March 2023: An active communication and awareness campaign for INDEE+

INDEE+ at the Natural Refrigerant Workshop, IISc Bengaluru, India 

 

On March 10, 2023, the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc Bengaluru), the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) hosted a workshop on Natural Refrigerants: Applications and Policies in the Faculty Hall of IISc Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The primary objectives of the workshop were to disseminate knowledge and increase awareness of the benefits of natural refrigerant-based systems. This workshop was sponsored by the SPARC project and supported by Alfa Laval, Danfoss-India, and SADHANA. 

 

During this workshop, experts from Norway and India highlighted the benefits of natural refrigerant-based systems. Representatives from manufacturers, component suppliers, system developers, and end users participated in the discussions to understand the issues faced by the Indian HVAC sector. The main restrictions to the adoption of natural refrigerant-based systems are the high pressure required by CO₂ systems and the flammability of hydrocarbons. Along with Academia and Industry, a few delegates from policymakers (CEEW, ISHRAE) presented the timeline and policies for adopting natural refrigerants in India. The various schemes to promote natural refrigerant-based systems in India were highlighted by representatives of the Indian Government (Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Department of Science and Technology (DST)). The need for research and development activities, funding and incentive from government bodies, the collaboration between academia and industry, and the preparation and drafting of specific guidelines related to the CO₂ system in India were discussed. The workshop ended with a panel discussion on "Opportunities/Challenges in adopting Natural Refrigerants in Indian Perspective”. The workshop was a successful platform for discussions, exchange of knowledge and ideas on natural refrigeration systems. 

INDEE+ at ACREX INDIA 2023, Mumbai, India 

 

ACREX is India’s largest international exhibition for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) sector. ACREX India 2023 exhibition was hosted in Goregaon, Mumbai, from March 14-16, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and Informa Markets. The advancement of technology in the HVAC sector for a better future was the agenda for ACREX India in 2023. Over 35,000 guests and more than 450 exhibitors attended the event this year. 

 

A dedicated seminar for INDEE+ was arranged by the IIR and ISHRAE. The event was entitled "Clean Cooling Opportunities for India: the INDEE+ Project Contribution". Prof. Armin Hafner (NTNU), the coordinator of the INDEE+ project, took the opportunity to introduce the PFAS restriction proposal published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). A panel discussion on the "landscape of current refrigerant use and disposal in India, barriers and priorities" was moderated by Dr. Yosr Allouche. The demonstration of CO₂ refrigeration technology in India within the context of INDEE+ followed the discussion. The session concluded with the introduction of the INDEE+ educational and training programme. 

INDEE+ team building event 

 

On the sidelines of the annual project meeting with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an INDEE+ team building event was scheduled on March 11 and 12, 2023. The team visited two famous places of Karnataka: Mysuru (historical significance) and Belur and Halebidu (Archeological sites). Mysuru, known as the silk city of Karnataka, is famous for the Mysore Palace. One of the Mysore kings, Wodyger IV, donated 350- acres of land to build the IISc Bengaluru in 1909. The INDEE+ team visited two other places of attraction in Mysuru - Brindavan Garden and Srirangapatna Bird Sanctuary. On the second day, the INDEE+ team visited the two famous Hindu temples (also famous Archeological sites) devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in Halebidu and Belur, built in the 10^th century. The team took the opportunity to meet in a friendly environment, to discover the region hosting the project demonstrators and to cross cultural knowledge.  

Written by: Dr. Ing. Y. Allouche