High-rise buildings often face challenges like limited natural ventilation and exposure to outdoor pollutants. ERVs and fresh air fans address these issues by providing controlled ventilation, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while maintaining energy efficiency. They also mitigate issues like stale air, odours, and uneven airflow distribution, creating healthier and more comfortable living spaces, stated Abhishek Sarmah, Head of IAQ Business, Delta Electronics India while in a Volt-Full interaction with Niloy.
Throughout the interview, Abhishek diligently shares his insights on how energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) can conserve energy and the obstacles and difficulties smart building initiatives face. All in This Below-Edited Volt-Age Front Excerpts.
How effectively can Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) conserve energy while provide sufficient levels of fresh outside air and recover waste heat from extracted air leaving the conditioned zone?
ERVs are highly effective in conserving energy by transferring heat and moisture between incoming and outgoing air streams. This process reduces the load on heating and cooling systems, maintaining comfortable indoor air quality (IAQ) while minimizing energy consumption. By recovering up to 60-85% of the energy from exhaust air, ERVs ensure fresh air supply without significant energy losses, making them an essential component of energy-efficient building design.
Role of Fresh Air Supply Fans in Modern Building Design?
Fresh air supply fans play a crucial role in maintaining optimal IAQ in modern buildings. They ensure a consistent flow of outdoor air, which dilutes indoor pollutants, reduces CO? levels, and supports occupant health and productivity. Integrated with HVAC systems, these fans enhance ventilation efficiency, contributing to sustainable building design by balancing air exchange rates with energy conservation.
According to you, how fresh air supply fans can offer fresh air amid rising air pollution in urban areas?
Fresh air supply fans equipped with advanced filtration systems can effectively deliver clean, breathable air in polluted urban environments.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and activated carbon layers remove fine particulates, allergens, and harmful gases, ensuring that the incoming air is free from pollutants.
These fans provide a controlled and safe ventilation solution, even in areas with high outdoor air pollution levels.
What makes green ventilation solutions ideal for those prioritizing sustainable and energy-efficient home designs?
Green ventilation solutions integrate advanced technologies like energy recovery, smart controls, and eco-friendly materials to optimize energy usage and reduce carbon footprints.
These systems maintain indoor comfort while using minimal resources, making them ideal for sustainable home designs.
Their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions further enhances their appeal for energy-conscious homeowners.
How are ERVs and fresh air fans solving natural ventilation challenges for high-rise residents?
High-rise buildings often face challenges like limited natural ventilation and exposure to outdoor pollutants.
ERVs and fresh air fans address these issues by providing controlled ventilation, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while maintaining energy efficiency.
They also mitigate issues like stale air, odours, and uneven airflow distribution, creating healthier and more comfortable living spaces.
Obstacles and Difficulties of Smart Building Initiatives in the Framework of Construction 4.0
The primary challenges in smart building initiatives include high implementation costs, integration of diverse technologies, and ensuring cybersecurity.
Additionally, there is often a skills gap among construction professionals in adopting and managing smart technologies.
Regulatory compliance and resistance to change in traditional construction practices further complicate the adoption of Construction 4.0.
How AI, Internet of Things (IoT) redefine operational capabilities?
AI and IoT transform operational capabilities by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making.
IoT devices collect vast amounts of data, which AI analyzes to optimize energy usage, improve system efficiency, and enhance user experiences.
These technologies empower buildings to become more adaptive, efficient, and responsive to occupants’ needs.
Being a doyen of your domain, can you take us to the future of automation?
The future of automation lies in integrating AI, robotics, and IoT to create self-sustaining systems that require minimal human intervention.
From smart homes to autonomous industrial processes, automation will drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve precision.
Emerging trends like digital twins and blockchain in automation will further enhance transparency, security, and predictive capabilities, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable operations.
Abhishek, can you tell us how we can encourage and rather enrich New Talents to take up leadership and successfully deliver in times of challenge?
Encouraging new talent requires a combination of mentorship, structured training programs, and opportunities for hands-on learning.
Organizations must create an environment where innovation and calculated risks are celebrated.
Providing clear growth pathways, recognizing achievements, and fostering collaboration can inspire emerging leaders to take initiative and excel, even in challenging times.