These pumps can fine-tune their performance based on real-time requirements, such as adjusting RPMs or reversing direction if clogged. They can communicate with neighbouring pumps, allowing for seamless operational handovers if one pump encounters an issue. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into our pumps enhances their capabilities, Hemant Watve, CMD, Wilo Mather and Platts Pumps.

Wilo India offers a comprehensive range of pumps tailored for various industrial applications, spanning from 0.5 kilowatts to 4200-4500 kilowatts. This extensive range allows us to cater to a wide array of needs across different industries. In industrial applications, we focus particularly on raw water intake, which may involve sourcing water from rivers, lakes, or even seawater, depending on the industry requirements. Once the water is sourced, it must be treated, and we also supply pumps for water treatment plants. Our pumps are essential for numerous processes, including cooling water, cooling towers, condensate extraction, HVAC systems, and fire fighting applications. Each of these uses necessitates reliable pumping solutions. 

After the water has been utilised, it is crucial to recycle and reclaim it. We provide pumping systems designed for water reclamation from wastewater, allowing it to be reused in processes or for purposes such as gardening and flushing. This occurs before any water is discharged to external treatment facilities. Our pumps serve a variety of sectors, including chemical, pharmaceutical, sugar, steel, aluminium, coal power, nuclear power plants, and oil refineries. This broad range of applications underscores our capability to meet diverse industrial needs.

At Wilo, we emphasise continuous improvement in our pump technology. While pump technology is not new, it is evolving, and we learn every day about new requirements and traits. Each pump is designed to handle specific fluid types and generate a particular head. 

The application demands often differ from standard pumps, necessitating an evolution in technology to meet these requirements. We focus on customising our pumps to ensure high efficiency and substantial energy savings. For instance, consider a one-megawatt pump running continuously for 24 hours. Even a 2-3% energy saving can result in significant reductions in energy consumption. Globally, pumps account for about 15-20% of energy generation, so improving energy efficiency in this area translates to substantial indirect energy savings that can be redirected to other applications.

Six to seven years ago, Wilo pioneered the concept of the "smart pump," capable of understanding its operational environment. These pumps can fine-tune their performance based on real-time requirements, such as adjusting RPMs or reversing direction if clogged. They can communicate with neighbouring pumps, allowing for seamless operational handovers if one pump encounters an issue.

Additionally, smart features allow users to control pumps remotely via smartphones, enabling modulation of flow rates and operational settings. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into our pumps enhances their capabilities. For instance, in data centre applications, our technology can sense data flow, energy consumption, and heat dissipation, allowing HVAC systems to adjust based on real-time processing needs. 

Technological advancements enable the creation of 3D surfaces during pump manufacturing and design, improving precision and efficiency. Analytics tools, including CMT and CEE simulations, allow us to measure vibrations, temperature, and noise levels, helping us estimate and mitigate losses. Our journey toward enhancing pump efficiency is accelerating rapidly, reflecting industry trends.

Globally, market trends are mixed. In Europe, recent wars have led to market sluggishness. However, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, India, and China show varied growth rates. While China’s market is currently slower, its growth potential remains substantial compared to Europe. The most vibrant markets include Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, with the Indian market projected to grow in double digits this year. Forecasts indicate that India’s growth story will continue for the next five to six years, driven by infrastructure projects. The increasing focus on food security, desalination, and river-linking projects highlights the importance of conserving resources. These initiatives create significant demand for pumps and pumping systems.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand into metallic volute pumps, which are gaining popularity due to the rise of solar energy generation in households. This energy often goes unused at certain times, prompting the need for systems that can store water using this excess energy for later use. Additionally, the trend toward smart pumps will continue to shape our future developments.

As far as our market growth is concerned, for last 1012, years, we have been growing double digits and we will continue to do so. Currently, approximately 20% of our turnover comes from exports, and we intend to increase this to over 25% in the near future. This expansion will not only diversify our market presence but also showcase India’s capabilities to a global audience.