Unlock energy savings with smart cooling for retail efficiency

Raji R. Panicker, GM Engineering Design. Adani-Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. highlights that retail spaces like supermarkets and malls consume over half of the total energy. To achieve energy savings and support sustainability goals, they are adopting technologies like VFDs, EC fans, inverter compressors, and predictive maintenance.

How are energy-efficient systems like VFDs, EC fans, and inverter compressors helping supermarkets and malls reduce operating costs?

Supermarkets and malls rely heavily on HVAC and refrigeration systems, which can account for over 50 percent of their total energy consumption. By introducing advanced technologies, these facilities are cutting down on operating costs. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) optimise motor speeds based on real-time load requirements, and compared to conventional systems, they can reduce energy consumption by up to approximately 40 percent. Electronically Commutated (EC) fans, which combine high-efficiency brushless DC motors with integrated electronics, deliver further energy savings, typically around 16–17 percent compared to VFDs.

Inverter compressors also contribute by adjusting their speed and regulating refrigerant flow based on cooling demand. This approach reduces power consumption, improves system reliability, and extends the lifespan of the equipment by avoiding energy-wasting on/off cycling.

These technologies result in substantial utility savings and lower maintenance costs, making them essential to sustainability.

How do sensors monitoring temperature and humidity in indoor settings contribute to cooling and efficiency?

Smart temperature and humidity sensors are the backbone of intelligent cooling systems. When integrated with external weather data and building management systems, these technologies can dynamically adjust chiller leaving water setpoints based on space conditions, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring thermal comfort and maintaining indoor air quality.

This sensor-driven optimisation minimises energy wastage and supports sustainability goals while maintaining occupant comfort.

What is the role of smart HVAC and refrigeration systems in maintaining indoor climate and temperature control for perishables in retail spaces?

Smart HVAC and refrigeration systems use advanced controls, IoT sensors, and real-time analytics—though adoption is still gaining traction—to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, prevent spoilage of perishable items, and adapt cooling delivery to match store layout and stock density. These systems also ensure uniform climate control across both display and storage areas. Doing so improves food safety, reduces losses, and improves energy efficiency, which is critical for food retailers.

How are malls integrating solar-powered cooling to meet green building certifications?

As green certifications like LEED and IGBC gain momentum, malls are exploring solar-powered cooling as a sustainable strategy. A vivid example is Viviana Mall in Mumbai.

However, the feasibility of such systems depends on several factors, including the availability of adequate rooftop or facade space for photovoltaic panels, a comparative analysis of the cost per kilowatt-hour (Rs/kWh) of solar energy versus local utility rates, and a thorough lifecycle cost assessment (LCCA) to evaluate long-term value. For larger systems, solar-assisted cooling can also be implemented in off-grid or hybrid configurations, helping to reduce peak demand and improve green performance scores.

What is the ROI in retrofitting old retail spaces with advanced cooling technologies?

A well-planned retrofit can yield an ROI in under 3 years, depending on scale and chosen technologies. Common retrofitting measures include enhancing the life of compressors by integrating VRV/VRF solar-hybrid systems, upgrading two-way valves to pressure-independent valves, and switching from VFD centrifugal to EC fans in air handling units. Furthermore, implementing sensible thermal storage systems can be beneficial, especially when tariff benefits are available.

Phased retrofits minimise disruption and transform ageing assets into high-performance, sustainable systems, aligning with long-term operational and environmental goals.

How can demand-based cooling technologies be tailored for high footfall and mixed-use spaces like malls and supermarkets?

Demand-based cooling technologies use real-time occupancy sensors and predictive analytics to modulate HVAC systems dynamically based on foot traffic. This approach enables reduced cooling during low-occupancy periods, quick response during peak footfall hours, and zone-specific control for mixed-use spaces such as cinemas, food courts, and retail zones. These systems save energy and improve customer comfort by aligning cooling with actual usage.

Please share your views on integrating predictive maintenance sensors for commercial HVAC equipment to optimise energy consumption.

Predictive maintenance uses sensors to monitor key parameters such as vibration, temperature, pressure, and flow to detect issues before they escalate. Benefits include fewer unplanned outages, extended equipment lifespan, and timely correction of inefficiencies such as clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, or drops in condenser performance.

By shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, retailers can unlock an additional 10–20 per cent in energy savings while improving system reliability and operational resilience.