HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is of great importance in the development of a successful building lifecycle. HVAC systems are used in commercial and residential apartment buildings. Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in the development of infrastructure and mega projects, so it is very crucial to incorporate all relevant codes and practices by Saudi Arabia’s rules and regulations.
HVAC has to play a major key role in the efficient running of building centralized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. To get the most efficiency out of these systems, Saudi Arabia considering its climate has managed to issue a few key standards in the design of HVAC systems and it also covers rules to regulate these systems by Saudi Arabia’s mission outcomes in the sector of construction and infrastructure development.
Saudi Arabia Thermal Insulation
Saudi Arabia’s thermal insulation market stood at USD 314.43 million in 2015 and was projected to reach USD 449.82 million by 2021 according to reports conducted years ago, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.10%, in value terms, during 2016-2021. Talking about 2024 market growth in Saudi Arabia’s thermal insulation market can be recognized as increasing demand for thermal insulation from end-use. Industries such as power, water, construction, oil and gas, etc.
The climate of Saudi Arabia is hot and it requires regular use of HVAC-R in buildings. The use of thermal insulation in buildings helps preserve the temperature inside rooms by minimizing the dissipation of heat through building walls. Dissipation leads to reduced use of HVACs, which, in turn, saves electricity. Only 26.5% of buildings in the country were thermally insulated back in the early years. With the increased demand for HVAC systems country-wide, Saudi Arabia is all set to meet its future demands by rigorous implementation of the latest design standards.
Saudi Arabia District Cooling
The growing focus on sustainability across the country has resulted in the adoption of various energy conservation measures. Additionally, to cope with extremely high temperatures, the rise in power consumption by air conditioners is being compensated by the use of energy-efficient air conditioners. District cooling technology offers central cooling for multiple buildings while bringing electricity cost savings of about 25%. District cooling market in Saudi Arabia grew at a CAGR of 18.30%, in value terms, during 2011-2015, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 24.24%, in value terms for the coming future, during the forecast period on account of its ability to control internal temperature in buildings, less noise generation and low electricity consumption, as compared to other air conditioning technologies available in the country. The emission of harmful gases such as CO2 has been minimized due to the adoption of environment-friendly refrigerants in district cooling. Moreover, an increase in volume sales and average selling price is projected to drive revenue growth in the Saudi Arabia district cooling market in the coming years. Demand for district cooling technology is mainly emanating from small-scale developments requiring a 5,000 to 25,000 Tonnage Rate (TR) of cooling. This prompted multiple chiller manufacturers to offer chillers with a tonnage capacity of around 6,000 TR, especially for district cooling plants in the region, to target small projects in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. KSA’s district cooling market is mainly dominated by demand from commercial establishments. District cooling consumes 50% less power compared to regular window, split, or rooftop chiller ACs.
In Saudi Arabia, where more than half of the total power is consumed for cooling purposes, district cooling is a feasible option. Provinces such as Mecca are projected to become a hub for the district cooling industry in the country due to increasing developments in commercial, educational, and utility sectors. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest importers of refrigeration products across the globe. Moreover, growing demand for refrigeration systems with eco-friendly technologies, particularly HCFC–free refrigerants such as R134A and R410A, is projected to boost growth in the refrigeration market in Saudi Arabia. Further, replacement demand for HCFC–free refrigerants has also contributed to the growth of refrigeration in the country.
Saudi Arabia EER (Energy Efficiency Rating)
Most of the electrical appliances in Saudi Arabia are labeled with Energy Efficiency Rating. Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) modified Standard No. 2663/2012 “Energy Labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Requirements for Air-Conditioners”, by adding national modifications that have been approved by the SASO Council Board. Energy Efficiency Ratings are used to label each air conditioner unit manufactured or sold in Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory for companies operating in Saudi Arabia to have an Energy Efficiency Label for split air conditioners and window air conditioners.
Conclusions
Saudi Arabia being at the forefront in the region of this rising economy in the last ever-evolving years has managed to retain top-notch trends by requirements in concentrating the standards and codes for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning) across the country.