Arel Arsoy is the Vice-Chairperson of the Eurovent Product Group Rooftop Units and Deputy General Manager at IMBAT. In this short interview with the Eurovent Team, he gives us an insight into the activities of the PG-RT.
Could you tell us about yourself and how you got involved in the HVACR industry?
Prior to university, I had limited knowledge of the HVACR industry and was strongly motivated to pursue a career in the automotive industry. For this reason, I chose to study mechanical engineering at that time. While I was a university student, I realised that I enjoy thermodynamics much more and in practice, I truly love working in the HVACR field. After graduating, I started my postgraduate studies in this area and also began working in the HVACR industry as a passionate engineer. As I developed myself, I became even more motivated by applying my theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions in the sector. Later, to improve myself in management, I completed a second master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Financial Management.
In conclusion, if I were given the opportunity to go back, I would most certainly strive to enter this industry at an earlier stage, and I would also encourage many of my peers to pursue their development in this field.
May you tell us some of the most promising energy-saving technologies being integrated into rooftop units these days?
The primary reason why rooftop units are becoming increasingly popular today is their ability to provide intelligent, all-in-one solutions to multiple challenges directly on site. In fact, I find it more accurate to call these units Packaged Air Conditioning Units (PACU) rather than simply rooftop units. Beyond space cooling, heating, and humidity control functions, they also offer highly efficient solutions to improve indoor air quality within a compact structure.
While the term heat pump has recently gained a “magical” reputation, packaged air conditioners have, for many years, delivered efficient plug-and-play air-to-air heat pump solutions across a wide range of applications. Moreover, thanks to advanced features such as free cooling and/or thermodynamic heat recovery, they distinguish themselves in numerous applications.
In addition, modular options such as rotary or plate heat recovery systems, hot water coils, and direct gas burners enable these units to achieve higher energy efficiency and maintain comfort levels in harsh climatic conditions. This flexibility allows these units to serve as comprehensive “all-in-one” solutions.
A further advantage lies in the integration of electrical and automation panels, which enable direct communication with building management systems. This functionality allows the smart unit to select the most efficient operating scenario to meet the required demand. From commissioning to long-term operation, such integration ensures simplified service requirements and significant cost savings, further reinforcing their appeal for modern HVAC applications.
How is the Türkiye rooftop HVAC market responding to global supply chain challenges??
It would not be an exaggeration to state that the Turkish HVAC sector holds a strong position with significant potential in terms of project design, implementation, and manufacturing. Thanks to its strategic geographical location, Turkey acts as a natural bridge connecting Europe to multiple regions through diverse transport routes, giving local manufacturers a unique advantage in reaching global markets.
Moreover, Türkiye’s diverse climate conditions (ranging from hot and cold to humid and dry) provide local rooftop manufacturers with a substantial advantage in product development. This diversity enables them to design and test systems under a wide spectrum of climatic conditions, ultimately supporting the export of high-quality products to many different regions worldwide. The main components used in rooftop unit manufacturing can largely be supplied from Türkiye or Europe, although certain equipment is also procured from East Asia. Thanks to competitive labour costs compared to many European countries, Turkish manufacturers can deliver high-capacity, cost-effective products with shorter lead times, thereby strengthening their position in the global HVAC market. Many leading global brands in our industry have also recognised this opportunity and made significant investments in Türkiye.
