The Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit 2023, on December 5 in Dubai, underlined the importance of energy efficiency, reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems. Into its second edition, the Summit, hosted by Regal Rexnord and organised by CPI Industry, featured senior HVAC industry leaders.

Vijay Kambhammettu, Director of Sales, Marketing and NPD, Regal Rexnord, set the stage for discussions by sharing a detailed overview of Regal Rexnord. He said that Regal Rexnord operates in 220 global sites and employs 36,100 people, worldwide. He added that the company follows a smart business system that revolves around planning, process, performance, and people. Kambhammettu further said that the company has four segments: Industrial Park Transmissions, which deals with products like running belts and gears; Agency Solutions, which deals with motors; Automation and Motion Control, which operates in technical fields; and Commercial Refrigeration. He added that Regal Rexnord aims to provide value to its customer base through OEMs, distributors, consultants and end users. He said, “The company serves as technology partners for OEMS; offers access and warehousing options for distributors; supports consultants to upskill and gives utmost importance to enhancing the overall user experience.”

Speaking after Kambhammettu, Sougata Nandi, CEO, 3e Advisory and the Chairperson of the Summit, introduced the theme of the 2023 edition. He said that organising an event of this kind is crucial when the global focus is on issues around climate change, and underlined that the discourses around climate change, carbon emissions and the importance of building awareness have increased over the past decade. However, he added, the challenge lies in translating this awareness into action at the consumer level, where energy consumption needs efficient management. Further, introducing the concept of the “vicious cycle of the climate crisis”, Nandi said that affluence, lifestyle improvement, increased energy consumption and rising greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the climate crisis. Nandi also said that the HVAC industry plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and lauded the commitment of nations and organisations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2032. The event, he said, could be seen as an opportunity for education to address climate change and enhance energy-efficient practices.

Further, during his presentation on the topic, ‘HVAC impact on sustainability and safety’, Nandi shared his experience of working in the UAE as an energy manager and said that the country has a heightened sensitivity to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and energy efficiency. He also recalled the challenges faced in promoting energy efficiency initiatives, such as resistance to new technologies, and added that over time, the industry has evolved, and that now there is an increased awareness and acceptance of energy-efficient practices. Sougata also delved into his experience of working on energy challenge schemes. He said that he has collaborated with developers to create prototypes that significantly reduce lighting energy bills.

His presentation also touched on the emergence of sustainability initiatives, like LEED certification; the challenges of converting existing buildings into environmentally friendly space; and the significance of air conditioning in energy efficiency. Nandi expressed optimism about the positive changes in the industry and the potential for further improvements in building sustainability.

The first presentation of the Summit was by Niranjan Kumar, Technical Director, Mekar Air Handling Units LLC. He discussed the pivotal role of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in well-being and productivity, referring to potential health risks associated with poor IEQ, including acute and chronic effects, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Kumar said that emphasis must be given to understanding the metrics to improve IEQ, and factors like temperature, humidity, air circulation and thermal comfort must be taken into consideration. He added that there are three key components, namely appliance, legal compliance and the impact on occupants for an HVAC system, and they stress the importance of considering air quality, temperature regulation and proper circulation. To address the issues associated with poor IEQ, Kumar said, solutions such as adopting precision air conditioners and modern HVAC systems can be considered. Kumar also emphasised the importance of proper maintenance and selection of suitable materials. He highlighted the need for advanced technologies, such as smart thermostats, to monitor and improve IEQ. He added that collective responsibility is essential for fostering positive changes for a healthier and more productive indoor environment.

Speaking after Kumar, Mohamad Dahouk, Senior Director, Engineering, Regal Rexnord, shared a detailed overview of the solutions offered by Regal Rexnord in residential and commercial applications. He said that the company considers factors such as comfort, efficiency, sustainability and carbon footprint in the context of IAQ and HVAC systems. Furthermore, he discussed the evolution and technical aspects of Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs); hybrid compressor technology; Vantage, a product designed to improve IAQ by treating air for viruses; specific advancements in air-moving systems, including motor controls and air handlers and various product generations, highlighting the push towards higher efficiency levels. He said that the goal is to make HVAC systems more adaptable, customisable and energy-efficient. He pointed out that continuous research and development is essential to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

The next session of the Summit was technical presentations by Xingwang Zhang, Director – Engineering, Regal Rexnord, and Sunil Kakru, Director – Engineering and Quality, Regal Rexnord. In his presentation, Zhang delved into the technical aspects of motors, covering various technologies related to efficiency, reliability and performance. He spoke of palpable improvements in motor technology, with a focus on aspects like noise reduction, ease of recognition and reinforced components for durability. Furthermore, he said that rigorous testing is essential for quality assurance and ensuring the reliability and performance of the product. He added that testing in extreme conditions validates the product’s durability and reliability over an extended period. Zhang also discussed smart drive and pika motors, ECMs, RRX EC motors, integrated EC motors for outdoor applications, brush-less DC technology and axial fans.

For his part, Kakru discussed the challenges and importance of energy efficiency in motors. He said that the goal is to make motors more energy-efficient by introducing new technologies and solutions. One of the major highlights of his presentation was the details about induction motors. He said that Regal Rexnord offers three brands, namely Genteq, Century and Frasco, in the market. Furthermore, he said that the availability of universal motor configurations that can replace DC motors, provides flexibility and options for end-users. Pointing to the versatility of the motor technologies, which offer various options in terms of size, speed and applications, Kakru said that the goal is to provide consistent performance while addressing market demands and energy efficiency challenges. He also shared an overview of Maxima Technology, Orbit ECM and Orbit Technology in his technical presentation.

The Summit also featured a presentation that discussed the results of a customer and market survey the Regal Rexnord team had conducted across its value chain. Srinivas Yadav, Key Account Sales Manager, Regal Rexnord, presented the takeaways of the survey. He said that the survey was conducted among stakeholders, including customers, distributors, and OEMs, to understand their preferences and expectations. According to the survey results, Yadav said, one of the most important aspects considered by customers is safety. Regarding product preferences, he said the findings indicated that efficiency, ease of use and sustainability are the most important factors. In addition, he pointed out that the results indicate a shift in market dynamics and concerns around supply chain management.

Breathing easy

Panel discussion focuses on optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems

The 2023 edition of the Regal Rexnord Innovation Summit featured a panel discussion, titled ‘Breathing easy – optimising health and comfort with advanced HVAC systems’. The discussion, moderated by Sougata Nandi, CEO, 3e Advisory, featured Mohammed Anwar, Head Engineering & Supply Chain, Awal Gulf Manufacturing Company; Mohamad Dahouk, Senior Director – Engineering, Regal Rexnord; Dr P R Jagannathan, Senior General Manager – Sustainability, Sobha Realty; and Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurovent Middle East.

Jagannathan, the first panellist to speak, addressed questions from Nandi about the rise of green building certification and navigating the adoption of tools. He said that green building certifications are becoming increasingly common as a part of a broader initiative to address environmental concerns. Earlier, he said, there were challenges associated with issues like energy footprint and waste generation. Furthermore, he said, navigating government regulations and stakeholder communication also posed as challenges, especially in the context of the credit crisis.

In the years that followed, he said, efforts were made to explain the concept to stakeholders, including introducing regulations for warehouses, and the focus expanded to address common global concerns related to energy, climate conditions and optimisation. Jagannathan also pointed out that the industry faced questions from investors about legal entities, industry performance, and future prospects. The finance sector, he added, played a crucial role in driving sustainability, with new criteria introduced in loans and investments. “Investors sought assurance regarding the long-term performance of entities in the context of sustainability,” he said. “Moreover, addressing the gap between activation and implementation became a critical aspect, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts in the realm of sustainability.”

Jagannathan also delved into various other topics during the course of the panel discussion, such as carbon footprint, big data technologies and net-zero initiatives. He also spoke on the disconnect between various stakeholders, and the importance of integrating construction, facility management and community aspects for comprehensive and high-quality outcomes. He also spoke on the significance of portfolio management.

For his part, Dahouk answered questions relating to the adoption of sustainable technologies. Dahouk said that the success of Regal Rexnord in the realm of sustainability has been significant, particularly in the past 10-15 years. He said that electronic indicators and innovative solutions have played a crucial role in achieving higher efficiency standards. He said the ongoing evaluation of every aspect, from home control systems to educational institutions, aims to maximise efficiency levels. Furthermore, he said that the focus is on pushing the boundaries each year, determining the maximum achievable efficiency, and finding ways to attain it. He also underlined that cost management is a key consideration, along with balancing user costs and economic factors. The approach, he said, must align with consumer capacities, especially in applications and businesses where efficiency impacts daily life. “The goal is to offer advice that leads to maximum efficiency while remaining cost-effective, and it involves understanding consumer needs and progress, with initiatives like rebuilding savings policies contributing to sustained advancements in the industry,” he said. In addition, he also underlined the importance of end-users being aware of energy-efficient practices and said that end-users must be taught to be mindful of energy waste, considering factors like home temperature settings and the potential for remote control to optimise energy usage.

Taking the cue from Dahouk, Nandi said that one of the common challenges faced by the industry is the disconnect between the developers and end-users. He said: “The utility bill belongs to the buyer, not the developer, creating a discrepancy in incentives. Developers focused on constructing and selling may not always prioritise long-term efficiency measures, since they won’t be the end users.” This, he added, becomes more pronounced in competitive markets, where developers are driven to complete projects quickly. Further, Nandi underlined the importance of avoiding greenwashing and the misleading use of sustainability claims. Nandi added that the aim must be to move beyond short-term solutions and foster a comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

Speaking after Nandi, Lattner delved into the role of certification bodies in the industry and said that Eurovent’s goal is to raise awareness. Eurovent, he said, actively participates in committees and engages at the United Nations level to influence decisions. He also said that it’s not merely about revising regulations; it is about informing and educating the stakeholders. Though Eurovent, as an association, is actively involved in educating the market and driving awareness, it also understands that this process is still in its infancy, he said. One significant challenge, he said, lies in the fixation on certifications. Lattner said: “While engineers may design an efficient system, the efficiency can be compromised if contractors prioritise cost over quality during procurement. This underscores the importance of involving informed investors who can maintain an objective balance and ensure that efficiency is not lost at each stage of the process, ultimately impacting end-users.”

Joining the conversation, Anwar said that Awal Manufacturing aims to elevate efficiency by adopting approaches that ensure the mindful use of resources. He said that the priority of the company is to first meet the requirements, especially within the given timeframe. He said that one key strategy involves optimising the system integrator to ensure a streamlined and effective process. He said, “It’s crucial to strike a balance, considering both the optimisation of the system and the associated costs, in alignment with the specified requirements.”

In summary, the panel discussion delved into the challenges in the HVAC industry, particularly in addressing disconnections in delivering efficient systems. The panellists underlined the significance of strategic integration to reduce external influences. The discussions also touched on the commitment to sustainability initiatives and achieving net zero by 2050, as well as the need for users to understand and appreciate energy-efficient practices. The conversation also underlined the importance of aligning product development with market demands and on how challenges arise in the form of having to adapt to regional variations in customer preferences and regulations