papers (eight-pages, maximum) are due September 4. In addition, ASHRAE said, technical papers (complete 30-page maximum papers) are also due May 29 and added that all accepted papers will be considered for publication in Science and Technology for the Built Environment, ASHRAE’s research journal.

For more information on the call for abstracts and the 2025 ASHRAE Winter Conference, visit ashrae.org/2025Winter.

MILAN, Italy, 18 March 2024: A joint venture between Epta S.p.A. and Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, Epta Central North Europe, announced its strategic rebranding. Making the announcement through a Press release, the Company said, as part of the joint venture initiative, it would operate under the Epta brand in all Central and Northern European markets, in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

Epta Central North Europe said the rebranding unites the product and service portfolio of Epta and Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions, under a unique cohesive brand as a reliable partner. The repositioning, Epta Central North Europe said, would be carried out in all countries by the end of April 2024. 

Epta Central North Europe said that for the formerly known Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions companies, the rebranding initiative signifies a step further towards synergies and innovation within the industry. By aligning its operations with the same brand, Epta Central North Europe said it now boasts a turnover of more than 400 million and 1,600 employees, reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. 

Epta Central North Europe said under the Epta brand, the local companies within Central and Northern Europe will offer a smooth customer relationship, providing a seamless experience for customers in the food retail, convenience, food and beverage industry and the HoReCa.market, gaining access to a wider range of products and related services. In addition, Epta Central North Europe said the Viessmann Refrigeration Solutions brand will be phased out, and its high-quality products will be integrated and rebranded into Epta’s product brands portfolio, specifically in the Costan, Bonnet Névé and Iarp ranges. Moreover, Epta Central North Europe said, all after-sales services will be provided by EptaService, conceived to support retailers during the entire lifecycle of Epta solutions. 

William Pagani, CEO, Epta Central North Europe, said: “We are thrilled to embark on the next step of our joint venture journey as we rebrand and introduce ourselves as a one-stop shop provider with a shared identity. Moreover, this strategic phase not only epitomises our commitment to sustainable innovation but also underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence in serving our customers.”

With growing awareness of climate change and its consequences, there’s a marked shift away from traditional oil and gas heating systems towards more sustainable alternatives. Heat pumps have emerged as a frontrunner in this transition, offering efficient heating during the cold winter months and effective cooling during increasingly hot summers. This versatility, coupled with their lower environmental impact, has made heat pumps an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses alike. 

The transition from traditional methods of oil- or gas-based heating  

As the drive for energy efficiency and eco-conscious solutions gains momentum, the heat pump market stands at the forefront of HVAC&R innovation. Heat pumps offer efficient heating, cooling and hot water solutions while reducing carbon footprints. 

In this article, I shall delve into technologies that can be deployed for optimising heat pump performance, especially in the context of emerging eco-friendly refrigerants, like R-744 (CO2), R-290 and complete A2L refrigerants, including R-454B. 

Unlocking the potential of heat pumps 

At the heart of every heat pump lies a sophisticated system of components working in harmony to transfer heat from one location to another. By leveraging the principles of thermodynamics, heat pumps extract heat from ambient air, water or the ground and deliver it to a desired space for heating or cooling purposes. This process not only enables efficient temperature control but also reduces reliance on traditional heating and cooling methods powered by fossil fuels. 

Key components and challenges 

While the concept of heat pumps may seem straightforward, the practical implementation involves overcoming several technical challenges. One such challenge is the management of refrigerant flow in both directions and moisture within the system. Excessive moisture and contaminants in the refrigerant can lead to corrosion, ice formation and compressor damage, compromising system efficiency and reliability. 

1. Bi-flow dryers: In heat pump systems, where refrigerant flow can reverse, depending on the mode of operation – heating or cooling – traditional dryers may not suffice. Bi-flow dryers are specifically engineered to accommodate bi-directional refrigerant flow, ensuring effective moisture removal and system protection in all operating conditions. 

2. Accumulators: Accumulators play a crucial role in protecting heat pump compressors from liquid slugging during low-load or off-cycle conditions. Suction-line accumulators store excess refrigerant and regulate its flow, preventing damage to the compressor and ensuring smooth system operation. 

3. Bi-flow receivers: For optimal refrigerant management in heat pump systems, bi-flow receivers are essential. Bi-flow receivers are designed to handle bi-directional refrigerant flow, maintaining proper refrigerant balance and ensuring consistent performance across varying operating conditions. 

4. Oil separators: For heat pump systems equipped with refrigerant compressors, effective oil management is paramount to maintaining performance and reliability. Oil separators efficiently remove oil from the refrigerant stream, preventing lubrication issues and ensuring smooth compressor operation over an extended period. 

The writer is Director, Dry All. He may be reached at Vikash.sekhani@dryall.net

Sustainability and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) are two important factors while designing an effective air conditioning system for any type of building, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Sustainability encompasses an improved energy efficiency profile of the building and a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

There are many different technologies available to achieve the required IAQ but not all are sustainable. Indeed, no product can be fully sustainable, but we can try to go as close as possible to sustainability.

The Micro Electrostatic Precipitator (MESP) technology – commonly known as Electronic Virus Filter – is a new-generation air-purification technology. Its unique particle-collection filter is an innovative dielectric with an intense electrical field, which enables the removal of even the tiniest particles with the lowest possible pressure drop. The filter’s dielectric material prevents current from flowing between electrodes even though an intense electric field is generated.

In this system, airborne particles in propelled air flow are electrically charged before passing into a honeycomb-shaped filter. The filter is formed by layers or rows of tubes, and each row contains thin electrode sheets with insulation coating that generate intense electrical fields within the tubes. Charged particles – pollutants, bacteria, germs and viruses – are pulled to the walls of the tubes, where they firmly stick. The polymer tube’s insulation material prevents current from flowing between electrodes, even though an intense electric field. The unique volt-ampere characteristic curve of this technology leads to the result: High voltage and extremely low current without the potential dangers of electrode damage and electric shock and ozone emission exceeding the safe range, which are traditional weaknesses in the case of Electrostatic Precipitators.

The unique nano PP-made filter is washable and reusable without efficiency loss. The total running cost is much lower than traditional media filters. The Return on Investment (ROI) is achieved not only due to the cost associated with the replacement of filters but also through energy saving due to low pressure drop across the filters, as compared to traditional filters in an air conditioning equipment. The client continues to get the benefits of energy saving in terms of electricity consumption even after the ROI period, thereby having a good amount of savings over the long term.

The filtration technology is a comprehensive IAQ solution that eliminates 99.96% pathogens – viruses (including the dreaded Corona Virus), bacteria, mould and mildew – and 99% of particulate matter by means of a washable filter without harmful by-products, which means it can safely work around children, elders and patients.

The technology can be used in products ranging from domestic portable units to standalone wall-, ceiling- and duct-mounted units, and extending to the commercial line to fit into air-handling units (AHUs) and fan-coil units (FCUs) of a building’s HVAC system. It replaces traditional filters for achieving effective IAQ in occupied spaces. The biggest advantage of the commercial line range of this filtration is that it is designed for use in New Construction as well as in retrofit projects. If backed by third-party certificates related to safety, purification efficiency and effectiveness against pathogens, along with case studies to support the claim of successful application in projects, the technology is the futuristic sustainable solution the world has been looking for to achieve better IAQ – in terms of air purification and sterilisation – along with energy savings.

In one of the recent Cover Story articles in Climate Control Middle East magazine, it was very correctly pointed out that there is a hinderance in the widespread adoption of effective IAQ measures in the Middle East market mainly due to cost and budgetary constraints, followed by lack of regulation and guidelines and lack of granular awareness.

Such hinderances can be overcome if leaders in technological innovations educate institutions, clients and end-users on the long-term benefits and savings they can achieve by a slight initial budget escalation to implement innovative technologies in their project. After all, it is our collective responsibility to leave behind a legacy of sustainable and innovative technologies for future generations.

The writer is Business Development Manager (Middle East) at AirQuality Technology. He may be contacted at shaheen.sayed@airquality.com.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 12 March 2024: Eurovent announced that the Product Group ‘Air Curtains and Fan Heaters’ (PG-CUR) elected Michael Hims as its new Chairperson. Making the announcement through a Press release, the Association said, he would be supported by the newly elected Vice-Chairperson, Xander Van Bree.

Eurovent said the election took place during the online Product Group meeting held on February 13 and added that Hims, European NPD Manager, Carver, will succeed Carsten Dittmar, Commercial Product Area Director, Systemair, who served as the Eurovent PG-CUR Chairperson since October 2022. The Association said Hims would be taking over the position of Chairperson after having served as the Group’s Vice-Chairperson since October 2022. Furthermore, Eurovent said that Hims has experience working with the Product Group on the acoustic guide and leading the development of the new technical Guidebook for air curtains.

Eurovent said Bree, Managing Director, Frico B.V, has over three decades of experience in the HVAC sector and has been actively supporting the air curtain sector through local and European market initiatives, technical studies, and regulatory work since 2002. Eurovent also said he sits on the Board of the Eurovent Dutch Member Association, Binnenklimaat Nederland.

Hims said:  “I would like to thank the PG-CUR participants for electing me as the Chairperson of this Product Group. Under Dittmar, we started many exciting projects, and taking on this role allows me to complete our existing work agenda and work with Bree to ensure that we tackle the topics important for the members today. Air curtains and fan heaters play an important role within the HVACR market today. We need to ensure that manufacturers have both a voice and feel supported by the wider industry to allow their products to deliver on key areas such as energy saving and indoor air quality.”

Bree said: “I am particularly drawn to our Product Group and Eurovent due to its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the HVAC sector. As the PG-CUR Vice-Chairperson, my goal is to leverage my experience not only to serve the interests of our industry but also to fortify the Association’s position as Europe’s major representative of air curtain and fan heater manufacturers.”

VELLINGE, Sweden, 12 March 2024: SAMON announced two new appointments to its marketing and sales teams to help meet growing customer demand for its refrigerant gas detection solutions. 

Making the announcement through a Press release, SAMON said that following the launch of three new products into its GLACIÄR-series refrigerant leak detector range, it has seen an expansion of its customer base across Europe and the United States and is committed to ensuring continued high levels of support, and to continuing the introduction of new gas detectors tailored to the evolving demands of the refrigeration industry.

SAMON said Dominika Lörincová joined the pivotal role of Product Manager, located in SAMON’s head quarters in Vellinge, Sweden. SAMON added that she brings significant experience in coordinating complex technical projects, working internationally with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of results that meet customer demands. 

Lörincová said: “I am excited to be joining SAMON and being part of the growth journey we are on. Gas detection is a diverse area, and being able to focus on the specific demands of refrigerant leak detection is a great way of ensuring that, rather than something generic that doesn’t quite fit. Our customers truly get the products they need.”

SAMON said it is pleased to continue championing the role of women in STEM, with Lörincová joining Johanna Sepulveda Fajardo,Business Development Director, Iberia, in taking prominent external-facing roles in the gas detection and refrigeration industries.

SAMON said Fajardo, welcomed Mateo Rios López to her team as the Key Account Manager for Spain and Portugal. SAMON said that following his MBA studies, López joins to add depth to the commercial team in SAMON’s Madrid office.

López said: “Joining the SAMON team is a wonderful opportunity for me. I am passionate about developing partnerships and relationships with customers that give them real results. As our business has rapidly grown in Spain, I look forward to working closely with our distributors and end-users and becoming a go-to resource they can trust.”

MILAN, Italy, 12 March 2024: GMCC & Welling, an Integrated Core Components Solution Provider for heat pumps, announced that it showcased in Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) 2024 in Milan, Italy. Making the announcement through a Press release, GMCC & Welling said, it demonstrated to European and global consumers core components and solutions such as rotary compressors; scroll compressors; fans for heat pumps; motors for heat pumps and circulating pumps for a wide array of applications covering heat pump space heating, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers and swimming pool heat pumps. 

Spokesperson, GMCC & Welling Europe, said: The company has become the industry leader in R290 eco-friendly refrigerant technology, thanks to years of commitment and efforts to meet European consumers’ demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly, high-performance products. For the next phase, GMCC & Welling will develop and build heat pump products that are more efficient, green and environmentally friendly with whole machine manufacturers. 

GMCC said it unveiled R290 refrigerant rotary and scrolls compressors specifically designed for heat pumps, covering fixed-speed and inverter products. The GMCC also said that the R290 heat pump rotary compressor for space heating offers a product portfolio from 2kW to 25kW, with specialised compressors of smaller size yet greater efficiency based on characteristics of R290 refrigerant and requirements of heat pump space heating applications. Furthermore, GMCC said the heat pump scroll compressor for space heating increases energy efficiency by five per cent, thanks to the asymmetrical spiral line and multi-stage pressure relief static plate technology, perfect for large-capacity and high-end heat pump systems. 

GMCC said the heat pump rotary compressor for the water heater has a wide operating envelope with 55 degrees C outlet water temperature even in cold winter while maintaining stable operation at different seasonal temperatures. In addition, GMCC also said that it had developed highly efficient and reliable heat pump compressors for swimming pools and heat pump rotary compressors for dryers, providing a comprehensive product portfolio for a wide range of heat pump applications in Europe. 

GMCC said Welling’s fans and motors for heat pumps also excel in energy efficiency. Welling’s fan for heat pump space heating adopts intelligent EC control technology to receive intelligent feedback on the fan operation status while enhancing overall efficiency with large torque and a highly efficient outer rotor. GMCC added that Welling’s fan for the heat pump water heater provides axial flow, forward centrifugal and backward centrifugal solutions. Moreover, GMCC said the outstanding blade fluid design of  Welling’s fan with an efficient, silent outer rotor motor offers optimal energy efficiency and silent operation. In terms of motors for heat pumps, GMCC said, Welling’s motor for heat pump space heating increases the magnetic flux utilisation by 7.7% and effective space and material utilisation by five per cent while reducing shaft voltage amplitude by 60%. GMCC said, it is therefore characterised by high efficiency, compact size and high reliability. The motor for a heat pump water heater includes different options such as resin encapsulation brushless DC motors and iron-clad asynchronous AC motors to meet customers’ various power requirements, GMCC further said. 

In R&D and application of circulating water pumps for heat pump space heating, GMCC said Welling adopts a condensate protection design and anti-jamming, simple-maintenance design to achieve high reliability while further optimising efficiency and volume. In addition, GMCC said that in the electronic expansion valve product category, it unveiled the M series with high reliability and flow accuracy, the W series with extremely low noise, and the L series with ultimate miniaturisation. These products are widely applicable to various complex application scenarios.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 11 March 2024: Motor and drives manufacturer, WEG announced the opening of an office in Riyadh. Making the announcement through a Press release, WEG said the new office would report to WEG Middle East in Dubai and added that it represents an important step forward in enhancing WEG’s presence in the Middle East region.

WEG said the new office in Riyadh is an integral part of the company’s strategy to establish a strong foothold in this important part of the region. WEG also said that it is looking to expand its operations in the area during the coming months to better understand the market, while creating support for products and services in the region.

Gautham Madhusudan Athresh, Area Manager, WEG KSA and Bahrain, said, “WEG’s vision aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s vision for growth, marked by a deliberate shift away from dependence on the oil and gas industry.”

WEG said it is prepared to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative, including supplying advanced technology and equipment for renewable energy projects, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of diversifying its energy sources.

WEG also said that its industrial solutions have the potential to support the growth of non-oil sectors by providing efficient and reliable electrical equipment for manufacturing and infrastructure development. In fact, WEG has extensive knowledge and expertise in the water industry and experience in desalination projects and in renewable energy. Furthermore, WEG said, it has already been involved in several projects in the Middle East region, including supplying motors to upgrade air-handling units at the Al Adan Hospital in Kuwait.

Athresh further said: “Our goal is to reinforce WEG’s commitment to serving our customers in Saudi Arabia, offering unparalleled support to meet their evolving needs. We are dedicated to harnessing the potential of this market and look forward to playing a role in its continued development.”

KÜNZELSAU, Germany, 8 March 2024: Ziehl-Abegg, announced that it concluded the fiscal year 2023 as the most successful year in the company’s history. Making the announcement through a Press release, Ziehl-Abegg said, with a revenue growth of 9.5% to EUR 955 million and the largest single investment in the company’s history, it has set new standards. Furthermore, Ziehl-Abegg said it has set the course for sustainable global growth, with a newly developed strategy and comprehensive structural realignment.

Dr Marc Wucherer, CEO, Ziehl-Abegg, said: “2023 marks a historic year for Ziehl-Abegg. With a revenue increase to EUR 955 million and a 9.5% increase compared to the previous year – the company has solidified its market position. This is the best year in the company’s history.”

Ziehl-Abegg said a highlight of the year was the groundbreaking new plant in the United States, a EUR 100 million investment to support growth in the American markets. In parallel, Ziehl-Abegg said, it initiated a new plant construction in Vietnam and launched a new production in Poland. Additionally in 2024, the company said, production is being set up in India, and added that it has invested more than EUR 30 million in an improved machinery park and automation technology, in Germany.

Given the continuous growth, Ziehl-Abegg said, it is adapting its internal structures, to enable more effective action on a global level. The company said the reorganisation includes, among other things, division into four geographic areas: Central Europe, EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. This adjustment, Ziehl-Abegg said, reflects the regional and globalised customer world and the rapid growth of foreign markets.

Dr Wucherer said: “This brings us closer to our markets and customers.
Moreover, Ziehl-Abegg has also adjusted the global production network to meet customer needs.”

With the ZA2030 strategy, Ziehl-Abegg said, it pursues ambitious goals such as carbon neutrality, sustainable products, and complete transparency about environmental impacts. This vision, Ziehl-Abegg said, underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Dr Wucherer said: “We will make an even more positive contribution to people and the environment. Moreover, the course for further growth is set, with a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and global customer proximity.”

Ziehl-Abegg also said it stands for future-oriented and sustainable corporate management, economic success, and customer proximity, and added that the company is advancing further stages of digitalisation and improving customer service.