PR Archives - DRI Rotors

Boost Your Home’s AQI with Proper Ventilation

Why is proper ventilation crucial for a home?

Proper ventilation is crucial for a home, as it significantly improves the AQI of indoor air of the space. It is efficient at eliminating the indoor pollutants present in the form of dust, allergens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for supplying clean and healthy air into the house. In the process, ventilation prevents excess moisture buildup in the space, which in turn impedes the growth of mould, dampness, and any structural deterioration of walls, ceilings, and furniture occurring due to humidity.

Ventilation is also important for regulating the temperature of the space. Facilitating escape of hot air, it fosters a comfortable indoor temperature by promoting circulation of cooler air within the enclosed facility. Consequently, proper ventilation plays an instrumental role in reducing the air conditioning of a house significantly. Minimizing the strain on heating and cooling systems substantially, it helps in lower utility bills and drives better energy efficiency in the house.

In addition to this, a well-ventilated house is efficient at removing the odors released from cooking, cleaning products, and other sources, disseminating a fresh and pleasant environment within the house. Along with this, it also comes in handy for getting rid of carbon monoxide generally produced by stoves, fireplaces, and heaters in the house.

2. What are the different types of home ventilation systems (natural, mechanical, hybrid)? How should homeowners choose the most suitable option for their property?

Looking at the importance of ventilation, there are various types of home ventilation systems for facilitating optimal supply of fresh air.

Natural ventilation – Natural ventilation is majorly driven by unchecked air flow through windows and doors.

Exhaust ventilation – This type of ventilation is very common in kitchens and bathrooms and comes in handy for removing moisture from the spaces.

Balanced ventilation – Balanced ventilation works on the principle of air exchange, where fresh outdoor air is introduced into the house and an equal amount of stale air is forced out. It neither pressurizes nor depressurizes, thereby ensuring proper ventilation throughout space.

Mechanical Ventilation – This is a heat recovery ventilation situated at the top of the building. It supplies conditioned air and bodes well for proper flow of fresh air into the rooms.

The choice of ventilation depends on several factors, such as the house layout, size, and specific goals. It is subject to the purpose that needs to be achieved, such as the removal of excess moisture, driving energy efficiency, or exhaust ventilation. But while selecting the system, size of the house should be considered; as an oversized system can prove to be inefficient and an undersized system might be insufficient to meet the ventilation needs. Likewise, for larger commercial and industrial spaces exhibiting complex structures, installing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems can be beneficial for eliminating pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) reside well for exercising immaculate humidity control.

3. What are some effective ways to improve indoor air quality through ventilation? Are there specific types of filters or systems recommended?

Innovative technologies

Considering that ventilation for enhancing indoor AQI can be achieved with the help of HVAC systems, it is essential to innovate and upgrade the systems by harnessing the power of advanced technologies.

Integrating groundbreaking solutions such as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can maximize ventilation by promoting heat and humidity exchange between incoming and outgoing air.

Similarly, TFA (Treated Fresh Air Units) bodes well for conducting the pre-conditioning of outdoor air for introducing clean and healthy air into the room. Being well equipped with energy recovery wheels, it goes a long way in recovering both sensible and latent energy, contributing to the energy efficiency of the systems.

Installing Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) controls the humidity levels with the help of unique passive dehumidification wheels and also facilitates replenishment of fresh air and removal of indoor air pollutants.

Smart Systems

Making use of AI or ML-driven systems can upscale the ventilation as it comes in handy for exercising centralized monitoring, data storage, etc., Such innovations help in smart and precise monitoring of the HVAC equipment based on the occupancy patterns.

4. What are some common mistakes homeowners make regarding home ventilation, and how can they avoid them? What should homeowners keep in mind about ventilation when renovating or upgrading their homes?

When it comes to ventilation, the common mistakes that people make are:

Neglecting natural and exhaust ventilation

Considering that modern-day houses and commercial buildings as well boast glass facades and packed structures for aesthetic appeal, they lack openings for natural ventilation. There are also instances where exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms skip people’s minds. It is advisable to make the best of natural ventilation, as it can significantly reduce the load on HVAC systems. Likewise, exhaust fans are also important for curbing the buildup of excess moisture and pollutants.

Avoiding maintenance

Once the HVAC systems are installed, people generally don’t pay any attention to the maintenance of the systems. However, cleaning and repair of HVAC systems should be conducted at regular intervals of time to avoid any damage or unplanned downtime. Systems in poor condition can severely compromise the effective ventilation of the space and consequently might not be able to address perils arising from poor IAQ of the building. Therefore, ensuring maintenance can prolong the lifespan of the systems and keep their longevity intact for a longer period of time.

Clogging of vents and registers

Very often, people tend to cover the vents with curtains, furniture, or other items, blocking the smooth airflow. This can lead to inefficiency of the HVAC systems and account for uneven heating and cooling of the room.

Wrong size

Selecting the right size is very challenging for people, where they might end up installing either an oversized or too small system for the building. Where large systems are responsible for frequent system on and off, undersized systems struggle to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. In both cases, it is difficult to drive the efficiency of the operations, leading to poor ventilation of space.

5. How often should ventilation systems be inspected or maintained? Are there signs that indicate a problem with a home’s ventilation system?

The maintenance of ventilation systems should be done at regular intervals of time. People can recognize any problem with the systems when experiencing uneven heating and cooling. A significant rise in electricity bills can suggest inefficient working of mechanical systems or malfunctioning of the HRV/ ERV systems.

Similarly, poor airflow can indicate blockage in supply vents and can be identified in case there is difficulty in opening doors or windows resulting from pressure imbalances. Experiencing stale or stuffy air, even after ventilation or lingering odour, implies poor air circulation. At the same time, the occurrence of frequent condensation on windows, walls, or ceilings and the growth of mould or mildew signify the presence of excessive humidity within the space.

One can also identify damage to ventilation systems by noticing increased dust accumulation even after regular cleaning. At the same time, on experiencing escalation of respiratory health issues, it is advisable to check for poor filtration of the systems.

Employing predictive maintenance with the help of advanced technologies can give significant results. The smart sensors, routine system upgrades, and Building Management Systems (BMS) enable real-time monitoring and updates. Together they work towards timely identification of any issue in the systems, encouraging prompt action to address the problem.

Importance Of Monitoring IAQ Amidst Outdoor Air Quality Plunging To Poor Category

Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International

Pollution has been a pressing concern in the national capital, especially as the city reels under the influence of deteriorating outdoor & indoor air quality. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting to the ‘severe category’ exceeding the 400 mark, people have been facing a lot of health issues. Looking at the severity of the situation, where the entire focus has been on air pollution outside, people fail to understand its significant impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which can be more contaminated as compared to outdoor air.

The IAQ further deteriorates remarkably in commercial and industrial spaces such as offices, schools, airports, hotels, etc. Such spaces are majorly characterized by the large buildings with complex structures, making it difficult for the contaminated air to find an escape. Consequently, this significantly contributes to the buildup of pollutants, dust, and allergens within the enclosed space. Moreover, with the sharp rise in pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide levels, VOCs, etc., they are responsible for giving rise to a range of respiratory issues, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders.

Exacerbating the conditions further, long-term exposure to poor IAQ can lead to a condition called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). People suffering from the condition generally experience fatigue, headaches, lethargy, nausea, wheezing, throat irritation, etc. SBS has also been linked to reduced productivity of the occupants as the unhealthy indoor air comes with the ability to severely impact the physical and mental well-being of the person.

Forcing schools to remain closed on account of poor IAQ, and even offices making major adjustments with 50% working capacity, it has a far-reaching effect on the normal functioning of commercial and industrial spaces. Therefore, understanding the repercussions, it underscores the importance of monitoring IAQ of the enclosed commercial spaces amidst rising pollution outside.

Considering that improving the IAQ can be very challenging for large spaces, installing advanced Air Purification Systems (APS) should be prioritized in the buildings. The technology comes with the proficiency to maintain good IAQ within the facility and, in turn, promotes a healthy environment for people occupying the space. It provides an innovative solution for eliminating the outdoor air pollutants at the source. Being well-equipped with honeycomb designed chemical filters it ensures 100% removal of gaseous contaminants and checks the entry of harmful particulate and gaseous pollutants at multiple levels.

This is majorly because it operates as a “beginning-of-the-tube” system, conducting purification of the air at the source with the help of advanced filtration technologies. In contrast to the standard air purifiers, which work within indoor spaces, treating outdoor air that has already entered and mixed with the indoor environment, the APS systems purge the air at the point where it enters the indoor environment. This fundamental difference positions APS as a proactive solution, addressing air quality issues before they infiltrate indoor spaces.

In addition to this, the systems maintain positive pressure across the indoor space, preventing the infiltration of contaminated air into the building. It conducts thorough cleaning of outside air with the help of proper particulate and chemical filtration before introducing it into the room. Thereby, residing well for diluting the indoor pollutants with the help of clean air outside, the systems also ensure maintenance of carbon dioxide with measuring units.

Therefore, with people taking refuge indoors with rising pollution outside, it becomes essential to deploy Air Purification Systems, especially in large buildings. This can play a pivotal role in checking the influence of outside pollution on IAQ and ensuring people are protected from a range of health problems associated with it.

Optimizing Workspace Air Quality for Employee Safety

Prioritizing good air quality in workspaces has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. With employees spending the majority of their time in their offices, it becomes crucial for organizations to provide a healthy and safe environment to them. The modern workspace infrastructure is generally characterized by enclosed spaces, lacking windows to accommodate air conditioning systems. As a result, the structures give rise to a sealed indoor environment with hardly any scope for fresh air ventilation.

Unlike the common misconception that air conditioning improves the air quality of the space, it comes as a surprise for many that systems recirculate stale air. Additionally, with the space occupied by a large number of people, it continuously contributes to the build-up of carbon dioxide and pollutants within the space as it is unable to find an escape to the outside. All the factors together account for poor air quality and severely impact the health of the occupants. If left unattended, the poor IAQ can give rise to a range of health issues in a person, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and serious conditions of cardiovascular disease as well.

Moreover, continual exposure to poor IAQ can result in the development of Sick Building Syndrome, where the occupants are very likely to face breathing issues, headaches, asthma, fatigue, and pain in the eyes. Severely compromising the health and comfort of the person, lethargy and absenteeism are some common issues that impact the productivity of the individuals. As a result, it becomes a prerequisite to install technologies that improve the air quality of the workspace, aimed at enabling an efficient work process accompanied by enhanced concentration.

To achieve good air quality, employing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems is essential. These systems precondition the incoming fresh air to meet ventilation standards and maintain excellent indoor air quality (IAQ). By filtering and treating the air before it enters the space, TFA systems eliminate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, effectively impeding the spread of airborne diseases. As a result, these units ensure a consistent supply of clean and healthy air, significantly reducing health issues associated with poor air quality. Additionally, TFA systems are equipped with energy recovery wheels, which recover both sensible and latent energy, contributing to improved IAQ, humidity control, and energy savings.

The advanced systems bode well for achieving optimal indoor air quality throughout the year, irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Providing a stable and comfortable environment, the systems invariably contribute to high levels of engagement and motivation among the employees, enhancing their overall performance round the year.

In the pursuit of meeting the ventilation standards, the advanced technologies also vouch for energy efficiency. Striving to save energy while maximizing the energy recovery efficiency, they eliminate the need to increase the energy costs of the building. Here, by exercising the efficient airflow for ensuring the appropriate circulation of fresh air, the units come in handy for reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling of the space. Taking a holistic approach, they not just contribute to saving energy but extend to reducing the operational costs of the workspace at the same time.

To achieve the purpose, the Treated Fresh Air Handling Units ensure uniform distribution of air, which significantly curtails the demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Reducing the overall load of the system, there is a remarkable plunge in the operational cost as well as the energy consumption of the building. Consequently, by installing the systems, businesses can successfully achieve the twofold task of enhancing air quality within the workspace, which clocks substantial energy savings. While focusing on optimizing the air quality of the space, humidity is often neglected by people. But exercising humidity control is a crucial step towards providing a healthy indoor environment to the employees.

Here, the Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) harness the benefit of unique passive dehumidification wheels for ensuring adequate ventilation of the space. Coming with the ability to eliminate indoor air pollutants while monitoring humidity levels, the system replenishes fresh air to create a more pleasant and productive workspace.

The ability to control the relative humidity plays a crucial role in resisting the growth of mold, bacteria, fungi and prevents the issue of unpleasant odour and discomfort caused by excess moisture. In addition to this, monitoring the humidity can go a long way in safeguarding the office equipment and materials from any potential damage, retaining their longevity and reliability for a long time. Looking at the wide gamut of advantages optimal air quality has to offer for the workspace, it goes a long way in scaling the overall performance of the business.

Promoting the health and safety of the employees along with a comfortable space invariably improves the concentration and productivity of the occupants. In the process, employing Treated Air Handling Units can be considered a strategic business investment because it offers a comprehensive solution for providing energy-efficient ventilation. Conducting pre-conditioning of incoming air guarantees a consistent supply of fresh air. At the same time, monitoring the humidity levels of the space, the systems are an ideal option for ensuring the health and safety of the occupants.

Authored by:

Varun Pahwa
President,
Desiccant Rotors International

Respiratory diseases: The role of indoor air quality in reducing the risk of disease

Modern-day glass facade buildings, commonly found in urban landscapes, often prioritize aesthetics and energy efficiency over proper ventilation. These structures typically rely heavily on air conditioning (AC) systems, with little to no provision for natural airflow or fresh air intake. As a result, indoor air quality (IAQ) in such buildings is often compromised, leading to a buildup of pollutants, dust, and allergens, which can exacerbate respiratory diseases.

Without sufficient ventilation, the concentration of indoor contaminants increases, creating an environment that can negatively impact occupants’ health. Prolonged exposure to poor IAQ, especially in commercial and industrial spaces where people spend most of their day, can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, and in some cases, long-term chronic illnesses. As these buildings are sealed to improve energy efficiency, the lack of fresh air circulation worsens the problem, making it imperative to address IAQ concerns to ensure the well-being of occupants.

The spaces extensively depend on centralized air conditioning to keep the temperature cool, but in the process, the systems promote recirculation of stale air. This leads to the buildup of excess carbon dioxide and pollutants as there is no adequate escape for the indoor air. Hence, it is important to focus on meeting the optimal ventilation standards. Incorporating natural ventilation can bring a lot of relief, but to exercise ventilation of large spaces, Adapting towards using advanced HVAC systems can be of great help. It ensures efficient airflow for encouraging proper circulation of fresh air across the room, and in the process, it substantially reduces the excessive need to heat or cool a space.

The absence of fresh air leads to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition where occupants experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and lethargy. SBS is a major contributor to increased respiratory issues and reduced productivity, as the unhealthy indoor environment affects both physical and mental well-being. Poor ventilation exacerbates the problem, allowing pollutants to accumulate within the space, which, over time, severely impacts respiratory health.

Indoors with poor air quality are packed rooms filled with harmful contaminants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and microorganisms, which aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

This severely underscores the importance of improving the indoor air quality of the building. Ensuring the proper ventilation of space and deploying advanced HVAC systems can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of indoor air. Elaborating on the same, let’s explore ways to improve the indoor air quality of the space.

Treatment of pollutants

In order to keep the contaminants in check, installing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems come with a lot of benefits. It conducts the filtration of incoming air for supplying fresh air free from any pollutants, allergens, or contaminants. Pre-conditioning the air before it enters the room, it curtails the probability of airborne diseases in people residing in the space.

Humidity control

Humidity is a crucial factor responsible for poor IAQ. But excess moisture in the air is the playground for the proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc., which can cause nasal and throat irritation, aggravate asthma attacks, irritate the respiratory system responsible for bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.

Therefore, making use of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems aids in controlling the humidity of the space while exercising proper ventilation of the space. At the same time, they help in removing the unpleasant odour due to humidity and contribute to the comfort of the occupants.

Green Buildings

Understanding the importance of IAQ in keeping respiratory diseases at bay, going for green building solutions significantly comes to aid in maintaining acceptable air quality within the enclosed space. Moreover, considering that the wave of sustainability is being realized across the sector, industry players are adopting net-zero buildings with alacrity. Making use of sustainable materials with negligible emissions of harmful VOCs, the structures inherently ensure that pollution within the space is controlled. At the same time, by incorporating smart designs, the buildings prioritize proper air filtration and natural ventilation of the rooms. Therefore, by maintaining a healthy indoor environment, smart buildings ensure the well-being of the occupants.

Author: Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International

DRI installs solar street lights to illuminate the outskirts of Dadhikar village in Alwar

30^th August 2024: Desiccant Rotors International Pvt. Ltd., a flagship company under the Pahwa Group, has installed Solar Street Lights on the outskirts of Dadhikar village, Alwar as part of its CSR activity. The project aims to enhance the electrical infrastructure of the village by improving the lighting condition of the region.

As part of the initiative, 25 solar street lights will be installed in the initial ph

ase to illuminate the stretch of the street remaining dark during the night. Serving the purpose of improving, safeguarding, facilitating, and encouraging vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the night, the installation is estimated to benefit more than 7,500 people residing in the village.

The village is situated in the neighborhood of Sariska Tiger Reserve and animals from the buffer zone of the reserve tend to enter the village after sunset. This makes it difficult to carry on the activities after dusk in the buffer zone of the village. Recognizing the challenge faced by the locals, DRI worked closely with Sapna NGO to install solar-powered street lights to enhance the safety of the people. In the process, it will also protect the villagers and domestic animals from wild animal attacks such as snakes and jackals, which are very common in the area after sunset.

Focusing on sustainable rural development, the initiative will have a transformative impact on the lives of residents. It will facilitate continuity of activities and enable ease of commutability even during the night due to better illumination. Additionally, it will also ease movements during the evening hours on rainy days. The initiative will be instrumental in creating a sense of security among the residents in the evening and night. They will be able to continue with their tasks without any hindrance or fear of accident or animal attack.

The inauguration was done by Mr. Deepak Pahwa, Director, of Desiccant Rotors, and Mrs. Vinita Pahwa, Director of Desiccant Rotors as the Chief Guest (s) of the program. The event was also attended by Mrs. Anandita Pahwa, Head-CSR Initiative, Pahwa Group, Mr. Sudhir Pratap Singh, General Secretary, Sapna NGO, Prof Ranveer Singh, Treasurer Sapna NGO, Mr. Bhumi Sarpanch of the village and villagers of the Dadhikar village, Alwar.

Speaking on the occasion, Vinita Pahwa, the Director of Desiccant Rotors said, “The solar street light project is a testament to our commitment to upgrading the lives of underprivileged people with the help of CSR activities. The Solar Street Lights will be the source of quality illumination in the villages during power cuts in the evening hours. Thus, in cases of power cuts, many times the inhabitants depend on the light received from the Solar Street Lights. The light from the Solar Street Lights will also illuminate the premises of the adjacent households. Thus, during power cuts, the families will be able to gather outside their houses sometimes to sit under the light.”

Optimizing the air quality of commercial spaces with advanced HVAC systems

With people becoming highly conscious about their health, there has been rising awareness around the poor IAQ in commercial spaces. Modern-day commercial spaces are generally glass skyscrapers exhibiting a complex and packed structure with no space of windows for accommodating air conditioning systems. Restricting any scope of fresh air ventilation, the facilities can significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), which can negatively impact the health of the occupants.

Spaces such as malls, hospitals, large office buildings, airports, and other facilities are generally huddled by a large number of people, which leads to the buildup of carbon dioxide and pollutants, responsible for poor IAQ within the space. The situation is further worsened by the air conditioning systems recirculating the stale air, making the indoor environment hazardous for the occupants. It can potentially give rise to a range of health issues entailing respiratory problems, allergies, and even serious conditions of cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged exposure to poor IAQ is also responsible for the development of a condition called Sick Building Syndrome, where people become susceptible to various allergies and life-threatening diseases. It also comes with the ability to affect cognitive function, giving rise to a decline in productivity coupled with increased absenteeism in a person.

This necessitates the deployment of advanced technologies that work towards enhancing the quality of air in the commercial facilities. To achieve acceptable air quality, the industry should proactively consider installing Fresh Air Ventilation systems in tandem with the air conditioning units to provide comprehensive ventilation solutions within the space. Making use of Air Handling Units (AHU) entailing Treated Fresh Air Units (TFA) and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) provides a viable solution for introducing fresh air into the space while reducing energy consumption, translating to a decrease in the operational cost of the building.

To achieve good air quality, employing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems is essential. These systems precondition the incoming fresh air to meet ventilation standards and maintain excellent indoor air quality (IAQ).
By filtering and treating the air before it enters the space, TFA systems eliminate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, effectively impeding the spread of airborne diseases. As a result, these units ensure a consistent supply of clean and healthy air, significantly reducing health issues associated with poor air quality. Additionally, TFA systems are equipped with energy recovery wheels, which recover both sensible and latent energy, contributing to improved IAQ, humidity control, and energy savings.

Another major advantage of the system relies on its ability to optimize indoor air quality round the year. Contributing to a stable and comfortable environment, it alleviates health risks and boosts the productivity of the occupants, irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Delivering fresh air continuously, it maintains air quality at acceptable levels for indoor settings. In educational institutes or offices, this plays a pivotal role in elevating the motivation and engagement of the people, resulting in overall better performance of the individuals.

In addition to this, TFA systems come with the ability to provide energy-efficient solutions. It is proficient at meeting the desired ventilation standards without amplifying the energy cost of the building. Striving to manage the airflow efficiently, it ensures appropriate circulation of fresh air, negating the excessive need of heating or cooling the enclosed space. As a result, the benefit is not just limited to energy savings but eventually translates to a significant reduction in the operational costs of the facility as well.

Elaborating on the advantages of the system, TFA can bring about a significant reduction in overall system capacity requirements. By handling and distributing the air efficiently, the system lowers demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ultimately contributing to a reduction in the overall load of the system, it culminates in lowering the operational costs and energy consumption of the systems.

In the pursuit of improving the IAQ, people generally tend to overlook humidity. But maintaining the optimal humidity of the space is crucial for achieving the desired result. Moisture in the air is responsible for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which can impact the health of the person. Therefore, TFA aids in controlling humidity within acceptable limits and prevents the growth of microorganisms and the issue of static electricity. In the process of eliminating humidity from the air, it does not incur additional cost, making it a cost-effective solution for commercial spaces. In addition to ensuring the health and safety of the people occupying the space, maintaining proper humidity protects the various materials present in the space and preserves the longevity and reliability of the materials.

Here, the Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) can also be beneficial for addressing the issue of humidity. Well equipped with unique passive dehumidification wheels, it ventilates the space adequately by removing indoor air pollutants, monitoring humidity levels, and replenishing fresh air in the process. Managing the humidity level, it plays a pivotal role in addressing the issue of mold growth, unpleasant odors, and discomfort arising from excessive moisture. Resisting the accumulation of pollutants, odors, and contaminants, it supplies fresh air for a comfortable, healthy, and productive environment. Therefore, managing the RH (relative humidity) levels, maximizing energy recovery efficiency, and reducing cross-contamination provides a comprehensive solution for improving the air quality of the space.

Therefore, looking at the complexity of the commercial facilities, employing the systems can come in handy for optimizing the air quality. Looking at the wide gamut of benefits the systems have to offer, entailing pre-conditioning of incoming air, delivery of fresh air, energy-efficient ventilation, and humidity control, they are very likely to prioritize the health and safety of the occupants. And in the process, the systems also reduce the load on the HVAC systems, making them a viable and practical solution for large, complex buildings.

Evaporative cooling driving the productivity of manufacturing units

By Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International | Publish Industry India | May 30, 2024

The manufacturing sector at present stands at a very interesting cusp of development. Bolstering at a phenomenal rate, the sector has come a long way over the years. Meeting the demand projected by the Indian market, the sector is on the way to instate its supremacy in the international market as well. To achieve this purpose, the country is making significant progress to become the manufacturing powerhouse across the globe.

But in order to create a strong foothold in the international market while also catering to the needs of the domestic market, it is essential to drive the productivity of the manufacturing units. Here, it is very important to understand the various complications of the industry to scale the production of the sector invariably. Elaborating on the same, the manufacturing units continuously reel under the influence of heat. The manufacturing facilities and shop floors are complex structures, housing heavy machinery for carrying out various critical processes. With a number of intricate processes being performed on a large scale, a lot of heat is disseminated by the facilities. Along a similar line, with temperature reaching its peak during the summer, further compounds the already existing problem.

The inability to deal with heat in a manufacturing setup can severely deteriorate the quality and account for substandard products. At the same time, the surging heat can give rise to uncomfortable working conditions for the occupants of the space. It has been observed that staying in excessive heat for a long period of time leads to the development of a phenomenon called heat stress. In addition to this, people can also experience swelling, cramps, and extreme exhaustion as a consequence of heat. Likewise, the hot and stuffy surroundings can meddle with the concentration and accuracy of the employees. All the factors together can risk the productivity of the manufacturing facilities. Along with this, the stagnant air within the premises creates a conducive environment for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.

To address the problem, the industry leaders should focus on cooling down the space. But considering the large facility, it becomes tricky to cool the extra space. Moreover, with summer adding to the heat woes, industrial evaporative cooling comes to the rescue for cooling down the manufacturing units efficiently. Going for alternative cooling options, such as air conditioning, can be quite challenging and impractical at the same time. Considering the area of the facility, innumerable air conditioning systems are required to cool down the space, resulting into spike in installation, maintenance, and operational costs. But on the contrary, evaporative cooling comes with economical solution, requiring minimal capital and installation costs. Likewise, the average price to setup the system is just one-fourth the expense of installing an air conditioning system.

The proficiency of industrial evaporative cooling to offer cost-effective solution comes from its ability to utilize natural resources to cool down the space. Taking an environmentally friendly route, it draws 100 percent of the natural air from the ambient environment. In the process, it enables a continuous supply of oxygen, which, along with cooling down the premises, proactively eliminates fumes, odor, carbon dioxide, various airborne impurities, and the dust that is built within the enclosed facility. Owing to this, the mechanism goes a long way in ensuring the continual circulation of fresh air, which bodes well for mitigating the sultriness of space. Playing a crucial role in eliminating stagnant indoor air from the manufacturing unit, it gets rid of viruses and bacteria that thrive in hot, humid conditions. Cumulatively, industrial evaporative cooling serves the dual purpose of cooling down the space along with achieving quality indoor air at the same time.

Elaborating on the benefits of the cooling mechanism, making use of natural resources, it significantly reduces the temperature by 10 °C to 12°C. It deploys water-saturated cooling pads to filter out hot, dry air by initiating water evaporation to form cool vapours for bringing about the cooling effect. Additionally, to further drive the efficiency of the system, the innovative coolers make use of high-adsorbent materials that enhance the performance of the systems. Reducing the overall consumption of energy significantly, the cooling mechanism utilizes 80 percent less electricity as compared to other alternatives available in the market. Along similar lines, opting for ARCTIC coolers bodes well for driving the maximum output, which comes with the ability to achieve the highest quality air while cooling down the space in the most hassle-free way.

Furthermore, the coolers are well equipped with advanced technologies to drive the efficacy of the systems. It employs indirect evaporative cooling exchangers which comes with the proficiency to evaporate the water. Consequently, it bodes well for cooling the air without adding any moisture to the indoor environment. Along with this, the coolers make use of highly-efficient and reliable EcoCool evaporative cooling pads that provides the ideal solution for bringing down the temperature of the space. The highly durable pads are well adept at converting the sensible heat to latent heat which ultimately results in supply of humidified and cold fresh air across the enclosed space.

Therefore, looking at the complexity of the manufacturing units, industrial evaporative cooling emerges as the most viable option to fuel the efficiency of the plant. It plays a crucial role in providing the occupants with cool, fresh air, enabling them to concentrate better at their work, and also aiding in minimizing the health risks due to hot and sultry conditions. At the same time, it also protects the integrity of the machines, which might get damaged due to overheating. As a result, by alleviating the various threats looming over the facility, the cooling mechanism comes with the proficiency to drive the productivity of the manufacturing units.

Evaporative Cooling: Reducing carbon footprint and improving indoor air quality

Debashish Roy Choudhury, AVP of the ARCTIC Division at DRI, highlights how evaporative cooling technology innovatively conditions the air while eliminating the need for harmful refrigerants. This environmentally friendly approach to cooling significantly reduces the carbon footprint.

With the onset of summer, the acute rising temperature becomes a matter of enormous concern. People generally resort to air conditioning for relief to beat the scorching heat. But in return, it poses severe irreparable environmental damage while overshooting the electricity bill. The problem becomes even more amplified in the commercial and industrial spaces. Amidst such conditions, green cooling provides perfect cooling solutions for giving comfort from the heat in the most economical way possible.

Based on the sustainable cooling mechanism, it fights against the issue of global warming and climate change in the most energy-efficient way by harnessing the benefits of ancient traditional methods. India projecting a surge in power consumption by 9% in February showcases the importance of adopting the green cooling solution. According to the World Bank report, the low-carbon cooling method can translate to a $1.5 trillion investment opportunity in the country in the next two decades.

Here, it is important to understand that the heat issue gets further aggravated in the commercial and industrial space. As a result, it immensely jeopardises the health and productivity of the occupants. For instance, places such as schools and colleges, offices, restaurants, factories, warehouses, etc., are large complex spaces requiring more ventilation. The spaces accommodate many people at a given time, making it difficult and tricky to cool down the space naturally. Deploying air conditioning in such large spaces for cooling purposes can impose huge installation costs and continually levy heavy operational charges, making it a costly option. Moreover, considering the large area, much energy is wasted in cooling down the extra space.

Hence, looking at the cooling requirement of commercial and industrial space, Industrial Evaporative Cooling works best and most economical for large spaces. Providing thermal comfort, it efficiently protects the integrity of the space. Compared to other alternatives, evaporative cooling requires minimal installation capital cost, charging approximately 60-70 percent of the cost of setting up an air conditioning system. Additionally, using natural resources for cooling substantially minimises the running cost of the machines. Packed with high-adsorbent materials, evaporative cooling comes with elevated saturation efficiency that contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of the machines. It can substantially reduce energy consumption by utilising 80 percent less electricity as compared to other alternatives available in the market. The range of ARCTIC Coolers is highly efficient in providing cooling solutions for large spaces, especially in warm and tropical Indian weather conditions.

The innovative cooling system takes an environment-friendly route to provide relief even in the peak summer months. It can achieve a temperature of 27°C, bringing it down from 45°C against harsh outdoor conditions in most parts of India. The technology works on the principles of evaporating water into the air, extracting 100 percent natural fresh air from the surrounding, and bringing down the temperature of large, complex spaces. In the process, it maintains continuity in the supply of fresh oxygen to the room. This continuous supply and circulation of fresh air is a major factor in reducing the stale indoor air within the space.

Considering the cooling mechanism involved, it eliminates the stagnant indoor air responsible for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. Likewise, it removes fumes, odour, and carbon dioxide, including other airborne impurities and built-in dust, from the vast space. Cumulatively, apart from cooling, the evaporative cooling solution also improves indoor air quality.

Based on green air conditioning, the technology very innovatively conditions the air with the help of evaporative cooling. It prevents the dependency on any harmful refrigerants for cooling. On the whole, the process of cooling reduces the carbon footprint effectively. As a result, it perfectly complies with the India Cooling Action Plan for promoting affordable and energy-efficient cooling. Aimed at reducing the refrigeration demand of the country, the plan advocates for passive cooling in the building. At the same time, the cooling mechanism serves the purpose of reaching the net-zero targets set to be achieved by the country.

In conclusion, Industrial Evaporative Cooling is the ideal solution for various heat problems, making it the most sought-after cooling option for summer. Being economical and energy-efficient, sustainable cooling is the most suitable method for relieving unbearable heat.

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Pahwa Group Inaugurates the DRI Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center on World Environment Day

DRI, the flagship company of Pahwa Group, the fastest growing adsorption technology group in the world, inaugurates the DRI Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center at Dadhikar village in Alwar, Rajasthan, in partnership with the Sapna NGO. With an aim to provide benefits to the farmers, the center was inaugurated on the occasion of the World Environment Day (5th June, 2023) by Mrs. Anandita Pahwa, Head-CSR Initiatives, Pahwa Group, in the presence of Mr. Jagdish Prasad Sharma, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Alwar; Mr. Sudhir Pratap Singh, General Secretary and Prof. Ranvir Singh, Secretary, Sapna NGO. Many of the farmers from the Dadhikar village were also present for the inauguration.

The objective of this center is to promote sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural practices and improve soil health and fertility through natural methods. Benefiting more than 150 farmers in the area, this project will lead to increased access to organic, healthy and chemical-free food for the local community, along with providing training and support to farmers & villagers transitioning to organic farming methods. Initially, four types of organic khad will be made and distributed to the villagers from the new center, namely Neemastra, Jivamrit, Vermi Compost and Rapid Compost.

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This center is aimed at generating awareness about organic farming and increasing the productivity of the crop. The long-term impact of this project will be to eliminate the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. These will be replaced by site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pests and diseases.

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Earlier this year, the company also inaugurated a Check Dam in the same area of Dadhikar village, Alwar to balance the water scarcity by recharging the water table. Commenting on the past initiatives and the new center, Anandita Pahwa, Head – CSR Activities, Pahwa Group said, “We are proud to say that the underground water levels have gone up since the construction of the check dams in the area, allowing the farmers some respite in terms of the availability of water. It has also encouraged them to get back to farming with vigor and we want to further work towards this. Moreover, we are sure that the new DRI Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center will act as a catalyst of change and arm the farmers with resources to move away from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, towards using organic farming products“

The Center will also be used as a Farmer Training and Capacity Building center, where the company plans to conduct workshops and training sessions on organic farming techniques. It will also provide education on soil management, composting, natural pest control, and crop rotation, and demonstrate different organic techniques suitable for the local conditions.

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In addition to the inauguration, DRI and Bry-Air (another flagship company under the Pahwa Group) also organized volunteer activities with the children studying at the Bry-Air and DRI Pathshalas in Dharam Colony and Carterpuri village of Gurugram on the same day. The activities for the students included a drawing competition around the theme of ‘beating plastic pollution’, decorating flowerpots and planting seeds in them. The aim of the event was to create awareness among the students and sensitize them as future generations towards the growing strain on Earth’s natural ecosystem and encourage them to take steps to protect the environment.

For years, Pahwa Group has been an active participant in the endeavor to protect the environment and preserve the earth. It has undertaken various initiatives like the construction of check dams for rainwater harvesting, plantation drives, and afforestation to increase green cover and improve the air quality in a step towards the restoration of the ecosystem. As a result of the regular afforestation drives in Dadhikar village, Alwar, Rajasthan, a forest of more than 750 medicinal and fruit-bearing trees has been developed. This will help in the re-greening of the area which will be able to provide fruits for the locality.

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