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Guest Column
Optimising energy needs
In these power deficit times, organisations need to factor
in energy efficient HVAC systems to drive business profitability. Manoj Mathur
writes about the key focus areas that need the attention of the hospitality
sector for optimum energy performance.
 There
has been an apparent rise in the level of consciousness among equipment manufacturers
to make equipment that are both compatible to the hospitality sector as well
as eco-friendly. While guest relaxation, comfort and leisure are critical to
the success of any hospitality business unit, HVAC (lighting, heating, ventilation
and air-conditioning) systems have a strong role to play in the energy performance
of the hotel sector. At the back end, the HVAC system controls the environment
and its well being. What is heartening to note is that over the years we have
seen that the hospitality industry is becoming conscious of the fact that any
compromise on the HVAC systems will directly affect their profitability margins.
Efficient practices
When it comes to constructing energy efficient projects, the first lesson that
goes into making large hotel chains work profitably is better equipment. Over
the years, we have also seen an increase in the number of smaller hotels which
are adopting energy efficient practices, whether it may be from the type of
material used in construction to the kind of HVAC systems used. This is mainly
due to the financial benefits that are visible for all to see. Also, most of
these hotels are using energy efficiency as a selling point to their environmentally
conscious guests.
It is imperative to involve HVAC consultants from the design phase of the building
itself and not as an afterthought. This ensures that hotels get the benefit
of an effective HVAC design. Hotels are adopting and implementing newer energy
saving measures e.g. power savers for the AC plants, lighting panels and kitchen
areas. Such measures can result in savings of over 400 units of power. Additionally,
guestrooms in most energy conscious hotels are powered through individual energy
savers to allow air conditioning to run at programmed time intervals when guestrooms
are vacant. Further savings are possible by installing energy efficient pumps
and motors in the plant room.
| HVAC systems can be rated high for efficiency when
well-insulated buildings like hotels and motion sensor along with automatic
setback thermometer are installed.
When employees turn off lights and computers that are
not being used and don't let inside heat escape through open windows and
doors, even more savings will happen.
Insulation: The rightful addition of insulation
for climate in the walls, roof assembly and floor does a lot for energy
saving. Output of thermal performance of walls is more important in northern
climates where heating needs are driven by the large difference between
indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Building materials: Installation of double-pane
windows reduces the heating and cooling effect of the outside condition
since the energy efficient windows help reduce heat loss in the winter
and heat gain in summer.
Correct sized HVAC: Energy efficient heating
and cooling equipment is imperative. By installing the appropriate amount
of insulation, properly sealing your property, and installing the correctly
sized HVAC equipment. Regardless of the type of HVAC used, programmable
thermostats (and adaptive recovery thermostats for heat pumps) help automatically
setting equipment to turn on and off accordingly.
Energy consumption levels: Keeping a note
on energy consumption levels is just like keeping yourself informed about
the energy requirement levels and can be duly checked for aberrations
indicating energy losses or other discrepancies for immediate control
action.
Solar panels: It has been a source of energy
not used conventionally but solar panels on roofs could be the future
where this abundant source could be used directly, just like photovoltaic
(PV) systems are used in some parts of the US to convert sunlight into
electricity. However, a big time investment requirement is the reason
to have a second look.
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Improving efficiency of existing systems
 Owing
to continuous developments existing hotels have to undergo a change in their
existing HVAC system to ensure that least energy is used. There are several
steps a hotel can take to improve efficiency of existing systems with negligible
measurable impact. The best way to improve efficiency is to retro-fit existing
systems with more energy efficient systems. The first step would be to get an
assessment of the existing system, which proves cost effective, offers high
efficiency and takes into consideration life cycle costs of the new systems.
Due to its lower energy consumption, pay back can be achieved in as little as
14 months (depending on the type of system).
Minimising energy cost
Power is the primary cost overhead for hotels, malls and even restaurants. In
hotels, this could be reduced by engaging convenient or viable use of non-conventional
sources of energy. By installing chiller plant management (CPM) system, which
is an intelligent plant management system with specific control strategies,
hotels can achieve overall chiller plant energy optimisation and predictive
maintenance control. The country's acute power crisis, environmental impact
and cost to the hotel owner has led to energy efficient equipment like EarthWise
CenTraVac that is up to 13.5 per cent more efficient than anything else available
today and offers a better option.
The focus of equipment manufacturers has shifted towards the energy efficiency
aspect owing to demand from the industry, whether it's designing, developing
or innovating efficient technologies which can curb costs at any possible level
in the entire energy chain. While dealing with energy minimisation, we should
take an integrated systems approach looking at how all system components perform
together and are managed through a central control system for maximum efficiency.
The process behind HVAC efficient buildings begins at a very initial stage of
designing. There are tools that help designers to select the right kind of systems
for their design goals and long term operating objectives, which are collectively
in sync and has an harmonising impact. Hotels are different from hospitals,
which are different from stadiums, so the approach is different for each kind
of property but the ultimate objective remains the same i.e. being driven energy
efficiently. One thing that should be ensured is that the HVAC system and its
design meet the overall goals of the building. The next step then could be carried
on to select the most energy efficient system. It is vital that individual system
components shouldn't be selected on their own character. Consideration should
be laid on how these components work in tandem in a system to deliver the greatest
efficiency. Integrated system level controls should be referred to make sure
that the system performs accordingly. Last but not the least, planned maintenance
is one area that should give edge to the functioning of HVAC at the optimum
levels. This also enhances the life of the system. HVAC, today for sure, has
gained a momentum due to increased focus on long term planning for hospitality
units, which directly reflects on the balance sheet of the organisation.
(The writer is the regional leader for Trane, India)
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