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Indian Smart Cities and its demand for Smart and Energy-efficient HVAC technologies

The growing population of world is moving towards urban demanding for more efficient, smart and sustainable development and infrastructure, writes Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India.

The growing population of world is moving towards urban demanding for more efficient, smart and sustainable development and infrastructure. The 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects produced by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) notes that future increases in the size of the world’s urban population are expected to be highly concentrated in just a few countries. Together, India, China and Nigeria will account for 35% of the projected growth of the world’s urban population between 2018 and 2050. By 2050, it is projected that India will have added 416 million urban dwellers, China 255 million and Nigeria 189 million.

New India is on a new mission to build cities of the future. As per the Indian Economic Survey 2017-18 India will require $4.5 trillion infrastructure investment by 2040. A large pie of of this infrastructure investment will need to be focused on urban India, as by 2030, 40% of the country’s population, or 600 million people, will reside in cities. The Government of India has launched the Smart Cities Mission on 25 June 2015. The objective is to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'Smart' Solutions.

The construction industry in India has been consistently contributing 7-8% to the GDP since the last five years (ASSOCHAM-TARI Study, 2015) and in the wake of smart cities mission and green building initiative, the Indian Infrastructure Sector which has been facing a slowdown so far will definitely start showing signs of recovery. However, the growth of this sector not only opens up a plethora of opportunities, it also raises a serious question about the energy deficit and environment conservation that we are facing already. According to the National Statistical Organization (NSO) of India, the energy consumption by the building sector is expected to increase to 76% in 2040 to 40% in 2011-12. The residential building sector is already one of the largest consumers of electricity in India and by 2020, India is projected to become the world's third-largest energy consumer after US and China.

New India’s initiative towards green buildings and smart cities, is giving an added impetus to the current Indian HVAC & R industry to develop not only smart and energy efficient but also affordable HVAC solutions. And in order to satiate the ever increasing demands, more and more global and local players are shifting their attention to India, thus making the country a true global manufacturing hub for HVAC equipment.

Hitachi Cooling & Heating understands that the smart city concept is a success only when the smart technology is not only making the lives of its consumers comfortable but it is also easy on their pockets. Being a socially responsible brand and a technology leader, we are constantly working on new cutting edge technology in its product categories which comprises of Room AC, VRF, Chillers and other commercial air conditioners. Development of smart and intuitive technologies that not only improve the quality of life but also deliver best results at optimal prices has been our conscientious effort. With growing emphasis on energy efficient and eco-friendly HVAC solutions in order to decrease the overall carbon footprint of any building, the company is constantly innovating and customizing its products to fulfill the needs of our consumers.


In Residential Air Conditioning, we have introduced more competitive models spread across varied SKUs which offer superior technology and features. With the transcending trend toward Inverter ACs, our all 5 Star ACs in the new line up are expandable Inverter ACs which is designed specially to perform in extremely hot conditions of the Northern Plains and extremely hot-cum-humid conditions of the coastal areas. Hitting a century with an extensive and exhaustive product lineup of 122 models (which includes Split ACs, Window ACs and one is to one Cassette ACs), 35% lineup is 5 Star and 72% lineup is inverter this year. Keeping in mind the environmental issues, entire split AC (inverter and fixed included) lineup is green with R410A/R32 refrigerant. Its most energy efficient Split Air Conditioner is Kashikoi 5100X++ (1.0 TR, 5 Star) with 6.1 ISEER. 


For the commercial building segment, we offer VRF Systems and Ductable Air Conditioners. Designed keeping in mind the needs of Architects and HVAC Consultants, Hitachi has introduced new SET-FREE Sigma (∑) Series. Named after the Mathematical symbol “∑” which stands for the combined strengths of Johnson Controls and Hitachi VRF Technologies, this series has been designed with global expertise especially for the Indian climate and consumers. It offers higher energy efficiency, engineered aesthetics, enhanced strengths, compact design, compact cooling and heating. Thus, with least energy wastage, maximal capacity in minimalistic floor space, SET FREE-Sigma Series gives energy efficient performance combined with premium looks. In Light Commercial Packaged Air conditioners, Hitachi Cooling & Heating has also introduced Toushi Ductable Air Conditioners, Flexi Split ACs and 8 new models of Cassette ACs.


Designed for Commercial and Industrial requirements, Hitachi Cooling & Heating’s Screw Chillers (Air and Water) and Centrifugal Chiller Series with Eco Friendly refrigerant offers most energy efficient cooling solutions. Its impressive performance coupled with precise and continuous capacity control technology, user friendly LCD touch panel and high performance compressor, provides cooling with low noise and low vibrations which is ideal for industrial and commercial purposes.


Thus, working constantly on the philosophy of producing best technology products with the three pillars of innovation, energy saving and comfort, Hitachi Cooling & Heating aims to achieve high customer satisfaction and become country’s expert in air conditioning solutions. Transforming Indian Cities into smart cities starts with energy and cost efficient smart buildings. Advanced and energy efficient HVAC systems with low operating costs have a vital role to play in shaping up these smart buildings for country’s future cities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house