Benefits of energy efficiency technology in the realisation of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)

By Mayur Sundararajan

The journey of energy efficiency, especially in the domain of human comfort cooling in India, has been marked by transformative innovations. The initial shift happened in AC in the 2000s, with the advent of foreign import ACs entering the Indian market, as they pushed for the standards and energy efficiency measures and policies to enable the commercial viability of their superior technology. The next groundbreaking development was the introduction of fans using the BLDC motor technology. It began in Coimbatore from a motor-drive technology company that utilised this motor technology to build a commercially viable ceiling fan, and they launched India’s first super energy efficient fans under their own brand in 2012. This indigenous innovation began a revolution that transformed the thermal comfort industry in India in the last decade. Today, these types of fans are popularly recognized as BLDC fans, setting a benchmark for energy efficiency in fans.

The importance of fans here is that it is the most accessible active cooling appliance in India, with over 400 million of them already active and expected to grow further in the future. Due to their sheer volume connected to our coal-based electric grid, the energy efficiency in this appliance has the potential to significantly impact the future of human thermal comfort (specifically cooling) and environmental sustainability.

India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, launched the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) to provide cooling in a sustainable manner, while minimising environmental footprints. The plan, initiated in 2019, focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and better technology options by 2038. Under ICAP, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) had also introduced the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for large commercial buildings and Eco-Niwas Samhita (ECBC-R) for residential buildings. The emphasis is on promoting indigenous innovations that cater to the unique cooling needs of the Indian subcontinent.

In order to align with the expectation of the ICAP, energy-efficient technologies need not necessarily be a physical or engineering innovation. It shall be a spectrum of ideas that are usable to provide the required cooling at the desired cost of resources. The following is a high-level view of how these ideas and innovations can be implemented to observe a meaningful impact on the value to align with ICAP.

User Behaviour:

1. Dual Cooling Mechanism: Air conditioners cool spaces through the conduction phenomenon, cooling everything in the space. In contrast, fans use the evaporative cooling sensation of our body, targeting only humans in space. Using both in tandem provides healthy and energy-efficient thermal comfort. For instance, a super energy-efficient fan operating at medium speed alongside an inverter AC set at 27°C can produce a perceived cooling effect of 24°C, the higher setting in the AC resulting in reduced energy consumption by up to 20%. It is to be noted that super efficient fans are more conducive for this combination as they don’t generate waste heat, unlike regular fans.
2. Climate-Appropriate Lifestyle: Embracing practices like wearing breathable fabrics during summer, consuming cooling foods, and adjusting daily routines can reduce reliance on active cooling devices.

Passive Cooling Technology:

1. Infrastructure Materials: Reflective paints, green roofs, and thermally insulated walls can naturally reduce indoor temperatures without needing energy.
2. Space Design: Cross-ventilation, strategic shading, and indoor plants harness natural cooling.

Active Cooling Technology:

1. Smart Monitoring: Modern thermal comfort appliances are equipped with sensors to optimally adjust their operations based on ambient conditions and personal preferences. Leveraging these advancements and understanding user behaviour could lead to energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
2. Core Technology Innovations: The biggest leaps in energy savings and advancements will likely happen through innovations in core technology and understanding, like advancements in fan motor design and aerodynamic blades in fans, efficient algorithms in ACs to enhance efficiency, and understanding of natural human thermal tuning, etc.

Conclusion:

 Human thermal comfort is intrinsically linked to the lifestyle of individuals, shaped by geography, culture, and generational practices — the essence of being Indian. The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) underscores the significance of sustainable cooling solutions tailored to our unique needs. While global innovations offer insights, indigenous innovations align closely with our ethos and environment. As we envision a future aligned with ICAP’s objectives, fostering indigenous innovations in human thermal comfort becomes paramount, ensuring we address our basic needs with homegrown expertise.

(The author is Mayur Sundararajan, Business Head – Superfan at Versa Drives Private Limited, and the views expressed in this article are his own)