CCME June 2019

market feature: compressors

June 2019

chill supPlement Key perspectives from stakeholders in District Cooling

Interviews

Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool, leads the expression of views on trends in District Cooling

Companies like petra, alessa and Zamil will be in aHri Committees James K Walters Vice President, International Affairs, AHRI

ExistEntial quEstions Fouad Younan Managing Director DC PRO Engineering

‘Quality maintenance key to extending lifecycle of District Cooling assets’ Eflochem, a member of the Concorde-Corodex Group

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15 SEPTEMBER 2019 FALCON BALLROOM, LE MERIDIEN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, DUBAI, UAE

THE POLICIES AND TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN HELP REDUCE PRIMARY ENERGY USE BY 70% ABOUT DC DIALOGUE

DC Dialogue is produced by CPI Industry, publishers of Climate Control Middle East magazine and CHILL supplement on District Cooling. The conference, the first-ever regionally produced platform dedicated to District Cooling in the Middle East, is an immersive experience that democratically gives voice to multiple stakeholders on all issues of concern towards the progress of District Energy in the Middle East region.

SPEAKERS (CONFIRMED SO FAR)

Fares Ahmad General Manager, Emaar District Cooling

George Berbari CEO, DC PRO Engineering; Author, The Energy Budget

Ken Currie Managing Director, DOMIKO District Cooling Advisory Services

Amal Hamadeh Project Manager - Demand Side Management, UAE Ministry of Energy

Mansour Kharoub Associate Principal - Mech Engineering Services, Khatib & Alami

Timothy McLaren Senior Commercial Contracts Engineer, Ramboll

Adib Moubadder CEO, Emicool

Sriram Nagarajan Senior Manager, Voltas Limited

Faisal Rashid DirectorDemand Side Management, Supreme Council of Energy

Balachandran Senthilraj Vice President Engineering & Projects Southern General Contracting & Real Estate LLC

Hassan Younes Director & Partner, Griffin Consultants; President-Elect, ASHRAE Falcon Chapter

Eid Mohammed Senior Mechanical Engineer, UAE Ministry of Infrastructure Development

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A CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

08 Companies like petra, alessa and Zamil will be in aHri Committees James K Walters, Vice President, International Affairs, AHRI

17

Revisiting vFD RetRoFits FoR centRiFugal chilleRs Dan Mizesko, Managing Partner, Al Shirawi US Chiller Services

Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool

22

compressors GETTING TO THE heart of the matter With mixed reactions on the trajectory the compressors market is taking, industry representatives give their take on the technological advancements in the sector and renew their call for better regulation

ExistEntial quEstions

regulars

June 2019

Government of #Canada invests in cleaner energy system for the National Capital Region #CleanEnergy #DistrictEnergy David McGimpsey @DTM1993

Fouad Younan, Managing Director DC PRO Engineering

28 ‘Quality maintenance key to extending lifecycle of District Cooling assets’

to give carbon 06 eDItor'S note Time trading another shot?

24

FEATURE

12

The importance of 'load print' in getting a true measure of consumption

EfloChem, a member of the Concorde-Corodex Group, on how investing in maintenance is key to extending the life of District Cooling plants

4

30

18

interviews

MARKET FEATURE

page

TRACKING THE DISTRICT COOLING INDUSTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

LicenCe to Chill

vol. 14 no. 06  JUNE 2019

addrEssing pain points in district cooling Ronak Monga, Business Development Manager, HVAC, Grundfos

34 Regional News 54 Global News

June 2019

5

EDITOR’S NOTE

Time to give carbon trading another shot?

T

Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

MARKET FEATURE: COMPRESSORS

June 2019

chill supPlement Key perspectives from stakeholders in District Cooling

Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early!

Interviews

Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool, leads the expression of views on trends in District Cooling

Companies like petra, alessa and Zamil will be in aHri Committees James K Walters Vice President, International Affairs, AHRI

ExistEntial quEstions Fouad Younan Managing Director DC PRO Engineering

‘Quality maintenance key to extending lifecycle of District Cooling assets’ Eflochem, a member of the Concorde-Corodex Group

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Visit our website: climatecontrolme.com/digital Also available at

he system of carbon trading was established many years ago with the formation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Kyoto Protocol. Policymakers that gathered at the meeting agreed on a system of imposing caps on greenhouse gas emissions on developed nations that had ratified the Protocol. As per the system, the countries in question were given a target of reducing their emissions to below 1990 levels by the year 2012, and for this they could buy carbon credits from those countries that had surplus emissions allowances.

This system percolated to businesses. Those that found it hard or quite impossible to comply with the targets could purchase credits from those that had invested in wind, solar, geothermal or forest afforestation projects, to offset their emissions. It was envisaged that the sellers would invest the money earned in more such offset projects, thus creating a self-sufficient ecosystem – a circular system of sorts.

The price of carbon credits dropped, though, making the system unappealing for investors to undertake offset projects. And many countries reneged on their commitment.

Cut to 2019, and a revival of sorts seems to be underway, though more at a city level.

The New York City-based Urban Green Council is leading the way with an initiative, by which it wants to share recommendations for a workable carbon trading model in the city.

The announcement of the initiative comes in the wake of a move by the City Council.

In April, the City Council introduced what has come to be called the Climate Mobilization Act. The Act stipulates that buildings that are 25,000 square feet or above will need to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2030.

The target is a formidable one, and building owners face the prospect of high costs in retrofitting their buildings for greater energy efficiency. John Mandyck, the CEO of the Urban Green Council, estimates the costs to run in the “many billions of dollars”. And this is where a carbon trading model could possibly lower daunting expenses and present a viable financial approach to mitigating climate change.

Only time will tell if the initiative proposed by Mandyck and team – which has financial motivation at its core – will find popular appeal, with all questions answered that would subvert any possible derailment of efforts and momentum. If it gains ground, though, nothing could be better news for city-level sustainable development goals. And it would be splendid if cities the world over took a close, hard look at the model by way of assessing feasibility, as a precursor to adopting it.

Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé | fred@cpi-industry.com

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While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

Founder, CPI Media Group Dominic De Sousa (1959-2015)

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June 2019

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Over the next ďŹ ve years, Emicool will be recognized as an industry leader serving over 40,000 satisďŹ ed customers and energizing over 500,000 TRs

June 2019

7

James K Walters, AHRI

Errata The following is a repeat of an interview that appeared in the May 2019 issue of Climate Control Middle East. The earlier version featured some inadvertent errors, and the magazine deemed it fair that the interview be published once again.

It is the constant endeavour of the magazine to accurately represent news, insights and opinions. In that regard, the errors are regretted.

Sincerely, Editor, Climate Control Middle East

Companies like Petra, Alessa and Zamil will be in AHRI committees

AHRI has over 300 members, and those companies produce 70% of the world’s air conditioning equipment, says James K Walters, Vice President, International Affairs, AHRI, to Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East, as he elaborates on the direction the certification body has set for itself to take, including unprecedentedly enabling companies outside the United States to be involved in committee discussions and voting exercises. Excerpts…

W

hat are you doing to engage more closely with the industry and its needs?

In the 1950s, AHRI had one standard, and it had to do with unitary equipment. Today, we have over a 100 standards. We have 350 members, and we have over 40 committees, and each committee was called a section, and each section was a product type, be it unitary chiller or air handler. As the industry matured and developed, there were new sections added, because there was new equipment.

At the top of the organisation, the staff was growing, and we had a Board of Directors, which grew, and it’s all been very good, but the Board of Directors decided in the last two years that in order to keep AHRI agile, in order to properly hear and give a voice to an industry that has undergone

8

June 2019

great changes, we needed to reorganise how we did business, so that our process did not impede, going forward, having co-operation and being effective. So we’ve taken those 40 product sections, if you will, and are moving into four categories in air conditioning, heating, cooling and unitary applications, and each one of those sectors is still responsible for developing standards, certification programmes and technical work, but on an increasingly inter-disciplinary basis, where the related other sections are all in the same room, as opposed to having one meeting to another, sequentially, which you can’t do.

So, you put them in the room together, and on top of that, our leadership councils for each of those four. The leadership councils are business leaders, who will help the sector shape the priorities, so it’s a combination of developers and is intended to integrate more smoothly the understanding of our members and our own strategic and business goals and to be able to support them technically, politically and statistically with our programmes. So, we’re trying to close what we thought was becoming a long gap

between strategic thinking and the detail of doing the other work.

It’s a very big job, because literally 100s of volunteers from the company are involved.

We intend to finish this. In November 2018, the Board of Directors abolished itself and re-constituted itself as 15 members versus 72 members. And by November 2019, we intend to be operating along the new path. At the same time, the current Board of Directors is not saying, ‘In November (2019), we’re finished’; if something isn’t working, we’ll make it work. We will change what has to be changed, because the Board and members understand that they are undertaking a substantial re-organisation in terms of structure. And there are many things done in our first effort that need to be refined, and to me, that is very important, because I’ve certainly been through many re-organisations, and historically there’s going to be re-organisation, when the re-organisation is finished. In our case, we’re ready to say, ‘That’s it, but if things are still not going well then we will change it’, which is a very healthy attitude, and I am very pleased

June 2019

9

James K Walters, AHRI

about it. I think the members are, too, and the members have been engaged, instead of having technical working groups that go on and on. They will be formed and dissolved once the project is done, so it’s less cost to the members.

We will have a refined mailing list, so you can imagine how many addresses we have with our current structure. So, our companies will be working to distribute things within their companies even more effectively than they do now. People will have more up-todate information. And from a global point of view, one change that I am very happy with is that we’ve changed our by-laws, according to which a company many not sell products in North America but can become a member of the AHRI, and serve and vote and comment and develop AHRI standards and certification programmes. In the Middle East, we have excellent companies, like Petra, Alessa and Zamil. All these companies no longer have to wait for what we say; they are going to have a chance to have their say, because they’re going to be on committees.

They’re going to be involved in voting. That’s quite an astonishing development!

MEPS have required that we ensured that AHRI’s programmes are relevant. Instead of developing a chapter here, we simply want people here or in China to be part of the group. Now, the concept for Aramena was to form our own organisation here, and that’s still a good concept, but I think it’s going to have to be altered from its original plans. In the meantime, as AHRI, we have taken a position that it’s not about forming chapters but about letting the people who were out there be here inside the organisation. Period! They are not colonies, and they should have direct participation, and that does not mean that we can’t go forward with some local organisation, but it’s not going to be an organisation that has a great deal of expertise and not have a place to express it.

When will you firmly unfurl this approach?

It’s in, and it’s done. I am talking with companies here. The thing I like about it is that the manufacturers here bring to the table experience, ideas and thoughts that may be unique to this area that we might not even know about. We can make a provision for those, as we always revise the programmes and the standards. That kind of input and their ability to vote for that or not to vote for that is an important development.

They can now say, ‘Now, wait a minute – it’s not going to work here.' That’s progress.

So, would you say you are respecting the fact that ambient conditions are different here, and so equipment need to be considered differently?

We are respecting the fact that our customers, despite the fact that they might not sell to North America, have a greater voice in choosing their own destiny with respect to our programme. There’s no other certification body that does that, and I think that this is a great step forward.

You announced Aramena with great fanfare some years ago? Whatever happened to it?

Aramena is a project, and the project is still a concept. Priorities relative to the migration to new refrigerants and the growth of

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June 2019

James K Walters

How do you read what Eurovent is trying to achieve here? They are using the word lobby, as in lobbying for the interest of the air conditioning industry here, so it’s one unified voice that would go to the government and would represent their concerns and their questions.

Do you see that as a different model and approach?

I think that having created the membership model, it will allow the development of a local voice here, and that has the strength of being part of a major organisation, as opposed to just the chapter. So, I think that it’s very interesting to see where the approach Eurovent is taking goes. We certainly expect as AHRI to be in a position to bring our whole resources to providing the industry here with a creative and a strong voice, and it is a very significant difference. We both are associations, and we have a very long and rich history with them. Anything that helps co-operation and opinion here is good. We think the companies

here will strongly benefit from being more in control of the tools of the trade, and the standardisation, certification and advocacy programmes. They won’t be isolated from the main branch; instead, they would be a part of the main body.

How is the work with SASO and ESMA progressing?

With SASO, we have developed programmes, where we have a very specific IT network with them. Equipment that’s been AHRIcertified arrives at their border, and the Society can quickly check the data that they have produced from testing the information.

They don’t have to ask us. We have created this IT box, where all the data is located, and I would hope in the future that we are going to provide the same kind of service to other groups.

We are in the process of reviewing the ESMA-proposed regulations. We have been working with ESMA for a long time, and we look forward to continuing to do that. AHRI believes strongly that it can serve as a neutral body. For example, we take no position on refrigerants, we are agnostic, and we don’t favour specific refrigerants. And we are in favour of MEPS. Energy efficiency is a huge area and larger as we move to the next level of refrigerants under our timeline. And some of them are more sensitive and that interferes with energy efficiency, so we are spending millions of dollars in research, and the information is going to be publically available. We are continuing our work on energy efficiency, and we want to be part of the system that allows a customer anywhere that buys any equipment to have the ability to meet the rules and regulations where it is being used. We have every interest in full disclosure, that’s why our website is public.

Is that able to address the vexing issue of misrepresentation of certification, do you believe?

I can say that I can presume so, but for it to help, we have to continue to well-inform regulators and consumers about the existence of the programme and that it’s open any time and that information should be shared. There is a common desire among our members to participate in our market at a level playing field, and that is important to the industry, and that is what motivates our programmes.

HAVE YOUR SAY! We welcome your views on the article.

Write to editor@cpi-industry.com

italian design

June 2019

11

ARKET FEATURE

Compressors

Getting to the

heart of the matter

With mixed reactions on the trajectory the compressors market is headed, industry representatives give their take on the technological advancements in the sector and renew their call for better regulation

By Ranjana Konatt | Features Writer

ohammed Qadri, Sales Manager, MENA, Danfoss, says that a portion of the compressors market, which belongs to the OEM sector, has been witnessing a steady drop in demand. Excluding the aftersales process, the market for compressors, widely characterised as the heart of any air conditioning or refrigeration system, ranges from approximately USD 140 million to USD 150 million. “If we take the aftersales process into account, the compressors market in the OEM sector can be estimated at USD 250 million,” he says.

Qadri says that a key factor influencing the market is the financial climate in the region. “The financial climate in the region is not steady,” Qadri says, and adds that this has led to a drop in the demand for compressors. Percentage-wise, Qadri says, the region is witnessing a 30% drop in annual demand for compressors, when compared to the years 2015 and 2016.

Adding to that Seeraj Rajan, Sales Manager, Ampex Engineering Services, says that the market is saturated. While the population has been increasing, he says, the demand seems to be decreasing.

Speaking specifically about the refrigeration market – and that, too, only in the UAE – Seeraj Rajan, Sales Manager, Ampex Engineering Services, says that the value has dropped. “Overall, when you compare the market to the last three

M

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June 2019

Mohammed Qadri

Seeraj Rajan years, the value has dropped,” he says. The year 2018 was a confused one, where the numbers were at an all-time low. But in comparison, he adds, 2019 has shown better prospects as compared to 2018.

Rajan’s reading of the market – as showing better prospects in 2019 – finds resonance with Anil Kumar, General Manager, Mustafa Sultan Electronics & Mustafa Sultan Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Services, who highlights a positive trend. Earlier, he says, people would repair their compressors locally. That trend, he adds, seems to be fading away. Instead, with the production

of rotary compressors, people tend to spend less time on repairing and are more likely to buy rotary compressors. “We see other improved factors in compressors today – in terms of energy efficiency, over-heating in compressors, and an improvement in the overall life-span of a compressor,” Kumar says. Lionel Audouy, Global Platform Director – Multi Cylinders, Tecumseh Products Company, says how his company is gaining momentum in the Middle East. He attributes the momentum to the company’s variablespeed technology and environmentally friendly refrigerants, combined with a wide product offering in the systems as well as in compressors, which he adds, are addressing the needs with regard to its application in the Middle East market.

Audouy adds that the latest in compressor technology is a connected platform technology. “It provides variablecapacity cooling, intelligent control, energy management and heat transfer,” he says.

Design engineers from OEM companies, he adds, use the company’s IntelliCOOL technology platform to develop commercial refrigeration systems that are compact, quiet and deliver superior performance.

Additionally, he says, systems that use variable-speed technology have optimised energy savings through an adaptive defrost and smart lighting control. They have optimised system performance through rapid temperature pull-down, connectivity and reliability through onboard communications and alarms, he says. “As more and more commercial refrigeration OEM companies in the Middle East develop their systems with

variable-speed compressors, contractors and end-users will greatly benefit from the technology in their day-to-day life,” he says.

Kumar points to the Internet of Things and highlights how it is also a key disruptor in the space. The microprocessor, for instance, he says is the next new thing that is being introduced. Customers today, he adds, are open to technological advancements and to technology, as long as they don’t have to pay more.

While the technological advances make for pleasing reading, a key factor that seems to be having an influence on the compressors market and its stakeholders is the looming 2028 deadline for Article 5 Group 2 companies to comply with the HFC phase-down in the GCC region. Elaborating on the action points in the post-Kigali scenario, Kumar says that any development or an improvement in product happens in phases. But one of the factors that suppliers and distributors cannot ignore is that each time there is a phase-out or a phase-down, the stocks purchased will remain at the dealer point and the warehouses of the distributor. “The stocks cannot be sold after the cut-off date,” Kumar says. “As a result, they will have to be destroyed.” Elaborating, he says that the distributor takes a hit each time a phase-out happens. “As a distributor, we have a limited role at the manufacturer level, and whenever the law is implemented, the compliance with the gas will definitely be the responsibility of the manufacturer,” he adds.

Rajan says the market needs a push with regard to the regulation of refrigerants.

Anil Kumar

Lionel Audouy “Regulations are pretty slow in the region,” he says. “HCFCs, such as R-22, are still available in the market, and we are yet to know the actual phase-out date for R-22 in the UAE; only then can we begin to think of the phase-out of HFCs.” A challenge, he says, is the ambient temperature and competition in the region. “Many new blended refrigerants have higher pressure and temperature glide,” Rajan says. “This makes operations complicated.” Qadri, too, highlights a challenge with regard to new refrigerants.

He says: “We really need some regulation. The industry, as a whole, needs to spend time testing and working on new refrigerants.” As the sales team, he says, our main concern is to be an active channel between OEMs and the technical team. “By having the right feedback and working to have the right solution, as a compressor manufacturer, we need to give our knowledge and information to the OEMs,” he says.

Additionally, a frequent phase-in and phase-out of refrigerants must be avoided.

Kumar says that when a refrigerant changes, everything has to change with it. When there is a phase-out, after the cut-off period, there should be a minimum one year cooling period for suppliers to clear their stocks, he says. “In addition, the product-wise approvals and certifications must be done by government agencies and must be done free of cost,” Kumar says. For every change in model, we have to go for a certification – it costs money, he says, and adds, it is a roadblock and can be mind-boggling, sometimes.

And then, there is the issue of drop-in refrigerants and compressor compatibility.

Elaborating on this, Qadri says: “Drop-in refrigerants are mainly for the replacement market, where you need to change the old compressor with a new one after failure.”

It depends on the old refrigerant and the new one, so we can drop in R-452b in R-410a with lesser efficiency for the unit, but you can’t use R-32. Audouy says that refrigerants are flammable and have significant thermodynamic modifications – they cannot be used as drop-ins. And as a compressor manufacturer, we recommend our customers replace and use new products. Rajan says that the temperature glide involving new-generation refrigerants can add pressure on the technician while handling these systems, as even a small amount of leakage can change the composition or the properties.

By way of citing additional challenges in the compressors market, Qadri says that fake and cheaper options of products in a price-oriented market constitute a major roadblock for progress. “This trend is not only in the region but also in Jordan, Egypt and in most markets today,” he says. But again, it all depends on the customer.

“With our company,” he says, “customers are loyal, as they are big brands, who care about their reputation.” In a priceoriented market, Qadri adds, the only differentiator is customer-awareness.

June 2019

13

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Securing the interests of multiple MEP stakeholders through strengthening the understanding on legal issues

30 SEPTEMBER 2019 DUBAI, UAE

3rd edition

OVERVIEW

T

he 3rd edition of The Client Consultant Contractor Conference will have a decidedly legal focus, in a bid to crack the code on contractual disagreements and payment delays. It will also examine the work of various industry associations as they attempt to take the lead in shaping a more predictable course of action that protects the interests of all stakeholders. The objective of the conference remains the same – strengthening the foundations for better building performance, be it to drive down indirect emissions, lower the total cost of ownership or enhance reliability of air conditioning systems and the indoor environmental quality.

SPEAKERS (CONFIRMED SO FAR)

Khaled Derhalli Regional Director, EFECO

Suresh Kumar General Manager, Voltas

Vasanth Kumar General Manager, IFMC Electromechanical Works LLC

Jeán van Loggerenberg Partner, CKR Consulting Engineers

Sekhar Reddy Head MEP - Meydan One Mall, MS Construction

Hassan Younes Director & Partner, Griffin Consultants

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ARKET FEATURE

Kumar echoes Qadri and says that low-cost compressors and copies of major brands often tend to mislead customers. “Customer awareness is essential, and when it comes to air conditioners, we hope that they are prudent,” he says.

Citing another challenge, Audouy points to the proliferation of refrigeration. “Players often recommend their own solutions, and we have on the market many solutions with very limited differences,” he says.

Compressors

As a compressor manufacturer, he says, each solution needs to be approved and must involve consumer resources. Our actions are to promote the best solutions for our customers and the market. Rajan highlights that the Middle East has always remained a good market for the refrigeration industry. He says that though there has been a slowdown, demand is expected in the coming years. Even retrofitting can be a good business in

the future, with regulations getting strict.

“Manufacturers and distributors like us,” he says, “will always be under pressure to maintain good quality at a reasonable price, hence securing payments.”

HAVE YOUR SAY! We welcome your views on the article.

Write to editor@cpi-industry.com

Hamon, integrated cooling and air quality solutions for a cleaner environment Hamon is a multinational Group with over 100 years experience in the design and supply of cooling technologies (wet and dry cooling) and air quality systems to the power industry, as well as other energy intensive sectors.

We engineer, manufacture, deliver and erect all cooling system types as well as dust, acid gas and NOx removal systems with over 50,000 references worldwide in all types of applications.

Our local teams are ready to support you on the specifications of the project, its implementation as well as the maintenance of the equipment.

HAMON COOLING TOWER COMPANY Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority Building 4W B-Block, Office 649 P.O. Box 293647 Phone number: +971 4 6091672 info.hctc@hamon.com www.hamon.com

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INTERVIEW

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In North America, contact: Kanika Saxena Our representative in North America T: +1 (905) 890 5031 E: kanika@cpi-industry.com

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In Saudi Arabia, contact: Numair Sami Alamdar Our representative in Saudi Arabia T: +966 566 565 965 E: numair@cpi-industry.com

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A CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

TRACKING THE DISTRICT COOLING INDUSTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

‘Quality maintenance key to extending lifecycle of District Cooling assets’ EfloChem, a member of the Concorde-Corodex Group, on how investing in maintenance is key to extending the life of District Cooling plants

INSIDE: The importance of 'load print' in getting a true measure of consumption

Existential questions

Addressing pain points in District Cooling

Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool

Fouad Younan, Managing Director, DC PRO Engineering

Ronak Monga, Business Development Manager, HVAC, Grundfos

June 2019

17

INTERVIEW

Dr Adib Moubadder, Emicool

The importance of

‘load print’ in getting a true measure of consumption

Dr Adib Moubadder, the CEO of Dubai-headquartered Emicool, in a free-wheeling interview with Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East. Excerpts…

esides your scope as a District Cooling provider of supplying chilled water, measuring consumption and billing customers, what are you doing to address the specific needs of the global community in the context of the outcome of discussions in Paris and Kigali?

B

Thank you for this question. It’s a debate in the market now, and it has a lot of dimensions, really – on how to synchronise your sustainable development initiatives and carbon emission initiatives with your core responsibilities. The implementation is a really challenging one.

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June 2019

In my opinion, policy-makers, after coming from initiatives, like the G8, should cascade down to a certain environmental authority, and this environmental authority, in turn, should pass the details further down to the people. When it comes to sustainable development-related initiatives, we are seeing a paradigm shift in the UAE, which is positive, but we are missing out on strict implementation measures.

In my view, implementation needs three major components to be successful. First of all, you have to support the mission of the companies that have initiatives relating to reducing carbon emissions.

You have to convince them how to move forward towards improvement, and there should be incentives. For instance, Local Order 27 was issued a few years back, and in response, we built thermal storage tanks in all our plants.

DEWA have

promised they will give peak and off-peak rates, and we are waiting for that to be implemented.

So, you build, and you end up increasing your capital cost. You are not getting the benefit of it, except by reducing the load of the chillers, because the tariff has not been changed. One of the major strategic pillars of Emicool is environmental impact, and research and development. We are really investing in R&D, but to cascade it down, if there is no initiative and you do not let the end user feel the changes, it would be really a strategy that has not been implemented.

To give you another example, there is talk of a carbon bank. There are many strategic approaches, but the implementation needs to be there, as well. First of all, we are not managing the timeframe of the implementation. We would like to have RSB to continue the line of thought and implement rules and guidelines. All of us agreed on it, and it took time, so time is an element that affects the implementation of any strategic approach.

But when you look at the entire region, the UAE is taking care of these initiatives and working towards implementation. We have the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. And Dubai wants to increase the penetration of District Cooling, and we would love to see District Cooling really moving towards a new era of development of growth.

June 2019

19

INTERVIEW

Dr Adib Moubadder, Emicool

A major challenge is that the customer is still not feeling the benefits of District Cooling. Could you please elaborate?

The master developer is reducing capex but is not sharing with the end-user, so this needs to be examined. There should be support of all authorities towards District Cooling, and urban planning must make District Cooling mandatory, as is the case in many European countries. The concept of District Heating is considered mandatory above a certain megawatt profile, to ensure there is capex reduction for the government authorities related to the generation of electricity, production of gas turbines or diesel. Without the new trends, the cost of doing so would be high, plus there is the potential of causing damage to the environment. We are seeing a drastic boom in energy generation, worldwide, and massive volumes of fuel are being burnt to generate electricity. We have to cut down on this, and District Cooling is one of the strategic pillars for doing so.

Are you working with master planners, architects and other upstream stakeholders in a collaborative manner to reduce heat load in buildings, so you are able to optimise the cost of constructing District Cooling schemes, which could, in turn, give cost benefits to customers?

To be honest, this issue is being discussed with many developers, but the master developer is being driven by the thoughts of his consultants. And to be honest, consultants in the UAE and in the Gulf region, in general, still believe they should take into consideration peak summer demand while designing. Now, peak summer demand happens only in July and August. If you get the data weather parameters from a reliable data source, we find this happens only a few hours in a year. Also, ASHRAE has a standard, which encourages you to go for a factor of safety, but this does not take into consideration the diversity benefits of District Cooling, and so in many cases, the building load is overdesigned to capacity.

At Emicool, we have a lot of initiatives to work on a dynamic load concept, which could help us arrive at an accurate figure.

To what extent are you using artificial intelligence in your District Cooling scheme?

We have advanced AI through our ERP system, and we now know exactly the factors of safety that have to be taken. And we are

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June 2019

able to measure consumption every four hours, which means we have real data. We simulate this real data to original selected load, which gives us what I call a ‘load print’.

It is totally different and unique – we believe it is different from the curve produced by consultants.

a syndrome, which could affect efficiency and damage all the sustainability initiatives you have built in the plant. The idea is that you need to generate chilled water with the lowest kilowatt – that’s the concept.

Once you have a Low Delta T Syndrome in a building, or a group of buildings, it has a massive repercussion at the plant.

So, you do impose a penalty?

Dr Adib Moubadder

By how much?

It depends on which month we are assessing and on the variability of the weather. So, if someone comes and tells you, it is 15, 20 or 30% at certain time of the year, we can’t be sure, because global warming, and the change it has brought about in the weather, no longer allows us to adopt a linear model.

We are seeing fluctuations in temperature.

Speaking of this year, we haven’t seen such cold or low temperatures in April and May maybe in the past five or six years. People take accumulated data for the month, so the demand has been reduced than any other year, which means customers also start buying into the concept of sustainability.

Returning to the question, there should be a sort of a dynamic load curve driven by experts in the market, which ought to be given to the government. So, when a person goes to Dubai Municipality for heat load, the question posed to him should be, ‘Is it for DC or not DC?’ If DC, he should be told to take a certain trend. That way, we can really shave the peak load, and we could give the enduser better results.

As a utility provider, what’s your response to the Low Delta T Syndrome? Do you penalise your customers if they don’t return the water at a certain specified temperature?

The Low Delta T penalty is clear, it’s a contractual right, and it is worldwide. It’s

We are a very customer-focused company.

The idea is not to penalise. We are always looking at the options to improve delta T, and we give a grace period, which I think has been computed up to three or four years, to ensure the customer has the right occupancy profile, because it is also unfair for low occupancy.

I’m trying to be customer-focused. Do you know we are the only company since inception that has not increased any of our tariffs. We haven’t increased any, except the consumption, which is correlated to DEWA escalation of rates. All other charges are steady.

With respect to Low Delta T, do you make any provisions for those customers who have undertaken energy-retrofit in their buildings?

The context, of course, is the emphasis the Government of Dubai is placing on retrofitting existing buildings.

Retrofit is crucial for the success of District Cooling, and it will reduce the load demand of a building. We have done a lot of initiatives towards this. We are doing R&D for special chillers, and within a very short duration, you would be able to sit with us and discuss the new concept, where we will be shaving the load.

But if the cooling load of a building comes down, the customer would not be returning the water at the specified temperature, yes? Isn’t that a conflict?

No, it is not. And that is the beauty of it.

It is a conflict if your building is not served

by District Cooling. As a utility, we don’t make too much profit on consumption – it’s minimal, and in certain cases, it is less than four per cent. Our objective is to reduce consumption, so that we can reduce our utility bill.

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21

INTERVIEW

Fouad Younan, DC PRO Engineering

Existential questions

Fouad Younan, the Managing Director of DC PRO Engineering, in this interview with Surendar Balakrishnan of Climate Control Middle East, raises critical questions, such as why MEP design of buildings is not being synchronised with District Cooling applications, and why we are not interconnecting the piping networks of District Cooling schemes of different projects to overcome idle capacity. In the answers, he adds, lie the possibility of strengthening the District Cooling industry in the GCC region and ensuring a sustainable future.

D

o you believe there is a need for change in the way the GCC region approaches District Cooling?

Absolutely, we simply cannot continue the way it’s been going on. There are many occasions where a tenant or a developer is shying away from District Cooling because of what has been happening in the past 10 years. People tend to forget about the benefits of District Cooling and think, ‘If charges are going to be high, I would rather be better of without District Cooling; it costs me less if I have my own AC.’ I’ve seen it many times, and I’ve heard it many times, and it’s happening because of the high charges and the penalties. These charges are making District Cooling a burden rather than something to help everybody save on electricity and help the environment, and so, that has to change.

There are many ways to lower the costs.

We have done many financial models and raised the point that, optimally, you need only one charge, which is the consumption charge, similar to electricity charges.

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June 2019

Not even the capacity charge?

Not even the capacity charge. The consumer thinks, if I’m using my AC, I will pay for it and if I switch it off then I shouldn’t. Just like with electricity.

If you switch on the light, you pay for it; if you don’t, you don’t pay for it. We need to find a way of eliminating the capacity charge from the District Cooling part.

There are many ways of doing so. Yes, you need to recover your capex cost, the installation cost, but if you look at the actual cost of the District cooling scheme, including the piping network, it’s a small percentage of the total development, right? And in the case of the piping network for example, it ought to be part of the infrastructure cost.

Along with the other utilities?

Yes, exactly! Why are we making the customer pay for the piping network? The piping network alone can reduce the demand charge considerably. And if you want to eliminate it completely, you can do so, for

example, by slightly increasing the price of the land in the beginning and putting the price of the capital cost required for the plantroom as part of the square metre or square foot, be it the land or the property itself. We found that it is a small percentage of the price of the total actual property.

There are many ways to work from that perspective, to at least reduce the capacity charge. I believe it has to be either reduced or eliminated.

Another area that we need to look into is the electricity utility, and what it is charging District Cooling companies. Simultaneously, we have to do something on our own, which means finding another source of energy.

Of course, solar is always the easiest and cheapest way of producing electricity.

Integrating solar with District Cooling is a must.

Gas is another area. Trigeneration should be an area of focus, if you want to reduce the consumption of primary energy.

This is something we have designed and implemented at DC PRO, so it is not wishful thinking. Even if gas is not available, we have done trigeneration with diesel and integrated it with solar as much as is possible, in order to save 60-70% on primary energy.

We cannot ignore these new technologies for use in District Cooling. The cost of living is so high, the economy is going through a challenging time, so alternative approaches cannot be ignored. We need to optimise costs.

Cooling service provider. So, it’s a win-win situation if you solve the issue. Low Delta T also means your plant efficiency suffers a lot. The service provider has to pay for the extra power consumption, the consumer pays Provided, it's done penalties, and the properly. pumping at the Of course. From an energy consumer side point of view, a standard increases, so that’s District Cooling project another extra hidden 10 years ago could save cost the consumer 40% of energy compared doesn’t know about. to standard air-cooled Low Delta T Syndrome systems. Today, when is something that has we can save up to 80% been ignored, and on primary energy with everybody is suffering different means, it’s more from it, because it of a necessity. hasn’t been taken care The new technologies of from the beginning. that are available should Fouad Younan The customer does not not be an option for realise that the internal people anymore. The MEP design and controls government has to join of his building has to be synchronised with hands with us and move forward.

District Cooling applications, and that is one of the main causes of the Low Delta T Let’s focus on Delta T. Is there a Syndrome. way out of the morass?

We are already charging on everything else – on demand, capacity, consumption, Which brings into focus the need connection. You cannot add more layers for specialised MEP consultants to these charges. Now, Delta T is another and MEP contractors to be problem, but we have to note that not all involved in the project, correct? the service providers are forcing Low Delta T Time and again, we have also seen penalties. instances relating to improper Low Delta T causes problems not only hydraulic balancing in District for the consumer but also for the District Cooling schemes, where the

The point is, 10 years ago I used to say District Cooling is not an option, it is a necessity. Now we’re saying, trigeneration is not an option anymore, it is a necessity.

problem is not necessarily with the equipment but with how they are installed.

Absolutely! It starts, like I said, with the design. The first problem is your load calculations. I can give you so many examples. Recently, a big development signed a contract with a service provider for 15,000 tonnes of refrigeration. They asked us to redo the load calculation, and that is when we found out that the actual need at even peak conditions was only 7,500 tonnes.

Which brings us to the lingering issue of idle capacity.

According to an estimate by DC PRO Engineering, in Dubai, you have over 3.3 million tonnes of planned capacities and over two million tonnes of installed and sold capacity. The actual peak is estimated a little more than half the installed capacity, so the rest is sitting idle. With all the installed and planned capacities if, hypothetically, we have a common piping network that connects all the service providers and all the District Cooling plants together, we at DC PRO anticipate that you would not need one extra tonne of cooling probably for the next 25 years.

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

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23

FEATURE

Ronak Monga, Grundfos

Addressing pain points in District Cooling Ronak Monga, Business Development Manager, HVAC, Grundfos, fleshes out the challenges that consultants, contractors, developers, manufacturers and tenants in the Middle East face in relation to District Cooling, and how regulation, better engineering practices and a holistic approach in the development of District Cooling models can break the existing mindset that serves as a barrier to more efficient and sustainable cooling practices

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

T

here are a number of engineering myths in the Middle East that serve as a barrier to greater adoption and more efficient implementation of District Cooling, says Ronak Monga, Business Development Manager, HVAC, Grundfos.

The most persistent myth, Monga says, and one that he finds particularly troubling is the misconception that “all pumps are created equal and efficiency above the limit is the same thing”.

District Cooling specifications require a certain level of efficiency, traditionally considered the highest in the market, he says, and common specifications ask for 85% efficiency on the pump. However, he stresses, little or no differentiation is made between a pump that offers 85.2% efficiency and one that offers 89.2% efficiency. “Because the client has approved the specifications, he has to accept both options, but that four per cent difference is not only a huge addition to his bill, it’s also a huge loss to our environment, from an efficiency point of view,” he says, “So, no, not all pumps are equal. Pumps need to run 24/7, 365 days a year. These are missioncritical pumps, so the quality, production process and technology all make a huge difference, especially on efficiency."

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June 2019

Cost aggravating complacency Monga believes the myth surrounding pumps is one of the many symptoms of a capex-driven approach found at times in the market, where the long-term financial payback of investing in high quality products takes a backseat.

Sharing challenges that manufacturers face in the region, Monga says that when dealing with contractors working against tight budgets, when the company pitches with high-efficiency products, adjustments are asked to be made to meet the budget criteria. Suppliers are then asked to provide products that meet minimum requirements, instead of more efficient products because of the higher price.

This capex-driven mindset is affecting the overall efficiency of District Cooling operations, Monga says, pointing out that stakeholders have a responsibility of encouraging contractors and consultants to focus on energy efficiency, especially in the global move towards more sustainable practices.

As such, Monga puts the spotlight on the valuable role specialised consultants play in ensuring the most efficient design of District Cooling networks, adding that there is a whole scope of consultancy services that focuses on improving design of new as well as existing buildings, largely

driven by standards, such as LEED, ASHRAE, and entities such as the US Green Building Council.

However, Monga says that well-meaning manufacturers face the same price pressures, and, thus, a number of building designs continue to get downgraded, as budgets get reduced for the sake of value engineering.

“It’s actually de-value engineering,” he says. “Value engineering is where you don’t compromise on your building while improving the quality of the products. We need to turn it around.”

Stringent deadlines leading to poor design and commisioning In addition to cost, Monga says, time constraints are affecting efficiency of District Cooling plants. Monga points out that for buildings in the Middle East, design to handover typically takes two years, a short period compared to the rest of the world, where a production cycle is typically 7-10 years. “If I am at a site for 7-10 years, I have ownership, and I want to get the best into this building,” he says. “But if my project cycle is two years, and I have 20 projects to design, I want to do it more efficiently. So, we see a lot of copy-and-pasting of specs from all over the world, and sometimes done in a way where you cannot understand if they were written in the 1980s, 1990s,

June 2019

25

FEATURE

Ronak Monga, Grundfos

2000s, or all three. This is something we work to eradicate in the market.”

Prevalence of outdated specs is a challenge to manufacturers, Monga says, especially since new, innovative and more efficient technology already have a hard time making inroads in the local market.

He explains that consultants hesitate to specify such products despite the added benefit they can provide to the project, because they don’t want to monopolise the project towards a particular vendor.

This is a source of frustration for Grundfos, he says, given that the company has invested time, money and resources to develop technologies designed to solve existing issues in the market. “It’s like getting penalised for innovation,” he says.

“Yes, we may be the only ones that can do this, but if it does it the best, then why not use it?” Monga says that often, manufacturers have to wait for the market to catch up and for consultants to take chances to adopt the product.

Overdesigning is another issue the industry must curb, says Monga, pointing out that many buildings in the region suffer from Low Delta T Syndrome. When buildings sign a contract with a District Cooling provider for a certain tonnage, he explains, the demand may not come into effect with immediate occupancy.

If a mall has 300 shops to rent out, but only 250 shops are occupied, the extra cooling for unoccupied shops are now part of overdesign, he says. “We should also realise they did not design the system for 300, they may have designed it for 350 or 400 shops to keep future expansion in mind,” Monga adds. “All of this leads to overdesigning, meaning the day you connect the building, until its running properly, you’re going to get Low Delta T.” Monga says that although there are mitigating strategies that can be implemented through better controls, the first step should be to address the issue during the design stage. “Even if you have a future expansion plan in mind, you should have it thoroughly investigated, whether the plan is going to happen or not,” he says, “because you may end up wasting a lot of money and draining it for all those years, until that plan comes into action. How you design your building up front, how you get those green consultants on board and how early you are doing it is important.”

Monga says time constraints also have a negative impact on the handover stages of the project. “Operating and

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June 2019

commissioning engineers already have a hard job,” he says, “and I don’t blame them for the poor commissioning that’s happening today – it is because of the timeline.” Typically, Monga says, there is a strict deadline to hand over an operating building to the client, who eagerly awaits completion of the project to reap the benefits of the investment. “The date of handover doesn’t change, but then there is the date when the contractor is supposed to compete construction and give it to commissioning engineers and operators to get the building into its running state.”

Often, Monga says, the date of construction gets pushed back, even though the date of handover remains the same. As such, the commissioning period in the middle is getting squeezed.

save energy. “If I live in a rented house where District Cooling has been forced on me, and I have to pay a bill whether I’m there for two days or 20 days, of course I’m going to lose the incentive.

However, if my bill fluctuates between AED 500 and 900 a month, based on consumption, I am aware, I can learn and that can be my motivation.”

Admittedly, Monga says, addressing the concerns of the tenant and the District Cooling provider is a balancing act. “I think in this whole transaction between the District Cooling provider and the user of the building, the building owner and the developer need to take an extra step,” he says. “If I am connecting my building to a District Cooling plant, can I give that advantage or part of that advantage to the people that will buy an apartment or live in my building? Also, we need to have some regulations on how we do the billing of these users.”

A balancing act

Ronak Monga

Implications for the enduser Monga says these inefficiencies all cascade to tenants, who are not benefiting from the savings that District Cooling should offer. “There are so many elements,” he says. “District Cooling providers say, ‘My operating cost is too high because of Low Delta T and because energy has become more expensive. I also have a big investment I made upfront into the project’.

But at the same time, a lot of users of District Cooling say, ‘My bills are too high, and I’m not happy about that’.”

Monga points out that every building owner handles District Cooling charges in a unique way. Some charge a fixed rate as part of the rent, he says, and in such cases, there is no incentive for the tenant to

Monga says regulation is vital to help move the District Cooling industry forward and that the UAE can learn a lot from international case studies, especially from the success stories in Denmark, where District Energy has achieved a penetration of up to 98%.

Regulations in Denmark are clear and have been applied and improved over the years, he says, as the country’s commitment to sustainability made it early adopters of sustainable solutions.

Additionally, Monga points out that in Denmark, District Heating is privately owned by companies and entities. “If I am living in a house, and I also own the District Energy plant supplying to it, I am motivated to improve both,” he says, “so end-user buy-in is something we should learn from them.”

Monga says another way to encourage adoption in the market is for land departments to give tax breaks to buildings that opt to be connected to District Cooling. “That could be one aspect,” he says, pointing out that in some cities in Denmark, houses that are connected to District Heating can have their registration fees waived. He adds that developers that have the advantage of not having to pay for chiller equipment or their maintenance and of being able to save space, could also pass on savings to the end-user by offering lower rents. “If a building is

connected to District Cooling, it could be AED 850 per square foot instead of AED 900 per square foot,” he says.

To encourage best engineering practices in the design and operation of plants, Monga recommends that clients impose a Delta T parameter to consultants and contractors before accepting a building. “If I’m a client, I could tell my consultant and contractor I will not accept the building until it has a Delta T of 8,” he says. “Nobody

says that. When I ask clients ‘Why’, they say they are too scared that the consultant and contractor will never deliver, and they will never get their building handed over.

Clients have to demand more. But at the same time, clients need to know that the best things take time and cost money, so there is a balancing act that has to be carried out.”

Monga believes that addressing these issues are absolutely crucial in ensuring

sustainability of a project, adding that the industry must reflect on how to make District Cooling a solution that is not only imposed and regulated but one that will benefit all stakeholders involved.

HAVE YOUR SAY! We welcome your views on the article.

Write to editor@cpi-industry.com

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27

INTERVIEW

EfloChem, Concorde-Corodex Group

‘Quality maintenance key to extending lifecycle of District Cooling assets’ EfloChem, a member of the Concorde-Corodex Group, discusses issues plaguing water systems of District Cooling plants, including on the need to invest in maintenance to extend lifecycle of assets, and on what utility providers must look for in water treatment providers. Excerpts…

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

H

ave concerted efforts to promote District Cooling in the UAE cultivated a demand for treated sewage effluent (TSE)? Has the company seen a significant uptake in TSE?

As the water demand of a plant is huge, and given the scarcity of water and the competitive cost of TSE water, when compared to municipal water, there is presently a trend of using TSE in District Cooling plants, which is ever increasing in the UAE. Compared to the past decade and even compared to the past couple of years, a large number of District Cooling plants have shifted to TSE, which is a good sign – that the industry has increased its focus on sustainability.

Could you speak on the implications of using polished TSE compared to raw TSE? Raw TSE has high amounts of contamination in the forms of bacteria/organic content, dissolved salts, dissolved gases and also heavy metals, which cause problems in upstream stages of a District Cooling plant. Polishing eliminates all of these

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June 2019

contaminants to a greater extent, and such water, expectedly, imparts lesser burden on the treatment programme.

A major setback with using raw water is that it causes rapid breeding of bacteria, which has serious health implications for humans.

Based on the company’s experience in the UAE, what are the most common problems plaguing water systems in District Cooling plants? How is this inhibiting optimal operation of plants?

The major problems water systems in District Cooling plants face are: ►► Scaling of calcium, magnesium, silicate and ferrous salts on the inner surfaces of water conduits.

This causes energy losses in the form of decreased heat transfer, operational difficulty in the form of decreased flow, and partial or complete blockage of system leading to its collapse. ►► Corrosion of the pipes and other metallic components, which occurs mainly due to improperly treated water and water with high microbial load.

►► Microbes and microbial slimes, which pose health hazard to operators and the surrounding population.

Conditions, such as growth and spread of Legionella bacteria, could create emergency health hazard situations.

Presence of any of these conditions impacts the operational efficiency, increases operational costs and creates an additional layer of disposal concerns. And if the problems remain untreated for long, the implications could be in the form of breakdown or collapse of components and, eventually, of the entire District Cooling system.

What is the level of interest among stakeholders in the UAE when it comes to investing in proper maintenance of District Cooling water systems?

A proper and timely maintenance scheme provides increased benefits of sustained efficiency and energy savings, in addition to reduced downtime. Stakeholders are more inclined to adopt a well-suited maintenance programme. Investment in maintenance has been increasing and is expected to rise more in the future due to stringent regulations.

Is enough being done to ensure best practices of water treatment in District Cooling plants in the UAE? How much of an impact can proper maintenance have on enhancing efficiency as well as extending the lifecycle of the assets? And what are the consequences of improper maintenance of water in cooling towers?

Since the UAE is a global marketplace, the water treatment industry has been interested in applying and adopting advanced technologies and sustainable, environmentfriendly solutions. As District Cooling plants cater to a greater population, District Cooling utility providers have consistently adopted best practices of water treatment to ensure sustainability.

A proper and better quality maintenance programme ensures that the District Cooling system runs at the highest efficiency possible and sustains the same for a longer period. Experience indicates that a perfectly maintained system meets the expected lifespan of the systems, and saves energy and cost. It eliminates sudden and unexpected shutdowns and saves costs associated with repair and replacement of components, usually the result of improper maintenance.

The major consequence of an improper maintenance scheme is that the system does not last its expected lifetime. Also, decreased efficiency, frequent shutdowns, increased power consumption and operational costs, corrosive damage and wear and tear of system components are some of the consequences and outcomes that need to be dealt with on a regular basis.

Even though initial investment is being made to have proper specialty chemicals, more effort is required to have a better quality and a more robust maintenance programme over the long run. Maximum and efficient utilisation of water is the main focus when designing a comprehensive chemical treatment programme, and efforts like Zero Discharge have been taken up to keep the water requirement to the minimum without compromising on the efficiency of the cooling plant.

to the quality of products, sustainability of the solutions being offered and Research & Development, which indicates that the water treatment provider is dependable when it comes to unique and critical concerns and that the quality of products/solutions will be of ever-increasing standards apart from being protected from future challenges of water treatment. Lastly, there should be a solid contingency plan in the event of a breakdown or shutdown.

In the current market, cost is the dominant factor involved in decisionmaking. A greater emphasis on cost leads the customer to adopt shortterm solutions, which appear to be cost-effective but will not be advantageous or sustainable in the long run. As a water treatment solutions provider, we are always under pressure when designing a suitable and comprehensive treatment programme, owing to this factor.

There is a lot of talk on the need for a more holistic approach to enhance efficiency of District Cooling plants. As a water treatment provider, would you like to collaborate and engage further with stakeholders in the design, operation and maintenance of District Cooling plants?

What should District Cooling utility providers look for in a water treatment provider?

Yes, we would love to collaborate with various stakeholders, as doing so would help us provide an optimal treatment programme. Better connection and engagement with operations will help to identify critical and novel issues encountered by the operations personnel. This will help to identify issues at the earliest and make the treatment quick and economical, as delays in adopting correct treatment procedures increase time and cost. This also helps to design new products or solutions to meet the current and future demands of the industry. Collaboration with maintenance will ensure a proper and on-time treatment.

Collaboration with stakeholders on the design will be beneficial, as doing so will give us an opportunity to provide design recommendations that would be beneficial for the operations in the long run.

Though cost is the major deciding factor, it can be arguably concluded that a single factor that can be looked for is the versatility of solutions offered by the water treatment provider. Utilities should also give importance

From what we understand, the company offers annual maintenance contracts for District cooling plants. Could you elaborate

on the range of solutions the company offers? Has there been a particular uptake for one type of service over the other?

EfloChem manufactures and supplies specialty chemicals for conditioning and treatment of water used by cooling systems, and oversees protection and maintenance of system components of District Cooling plants, like pipes, condensers, chillers and storage tanks. We offer manual and digital water testing kits to check all the water parameters and keep track of the water treatment programme. EfloChem also offers services such as the cleaning and passivation of HVAC components in District Cooling plants. We have a dedicated team for these jobs. Our service includes water testing and providing recommendation to the customers for further action based on the test results. Regarding the annual maintenance contracts, we also provide maintenance solutions to protect the systems from operational damage and to maintain the efficiency.

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

June 2019

29

Dan Mizesko is the Managing Partner of Al Shirawi US Chiller Services. He can be contacted at dan@uschillerservices.com.

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Revisiting VFD retrofits for centrifugal chillers It is important to take advantage of the massive energy savings to be had through controlling the motor’s speed – even over a fairly narrow range

Let’s assume the operating range for a chiller is 85-100% of capacity, and over the course of a year it averages out to 92%. Then, 0.92³ = 0.78, or 78% of the power the motor draws if it runs at 100% load. On a 1,000HP chiller that means the average power consumption over a year is 780HP x 746W/HP x 8,760 hours/1000, which equals 5,100,000kWh. At a purchase price of 10¢/kWh, that’s an annual power bill of $310,000. Without the drive, the motor must run unloaded (and you’re paying for it, anyway), or it must start and stop a lot (and the motor will be damaged). So, if the VFD can save you 1,000,000kWh a year, that’s USD 100,000 in savings. In short, a VFD is a very attractive investment, sometimes paying for itself in 12 months or less.

The application of VFDs to centrifugal chillers requires a control strategy that understands centrifugal chiller and VFD operation. Typical AHRI conditions are 44/54°F for chilled water and 85/ 95°F for condenser water temperatures. AHRI also specifies Integrated Part Load Values (IPLV), which take into consideration the part-load capacity operation of the centrifugal chillers with varying entering condenser water temperatures. One such standard used for centrifugal chillers is AHRI Standard 550/590-98, which must be adjusted for conditions in the GCC region.

Energy savings with a VFD on a centrifugal chiller Controlling two mechanics – the impeller tip speed and the inlet guide vanes – saves energy

ariable frequency drive (VFD) technology is not new to the HVAC industry. VFDs have been used extensively for airhandling units, fresh air fans, cooling tower fans and for chilled water, condenser water and make-up water pumps for many years now.

With state-of-the-art compressor technology and microprocessor-based control systems, manufacturers offer VFDs, specially designed for centrifugal chillers, and field retrofits, which allow substantial energy savings.

I visit so many chilled water plants that are not taking advantage of the

V

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massive energy savings they can achieve by retrofitting their constant-speed centrifugal chillers to VFD-controlled centrifugal chillers – and hence the compulsion to write this article.

The purpose of applying a VFD to a chiller is to save energy – simple as that. A chiller operated at less than full load, without variable speed, must load and unload repeatedly. This is not remarkably efficient.

It is possible to realise substantial power savings by controlling the motor’s speed – even over a fairly narrow range. The Affinity Laws state that for centrifugal loads like pumps, fans and chillers, flow is proportional to speed, motor torque is proportional to the square of the speed, and motor power is proportional to the cube of the speed.

Impeller tip speed The performance of a centrifugal compressor relies on the impeller design tip speed, which is the tangential velocity of the refrigerant at the edge of the impeller wheel when it leaves the impeller (Figure 1), to increase the refrigerant pressure between evaporator and condenser. This pressure difference created between the evaporator and condenser is called 'lift' or the 'head' (Figure 2) that the compressor must create to move the refrigerant through its cycle. The head depends on many parameters, such as chilled water and condenser water temperatures and also the fouling factors. Impeller speed

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▶ Figure 2: Pressure vs Enthalpy diagram

Pressure

Inlet guide vanes Condenser

Tip Speed

Lift/Head

Compressor

Evaporator

Condenser

Evaporator

Enthalpy

▶ Figure 1: Centrifugal chiller components

is directly proportional to the head created.

Obviously, the greater the head, the higher the energy input and, hence, higher impeller speeds. However, the head conditions may change with a change in load pattern and outside ambient conditions (reduced condenser water temperature). VFDs reduce the compressor speed, as the head drops, and move the compressor into a higher efficiency region in the compressor map, often allowing the compressor to operate more efficiently than at the full-load condition.

Inlet guide vanes In a fixed-speed centrifugal chiller, inlet guide vanes are used to control the flow of refrigerant at the inlet of the compressor to vary the compressor capacity. When the guide vanes move from fully open to

slightly closed, compressor efficiency can actually improve, because the guide vanes 'pre-swirl' the refrigerant entering the impeller. As the vanes continue to close, however, the vane action quickly becomes a restriction, losing the pre-rotation effect and reducing the compressor capacity and efficiency. A centrifugal compressor with a VFD slows the compressor to match the head conditions, without closing the guide vanes. Keeping the inlet guide vanes open improves the compressor operating efficiency.

How does the VFD work?

The VFD needs a lot of information to work. A VFD has to continuously monitor several operating conditions,

such as chilled water temperature, chilled water set point, refrigerant pressures, IGV position and the actual motor speed. This information is then fed to a microprocessor, which determines the most efficient way to operate. It optimises the motor speed and the IGV position and changes the frequency of the power input to the motor in order to consume the least amount of energy.

Electricity savings by VFD A VFD and controls retrofit can save between 30 and 35% of the chiller’s power usage, based on ambient conditions in the GCC region. To calculate the operating cost of a centrifugal chiller during the full year, all the operating conditions, such

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as condenser water temperatures and cooling load, should be considered.

Other benefits of a VFD on a centrifugal chiller Soft Start With a VFD, power is initially applied for start-up at a very low frequency, which when gradually increased, allows a little motor slip. The result is a high torque per amp of current, minimising the extra amps required to start the motor. Therefore, the inrush amps for a VFD never exceed the 100% FLA of the motor. Other soft starters, such as Star Delta or Solid State, have 200-400% FLA as the inrush amps at the start-up. This makes a VFD an ideal starter, particularly for applications with limited inrush capabilities, such as emergency generator systems. Also, the generators and cabling can be downsized, as they do not have to incorporate extra capacity required for the start-up.

with bottom-line energy costs (full load kW per tonne design) – what happens at off-design conditions is much more important. A VFD-based retrofit represents an excellent opportunity for achieving quick payback and return on the VFD retrofit investment, particularly for facilities operating continuously, such as hotels, District Cooling plants, hospitals, residential buildings, data centres, call centres and factories in the GCC region.

Most of the major suppliers of centrifugal technology offer VFDs on centrifugal chillers, but it is important that

we not ignore the option of a VFD retrofit on existing centrifugal chillers. Considering the ever-increasing cost of electricity and the pressure to lower indirect emissions, wisdom lies in embracing all implementable opportunities.

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.

YO U R G ATEWAY TO T H E HVACR INDUST RY IN T H E M IDDL E EAST

Enhanced unloading capacity A retrofit with VFD enhances the unloading capability of a centrifugal chiller by varying the speed prior to closing the guide vanes. This allows better tracking of low-load conditions. This also eliminates unnecessary cycling of the centrifugal chiller, resulting in reduced maintenance and better control of the chilled water loop. Smooth starts enhance the motor and compressor life.

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Quiet operation Most of the noise generated by the centrifugal compressor is due to the refrigerant discharged at high velocity into the condenser. Slowing down the compressor reduces the discharge velocity at low heads and, hence, reduces noise.

Power factor correction A VFD gives automatic correction to at least 95% at all operating conditions.

A normal centrifugal chiller has a power factor of 0.85 at 100% load, which further reduces at part load and can go down to as low as 0.60.

The best real world performance In the real world, energy performance at real world conditions has little to do

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June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

The SABER impact on industry

Stakeholders examine the cost implications of compliance with SASO’s newly launched platform

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

I

n 2018, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Rahul Bhatia, Logistics Controller, Organization (SASO) announced the launch of Turkey, Middle-East & Africa, Danfoss the SABER electronic platform, which “aimed Middle East, said that the company to register and issue conformity assessment is also waiting for official updates, as certificates for consumer products before entering the the SABER system has not gone live for all sectors. “The Saudi market”[1]. This came into effect on January 1, challenge is for companies with a diverse portfolio of 2019, according to Intertek’s fact sheet[2] on the new products,” he explained. “SABER has currently gone live Johan Gouws system, which also noted that on April 1, the SABER for gas-operated equipment, toys, low-voltage equipment platform was extended to include electrical products (LVE) and engine lubricants. On the horizon are building imported and sold into the market. materials and textiles/apparels. What concerns importing According to Intertek, there are two certifications parties in KSA are massive increase in costs to register required by importers. The first is the Product products on SABER, when compared to traditional model Certification of Conformity (PCoC), issued online in of certification through authorised certification bodies.” the SABER platform. This can be obtained by the For Pontus Grimberg, Export Director, Lighting importer by adding product information on the SABER Solutions, Fagerhult, the issue is a particularly pressing platform, selecting a SASO-approved certification one. “We have one shipment in the customs in Saudi body (CB) for issuance of PCoC and paying the related Arabia yet to be released due to the fact they changed Rahul Bhatia fees. The CB then accesses the SABER platform to the regulations,” he said, sharing that on April 1, the check for importer requests to facilitate the conformity company was asked for additional requirements in assessment of the product, to verify the results and the form of an EER certificate to measure energy to upload qualifying valid documents into the SABER consumption of lighting, in addition to the CB certificate system. Following the procedure, the PCoC is then under the PCoC. issued online through SABER and would be valid for one year.

The industry experience so far The second requirement, noted in Intertek’s Much of what the stakeholders do know come from their factsheet on the system, is the Shipment Certificate of own experience or “market hearsay” in attempting to Conformity (SCoC), to ensure “every regulated product understand the process. Bhatia said that as importers Pontus Grimberg included in the shipment will be verified by the CB to need to make sure goods are registered in the SABER ensure there is an existing valid PCoC”. If a valid PCoC is confirmed, portal, customers that regularly purchase a range of commodities an SCoC is issued.” To obtain the SCoC, the importer sends an online from Danfoss are reaching out to request for technical data, as request via SABER for products to be imported. The CB then verifies it is their responsibility to upload the data to the SABER system. if there is a valid PCoC for every regulated product and determines “There are two ways of doing this,” he explained. “First is per whether selective inspection is required. If the PCoC is verified, the product, if you wish to, or products by group. Registration by single CB confirms through SABER that it has been found to be true and product may seem a good option but supports small-scale traders performs selective inspection, if applicable. The importer then pays only. There are traders who deal with a portfolio of over 50,000 the SCoC fees, and an SCoC is issued online in SABER, which is valid product lines, such as automobile spare parts manufacturers or only for that specific shipment.

FMCG goods, like apparel, who would ideally choose the grouping Johan Gouws, Managing Director, Tecumseh Products Middle method.” Bhatia added that the registration price ranges from East, said that stakeholders in the engineering community SAR 3,000 (USD 799.95), in an ideal scenario with prior required understand that fundamentally, “consumer safety and product paperwork availability, to as much as SAR 10,000 (USD 2,666.50), quality is at the very heart and core of the SABER programme”. in a scenario where products require test certificates to meet However, Gouws said that Tecumseh experienced some difficulty specific global standards or testing as per specific schemes of understanding the new framework, requirements and procedure – a electrical products. He added that customers can upload products point voiced by other manufacturers and suppliers eager to find by group and pay an annual registration fee for the product clarity on the process, in order to comply with the new regulations. group, rather than for each product. Bhatia said this information “When our importer went online, they had difficulty in navigating is based on customers of Danfoss, many of whom are registering the registration process,” Gouws said. “The site had limited products by groups. accessibility, and not all the certified bodies that are approved for Speaking on behalf of Tecumseh, Gouws said that historically, the SASO certification process were listed.” He said that although compressors, which fall under the low voltage directive regulatory the company was informed that non-registered products would framework, need to be registered per product, in compliance with no longer be allowed for import after January 1, the deadline was SASO certification. “Moving forward with the SABER programme moved and, to the best of his knowledge, there is no fixed date yet the same will apply,” he said. “Products imported need to be on when SABER will finally go live. registered at the product level.” The catch, Gouws said, is the SAR

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500 (USD 133.32) fee to register the product in the system, paid annually by the importer. A cost that will now need to be absorbed directly by the importer.

Having said that, Gouws stressed that for manufacturers that don’t have the necessary certification, meeting this requirement would be a challenge. “When importers register a product, they need to select which certified body they will use for approval of their product,” he said. “Through that process, the product importer registers each product in the SABER portal. Part of this registration process is to upload comprehensive technical data and product certification. This data is then checked and verified to confirm that it adheres to the minimum SASO/IEC technical standards required for import into Saudi Arabia. If the data provided is okay, you get approval for the product. If the product is not approved, based on the data and technical information uploaded, you will then need to approach the certified body to complete physical testing. The total cost for getting product tested and certified by an external approved certified body can run up to USD 20,000 per product, and take between six and eight weeks to get completed. Do manufacturers have an option to shop from other than the approved list? The answer is ‘no’. There is a select number of approved bodies for testing, if you want your product approved.”

Grimberg stressed that this is an additional challenge for products that have a wide variety, speaking from the company’s experience trying to understand the full weight of the requirements to move forward with distribution. “We need to pay a lot for certificates,” he said. “We are trying to register per family in SABER, but our family contains enormous article numbers, sometimes thousands. Once they enforce CB, you can register per family, but there is a limit of 100. Within our own range, not all lights even need the CB certificate, so it’s new for us also.”

Cost implications of compliance Bhatia said the implications vary from industry to industry and sometimes from company to company and on the type of commodity. This was echoed by Grimberg.

“We are fortunate that we are large in size and we have a technical director that knows regulations,” he said. “Our lab can also do third-party testing, so we can do the test ourselves and it’s more or less about doing the paperwork and receiving the CB certificate. But it’s still 5-6 weeks. If you don’t have a lab, you have to go to a certified laboratory and that can take anything from two months to half a year for a test report. For a small manufacturer it would be tough. It’s also hard for them to get the proper knowledge on the process.” Grimberg explained that if a company has one family of products and can get through the process with only one registration, they are able to survive and the impact of the additional cost would be minimal. However, Grimberg said, for companies that have a wide and diverse range of products, the cost of complying with certification requirements would be significant.

Bhatia said that a number of stakeholders are already concerned about the additional layer of cost – owing to the registration fee of products, which is renewed annually – and the shipment fee, both of which fall on the importers. “Generally, our job is to give historical data on classification, technical information and orders,” he said.

With the need to register in SABER, there has been a significant increase in supply timelines to KSA for various industries.

Bhatia added that the conformity structure will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economy and that manufacturers having a significant share in the Saudi market would look to develop their own plants in the Kingdom to reinforce long-term position in the local market.

Grimberg also said that the new requirements would further nudge companies that are looking to develop production plants in Saudi Arabia but that given the high level of investment required to do so, manufacturers’ willingness will depend on the market share and opportunities in the Kingdom and whether there will be changes in the requirements down the line.

[All currency conversions made as per May 29, 2019 exchange rate] [1] https://www.saso.gov.sa/en/mediacenter/news/ Pages/saso_news_953.aspx [2] http://www.intertek.com/blog/2019-02-19-saber/

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June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

Highview Power outlines applications for cryogenic energy storage across Middle East Company’s CEO discusses feasibility of application for District Cooling projects

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

M

Highview Power’s CRYOBattery technology, iddle East countries with a in its standard configuration, recycles all growing solar and wind fleet, heat and cold generated within the process along with countries that need to optimise the cycle’s efficiency, as well as to strengthen the grid and maintain certain components at operational improve security of supply, are the two main temperatures to maximise categories of customers that flexibility and response. He said, could greatly benefit from “There is some potential for our Highview Power’s cryogenic systems to provide additional systems, said Javier Cavada, cooling to adjacent systems, such CEO. He added: “In areas as cooling networks, should the with very good sun resources, operator deem this as greater such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, value, as removing cold from the UAE, we see our technology Javier Cavada process will have an impact on being used to support ‘load the overall round-trip efficiency shifting’ – providing the ability (RTE) of the energy storage cycle.” Cavada to capture solar power during the day and emphasised that the level of impact depends store and use it during the night hours. That on the amount of cold removed. “The more enables base load renewable generation.” cold that is removed the lower the storage For the second category, Cavada said cycle RTE, and the perceived value of this that he believes countries like Jordan and cold to the cooling network,” he said. Thus, Lebanon would benefit from reactive power Cavada stressed, a holistic assessment of supply to the grid as well as traditional the specific project economics is required, energy storage. In view of the growing starting with the size of core energy storage importance the region is placing on District system required to support the energy Cooling, Cavada said that the technology network and its minimum performance. has potential in residential agglomerations, With technology surrounding energy where it is possible to connect a storage storage continuously evolving, Cavada facility to residential areas that could use said that growing production volumes will low potential cold from the cold storage. improve the economics of energy storage Cold captured during the gasification stage, and drive its adoption. “Even at today’s he said, can be distributed to residential project financial parameters, hybrid compounds to improve efficiency of the air solutions, like Solar-PV, plus Highview’s conditioning process.

CRYOBattery, are very competitive and Elaborating further on applications for help promote the ‘baseload renewables’ District Cooling, Cavada explained that

Growing demand for high quality products in Kingdom, TROX says

Egypt manufacturing facility enhances company’s competitive advantage in region, company says

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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June 2019

T

concept,” he said. Cavada added that the solution also becomes very competitive for long duration of storage, such as for those exceeding four hours, and offers the most reasonable project economics owing to low levelised cost of electricity storage (LCOS) coupled with System Support benefits.

“Two key long-term benefits are almost no degradation over time and the ability to easily utilise all the materials after decommissioning, since the CRYOBattery uses benign materials,” he added.

Multiple sectors, Cavado emphasised, will greatly benefit from deploying the solution.

“Electrical system operators benefit through network management and provision of Black Start service,” he said. “Market regulators benefit through enablement of increased capacity of renewables on the grid. And remote location consumers, such as hospitals and water treatment plants benefit through energy security assurance and building baseload renewable hybrid configurations.”

Cavado emphasised that Highview Power brings to the table the technical knowledge necessary for efficient integration, as the company leverages its experience designing and operating Cryogenic Energy Systems (CES) over the past 10 years by developing a proprietary control system, which encapsulates that knowledge and experience in a bid to guarantee performance and flexibility standards.

here is a growing demand for high-quality products in Saudi Arabia, said Matthias Kasprowicz, Managing Director, TROX Middle East. “As TROX, we are still considered for the top 10% of quality projects,” he said, adding “with our new manufacturing in Egypt we will be able to tackle the medium- to high-segment for a competitive price in this market, too.”

Matthias Kasprowicz Kasprowicz said the company’s FCUs and AHUs are currently gaining in popularity in the market. “Also, our long experience in the tunnel business, globally, is highly appreciated,” he said. “Generally, we see growth potential in all areas, where the demographic development in Saudi has impact, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and food and beverage.”

Hubgrade 4.0 helps monitor utilities consumption, says Enova

The smart monitoring platform can be useful in conducting building analysis, is user-friendly, and helps engineers and analysts to react to operations swiftly, says company’s CEO

By Ranjana Konatt | Features Writer

H

ubgrade 4.0 is a smart monitoring platform and can be found to be useful in conducting building analysis, is user-friendly, and helps engineers and analysts to react to operations swiftly, said Anne Le Guennec, CEO, Enova, during the launch of an update made to the platform, held on May 2 in Dubai. The platform, she said, helps in gathering and in updating data with the help of sensors, and can be found to be useful in analysing buildings and their utilities consumption.

Evap cooling is making inroads in KSA: Seeley Company representative highlights need to inform stakeholders of benefits

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

E

vaporative cooling has started to make inroads in Saudi Arabia, said Xavier Delaigue, EMEA Sales Director, Seeley International, Europe, Middle East & Africa, who added the company has seen growing interest from stakeholders following the success of Seeley International’s Mina Tent City project. “People are amazed by the level of performance,” he said of the project that uses evaporative cooling to provide thermal Xavier Delaigue comfort to over 1.5 million pilgrims at an affordable cost. “It has really built our brand credibility in Saudi and the region, helped people understand more about Breezeair evaporative cooling and helps us to push for new technology.”

Delaigue added that although Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest markets for cooling in the world, demand is largely confined to traditional air conditioning equipment, and that there is a need to inform the market on the benefits offered by evaporative cooling with regard to energy efficiency, performance and reliability in order to showcase its feasibility for big commercial projects.

Elaborating on parameters of the Mina Tent City project, Delaigue said that in addition to requirements related to cooling performance, a strong emphasis was placed on minimising energy consumption. In Saudi Arabia, he said, there is a big concern surrounding energy efficiency at a high level, in view of efforts to promote sustainability, and at the low level, owing to the rising cost of electricity. The rising costs, he said, have helped drive the market towards energy-efficient equipment. Delaigue added that without such standards, oldfashioned and low-efficiency systems would continue to be competitive in the market.

Delaigue said that Seeley International is addressing the requirements of two main markets in Saudi Arabia, the domestic market for residential applications, and the commercial and industrial market. For the domestic market, Delaigue said, the company actively speaks with nationals and expatriates, and that their concerns are often related to energy efficiency, reliability, maintenance and favourable return on investment (ROI), which, he said, Breezeair has proven it can offer. Delaigue said that industrial and commercial projects are on the rise, as more companies are investing in equipment to ensure employee wellbeing and comfort.

Anne Le Guennec

“The original platform,” she said, “was launched in the year 2014, and at the time, Enova was proud to be the first in the region to have the ability to monitor energy and water consumption.” Initially, she said, Hubgrade was seen as an engineering tool, but as time passed, Enova wanted to release something more user-friendly, which would help engineers and analysts to react to operations, Guennec said. Today, she said, Hubgrade has evolved and is a more userfriendly application. “It gives the client the ability to see where they stand and what is being done,” she said. The update has been appreciated by clients, as they can now request, react, interact with the team of analysts or the teams carrying out the

Facilities Management on the ground, she added.

As we were building the digital roadmap for Enova, she said, the focus was on differentiating ourselves from the competition, and this was when we started our digital suite. In addition to the smart monitoring platform, Guennec said, an application by Enova helps give clients the opportunity to request a job order. With the help of the application, she said, clients have the ability to view the operation and understand what our engineers are doing.

“The application helps the client to see our indicators for the performance, and it brings in a lot of trust with our clients,” she said.

Building applications today, she said, seem to be something very easy to have, and even more because everybody uses a lot of mobile devices, she said. “We work upstream to ensure that we focus on gathering data, and storing and securing it,” she said. Installing more sensors, she said, helps us to try and analyse and ensure that we have the appropriate fit for future installation, so that we can gather the data in an appropriate manner.

June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

Empower selected to participate in UNEP’s Cool Coalition initiative

District cooling solutions can help avoid the steady rise in harmful emissions, says the CEO of the utility company

By CCME Content Team

E

mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has been selected to participate in the ‘Cool Coalition’ initiative, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), in collaboration with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Dubaiheadquartered utility company said through a Press communiqué. The initiative aims to inspire ambition and accelerate action on the transition to clean and efficient cooling, the communiqué said.

The Cool Coalition, launched at the First Global Conference on Synergies between the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement, aims to make a positive impact on climate change and to inspire ambition, identify solutions and mobilise action to accelerate progress towards clean and efficient cooling.

The initiative is currently working on the preparations of the UN Climate Change Summit 2019, which will have a preparatory meeting in June 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The coalition consists of 20 influential global leaders, including ministers from Chile, Rwanda and Denmark, heads of cooling and

Cooling solutions, can avoid this steady engineering companies, civil society leaders, rise in harmful emissions. District Cooling research and academic institutions and contributes to energy efficiency and reduced international organisations. energy consumption, as District Cooling Empower said it has been selected as a systems use 50% less energy compared key partner in the Cool Coalition, considering to conventional cooling systems. The its global leadership in clean and efficient adoption of this solution contributes to the cooling. The company’s CEO, Ahmad Bin reduction of carbon emissions from energy Shafar, described the selection an honour. consumption, as District Cooling “This will increase the position is one of the energy efficiency of the UAE in the global efforts accelerators announced by the for sustainable developments,” UN previously.”

Bin Shafar said. “The initiative Bin Shafar highlighted that is a link between the Kigali the rise in global warming rates Amendment, Paris Agreement leads to the spread of epidemics and Sustainable Development and diseases and, thus, the Goals. It aims to support the Ahmad Bin Shafar deaths of millions around Kigali Amendment with climate the world, especially in poor and sustainability objectives communities because of high temperatures. and aims to reduce the projected production and consumption of HFCs by more than 80% SEforALL’s Chilling Prospects report 2018, over the next 30 years and provide up to USD revealed that over 1.1 billion people globally are at immediate risk from lack of access 2.9 trillion globally by 2050. to cooling. The report also revealed that “With global warming rising and cooling is responsible for about 10% of increasing energy threats to air cooling global warming. Hence, we are committed to that contribute to more greenhouse gases, providing energy-efficient cooling solutions emissions from cooling sector are expected and environmentally friendly District Cooling to grow by 90% by 2050. Clean and systems. efficient cooling solutions, especially District

Buildings are rapidly moving towards LEED compliance, says JCI Company’s representative says a holistic approach from the design stage onwards will ensure cost competitiveness of the overall project

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

G

rowing awareness surrounding sustainability is driving retro-commisioning projects, as stakeholders try to make existing buildings and equipment more efficient, said Claude Allain, Vice-President & General Manager, Johnson Controls, MEA. He said, “People see that as a next recourse, and I believe the direction is going to be designing for LEED compliance from the design phase.” Such a holistic approach from the onset, Allain stressed, will ensure LEED buildings need not be more expensive compared to conventional buildings.

Allain said that sustainability is no longer a luxury – it is a prerequisite. He pointed out that the new generation of tenants has

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Claude Allain

a strong set of convictions related to the environment. As such, he said, from a purely business standpoint, developers must invest in being compliant with green regulations and LEED standards to align themselves with the emerging demand in the market.

Sharing observations based on JCI’s activities throughout the region, Allain said that the market in Saudi Arabia is on the rise. A similar positive momentum can be seen in Egypt, he said, owing to projects related to the New Cairo development.

Kingdom to see strong momentum by Q4 2019, says MB Climate Control SKM distributor highlights projects, trends in Kingdom

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

T

he mood is optimistic a number of opportunities in in Saudi Arabia in the pipeline related to NEOM, view of emerging the Kingdom’s planned USD project opportunities, 500 billion mega-city in the said Emad Alsaheb, General northwestern region of Saudi Manager, MB Climate Control Arabia.

LLC, exclusive distributor of SKM Alsaheb said strong growth in Saudi Arabia. Alsaheb said opportunities are driven by Emad Alsaheb that ever since new projects demand from construction of became available for bidding in Q1 of 2019, entertainment and recreational facilities, the company is expecting good movement health facilities and housing developments. in the market by Q4 of 2019 or, at the AlSaheb confirmed that there is particularly very latest, Q1 of 2020. Alsaheb added strong demand for cinemas, pointing out that currently, the company is involved in that a number of existing malls are making a number of commercial, oil & gas and modifications to integrate cinemas inside healthcare projects and that there will be their commercial facilities. Additionally,

he said, there will be many new malls that will be designed and constructed to accommodate not only cinemas but also other facilities related to a diversifying entertainment sector. AlSaheb said that the Saudi market is also placing greater emphasis on highly energy-efficient equipment, especially following the implementation of SASO Standards, which requires higher energy efficiency rates every year.

June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

Tarshid, tariffs drive Saudi Arabia towards greater energy efficiency The governmental mandate for the National Energy Services Company, Tarshid and the pressure on energy tariffs drive the building sector in Saudi Arabia to address its energy-efficiency needs, says Enova.

By Ranjana Konatt | Features Writer

T

systems are managed, while also implementing a sound he governmental mandate for the National operation and maintenance strategy that will drive down Energy Services Company (NESCO) — Tarshid consumption. “The ongoing programme is ambitious,” and the pressure on energy tariffs are factors he added, and it will offer plenty of opportunity for driving the building sector in Saudi Arabia to companies like us to address the needs and requirements take swift action in addressing the need for energy from a holistic and sustainable perspective. efficiency, said Francisco Ramalheira, Business Elaborating on whether building owners have Development & Marketing Director, Enova, while Francisco Ramalheira sufficient incentives to invest in energy efficiency, giving an update on the market in the region. He said Ramalheria said that a significant portion of the that the Saudi Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) operating cost of a building is associated with the consumption focuses on three sectors that represent more than 90% of energy of utilities. While tariff reviews have been made, he said, the consumption in the country — Industry (44%), Buildings (29%) and expenditure on utilities is evident. “Energy utilisation in the Kingdom Transportation (21%), he said. Elaborating, he said, “We are pleased of Saudi Arabia’s building stock represents a significant improvement to be working closely with Tarshid, the National Energy Services in potential,” he said. Based on our experience of typical buildings in Company (NESCO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Elaborating, Saudi Arabia, a saving of 30% can be achieved with an investment he said that with projects nearing completion, and other projects that will be recuperated within a period of four years. Together with presently at the execution stage, we will most likely see an annual a strong and reliable partner, he said, this should be a reason for energy saving in excess of 41 GWh, which he said, is equivalent to building owners and managers to invest in energy efficiency and to the emissions reduced by nearly 30,000 tons of CO2. adopt conservation solutions for their assets.

Ramalheria pointed to how integrated energy and Facilities In addition, he highlighted how the energy and facilities Management are enhancing and contributing to the scope of management markets in Saudi Arabia are fast maturing, and on how energy efficiency in the Kingdom. He said, “We are contributing service-level agreements are developing at a rapid pace. “Innovation and benefiting from the Saudi Vision 2030.” Today, he said, and digitalisation are two common words in the typical tender upstream actions from the government are being implemented, solicitation,” he said. Technology that was cutting edge a few years such as the review of construction codes for thermal insulation ago today has become the status quo, he added. “Clients,” he said, and for the labelling of high-efficiency equipment. With regard to “demand efficient and flexible solutions that are transparent and existing building stock, he said, the most common solution is to simple in terms of visibility.” develop a retrofit programme and to regain control over the way

Camfil calls for greater focus on PM 1

Company representative describes steps Camfil has taken to promote and implement ISO standard 16890

By Ranjana Konatt | Features Writer

T

he efforts made to have air systems comply with relevant filtration standards is the first step towards ensuring good air quality, said Dani Elamana, Technical manager, Camfil Middle East, adding how the company has taken

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June 2019

HVAC industry to be attentive to the steps to promote and implement ISO effect PM 1 particles can have, Elamana standard 16890 — the focus of which said. “HVAC engineers and facilities is more on the filtration of (Particulate Managers (FM) must select air filters Matter) PM 1 in ventilation filters. “Our that take care of PM 1 filters are tested and classified particles present in the air,” as per the latest ISO 16890 Elamana said. In addition, standard,” he said. he said, the market in the Studies carried out recently, Middle East is premature in he added, show how fine terms of its understanding particulate matter is more of IAQ. “Today, filter harmful than PM 2.5. “If these suppliers have the choice particles are inhaled, PM1 can and must choose to deal get into the blood stream, and Dani Elamana with PM 1 and comply with as a result it can lead to cancer their product range – that and cause other cardiovascular is, ISO 16890,” Elamana said. The HVAC diseases (CVD),” Elamana said. market today, he added, needs a push The World Health Organization (WHO) in the right direction, as there is a need is consulting with a new air quality index for awareness on the subject. to supplement PM 2.5 and PM 10, he said.

There is a gap in the way good IAQ can be understood, and there is a need for the

We need to push the boundaries of CO2 applications: Danfoss Regional President highlights Middle East application of trans-critical CO2 systems with Multi Ejector solution

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

T

he industry has to push the boundaries when it comes to CO2 applications, said Ziad Al Bawaliz, Regional President, Danfoss Turkey Middle East and Africa, pointing out that despite its reputation as a pollutant, CO2 is one of the most sustainable Ziad Al Bawaliz refrigerants in the market.

“Unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to apply trans-critical CO2 systems in real hot climates – until now,” he said. “We have introduced to the market a new solution, called the Multi Ejector, which is basically designed to lift liquid at low pressures.

It can work at lower operating pressures and is, therefore, efficient in any climate.” Al Bawaliz said that with the Multi Ejector Solution, Danfoss offers significantly improved efficiency for any CO2 refrigeration application in any climate, making CO2 the most efficient refrigerant. He highlighted that the first CO2 installation in Amman, Jordan, is with a Danfoss Multi Ejector Solution.

Al Bawaliz said CO2 projects have drawn the interest of contractors from Saudi Arabia. “We very often share case studies of our systems not only in Amman but also in areas with hot climates in the United States, where our CO2 systems with ejector technology run very well and save energy and the planet at the same time,” he said. “But the market needs to have clear incentives to migrate to the new technologies via regulations, as well.”

Al Bawaliz stressed that technical training is also an important topic when it comes to ensuring refrigeration technicians have the proper knowledge and skills to handle the system. He said this is the responsibility of the industry, as a whole, adding that Danfoss is committed to training stakeholders by providing free e-lessons to interested parties, which includes a special course on managing CO2 systems.

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www.pcmproducts.net June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

Panasonic launches new lineup of R-410a air conditioners in Oman Company official says models were exclusively developed to comply with country’s new energy-efficiency regulations

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

P

anasonic has launched 11 new models of R-410a air conditioners in Oman, as part of the company’s growing efforts at developing energy-efficient and smart products that would contribute to the overall health of the global environment, said Deepak Krishnan, Deputy General Manager, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa. “These air conditioners were exclusively developed for the Omani market to comply with the government’s New Energy Efficiency Regulations,” he said.

Krishnan said that the company views Oman as an attractive market, owing to the rapid expansion and growth of its hospitality, retail, residential, industrial and commercial sectors. “This trend naturally boosts the construction activity

it is laudable that in the Sultanate, the government both commercial is undertaking and residential initiatives to projects, therefore advance public driving the demand participation for innovative in adopting air conditioning Deepak Krishnan energy-efficiency systems,” he technologies,” he said. “With our said. “One good example is R&D focused on developing Oman’s Authority for Electricity products that fully address Regulation (AER), which is customers’ needs, we intend to empowering energy auditors further strengthen our market to provide advisory services leadership in providing the best to clients regarding energy air conditioning solutions in the efficiency improvements that country.” can be carried out without major In addition to Oman’s CAPEX requirements.” economic diversification efforts, Krishnan said that Panasonic Krishnan said there is a shift employs the same strategy of among stakeholders in the offering energy-efficient products construction industry, who are compliant with regulations in placing a greater emphasis on sustainability and opting for more other markets in the Middle East. He pointed out that with energy-efficient products. “While sustainability as a primary there may be some challenges,

Empower connects District Cooling network to ICD Brookfield Place Utility company to serve approximately 6,500 TR to the facility

By CCME Content Team

E

mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) will start providing District Cooling services to ICD Brookfield Place, located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with approximate capacity of 6,500 tonnes of refrigeration (TR), the utility company announced through a Press communiqué.

The building consists of 53 floors, with a total area of 1.1 million square feet.

According to the communiqué, infrastructure development of the District Cooling system for ICD Brookfield Place involves connecting the building to Empower's District Cooling plant in DIFC in three phases.

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driver in consumer behaviour, there are greater market opportunities for the company’s new line-up of air conditioners in most countries across the GCC region. “Middle East governments have been focusing on economic diversification with environmentally friendly policies and renewable energy at the core,” he said. “With this ongoing switch towards sustainability and with the public’s ‘green’ consciousness growing, we see expanding prospects for our energy-efficient air conditioners.”

Krishnan said Panasonic remains committed to developing new products while meeting all regional and regulatory requirements and that a key focus of the company is the B2B & B2G sectors, which he said, have a huge business potential in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “We are happy to provide District Cooling services to ICD Brookfield Place, one of Dubai's leading real estate projects. The diversity in Empower’s portfolio reflects the confidence of real Ahmad Bin Shafar estate developers and customers in District Cooling solutions. This is because of the sustainable District Cooling services provided by Empower according to the highest international standards, for its customers, which save energy by 50%, compared to conventional cooling services.”

Bin Shafar stressed that Empower persistently supports the major projects in Dubai, especially urban and hospitality projects, to support Dubai's leading role in reducing carbon emissions.

According to the communiqué, ICD Brookfield Place is directly connected to the DIFC Northern Campus and Gate Avenue. It is located between two metro stations and with multiple points of vehicular access, which offer tenants a seamless commute.

UL becomes Associate Member of Eurovent Middle East The two organisations announce cooperation in the fields of safety and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

By CCME Content Team

U

L and Eurovent Middle East have announced their cooperation in the region to work towards higher safety standards in relation to HVAC equipment and installations. Both organisations also will form a joint working group to develop initiatives for improved Indoor Air Quality. To underline this cooperation, UL has taken an Associate Membership with Eurovent Middle East, the latter body said through a Press communiqué.

As a global company with 125 years of expertise, UL is recognised worldwide for its testing standards and programmes, the communiqué said. UL brings clarity and empowers trust to support the responsible development, production, marketing and purchase of goods, solutions and innovations of today and tomorrow, the communiqué added. It enables safer, more secure and more sustainable products, services, experiences

and environments – leading to smarter choices and better lives, the communiqué further added.

Nils Meinhardt, Global Business Development Manager HVAC, UL, said: “UL and Eurovent Middle East have the same intentions and targets: Improving standards and Nils Meinhardt quality in the region and supporting the development of a sustainable environment for the countries and its people in the Middle East. Joining forces enables us to use synergies and double our efforts in raising awareness on issues like safety and IAQ.” Markus Lattner, Managing Director of Eurovent Middle East, added: Markus Lattner “UL has a strong reputation in fire and electrical safety, but is active in many more areas, as well. The cooperation of our organisations in areas like Indoor Air Quality will give joint recommendations great credibility. It will help us to contribute to a better living environment in the Middle East. This is what both our organisations ultimately stand for, and we are happy to join our efforts to reach this target.”

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June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

XWorks first to earn WELL Gold accreditation in the Middle East AESG, which served as consultant in the project, discusses human-centric design of offices and efforts to enhance IAQ to ensure health and wellbeing

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

X

works Interiors LLC has become the first company in the Middle East to achieve the WELL Gold accreditation for its new offices. AESG was the consultant for the project.

Discussing the collaboration leading to the accreditation, Saeed Al Abbar, Director, AESG, said that a number of humancentric design features were incorporated from the beginning, as achieving WELL Gold certification was a key objective of XWorks.

“Any employer’s number one asset is its team,” he said.

“Xworks, as a design company, wanted to create an environment conducive to creativity and one that is healthy and energized.” In line with this objective, Al Abbar said special attention was placed on indoor air quality (IAQ), which is vital to the health and wellbeing of the occupants. As such, he said, AESG placed a strong importance on the design of the HVAC systems in the offices, not only in ensuring sufficient fresh air was available but also in designing the equal distribution of fresh air throughout the offices. The fresh air levels, Al Abbar said, were

▶ Interior of Xworks office

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June 2019

above the minimum standards set by ASHRAE. The CO2-related measures taken, he said, were also more stringent than traditional accepted standards, as the company went above and beyond to ensure the health of the occupants.

Al Abbar explained that IAQ was also taken into consideration when it came to the selection of paint and furniture, with the team opting for low-VOC products and those without formaldehyde.

The most unique aspect of the certification, he emphasised, is that it is not based on simply design and selection of materials but also on its performance, post-occupancy. A team from International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) did the air quality test parameters within the stringent threshold, from material selection to HVAC design, he said.

Al Abbar added that AESG also executed comprehensive air and water quality testing to ensure the offices complied with the IWBI’s strict thresholds.

Al Abbar said that AESG’s engagement with Xworks extended beyond technical design aspects, as the two firms worked with senior managers to

Al Abbar said that weigh in on wider it is important to policies within the look at each project client-company. holistically from “WELL touches design to delivery, on not only the as well as at the physical but also office and the team. on the operational Saeed Al Abbar “Xworks understood aspects,” Al Abbar this,” he said. explained, “so from “They could see the additional the HR policies, the maintenance and to the management of space investment to achieve these targets, but they know it enables from a technical perspective, we their team to be healthier, happier worked with them to develop a and to work in attention. As they number of policies and initiatives are involved in creativity sector, to ensure there is no compromise [the employees] provide better in employee wellbeing.” This product and value.” included policies related to Considering that Xworks is the maintenance and cleaning to only organisation in the region ensure good air quality, he said. to achieve Gold level certification Al Abbar added that there in LEED and WELL standards is a strong business case to be made for investing in facilities and for its offices, Al Abbar stressed that occupant health and energy practices that ensure good IAQ. “It all goes back to economics,” he efficiency go hand in hand and can be achieved through stronger said. “If you look at a company, stakeholder engagement. “There the number one cost tends to definitely doesn’t have to be be the staff, especially for the a compromise,” he said. “You professional services sector. The shouldn’t penalize people’s health cost of going for health and wellbeing in offices are negligible, for the sake of energy efficiency.”

Al Abbar said that that he because sick days are reduced, believes the number of WELLand there is an increase in staff accredited facilities in the region productivity and retention. is set to grow at an exponential Payback can be in a matter of rate. “I think the region is primed months.” for it,” he said. “With the climate we have, people spend most of their time indoors. It’s important to have an indoor environment that is healthy and conducive to wellbeing.” Al Abbar said the public and the private sectors have showed more awareness on the need to improve IAQ. There is especially growing awareness on the importance of air quality in homes, schools and hospitals, he said, but there is need to further educate stakeholders to continue the positive momentum.

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REGIONAL NEWS

‘Successful seizures of counterfeit products owing to strong support of UAE authorities’ Danfoss official highlights the vital role authorities are playing in protecting the IP rights of private companies and in safeguarding the public

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

D

anfoss has managed to seize a large number of counterfeit products over the year, said Abier Wasouf, Regional Anti-counterfeit Counsel MEA, Danfoss, who emphasised that the successful raids were the result of the company’s strong investment in a comprehensive brand protection strategy. On behalf of the company, Wasouf expressed gratitude towards UAE enforcement authorities for their support and efficiency in taking action to protect the company’s intellectual property rights and to ensure the safety of the general public. “These raids sent a strong message to the market and increased customers’ trust in the UAE market and the company’s brand value,” she said.

▶ Danfoss representatives present an award of recognition to the Dubai Police

His Excellency Sultan Abdullah Bin Hadh Al Swaidi, President, Sharjah Economic Development Department, affirmed the Department’s commitment to organise continuous and proactive raids to seize counterfeit products, which are conducted by a professional team of inspectors under the Consumer Protection division. The team, he said, is tasked with ensuring business transactions are legally done and with raising awareness of counterfeits among traders and the consumers, which supports Sharjah’s strategy for economic growth. Al Suwaidi expressed gratitude towards Danfoss in view of the long-standing cooperation between the company and the local authorities, adding that the Sharjah Economic Department is eager to implement best practices and is committed to work with stakeholders to promote fair trade.

Wasouf added that the strong relationship between Danfoss and local authorities is a result of the company’s years of investment in awareness, education and training campaigns on the products’ identifications and on the dangers posed by fake engineering and cooling products. Wasouf said that admittedly, this was not an easy task as, often, stakeholders are challenged by technical information associated with such products. To drive awareness, Wasouf said

Shurooq, BESIX announce launch of construction of QATRA water reuse plant The effluent treatment project will be completed in January 2020 with a daily production capacity of 5,000 cubic metres

By CCME Content Team

S

harjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has officially started the construction of QATRA, a joint venture with BESIX Group, to develop a new water reuse plant in Sharjah’s Al Saja’a industrial area, the government body said through a Press communiqué.

Set for a January 2020 completion, the plant will produce 5,000 cubic metres per day of high-quality water for non-drinking

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purposes out of treated effluent from Al Saja’a Sewerage Treatment Plant, the communiqué said. The water will be ideal for industrial and domestic uses, such as landscaping, and will be a sustainable alternative to desalinated water with four times less energy consumed in its production process, the communiqué added.

H.E. Marwan Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Shurooq, said: “Since its

establishment, Shurooq has been committed to transforming its visions and strategic plans into tangible projects and initiatives.

This includes strengthening existing partnerships and entering into fruitful new ventures that help in achieving our goal to better serve the diverse communities and companies in Sharjah. Such partnerships enable us to find advanced solutions that align with current consumer trends in Sharjah, the UAE, and the region at large.

▶ Danfoss representatives present an award of recognition to Ajman Economic Development Department

she would meticulously showcase the lengthy process a genuine product undergoes before being taken to market, including the testing, certification and quality standards of the factory. A process, she emphasised, counterfeit products do not undergo and lack the safety and efficiency standard. “It’s about taking action,” she said, “not only on behalf of Danfoss to protect the trademark but also to protect the society.

Wasouf said that during seminars to raise awareness on threat posed by counterfeit products, she offers breaches in cold chain as a prime example to showcase to people how unreliable and inefficient cold chain, owing to fake components, can impact the integrity of life-giving medication that may be making its way to people’s homes.

His Excellency Brigadier Jamal Salem Ali Al-Jalaf, Director General of Criminal Investigation Department, weighed in to say that protecting Danfoss products against counterfeits is directly related to protecting consumers from the danger posed by such products, which could lead to terrible accidents. “Dubai Police confirms full support and continues strict legal actions and procedures against the counterfeiters,” he said.

“This initiative underlines our priority to build a sustainable future, while focusing on economic and human development and taking into account our ecofootprint through our partnership with BESIX Group, which is among the leading companies specialised in providing sustainable energy solutions.

“Effluent treatment and improving treatment processes are part of Sharjah’s strategic development, which highlights its position and aspiration to provide a research and development platform for a number of resources,

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Naser Al Nouaimi, President, Ajman Economic Development Department, also commended the strong cooperation between Danfoss and Ajman Economic Development Department, which has led to seizures of counterfeit Danfoss products. “These counterfeit products are dangerous and may cause high safety issues and possible horrible accidents,” he said. “We seized these dangerous counterfeit products before they reached consumers.” The Ajman Economic Development Department, he emphasised, is committed to protecting the trademark of Danfoss to ensure UAE provides a safe environment for their investment.

Wasouf said the HVACR sector must work together to fight the threat of counterfeits. She shared that to this end, she has worked with other brands to take action and recommended that other companies should have a dedicated person to protect their brand. “It’s a continuous battle between right holders and the counterfeiters,” she stressed, pointing out that the industry and the authorities should work together to be one step ahead of counterfeiters, who are only becoming more cautious.

▶ Danfoss representatives present an award of recognition to Sharjah Economic Development Department

products, technologies and solutions that help better the daily lives of residents, nationals and companies in Sharjah. This is in line with the UAE’s vision to build a sustainable future and use resources more optimally.”

Gurvan Dersel, General Manager of QATRA, added: “There is a vital need to reuse water for non-drinking applications to reduce the demand on borewell and desalinated water. Hence, investments such as these, provide a new sustainable source of water supply for the community. This is the first project under the Shurooq and BESIX alliance, and it will be followed by many like it both in the wastewater treatment and water reuse.

“Treated sewage effluent (TSE) has tremendous potential in supplementing the ever-growing demand of water. Typically, used for watering parks and landscaping purposes, this new treatment solution will allow for a wider usage.”

ASHRAE and UN Environment are accepting entries until August 15 for the LowerGWP Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Innovation Award in order to accommodate the rapid pace of lower GWP refrigerant development and application.

ASHRAEnews @ashraenews

June 2019

47

REGIONAL NEWS

Empower signs Gold Sponsorship Agreement with ASHRAE RAL The agreement is an affirmation of strengthening the ongoing cooperation between Empower and ASHRAE RAL in the field of District Cooling, the utility company’s CEO says

By CCME Content Team

E

as economic development, mirates Central Cooling preserving the environment, Systems Corporation reducing carbon emissions and (Empower) has signed achieving sustainability. a gold sponsorship Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, agreement for two years with Empower and Dr Ahmed Alaa ASHRAE RAL for its activities in Eldin, Director & Regional Africa, the Middle East, South Chairman, ASHRAE Region-AtAsia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh Ahmad Bin Shafar Large, signed the agreement. and Sri Lanka) and Turkey.

Speaking on the occasion, Through the sponsorship, Bin Shafar said the agreement is an Empower will pursue to shed light on affirmation of strengthening the ongoing ASHRAE’s RAL activities and its role cooperation between Empower and ASHRAE in supporting energy-efficient cooling RAL in the field of District Cooling. He solutions, in addition to the UAE’s efforts stressed the importance of supporting to support District Cooling, which aims to ASHRAE’s RAL global efforts, through strike the desired balance among such goals

Eurovent Certification introduces high-ambient conditions to the VRF certification programme Markus Lattner

First certification programme to accommodate Middle East conditions

By CCME Content Team

E

urovent Certita Certification (ECC) has adopted the addition of high-ambient temperature conditions to its certification programme for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, the certification body said through a Press Communiqué. The addition is in the wake of discussions with members of Eurovent Middle East and participants of the VRF certification programme, the communiqué said. The addition is tailormade for the Middle East market, and products can now be certified to display their performance in hot or very hot climatic environments, the communiqué added.

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several future agreements between the two organisations, as it is the global sustainability partner for many District Cooling companies.

“We strive to move forward through partnerships and agreements with many international organisations and entities, to enhance Empower's role in contributing to the global strategies and initiatives that promote sustainable development,” Bin Shafar said. “The ASHRAE RAL gold sponsorship agreement contributes to increasing Empower’s brand awareness and communicating its goals and strategies across the global market. It also helps us to highlight the UAE's efforts and the leadership’s vision to overcome energy challenges, adapt climate changes and boost the transition towards sustainability.

Empower seeks to reduce emissions by encouraging investors and owners of major projects, in the UAE and abroad, to adopt efficient District Cooling systems, and also by sponsoring and participating in ASHRAE’s RAL conferences, locally and internationally. This supports the vision of our wise leadership, as well as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the transition towards sustainability.”

As an independent third-party certification organisation and Corresponding Member of Eurovent Middle East, ECC stands behind the globally-recognised ‘Eurovent Certified Performance’ label, the communiqué said. With its more than 25 years of expertise in the field of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, ECC is setting standards in performance certification across over 40 programmes and with more than 400 certified manufacturers, the communiqué added.

According to the communiqué, the amended VRF certification programme certifies according to ISO 15042 and accommodates units meeting the following conditions: • Outdoor unit capacity up to 100kW at 50 or 60 Hz • With up to eight indoor units (ducted horizontal, cassette, wall mounted, ceiling suspended) All units will be tested at T1 (35°C), T3 (46°C) and T4 (48°C) conditions, and will undergo an operability test at 52°C. Markus Lattner, Managing Director, Eurocent Middle East, said: “This programme has been developed specifically for the region. As a regional association, it is important to us to increase the visibility of the Middle East internationally and the understanding for the harsh environment under which we and our equipment operate. With the addition of highambient conditions, this programme provides the market with an excellent tool to assess product performances based on region-specific testing. It even accommodates the higher requirements of Kuwait.”

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REGIONAL NEWS

Carel: Population, tourism, shifting food habits drive steady growth of Middle East refrigeration sector Company officials outline trends in region’s cold chain sector; discuss strategy to battle cost-centric thinking in local market

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

T

he increase in population, rise in tourism and shifting dietary habits leading to a demand for more food options coming from remote parts of the world have all contributed to the steady and continuous growth of the Middle East’s refrigeration sector for the past few years, said Matteo Zanesco, Managing Director, Carel Middle East. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE are still driving the majority of the investments, Zanesco said Egypt, Qatar and Oman are also showcasing rapid growth, making the countries an attractive market for stakeholders.

Mirko Travaglin, Marketing Manager Refrigeration - EMEA Region, Carel, added that while there is strong potential for growth in the refrigeration market, particularly for food and pharmaceutical applications there is also a need to educate the market to move towards quality solutions, as smalland medium-sized projects in the Middle

Hormann introduces wicket door with thermal break The design helps to maintain the thermal integrity of the door leaf, company’s representative says

By CCME Content Team

H

ormann has introduced a wicket door with trip-free threshold and thermal break, in the Middle East, the company said through a Press communiqué. The door, which features a stainless steel, trip-free Darius Khanloo threshold, is only 10 mm in the centre and 5 mm high at the sides.

Darius Khanloo, Managing Director, Hormann Middle East & Africa, said: “Our new wicket door design helps to maintain the thermal integrity of the door leaf. One of the major benefits of our design is the unique, trip-free threshold. As the door has a width of up to five metres, it can also be used as an emergency exit.”

According to the communiqué, the company provides single-leaf doors for small and double-leaf doors for large entrances, each in versions NT60 and NT80. With aluminium profiles with thermal break, frame and threshold rail, the communiqué said, the NT80 is the best choice for chilled garages or garages with access to the house.

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June 2019

Mirko Travaglin

Matteo Zanesco

East are mainly focused on capital cost-savings. “As Carel has always invested in high-efficiency control and monitoring solutions, we are promoting a different approach to evaluating investments, which takes into consideration the return on investment in terms of lower operating costs and higher quality food preservation,” he said.

Zanesco said that changing the mindset of main stakeholders will take some more time but that legislation, along with global market trends towards best practices, will accelerate adoption of better quality equipment. Travaglin added that in Europe, end-users are increasingly investing in advanced and more efficient technology, sustainable maintenance practices and integration of natural refrigerants. Zanesco

said investing in better quality equipment is also a good way of future-proofing equipment. “Any decision that is taken today will affect the next 10-15 years, which is the life cycle of an industrial product,” he pointed out. “For this reason, we are always promoting the state-of-theart technology that will help bring about changes in the future.”

Zanesco said that Carel aims to create technologies that provide advanced usability by allowing users to connect to smart devices, such as mobile phones, through a dedicated app. “This will considerably support technicians and supervisors in having full control of the main parameters and help ensure quality of the installations,” he said. “Moreover, each Carel product can be connected for remote monitoring and data analysis, and so installation quality and good practices are assured by data collection and reports to easily compare several sites and understand how to improve efficiency and solve existing issues.”

Regulations may accelerate changes, Zanesco said; however, efficiency and connectivity constitute worldwide trends that are already affecting the Middle East market.

Empower connects 10,650 TR to Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences District Cooling utility to supply chilled water for the expansion phase of the hotel, as part of its preparation for Expo 2020

By CCME Content Team

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mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has connected 10,650 tonnes of refrigeration (TR) to the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences, in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, the utility company said through a Press communiqué. The connection to supply chilled water is for the expansion phase of the hotel, as part of its preparation for Expo 2020, the communiqué said.

As per the communiqué, 85% of the renovation and expansion project has already been completed.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “We are honoured to be working again on the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences project by providing 10,650 RT for their new expansion phase. This reflects the growing confidence of investors and developers in Empower.

“We are proud to be a part of the largest tourism and commercial project

Ahmad Bin Shafar

in the UAE and the region. We work together with our strategic partners to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading regional and global destination in hospitality and tourism, and to make Dubai the most sustainable city in the world. We work to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development that takes into account economic development, whilst preserving the environment and protecting natural resources. This supports the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a smart and sustainable city whose environmental elements are clean, healthy and sustainable.”

Don’t miss #DecarbHeat policy conference at @euenergyweek #EUSEW19 in two weeks. 80% of the buildings' heat is still coming from gas boilers, even if alternative solutions for domestic heating are already available! #DecarbEurope #heatingcooling #districtenergy

DecarbEurope @DecarbEurope

June 2019

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REGIONAL NEWS

Cooling cost affecting uptake of lithium-ion batteries in ME High-ambient conditions necessitate air conditioning to ensure lifecycle in critical applications

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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iven the impact of high temperatures on the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries, there is reluctance among stakeholders in the Middle East’s utility and oil & gas sectors to adopt them, said Nick Finney, Li-ion Product and Business Development Manager, Industrial Standby Division, Saft, a company of Total. “They see excursions of 40 or 50 degrees C during the year, and nickel products thrive in that kind of environment,” he said. “Certain applications in the Middle East will stay with nickel-cadmium for many years, because if you use lithium-ion, you need to protect it, and you have to put HVAC.” While lithium-ion can operate in warmer environments, Finney said, to achieve the expected lifetime, there is a need for some sort of air conditioning, once temperatures reach 30 degrees C. “For our lithium-ion for data centres or industrial

applications,” he said. “the baseline is 20 years life for 20 degrees C, 16 years for 25 degrees C and about 12 years life for 30 degrees C.” Despite these considerations, Finney confirmed that there are lithium-ion applications in the region, mostly in hospitals and data centres, where reliability is crucial. Providing the example of data centres, Finney said that for businesses selling through the Internet, operations per second could amount to USD 50,000-100,000. Every second of downtime, he stressed, is lost revenue that cannot be regained. As such, he said that cooling for data centres is the most severe parameter being looked at today in terms of operation, because about 30% of the energy is from cooling equipment.

Finney said that in data centre-type infrastructure, cost associated with space is also crucial. “If it is in the

Resiliency drives renewed interest in District Energy in the United States Industry insider shares factors driving demand for cooling over heating

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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June 2019

middle of a field in the US, you are perhaps looking at USD 10,000-15,000 dollars per square metre,” he said. “But if you are on the eighth floor in midtown Manhattan, you might be looking at 8-10 times that.

Maybe USD 100,000-120,000 dollars per square metre, or higher, so every square metre has a direct impact.” This, he said, makes a case for lithium-ion batteries, which when compared to VRLA, are between two and three times lower in square metre area and lighter. “As you go up in floors and you take the battery higher, the weight becomes even more critical, because the difference between lithium and lead is somewhere around eight times lighter,” he said. “They have to put more steel on to the building and the floor to carry that weight, and we talk about individual batteries that could be 30-60 tonnes, so 3-5 times the cost of the extra steel to carry the

A

weight of the lead can be higher cost than the entire lithium.”

Finney said he foresees tremendous growth for data centre requirements in the next 10-15 years and that there is a place for lithium-ion applications.

For such applications, he said, it is important to take the initial cost of the air conditioning system and add to it the price of the battery to see the total cost of ownership. The onus, Finney said, must come from the manufacturers to properly educate the market and, as in the case with Saft, to innovate and offer smarter solutions for battery customers of critical applications, who are concerned with reducing downtime. This, he said, is what drove the company to ensure connectivity across its offerings to drive confidence in performance and to have higher levels of safety.

lthough progress of District Heating and District Cooling in the United States has remained largely stagnant, there has been renewed interest in the past 5-10 years, said Gary Phetteplace, President, GWA Research, Member, ASHRAE. “A lot of it has to do with microgrids assuring resiliency,” he said.

“Mostly, we learned from bad storms that the grid is not very durable, and if you want to have an assured supply then you’re probably Gary Phetteplace going to have to take care of it yourself.” Phetteplace said that the need for self-reliance has been driving District Energy, as often, there is a surplus of heat, which makes cogeneration – even tri-generation – more cost-effective, a trend he has readily observed across universities.

Phetteplace said that cooling demand in the United States is continuing to grow. “It’s not just because people want air conditioned environments,” he said. “The heat loads inside our buildings are getting greater, with more computer equipment and printers and all.” In addition to more equipment entering buildings, Phetteplace pointed out that tighter building envelopes to conserve energy mean that most spaces do not lose heat as easily as they did before. It is a combination of these factors, he said, that has created a requirement for cooling more than heating over the years.

JCI highlights need for skilled personnel to optimise emerging technologies in built-environment Company representative speaks on the importance of proper training in view of the rapidly changing technological landscape; discusses need to shift existing business models in FM

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

T

here is a need for attracting and retaining top talent that can leverage emerging technologies, such as data analytics and machine learning, to enhance the builtenvironment, said Terrill R Laughton, Vice President and General Manager, Energy Optimization & Connected Terrill R Laughton Offerings, Johnson Controls’ Building Technologies & Solutions Division. "Without question, there has to be more training and knowledge domain expertise to be built up, because it does change so rapidly," he said. "When you think of how fast applications have been changing over the past 20-30 years, people were using a different technology 10 years ago than what they are using today. Everybody needs to get educated in that."

Laughton emphasised that organisations, moving forward, have to recognise that there is a need to make larger investments in both acquiring and training talent in an integrated and holistic manner. “You can't just go out, hire people directly out of college who understand the latest technologies, bring them in and expect them to be productive," he said, "because they don't understand the building space and how they incorporate and apply to those cases. You need to be able to take the people in your organisation who have built up that domain knowledge about how these things apply in the world of buildings and say, ‘Okay, how can I take a new technology I got to learn about? I can utilise the new tool and apply it to solve the problems I have today in the building space’.”

Laughton said that, admittedly, this can be a costly exercise.

He said that although large, multi-national organisations have the resources to invest in understanding and integrating emerging

technologies into their applications and suite of offerings, others companies may not. This, he said, becomes a challenge for owners of facilities, who are looking to leverage these technologies, as often, they can only be serviced by large OEM providers, as smaller FM companies may not yet be up to speed when it comes to managing such applications.

Although there is currently a knowledge gap, Laughton said that he believes a lot of FM professionals are recognising that there is a need to change existing operating models. “They need to be able to do things smarter and faster, and the only way to do that is through data and analytics, so they can identify what really needs to be done," he said. This can go a long way in being able to offer efficient predictive maintenance, which is only possible if FM providers know key points of an equipment and have an ability to understand its trend over time, he said. "Some of the more forward-thinking FM organisations are heading in that path," he said. "Everybody wants to get there, but they don't know how to do it. The business process is actually one of the bigger issues. I think technology will get there faster than the market's ability to accept.

The new business operating models have to be in place for those organisations to be able to monetise it and make profit in a different way than they did before."

Laughton said that JCI embraces the changing landscape of the built-environment. He said, "We believe part of our competitive advantage is being able to keep our employees educated on the latest technology and ensure they have that type of skills and expertise." Laughton said the company has several programmes in place to help employees stay abreast of the latest technology.

Employees, he added, are encouraged through a number of incentives to get formal education or take classes on data analytics.

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June 2019

53

REGIONAL NEWS

KISR elaborates on Kuwait’s new energy standards for AC equipment Kuwait body’s representative outlines authorities involved in development, implementation and enforcement of T4 standards

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

K

uwait’s new energy efficiency standards for air conditioning equipment is set to be implemented in September 2019. Dr Saad S Al-Jandal, Research Scientist, Energy and Building Research Center (EBRC), Kuwait Institute for Dr Saad S Al-Jandal Scientific Research (KISR), said that T3 and T4 are the Public Authority Industry’s (PAI) technical standards for air conditioning systems up to 70,000 BTU/ hr or 5.8 tonnes of refrigeration, for all developments and building applications. “The Ministry of Electricity and Water and KISR have developed the code, and reducing the allowable power consumption requirements in kW/tonne as per AC system type,” he explained.

Dr Al-Jandal provided greater clarity on the new standards by describing the three main authorities involved in its implementation and enforcement. The first is the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW), which will oversee the enforcement through power supply to various installations, such as residential, government and commercial buildings. “The enforcement is on the level of AC system consumption in (kW/tonne) or (Watts/m2), as per MEW’s R6 and R7 codes,” he said. The second body, which Dr Al-Jandal said, plays a crucial role is the Public Authority for Industry (PAI), which sets the commercial or technical standards or labelling regulations of imported air conditioning equipment. Lastly, he pointed to the Kuwait

General Administration of Customs (KGAC), which will enforce the PAI regulations on air conditioning imports. “Importers have to show compliance certificates at the port of entry,” he said.

Dr Al Jandal said that usually, MEW and PAI will allow a grace period before the enforcement and implementation of the new rules and regulations. Manufacturers and importers, he emphasised, must take the notice into consideration before importing equipment, as non-compliance, following the grace period, means the product is unlawful and no trading of such products will be allowed.

Dr Al-Jandal said the move to implement the new regulations is in alignment with the government’s commitment to promote energy conservation and reduce power consumption in buildings, especially during the peak period and summer seasons, in the move to promote energy efficiency and reduce 15% of consumption by 2030. As such, he said, addressing power consumption by air conditioners is vital, given that they account for 70% of electricity during peak hours and that 55% of the total cost of power generation go into HVAC. “The regulations are aimed at reducing the summer demand gradually by improving AC specifications, in line with the codes and regulations,” he said. Dr Al-Jandal added that he believes the engineering community, along with government, will be happy to accept the new regulation, as not only will it improve the business profile of the respective companies but also will play a great role in meeting the sustainability goals of the country.

GLOBAL NEWS

BITZER introduces update to its software

Company says the development enables the selection of performance data for many more components

By CCME Content Team

B

ITZER has introduced an update to its software, which the company said through a Press communiqué, enables the selection of performance data for even more components in the product range of HVACR technology.

Available in version 6.10.0, the software enables users to select many new compressor models and refrigerants, with a key focus on the company’s screw compressors, the communiqué said. The performance data for compressors of

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June 2019

Bitzer’s HS series, ranging between 20 and 75 Hz, is now available for all conventional refrigerants, the company said through the communiqué. The corresponding VARIPACK frequency inverter can be selected as an accessory for any compressor, the communiqué said. A new technical information features contains additional details about operating screw compressors with external frequency inverters. According to the communiqué, new CSVH3 and CSVW3 compressor models have also been incorporated in the software, whilst BITZER

has added new refrigerants for the CSH.6 series. A further screw compressor has been integrated in the form of the CSW10593400Y, the communiqué said.

According to the communiqué, in the scroll compressor segment, Bitzer’s ORBIT, ORBIT+ and ORBIT FIT scroll compressors can now also be selected for operation with external frequency inverters in the software – for all conventional refrigerants in the frequency range from 35 to 75 Hz. BITZER, the communiqué said, has also added the refrigerant R452B.

Posifa introduces new air velocity sensors Devices can be used for data centre thermal management and HVAC filter monitoring, company says, adding that users can combine air velocity data with existing temperature data for insight into air flow cooling effectiveness

By CCME Content Team

P

osifa Technologies has introduced the PAV1000 series of air velocity sensors for data centre thermal management and HVAC applications, such as filter monitoring. Announcing this through a Press communiqué, the company said the devices, which measure air velocity at 7 m/s (PAV1005V) and 15 m/s (PAV1015V), offer extremely fast response times of 125 ms, typical in a compact, robust package.

According to the communiqué, the PAV1000 series was designed as an economical, high-performance air velocity sensor for thermal management and filter monitoring in even the most space-constrained locations, such as rack enclosures with air cooling in data centres. Unlike thermistor-based solutions, the Posifa MEMS sensor core is minimally affected by ambient temperature changes and provides instant real-time feedback on proper air flow at critical locations.

According to the communiqué, air velocity data perfectly complements temperature information to provide the best insight into thermal efficiency. By identifying areas that require unusually high air flow to maintain stable temperatures, the communiqué said, layouts can be modified to reduce cooling demands for increased energy savings.

In HVAC applications, the communiqué added, air velocity measurements can be used to determine when filters need to be replaced. This, the communiqué further added, ensures hardware is adequately

Bacharach expands refrigerant gases on MGS-400 Gas Detectors Supports cooling and refrigeration applications with halogen refrigerants

By CCME/CCJ Content Team

B

acharach, which provides HVACR gas instrumentation, has added 22 halogen refrigerants for its MGS-400 gas detectors in commercial and industrial gas leak monitoring applications, the company said through a Press communiqué.

The newly added halogen refrigerants include R-1234yf, R-1234ze, R-134a, R-22, R-32, R-404a, R-407a, R-407C, R-407f, R-410a, R-422, R-422d, R-427a, R-434a, R-448a, R-449a, R-450a, R-452a, R-454a, R-454c, R-507a and R-513A. Support for additional gases are in development and will be released over the next few months, the company said through the communiqué.

The MGS-400 series product family uses three different sensor types, depending on the measurement range, temperature and gas types when detecting for hazardous refrigerant leaks, the communiqué said. The variety of sensor types within the product line offers significant user benefits, including flexibility with refrigerant leak detection and providing peace of mind when helping to protect personnel and achieve compliance with safety standards like ASHRAE 15, CSA-B52 and EN 378 inside of machinery rooms, mechanical equipment rooms, chiller plants, cold storage facilities and walk-in freezers, the communiqué said.

Other user benefits, the communiqué said, include a mobile app interface for easy commissioning and maintenance without special tools and an added sensor life of 5-7 years with plug-and-play pre-calibrated sensor modules for quick, simple sensor replacement. According to the communiqué, generating calibration certificates from the mobile app makes calibration documentation easy to create and send by email or store in the cloud. A Modbus RTU interface, the communiqué said, and analogue and relay outputs enable easy safety alarming and automation control.

protected during heavy use, while allowing customers with light usage requirements to benefit from extended change intervals.

According to the communiqué, the devices feature Posifa's third-generation thermal flow

die, which uses a pair of thermopiles to detect changes in temperature gradient caused by mass flow. The result is excellent repeatability of one per cent FS and accuracy of five per cent FS, the communiqué said. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die eliminates the need for a surface cavity or fragile membrane used in competing technologies, making the sensor resistant to clogging and pressure shock, the communiqué added.

According to the communiqué, the PAV1000 series offers an output voltage range from 0 VDC to 4.5 VDC, supply voltage from 5 VDC to 5.5 VDC, and supply current of 20 mA. The devices, the communiqué said, operate over a -25 °C to +85 °C temperature range.

June 2019

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GLOBAL NEWS

ASHRAE Signs MoU with US Department of Energy The agreement defines parameters on how ASHRAE and the DOE will collaborate more closely to continue to advance and promote mutual interests

By CCME Content Team

A

SHRAE and the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the organisations’ relationship, ASHRAE said through a Press communiqué.

The MoU was signed by 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J Hayter, PE and

DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Daniel R Simmons, on May 22. The agreement defines parameters on how ASHRAE and the DOE will collaborate more closely to continue to advance and promote mutual interests, the communiqué said.

According to the communiqué, ASHRAE and DOE seek to work cooperatively to

Creative engineering practices can improve RoI of District Energy providers Industry representative shares a case study of capacity-sharing in Sweden

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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reative engineering practices can greatly improve District Energy providers’ return on investment (ROI), said Ronak Monga, Business Development Manager, HVAC, Grundfos. By way of providing an example, Monga pointed to a particular case in Sweden, where a plant was designed and constructed to provide 50,000 kilowatts/hour of heating, which subsequently achieved full utilisation in the Ronak Monga network. But then, a new building was coming up that the District Heating provider wanted to sign up, he said. Doing a plant expansion was very difficult, because the provider had built the plant right in the heart of the city and didn’t have any additional space.

Given that plant expansion was out of the question, Monga said, the District Heating provider opted to work with clients of connected building to increase the Delta T, offering engineering advice and subsiding equipment upgrades to improve efficiency. “As a result, they managed to increase the Delta T from 16 to 20,” Monga said. “The 4 degrees C increase allowed the District Heating provider to produce 59,000 kilowatt/hour, instead of 50,000 kilowatts/hour, and the extra 9,000 kilowatts/hour was used to sign the new client. The new revenue stream would not have been possible without concerted effort.”

Monga said that such an approach could be widely applied by District Cooling providers in the GCC region, adding that companies have it in their interest to leverage engineering expertise in this regard. He said that before expanding or building plants, District Cooling providers can address Delta T of clients to get higher output and more revenue from existing plants at a reduced investment. Monga said the example in Sweden should serve as an incentive for providers to work with building owners and develop new revenue streams by freeing up stored capacity.

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improve the efficient use of energy, to improve building resiliency and to improve building performance, including for Sheila J Hayter occupants.

“This MoU agreement represents a valuable coordination of resources between ASHRAE and the Department of Energy, which establishes a solid framework to facilitate advances within the built-environment,” Hayter said.

“We look forward to working with DOE on innovative approaches toward the attainment of sustainable development in all communities.”

The MoU includes, but is not limited to, the following goals: • Encouraging the continued development of voluntary consensus-based standards related to energy efficiency.

• Encouraging the adoption of technologically feasible and economically justified energyefficiency measures in each succeeding version of Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings) by states to ensure energy and cost savings.

• Encouraging the use of advanced energy design concepts.

• Collaboration in the development and implementation of the safe use of next-generation refrigerants and, concurrently, improve equipment energy efficiency.

• Cooperation to provide and encourage the use of clear and consistent information to the building industry about building energy rating and labelling.

• Work within the building community and related professions to encourage the interoperability of buildingrelated software and integrated solutions.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with ASHRAE,” Simmons said. “We value the expertise of our stakeholders, including ASHRAE, and look forward to our continued collaboration together.”

Linking the best of Africa to the world HVAC Connector africa We are delighted to announce the launch of HVAC Connector Africa (www.hvacafrica.com), an online directory that offers the largest international database of HVAC solution providers based in or selling to Africa.

Developed by CPI Industry, publishers of the globally acclaimed Climate Control Middle East magazine (www.climatecontrolme.com), HVAC Connector Africa follows the same concept and format as Climate Control Guide & Directory (www.climatecontroldirectory. com, launched in 2005) and Refrigeration Buyers’ Guide (www.refrigbuyersguide.com, launched in 2013). It offers a compendium of state-of-the-industry reports alongside product- and company-wise listings. Traditionally, the directories are used by the procurement departments of prominent contracting and consulting companies worldwide.

The directories are integrated into the database of relevant organisations, hence companies that are listed will be visible to key decision-makers. Providing a comprehensive and credible platform for all brands, the directories save buyers of HVACR equipment from tedious searches across several websites. Welcome to a world of new and exciting possibilities. We look to place an instrumental resource in your hands to facilitate your search for the very best solution providers in Africa.

www.hvacafrica.com

w w w. hva c a fr i c a .c o m FOR ADVERTISING, CONTACT: advertising@cpi-industry.com June 2019

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GLOBAL NEWS

Belimo introduces new flow sensors The devices, for nominal diameters DN 65 – 150, ensure safety and efficiency in HVAC systems, company says

By CCME Content Team

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eliable flow measurement is crucial for the energyefficient optimisation of HVAC systems, Belimo said through a Press communiqué, while introducing its new flow sensors, which it described as adhering to the ultrasonic transit time method to provide accurate and repeatable flow measurements for water and water-glycol mixtures throughout the entire temperature range from -20 to +120°C. A special benefit of the new flow sensors, Belimo said, is their glycol compensation. Reliable flow measurement is ensured by the ultrasonic measurement with patented procedure for recording, measuring and automatic compensation of the glycol concentration in the system, Belimo said. In addition, the sensor always calculates the correct density and specific heat capacity, which means no additional glycol sensor is required nor an additional measurement of the glycol concentration, Belimo added.

The sensor is made of corrosion-resistant materials and is insensitive to dirt due to the ultrasound measuring principle, Belimo said. With its robust and durable design, Belimo added, the flow sensor is protected against dirt and magnetite and is, thus, maintenance-free. This, Belimo said, enables a higher longterm stability of the measurements and only minimal temporal deviations in the flow measurement in systems with high concentrations of dirt and magnetite. Another significant benefit of the new flow sensors, Belimo said, is the compact design of the sensor tube and sound converter. Due to the compact size, the flow sensors save a lot of space, Belimo added.

▶ Flow sensors, DN 65 to DN 150

In order to ensure a higher energy efficiency of the system, the sensor, the company said, has been designed so that there is a low pressure drop at the sensor. That reduces pressure losses in the hydraulic system, the company added, further increases the energy efficiency of the system, and guarantees reliable operation and a long service life.

The flow sensors with nominal diameters from DN 65 to DN 150, the company said, will be available in June 2019

Natural refrigerants key to meeting carbon reduction targets, says AEFYT

Representative of the Spanish Association for Refrigeration Technology highlights measures being taken by refrigeration companies in the country to promote natural refrigerants

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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and safety. “The refrigeration atural refrigerants, industry has made an enormous such as CO2, effort to respond to the challenges ammonia and of the environmental transition, hydrocarbons and natural refrigerants are a very play a vital role in efforts to important pillar meet the F-Gas Regulation’s in this regard,” ambitious targets to Félix Sanz he said. reduce carbon emissions, Sanz said said Félix Sanz, Deputy that quality training is Manager, AEFYT, the Spanish Association more important now for Refrigeration Technology. Sanz said that than ever before, as manufacturers in the refrigeration industry natural refrigerants in Spain have showed their support for the gain prominence in cause by developing and installing equipment the market. The new that can accommodate natural refrigerants, refrigeration systems, and fine-tuning issues related to performance

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June 2019

he stressed, require personnel with proper training with regard to safety, energy efficiency, digitalisation and environmental sustainability to ensure that proper measures can be taken when it comes to controlling leakage and to the recovery and recycling of refrigerants. He added that only properly trained and qualified installers can ensure optimal operation and maintenance of the refrigeration equipment.

PHI-Cell technology can benefit the food supply chain, says RGF PHI is an advanced oxidation technology, which minimises pollutants in indoor air, company claims

By Ranjana Konatt | Features Writer

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GF’s patented Photohydroionization (PHICell) technology has benefited the food supply chain, said Bill Svec, VP, Water and Food Products, RGF Environmental Group, while highlighting the company’s contribution to maintaining good IAQ in the food supply chain.

According to RGF, PHI is an advanced

Bill Svec

oxidation technology, used to minimise and neutralise air pollutants, such as bacteria, viruses, mould, gases (VOCs) and other odours from indoor air. Pointing to the present scenario, he said, today there are daily reports where food is recalled due to bacterial contamination that occurs in the processing plant or in the supply chain.

Elaborating, he said, in the past, chemicals

were often used as a food safety intervention mechanism, which was not only costly but would also affect the taste and the colour of the food. Today, he added, those who grow food organically benefit most from the technology, and in the food safety aspect, processors have realised that the shelf life of the food product has greatly improved over time.

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June 2019

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GLOBAL NEWS

Food cold chain driving India’s refrigeration sector Demand estimates reveal 10% growth potential in cold storage capacity

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

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he overall trend and future of the market of the Indian HVACR industry is very positive, said Arvind Surange, CMD, ACR Project Consultants, adding that the food cold chain has been the major driving force for the refrigeration industry and cold chain sector. “This is due to the fact that India is a major producer of perishable foods,” he said, sharing that India ranks No. 1 in milk production, No. 2 in fruits and vegetables production and is again one of top-ranking countries for meat, poultry and fisheries products. “The overall perishable food production in India is over 400 million metric tonnes (MMT),” he added.

Arvind Surange

Surange shared that current demand estimates show that the potential for growth in the cold storage capacity is about 10%. “However, in the food processing segment, there is a vast potential for the growth of the industry, as the current food processing capacity is less than six per cent of the production,” he said. Surange added that other applications of refrigeration showing great potential for growth include pharmaceutical and bulk drugs industry, beverages industry and the entertainment sector.

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June 2019

ASHRAE signs MoU agreement with IDEA

The agreement with the International District Energy Association defines parameters for collaboration to advance the mutual interests of members of both bodies

By CCME Content Team

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SHRAE and the International District Energy Association (IDEA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising the organisations’ relationship. ASHRAE said through a Press communiqué.

The MoU was signed by 2018-2019 ASHRAE President Sheila J Hayter and IDEA President and CEO Robert Thornton on May 22, the communiqué said. The agreement defines parameters on how the two organisations will collaborate more closely to continue to advance and promote the mutual interests of their respective members, the communiqué added.

Both organisations seek to collaborate on the following: • Identifying and advancing industry best practices • Enhancing opportunities for education and awareness • Shaping and advocating policies to achieve a more sustainable future • Cultivating a global community of leaders, who are better prepared to address the economic, environmental and climate challenges facing society “IDEA is committed to optimizing the integration of buildings with both thermal and electrical district energy systems, which aligns well with ASHRAE’s priorities,” Hayter said. “This dedication makes IDEA a natural fit as an ASHRAE strategic partner and will strengthen both societies’ members to continue striving toward a healthier built-environment and a more sustainable world. I am pleased to sign this MoU on ASHRAE’s behalf and look forward to working with IDEA.” According to the communiqué, areas of potential collaboration include, but are not limited to: General advocacy, publishing, education and training programmes, coordination of technical activities, and research.

Thornton said: “For over a century, ASHRAE ▶ Robert Thornton and Sheila J Hayter members have contributed to advancing research, expertise and awareness on how best to shape our built-environment for energy efficiency and economic productivity. As energy professionals, we face increasing urgency to solve the complex challenges of climate change, especially in our cities, communities and campuses, where energy density enables solutions like district energy to maximize energy recovery, strengthen resiliency, reduce emissions and optimize integration of electricity and thermal energy. This partnership will strengthen collaboration on designing and building the energy solutions we will need for the future that we seek.”

Rapid thawing of permafrost is a matter of concern Signs of a thaw in the frozen ground in many places across the Arctic region are worrisome, says Yale Climate Connections

By CCME Content Team

A

bout a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere landmass is permafrost, ground that has been mostly frozen for half-amillion years or more; however, there are signs of thaw appearing in many places across this vast landscape circling the Arctic, and at accelerated rates, said Yale Climate Connections, an initiative of the Yale Center for Environmental Communication, Connecticut, United States, in a Press communiqué in mid-February.

It is only a matter of time until the incremental thawing of the permafrost reaches a tipping point of no return, a state of accelerated and irreversible change, the side-effects of which might well push other parts of the Arctic beyond their own tipping points, the communiqué said. The major side- effect of the thawing permafrost is that it will further enhance global warming with the release of large quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the communiqué further said. The

permafrost contains organic matter and thawing will enable bacterial decomposition that will release methane as a by-product of anaerobic respiration, the communiqué added.

According to Yale Climate Connections, the permafrost is not the only climatic system that is susceptible to abrupt regime shifts – the Greenland Ice Sheet, the West Antarctic Ice sheet and numerous ice shelves in both hemispheres have the potential to undergo abrupt and irreversible change in their state. However, the permafrost is likely one of the fastest to respond, given its southward extent and the existence of positive feedback loops – vicious circles that can amplify the thawing initiated by human-caused warming, the communiqué said.

The principal goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to 2 degrees C above preindustrial levels by the end of the century,

Introducing the

the communiqué said. In part, the value of 2 degrees C derives from evidence that predicts tipping points at or beyond that threshold, the communiqué further said. However, it is possible that a tipping of the permafrost may not happen at a specific temperature threshold, but would rather depend on the rate of human-caused warming, the communiqué also said. Crucially, the higher the rate of global warming, the sooner the tipping point could take place, the communiqué added.

According to Yale Climate Connections, while it is difficult to quantitatively pinpoint when a system is about to undergo tipping, it is likely that the permafrost, and indeed the Arctic as a whole, is already at or very near a tipping point. The communiqué said the basis for such a claim is the simultaneous shift towards tipping points in a number of interconnected systems, many of which are positive-reinforcing feedback mechanisms.

The communiqué said it’s time we start accepting that climate change is here, not something waiting to happen in some hypothetical future. The communiqué added Key Perspectives that by acting nowon we have some chance of disarmingthe theHVACR ticking permafrost bomb.

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GLOBAL NEWS

Belarusian engineers introduce AirZen

Device is a 5-in-1 personal humidifier, purifier, ionizer, aroma diffuser and air quality controller station, a spokesperson for the team of engineers says

By CCME Content Team

A

team of Belarusian engineers have introduced AirZen, a 5-in-1 personal humidifier, purifier, ioniser, aroma diffuser and air quality controller

station.

According to the team of engineers, AirZen is a new multifunctional personal

airspace controller with the widest variety of different features, including a humidifier, air purifier, ioniser, aroma diffuser and airquality station, all of which can be controlled using a companion smartphone application, supported by both iOS and Android devices.

Describing the gadget as being compact, the team of engineers said that it allows users to create their own microclimate around their workspace or home directly from their smartphone!

“Whether you’re in the office or at home, AirZen combines the latest technology, including advanced HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorber) air filtration, to reduce air pollutants around you,” a spokesperson for the team said. “It is perfect for hot summer days, as AirZen’s cooling mode lowers the temperature.”

According to the team of engineers, AirZen is designed to become a personal source of fresh air. “In crowded workspaces, the highperformance and energy-efficient AirZen helps

you to breathe more healthily and work more efficiently,” the spokesperson said.

“With an advanced HEPA air filter in place, AirZen destroys allergens and helps those affected by asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), viruses, toxic gases or simply bad odours. The innovative air-purifying technology allows you to get rid of headaches and forget about pollution. Set the desired temperature and humidity level, and the device will deliver a stream of fresh air around you. AirZen can also be used at night for easier breathing and better sleep with the help of various aromatic oils.”

US meat products’ global competitive advantage underpinned by strict food safety practices US Meat Export Federation CEP says sophisticated monitoring of cold chain vital to ensure quality of products distributed worldwide

By Hannah Jo Uy | Assistant Editor

S

trict standards related to food safety practices uphold the quality associated with meat products from the United States, said Dan Halstrom, President and CEO, US Meat Export Federation. “We have to ensure there is confidence in the quality and safety of our products, which we spend a lot of time on,” he said. “I would argue that the food production system in the US and globally is improving every day. I think the US is definitely at the forefront, where we put our products against anybody in the world.” Halstrom said that, as such, there are strict protocols related to temperature monitoring and the cold chain, which do not allow for variations in temperature throughout the process, starting from the slaughter to fabrication, and from handling to distribution.

Halstrom said that from his observations of the members of the Meat Exporters’ Federation, the companies are focused on doing things the right way by implementing internal quality standards, in terms of training and complying with international shipping standards. This, he said, also extends to integration of sophisticated monitoring systems. Halstrom explained that meat products are shipped either frozen or chilled. “In the case of frozen meat, it’s flash-frozen immediately,” he said. “In the case of chilled [products],

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June 2019

it’s maintained in a vacuum-packed form at a very constant temperature, usually around 0 degrees Celsius, all the way to the end consumer, be it in Japan, Korea or a lot of other markets that take chilled beef.”

Similarly, Halstrom said strict monitoring protocols are implemented in inland trucks that travel across states, as well as in vessels, which are responsible for a lot of distribution in the country through major inlets, such as in the Mississippi River, Missouri River and in the Gulf of Mexico. He added that most monitoring systems are computerised and accurate down to a variation of one degree Celsius. The real-time monitoring offered by sophisticated computerised systems, he said, ensures reliability.

Halstrom said that although he believes there is high degree of awareness among US meat exports on the importance of a strong cold chain, it is important to continuously educate the market on best practices in this regard. “It is important in our domestic business,” he said. “And it is even more important in our international business. Our organisation, almost everything we do in some way, shape or form is about education.” This, he said, is what sets meat products from the US apart from other products in the marketplace.

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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, NBC LLC., Mr. Elkhan Sadikhov, Tel: +994 50 216 3363, email: elkhan.sadikhov@nbc.com; 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