CCME - April 2020 by Climate Control Middle East

Climate Control Middle East covers the regional and global HVACR industry with a firm commitment to providing in-depth news and analyses on policy, business and technology.

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SPECIAL REPORT: The financial cost of not investing in IAQ

April 2020

For that's all we can think of for now

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Regional Office: LG Electronics Gulf FZE, P.O Box 61445, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 279 9222, UAE, Mr. Amjad Abu Alika, Tel: +971 50 450 9808, email: amjad.abualika@lge.com; Fortune International Trading LLC, Mr. Wail Halbouni, Tel: +971 50 481 3570, email: fortintl@emirates.net.ae; Ghantoot Trading, Mr. Nour Haboush, Tel: +971 50 109 4109, email: nour.h@ghantootgroup.ae; District Cooling Company, Mr. Ahmed Henedi, Tel: +971 50 658 4832, email: ahmed@districtcoolingcompany.com; Al Yousuf Electronics, Mr. Moitra, Tel: +971 50 457 6170, email: pmoitra@alyousuf.com; Bahrain, AJM Kooheji and Sons, Mr. Jayachandran, Tel: +973 36888801, email: v.jayachandran@ajmkooheji.com: Kuwait, Al Babtain Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Co., Mr. Naji Kataya, Tel: +965 5 051 5771, email: nkataya@albabtaingroup.com kw; British Link Kuwait, Mr. Imad Rhayel, Tel: +965 5 157 1229, email: irhayel@blk.com.kw; Oman, Oman Gulf Enterprise, Mr. Narender Kumar, Tel: +968 9 747 4505, email: narenderk@otegroup.com; Aspire Projects and Service, Mr. Vivek Wagh, Tel: +968 99357694, email: vivekwagh@aspireoman.com; Azerbaijan, GSS.AZ, Mr. Zeka Gasimov, Tel: +994 55 260 6665, email: zeka.gasimov@gss.com.az; Al-Con Maxiwell Group, Mr. Vagif Alexperov, Tel: + 994 50 216 2092, email: maxiwellbaku@inbox.ru; Armenia/Georgia, ARAY Gulf, Mr. Vilson Melikjanyan, Tel: +374 9 307 7755, email: vilson@aray.am; Yemen, Modern House Exhibition, Mr. Khaled Jabr, Tel: +967 71 172 0202, email: mail@mhe-yemen.com; Pakistan, Iceberg Industries (Lucky Goldstar), Mr. Imran Jamil Khan, Tel: +923 21 277 6100, email: ceo@icebergindustries.net 2 April 2020

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PUTTING A PRICE ON HEALTH

Considering that retrofitting for energy efficiency is largely driven by the ROI from operational savings, can the same financial case be made for investing in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) across the GCC region? 16

INTERVIEWS

Mann-Kwi Park, Chairman, Jehin Solar, expresses his keenness in introducing his thermal-driven solar cooling system with heat pump technology to supply ‘block cooling’ in the GCC region.

April 2020

Remote HVAC O&M in the time of COVID

The sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of the affected populations and the disruption to normalcy, has ensured that many legacy arrangements will no longer be considered robust enough, argues Prabhu Ramachandran, adding that tech-enhanced O&M solutions, which give CRE operations the option to be more flexible and agile, will become the norm

Serves us right!

For years, we have been dismissive of adopting proper IAQ measures, argues Dr Iyad Al-Attar, and, at best, have treated them as afterthought… and the perils are visiting us now – and how?

The right choice… and the variables involved Mahmoud Widyan, General Manager, Condair Middle East, gives clarity on what to look out for while specifying humidification equipment

REGULARS 06 eDItor'S note Our industry as a frontline soldier

Rehan Shahid argues that even with recommended, and sometimes even higher, ventilation rates, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensors and monitors, individuals at the workplace may experience headaches, fatigue, coughing, sneezing and other physical conditions

A mission to make adsorption work in the GCC region

APRIL 2020

Getting a grip on IAQ and SBS

PERSPECTIVES

COVER STORY

page

VOL. 15 NO. 04

‘Ready for more expansion in the region’ A year on from inaugurating its 8,000-square-metre facility in Dubai, Wilo says it is ready for further expansion. Yasser Nagi, Managing Director, and Group Director Sales Area MENA, Wilo Middle East, elaborates on growth plans and other aspects

38 Regional News 50 Global News

When operating in harsh conditions, proof of a product’s performance is critical.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Our industry as a frontline soldier

uring a 2018 trip to Kuwait City, I was driving around with Dr Iyad Al Attar, who as an independent air filtration consultant continues to write articles in

Climate Control Middle East, when he prophesied that if we didn’t drastically

change our approach to air quality, we could all be walking around with face masks one day – as a matter of routine. He did have sandstorms and

Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

atmospheric pollution, among other particulate matter, in mind, when he spoke the words, but the sentiment is becoming a reality. Even the direst of his statements perhaps could not have prepared us for what we have been going through for the past month or so in the Middle East region and,

SPECIAL REPORT: The financial cost of not investing in IAQ

indeed, in many parts of the world. A microscopic protein molecule, encased in a lipid,

April 2020

is wreaking havoc, threatening to overwhelm the medical community and to throw the For that's all we can think of for now

global economy into a tailspin. At the time of going to press, a vaccine remains elusive,

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and the best we can do is to stay huddled in our homes and wait for the situation to recede, just like Londoners did in the underground stations during the terrifying wave after wave of air raids launched by Hitler’s Luftwaffe.

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ferocious advocacy measures on the indispensable nature of IAQ – surely the global community of building owners will at least now listen to the appeals of air quality experts – the focus for now is on immediate action. It is on how the HVAC industry can protect the lives of care-givers, FM personnel and patients in hospitals through, for example, the deployment of portable HEPA filtration units in standard patient rooms to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, to alleviate the strain on isolation rooms to quarantine patients. It is on how the industry can roll out possible, implementable FM solutions to prevent contaminants in the air from collecting at the return grille of HVAC systems and getting transmitted through the ducting system to different zones in buildings. And it is on the possible treatment of contaminated surfaces to significantly lower, if not eliminate, the presence of the virus. On March 27, several states in the United States accorded the HVAC industry “essential business" status during this health crisis. This ought to be taken as further validation of the mission-critical nature of our industry. We have a significant role to play in getting the world back on its feet.

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April 2020

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Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

PUTTING A

PRICE

ON HEALTH (Concluding part of a two-part series on indoor environmental quality)

April 2020

n the March issue of Climate Control Middle East, industry stakeholders highlighted how cost-centric thinking has made IEQ an afterthought in many building-retrofit projects, citing many instances wherein IEQ design and specifications get “value-engineered” out in later stages to reduce cost. Since the publication of that story, COVID-19 has rapidly spread to many parts of the world and sadly killed several thousands and impaired businesses and the broader economy. More than ever before, the quality and efficiency of the global healthcare sector is being challenged and called into question. And with many countries issuing directives for most people to work from home, a bigger spotlight is being placed on indoor environmental quality (IEQ), not only in terms of its role in curbing the spread of airborne diseases but also its contribution to the overall health and productivity of inhabitants.

For many, a way of doing so is making a financial case for IEQ, similar to what has been done for energy-efficient solutions. Undoubtedly, investment in energyefficient solutions has gained stronger traction over the years, largely owing to concerted efforts among stakeholders to showcase the built-environment’s role in wider global sustainability goals. This has led to greater awareness among the general public and a shift in consumer habits. As Dr Sheikh Zuhaib, Project Manager, Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE), points out, “Investors now realise that environmental factors have a crucial role in the value of real estate, and there is

an ever-increasing demand for sustainable buildings.” Swapnil Pillai, Research Associate, Savills Middle East, adds that, today, the longterm advantage of sustainability outweighs any upfront financial implications and that coupled with the UAE government’s focus on energy efficiency, it’s essential for investors to be on the front foot. The economics is also becoming clear to building owners, with Majd Fayyad, Technical Director, Emirates GBC, pointing out that the reduction in the utility bills and in maintenance and repair costs is a major driver for investing in energy-efficiency projects, complemented by financial schemes supporting investments in

COVID-19 A HARROWING REMINDER The global health crisis serves as a clear and harrowing reminder that it is inexcusable to allow IEQ to fall by the wayside, with many stakeholders within the HVACR sector emphasising that there needs to be a shift in the way the construction industry looks at, and talks about, IEQ to ensure it is given as much, if not greater, consideration than energy efficiency in retrofit projects.

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Dr Sheikh Zuhaib

Majd Fayyad

energy efficiency and the implementation of retrofit programmes. “Buildings, especially those that incur high utility bills, are especially interested in investing in energy-efficient equipment and systems,” he says. “In the region, several government buildings, hotels and office buildings have undergone retrofit projects to reduce operational costs.”

MIMICKING THE MOMENTUM In a bid to mimic the momentum energy efficiency has achieved in construction projects, stakeholders believe changing the discussion surrounding IEQ to showcase the financial payback for enhancing air quality, acoustical comfort and thermal comfort is vital to create a shift in consciousness within the construction sector. Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, Facilio, believes that while the climate change crisis has served as a major driver of focus on sustainability, in much the same way the explicit and quantifiable enhancement in productivity, occupant health and quality of life, which higher standards in IEQ deliver, are creating a strong motivation for adoption. “Now, with across-the-board recognition of the potentially catastrophic risks that airborne contagions pose, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is sure to be a far greater emphasis on implementing IEQ retrofits, as mandated in health and safety initiatives,” he says.

April 2020

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

With explicit figures of losses in productivity being reported, businesses have quantifiable ROI on investments they make into ensuring high standards in IEQ

To further drive awareness, Fayyad says that developing an IEQ labelling and benchmarking scheme for existing buildings can drive the industry towards wider adoption of healthy building principles. “The creation of a national IEQ investment platform,” he says, “would be very helpful in designing innovative financial models for IEQ projects, develop roadmaps on healthy buildings and suggest changes to legal frameworks and policies.” Ramachandran says that the consensus already exists for the need for IEQ-related benchmarking and quality assessment, which will only grow stronger. “We all know how star ratings, based on the energy consumption of gadgets, have transformed the electronic appliances marketplace,” he says. “A similar rakings system, which makes the IEQ performance of built spaces public, can provide a huge incentive for change in the CRE (commercial real estate) industry, as well. Frankly, given the bottom-line benefits that adapting to this new model delivers, adoption will only accelerate and assume a self-sustaining momentum, as awareness spreads.” Ramachandran adds that incentivising improved IEQ retrofits, based on maintaining optimal standards while also achieving greater energy efficiency, will bring industry stakeholders and occupants together, driving more conscientious behaviours, awareness and innovation in building operations.

Prabhu Ramachandran

Jens Lund

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Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

QUANTIFYING HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY For Jens Lund, Managing Director, IT-Serve, to drive the importance on the true benefits of IEQ, it should be discussed and appreciated by the people in charge of human resources in terms of productivity and reduced sick days. Indeed, they should point out that investing in improving IEQ can increase productivity by as much as 50%, he adds. Ramachandran agrees with Lund. Citing figures from Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), a non-profit organisation that researches links between health and productivity, he points out that sick days cost employers in the United States USD 530 billion in 2018 alone. “There is no reason to believe that these figures are peculiar to the United States,” he says. “In fact, enterprises around the world are now focusing on the wellbeing of their workforces, motivated by its correlation to productivity and quality of business outcomes.” Aspects, such as the air quality within office premises, have a direct bearing on the health and comfort of occupants, and building owners and facility managers are being called upon to address these needs, Ramachandran says. “With explicit figures of losses in productivity being reported, businesses have quantifiable ROI on investments they make into ensuring high standards in IEQ,” he says. Fayyad also discusses IEQ’s role in reducing employee absenteeism and increasing productivity, citing an example from the WorldGBC’s report on the office of UK-headquartered consultancy firm, Cundall, which benefited from GBP 200,000 (USD 246,479) in savings per year, as a result of drop in absenteeism by 58% and a reduction in staff turnover by 27%. However, Fayyad points out that the UAE and MENA region lack studies that highlight the economic

April 2020

Gerald Stewart

because they have definitive proof of their effort to improve IEQ,” he says. “This will improve worker productivity and reduce the sick days, which will lessen the requirement on the healthcare facilities, and be less of a burden on the overall healthcare system. So, this is very positive for both the workers and the company.” In that sense, Labidurie says, a system of collaboration among the insurance sector, public sector and private companies could be financially beneficial for all parties. Mamdooh Amin, Architect Project Manager, says that such an approach has been implemented and has proven to be effective in other countries, as well. “A small trick while discussing the IEQ with stakeholders is the insurance deal – better IEQ in an office where people spend 10 hours a day, will affect the insurance bill,” he says. “It worked in Chicago, in the United States. Educating people will take ages, but when it's about saving money, it will fly faster.”

FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AND MODELS

Paul Schwarz

benefits of improved IEQ. “Thus, we need more research and case studies in the region that can serve as proof for the tangible economic benefits of improving IEQ,” he says. Further highlighting the importance of awareness and education on IEQ, Ludovic Labidurie, CEO, Eolisair, weighs in to say that support from authorities is crucial. He adds that it is also important to showcase the financial benefit of investing in IEQ to stakeholders in other industry verticals, such as the health insurance sector. As an example, he points to the healthcare system in France, where the government, which is responsible for healthcare expenses of its citizens, has rolled out benefits for companies that have showcased willingness to invest in enhancing IEQ. “They have decided to give a specific allowance to companies using professional indoor air purifier,

Labidurie says that companies offering IEQ solutions should also take it upon themselves to develop creative financial models by working in collaboration with building owners and operators to work around budgetary concerns. Speaking from the company’s own approach, Labidurie says, “There is an evolution in the way systems are being exchanged, and more and more it is moving towards lease model.” As Eolisair, Labidurie says, the company has rented out machines on short-term basis to hotels and to healthcare professionals. “If they have any illness involving their respiratory, you can rent this machine for two weeks or one month until you don’t spread the virus to all your family,” he says, adding that the company has also leased out the machine to offices to improve air quality and remove VOCs after

renovation. “In that way, it’s not a capex. it is an opex,” he says, pointing out that whenever possible, subscription-based purchasing models could help lessen the burden of initial cost and, at the same time, help the uptake of IEQ-enhancing solutions. “We could dream of a cluster dedicated to environmental technologies with very special rate for companies,” he says. “It is the kind of financial things that can be done to enhance IEQ in the region.” Gerald Stewart, Principal – Acoustics, Inhabit Group, adds that another way to develop sustainable financial models to promote IEQ is for the government sector to provide incentives to developers by potentially offsetting investment in IEQenhancing design and solutions. While in some parts of the world, these incentives can be given in the form of tax cuts, he says that in the UAE and other parts of the GCC region, where taxation is not prevalent, incentives can come by way of helping reduce operating cost. “Electricity, water and other utilities are government-owned in the UAE and other areas in the Middle East,” he says. “There is an opportunity within the criteria

Ludovic Labidurie

to neutralise initial cost in better IEQ by providing benefits to these building owners and developers of reduced utility bills. If you do that, people will buy an apartment in a building if service charges are less, and because it is a better quality building. If there is an incentive, it has to be a winwin for the developer, utility provider and occupant. There has to be some way of making more than one person happy, and one way to do that is having less cost to operate the building.”

‘COMPETING AT A GLOBAL LEVEL’

Mamdooh Amin

Stakeholders point out that the public sector and government entities can greatly benefit from driving more concerted efforts to improve IEQ, not only by improving quality of life for citizens but also by helping the country, or the city, to reinforce its global competitive advantage. Speaking in particular about the UAE, Paul Schwarz, Technical Director, Dubai Acoustic Research Laboratory; Partner & Principal Acoustic Consultant, Design Confidence; and Chairman, Middle East Acoustic Society, says: “Quality of life is a key part of the development of the Dubai brand, and the emirate’s reputation as a worldclass hub has cost and benefit associated with it. We live now in a way that borders are essentially close, and investors come from all four corners of the planet. Any investor looking to rent or buy property in Dubai has the option to spend the money anywhere else they want. Regardless of regulation, local companies and developers are competing with quality of spaces in Singapore, London, Paris and New York, so quality of buildings and how they are built, is important. Whether local contractors want to understand it or not, they are competing at the global level and at global standards.” Stewart adds that governments that are investing in better IEQ are, essentially, investing in cultivating the nation’s human capital. “People that come from certain countries have different quality expectations,” he points out. “If you imagine, the UAE is targeting a certain demographic to come and live here and invest here. If you don’t put that investment and give them something to come for, or if they see quality is not what it should be, people aren’t going to come. I think there is a competition between every country in the world to attract and retain talent, and talent is the human pool, and the human pool can bring a company or country

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more respect and more income, because people are there and are spending and generating money there for the coming generations.” Stewart says that this should serve as an incentive to a country like the UAE, which is surrounded by many countries in the GCC region that are also on the fast-track towards growth and expansion as a global hub. “Saudi Arabia is changing dramatically, and they are on track to develop massive entertainment complexes,” he says. “That’s where Dubai and the UAE have to step up. We need to compete on equal footing and be more careful.” Stewart says that Saudi Arabia has been learning from Dubai, and also similarly showcasing stringent requirements in relation to energy efficiency and IEQ. “If you build it better, if it looks better and feels better and if it’s more exciting for me to go there and stay there, then I

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

will,” he says. “Everyone wants something better all the time, we don’t want to go backwards.” Schwarz shares a similar observation. “Saudi Arabia is developing regulations,” he says. “The ones they have are still outdated and are in the process of being changed. They recognise what Dubai and Abu Dhabi have done. They have also recognised that in some areas, enforcement hasn’t been there and that without enforcement it won’t work. The key takeaway, the missing part of the puzzle, is enforcement. Dubai can easily go to the next level. There has been a fair amount of retroactive work, but because of lack of enforcement, a lot of buildings are potentially not compliant and have to catch up.” Lund emphasises that at the end of the day, the weakest link will always prevail. “If you look at investment and

opportunities in investment, it should be focused on people and focused on the building these people are in.” This, Lund says, is the fundamental cost of society, adding that if productivity across the board goes down, this spells trouble for not only a company but the country as a whole. “I call it the last frontier,” he says. “It’s the thing people don’t talk about, but it’s the people that create society, and if society is not working well, the country is not working well.”

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Mann-Kwi Park, Jehin Solar

A mission to make adsorption work in the GCC region ■

Mann-Kwi Park, Chairman, Jehin Solar, in this interview he gave to Surendar Balakrishnan in February 2020, expresses his keenness in introducing his thermaldriven solar cooling system with heat pump technology to supply ‘block cooling’ in the GCC region. Excerpts…

OULD YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TECHNOLOGY YOU SPEAK OF?

My technology is basically a thermal-driven cooling system, not a vapour-compression cooling system. It uses solar energy as the heat source for adsorption chillers, not absorption. Many people have tried to use absorption, but I believe there are limitations when applied with solar energy. Absorption works in higher temperatures, sometimes 100 degrees, sometimes 120 degrees. In the case of solar energy, the efficiency is low with high temperatures, hence I chose adsorption, which can start working at relatively low temperatures. My chiller – the jChiller, is adsorption-based and starts working from 55 degrees C. The solar collectors in the system make 55 degrees C and go up to 70 or 80 degrees C, which is fine – at 60 degrees C, the efficiency goes up to 65%.

April 2020

I have had a background in solar thermal since 1983. About 15 years ago, with the help of the Korean government’s R&D grant, I developed a mega collector, which is 2 x 5 metres. A normal-sized solar collector, as you would know, is 1 x 2 metres. I finished developing the mega collector in 2008. The original target for the technology was district heating application in Korea, though it is very ideal for district cooling, as well. And compared to a traditional solar collector, which needs 12 collection points in a 10-square-metre field, my mega collector just needs two. It is maintenance-free, and there is no worry about leakage at any time. My technology is ideal even in intermittency. I mean, what do you do when you use solar energy as heat source for adsorption

cooling, and that there is inadequate solar radiation, or on some days, it is cloudy and rainy. With this question in mind, I engaged the geothermal heat pump technology, on which I have been working since 1998. So, in a nutshell, my system is a combination of heat pump with adsorption chiller as a hybrid; that way, I am able to minimise the solar field for the adsorption chiller. I am able to cover the day and night intermittency with a small space and small storage tank. Now, a normal, traditional heat pump can produce just 7 degrees C cold water from the evaporator and 55-60 degrees of hot water from the condenser side. My jChiller can produce from 55 degrees C, but the point was that if we supplied 60 degrees C, the efficiency of the jChiller was lower. I solved this problem by reasoning

Mann-Kwi Park

that if I make the heat pump cascade to variable compression – the first level being R-134a and the second level being R-410a – I would be able to heat up to 90 degrees C very easily. Through adopting this approach, my heat pump is able to produce 7 degrees C of cold water and 80-90 degrees C of hot water at the same time. The hot water, at 90 degrees C, will go through the jChiller and produce cold water for space cooling. Meanwhile, the heat pump can produce 7 degrees C of cold water. Combined, I am able to supply for space cooling. Now, typically, while I can produce 7 degrees C of cold water through the heat pump, it is obvious that it depends on the outdoor temperature, and that way, the COP will be 3 or, maximum, 3.5. In hot areas, like here in the GCC region, the COP might be less than even 3. With my system, it is possible to produce at the cold side with a COP of 3.5, and at the hot side with a COP of more than 3.5. So, the total combined COP will be more than 7. This is the basic reasoning behind developing the hybrid system,

The annual average of solar radiation in Korea is 4.2 kW per square metre per day, whereas here, in the UAE, it is 6.4 kW per square metre per day. It is nearly 1.5 times more here, which makes it the perfect area for my technology

consisting of a solar thermal-driven jChiller and heat pump.

WHAT IS THE CAPACITY OF YOUR SYSTEM? At the moment, I have four standard models – 20, 30, 40 and 50. Our standard model is the SC-50, with SC denoting Refrigerated Tonne (RT). So SC-50 is a 50 RT system.

AND ARE YOU ABLE TO RAMP IT UP BY ADDING MORE MODULES? Yes, in serial. I can combine five modules to give 250 RT.

SO, THE STANDARD MODEL OF THE JCHILLER IS ABLE TO PROVIDE 50 RT AT ITS PEAK. WHAT KIND OF APPLICATIONS ARE YOU LOOKING AT IN THIS REGION? I developed the system in Korea, where we need approximately 60 days of cooling in a year. Here in the GCC region, on the other hand, you need 10 months or approximately 300 days of cooling a year. This is one reason I have come here. This is my target area. Also, my system uses solar radiation as a heat source. The annual average of solar radiation in Korea is 4.2 kW per square metre per day, whereas here, it is 6.4 kW per square metre per day. It is nearly 1.5 times more here, which makes it the perfect area for my technology. To answer your specific question on where it can go into, the system can go anywhere that a normal air conditioner can go. It is not designed for an individual villa, but it is designed for clusters of villas. So, it is ideal for ‘block cooling’, as opposed to District Cooling, which in Korea is cooling a city. And so, the technology is designed for any form of space cooling right up to district cooling. And the fact that the largest chiller is only 50 RT has no effect at all on the efficiency of the system, when you consider it is essentially a box with a phase-change material inside. In other words, building a bigger one isn’t going to save any money. In terms of applications, at the moment, I want to concentrate on some commercial buildings. The second stage of my application would be block cooling.

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Mann-Kwi Park, Jehin Solar

HOW DO YOU COMPARE WITH OTHER SYSTEMS IN THE MARKET, COST-WISE? At the moment, I am working with people on a large villa application, two factories, a government centre and a number of indoor farming facilities here in the UAE. The technology seems to have found a niche in indoor farming, and the reason for that is that in an indoor farm, 40% of its cost is cooling. I can eliminate almost all of that cost, because as a general rule, the setpoints in an indoor farming environment range from 25 degrees C to 28 degrees C, or from 23 to 28. There are periods of time when certain crops have to be cooler, but not overall. And so, being able to remove 40% of the operational cost of an indoor farm makes it viable, because at the moment, you grow fruit and vegetables at a higher cost

The equipment is expected to have a life of 30-40 years, so you are not going to have to be replacing it every 12-15 years, as well. So it is a very good economic picture, and on the maintenance side, there is no scheduled maintenance at all for the chiller or for the heat pump. It has circulation pumps that require normal maintenance, but on the chillers, it is just closed pumps. And of course, the solar equipment cleaning involves costs, but nowhere near the same level as solar PV, because we are not trying to generate electricity, we are capturing heat, and heat can get through a slightly dirtier surface.

than the normal price, and that’s a niche market. Make it cheaper than the normal price, and you are going to get real traction. So, that’s a major area I am involved in. And then to get on to your second point on the cost, at the moment, everything is being made by hand, but I have been doing projections on mass production, and the intent is to be manufacturing in the UAE by April or May. At that time, the cost of the equipment will be roughly 60% more than a traditional air conditioner, and depending on the cost of power, you are going to get a payback somewhere between two-and-a-half and three-anda-half years, if you are using the air conditioning over time. If you are not, then it will be longer, of course. But that’s a payback – you have got your money back, and after that, it’s free.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SOLAR COLLECTORS? If your imagination can extend to 2 x 5 metres, that’s the size. My system has three major parts. First of all, there are

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April 2020

0 0 0 , 6 USD the solar collectors. At the moment, in the international market, a 1 x 2 metre solar collector would cost USD 200. That’s the international market price. The second part is the heat pump, and the third part is the adsorption chiller. As I earlier said, it is a hybrid system. Our cost is very high at the moment – maybe USD 6,000 per RT.

USD 6,000 PER RT? WOW! Yes, wow! So, at the moment, we are considering moving our factory to here in the UAE, because I believe our market is in the sunbelt area. The UAE is at the centre of the sunbelt, so there is more reason to move from Korea to here.

With the purpose of setting up the factory here, I established our company in the UAE last year – on December 22, 2019, to be specific – in KIZAD, in Abu Dhabi. And now, I will introduce automation and local labour. The target is to bring the price down to USD 3,900 per RT.

HAVE YOUR SAY! We welcome your views on the Q&A. Write to editor@cpi-industry.com

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Mahmoud Widyan, Condair Middle East

HAT LEVEL OF HUMIDITY IS REQUIRED, AND WHAT LEVEL OF FLUCTUATION IS ACCEPTABLE?

Different applications will require different levels of humidity control. The most common application for an HVAC consultant will be the office environment’s requirement of between 40% and 60% RH (Relative Humidity). At this level, people are comfortable, and static build-up is reduced. Many manufacturing industries will require a more specific level of humidity control. For instance, printers need to control humidity to a tighter 50-60% RH. Textile manufacturers will need a higher 65-75% RH. An ideal museum environment is between 45-55% RH, but with daily fluctuations being limited to ±3% RH to safeguard valuable exhibits. Some pharmaceutical applications need an even tighter ±2% RH to prevent product wastage. If an application requires tight control of humidity, then the humidifier selection will be restricted to systems that give very fast responses to a drop or increase in humidity, like resistive steam or spray units. Water treatment may also be required to improve the consistency of performance.

HOW LONG WILL THE HUMIDIFIER BE RUNNING FOR, AND WHEN CAN IT BE SHUT DOWN? If a humidification system is going to be used 24/7, then the number and type of humidifiers will need to reflect this. A critical system that needs to be constantly delivering a certain level of humidity must include run and standby humidifiers, as every humidifier in the world needs to be shut down occasionally for maintenance.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE RUNNING COSTS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE SYSTEM? Running costs vary widely with different types of humidifiers. Some steam systems can use many times more energy than an equivalent evaporative humidifier and require significantly more to be spent on them in servicing and spare parts. The initial purchase cost is a lot less for the steam system, but an error in the initial product selection can cost the client – and the environment – dearly over the life of the unit. Consideration should also be given to the advantages of using some evaporative

April 2020

The right and the Mahmoud Widyan, General Manager, Condair Middle East, gives clarity on what to look out for while specifying humidification equipment

humidifiers to reduce the running costs associated with the building’s cooling system. Some in-duct evaporative humidifiers, such as the Condair ME, can provide up to 12 degrees C of adiabatic cooling to an AHU system. This can reduce the running costs associated with DX chillers and reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE FACTOR OF AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE ENERGY IN DETERMINING THE TYPE OF HUMIDIFIER TO BE USED? This is a critical question, as it’s not unheard of for contractors to arrive on site to install equipment only to find out that the amount of electricity required to run a humidification system is not available. For really large duties, the energy requirements of using an electrical system can become prohibitive, and either evaporative, spray or gas humidifiers may be a more viable option for the end-user.

If the available evaporation distance is short, specialist steam lances can be used, which give evaporation in under 60cms, or evaporative humidifiers be specified, which provide instant evaporation

choice… variables involved WHAT QUALITY OF WATER NEEDS TO BE USED TO RUN THE HUMIDIFIER, AND WHAT LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE IS ACCEPTABLE?

Short evaporation steam lance in duct

Water quality and maintenance are intrinsically linked when dealing with humidifiers, as a poor water quality inevitably leads to a higher servicing requirement. The minerals left behind in the humidifier, when the water is either boiled or evaporated into an atmosphere, need to be dealt with. If the water has a high mineral content, but a high level of maintenance is unacceptable, water treatment should also be specified. This can take the forms of reverse osmosis filters and water softeners to help improve the quality of the water and reduce the level and frequency of servicing.

WHAT IS THE EVAPORATION DISTANCE THAT IS REQUIRED? For humidifiers providing moisture to ducts or AHU systems, the humidifier must be able to evaporate the moisture into the air stream before it meets physical obstructions, like duct corners, otherwise this will cause condensation. If the available evaporation distance is short, specialist steam lances can be used, which give evaporation in under 60cms, or evaporative humidifiers be specified, which provide instant evaporation.

WHERE ARE THE HUMIDIFIERS TO BE SITUATED? Evaporative humidifier in duct

If access to the location is restrictive, certain humidifiers may be easier to install than

Mahmoud Widyan

others. Also, if a unit is located in an awkward position then servicing may be difficult – or, sometimes, impossible. Doors to the humidifier need to unhindered to gain access to the internal components. Mounting height should also be considered, as if the humidifier is located too high, routine maintenance may be made more difficult and could require two engineers rather than one to attend the site.

IN TERMS OF BUDGETING, WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHILE INVESTING IN A HUMIDIFIER? The above answers represent a concise list of some of the most pertinent points that can come in handy while selecting the humidification equipment and arriving at the ideal requirement. However, the “ideal” obviously has to be balanced up against the available budget. While trying to reach this balance, it is always worthwhile drawing up a matrix of capital cost versus running cost, as budgets are often set without this in mind. A higher investment in the initial equipment than the proposed budget can often be in the client’s best interests.

HAVE YOUR SAY! We welcome your views on the Q&A. Write to editor@cpi-industry.com

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Yasser Nagi, Wilo Middle East

‘Ready for

expan in the

A year on from inaugurating its 8,000-square-metre facility in Dubai, Wilo says it is ready for further expansion. Yasser Nagi, Managing Director, and Group Director Sales Area MENA, Wilo Middle East, elaborates on growth plans and other aspects, in a mid-February interview he gave to Surendar Balakrishnan at the company’s facility…

HAT PLANS HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS IN TERMS OF MARKET EXPANSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

You are sitting in a facility that is almost a year old, so our plans are pretty fresh. We have been in the region for more than 25 years through our local distributors. Wilo’s first presence was in 2008, by opening its first subsidiary in Dubai. We acknowledge that the region has huge potential, and we are very keen on presenting our German-brand pumps in the level that they deserve. We are manufacturing very durable, high-efficient pumps that I do believe have a lot of advantages when it comes to energy saving and also sustainability issues – the two go hand in hand. About two years ago, we thought of increasing our presence in the region. Dubai is a hub for the entire Middle East and North Africa. The investment environment here is much easier, and the proximity to the markets, in terms of language and in terms of

April 2020

importation and exportation, makes things easier here. With these in mind, the company decided to set up in Dubai. And last year, we inaugurated this facility. It is one of the top facilities we have in terms of technologies we are employing. It sits on almost 8,000 square metres. It encompasses a talk-and-exhibition room and our sophisticated Wilo Academy, which is where we display all our new pumps, which are hooked up with the pipes and are workable through touchscreens. That way, we are able to demonstrate how the pumps will be working, and customers can check all the technical data. Also, we have an assembly area and warehouse.

So, in a nutshell, we have lot of plans. For the next five years, our plans definitely depend on how the evolution of the investment will move forward. We are ready for more expansions throughout the entire region.

DID YOU ESTABLISH THIS FACILITY TO GIVE YOURSELF A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN TERMS OF SPEEDING UP THE DELIVERY OF YOUR PRODUCTS? Exactly. The lead time is a factor, and so also, of course, is the pricing. We have more local components manufactured by different multinationals. We use the components, if they match our standards, qualitywise, and if they are coming from approved vendors. Another factor is the proximity to the different markets we are serving in the Middle East and northern Africa. Our presence here gives us more flexibility.

sion region’ we replaced 30-yearold split-case pumps for the pumping stations with the aim of saving 30% energy, and the result was 46.5% energy saving for SEWA

Yasser Nagi

HOW INTERESTING IS THE SAUDI MARKET, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT IT IS OPENING UP LIKE NEVER BEFORE IMAGINED? WE ARE EVEN SEEING INITIATIVES TO ESTABLISH ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES, AMONG OTHER DEVELOPMENTS. Saudi Arabia will continue to be the biggest market in the Middle East. We see a huge potential in Saudi – it has a huge pipeline of projects. Of course, there has been some slowdown, last year, but it is never inactive. So, normally, it is a cycle, of course – it is affected by the different circumstances that come from the situations of the different wars going on in the region. There is instability in some countries that definitely affects the Saudi market. All said, in Saudi Arabia, apart from the cinema complexes, we are seeing more infrastructure projects that are government related. As for the Emirati market, it is definitely one of the top three, let’s say, and is more stable than the Saudi market. Maybe that has to do with the different components of the GDP of the country and the fact that it is not just oil-dependent.

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Yasser Nagi, Wilo Middle East

Generally speaking about the region, when the oil price goes up or down, it affects the influx of projects.

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA? Our pumps have already been installed and commissioned and are running in new projects in Saudi Arabia. We are already there in the presidential palaces of NEOM City. We are always following Saudi, which definitely is one of the biggest markets. And we will always be keeping the country under the scope. To give more specific examples, the Line 3 of the Riyadh Metro was also totally equipped with Wilo pumps and systems, including chilled water pumps, drainage and sewage. We supplied to the Riyadh Metro on the back of our experience from having worked on the Dubai Metro. All Dubai Metro stations are exclusively equipped with Wilo pumps – even the new extension for the Expo 2020. The Dubai Metro is one of our very important references in the region, and we are able to replicate it in Saudi Arabia, though not to the extent we wanted, but then, Saudi Arabia is a different market, with different players and different metrics.

WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR GROWTH IN THE UAE. GIVEN THE RELATIVELY FEWER NUMBER OF NEW-BUILD PROJECTS IN THE COUNTRY, ARE YOU VIEWING RETROFIT PROJECTS AS A REVENUE STREAM? We are not really going for retrofit as a strategic option but rather out of a need to establish diversity. So, yes, we are definitely going in the direction of retrofitting and optimisation, and the direction actually fits within our scope of research and development and our product portfolio, which fits in perfectly with the vision of Dubai and the UAE, in general, when it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability. So, definitely, retrofitting is a line of business that is on the rise. It can act as a buffer for any shock we can get from the slowdown in the normal business that we are having. Definitely, it is not going to compensate for everything, but at least, it acts as an option.

YOU USED THE WORD, BUFFER. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE PROJECTS YOU ARE SUPPLYING

April 2020

TO, CONSTITUTE BUILDINGRETROFIT ASSIGNMENTS? We cannot say much, because we are new to retrofitting. And retrofitting itself is not an avenue that used to be pursued by manufacturers. It was not a line of business for manufacturers. Maybe it has been so for the different distributors or, let’s say, the service partners but not for the manufacturing company itself. That said, maybe it is becoming more of a trend right now.

CONSIDERING THAT PUMPS CONSUME 5-7% OF A TYPICAL BUILDING’S ENERGY USE, WHAT IS WILO DOING IN TERMS OF INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY? FOR INSTANCE, ARE YOU UNDERTAKING R&D SPECIFIC TO THE REGION? I cannot specify R&D that is related to the region. I can just speak about R&D, in general, for the entire Wilo Group. We are spending about 60-70 million euros annually on R&D. And that has always been on the rise. Last year, it was 66 million euros, exactly. And whatever R&D is happening in the group, it is also considering the needs all over the world. People the world over are now speaking the same language of energy efficiency and sustainability, so whatever is happening in the group right now is affecting our region here in terms of having digitalised pumps and interface feature, whereby you can control the pump from a BMS room without having to go to the sewage. And there is the smart pump, which you can connect to your Bluetooth and receive notifications of faults, and so on and so forth. In terms of energy savings, as well, we have worked closely with Emaar to retrofit 15 buildings in the Downtown area. We replaced the 160-kilowatt chilled water pumps there with 45-kilowatt pumps. And we replaced the 45-kilowatt pumps with 7.5-kilowatt pumps. We also worked with SEWA on their Falaj pumping station, where we replaced 30-year-old split-case

pumps for the pumping stations with the aim of saving 30% energy, and the result was 46.5% energy saving for SEWA. So, we are also playing in that field, which is retrofitting and energy-saving.

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF THE TESTING OF PRODUCTS THAT YOU CARRY OUT? HOW COMPATIBLE IS THE TESTING WITH CONDITIONS SEEN IN THE GCC REGION? We do have a sophisticated, digitalised testing facility, so we can test any pump or system we introduce here. We can conduct witness tests, so consultants can see for themselves the results of the pump according to the documentation they have received. The whole process is transparent, and this is one of the most important aspects of having a facility. We can test the flow rate up to 200 cubic metres per hour, and the power up to 110 kilowatts. We can do a single-pump test and a full-system test – multiple pumps in parallel. So, we can show the customer a single-pump curve or a multiple-pump curve.

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON SINGLE SOURCING OF ALL COMPONENTS OF A PUMPING SYSTEM? DO YOU BELIEVE IN OFFERING VARIABLEFREQUENCY DRIVES, CONTROLS, BMS AND THE PUMP AS A WILO TURNKEY SOLUTION? I ASK THIS,

BECAUSE THERE IS A SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THAT SINGLE SOURCING ENSURES THE PUMPING SYSTEM IS WORKING IN HARMONY AND GIVING THE DESIRED OUTPUT OF BETTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY AND OF BEING ABLE TO OVERCOME THE LOW DELTA T SYNDROME.

ARE YOU ABLE TO OPTIMISE THE DESIGN, THE INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING IN A SEAMLESS MANNER? AND ARE YOU ABLE TO OPTIMISE THE COST WITH THAT KIND OF ARRANGEMENT?

My point of view is that single sourcing is not a necessity anymore. If you were to ask the people working in our factory in Germany, they may have another opinion. But, according to what we assemble here, we are not dependent on only one source. Maybe we have a preferred one, and it’s also as long as it is according to our quality levels and it is an approved vendor.

DO YOU ALSO PROVIDE THE OPTION WHERE THE CUSTOMER CAN SOURCE ALL THE COMPONENTS FROM YOU?

Of course. We do have the capability to negotiate perfectly to reach our targeted cost structure.

Hotel/Restaurant kitchen systems – AQMC equipment considerably reduces the size and complexity of the overall system, while significantly enhancing performance of the kitchen exhaust. With equal or lower capital investment, over lifetime of the project it is proven AQMC product could save millions in operational cost. This directly impacts both the Operator and Owner bottom lines and profits. And the AQMC system can be re-used post renovation, which is not possible with traditional filter based systems.

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Yes, these products are Wilo products, completely inhouse. We are able to supply Wilo sensors, controls, pumps and VFDs, as being the four major components of a pumping system. We outsource the motor, however. We outsource the PLCs from different well-known brands. We go to very well known manufacturers that live up to our expectations of quality. We reach out to companies like Beckoff and Schneider, because they are special in what they do. Quality is non-negotiable.

It depends on a case-by-case basis. Some clients simply tell us that they like and trust a particular vendor, to which we say, “Fine, we do have it.” If we don’t have it, we provide an alternative. If you want a German component, of course, we have it. We have Austrian. Whatever, it depends on the component itself.

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Rehan Shahid is Director at P&T Architects & Engineers. He may be contacted at rehan@ptdubai.ae.

Getting a grip on IAQ and SBS

ick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition affecting office workers, typically marked by headaches and respiratory problems, attributed commonly due to few factors in the working environment, the most common being poor ventilation. Even with recommended, and sometimes even higher, ventilation rates, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensors and monitors, individuals at the workplace may experience headaches; fatigue; coughing; sneezing; irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and the skin and, in extreme cases, passing out. The first two, as we know, are quite common when discussing SBS.

COMMON FACTORS FOR SBS AND POOR IAQ One probable reason is that the oxygen in the atmosphere becomes less and closer to the 19.5% level. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines as oxygen deficient ‘any atmosphere that contains less than 19.5% oxygen’. The air in our environment consists of approximately 78% Nitrogen and 20.9 % Oxygen; the remaining fraction consists of mainly Argon and trace amounts of Carbon Dioxide, Neon and Helium. The imbalance in air composition may be due to the Oxygen being displaced by inert gases, such as Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen, or due

April 2020

to the increase in other (toxic) gases, resulting in reduced oxygen concentration in air by volume. For instance, contaminants from outside, like pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust, plumbing vents and building exhausts (bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly located air intake vents, windows and other openings.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF INADEQUATE OXYGEN Any physical activity, when the Oxygen concentrations drop from 19.5% to 16%, result in the body’s cells failing to receive the Oxygen needed to function correctly. This results in mental functions becoming impaired and respiration irregular. Here are some examples of common indoor air contaminants and their main sources:

INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS

MAIN SOURCES

CO2, tobacco smoke, perfumes, body odours

Building occupants

Dust, fibreglass, asbestos, gases, including formaldehyde

Building materials

Toxic vapours, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Workplace cleansers, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, glues

Gases, vapours, odours

Off-gas emissions from furniture, carpets and paints

Dust mites

Carpets, fabric, foam chair cushions

Microbial contaminants, fungi, moulds, Damp areas, stagnant water and bacteria condensate pans Ozone

Printers, photocopiers, electric motors, electrostatic air cleaners

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THE NOT-SO-OBVIOUS REASON: POSITIVE AIR IONS – ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION Equipment like computers, televisions and microwaves emit electromagnetic radiation, which ionises the air. Positive ions are produced by a discharge of voltage in high-voltage networks, heating and air conditioning systems, computers, televisions, transmitters, exhausts and cigarette fumes, smog, radiation, and harmful chemicals and toxins. Studies indicate that exposure to positive air ions may be associated with feelings of unpleasantness, irritability and heightened anxiety. [1, 2] The effect of this imbalance – that is, increase in cations on indoor air quality – is hardly ever contemplated and almost never considered when designing ventilation systems. Atmospheric ions can affect health, wellbeing, efficiency, emotions and mental attitude of human beings. This underlines the reason why more people complain of IAQ in the call centres and densely occupied open-plan offices. Normal fair-weather ion concentrations are 200-800 negative and 250-1,500 positive ions per cubic centimetre; indoor levels are usually lower than this. The highest concentration of unhealthy positive ions is found in crowded areas and in confined spaces, such as offices, industrial areas, schools and cars.

The negative-ion air purifier is a solution, as it creates negative oxygen atoms. The air purifier then releases the ions into the surrounding atmosphere. It is important to understand that the negative ions and Ozone are two different things. A negative ion is an oxygen atom with an extra electron (O2-) and is odourless, whereas Ozone is Oxygen paired with an extra Oxygen atom (O3) and can have a distinct odour in high concentrations. The most important benefit of negative ions is that they clear the air of airborne allergens, such as pollen, mould spores, bacteria and viruses. Negative ions perform this function by attaching themselves to positively charged particles in large numbers and negatively charging those particles (Figure 1). As a result, the viruses, bacteria and pollen spores become too heavy to remain airborne and subside naturally to the ground or other surfaces to be cleaned up by normal cleaning process. That way, they do not enter the air passageway.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS – MEGA-TALL SKYSCRAPERS Generally speaking, the right amount of oxygen is available in the atmosphere at sea level. When the altitude increases – as on mountain dwellings and mega-tall skyscrapers – there is less atmospheric pressure, and this lower pressure allows air to expand more than it does at sea level. The ratio of the Oxygen and Nitrogen in the air remains the same, but fewer molecules are available within the same space due to lower atmospheric pressure. What that means is, each breath taken at a higher altitude would contain fewer Oxygen molecules than when breathing at a lower altitude. This may cause altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea and fatigue. Therefore, the ventilation rates considered at sea level may not be appropriate at higher altitudes and, therefore, should be increased or adjusted accordingly.

Figure 1: Negative ions attract and bind with the airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, smoke and PM2.5[5]

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS An apparent way forward would be to keep a check on the Oxygen levels in the occupied space or spaces by using Oxygen sensors and monitors to provide real-time data. This, combined with sensors, would take the guesswork out, and the designer would be able to ensure that the Oxygen levels don’t drop below the OSHArecommended minimum of 19.5% by volume, by increasing the ventilation rate or by employing other measures, such as air purifiers.

April 2020

Figure 2: Possible design strategy to achieve good IAQ

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH Introducing more fresh air has its merits, a fact also backed by health organisations, but it comes at a price. But, when having even more fresh air doesn’t solve the SBS, mainly because the indoor air contaminants combined with Air Quality Index levels of the locale are higher than moderate – that is, 100 numerical value – then we must look a little deeper. The ventilation system employed in such cases needs to be a little more intelligent. That is, it should be able to monitor the basic essential parameters that affect the health of the occupants. These may include CO2, RH, O2 and, where deemed necessary, VOC levels; and based on the readings from the sensors, sufficient volume of fresh air is introduced into the space. This approach, combined with a negative-ion generator or airpurifier, which may be part of the fresh air unit or inside a supply air duct, would ensure that the indoor air quality is maintained at levels higher than the minimum recommended by various international standards (Figure 2). Negative ion machines are proven to clear the air of dust, pollen, mould spores and other potential allergens. The following are just some of the applications for negative-ion generators: Hospitals, schools, offices, malls, restaurants, food preparation areas and places of worship. [3]

Furthermore, Demand Control Ventilation may still be employed with an auto override function that would allow fresh air to be increased when the O2 levels are below the recommended levels. By having these systems in place, it can be ensured that the indoor air quality is kept at, or above, the recommended levels, thereby reducing SBS, whilst still boasting an energy-efficient ventilation system.

References: 1. Charry JM, Hawkinshire FB. Effects of atmospheric electricity on some substrates of disordered social behavior. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1981; 41(1):185–197. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 2. McGurk F. Psychological effects of artificially produced air ions. Am J Phys Med. 1959; 38:136–137. [Google Scholar] 3. A white paper report on negative ion generators – May 2013 by Gary Colip 4. https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/negative-ions-createpositive-vibes#1] 5. https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1xcL1oZLJ8KJjy0Fnq6AFDpXaZ. jpg

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

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Prabhu Ramachandran is Founder & CEO of Facilio Inc. He may be contacted at prabhu@facilio.com.

Remote HVAC O&M in the time of COVID

The sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of the affected populations and the disruption to normalcy, has ensured that many legacy arrangements will no longer be considered robust enough, argues Prabhu Ramachandran, adding that techenhanced O&M solutions, which give CRE operations the option to be more flexible and agile, will become the norm

101010010

n air of uncertainty has gripped the world in the wake of COVID-19. Entire nations around the world are living under lockdown, with social distancing and self-quarantine measures in place to limit the spread of the virus and to contain the threat. With more than one-third of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population living in self-imposed confinement, ensuring that indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters adhere to the highest standards has never been more crucial. A significant number of individuals infected by the virus remains asymptomatic for up to two weeks, forcing most facilities management (FM) operations to run leaner. Indeed, FM companies have the responsibility of safeguarding their workforces by deploying smaller onsite teams compatible with social distancing guidelines. Now, such limitations are creating an unprecedented challenge in the context of extracting optimal performance from embedded building automation. HVAC systems, in particular, are key to maintaining indoor comfort, health and quality of living, and limitations on human intervention cannot be allowed to compromise their performance. Fortunately, many of the most effective solutions to this challenge have already been witnessing a robust rise in the rate of their adoption within the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. An

April 2020

emerging tech-empowered model of building operations is presenting the sector with the opportunity of deploying an alternative and innovative approach, in response to the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 crisis. Remote operation of critical building automation, to deliver optimal asset performance without the need for onsite human intervention, is the need of the hour. A combination of IoT, connectivity and centralised software platforms has emerged as a fast-track enabler of this capability in these unprecedented times.

TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CRE INDUSTRY IN THIS HOUR OF CRISIS Extraordinary circumstances demand a departure from established norms, and this is particularly true of the challenges the CRE industry is facing in the context of HVAC tech and solutions today. With the tides changing and priorities being realigned, property managers and CREs will have to focus on solving the immediate pressing concerns, especially resulting from the precipitous disruption to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Being able to operate remotely and to optimise outcomes, despite diminished workforces and resources, demand innovative tech-driven interventions. Such solutions have the additional crucial advantage of enabling the agile, predictive and responsive operations needed right now. In particular, remote operations of BMS/

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BAS systems, optimising HVAC performance for occupancy and counter-measures for affected spaces, as well as enabling better measures for front-line workforce – with real-time HVAC performance data, so they are better prepared to attend to critical issues and eliminate unnecessary physical presence – are going to make the difference between flattening the curve of infection rates and bearing the brunt of rapid escalation. Remotely executed operations, enabled by a combination of centralised platforms and mobile apps, can help mitigate the need for physical staff, while maintaining optimal IEQ. In response to the black swan event that is the COVID-19 pandemic, the CRE industry has shown a great enthusiasm for technology as a means to pivot operations rapidly and

April 2020

effectively, to address fundamentally altered requirements. Broadly speaking, the advantages that centralised IoT-enabled platforms and mobile apps offer building owners and FM teams in tackling the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak are as follows: •

Operating key HVAC functions remotely: Real estate operations around the world are acknowledging the remote monitoring and control capacities of BMS/BAS operations. With CRE businesses having to adopt remote working arrangements for as many functions and employees as possible, taking a cloud-enabled approach to managing HVAC operations is one of the ways of reducing the number of must-have onsite staff. Real-time performance data collated by IoT technology is also allowing real estate operations to optimise the performance of their HVAC systems based on occupancy, to ensure the best IEQ profile and to minimise operating cost.

•

Contact-less engagement: By enabling HVAC systems through cloud-hosted application program interface (API) integrations, teams in charge of maintaining ambient environmental quality can exercise mobile and contactless control. Besides limiting the number of onsite staff,

while still mitigating disruptions to IEQ, contact-less engagement also extends to the occupantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of building assets. For instance, no-touch elevators that feature contact-less switches were already being touted for their hygiene advantages, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Given that contact with high-touch surfaces is one of the main ways in which the virus is infecting people, long-term confidence among tenants is sure to be enhanced through a more widespread adoption of the technology. â&#x20AC;˘

Dynamic and proactive operations: One of the ways that a leaner onsite workforce can be optimised during the current crisis, is to limit the need for human intervention in mundane inspection and set routines. Leveraging real-time performance and environmental data, gathered by deploying IoT technology, to keep digital twins of properties and assets updated, allows such repetitive tasks to be completed remotely via mobile apps. The limited number of individuals deployed onsite can then be preferentially assigned to critical operations and maintenance tasks, which do require specialised human intervention to be optimal.

A NEW PARADIGM, A FRESH APPROACH TO SOPS The sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of the affected populations and the disruption to normalcy, has ensured that many legacy arrangements will no longer be considered robust enough. Tech-enhanced O&M solutions, which give CRE operations the option to be more flexible and agile, will become the norm. Real time transparency into portfolios, paired with the ability to control operations remotely, will become a must-have capacity for CRE businesses. The solution that best fits this need are IoT- and Cloud-enabled systems that reduce dependence on human intervention, while enabling predictive operations and remote real time control.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

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Dr Iyad Al-Attar is an independent Air Filtration Expert and consultant on indoor air quality. He may be contacted at iyad@iyadalattar.com.

Serves us right A

vicious virus has invaded over a million respiratory systems and, broadly, visited misery upon humankind. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) cataclysm, which reportedly ignited in December 2019, has hijacked our peace and societal interaction, debilitated entire nations and threatened to push the world into a seemingly irrecoverable recession. We had assumed that the past 60 years of progress in diagnostics, vaccines and supercomputing, and in analytical tools, such as genomics, bioinformatics and scanning electron microscopy would render our preparedness intact. To our surprise, accelerating globalisation, industrialisation, rapid urbanisation and population growth have increased the health security risks and made us more vulnerable, particularly among the immunecompromised patients, newborns, the elderly and the less equipped.

THE OVERWHELMED HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS In the past few years, the world has been entangled in open-ended wars that have left millions of refugees displaced. These conflicts have exhausted the health infrastructure and induced difficulties to access populations that are less equipped or prepared. While regulatory frameworks of well-developed countries require refinement and innovative thinking to fit emerging realities of recent pandemics, we need to extend a helping hand to countries who are yet to create ones. Today, healthcare systems are increasingly overwhelmed by quarantine measures, as countries

April 2020

For years, we have been dismissive of adopting proper IAQ measures, argues Dr Iyad Al-Attar, and, at best, have treated them as afterthought… and the perils are visiting us now – and how?

are experiencing crippling disruptions of trade and transportation. Outbreaks that unfolded over the past two decades, such as SARS, H1N1, Ebola and Zika, have neither scared us enough nor inspired us to undertake enough preparations. Startlingly, even after all these wake-up calls, the world has fallen far short of the basic needs to confront a pandemic. We have focused on knowing the statistics about pandemics rather than knowing the truth and preparing the appropriate plan to encounter them. Evidently, the world’s responses to previous outbreaks have been exceedingly slow and, at times, extraordinarily antiquated to the extent that unrest has broken out over face masks and food. With all the advanced technologies available at our fingertips, we are still exposed, vulnerable and now locked up.

OUR GLARING DEFICIENCIES We continue to live in denial of the glaring deficiencies in the way we have been managing our indoor and outdoor environment. We regarded better air quality as an extravagance and placed it on the backburner, until SARS-CoV-2 locked us in our homes and brought flights, work, schools, shopping malls and economies to a halt, and now threatens to push the world into recession or, worse, depression.

Air quality and the role of air filtration in cleaning the air have been overlooked; and today, we are facing the consequences. There has been no paucity of conferences on indoor environmental quality, and invariably so, the focus or emphasis was more on thermal comfort than any other parameter. Consequently, most of the R&D-related investment was ploughed into other segments in the HVAC system, such as fans and coils.

and without conducting a text filtration with professional consideration to other associated parameters, such as aerosol monitoring, we remain apprehensive of the next pandemic. The intensity of the impact of COVID-19 signifies how unprepared we are and how we are excessively exposed not only to SARS-CoV-2 but DEFINE IT BEFORE WE DEFEND IT also to other pandemics yet to come. Today, the status quo of air quality suggests that the Central air conditioning is, in actual solution to enhance our air quality exists only in our fact, central to, spreading the imagination. We had been led to believe that we will not A. Failed aluminium disease via contaminated air. be penalised for the injustice we visit upon the filter made out of media After so many decades, the environment through our actions. Therefore, global scramble continues, as we preferred to wait rather than remedy we are less prepared, heavily impacted and unaware of the our urban and indoor air quality. At consequences of such pandemics on health, economies and this point, we desperately need an wellbeing. answer to the question, “If industrial Globally, countries sign treaties for various topics, such as development is a goal, urbanisation energy projects, grid-sharing is the plan, growing population and infrastructure. Other is inevitable and air pollution is countries spend a fortune a sin, how can we then achieve to expand their military, environmental justice?” Perhaps tourism, airline network, a good start would be to define B. Collapsed pocket filter entertainment, housing it – before we defend it. and shopping malls, and yet, one microscopic CAN FILTRATION HELP? virus can paralyse all The SARS-CoV-2 has paid us a of this. It is ironic to surprise visit to find us pledging hear pundits regard allegiance to sketchy filter investments on specifications that tolerate C. Contaminated coil inhaling cleaner air regenerating disposable filters, as an “exaggerated” inappropriately selecting filters, expense and declare that entertaining conventional filter design All images copyright of the author. following the existing standards and prompting is merely good enough. It is also single-stage filtration common to hear people justify solutions for most “not installing efficient filters”, because their homes and applications. How can D. Filthy air diffuser offices are not operating theatres. Now, let's compare this we even position ourselves to being quarantined in hospitals for weeks, isolated from to confront any pandemic if the family, loved ones, office, work and pretty much most the conditions of our HVAC components and daily activities. The stark reality tells us that the appetite to systems are deplorable, as illustrated in Figure invest in our health increases by many folds only when we 1? How can we move forward if we belittle the get sick or are about to lose a loved one. At that point, we are impact of climate change and air pollution, willing to spend all that we have for a litre of clean air. misunderstand filtration standards and allow unqualified maintenance teams to slice The intensity of the impact of COVID-19 signifies how and dice our air quality. unprepared we are and how we are excessively exposed Evidently, imminent not only to SARS-CoV-2 but also to other pandemics yet to filtration mistakes can come. Central air conditioning is, in fact, central to, spreading be expensive, leading the disease via contaminated air. After so many decades, to irrecoverable the global scramble continues, as we are less prepared, performance losses heavily impacted and unaware of the consequences of such in HVAC equipment. pandemics on health, economies and wellbeing. Surprisingly, we are Globally, countries sign treaties for various topics, such immobilised today at home with limited as energy projects, grid-sharing and infrastructure. Other or no access to many tools and conditions countries spend a fortune to expand their military, tourism, we have taken for granted, and yet, airline network, entertainment, housing and shopping malls, we demand protection by means of and yet, one microscopic virus can paralyse all of this. It better indoor air quality and wish for is ironic to hear pundits regard investments on inhaling this pandemic to disappear into thin cleaner air as an “exaggerated” expense and declare that air. Clearly, our air quality is poor, FIGURE 1

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following the existing standards is merely good enough. It is also common to hear people justify “not installing efficient filters”, because their homes and offices are not operating theatres. Now, let's compare this to being quarantined in hospitals for weeks, isolated from the family, loved ones, office, work and pretty much most daily activities. The stark reality tells us that the appetite to invest in our health increases by many folds only when we get sick or are about to lose a loved one. At that point, we are willing to spend all that we have for a litre of clean air.

THE PORE IN OUR CONVENTIONAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS

not willing to invest one additional cent on enhancing air quality and, yet, expect us to bring the family to spend the day in their indoor spaces? Why should our kids be exposed to contaminated air quality at schools and universities, just because a facility manager believes more strongly about his or her annual bonus rather than enhancing air quality? Why can't we hold such individuals responsible for their actions? Who is responsible when a pandemic wipes out humans without symptoms? Who pays the hefty bill for retrofitting an existing system that was designed by engineers who gave advanced filtration technologies the cold shoulder? Why are responsible consultants always off the filtration hook when microorganisms spread through the HVAC systems they designed? How useful has the implementation of global standards been in confronting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in our HVAC systems? Why have conventional air filters and outdated FIGURE 2 filtration specifications booked their permanent chapter in maintenance manuals? Why is it acceptable to engage outdated standards and install untested filters in modern buildings? Quite simply, how did you forget to filter the air?

In the past six decades, the focus has been to only filter solid particles, with maximum efficiency for offices at around 65%. Minor attention to micro-organism filtration and gaseous removal was given only in the case of healthcare facilities. Now, absolute filters installed in an operating theatre rely on removing microorganisms but do not necessarily sterilise the air. Particulate filters remove solid particles (Figure 2) of different sizes at various efficiencies, depending on the application. However, they are incapable of controlling odour, and their efficiency in removing gaseous pollutants ranges from slim to nonexistent. We seek refuge in hospitals when we get sick, but doubt can seep into our minds and hearts in terms of the air quality available, the employed filtration Solid particle of silica dust recovered from a filter media solutions and the logic behind their selection. Quite simply, why are global governments relaxed when it comes to enforcing air filtration testing as a “must” to bring a product into the market? Why can contractors and maintenance teams get away with simply washing disposable filters and cleaning HEPA filters with water and compressed air to reinstall in operating theatres? Practically speaking – and sadly enough – anyone that has a filter-pleating machine can supply filters to any customer, if the “price” requirement is met. Our health is essential for carrying on with our lives and daily activities. What if SARS-CoV-2 were to spread beyond the global capability of treating and quarantining patients? What if doctors and nurses decided to go on strike? What if teachers decided not to return to school as scheduled because they feared of getting infected? What if the pandemic goes far and beyond our imagination and capabilities to cause more damage than the Spanish Flu, which reared its ugly head in the second decade of the last century?

WE HAVE HEARD YOUR SILENCE Why have consultants worldwide kept quiet about the status quo of our air quality? Why is filtration perceived as an accessory, whose absence has no well-pronounced effect on air quality? Who questions the air quality we breathe at shopping malls, coffee shops, schools, airports and aircraft? Why do we surrender our lungs to shopping malls that are

April 2020

CHANGING THE ODDS We have learnt the hard way that what happens in the East can spread around the world rapidly. Simply put, nobody is immune. However, we must call on our wisdom to not only defy the odds but also change them. We ought to re-engineer our minds and hearts prior to reinventing conventional HVAC and filtration technologies. Furthermore, we need to reconsider the entire way we live, treat our planet, consume our finite resources and rely on serendipity to meet our challenges. We need to invest not only on enhancing air quality but also on R&D to employ smart technologies and suppress the spread of disease. Frankly, we have surrendered our respiratory systems to consultants, who are too busy to learn, decision makers with no concern and contractors who just want to earn. Ultimately, if “better air quality” is a human right, then unless and until it becomes constitutional and governments implement forceful regulations to provide it sustainably, “clean air” will only be available for some, luxury for others, and a dream for the rest.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Tabreed acquires 80% stake in Emaar’s Downtown Dubai district cooling business Deal worth AED 2.48 billion (USD 675 million), Tabreed announces

By CCME Content Team

ational Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) has acquired 80% stake in Emaar Properties’ Downtown Dubai district cooling business at a cost of AED 2.48 billion (USD 675 million). Tabreed made the announcement through an April 6 Press release. Emaar, one of the world’s largest real estate companies and a global property developer, will retain a 20% stake as part of the long-term partnership with Tabreed, the release said. According to the release, Downtown Dubai is Emaar’s flagship mega-development at the heart of the city. The destination is home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; The Dubai Mall; The Dubai Fountain; Dubai Opera and other residential, commercial and hospitality developments. The long-term concession will exclusively provide up to 235,000 refrigerated tonnes (RT) of cooling to Dubai’s most prestigious developments, with the largest integrated energy-efficient cooling scheme in the world, Tabreed said. The district cooling scheme, Tabreed said, currently provides 150,000 RT of contracted capacity through a network that distributes chilled water produced in three already-built interconnected district cooling plants, shortly followed by a fourth state-of-the-art plant that is currently under construction. Tabreed said that following the completion of the transaction, its presence in Dubai has increased to 278,801 RT, and its total capacity has increased by 12.6% to 1,338,602 RT from 83 plants. The transaction, Tabreed said, represents a major milestone in its history, demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver on its growth potential and reinforcing its position as the global district cooling industry leader and the cooling provider of choice for landmark developments in the region and beyond.

Johnson Controls joins World Green Economy Organization Company official highlights opportunities to unlock power potential in cities and importance of efficient and reliable cooling in view of urban growth By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

April 2020

“B

Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Tabreed, said: “This is a historic achievement for Tabreed and a truly transformational transaction for the company, accelerating our growth trajectory and consolidating our position Khaled Abdulla Al in Dubai. Tabreed is an international Qubaisi powerhouse in district cooling, with over 22 years of experience, operational excellence across 83 plants and investments in six countries. This acquisition, in the world’s largest district cooling market, is a further testament to our financial strength and leading market position. We are well placed to take advantage of growth opportunities and expect our enhanced presence within the Dubai market to further enable us to reach our long-term objectives. “We are proud to be a partner of choice for Emaar and to serve their iconic developments in Downtown Dubai. We are delighted with the agreement, which paves the way for a long-term relationship with one of the world’s largest and most reputed real estate developers.” Commenting on the acquisition, Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, added: “This is a key transaction for both Emaar and Tabreed. Emaar values the strategic partnerships we establish, making a concerted effort to nurture and deepen these alliances. Tabreed is one such example, where we can identify with many synergies between the companies, and we’re pleased to see our prosperous journey reach new heights. Downtown Dubai is a hallmark of pride for Emaar, and we trust Tabreed feels the same way, serving and treating its constituents as their own.” (See related story on page 45)

cities. Such growth brings greatly increased uildings are responsible demands and challenges, but we can turn for 30% of global these challenges into opportunities. We call energy consumption it the triple win: Economic benefits, with and 25% of global, job creation; environmental benefit, with human-induced CO2 emissions,” said Claude reduced emissions; and social benefits, with Allain, Vice President and General Manager energy resiliency.” MEA, Johnson Controls International, while Allain emphasised that in revealing that the company has view of urban growth, efficient joined the World Green Economy and reliable cooling solutions Organisation, (WGEO), under have become an increasingly the Private Sector Platform, as critical and key focus in energy part of its vision to contribute sustainability programmes across to the development of a world the region and have become that is “safe, comfortable and Claude Allain essential factors to fulfil National sustainable”. Agendas across the world. As “With WGEO, we aim to a member of WGEO, Allain said, Johnson transform communities and unlock the Controls aims to develop programmes with power potential in cities,” he said. “All universities, municipalities and investors in over the world, people are migrating to

Eurovent Middle East issues COVID-19 recommendations for ventilation and air filtration

part of the fight against the virus, these measures can have an essential effect in reducing the impact of the disease on our healthcare system.” The release said that the published documents with recommendations for building owners, operators and Industry association highlights recommendations for the healthcare maintenance personnel on air filtration, sector, facility management providers, building owners and operators ventilation and maintenance procedures can be accessed via the following links: By CCME Content Team Industry Recommendations (https://eurovent.me/?q=articles/ covid-19-recommendations-airurovent Middle East has issued transmission of airborne viruses filtration-and-ventilation-emerecommendations for ventilation through ventilation and airgen-2000400) and air filtration to address conditioning systems and to Healthcare Recommendations challenges related to COVID-19, support the government in its (https://eurovent.me/?q=articles/ the industry association announced in a efforts to contain the outbreak. Brian Suggitt covid-19-recommendationsPress release. Eurovent Middle East called According to the release, healthcare-facilities-related-airon building owners, operators and facility the current crisis highlights the filtration-and-ventilation-eme) management providers to carefully observe responsibilities of HVACR engineers, along According to the release, the the recommendations from with service and maintenance personnel, documents published by Eurovent Middle the industry to minimise building owners and operators to East outline basic recommendations, risks related to the carefully assess building ventilation which directly or indirectly contribute to systems and their conditions. The the spread of viruses and the wellbeing release further stated that proper of people in occupied spaces. These ventilation, with a higher degree of recommendations are based on an fresh air supply and air exchange, the industry-wide consensus and should use of the correct filter types and careful provide guidance on best practices in maintenance can be important factors in relation to air filtration and ventilation in the containment of the virus. the current crisis, the release said. While Brian Suggitt, President, Eurovent Middle in most cases ventilation systems are a East, said, “We all have our responsibility given and cannot be modified in the short to support the government’s efforts to term, the release said, conducting careful contain the outbreak of the Coronavirus and assessment of the ventilation installations minimise its effects. We have put together and carrying out the correct maintenance several recommendations in regard to measures can assist in preventing the ventilation and air filtration, which we see as propagation of the virus. important to be followed. While just a small

order to utilise and develop solutions that leverage the latest technologies that are adapted to the local requirements. “This will enable the community with talent development and the creation of innovative solutions,” he said. Allain added that there is strong potential for efficiency-driven projects across all segments in the Middle East, and that Johnson Controls aims to be a partner in the economic growth and development of the region. “Tourism in certain countries in the region is set for tremendous growth, and we have engaged with hospitality operators, investors and governmental entities to encourage and incentivise a facility that will enhance the experience of the visitors and reduce the environmental impact,” he said. There are also tremendous

opportunities to promote energy savings in public sector developments, including municipal and educational facilities, he further said, adding that WGEO will play a valuable role in bringing together all stakeholders and providing a platform for discussion, which will then allow the company to put forth actionable plans. “Our deep expertise and success in these areas give confidence to all stakeholders,” he said. “In one of the more recent projects, we have collaborated with the University of Hawaii – Maui College [for the building] to become Net Zero, and we have achieved this in 2019. Globally, we have delivered over 26 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions reductions, which generated over USD 3.9 billion dollars in energy savings.”

The EPA estimates the implementation of an IAQ program has a ROI factor of 10 or more!

CMC Corp. Solutions @callcmc

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Empower sterilises its 79 plants and customer service centres Characterises initiative as a precautionary action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 By CCME Content Team

He clarified that the campaign is part of the intensive measures taken by all institutions and authorities in the country to provide highest level of protection and prevention to communities, in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization, taking into consideration the best international standards in this regard. Bin Shafar added that the sterilisation campaign covered the company’s plants, headquarters, customer service centres and staff accommodations, in order to protect the health and to maintain the wellness of employees and customers.

mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) sterilised its 79 plants and customer service centres across Dubai, using sustainable and eco-friendly methods, as a precautionary action to prevent the spread of Ahmad bin Shafar the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the utility said through a Press release. "We have harnessed all the resources available to support the preventive actions aimed at guaranteeing the health and safety of community and individuals,” said Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower. “This move demonstrates our commitment and solidarity to the efforts to get out of this crisis."

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Locally assembled units Vessel imported from Europe 500 liters to >10,000 liters/piece Stainless steel 316L & above grade (from Europe) W. P. 6.0 to 20.0 bar & T. P. 9.0 to 30 bar 4.0kW to >200kW (+220~400V / 50~60Hz / 1~3PH) (Dry as well as immersion type from Europe.) Rock wool or as per client's request (UAE) Stainless steel 316L or as per client's request (UAE) Locally assembled complying with DEWA or as per local authority Locally procured (UAE) Germs killing immersed device, antistratification pump, PHE compatibility, antivacuum valves, non-sacrificial electronic anode, external level indicator etc. Vessel with built in spiral or tube bundle or external PHE/HX. 5 years for vessel & 1 year for electrical item from commissioning date. 1,000 liters to 3,000 liters ex-stock (UAE) prior to sale. Professional team for back up 24/7. Ex-stock in UAE. Suitable for residential & commercial buildings.

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REGIONAL NEWS

Eurovent Middle East to host Data Centre Cooling virtual workshop Industry Association resumes its ‘HVACR Leadership Workshop’ series with a two-part live webinar By CCME Content Team

urovent Middle East will host a two-part live webinar on Data Centre Cooling on April 14 and 16. Announcing this through a Press release, the industry association added that the virtual event will signal the resumption of its ‘HVACR Leadership Workshop’ series. Explaining the virtual nature of the event, Eurovent said the COVID19 situation has not only forced businesses and events to resort to online alternatives for meetings but also has led to an acceleration of digitalisation and an increased demand for data centres to cope with an unprecedented surge in communication and data processing infrastructure. The safe operation of such infrastructure, Eurovent said, depends heavily on reliable and energyefficient cooling. The webinar, Eurovent said, will provide an overview of systems and technologies available to achieve safe and sustainable operations. Data Centres, Eurovent said, belong to strategic infrastructures with specific requirements to ensure protection of data and the continuous operation of a country’s critical systems, be it traffic guidance, energy distribution or telecommunications. As such, it is a necessity for data centre cooling systems to be exceptionally reliable whilst not interfering with data transmissions and to be energy efficient, in order to avoid an overload of national energy networks, Eurovent said. According to Eurovent, the webinar will see leading industry personalities elaborate on key technologies and strategies related to data centre cooling. The topics include: • Evolution of data centre cooling • High efficiency technologies for data centre air conditioning • Data centre cooling: Efficient and reliable with inverters • Important evaporative cooling opportunities in data centre cooling • Reducing costs in data centres with active front-end drives • IT cooling: testing and performance standards According to Eurovent, the webinar details are: • April 14, 10.30am-Noon (GST): Data Centre Cooling Part 1 • April 16, 10.30am-Noon (GST): Data Centre Cooling Part 2 Registration is free-of-charge via www.eurovent.me, Eurovent said, adding that registered attendees will receive the links with which they can log into the virtual platform, 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time.

April 2020

‘COVID-19 industry shutdown must exclude HVACR businesses’

Eurovent Middle East, along with the Eurovent Association and other industry organisations, speaks of severe consequences to critical infrastructure if the supply and servicing of HVACR equipment is halted in the bid to contain the disease

By CCME Content Team

urovent Middle East, along with other international industry organisations, has published a Position Paper to warn of severe consequences Brian Suggitt to critical infrastructure if the supply and servicing of HVACR equipment is halted in the bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. Eurovent made the announcement through a Press release, in the wake of several governments around the world having imposed shutdowns of non-essential businesses, as part of the COVID-19 mitigation measures. In some countries, the association noted, this includes manufacturers, suppliers and service professionals of HVACR equipment. According to the release, the Paper calls on governments around the world to include the HVACR industry in the list of essential businesses. The dependency on a global supply chain and requirements to adhere to strict standards and regulations expose markets to significant shortages in the supply of equipment that are much needed to ensure the safe operation of healthcare, cold chain and data centre facilities, if a coordinated approach towards this industry is not followed, Eurovent said. Brian Suggitt, President, Eurovent Middle East, said: “Governments currently imposing shutdowns on HVACR businesses need to keep in mind that this not only disrupts the supply chain in their own country but cuts off other countries and regions dependent on imports of essential products. This is especially true for developing countries around the world that do not have the capacity to sustain the functioning of vital, life-critical infrastructure without the necessary products.”

Emerson enters into seven-year agreement with SABIC Automation company to aid petrochemical manufacturer in adopting digital transformation programmes to optimise operations By CCME Content Team

merson has signed a seven-year agreement with Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) to help the petrochemical manufacturer adopt digital transformation programmes and optimise its operations, the company announced through a Press release. The release said that Emerson will leverage its Project Certainty and Operational Certainty programs, Plantweb digital ecosystem portfolio, software and analytics, and other automation technologies and services, including control systems, measurement instrumentation and

Isnaad launches disinfection and cleaning service

FM company highlights the use of Dubai Municipality-approved biocides By CCME Content Team

its final control portfolio to aid SABIC in achieving Top Quartile performance. Abdullah Al-Garni, General Manager, SABIC GPS, said, “As SABIC is continuously racing to enhance and move operations toward excellence, I’m happy and proud to establish such a strategic partnership with Emerson, which will definitely be a big part in this transformation journey.” Vidya Ramnath, President, Emerson Automation Solutions, Middle East and Africa, said, “We are pleased to collaborate and strengthen our relationship with SABIC through this strategic alliance and will

continue to build on our constructive cooperation in the Kingdom.” The release further added that the alliance supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by focusing on localisation, strategic partnerships and knowledge-transfer, as well as leveraging the strategic and operational capabilities of the organisations involved in achieving operational excellence. This alliance, the release said, targets value-creation through improved safety and reliability, as well as the creation of new business and revenue opportunities.

snaad, a subsidiary of Imdaad, has launched a new disinfection and cleaning service, the FM company announced through a Press release. The release further added that the comprehensive cleaning solution is fully certified by Dubai Municipality and helps to ensure a safe and germ-free environment at facilities throughout the UAE. Under this new service, Isnaad said it will introduce the use of Dubai Municipality-approved biocides. Standard cleaning processes, Isnaad said, physically remove visible dirt and grime from surfaces but may leave some germs behind, and can even result in cross-contamination by transferring germs from one surface to another. Meanwhile, disinfection successfully kills 99.99% of germs and viruses, preventing the spread of contagious Jamal Abdulla Lootah diseases and improving the health of clients, workers and the community, the release said. Jamal Abdulla Lootah, Group CEO, Imdaad, said: “The introduction of our new Disinfection and Cleaning Service brings cutting-edge disinfection techniques to the region, creating a safer and cleaner environment for all. We have worked closely with Dubai Municipality to ensure all processes and chemicals used are in full compliance with the strictest of regulations and deliver the best possible solution to our customers’ needs. We remain committed to exploring fresh avenues to further enhance our capabilities and provide a comprehensive spectrum of world-class FM services to the communities we serve.”

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Honeywell, HBMSU collaborate to enhance AI, ML in built-environment Company’s VP highlights value of advanced platforms in the context of energy efficiency By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

solutions, in order to drive optimisation oneywell Building and energy efficiency across its facility Technologies is and, as such, recognised the value that collaborating with Hamdan the Honeywell Forge Energy Optimization, Bin Mohammed Smart the company’s IoT-based platform, University (HBMSU) to further develop can contribute in this regard. The Forge and enhance Internet of Things platform, he explained, is a patented, (IoT) innovations related to Artificial cloud- based, closed-loop, machine Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning learning solution that continuously (ML) and Data Analytics for the built studies a building’s energy consumption environment, said George Bou Mitri, patterns and automatically Vice President and General adjusts to optimal energy-saving Manager, Honeywell Building settings without compromising Technologies, Middle East, occupant comfort levels. “It is Turkey and Africa. Through the first autonomous building this partnership, Mitri said, solution focused on decreasing Honeywell aims to support energy consumption, which energy and operational George Bou Mitri can deliver double-digit efficiencies of buildings in the energy savings, decrease a region, while communicating building’s carbon footprint, and can best practices for smart city development be implemented without significant and operations. “Honeywell’s upfront capital expenses or changes to a collaboration with HBMSU demonstrates building’s current operational processes,” the huge potential value of advanced said Mitri. IoT platforms in energy savings, while Mitri said that through this platform, directly supporting the government’s Honeywell successfully demonstrated commitment to energy reduction,” he an initial 10% energy savings. “This is said. “It aligns with the UAE’s Strategic significant, as the University’s buildings Vision and UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to were already highly smart and energy improve energy efficiency of individuals efficient,” he said. “The University was and corporations by 40% by 2050.” also looking for ways to implement Elaborating further on the and expose its students to the latest collaboration, Mitri said that HBMSU advancements in AI and ML technologies was looking for ways to utilise IoT

for buildings, and this collaboration does just that.” Mitri said that the platform was also applied to HBMSU’s existing building management system, which uses a third-party, non-Honeywell technology, which is supported by the platform’s open architecture and hardwareagnostic capabilities. Mitri said that under the partnership, Honeywell is also creating a platform to enable trainings, workshops, presentations, coaching sessions and demonstrations with the aim of providing insights on how AI and ML can be applied to improve the overall building experience. “As the University’s technology advisor for future smart city and building initiatives, HBMSU will also benefit from early testing and rollout of the very latest IoT-based solutions from Honeywell, driving further energy and operational efficiencies,” he said. Mitri emphasised that the collaboration also supports the Dubai Economic Zone Initiative, announced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, which aims to strengthen the Emirate's position as a regional centre for youth support and the development of education and concepts that rely on innovation and technology.

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April 2020

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www.climatecontroljournal.com is the answer to a longexpressed need for a Web site, which would cover individual regions around the world in a bid to provide exclusive news, interviews, case-studies, technical articles and feature articles that are of relevance to HVACR and allied industry professionals, who are either based in them or are contributing to them in terms of energy efficiency (from the perspectives of reducing emissions and total cost of ownership), good indoor environmental quality and reliability across residential, commercial and industrial projects. The Web site contains five region-specific portals: Africa Asia Europe Middle East The Americas

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April 2020

We aim to capitalise on our knowhow, says Tabreed District Cooling utility’s CEO discusses acquisition of 80% of Emaar Properties’ Downtown Dubai plants, and elaborates on how pioneering investment in technology and innovation has helped ensure reliability in the face of COVID-19efficiency By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

abreed’s acquisition of an 80% stake in Emaar Properties’ Downtown Dubai district cooling business has served as motivation for the district cooling utility to grow its business and advance the portfolio of its Bader Al Lamki operations, said its CEO, Bader Al Lamki. He highlighted the company’s long-standing experience in operating plants safely and with the highest efficiency. “With this transaction, we are now at 83 plants across six countries,” he said. “When I took charge of Tabreed, the mandate from the board was to capitalise on the knowhow and experience that Tabreed has and find avenues to grow the business. This is now the mega-deal we have been waiting for. It is a transformational leap and a landmark in Tabreed’s history, and this is happening in the biggest district cooling provider in the world, which is UAE. And within Dubai, it’s happening in the Downtown Area, where there are so many iconic developments, like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera. We are very proud to be part of the concession, providing cooling to these developments.” Elaborating on the driving force behind the newly minted partnership, Al Lamki said that the collaboration emerged, because Emaar was looking for a credible partner that can manage its district cooling plants. “Emaar,” he said, “which specialises in building beautiful and renowned real estate, was looking for a partner they can trust to operate the cooling part of their business, hence the conversation emerged.” Al Lamki added that Tabreed’s operations is expected to lead to a reduction of 180,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. “This is not an easy task,” he said. “But with our experience, technology, innovation and knowhow, we will be able to bring that value to Emaar, and this is one of the reasons they selected us.” Al Lamki said the scope of the agreement includes four plants, with three already in operation. “The fourth plant is under construction, as we speak, and it is likely to be completed around Q4 of this year,” he said. Al Lamki added that the company aims to leverage its knowhow from more than 22 years in operation and maintenance of different

kinds of plants to ensure that the fourth plant will have state-of-theart features, drawing from Tabreed’s wealth of knowledge. “We have unmanned plants, air-cooled, water-cooled and gas-driven plants, as well as plants that are also using seawater,” he pointed out. “We are also integrating AI and predictive planning for maintenance to avoid unnecessary shutdown. Given the data we have, we know when to service our plants, and our plants are optimised to ensure operational efficiency and use variable-frequency drives to optimise utilisation of electricity and reduce operating cost.” Al Lamki said that Tabreed also benefits from a number of collaborations with stakeholders, such as Mubadala and Engie. “With Engie, there has always been strong focus on technology and innovation, and the industry is evolving, too,” he said. “We have the opportunity to integrate those, and this is what we will do for this plant.” Al Lamki further added that Tabreed’s initial investment on innovative platforms and solutions is vital to ensure no downtime occurs, especially in view of the disruptions that have been caused by new regulations to protect the public from COVID-19. “Data is key,” he said. “And once you receive data and have the algorithms to be able to analyse the data, including the frequency, the differences in the operational matrix and the seasonability, as well of consumption, you can run your operations more efficiently,” he said. “And moreover, this has become handy with current, shortterm COVID-19 situation, and operating plants remotely ensures continuity.” Al Lamki explained that the team that developed this approach had divided the portfolio of plants into clusters, and within clusters there is a master plant with operators, some working on site, and others operating remotely. “This helps in optimising operations and not experiencing any interruption in services or any such inconveniences,” he said. “AI, data and processing and remote controlling of the plants are things that Tabreed has been pioneering on. We have been keeping an eye on the future and having open and constant dialogues with research centres, and when it comes to innovations that make operations safer and more reliable, we will be the first to implement.”

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Al Hamra slashes cooling charges by up to 20%

Ras Al Khaimah developer says the move is to support its residents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic ■ Bayti Homes in Al Hamra Village

By CCME Content Team

l Hamra has reduced cooling consumption charges in a bid to benefit the residents of the Bayti villas, The Royal Breeze Residences, The Marina Apartments, The Golf Apartments and Bab al Bahr Residences, the real estate developer serving the Northern Emirates said through a Press release. Al Hamra said that in light of the COVID19 pandemic, it is reducing the cooling consumption charges from 0.28 AED/kwh to 0.22 AED/kwh. Residents will see an estimated reduction of up to 20% in their cooling consumption charges, the developer said, adding that the rebate will be evident in all utility invoices issued from April 2020 onwards. Benoy Kurien, Group CEO, Al Hamra, said: “We have been diligently working towards upgrading our communities’ cooling infrastructure to optimise operations and ■ Al Hamra Village help our residents achieve additional savings on utility bills. With this reduction, residents’ chillers bills would be 9-20% lower than similar communities across the UAE. Further, we understand the predicament faced by all during the current crisis, and we are committed more than ever, to

Empower connects its district cooling networks in Dubai’s JVC and JVT areas

Will provide a cooling capacity of 260,000 RT in the area By CCME Content Team

April 2020

stand firmly by our valued partners to overcome this challenging situation together. We have taken all necessary measures and precautions to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and the health, wellbeing and comfort of our residents remain our top priority. We will continue to work in alignment with the government to safeguard public health and help ease the financial burden of our residents.” Al Hamra said that to fight the spread of COVID-19, it has established a COVID-19 Committee & Crisis Management Taskforce, which would ensure preparedness of the community, whereby disinfection teams are on standby and will be deployed in case of any emergency. Al Hamra said it has increased cleaning and sanitisation at all facilities and community areas. It added that to reduce exposure and face-to-face interactions, it has also temporarily closed common facilities like the beach, gyms, swimming pools, children’s play area, BBQ areas and party halls.

mirates Central Cooling ambitious strategic and growth plans Systems Corporation (Empower) to develop an advanced district cooling has expanded its district infrastructure in Dubai that provides cooling network in ‘Jumeirah uninterrupted services. Once complete, this Village’ by interconnecting two areas, will increase the distribution efficiency in the Jumeirah Village Circle both the communities, which and Jumeirah Village Triangle, will ultimately benefit Empower with a capacity of 260,000 customers in the area, it added. refrigeration tonnes (RT), According to the release, serving from the utility’s six works are currently underway as plants located in the area. per the plan, with the placing Making this announcement of a 350-metre-long new line to Ahmad bin Shafar through a Press release, link the district cooling network Empower added that the at Jumeirah Village Circle expansion will be reinforcing the position and Jumeirah Village Triangle, deploying of Empower’s network as one of the most through a tunnel, dug 14 metres deep efficient globally. under the Al Khail Street using a unique The new expansion plans, Empower technology that guarantees no physical said, are in line with the company’s damage to existing road infrastructure. As

UL, GCC labs inaugurate JV lab for Renewable energy tests and services The new entity aims to strengthen capabilities and certification within the RE segment in Saudi Arabia and across the region, UL says By CCME Content Team

U Hamid Syed

Eng Saleh Amri

L and GCC Electrical Testing Laboratories (GCC Labs) inaugurated their first joint-venture lab on March 22 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Minister of Energy, the former announced through a Press release. The new laboratory, Gulf Renewables Lab, aims to strengthen awareness, capabilities and certification within the renewable energy segment in Saudi Arabia and across the region, the release said. According to the release, the laboratory, which is located in Dammam’s third industrial city, spans 7,000 square metres and will provide more than 50 standardised tests of renewable energy systems, according to GCC region, Saudi and international

per the set schedule, the new network will be operational by April 2020, Empower said. Ahmad bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer, Empower, said: “We continue to expand our pipeline network to match the growth we are witnessing in the areas we cover in Dubai and the increase in the number of consumers and as per the district cooling plants developed throughout the emirate. Our professional team uses advanced technologies to carry out new interconnection network project that ensure that the task is accomplished without any service disruption to the existing network. We have been successful in finding smart solutions to the challenges we face when deploying new projects that has enabled us to carry out

specifications, the release said. The release added that the joint venture is designed to support the region’s renewable energy market by utilising the resources and knowledge of both entities. It includes the localisation of technologies and the sharing of experiences in testing and certifying renewable energy systems, the release said. Hamid Syed, VP and GM, UL, said: “This lab is the result of our commitment towards our customers to help them meet their renewable targets by offering a complete range of services via the new joint venture company. We are excited about developing new relationships through the extended client base. It is an important step in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and will contribute significantly towards localising manufacturing and services and promoting alternative

expansion works without causing any road damage or interrupting the road traffic. “Our future plans are focused on developing our infrastructure to meet the growing demand of sustainable and environmentally friendly district cooling services. Empower has extensive experience in the technical fields within the district cooling sector in the areas of design and supervision of chilled water piping network and in developing central stations for district cooling.”

energy applications suitable for the climatic conditions in the GCC countries.” Mahdi bin Nasser Al-Dossary, Chairman of the Board, GCC Labs, said, “The lab has succeeded in providing advanced services for major companies and authorities since its inception. UL is a key partner for us, and we appreciate their efforts, as their involvement was vital in accelerating the construction and operation of the new lab.” The Gulf Renewable Labs will play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and quality levels, facilitating research and innovation, training local talent and building a knowledge- and technologybased economy, the release said. Eng Saleh Amri, CEO, GCC Labs, expressed his gratitude for the support of His Highness the Minister of Energy. “This success,” he said, “could only have been achieved with the consistent backing of the Saudi government along with the collective efforts of GCC Labs and UL over the last few years.”

ASHRAE on aerosols: "Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of [HVAC] systems, can reduce airborne exposures."

Linsey Marr @linseymarr

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GLOBAL NEWS

Carrier becomes independent, publicly traded company Begins trading on New York Stock Exchange By CCME Content Team

arrier Global Corporation on April 3 debuted as an independent, publicly traded company after successfully completing its separation from United Technologies, the company announced through a Press release. Shares of Carrier, which provides building and refrigeration solutions, began “regular-way” trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at market open on April 3, under the symbol “CARR”, the company added. According to the release, Carrier, which provides products and services related to heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, and fire & security technologies, has an extensive global footprint with approximately 53,000 employees, offering solutions in more than 160 countries. Carrier said through the release that it has leading positions in critical segments, including North

■ Carrier's headquarters building in Florida

American residential HVAC, commercial HVAC equipment in major markets, global fire detection and suppression, global access controls for security systems, and refrigerated equipment for the North American and European truck trailer and container businesses.

“Against the backdrop of unprecedented global uncertainty, Carrier and its employees remain focused and continue to solve critical challenges – from improving indoor air quality, protecting the world’s food and pharmaceutical supply and keeping people safe and secure,” said Carrier President &

AHRI creates COVID-19 Mexico Advocacy Package for members Says it is working to ensure its members in the HVACR and water heating industry be deemed “essential” to prevent negative effects on the industry’s operations By CCME Content Team

s Mexican federal, state and local authorities consider new COVID-19 response policies, AHRI said it is working to ensure its members and the HVACR and water heating industry be deemed "essential" to prevent negative effects on the industry's operations. AHRI said through a Press release that its staff has created a Mexico Advocacy Package, which members can forward to their suppliers as needed. The Package, AHRI said, begins with a guide, which lists steps companies can follow to contact government authorities in Mexico. It also contains five documents, including template letters for members or their suppliers to personalise as appropriate. It is very important that letters or other communications from the industry be directed to the specific state and/or local jurisdictions

April 2020

in which members or their suppliers have operations, AHRI said. On March 31, Mexico published its emergency health decree (Spanish; English Google translation) in the Official Gazette, which AHRI informed members of in an International Alert the same day. AHRI said it is working with its partner organisations and with US government officials to determine if the March 31 decree supersedes the Mexican state actions mentioned in AHRI’s March 31 International Alert. AHRI said it will inform members if it receives definitive news on this point and has urged members to continue state/local advocacy efforts in the interim. Also, on March 31, AHRI co-signed a letter to the Mexican President with four other HVACR and water heating associations to advocate that the HVACR and water heating industry be deemed "essential."

CEO, Dave Gitlin. “I am honored to lead this fantastic company, and now, more than ever, I am incredibly proud of the perseverance and resiliency of our talented workforce. For more than a century, Carrier has been a symbol of excellence, and today, as a standalone company, we have defined our own strategy, vision, culture and priorities. We have an unmatched legacy and look forward to delivering sustainable long-term growth to our shareowners and other stakeholders.” According to the release, as an independent company, Carrier will have greater focus and enhanced agility based on its own distinct operating priorities and strategies for longterm growth and profitability, including strengthening and growing its core businesses,

extending its product range and geographical coverage, and expanding service and digital offerings. The company said it is wellpositioned with strong megatrends driving sustained industry growth, leading positions with significant installed base, a disciplined operating system, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. According to the release, Carrier will continue to contribute meaningfully to communities around the world through employee volunteerism and environmentally responsible operations, products and services. Carrier said its recent USD 3 million, threeyear donation to The Nature Conservancy will help cities better prepare for climate change and support the development of

online STEM education for children around the world, and is a testament to Carrier’s commitment to environmental leadership. “We are a world leader in providing energy-efficient solutions for buildings around the world,” Gitlin said. “We are deeply committed to driving a leadership position in sustainable solutions for the planet and for future generations. Strengthening our global community makes us a stronger company, creating shared value for our business and society. As a standalone company, we have the ability to leverage our legacy of industry leadership and sustainability to address the challenges of today and tomorrow while executing our vision and growth strategy.”

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ENGIE Refrigeration reorganises its heat pumps division Company concentrates production of CO2 hightemperature heat pumps at head office in Lindau By CCME Content Team

NGIE Refrigeration is reorganising its heat pump division, the company said through a Press release. Starting March 2020, the refrigeration and heating specialist will produce all the CO2 high-temperature heat pumps in its portfolio at its head office in Lindau on Lake Constance, it said. In the course of this process, the existing production site in Ottendorf-Okrilla, near Dresden, will be shut down, it added. “We have been producing chillers in Lindau for customers around the world for many years,” Jochen Hornung, CEO, ENGIE Refrigeration, said. “Our employees have extensive experience in the production of machines with a high performance range, and will now apply this expertise to the production of our CO2 high-temperature heat pumps.”

According to the release, ENGIE Refrigeration will now use its state-of-the-art plant and the logistics network established in Lindau to sell its heat pumps, as well, thereby raising synergies and further increasing efficiency in its production and distribution processes. With this decision, ENGIE Refrigeration said it has clearly achieved its strategic objective of adapting the high production standards of its entire product portfolio to its CO2 high-temperature heat pumps and, thereby, offering customers the best possible refrigeration and heating solutions. According to the release, the CO2 high-temperature heat pumps are an important component of the product and service portfolio at ENGIE Refrigeration. They can reach effective temperatures of up to 110 degrees Centigrade and are, therefore, used, for example, in the fields of heating, drying technology, and in the provision of heat in communal and industrial heating networks, ENGIE said. The heat pumps use the natural refrigerant CO2, which is assigned to safety group A1 for its low toxicity and low level of flammability, which means that flames do not spread, and is inexpensive to procure, ENGIE said. In addition, the refrigerant has a GWP (global warming potential) value of just 1 and, thus, has far lower effects on the earth’s atmosphere than traditional refrigerants, ENGIE added. When used in heat pumps, it contributes to the mission of ‘Zero Carbon Transition as a Service’, which the French ENGIE Group, the parent company of ENGIE Refrigeration, has set itself, ENGIE further added. To this effect, ENGIE Refrigeration plans to further expand its heat pump division at its site in Lindau on Lake Constance over the coming years. Hornung said, “We will overhaul the existing thermeco2 heat pumps over the course of 2020 and align them even further with current and future market requirements.

Camfil introduces Megalam EnerGuard

New range of HEPA/ULPA filtration technology ideal for cleanroom industry, says company By CCME Content Team

amfil on March 25 introduced the Megalam EnerGuard, which it described through a Press release as a major evolutionary advancement in HEPA/ULPA filtration technology. The Megalam EnerGuard, the company said, is designed and developed to provide high-quality air filtration and decrease the cost of operation in industries operating cleanrooms. Camfil said that in cleanrooms, ventilation costs can be as high as 80% of the operational cost, due to high fallout rate at installation and low energy savings. Ordinary HEPA filters, the company said, are often damaged in the process

April 2020

AHRI lauds state recognition of “Essential" status for HVACR and Water Heating industry Says Coronavirus highlights need for fully operational health and safety equipment By CCME Content Team

he Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) on March 27 expressed its appreciation to the 23 US states and the District of Columbia* that, thus far, have heeded the industry's call for "essential business" status during this health crisis. "These governors deserve the thanks of the manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers and technicians that are committed to continuing to keep the American people productive, healthy, and comfortable in these trying times," said AHRI President & CEO, Stephen Yurek. "Our industry is working overtime to ensure that lifesaving equipment remains available to all who need it." Last week, AHRI joined with nine other organisations, representing the HVACR and water heating equipment manufacturers, contractors, technicians, engineers, plumbers,

and sheet metal contractors in issuing a statement to governmental organisations grappling with Stephen Yurek travel and personal interaction restrictions designed to prevent the spread of infection. Those trade associations and membership societies representing North America's heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating industry had requested that federal, state, and local authorities grant "essential business" status to the HVACR and water heating industry. Organisations signing the statement included AHRI; the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA); the Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration

of transportation, installation or maintenance, owing to the fragile filter media. The existing HEPA filtration technology, the company said, offers a tough choice “between longer lifetime but fragility, or shorter lifetime but energy savings”. This leads to high total cost of ownership (TCO) that is associated with the set lifetime of the filter, the company said. The Megalam EnerGuard, the company said, makes the filter more robust, reliable and resistant to damage compared to traditional HEPA filters. Cleanroom industries, especially in Life Science, will be able to achieve a zero per cent installation failure rate during handling and operations along with longer life, consistency and optimal performance, the company said. Megalam EnerGuard, the company claimed, massively reduces the handling failure risk and protects the business from costs incurred due to accidental abuse during installation, maintenance and production. The construction, methodology and science used in developing Megalam EnerGuard, the company said, assures the lowest possible energy consumption compared to the traditional filters. With 30-50% energy savings, the company claimed, EnerGuard provides best HEPA filtration and a longer service life. The filter maintains low pressure drop and ensures long period of filter replacement, the company further claimed.

Distributors International (HARDI); the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA); North American Technician Excellence (NATE); the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC), the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA); the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI); ASHRAE; and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). In addition to the District of Columbia, the states that have accorded the industry “essential business” status are Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

This also makes sure that energy efficiency over the time will lead to reduced carbon emission and sustainable contribution to environmental footprint, the company said. In a 10-year lifecycle analysis, the company claimed, Megalam EnerGuard’s technology can achieve savings up to 50% in TCO, which is calculated based on initial cost, replacement cost, labour and disposal charges and energy consumption, compared to existing technologies. “Megalam EnerGuard is an accomplishment, as it addresses important customer necessities, along with providing high level of endurance,” said Lionel Savin, Global Clean Process Product Manager, Camfil. “Its advanced technology is reducing cost of operation and total cost of ownership significantly. EnerGuard is the biggest change cleanroom industry experts were looking for in decades.”

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GLOBAL NEWS

ASHRAE supports World Refrigeration Day 2020

Parker launches Microguard LR subHEPA

Society joins other bodies around the world in pledging support for the “Coolest Day of the Year”

12" final-stage filter meets air cleanliness demands of commercial and industrial environments, company says, adding its proprietary technology delivers 98.5% efficiency on 0.30 micron particulate

By CCME Content Team By CCME Content Team

SHRAE has joined with associations and societies around the world in pledging support for World Refrigeration Day 2020, on June 26, the Society said Darryl K Boyce through a Press release. Called the “Coolest Day of the Year”, World Refrigeration Day is an international awareness campaign created to raise the profile of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat-pump sector and focus attention on the significant role the industry and its technology play in modern life and society. This year’s theme will be Cold Chain 4 Life, ASHRAE. “Since 1904, ASHRAE’s contributions to refrigeration research and technology continue to advance the cold chain industry and benefit the public in profound ways,” said 2019-20 ASHRAE President Darryl K Boyce. “We are proud to partner with other global organizations to support World Refrigeration Day, in this its second year, as we celebrate refrigeration’s vital role to the modern world.” According to the release, participation is expected from prominent industry associations and societies, in dozens of countries, for a series of refrigerationrelated activities to support the day. Governmental officials have also joined in recognising the event, including issuing letters and statements of commendation. ASHRAE said its refrigeration webpage aligns with World Refrigeration Day by encouraging the expansion of refrigeration technology and its application. “Refrigeration and the cold chain are part of a growing, worldwide industry,” said Rajan Rajendran, Chair, ASHRAE’s Refrigeration Committee. “ASHRAE’s resources and the work of our members will continue to make a difference in improving the quality of life for people throughout the world.” For more information about World Refrigeration Day, visit worldrefrigerationday.org

April 2020

arker HVAC Filtration, a division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, has launched the Microguard LR low-resistance, 12" final-stage filter, which the company said provides sub-HEPA filtration performance, thanks to its next-generation N-Fuse technology. N-Fuse, Parker said through a Press release, incorporates three layers of a hybrid synthetic gradient-density treated media that delivers 98.5% efficiency on 0.30 micron particulate in ASHRAE and HEPA frame systems. The Microguard LR features the company’s patented embossed E-Pleat technology to effectively maintain filter geometry and spacing, the company claimed. “The Parker HVAC Filtration Division is continually investing in new technologies that will make improvements to indoor air quality while maximizing energy efficiency,” said Pam Henley, Marketing Manager at Parker HVAC Filtration. “These innovations align with our mission to advance HVAC filtration, increase productivity, and create healthier air.” Microguard LR filters, the company said, are ideal for air-handling unit (AHU) applications. Unlike traditional “separator-style” HEPA box filters, Microguard LR filters require no significant capital expenditures to upgrade existing HVAC mechanical systems required to achieve high levels of indoor air quality. They are often used in mist-collection systems for turning, milling and grinding machinery processes using soluble water and/or water-based cutting fluids, the company said. Additional markets that would benefit from Microguard LR filters, the company said, include automotive, cleanroom facilities, pharmaceutical/ biotechnology, hospitals and healthcare facilities, food and beverage processing, schools and universities, semiconductor fabrication, data centres, and industrial manufacturing. According to the release, product features and benefits of Microguard LR filters include: • Media pack that is fully sealed around the perimeter into the frame, preventing leakage and air bypass • Longer filter life and fewer changeouts with high dust-holding capacity • Standard 1/4" x 3/4" dove tail interlocking gasket installed on airleaving side of box and vertical side of header in single header frames • Rated air flow capacity to 2,000 CFM • Classified per UL 900 for flammability

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Control Strategy conference

Fire prevention, fire protechtion

10 June 2020 Dubai, UAE

OVERVIEW Fire Control Strategy Conference is a GCC region-centric fire prevention and fire protection conference that is timely and topical in nature. Through predominantly presenting case-studies and elaborating on issues that are at the crossroads, it offers an immersive experience to an audience largely comprising building and facility owners. It aims to inform, and calm and assuage them by sharing the possibility of a fit-for-purpose ecosystem of strategies, measures, technologies, vigilance and continuous improvement.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS SUPPORTING ASSOCIATION

STRATEGIC HVACR RECRUITMENT PARTNER

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GLOBAL NEWS

ASHRAE establishes Epidemic Task Force Says the initiative will streamline Society-wide effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; adds that members of ASHRAE’s Healthcare Facilities technical committee (TC 9.6) and Ventilation of Health Care Facilities committee have been working with ASHE to produce immediately implementable guidance to help hospitals cope with the rise in COVID-19 cases By CCME Content Team

SHRAE on March 31 announced a Society-wide effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide guidance on how to ensure that buildings are prepared for future epidemics. ASHRAE said in a Press release that the task force has been established to help deploy ASHRAE’s technical resources to address the challenges of the current pandemic and future epidemics, as it relates to the effects of heating, ventilation, and airconditioning systems on disease transmission in healthcare facilities, the workplace, home, public and recreational environments. The task force, ASHRAE said, will also provide recommendations for setting up temporary field hospitals in convention centres, arenas and indoor stadia to deal with surges. The primary role of the task force, ASHRAE said, is to maintain communication with members, industry partners, building owners, facility operators, government agencies and the general public. According to the release, specific responsibilities of the task force include: • Serving as a clearinghouse to review all technical questions and requests for technical guidance submitted to ASHRAE • Coordinating activities of ASHRAE’s internal resources • Partnering with and monitoring the activities of external organisations, including the more than 60 members of the ASHRAE Associate Society Alliance (AASA) of organisations related to the HVAC&R industry around the world • Reviewing, organising, consolidating and publishing clear and concise summaries with citations of the most relevant information available to the built-environment According to the release, 2013-14 ASHRAE Presidential Member William Bahnfleth, will chair the task force. “We have assembled an outstanding group of experts to serve on the task force,” Bahnfleth said. “They are highlevel building professionals with collective

April 2020

experience in design, construction, operations and research, who are well qualified to offer guidance on how William Bahnfleth to protect building occupants and support healthcare facility needs during the uncertainty of an epidemic.” According to the release, leading experts in medicine and public health will serve as consultants to the task force. Members of the task force are as follows: Voting Members: • William Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Chair, ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force • Max Sherman, Ph.D., ASHRAE Environmental Health Committee • Luke Leung, P.E., ASHRAE Environmental Health Committee • Stephanie Taylor, M.D., ASHRAE Environmental Health Committee • Jason DeGraw, Ph.D., ASHRAE Technical Committee 2.10, Resilience and Security • Traci Hanegan, P.E., ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.6, Healthcare Facilities • Steve Martin, Ph.D., P.E., National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) • Richard Hermans, P.E., ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities • James Ridenhour, P.E., Consultant Corresponding/Nonvoting Members • Walid Chakroun, Ph.D., ASHRAE Government Affairs Committee • Wade Conlan, P.E., ASHRAE Environmental Health Committee • Dennis Knight, P.E., ASHRAE Board of Directors • Jay Kohler, P.E., chair, ASHRAE Technical Activities Committee • Wayne Stoppelmoor, CEM, chair, ASHRAE Standards Committee Bahnfleth said: “ASHRAE is a global, grassroots organization of more than 57,000 members in 130 countries, so we

have boots on the ground around the world. Our members and chapters take the initiative to help wherever they are and are already addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. That is also true of our technical and standards committees. When called upon by circumstances to assist in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, they act within their spheres of competence to do whatever they can to help.” According to the release, members of ASHRAE’s Healthcare Facilities technical committee (TC 9.6) and ANSI/ASHRAE/ ASHE Standard 170-2017 -- Ventilation of Health Care Facilities committee have been working with members of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) to produce guidance that can be implemented immediately to help hospitals and clinics cope with the increasing volume of COVID-19 cases. Standard 170, ASHRAE said through the release, already has had a beneficial impact by providing guidance for the design of existing infection isolation, intensive care and critical-care rooms in countries that have been most severely affected by this virus. An extensive presentation has been prepared and is being presented to various groups and organisations, including ASHRAE chapters. The presentation includes guidance on how to create additional observation/segregation rooms for a small-scale admission surge as well as the establishment of wards/suites for a large-scale surge. ASHRAE said questions and requests for technical guidance and interpretations should be submitted to the following email address: COVID-19@ashrae.org. For more information on the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, including resources and updates, ASHRAE has recommended visiting the ASHRAE COVID-19 Preparedness Resources webpage at ashrae. org/COVID19.

Belimo releases new airflow measurement and control actuators The devices comes with digital communications for rotary, linear and induct applications By CCME Content Team

elimo released new standalone airflow measurement and control actuators, the company said through an April 7 Press release. The devices come with digital communications for rotary, linear and induct applications, the company said. Select actuators have pressureindependent control characteristics combined with an integrated differential pressure sensor to calculate and deliver designed flow, regardless of pressure fluctuations in the system, Belimo added. According to Belimo, the actuators communicate directly with the Building Automation System (BAS), using BACnet, Modbus or MP-Bus. Select models, Belimo said, offer Near Field Communication (NFC) for quick programming, commissioning and troubleshooting, leading to optimal system performance. Belimo said the actuators,

with industry-standard digital communications, represent the perfect solution for integration in constant or variable air volume systems, or openloop applications. "NFC and the Belimo Assistant App make it quick and easy for contractors and facility managers to commission, diagnose and troubleshoot this series of damper actuators," said Howard Smith, Belimo Product Manager. "Once VAV box parameters are known or measured, the system can be set up and calibrated simply by holding a phone up to the actuator.â&#x20AC;?

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Co-located event:

IT in HVAC 4th edition

Showcasing the best of digital solutions for the building industry

How Digital Dubai can resolve disputes, smoothen stakeholder engagement

15 September 2020, Dubai, UAE The Client, Consultant, Contractor Conference builds on past editions and follows an iterative process in ensuring the narrative is moved closer than ever to resolving outstanding issues.

The Client Consultant Contractor Conference (4th edition) How Digital Dubai can resolve disputes, smoothen stakeholder engagement The conference will explore the digital tools available on the Dubai landscape, including cutting-edge solutions, which Dubai has welcomed as a testbed of innovation. It will speak the language of ‘dashboards’ for better monitoring and transparency and will identify touchpoints, which can give clarity to the overall market. Central to the discussions will be tools like BIM, BMS, blockchain, IoT and artificial intelligence. They will provide the context to the discussions and drive the narrative towards a set of outcomes, insights and recommendations aimed at greater energy efficiency, optimising water use and improving indoor air quality.

Bronze Sponsor

IT in HVAC ‘IT in HVAC’ is a pavilion-formatted forum for digital solutions providers to showcase their products in a highly specialised conference that is viewed as compelling and attractive by a strong eco-system of general consultants & contractors, MEP consultants & contractors, project managers, architects, master developers, developers, government agencies, sectoral building owners, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, testing & commissioning firms, legal firms and FM companies. The conference is attractive to people in such positions as Chairpersons, CIOs, CEOs, CFOs and Directors.

Strategic HVACR Recruitment Partner

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10 TH MIDDLE EAST COLD CHAIN FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE 28 September 2020 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia PRODUCED BY

‘The inﬂuence and importance of culture, ethos, consumer expectations, behaviour, regulations and enforcement on a nation’s food safety and quality assurance eco-system’

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

OVERVIEW Allied to the milestone Saudi Vision 2030, food safety is seen as a vital cog in nation-building in the Kingdom. Dr. Hisham Bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), while unveiling the regulatory body’s third annual strategic plan (2018-2022), which lays out the SFDA’s vision and strategic priorities for addressing the challenges it faces as the regulator of the food, drugs and medical devices sectors, said, “We are continuing on our journey to become a leading international regulator responsible, for protecting the community and promoting access to safe products through sound regulations and effective controls.” On January 19, 2020, the SFDA and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of food safety standards and information exchange. The MoU signalled deep intent and yet another step in further strengthening food safety in the Kingdom towards the objective of providing a healthy environment for citizens, residents and tourists. Broadly speaking, the significant strides being taken by the Saudi Government to promote food safety is a deep source of encouragement for conducting the 10th anniversary edition of Food Chain in the Kingdom. Food Chain is based on the premise that the downstream aspects of the food cold chain, along with the upstream and midstream, consisting of pre-cooling facilities, distribution hubs, cold storage warehouses and the ubiquitous transport refrigeration services, could be strengthened through structured and well-defined FSQA (food safety and quality assurance) programmes, better specialised refrigeration consultancy and contracting practices and also through enhancing the regulation and enforcement frameworks. Food Chain brings together: • Sectoral end-users (hospitality, healthcare, education, oil & gas, aviation, etc.) • Food manufacturers, food processors • Large-, medium- and small-sized farms • Food establishments (wholesalers, hypermarkets, supermarkets, etc.) • 3PL cold storage warehousing companies

• • • • • • •

Dedicated warehouses (large, medium and small) Transport refrigeration (body-building, condensing unit and fleet management) experts Transport leasing companies Government regulators, Contractors (general and specialised in refrigeration) Consultants (general and specialised in refrigeration) Technology solutions providers (manufacturers and suppliers)

The above stakeholders have an opportunity to engage in macro- and micro-discussions that could bring solutions for better transport refrigeration, cold storage design, construction, and operation & maintenance and, at the downstream level, sophisticated FSQA programmes that are comprehensively implemented and monitored for optimal performance.

SPEAKERS (SO FAR)

Brent Melvin CEO, Gallega Global Logistics

Bjorn Ostbye Project Development Manager, Lulu Group International (TBC)

Richard Sprenger Chairman & food safety expert, Highfield ABC MEA

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THE 9TH ANNUAL MIDDLE EAST

CONFERENCE 14 October 2020 Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

OVERVIEW An understanding of the direction of SEEP points to a situation tailormade for the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) industry, which has repeatedly and stridently stated its energy-performance credentials in the region and elsewhere. In other words, the Kingdom offers a wealth of opportunities to VRF stakeholders, particularly manufacturers and suppliers. This is motivation enough to conduct the 9th edition of the Middle East Variable Refrigerant Flow Conference in the Kingdom.

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6 19 October 2020 Kuwait City, Kuwait

Sandstorms are a regular occurrence in the GCC region, more so in Kuwait. The 6th edition of the World IEQ Forum will take place against the backdrop of growing concerns over the deleterious effects of sandstorms, dust, humidity and particulate matter from emissions and other sources. A key objective of the Forum is to find lasting solutions to the demand for clean air through inviting regional and global experts and visionaries and engaging them in in-depth discussions. Another objective of the Forum is to host a display of the latest and cutting-edge technological solutions and services, capable of ushering in transformation for the better in the build-environment.

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4th edition 05 November 2020 | Arlington, Virginia, USA

OVERVIEW Building codes and policy frameworks have compelled and motivated manufacturers of refrigerants to look for alternative solutions to those in circulation, with an eye on lower GWP, greater energy efficiency and, equally crucial, zero flammability, as mandated by building codes, and growing global reluctance among contractors to accept even mildly flammable options. The fourth edition of Refrigerants Review will examine the refrigerants emerging in the landscape and will foster discussions involving government bodies, building owners, consultants and contractors on how to time a switchover to a refrigerant that will have longevity as its hallmark.

WHAT IS REFRIGERANTS REVIEW? Refrigerants Review is an immersive discussion on refrigerants that engages policy makers, regulators, scientists, technology solutions providers, service providers and end-users. To date, this unique conference platform has brought together international stakeholders on three occasions to discuss broad issues, including the assessment of refrigerants, keeping in mind such factors as health & safety, energy efficiency, Global Warming Potential (GWP), Ozone-Depleting Potential (ODP) and Lifecycle Climate Performance (LCCP). Past speakers have included representatives or past representatives from: • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) • Office of Environmental Policy, US Department of State • Alternatives and Emissions Branch, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD) • International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) • Interpol • Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP), Montreal Protocol • Environmental Investigation Agency, USA • World Customs Organisation

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10th ANNUAL CLIMATE CONTROL

AWARDS 2020 24 November | Dubai, UAE

Widely called the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oscars of the HVACR Industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the objective of the black-tie, gala dinner event is to recognise merit across the various disciplines of the HVACR industry and to raise the bar on building performance, cold chain and fire safety, to name three. To achieve the objective, CPI Industry enlists the services of seasoned HVACR and other relevant domainspecific professionals as judges and of a third-party certification agency to evaluate companies under several categories. Into its 10th year, the Awards exercise serves as an objective and accurate barometer of the industry.

www.climatecontrolawards.com

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There is STRENGTH inNUMBERSâ&#x20AC;Ś >7,000,000 residential and commercial products on the AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance

>330 member companies

>40 certification programs

>100 standards and technical guidelines

>3,000 annual certification tests

>1,100

licensees from 36 countries

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment across the globe. AHRI is the source for equipment performance standards, certification programs, information, and turnkey solutions that facilitate regulatory compliance and support energy efficiency. Learn more about AHRI online at ahrinet.org.

April 2020