CCME May 2018 by Climate Control Middle East

13.0 EER System

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13.0

Key Perspectives on

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Country rEPort: JaPan How are air conditioning manufacturers participating in the country’s efforts to develop more resilient communities?

May 2018

regional news Panasonic unveils Middle East business strategy to commemorate 100th anniversary

Licence to Chill CPECS success stories Dan Mizesko, US Chiller Services

Empower supplies Dubai arena with 3,600 tonnes of refrigeration Clean cooling critical in reducing energy demand, says Eu-GCC body tecumseh opens new office in Dubai rSa Global acquires Meesan logistics

Factory Focus

An in-depth look at how fire safety regulations, and their enforcement, play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of society

interview

A close look into Midea’s RAC, CAC and chiller factories in Nansha, Shunde and Chongqing

‘One must seek ways to achieve a desired outcome in the most efficient way possible’

Chris Powell, Commvault

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I Facilitating the industry 15 October 2018 Dubai, UAE

n what will be a unique and useful experience for the HVACR industry, CPI Industry will be hosting the first ever buyer-seller interaction for buyers and sellers of MEP equipment in the region. In attendance will be procurement teams from master developers and developers, looking for technological solutions, as the UAE ramps up on efforts to be prepared and ready to host EXPO 2020, among other projects. The intention of the Summit is to provide manufacturers of MEP equipment, components, spare parts and accessories a neutral platform for meeting face to face with highly interested buyers, primed to close out deals for projects. Given the fact that the Buyer-Seller Summit will take place a day prior to The Consultant Contractor Conference, it provides a unique opportunity for follow-up meetings with the same master developers and developers the next day, with the advantage of being able to showcase the technological solutions and give live displays. General and MEP Consultants and contractors will also be in attendance.

2nd edition Strengthening the foundations for better building performance 16 October 2018 | Dubai, UAE

OVERVIEW

ollowing the success and tremendous reception accorded to the inaugural edition, the second edition of The Consultant Contractor Conference enjoys a warm glow of optimism of a deeper engagement among multiple stakeholders in the building performance industry in the UAE. The Conference will have a deeper sense of conviction to the discussions, given that the first edition set the tone and established the fact that the interests of MEP consultants and MEP contractors need to be represented and addressed with vigour and a sense of purpose. With the first edition largely focusing on and highlighting the challenges the two MEP disciplines continue to face, the second edition is an opportunity to extensively concentrate on, and collaboratively work towards, possible solutions that would ease their commercial, legal and other concerns.

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VOL. 13 NO. 05

MAY 2018

Q&A 10

cover story

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‘One must seek ways to achieve a desired outcome in the most efficient way possible’ Chris Powell, Chief Marketing Officer, Commvault, speaks on the company’s role in the South Pole Energy Challenge, the first ever expedition powered solely by clean energy technologies, and why a smart data backup and recovery plan is one that conserves resources in the context of data center efficiency.

14 24

Code Red Fire safety regulations are the heart of a successful and safe society, yet they are rendered useless if they are not enforced. Are regulations too rigid? Are they progressive enough? What are the ramifications?

May 2018

‘A multi-faceted approach’ Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir, Food Permits and Control Officer, Dubai Municipality, on how rules and regulations are changing the culture of food safety.

May 2018

find inside VOL. 13 NO. 05

MARKET FEATURE

MAY 2018

Compressors In addition to energy efficiency, what are the key market drivers propelling the compressor segment?

COUNTRY REPORT

SPECIAL FEATURE A United Front The archipelago’s energy insecurity is paving the way for an integrated approach in the move to develop more resilient communities, with public and private sectors championing energy efficiency, both in supply and demand.

Factory Focus: A close look into Midea’s RAC, CAC and Chiller factories in China Into its 50th year, Midea seems keen on reflecting China’s ethos of thinking big. Hannah Jo Uy has this report, after touring three of the company’s factories, in Nansha, Shunde and Chongqing

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REGULARS

LICENCE TO CHILL CPECS success stories Dan Mizesko outlines how the chilled water plant optimisation control system helped a New Jersey district cooling plant achieve 30% energy savings

May 2018

eDItor'S note Perplexed, puzzled

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Perplexed,puzzled

Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

COUNTRY REPORT: JAPAN How are air conditioning manufacturers participating in the country’s efforts to develop more resilient communities?

May 2018

regional news Panasonic unveils Middle East business strategy to commemorate 100th anniversary

Licence to Chill CPECS success stories Dan Mizesko, US Chiller Services

Empower supplies Dubai Arena with 3,600 tonnes of refrigeration Clean cooling critical in reducing energy demand, says EU-GCC body Tecumseh opens new office in Dubai RSA Global acquires Meesan logistics

Factory Focus

An in-depth look at how fire safety regulations, and their enforcement, play a crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of society

interview

‘One must seek ways to achieve a desired outcome in the most efficient way possible’

Chris Powell, Commvault

A close look into Midea’s RAC, CAC and chiller factories in Nansha, Shunde and Chongqing

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am often asked questions, like ‘How do you read the market?’ ‘Where do you see us headed towards?’ In all honesty, I have only managed to say, ‘I wish I knew’. The near-absence of credible or adequate metrics and an unwillingness on my part to read between the lines and speculate has not provided an opportunity to say otherwise. And this applies to most parts of the globe. In a utopian world, though, where market demand is driven by mandated action and a sense of conviction to effectively address specific societal and environmental goals, near-precise answers perhaps could be possible, simply because all the pieces of the puzzle would fall into place in a logical, organised, almost preordained fashion. Given the fact that we need to raise the bar on lowering indoor air pollutants in residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings and that it is now becoming possible to quantify the impact of poor IAQ on cognitive function, say, a mandate with specific KPIs, among other aspects, could help us arrive at market demand, and the resultant uptake of IEQ-related products and services. The same applies to energy efficiency. Sadly, utopia is elusive, but given the rut, even a situation slightly below ideal would be most welcome, because largely speaking, we are up against a mindset of short-termism, as opposed to long-term – or even mid-term – planning and execution. Again largely speaking, we are also up against obfuscation, skewed predictions, conflicts of interests and a cocktail of poor design, construction and trading practices, including misrepresentation of certification, misrepresentation of provenance, under-invoicing, lopsided drafting of contracts and a crippling environment of delayed payments that threatens the very fibre of business continuity. Add to that a palpable general lack of vision and a certain indecisiveness in the industry, born out of a common inability to separate fact from myth, and the market picture becomes murkier. It becomes well nigh impossible to lay a finger on reality and, as a result, to fathom the extent to which opportunities are lost, because the industry seems to be reluctant to move away from perception. Clarity is valuable beyond measure. In a world dominated by hyperbole, a single grain of thought, if pregnant with insight and truth and if stated objectively, is pure gold. Sadly, I am searching like a prospector on a barren land.

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Chris Powell, Commvault

‘ONE MUST SEEK WAYS TO IN THE MOST EFFICIENT

Chris Powell, Chief Marketing Officer, Commvault, speaks on the company’s role in the South Pole Energy Challenge, the first-ever expedition powered solely by clean energy technologies and why a smart data backup and recovery plan is one that conserves resources in the context of data centre efficiency. Excerpts from the interview with Hannah Jo Uy…

he South Pole Energy Challenge (SPEC) is reportedly the first-ever expedition powered solely by clean energy technologies. Could you elaborate on the use of renewable energy during critical aspects of the trip? SPEC is the first polar expedition powered solely by renewable energy, including solar and shell advanced biofuels made out of woodchips and garbage. Solar was utilised to power equipment used to record the expedition. This included the first 360-degree camera taken on a polar expedition, as part of an initiative between the 2041 Foundation [Robert Swan] and the United Nations to create an interactive / virtual learning environment to raise awareness of the importance to protect Antarctica and its natural resources.

May 2018

In addition, the team tested a solar “ice-melter” from NASA and Shell Bio-Fuels were used for the critical need for water to survive. On average – each person required approximately six litres of water daily; of course, the irony of being surrounded by ice is that water is only abundant if it can be converted from its solid form.

How did Commvault get involved in the South Pole Energy Challenge? From what we understand, the company is providing complete backup and data protection for the critical data captured during all of the 2041 Foundation’s historymaking expeditions – including the SPEC, IAE Antarctica 2018 and the Trans America Cycle.

We first engaged Robert Swan for a rather simple need --as a speaker for Commvault’s

Sales Kickoff Meeting in May of 2017. It did not take long after meeting for Robert to come to the conclusion that we could do much more together. Robert’s mission, much like all businesses today, is increasingly reliant on data. In the case of the expedition and the 2041 foundation, Commvault and Robert both saw the opportunity to partner to ensure the data was safe, could be recovered quickly if necessary, and was easily accessible to Robert and his team. In brief, they needed help to assure their data was backed-up, and that was a natural fit for Commvault as the world’s leading software for data backup and recovery. It has been a privilege to take part in this expedition, and by providing the capability to record, document and securely preserve all the video, audio, and imagery being captured on the 600-mile expedition. We are in our own small way, contributing to a globally important narrative that started with

ACHIEVE A DESIRED OUTCOME WAY POSSIBLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

May 2018

Chris Powell, Commvault

for choosing Azure, as Microsoft has a cloud data centre in South America, which helped in this process.

Chris Powell

Whether on the ice in Antarctica or running an enterprise, one must seek ways to achieve a desired outcome in the most efficient way possible

May 2018

the heroic polar expeditions of Scott and Amundsen back in the early 1900s and will hopefully continue long after 2041. As the official Data Partner for the 2041 Foundation, Commvault is leveraging its data protection software to receive, index, store, and distribute the historically significant information, video, photographs and scientific data captured in Antarctica, while the SPEC expedition was underway. Commvault will provide data protection and access for all expedition data, preserving all business records and critical data for the 2041 Foundation for the next three years.

How is it doing so in line with the renewable energy parameters imposed by this particular expedition? What were the initial bottlenecks in ensuring the smooth operation of critical equipment in relation to this and how was the company able to address these issues?

Everything was supported and relied upon renewable energy – we had to keep the cameras and satellite phones charged up each day by solar panels to make this all possible. We were able to upload some data directly from the expedition via satellite on a daily basis. That data was ingested into our Commvault Data Platform, and then available for use over the 57-day expedition. Most of the data – for example, large video files – were simply too large for satellite transmission (due to speed); in this case, data was brought back to Punta Arenas in southern Chile to be uploaded directly. This was one reason

Gleaning from the company’s experience, what aspects of the knowledge transfer and practices in relation to this expedition do you believe could have wider applications in urban settings and office practices?

While it is hard to draw direct comparisons between the cold, remoteness of the Antarctic and urban business, there is a common logic applied -- a smart data backup and recovery plan is one that conserves resources. Here’s the thinking: There are two universally accepted truths about data. First, data is the “red-thread” that increasingly runs through all aspects of how companies and governments, operate; and two, the amount and variety of data is growing. These two facts are at the heart of digital transformation. Given this, companies must be vigilant stewards of the resources required to keep data safe, so it is there when you need it and you can also use the data, to get value from it. So whether on the ice in Antarctica or running an enterprise, one must seek ways to achieve a desired outcome in the most efficient way possible.

SPEC essentially calls to attention the viability of using renewable energy, proving that if it can be used in one of, if not the most, barren, wild and dangerous places in the globe, it can be applied by everyone, everywhere. What is your opinion on the issue of renewables in the field of data centre cooling, which traditionally consumes massive amounts of energy?

Especially in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern society, where most people are reliant on smart infrastructure?

This is a great question and at the heart of how the 2041 Foundation and Commvault share some common values and a vision. Robert Swan, through 2041.org is challenging individuals, companies, governments, and other institutions to think differently about how they operate and the energy they consume. One can look at this to find ways to protect the environment; or simply through the view that efficiently operating is a cornerstone of business, and not a revolutionary new idea. We believe the data centre is a place where many companies have an opportunity to reduce energy consumption to the benefit of the environment and also, if they are publically traded, to the

benefit of shareholders and bottom line. Here, both objectives have a symbiotic relationship. A more efficient data centre backup and recovery environment is intelligently managed by software. One that helps set-up and manage the most logical set-up of on-premises and public cloud infrastructure and services. Savings are found in a number of ways; three of the most common are: First, infrastructure â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maintaining the fewest number of copies (so-called Copy Data Management) will ensure you are only using the infrastructure needed. Today, many companies are keeping multiple copies of the same data for different needs. These copies sit on expensive infrastructure that consumes energy in their production and

use. Second, Data Movement Commvault helps reduce this with intelligent automation to move only the data that must be moved. And third, people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; consolidating backup and recovery to a single solution, frees up highly skilled and hard-to-find people to focus on other IT-related work.

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

May 2018

OVER STORY

Fire safety regulations are at the heart of a successful and safe society, yet they are rendered useless if they are not enforced. Are regulations too rigid? Are they progressive enough? What are the ramifications? Stakeholders share their views with Benwen Lopez of Climate Control Middle East.

May 2018

n April 8, 2018, a three-alarm fire broke out on the 50th floor of the Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, USA. The fire killed one person and injured four firefighters. According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), during a threealarm fire call, 33 units with 138 firefighters are dispatched to the scene. Shortly after the incident, Donald Trump put out a tweet, which praised the safety of his building and thanked the firefighters for doing their job. However, according to media reports, in 1998, Trump along with some high profile developers, opposed a regulation that required older residential buildings to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. According to a statement released by the New York City Fire Department, had Trump accepted the regulation in 1998, there would have been no casualties. The crux of the incident shows us how mission critical fire safety regulations are. While fire safety regulations have always existed, they remain a toothless tiger if they are not enforced. But given the evolution of the industry in the UAE, and Dubai, in particular, authorities like Dubai Civil Defence have resuscitated new life into the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, which, industry insiders say, has become a uniform foundation for the industry. And although the code has its challenges, it continues to evolve, along with the evolution of the industry. Speaking on the introduction of the updated fire code, Terry Johnson, FIFireE, Dubai Civil Defence, echoes the voice of the fire department when he says, “The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice is geared to protect all citizens, and the UAE Government has made it very clear that they want to create a successful and fire-safe environment for the country.” The code, which has seen considerable maturity since the 2011 edition, Johnson says, is the result of strategic collaborative work between industry experts and Dubai Civil Defence.

Stepping up enforcement

Industry insiders affirm that the code has not seen development only on paper, but rather, the level of enforcement has been stepped up. Explaining how enforcement has stepped up, Abhishek Chabbra, Business Development, Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants, says: “When the final closing inspection is carried out by Civil Defence authorities, tough questions are being asked to the stakeholders involved. Questions that were not asked two years ago,

and these questions force manufacturers to go back and relook at the work that they have done, and this is happening because the code is being pushed in the industry.” Explaining the material selection process, Chabbra adds that under the new code, it is a tiered structure, where the manufacturer has to go through three levels to get the product approved. These levels, he says, range from proving appropriate certification to submission of information and to prove their expertise on fire safety, or else they would need to appoint a specialised fire safety consultant, depending on the size of the project, to understand and translate the code. Echoing Chabbra’s views on the fresh development projects, Dr Ramiz Babus’Haq, Deputy General Manager, Hydro Engineering Consultants, explains that owing to the new level of enforcement, consultants have to ensure that even revived projects have to come up to code before they can progress. “One of our projects was delayed for two years, but when we recently re-started the project, as a consultant, it was my responsibility to ensure that the entire project was first brought up to code by bringing a specialised fire safety consultant, Naffco, before progressing further,” he says.

This change has rootedout cheaper alternatives, so naturally, a higher performance means higher quality, and that typically drives up the cost, as the material and weight increas

May 2018

OVER STORY

Terry Johnson

Abhishek Chabbra

Dr Ramiz Babus’Haq

For the construction industry, the biggest change in the 2017 code is the façade requirements, explains Robert Davies, Head of Fire & Life Safety Middle East, WSP. “The façade element was one of the significant changes, and the approach is to provide a robust façade system to ensure that the fire performance is to a higher standard,” he says. “This change has rooted-out cheaper alternatives, so naturally, a higher performance means higher quality, and that typically drives up the cost, as the material and weight increases.”

The new code pushes for a greater supervisory oversight. All stakeholders must step up towards ensuring that the products or projects align with the Civil Defence regulations

Robert Davies

Markus Lattner

May 2018

Further elaborating on the financial implications, Davies adds that, owing to the new regulations, manufacturers and suppliers now have to look at robust testing facilities, which may propel testing companies to react and possibly charge a premium. Highlighting the burden of the financial implications and offering a case-in point, Dr Babus’Haq adds: “If a contractor or developer ignores the new regulation on façades, and goes ahead with the original plan of using a non-compliant façade, and a fire breaks out, the insurance company would not pay the compensation by citing that the

project was not up to the fire code.” From the regulatory perspective, Johnson says: “If there is a breach in a fire safety alarm, or a sprinkler was not repaired, heavy financial penalties are imposed on the building owner, and it can run into tens of thousands of dirhams, depending on the situation.” The penalty framework also includes other types of punitive measures, Johnson explains, such as, if it is observed that a particular contractor, developer, supplier or manufacturer is a repeat-offender, then the penalty extends to cancelling their names from the Civil Defence approval list, which in turn affects their business licence and may even cause them to cease operations. Further explaining the step up in the enforcement framework, Johnson adds that inspectors not only visit new sites but also conduct spot-checks on older buildings to see if they are brought up to code. However, generally speaking, Johnson observes that most developers are committed to keeping their project, firesafe; hence they adopt multiple measures, such as working with fire safety consultants, to ensure that they not only align with the fire safety code but also interpret it correctly, but at the same time there are challenges, which crop up. Highlighting an industrial malpractice, Johnson says that like in a game of dodgeball, there have been cases where a manufacturer has developed a sample product to the standards required by Civil Defence, presented it, got the approvals, but have used the certification as a blanket approval for the entire range, which is not correct, because the certification was given only for one product. “In order to combat this malpractice, our vigilance teams conduct spot-inspections of all products, and if something is not in line with the code, they would be asked to remove it and get it certified or face heavy penalties,” he says. Sharing a similar case in point, Dr Babus’Haq says: “I once met with a supplier who claimed to have received a UL certification for the linen chute door, he was supplying for the project. When he sent us the copy of the certification, we observed that the certification was only for a garbage door. We then discussed it with him and requested that he rectify the issue before joining in the project. Consultants and contractors need to be extra vigilant in every project and ensure that all the products used are certified by Civil Defence and other certification bodies.”

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May 2018

OVER STORY

Elaborating further, Chabbra adds that in the new code, chapter 18 has been entirely dedicated to defining the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, and decree 213 that was issued by the UAE Government, empowers Civil Defence to take action against those who breach this code.

Awareness of regulations

Regulatory challenges

Any regulatory framework, industry insiders say, has its own challenges, owing to the dynamic environment of the industry, which is constantly evolving and innovating. Speaking on the challenges of the fire safety code, Johnson says: “Obviously, any regulatory code is not a finalised document. It is progressive in nature, and as the industry grows, regulations grow alongside it. We learn from the industry and adopt it in the code.” Further elaborating on the challenges faced by the industry with the code, he says that if a particular product or project is non-code compliant, the department does not just close the door but rather listens to the manufacturer or to the developer to try and find a suitable solution. “Putting our heads together, we may find a solution that need not be code-compliant, but rather fitting in the regulatory framework and with absolutely no compromise to fire and life safety,” Johnson says. However, from an industry perspective, Davies believes that with the exponential growth of the construction industry across the GCC region, he wonders whether government bodies have enough manpower to police the projects effectively, which opens the door for the industry to take responsibility by selfregulating themselves and following the code to the letter, thus reducing the burden on regulatory bodies, which means, adopting a code of ethics in work sites and going

May 2018

to the extent of ensuring that construction workers are working in a bolstered safe environment, and not just as per standards.

Going above regulations

Emphasising the need to rise above regulations, Dr Babus’Haq says, “Whenever I have worked with a contractor or subcontractor, I advise them that if they try to cut costs, there is a compromise to the safety of the occupants, and they always need to bear in the mind the human cost before cutting costs.” Voicing a similar opinion, Davies adds that there are some stakeholders who believe that merely a Civil Defence approval is enough, but he believes that an approval does not absolve the responsibilities of the consultant or contractor. “The new code pushes for a greater supervisory oversight. All stakeholders must step up towards ensuring that the products or projects align with the Civil Defence regulations and they should not be waiting for the inspectors to arrive and call them out.”

Sharing his thoughts on how the level of awareness has stepped up, Johnson says: “Over the past months, we have seen substantial maturity in the market. One of the trends that we have observed is that different stakeholders are moving away from bad practices of buying substandard products and adopting short-cut methods to avoid cost but which diminishes the fire safe environment.” Dr Babus’Haq adds that though the level of awareness within the market is evident, Civil Defence must not stop creating more awareness, and must continue through different forms of media. “Sometimes there are parts of the code that need better explanation," he says. "For this, the officials must continue awareness training programmes to ensure every important aspect of the code is followed.” Further speaking on how to step up the awareness campaign, Davies says: “As Health and Fire Safety Engineers, it is our job to ensure that the stakeholders, like consultants and contractors, thoroughly understand the code. Such a practice would help us to achieve a strong supervisory oversight of the projects." Offering a different method to contribute towards creating greater awareness, Markus Lattner, Director, Eurovent Middle East, says, “One way to bridge the gap between the government and the industry are through workshops, where all stakeholders come together to discuss and understand regulations, and explore how the industry can contribute towards the drafting and implementing of these regulations.” Lattner adds that the industry must not wait for the government to come up with regulations; rather they must go to the government, share their expertise on the technological advancements made and explore how regulations can be improved and implemented. Lattner further says that through constant channels of dialogue, solutions can be reached. “Expertise from the government and industry can come together to discuss and find concrete solutions for a safe society.”

Towards a fire-safe society

Fire regulations are mission critical owing to the human life attached to it, in the case of a fire. It is not just the building occupants, but also the lives of the firefighters who respond to the call. Across the world, incidents have occurred where firefighters have said goodbye to their families, with the hope of seeing them after their duty, but never returned home, all because they have responded to the call of duty.

To avoid a ‘Mayday’ situation, like in the Trump Tower fire or the Grenfell Tower fire in London, all the stakeholders clearly say that achieving a fire-safe society is possible, if the regulations are followed, and it is through constant dialogue and workshops that the regulations would be better understood. But at the same time, the industry cannot negate their responsibilities, and as Davies says, stakeholders must not wait for

the authorities to come and inspect their products and projects; instead, they must understand how to align with the code, without making any compromises.

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

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May 2018

FACTOR YFOCUS

Midea facilities in China

‘Go biG, T

hinking on a massive scale is nothing new for a country like China, which in many ways is a world on its own. Among the people, there is an underlying ethos to “go big, or go home”. More often than not, people go big, and this is reflected in everything from ancient ruins of immense proportions, modern sky-high buildings, vast residential developments and lavish dining halls. The mentality may very well be borne from the country’s wealth of resources, both human and natural. For manufacturers, such as Midea, this is certainly the case, as throughout its 50-year history the company has leveraged the skill of its workforce to supply homegrown products to domestic and foreign markets. As Midea transitioned from a Chinese manufacturer to a worldwide solutions provider through strategic international acquisitions, the company has moved from thinking big to thinking globally. “The major business of Midea group is still the air conditioner,” says Peck Zhao, Senior Specialist of Marketing, “which is 45%. The other 40% is home appliances, 10% is robotics and industrial automation, and then the rest would be logistics.” Though Midea supplies equally to Chinese and foreign markets, in the previous year, Zhao says, there was significantly faster growth in the Chinese market for air conditioners at 20-30%, compared with the overseas market, which was recorded at approximately 10%.

May 2018

Peck Zhao

Bill Song

AUTOMATION: A NECESSITY, NOT A PRIVILEGE

Nevertheless, the company continues to innovate for both markets, says Zhao, adding that in order to cope, automation is playing a more important role in the company’s long-term strategy. “Now, air conditioners are developed on the same platform,” he says. “That means all kinds of products are available for both China and overseas market, depending on requirement.” Midea’s Nansha factory in Guangzhou is an example of a factory, where products for the domestic and overseas market originate. The Nansha factory specialises in the production of residential air conditioners and components. Despite being one of the smallest factories under Midea, it is

fully automated and houses the most number of robots. Every day, the factory produces 22,000 coils for evaporator and condenser heat exchangers, 1,600 indoor units and 1,800 outdoor units, with a total production capacity of 550,000 sets per month. Though fully automated, the facility houses workers for testing and connecting pipes. For Midea, automation is a necessity, not a luxury, the company says. Automation, Zhao says, helps reduce the labour cost as well as component cost, allowing the company to maintain its prices from several years back. “Because we have a huge volume, not only in China but also outside,” Zhao says, “the average cost can be more competitive with others.”

The future, Zhao says, is heading towards automation, also in anticipation of trends among the youth. “They don’t really want to work in a factory anymore,” he says, “You have to invest in automation not just because of the cost but also because of people’s preference. This is a must.”

INNOVATION: THE WAY FORWARD

Automation is undoubtedly important for Midea, as evidenced by its implementation across its factories and acquisition of Kuka, a German robotics manufacturer. However, Zhao believes that innovation is still key to long-term survival, saying that as such Midea continuously invests in R&D to bring something different to the market.

Into its 50th year, Midea seems keen on reflecting China’s ethos of thinking big. Hannah Jo Uy has this report, after touring three of the company’s factories, in Nansha, Shunde and Chongqing

Go home’ May 2018

FACTOR YFOCUS

Four per cent of the company’s sales, Zhao says, goes to R&D, and for the last five years this has amounted to approximately USD 5 billion. Midea’s Innovation Centre, the company is proud to reveal, houses the company’s latest developments and the fruits of its R&D projects. Not far is the CAC Shunde Factory, specialising in the production of Midea’s VRF and mini-VRFs. The production facility is automated, with personnel facilitating testing for quality control. Each production line manufactures approximately 120-160 VRF units a day for the Chinese domestic market and for export. The Shunde factory is also the birthplace of the VRF systems Midea has supplied to a 5,000-villa project in the UAE, which also saw the installation of more than 30,000 indoor units. Zhao makes a case for VRF in the Middle East, which he believes is an ideal solution over chillers, gleaning from observations on areas in China, where water is considered a scarce resource. This, he says, is why the government is pushing VRF in Shanghai, where it has been applied to 80% of the buildings. An impressive uptake, he stresses, given that 30 years ago, there was no VRF, only chillers. This trend, Zhao believes, will be replicated in the Middle East.

HUMAN CAPITAL

In the Shunde factory, men and women stand side by side with machine and musical automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) smoothly running through internal tracks. A vital part of the process includes testing for all parameters, and amidst the ambient noise of production, one can see the facility decorated with phrases in Chinese and English that read: “Creating opportunities for employees; bring value to customer”; “Attitude defines all”; “No details, no success”; “Dreams lead the future” and “Make arduous efforts”. These seem to reveal not only the company’s philosophy but also its awareness and appreciation of its human work force. This consciousness extends across the organisational hierarchy since the company’s inception. “Our founder,” says Bill Song, Brand Manager (EU, ME & Africa), “is really a visionary. He believes the right people could bring more value to the company, so he invested a lot on people.” This

May 2018

Midea facilities in China

ethos is reflected in the Midea History Museum, which chronicles the first group of employees, dubbed as the “Weekend Engineers”. As the highly educated people at the time were mostly from the city, engineers would bike from Guangzhou to Foshan during their weekends to work for Midea. These engineers were soon absorbed as the company grew. Today, the avowed emphasis on excellence is palpable and is measured by patents, which are largely driven by incentives. “Patent means money,” Zhao says. “The engineer who developed and innovated the patent will get at least 1,000 RMB to up to one million RMB – very high incentives for R&D engineers, hence so many patents.”

The amount, Zhao says, is dependent on the value of the patent and innovation. Providing an example, Zhao says that the engineer who innovated fan control to reduce noise and optimise the refrigerant and air flow received up to one million RMB and a house. “Every year, there would be at least 10 engineers we call technical stars,” he says. “On average, they would get a car amounting to maybe USD 60,000. For those that had a special contribution [to the development of] new products, the whole team might get one million, with the top engineer getting maybe RMB 100,000 and the others maybe RMB 50,000.”

PRE INSULATED DUCT SYSTEM

THE HUMAN TOUCH

Given that visitors of the factories and headquarters are greeted by walls of framed patents, from floor to ceiling, the role of human capital in the company’s success is evident. It is no different in the Chongqing Chiller factory, which is home to large-tonnage chillers, magnetic chillers, inverter direct-drive centrifugal chillers, air-cooled screw chillers and water-cooled screw chillers. Zhao says that chillers are still the technology of choice for big developments, such as airports and large-scale shopping malls, owing to their reliability and durability. Zhao says that Midea has sold the chillers not only in the domestic market but also in the overseas market, such as Saudi Arabia. Midea, Zhao says, sells approximately 500 units of chillers every year, which he says, is no small feat, given their large scale. Most recently, Zhao says, Midea installed 40 units of centrifugal chillers in Guangzhou’s Terminal 2, which is as large as 40,000 tonnes of refrigeration, with 150,000 kilowatts of cooling capacity. Compared to the fully automated RAC factory in Nansha, the Chongqing factory employs more highly specialised people, owing to the technical skill required for the more meticulous assembly work.

LEVERAGING MINDSET TO GLOBAL EXPANSION

Currently, Zhao says, Midea has been ranked 450 in the Fortune Global 500 list, is valued at approximately USD 46 billion and has 30 factories, 18 in China and 12 abroad, in addition to R&D centres and offices. The company, Zhao says, views the ASEAN region as a particularly booming and promising market. “We do believe we can benefit the local country,” Zhao says, touching on the company’s move to internationalise. “We can supply more job opportunities, the products can be locally designed, locally manufactured and locally [sold].” Speaking of global expansion, a common refrain is the quality of products emanating from China. Referring to old perceptions of China-made products being of low quality, Song adds: “In the real world, China has changed. We don’t work on low-quality things. We don’t really guarantee the quality of the products 10 years ago, but China now is totally different. We also need distributors and companies, like Taqeef, that believe in Made in China.” It would seem that Midea is not only exporting its products, it is exporting its mechanism for productivity, which in view of its size, has been a recipe for its success, in the move to offer a taste of the new China to the rest of the world.

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

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May 2018

Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir, Dubai Municipality

‘A multi-faceted approach to food safety’

So that’s why we’re pushing for this idea on the basic tips you should know when you’re going out to eat. It’s about understanding that there are some things that you, as a consumer, shouldn’t accept. This is really vital because we are talking about the safety of people at the end of the day.

Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir, Food Permits and Control Officer, Dubai Municipality, speaks with Climate Control Middle East on how rules and regulations are changing the culture of food safety, the importance of promoting greater awareness among consumers on their role in the food chain and how technology is becoming a valuable platform for knowledge sharing. Excerpts from the interview with Hannah Jo Uy…

ould you briefly speak on your strategy within your role to underpin the importance of food safety among multiple stakeholders?

It’s about raising awareness – not just on the industry and the food establishments, because we do have rules and regulations set up for them to ensure food safety of consumers, but it’s also about raising awareness among consumers themselves. Consumers need to be more aware of how to keep themselves and their family safe, whether this means eating at home, going out or ordering food from delivery services. I think eating out in Dubai is such a big part of our lives, so ensuring that people understand what they should be paying attention to when going out to restaurants or when ordering is very important, so everyone is aware of their role in the food chain. Rules and regulations are changing the culture of food safety. We don’t want to take food safety for granted, we want [consumers] to take a proactive [approach]. I think an aware consumer is always a safe consumer.

May 2018

Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir

Do you feel that initiatives such as the UAE Food Bank help move the dial in terms of promoting greater consciousness among the people with regard to food safety and food waste?

As you said, initiatives like the UAE Food Bank ensure that there is a decrease in food waste or that excess food is diverted to people who are more in need. It’s also a matter of ensuring that the message reaches the industry, food establishments and consumers, in such a way that they have easy access to it, through visual and print media. Every year, we have the Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC), which highlights the latest advancements in technology and knowledge with regard to food security and safety. People can really gain a more holistic view of how things are moving in the food safety area; it’s not just aimed at the food industry. We also have the World Food Day, where we highlight the importance of food safety. Food waste is something we are working on getting rid of and eliminating, but it is also a matter of highlighting the importance of staying safe with the food that you eat. During Ramadan we try to have events as well, because as you know food is such a huge part of that month, so ensuring that we are sending the right message across helps consumers understand they should not just decrease the amount of food waste but also to be safe when preparing food and when going out to eat. Nutrition is also an important part during that month; you’re restricted to a set number of meals during the day and you really need to focus on what you’re eating. I think it’s a multi-faceted way of approaching food safety.

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

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May 2018

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

LICENCE TO

CPEcs

success

System helps a New Jersey district cooling plant achieve 30% energy savings

few months ago, I wrote about the unrivalled savings that can be had through installing a Central Plant Energy Control Systems (CPECS) in a chilled water or District Cooling plant. The following are the results of such a system being installed in a District Cooling plant in the Tri State Area of the United States.

OVERVIEW

The Midtown Thermal Control Center (MTCC), belonging to Pepco Energy Services (PES), is a 16,287 TR (tonnes of refrigeration) scheme that is operated round the clock and round

May 2018

the year. It is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and serves chilled water to many of the casinos in Atlantic City, including Bally’s, Caesar’s, The Wild Wild West, Pier at Caesar’s, Claridge, Boardwalk Hall and Trump Plaza. It also serves the Atlantic City Convention Center, including its 2.4 MW solar array. Among significant features, the plant achieved the maximum possible rebate – of USD 500,000 – through New Jersey’s staterun programme, called New Jersey Smart Start. The plant is 20 years old and targets an annual performance of 0.6kW/tonne and 10,000,000 kWh in annual savings over the previous year’s baseline.

THE STORY

The PES mandate was to seek costeffective ways to improve the operations of MTCC, especially the larger contributors to production costs. The Plant Operations Manager of PES saw that the MTCC plant was relying on the same equipment and processes that were put in place, when the plant was built over 15 years ago. The plant provides essential chilled water through a 42” header. It has four York 4160v series counter-flow chillers and 10 York 480v VSD-series counter-flow chillers. The pumping capacity of the system is 40,000 GPM. The question facing PES was, ‘How can we produce chilled water more efficiently so as to be able to improve the bottom line?’ With this as the guide, PES identified many opportunities for improving efficiency at the plant, not only in the chilled water production process but also in measuring and monitoring the output of the production process. The investigation showed that the plant was being operated and maintained with the help of a series of independent components and controls, many of which had been modified over the years. From experience, PES knew that even the most efficient components fail to meet their promised efficiency over time. PES believed it was essential to look beyond component-based efficiency and employ a holistic approach, where components work optimally as part of a networked, inter-related system. Once the initial plant survey and site assessment was complete, it was clear that the largest opportunity for cost-effective

energy reduction was in the chilled water production process. However, the opportunity was not about simply replacing or adding equipment; it was about modifying the controls strategies with which the chilled water was produced. PES chose Smardt Chillers, the developer of Kiltech/CPECS, as a partner to review the opportunity for central plant optimisation. Developing a baseline, which stated the question, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Without good data and a good control system, how do you know if, or what, you need to optimiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, PES in 2012 worked with Smardt Kiltech for a period of over 10 months, collecting and validating data in order to understand what the plant had, so that they could very accurately portray what could be gained by implementing a central plant optimisation system. The team reviewed all prior electric bills and upgraded many flow and temperature transmitters to ensure accurate baseline data. PES understood that improvements in the chilled water production process would be evaluated

At the heart of the software is an algorithm that is computing all possible chiller, pump and cooling tower sequencing permutations, modified flows, set points and load limits

in competition with other capital expenditure options under consideration, because capital budgets were limited. The proposal showed that PES could reduce its chilled water production costs by well over 20% by implementing the proposed chiller optimisation changes and other energy-efficiency measures. Now, over 20% is a big number, and upper management was initially sceptical. It took almost four months of additional validation to address the questions the members of the management team posed, and to demonstrate that the calculations were accurate. The project qualified for a USD 500,000 rebate from the New Jersey Office of Clean Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NJ SmartStart Buildings Program, and also resulted in nearly 25% improvement in operating efficiencies. The proposal called for PES to make numerous energy-efficiency upgrades, including VFDs, and to utilise the nonproprietary automated plant optimisation application from Smardt/Kiltech

May 2018

LICENCE TO

– CPECS (Central Plant Energy Control System). When CPECS is deployed, either in new construction or retrofit, it routinely achieves annual averages of 0.55 kW/ tonne and lower for the entire chiller plant, depending on the application, thus translating to significant annual energy and cost savings. PES application engineers and programmers worked closely with Smardt/Kiltech, to customise the system’s software that automatically sequences the operation of the entire chilled water plant. The CPECS networked optimisation software was designed to take advantage of the Plant Control System (PCS) to maximise central plant efficiency. “We were able to interact with the plant’s existing Allen Bradley Rockwell Plant Control System to fully optimize the mechanical systems in the plant,” the PES management reported. The CPECS’ networked onsite server, which is deployed on the backbone of the current PCS, receives data, processes and models the data and provides historical, real-time, and predicted data. The data outputs from the CPECS provide the operational strategies that are automatically implemented by the plant control system. Based upon the energyefficiency measures developed during the initial verification process, PES upgraded various motor starters and system-critical instruments required for optimisation. The CPECS platform uses a non-proprietary open protocol and fully-modelled methodology. The approach is model- and simulationdriven and is customized to PES’ plant and operations. At the heart of the software is an algorithm that is computing all possible

chiller, pump and cooling tower sequencing permutations, modified flows, set points and load limits. The calculations find the combination of equipment and speeds that result in the lowest kW input and/or the lowest instantaneous cost of production. All of this is recorded, reported and implemented in real time. The system has what’s referred to as a ‘Brute Force Optimiser algorithm’, which constantly calculates the most efficient operation scenario. Algorithms run every 15 minutes, 24/7. They make real-time automatic adjustments to the system, based on real-time system loads. The optimisation software then simulates that data and directs the PCS for adjustments needed to maximise the system performance. The software has complete knowledge of compressor, tower and pump performance characteristics, which it uses in real time to modulate control levels to all VFDs, pumps and machines. The programme’s continuous feedback loops provide detailed, real-time and historical performance data so operators can quickly detect, diagnose and resolve system faults. The data is displayed via easy-toread graphs and charts that allow for quick diagnosis of faults. If a chiller is taken out of service for maintenance, the software recalculates, readjusts and reassigns the process workload accordingly. In addition to achieving operational efficiencies and savings, the central plant optimisation project clearly demonstrated how automated optimisation of a complex plant, like the MTCC plant can help the

owners meet their operational goals by helping them achieve production reliability as well as enhanced visibility into operations and equipment that enables them to foresee challenges that may impact performance or operations. One of the aspects about the CPECS that impressed PES had to do with finding new opportunities for additional efficiencies. “You start to see things that you never knew were acting as a drag on our production efficiency,” the PES team said. The chiller plant optimisation was completed in 2013. Since deployment, it has become commonplace to see daily savings of 30%, relative to baseline. Going forward, savings are expected to be 20-25%, annually. The plant operates at near-maximum cooling capacity during the summer months, and there are limits to the optimisation based on weather conditions and customer occupancy. PES benefits most during the summer and winter months. The demand is much lower, and the maximum benefits of optimisation are realised. Regardless, the first priority of cooling is always met by PES. The plant is now a model for PES, and visitors from all over the company are coming to see the efficiencies gained. As earlier mentioned, the chiller plant optimisation enabled PES to obtain a USD 500,000 rebate through the New Jersey SmartStart Buildings® program – the maximum allowable rebate. The NJ programme makes financial incentives available for projects that provide significant long-term energy savings. “Plant optimisation, where components work optimally as part of a networked, interrelated system has allowed us to reach a new level of plant efficiency,” the PES Management said. “With the right team, you can make the technology work seamlessly. And that is what we have here, optimization 24/7, helping us save upwards of 25% annually." I believe the above provides proof positive of the benefits of at least investigating the installation of a CPECS system in any chilled water plant, where the owners or management wish to achieve the best possible optimisation and energy savings.

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.

May 2018

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FEATURE

Compressors

Y G R E 'EN ENCY I C I F EF A TOP IS TY’ I R O I R P

What . t n e quipm ment? e C A of HV ng the seg t r a e elli eh p h t o r e p r sors a ket drivers s e r p Com key mar eports... e r are th en Lopez Benw

hallenging energy resources and the constant focus on energyefficiency and innovation have become key market drivers for compressor manufacturers. Industry insiders concur that owing to the focus on energy efficiency, the market now demands compressors that are designed to reduce energy consumption, while optimising operations to the fullest. Explaining how the industry is striving for energy efficiency in the compressor segment, Biju Kannan, Regional Sales Manager, Danfoss, explains that the recent innovations in the compressor segment have been focussed on energy efficiency and environment-friendly solutions. “It means producing compressors that can work with low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and which are compatible with the new eco-friendly refrigerants,” he says.

May 2018

Echoing his views, Fazal Rashid, General Manager – UAE, Middle East and North Africa, Bristol Compressors International, says: “Energy efficiency is a top priority. Increasing energy efficiency for air conditioners has become a focus for governments across the Middle East.”

A PATH TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The strategy to achieve energy efficiency in the compressor segment begins with the selection process and technological design of the compressor. As Ghassan Freiwat, Commercial Director – Middle East and Africa, Trane, says: “A critical component to achieving efficiency levels (in chillers) are compressors, which are the largest energy consumer of a chiller (approximately 90%). For this reason, compressor technology is a top priority for innovation and investment. We approach our compressor strategy as a key differentiation to ensure our portfolio is

Apart from that, he points out that the use of counterfeit products increases the energy consumption and decreases the lifespan of the equipment, and they also hurt the economy

vertically integrated to address key customer concerns, such as efficiency, first cost, sustainability, flexibility and ease of service.” Freiwat further points out that owing to new regional visions and energy regulations mandated by government agencies, the industry is strategically driving towards energy efficiency. “Compressor manufacturers have to provide the market with highly efficient products that can meet customer needs and without compromising the commitment towards sustainability and environment,” he says. Further elaborating on the energyefficiency drive, Rashid adds: “Our system design engineers select compressors that allow them to optimise system performance and provide the best value to the customer. This optimisation considers the cooling capacity, power consumption, sound and vibration. Our compressors include built-in protection that assures the compressor will always operate within its design parameters.”

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However, stakeholders like Tariq Al Ghussein, CEO, Taqeef, say it’s not just the compressors that drive energy efficiency. He believes that it’s the synergy of the other components, too, that push towards better efficiency. “The efficiency of a compressor can’t be looked at in isolation; it’s about the harmony of all components working together that ensures the best energy efficiency and safety,” Ghussein says “The correct integration of all evaporators, coils, printed circuit boards (PCBs), flow control refrigerants, etc., is what optimises the cooling, safety and efficiency gains. It’s this bespoke approach that gives manufacturers a competitive advantage and sets their quality apart.”

DRIVERS AND TRENDS

Apart from the environmental demands, other sub-sectors of the HVAC industry have created opportunities for the compressor segment. Al Ghussein believes that with the penetration of

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May 2018

FEATURE

cooling sectors like variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and District Cooling, opportunities for the compressor market have been created. The other driver that impacts market dynamics is the pricing, believes Freiwat. He points out that prioritising of pricing differs at various levels of the project. Further elaborating, he says, “While the initial cost of investment is a top priority for contractors, installers and in some cases developers, this can have a lower importance on the priority scale in the case of end-users and owners, as return on investment (ROI) and operating costs become more critical versus initial cost of investment.” Sharing a similar view, Rashid adds that, while his company believes that quality and reliability are the underlying foundations of the industry, pricing is also a significant market influencer, even as they strive to achieve the quality mark. Owing to the growing trend of less dependency on oil, stakeholders like Danfoss are innovating towards oil-free compressors, says Kannan. “Large chillers have a much higher capacity and the ‘Turbocor’, a centrifugal compressor uses no oil for lubrication, unlike typical electrical motors, which have bearings that require regular lubrication,” he says.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

While the industry has made significant technological advancements in the compressor segment, the underlying principle is “Green Technologies”. Believing in the “Green Revolution”, Rashid explains that his company is gearing towards greener refrigerants, inverter-based designs and revolutionary new mechanical technologies. “The demand for lower power consumption is driving investment and research in increased compressor mechanical and electrical efficiency, and this requires a holistic approach that includes the mechanisms of the compressor, thermodynamics of the refrigerant and optimisation of the electrical efficiency to match with the system performance,” he says. Sharing details of the innovations made by his company, Freiwat says that the current line includes hybrid-solutions, which is in addition to the market focus on centrifugal compressors for District Cooling applications, apart from the market demand for magnetic bearings in compressors. To meet these demands, he adds, Trane has developed air-cooled GVAF and water-cooled GVWD chillers that have been fitted with high-speed centrifugal compressors.

May 2018

Compressors

Biju Kannan

Fazal Rashid

Tariq Al Ghussein

Even stakeholders like Danfoss are pushing towards the green technological revolution, with the introduction of scroll and centrifugal compressors that have been designed to reduce energy usage and increase cooling capacity, explains Kannan. “These compressors are built with enhanced speed variation that monitors and sets the speed according to the cooling load or demand, which reduces the energy usage. The compressor is equipped with an electrical motor with a permanent magnet that ensures lower power consumption.”

MARKET CHALLENGES

Ghassan Freiwat

Like every segment, stakeholders concur that even the compressor market is plagued with challenges. One such challenge is the issue of ‘fake compressors’ that are circulating in the market. Illustrating how fake compressors impact the market, Kannan says, the use of counterfeit products leads to a much higher risk of fire and other hazards that compromise safety. Apart from that, he points out that the use of counterfeit products increases the energy consumption and decreases the lifespan of the equipment, and they also hurt the economy. To counter the fake compressor intrusion, Kannan says that Danfoss has been conducting large-scale raids in partnership with law-enforcement agencies. Sharing a similar view, Rashid adds that the issue of fake compressors has been haunting the industry for many years and that there is an on-going effort to raise the level of awareness on how to identify counterfeit components amongst contractors and distributors. A partnership with

government agencies can eradicate the fake goods market, he believes. Highlighting the impact of fake products, Ghussein adds that there is an adverse effect on brand owners, in addition to the loss of revenue, reputation and brand damages. He further says that counterfeit products also corrode investor and consumer confidence in the brand.

SUMMING UP

While key industry players are rightly using technology and innovation to achieve sustainability, ultimately, it is the end-user who has to embrace the Green Agenda with an insight on how and why the industry is going green.

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May 2018

COUNTRY REPORT

Japan

A United Front

In Japan, energy insecurity paves the way for partnership and bespoke solutions. Championing a holistic approach to develop more resilient communities, public and private sectors present a united front in championing energy efficiency, both in supply and demand. How are air conditioning manufacturers participating in this dialogue while maintaining competitive advantage in the global market? Hannah Jo Uy has the story…

apan is a country that transforms weakness into strength. The archipelago, while beautiful in its diversity, suffers from energy insecurity owing to its geographic features. Not only is this fact recognised by its citizens, it is constantly emphasised to foster determination among the people and pave the way for innovative solutions. Andrew DeWit, Professor, School of Economic Policy Studies, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, shares his observations. “I read all of the reports,” he says. “One thing consistent in them is how vulnerable we are with regard to energy and through natural disasters.” DeWit notes that after the 1970s oil shocks, the Japanese soon agreed to emphasise energy efficiency, and achieved a 35% reduction in overall energy use between 1970 and 1990. "But that consensus weakened in the 1990s," DeWit explains, "in large part due to low energy prices, reduced geopolitical

May 2018

risk, and because post-bubble firms were in severe economic difficulty." With companies focused on writing down their debt, it was difficult to sustain energy efficiency as a priority. But DeWit argues that this dramatically changed in 2011, following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of the Tohoku region and triggered one of the worst nuclear crises. Against the backdrop of this crisis, DeWit adds, volatility had returned to energy prices and geopolitics, at a time when Japan's power mix suddenly became extremely

reliant on imported oil and gas. It is important, DeWit says, to develop a bird’s-eye view of the whole system. Making a case for how vastly different Japanese and European power grids are, DeWit emphasises that while Europeans can trade power among themselves, the Japanese have no external links, and even have two separate regions, East Japan at 50Hz and West Japan at 60Hz, with limited and expensive converter equipment. “A lot of people compare Japan to Germany,” DeWit says, “saying that they

should have feed-in tariffs. What you have to understand about Japan is it’s an archipelago, not just an island. While Germans and Danes import and export power, alleviating the problems from the intermittency of solar and wind, the Japanese can’t do that.” As such, DeWit says, the Japanese look towards a broader portfolio of renewables, including biomass, waste heat from sewers and small and medium hydro and geothermal plants, among others. “They are very aggressive about this,” he says, “because solar and wind cost roughly twice in Japan than what they do in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, and of course much more than in China, Mexico and MENA. They’re separate for baseload renewables, and thus have started making their non-power large multi-purpose dams, for water storage, etc., into power generators, as well as highly intelligent flood control networks.” Making a case for the government's commitment towards developing more resilient communities, DeWit points to increased energy measures in the Fiscal Budget for 2018. For example, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will spend JPY 110.3 billion (USD 1.004 billion) on diffusing existing energy efficiency technologies in the household, factory and transportation sectors. This is a significant increase over METI's 2017 budget of JPY 102.8 billion (USD 935.9 million). DeWit adds that METI's budget for research and development of new energy-efficient technologies will amount to JPY 63.5 billion (USD 578.04 million), up from JPY 50.5 billion (USD 459.80 million) in 2017. And DeWit calculates that METI will devote JPY 58.6 billion (USD 533.49 million) to diffusing renewable energy, including hydrogen

Andrew DeWit

Hidenori Matsubara

generation, again an increase over last year's JPY 50.5 billion (USD 459.80 million), while METI's R&D for new renewable energy technologies is slated to be JPY 51.5 billion (USD 468.9 million), sharply up from JPY 40.6 billion [USD 369.8 million] in 2017. Similarly, the Ministry of the Environment's (MoE) spending on energy efficiency is slated to rise to JPY 84.1 billion (USD 766.06 million), compared to JPY 61.4 billion (USD 559.29 million) last year. The MoE will also devote JPY 81.8 billion (USD 745.11 million) to diffusing renewable energy, a striking increase from last year's JPY 47.3 billion (USD 430.9 million). The MoE's new expenditure, DeWit says, also includes JPY 7 billion (USD 430.9 million) in support of hydrogen-centred distributed energy systems in local communities, an initiative that did not exist last year. Collaboration is paving the way for the successful implementation of these initiatives, with central government agencies working with local agencies to integrate planning initiatives to assess the energy endowments in the country. Japan, DeWit emphasises, is an ideal example of horizontal and vertical collaboration, with the academe, businessman and stakeholders encouraged to take part in an inclusive dialogue. “[It’s about] governance, not government,” DeWit

stresses. “In a country, like the United States, where they have ample energy sources, people perceive their relationship with central government as conflictual. They have all kinds of reasons not to cooperate, they are not scared of shortages of energy to compel them.” In Japan, however, DeWit says, the population is declining at the world’s most rapid rate, and the country has the highest debt-to-GDP ratio. “Also, the Japanese are only 6-7% energy sufficient, and they are an island with no external corrections, so if they get in trouble, what happens?” Natural disasters, he says, further exposed vulnerabilities and all these factors united stakeholders in developing, implementing and complying with initiatives. DeWit says that companies are acutely aware of these issues, stressing that major Japanese manufacturers with factories for critical parts of products and equipment were shut down owing to power shortages. Because of the risk the situation poses to leading brands’ reputation and overall business, DeWit says, it’s easy to make a case for Japanese companies about the need for resilience in the supply chain after 2011, as part of the overall export advantage, not only for the firm but also for the economy.

R-32 equipment has been adopted worldwide with sales of more than 33 million units and reduction of 58 million tonnes in CO2 emissions

May 2018

COUNTRY REPORT

Japan

The sense of urgency is palpable, DeWit says, as the Japanese risk losing out to other competitors such as the Chinese, Koreans and the Germans. “They are compelled to forge a private public sector alliance to diffuse this and create high performance and low-cost options for export,” he says. Hidenori Matsubara, General Manager, IAQ Department Eco Solutions Divisions, Panasonic Eco Solutions Middle East and Africa, weighs in on the importance companies place on protecting the perception of Japanese products. “We appreciate that Japanese technology or products are regarded as a trusted brand and with high durability,” he says. “It’s an essential thing to keep and enhance the trust, but at the same time we need to also try to consider the pricing.” Touching on the reality of competition, Matsubara says the company has adapted a two-pronged strategy to ensure high value and more volume and is looking towards using overseas factories. Matsubara stresses, however, that the same quality and standards will be implemented. “If we need to compromise quality in order to meet the price range,” he says, “our brand, the trust for the Japan brand, is ruined. Quality is our first priority.”

A MOVE TOWARDS REFRIGERANTS

Ole Reinholdt Nielsen, Chief, Montreal Protocol Division, Environment Department, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), comments on Japanese technology and the important role that the HVACR sector must play in helping countries meet their respective environmental and sustainability targets, against the backdrop of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Japan Refrigerants and Environment Conservation Organization’s (JRECO) recent decision to join forces, in an effort to combat global warming through the introduction of climate-friendly technologies in the refrigerator and airconditioning (RAC) sector. “Many emerging economies are interested in acquiring the technologies developed in Japan,” he says, “because the equipment made by Japanese companies are known for durability and energy efficiency. JRECO’s advice could lead to the introduction of Japanese technologies in countries where UNIDO provides its services. The more various technical choices at different prices are offered, the more sound market development will take place, which is key to achieving sustainable development goals in a limited period of time.”

When the container used to arrive, people would queue outside waiting. It was Japanese, and it was high quality

May 2018

Speaking on the technical cooperation project opportunities explored as part of this partnership between JRECO and UNIDO, Nielsen says that the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol allows bilateral funding in its fund allocation scheme. “In this cooperation,” he says, “it is expected that the Government of Japan could fund specific projects that are relevant for JRECO to provide technical assistance and at the same time relevant for UNIDO’s project portfolio.” These projects, Nielsen says, could result in mutually beneficial learning opportunities, both for foreign companies who might adopt technologies originating from Japan or for Japanese companies, who would be exposed to the technological changes taking place in the international market. Touching on the uptake of refrigerants in the industry as a result, Nielsen says: “In principle, UNIDO – as a UN agency – is technology independent. We implement our activities within the framework of the Montreal Protocol. The current modus operandi – and in particular after the amendment to the Montreal Protocol in Kigali, has a strong focus on industrial gases that do neither deplete the ozone layer nor have impact on the global climate; expressed in terms of featuring a low global warming potential.” Natural refrigerants indeed meet this criteria, he says however, he adds it is likely that fluorinated compounds will be continuously used in some limited applications where only such refrigerants can adequately optimise equipment performance.

Phase Change Material (PCM’s) between and + release thermal energy during the phase change which releases large amounts of energy in the form of latent heat. It bridges the gap between energy availability and energy use as well as load shifting capability.

“Initial technology switch costs are indeed not negligible,” he adds. “However, in the long term, the overall cost could be lower due to the lower refrigerant prices in many applications.” Looking at the international market mainly in emerging economies, Nielsen says, technology changes are taking place, and it is becoming imperative for many manufacturers to adopt new technologies and adapt to the international trend to simply stay relevant in the international market. Nielsen believes that the industry has the proper skill set to keep up with the changes. “Adapting to the new normal is a basic industrial survival skill,” Nielson says. “Some are innovators and early adopters, while others change only when the majority of the companies do. For natural refrigerants, it is believed that it is now at the end of the innovator phase and the phase of early adopters has begun. Any industrial players that take delayed action might lose opportunities to excel or market share globally.” UNIDO, he adds, aims to assist the industry to accelerate the change. Providing a manufacturer’s perspective, Yuji Miyata, Chairman and President, Daikin Middle East & Africa, touches on the company’s commitment to refrigerants in its air conditioning and refrigeration products. “When selecting refrigerants at Daikin,” he says, “we assess the four basic factors of safety, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These factors are used to select the appropriate refrigerant for each application. Currently, we believe R32 to be a better refrigerant for a variety of split-type air conditioners.” First used in Japan in November 2012, Miyata says, R-32 equipment has been adopted worldwide with sales of more than 33 million units and reduction of 58 million tonnes in CO2 emissions.

8~100C (47~500F)

Return 12~130C (54~560F)

Flow 5~70C (41~450F)

8~100C (47~500F)

RIPPLES ON THE BUILTENVIRONMENT

The emphasis on energy efficiency has spread from producers of technology to its consumers, as per air conditioning manufacturers grappling with emerging trends in the market. Japan, DeWit says, is rapidly working towards smart community solutions. “We are in the midst of a multi-faceted IoT revolution,” he says. Beyond renewable and energy efficiency, DeWit says, there has been a lot of support for Information and

+44(0)1733 245511

info@pcmproducts.net

www.pcmproducts.net May 2018

COUNTRY REPORT

Japan

Communication Technology (ICT) networks, which are viewed as a crucial part of the smart energy economy. This, he says, has accelerated in view of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which is being used as a deadline to showcase smart and green technologies. Tariq Al Ghussein, CEO, Taqeef, UAEbased Distributor for Fujitsu General, echoes the growing importance being placed on IoT in Japan. Al Ghussein points out that Fujitsu General being owned by Fujitsu, an IT company that focuses on IoT technology, is placing strong focus on smart air conditioning systems that learns user habits, integrated with mobile devices as part of the smart house, to address growing demand for such features. Additionally, Al Ghussein says, there is a strong emphasis on aesthetics and size. In Japan, he stresses, space is at a premium, and this has driven demand for aesthetically pleasing and compact products. Demand, Al Ghussein says, also sees greater importance on zoning features of air conditioners. Miyata says that in the Japanese market, inverter-based splits are gaining in popularity and variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems continue to see strong demand in commercial and high-rise applications. In line with this, Miyata says, the company is actively promoting its inverter R32 split systems, increasing their line-up of mini-VRV series. Widespread consciousness about energy efficiency in Japan, Matsubara says, has also encouraged developers to leverage investment in energy-saving features within developments to reinforce competitive advantage over other housing developers. This, he says, makes a case for developers to invest in energy-efficient technology, despite possibly higher capex as it allows them to command a premium for their developments. The nature of installation, he says, is changing in accordance with the housing structures, and insulation is getting thicker, especially during summer and winter months, to ensure air tightness and energy savings. While energy efficiency is front and centre, Matsubara says Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is of equal importance, with ventilation mandated in most high-end buildings. This, he says, has driven demand for new technologies that provide fresh air changes and offer energy-saving features. Without proper fresh air changes, Matsubara says, inhabitants cannot breathe properly. If you use a conventional ventilation fan, he says, the level of insulation will be reduced as it will be corrupted by the opening of a hole to install the fan.

May 2018

Ole Reinholdt Nielsen

important. It is possible to realise energy saving and ventilation at the same time, using this technology. If you install an exhaust fan in [the conventional] way, the cool air or heated air inside of the house is exhausted to the outside. It’s waste, so such technology is really appreciated in Japan.” DC motors, Matsubara says, have also grown in popularity owing to their energy-saving features, adding that this is the trend in the United States. “We have the biggest market share of DC motor ceiling mount ventilation fans in US,” he says. Matsubara adds that Panasonic’s sales in Japan continue to be the highest, owing to the company’s long history cultivating the culture of ventilation in the country.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND Yuji Miyata

Tariq Al Ghussein

Awareness with regard to fresh air changes and proper ventilation is largely owing to growing concerns related to air pollution, Matsubara says, with PM2.5 particulate matter reaching Japan and fuelling concerns of possible respiratory diseases. This, he says, further drove the demand for Panasonic’s Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) systems, which he says has a filter that purifies the outside air taken into the house. Matsubara adds that more than a decade ago, Japan made it compulsory for residential and commercial buildings to have 24-hour ventilation. For Matsubara, however, energy efficiency need not be at the expense of lower IAQ and that compliance with the mandate can be achieved for the benefit of all stakeholders. “As I mentioned 24-hours ventilation is highly required for human health,” he says. “Of course, energy consumption is very

Despite the obvious differences in the weather conditions between countries in the GCC region and Japan, Japanese products managed to enter the region early on. “In the Middle East, temperatures are not only extreme, they are extreme for a long period of time,” says Al Ghussein, “and the biggest factor is the existence of sand and the dust.” Al Ghussein shares that Fujitsu entered the air conditioning industry in the Middle East following a joint agreement between Kuwaitbased United Trading Company (UTC) and Taqeef, at the time named Electronic Appliances Company. “We got together and we decided to bring in a Japanese manufacturer to develop a bespoke solution for this region,” Al Ghussein says. “At the time, air conditioning was simple, it was mainly window units. The problem is people were using American products, and these air conditioners wouldn’t work in the summer.” This, he says, was owing to high ambient conditions in the region. “Nobody had designed for this region,” he says. “When Fujitsu did, it was the first one ever. When they came, they also very cleverly noticed that the worst obstacle is the sand, because the sand comes in and clogs up the back of the AC. Fujitsu put fins so the sand couldn’t get in.” The bespoke solution for the region, Al Ghussein says, proved to be successful. “Word got around,” he says, “When the container used to arrive, people would queue outside waiting. It was Japanese, and it was high quality. I remember the quality of the carton that it came in was so good, people used it. We had demand for the cartons.” Fujitsu, Al Ghussein says, quickly

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became a leading brand in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company, Al Ghussein says, has since leveraged long-experience in the region ensuring to test products according to the Middle East’s high-ambient conditions. “They were not a specialist air conditioning company,” Al Ghussein says. “Their conditioning market started in the Middle East and then went outward. Whereas generally what happens is most air conditioning manufacturers did not develop for this market, but started to, as they saw interest.” Fujitsu, he adds, was the first to coin the term tropical air conditioners for the climate, and soon more Japanese manufacturers came in. “They didn’t develop specifically tailor-made products for the market, but the association with Japan and quality was there,” he says. Making a case for its durability, Al Ghussein says that in second–hand shops Fujitsu General’s window air conditioner still has the highest selling price in the market and is the most expensive in the retail market. “People are happy to pay, because they’re comfortable and they trust it very much,” he says. Miyata says that for Daikin, the Middle East and Africa region offers great potential. “Most countries are developing and increasing their budgets for infrastructure projects,” he says. “Hence we foresee more construction projects, with trends to use energy-efficient solutions.” Speaking from Panasonic’s Middle East strategy, Matsubara says that the company is also placing greater focus on the region. “In the past, Panasonic could not develop specific products to meet local requirements,” he says. “We just developed for Japan and the Asian market. Then we try to bring those items to other regions like Middle East or Africa, but we are recently trying to change our way. People’s requirement for each region is different, so now we are trying to develop products according to local requirements.” “Panasonic’s commercial air conditioner market share in the region is low,” Matsubara says, “because we didn’t have a branch for product line-ups, so other competitors took market share.” Matsubara says the company is set to introduce commercial air conditioners and ventilation. Currently, Matsubara says, Panasonic enjoys good market share for the residential segment and the company is targeting commercial segments. Further elaborating on trends in the region, Al Ghussein says, there has been an uptake in demand for variable refrigerant

May 2018

flow (VRF) technology, gleaning from the company’s increasing sales. “VRF is now able to replace chillers,” he says, “where the only solution possible before was a chiller and, in certain scenarios, a split.” In certain buildings, such as malls and airports, he says, chillers are more economical; however, in conditioning small zones, VRF is ideal. “There are certain pros and cons with each,” he says, “but I think it’s a segment of the market that is fastest growing, and that is globally, not just in the Middle East. The reason is it fits in sweetly in a specific segment. It’s the best solution and it’s the most efficient solution.” Matsubara says that concerns with regard to air pollution and IAQ are similarly gaining traction in the Middle East and that the company is developing products with this trend in mind. Soon, Matsubara says, the company aims to introduce a new model of DC that will reduce energy consumption, with the PM2.5 filter developed especially for the region, taking into account concerns on sand particles and dust for residential and commercial buildings.

PRICE TAG AND LACK OF REGULATION – BOTTLENECKS FOR GREATER MARKET SHARE?

The price tag attached to high quality products associated with a Japanese brand, while often overlooked, is still a bottleneck in a reportedly cost-centric market. Gleaning from the company’s experience, Miyata says Daikin is proactive in raising awareness on the benefits of a more long-term approach in choosing equipment. “We started to fully promote only inverter products across our region,” he says. “Our aim is to educate the market to use high efficient products, and not only think about initial investment, but rather think about the life-cycle cost.” Commenting on the introduction of regulations in the region, Al Ghussein says that while there is a positive move forward, there is much room for improvement. “Fujitsu worked very closely with ESMA in helping develop regulation,” he says. “They worked

with other AC manufacturers, but Fujitsu played a significant role in guiding them, which we welcome very much. We welcome regulations, because we are selling a product that is high-end, it’s expensive and it’s expensive because it’s quality. There used to be no controls here, so you have a lot of products a lot cheaper without any proper regulations.” Regulation in this sector in the Middle East, Al Ghussein says, began in Saudi Arabia following erratic oil prices. “[Saudi Arabia] began to realise that if they continued on this current trend, they would become a net importer of energy because of their consumption,” he says, stressing that air conditioning is responsible for the bulk of the consumption for the region. Despite a recent move towards regulation, Al Ghussein says that subsidies often deter consumers from buying efficient air conditioners as the full burden of electricity cost is not realised. “The other disconnect,” he adds, “is sometimes the developer is not the person who will pay the electrical consumption, so if we will go up to some people and say, look you have this project and we offer you a system that is 30% more efficient, they don’t get it.” While commending initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Pearl Rating system, Al Ghussein notes that such good building practices are not yet a norm across all projects, especially in the private sector. Awareness, he says, is key and regulation is welcome to help move the dial. Matsubara believes that there will be a growing trend in Middle East countries to cut subsidies for electricity. This, he say, will serve as a catalyst for greater appreciation on the importance of energy saving which, he believes, is gaining more traction in the region as it echoes the trends of other developed countries such as the United States and countries in Europe. As the Middle East countries showcase greater recognition of the finite nature of their resources, growing concern towards electricity consumption, coupled with sustainable development goals, could reportedly create a gap in the market for Japanese manufacturers to leverage their experience in addressing energy insecurity as a means of competitive advantage. (Editor's Note: Currency conversions in the article are as per April 30, 2018.)

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Seeley International’s air conditioners to cool pilgrims at Mina Valley tent city Company has successfully completed the world’s largest order for evaporative air conditioners, Group MD says By CCME Content Team

2018. Our thanks go to Alsaeed HVAC, our distributor for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – and particularly Salman Alsaeed, CEO of Alsaeed Trading Group – who provided a turnkey solution on time and within required specifications. Alsaeed HVAC commissioned and supervised this specific very large installation and, in fact, does so for every pilgrimage. Managing the ongoing operation of this many air conditioning units is itself a remarkable achievement, involving precision project management skills.” Salman Alsaeed, CEO, Alsaeed Trading Group, said: “The issue of energy efficiency is of great importance, and the Saudi Government and Ministry of Hajj want to proactively achieve substantial energy savings. Achieving 35% energy savings in the Mina Valley thanks to Breezair cooling technology demonstrates advanced technology and a strong commitment to the environment.” eeley International announced that the company has installed around 50,000 Australian-made Breezair air conditioners in the tent city of Mina Valley, Saudi Arabia, in a Press communiqué. Jon Seeley, Group Managing Director, Seeley International, said the bulk order of Breezair evaporative air conditioners by the Saudi Government and Ministry of Hajj provides state-of-the-art cooling for pilgrims to Mecca, during their stay in the Mina Valley tent city. The tent city is a fascinating logistics exercise involving more than 100,000 tents and houses approximately three million people spread over 20 square kilometres, he added. Seeley said: “Our Breezair evaporative air conditioner was found to outperform more than 200 other air conditioning brands and delivered spectacular results against a comprehensive set of criteria that included energy-efficiency, reliability, performance and low environmental impact. The three-year tender evaluation process saw Breezair and other contenders tested on site over several months, in all conditions and seasons, including comparative tests done during a pilgrimage to assess performance under real-world conditions. The in-built safety mechanisms, economical use of water, ease of control and compact design were critical in Breezair being successfully selected. The harsh summertime temperatures in the Mina Valley, which can easily reach more than 45°C, were overcome by the capability of Breezair evaporative air conditioners, which kept people comfortable and provided them with fresh naturally cooled air.” Xavier Delaigue, Sales Director EMEA, Seeley International, said: “As part of a commitment by the Saudi Government and Ministry of Hajj to improve accommodation for pilgrims in the Mina Valley, a four-year air conditioner replacement plan was started in 2015. Seeley International fast-tracked production and installation so the project is now well ahead of schedule and expected to be completed during

May 2018

NEWS REGIONAL

Clean cooling vital for sustainable development goals, says EU-GCC body Event discusses new developments related to cold chain and air conditioning in the context of the Middle East By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

H.E. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi

H.E. Patrizio Fondi

Aisha Mohamed Abdullah Al Abdooli

lean cooling took centre stage at a two-day event organised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network and the University of Birmingham, in partnership with the Heriot-Watt University, on March 9 and 10, in Dubai. H.E. Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the importance of the event in facilitating best practice and partnerships for employing advanced technologies for clean and sustainable cooling systems. H.E. Patrizio Fondi, EU ambassador to the UAE, spoke on the long-standing energy cooperation between Europe and the GCC region countries, recalling the European Union’s ambitious objectives for decarbonisation and sustainable developments. “We believe our political dialogue must be underpinned by the tools, in order to implement concrete joint initiatives in the area of clean energy between the two regions,” Fondi said. The EU-GCC partnership, he said, represents an opportunity to share policies and technology towards clean energy transition. He stressed that in that context, cooling is an integral part for reducing energy demand. Frank Wouters, Director, EU GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, echoed this, when he said: “We are here to debate, learn from each other and try to make the right choices. Technology is not enough; we need policy, and we need informed consumers that make the right choices. I think the UAE ministry is working on that as a crucial element and pathway going forward.” Aisha Mohamed Abdullah Al Abdooli, Director, Green Development and Environment Affairs Department, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, provided a snapshot of the UAE’s progress in the field of sustainable cooling in the context of the agendas directing the actions of the public sector. Touching on the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme, Al Abdooli said that the first step is to identify climate impacts on sector, identify priority actions according to impacts and, thirdly, implement actions with stakeholders. Al Abdooli provided a comprehensive overview of cooling issues, clean cooling applications and commitment

May 2018

Toby Peters

Frank Wouters

towards District Cooling as a sustainable and smart solution, especially in relation to demand-side management. Al Abdooli left the following questions to be addressed by the participating experts in the course of the following sessions: “How much can ‘clean cool’ technologies reduce environmental harm? How’s the cost? Which ‘clean cool’ technologies are applicable for the UAE? What [are the] specific technological and infrastructural challenges the region faces in its deployment and what must be done to overcome the challenges? Why [haven’t] the technologies taken off or have been scaled up, even in Europe? and What policy support is required?” Toby Peters, Professor in Cold Economy, University of Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, emphasised that economic and social development must not come at the expense of one or the other and that the aim is for society to live within sustainable limits of the planet. “Cooling sits at the nexus of this challenge,” he said,” and effective cooling is essential to preserve food and medicines, makes much of the world bearable and drives our data.” Yet, Peters added that unless clean and sustainable cooling systems are rolled out, artificial cooling, as it stands today, causes high levels of pollution. Demand for cooling, Peters added, already accounts for seven per cent of Greenhouse Gas emissions, stressing that even taking into account efficiency savings, this is projected to more than double at 15% by 2030. “We need to bring together a broad community to understand how technology, society, finance and investment can all interact and work together to deliver clean, resilient and sustainable cooling for all -- what we at the University of Birmingham call the cold economy,” he said. Clean cooling, Peters added, is unique as it has the potential to advance the three significant internationally agreed upon goals: Paris Climate Agreement, UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol. “Clean cooling,” he added, “can address poverty, reduce food loss, improve health, raise energy efficiency, manage our natural resources, support sustainable cities and communities and combat climate change, concurrently – not bad for a fridge.”

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Taqati launch energy efficiency training programme Programme to focus on building the right capabilities to achieve energy reduction by 30% by 2030, says official By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

he Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has initiated the Dubai Energy Efficiency Training Programme, which will be led by Taqati, said Aref Abouzahr, Executive Director, Taqati Dubai Energy Efficiency Program. Abouzahr was speaking at the 4th Annual RetrofitTech Dubai Summit & Awards 2018, concluding today. Sharing details of the programme, Abouzahr said: “The programme offers 12 different types of certifications. It is a consortium of three local and international partners, which are the British University in

Dubai, the Association of Energy Engineers and the International Institute for Energy Training.” Further elaborating on the programme, he added that the key objectives are to build the right capabilities to achieve Dubai’s target of reducing energy usage by 30% by 2030. It is also to improve the understanding and adoption of new energy-efficient technologies and to foster a community of innovators and thought leaders on energy efficiency in Dubai, and to create a value for Dubai through offering continuous professional development opportunities.

The programme, Abouzahr added, has been tailor-made with four tracks for executives, technical engineers, technicians and financiers. Ali Al Jassim, CEO Etihad ESCO, added: “The Dubai Energy Efficiency Training Program mainly centres on human capital developments in the energy efficiency area. This is an exceptional opportunity for all of us to work together to ensure that our skills and overall competencies are up-to-date and are at par with the global standards. Doing so will get us nearer to our energy efficiency and sustainable development goals, in line with the Dubai and UAE visions.”

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May 2018

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Grundfos signs MoU with Taka Solutions

‘Partnership will offer energy saving opportunities for customers,’ Grundfos GM says By CCME Content Team

rundfos has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taka Solutions, a Dubai-based energy services company (ESCo), the company said in a Press communiqué. Under the agreement, both companies will work to identify projects that present energy savings opportunities, the communiqué said. They will also collaborate on financing these projects in a variety of ways, the communiqué further said. Commenting on the MoU, Kostas Poulopoulos, General Manager, Grundfos, said, “We are proud to initiate this partnership and synergy between our two companies to offer energy saving opportunities for our customers.” As part of the agreement, Grundfos will be providing training, workshops and sustainable pump solutions that optimise Taka Solutions’ energy efficiency projects.

L-R: Charles Blaschke and Kostas Poulopoulos

Charles Blaschke, Managing Director, Taka Solutions, said, “We are excited to combine forces where each party adds specific value and can unlock more impact and savings for customers and the planet.”

PCFC Trakhees launches ASASI New Green Building rating system by Dubai Government body seeks to address gaps in existing systems By Surendar Balakrishnan | Editor

CFC Trakhees, on May 2, launched the Advanced Sustainability Assessment Index (ASASI) in a culmination of efforts to develop a system aligned to local conditions. The launch ceremony took place on the spacious Queen Elizabeth 2, which has settled down at its new home, Mina Rashid, in Dubai. Speaking on the occasion, the government body’s ManagerSustainability, Dr P R Jagannathan said ASASI is the result of wisdom gathered over the years and an analysis of gaps in existing Green Building rating systems in the region and elsewhere, which it seeks to address. “We drew on stakeholders and specialists to develop the manual,” Dr Jagannathan said. “The past 10 years [of the Green Building movement in the GCC region] have given us an idea of what is missing. Also, we have looked at the propensity of the market for local standards.” Dr Jagannathan described ASASI as a region-specific, creditbased tool that aims to reduce building emission, if properly administered. It will reduce peak load and optimise water use and seek to achieve them through such measures as seasonal commissioning and continuous commissioning, among others. ASASI, Dr Jagannathan said, is an open protocol, which he added, is not confined to any region or authority, and is not linked to any building permit process. It would assess buildings based on specific criteria, including Core, Energy, Water, Health

May 2018

L-R: Dr P R Jagannathan and Madiha Salem

and Environment Protection, Site and Land Use, Transport, Material, Operational Sustainability and Progressive Innovation, he said. The ‘Core’ criteria of the 600-plus-page manual will focus on an integrated design approach and the participation of specialists, he said. “For instance, we would look to involve FM teams in the early conceptual stage of a project,” he said. The ‘Progressive Innovation’ criteria, Dr Jagannathan said, will give weightage for innovation, which takes into consideration products that have been proven to be useful to improve building performance. As with other rating systems, ASASI would require building performance industry professionals to attain a certification to be able to use it. Trakhees is working on the structure and modalities to certify professionals. Answering a question on the implications of the certifying process for professionals, Madiha Salem, Director-Research and Development, Department of Planning and Development, Trakhees, said the cost of getting ASASI-certified would be less than existing market rates. The fee structure, she added, is under evaluation.

Italian Architectural Engineering Congress discusses UAE construction market Event focuses on UAE’s long-term construction opportunities By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

embers of the Italian construction fraternity met at the Italian Architectural Engineering Congress to discuss the perspectives and opportunities in the UAE construction market. The event was organised under the patronage of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE (IICUAE) and was held from April 29 to 30, 2018. Speaking at the event, H.E. Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy in the UAE, said: “There has always been a strong synergy between Italy and UAE - Dubai in particular. I thank the organisers for putting this event together to bring all stakeholders and prestigious players together, as well

as offering them perspectives of the local construction market.” Stellino added that UAE and Italy have always worked closely over the past decades, especially in the field of architecture, engineering and construction. “I don't exaggerate when I say that from the very foundation of the UAE, the best Italian minds have contributed a lot for this country," he said. "There are multiple construction projects in the UAE that stand testimony to Italian architecture and engineering.” Speaking at the sidelines of the conference, Giuseppe Ronchi, First Officer Advanced Service, IICUAE Dubai, said: “We chose the theme ‘Welcome to Dubai 2050’ because we want our dedicated community of Italian

engineers and architects to understand the panorama and future of the Dubai construction market, which is very huge, complex and competitive.” Ronchi said that the UAE construction market, despite its challenges, has a lot of potential and opportunities and the IICUAE will continue to play its role of educating and encouraging the Italian construction professional community to introduce Italian architecture for iconic buildings in the country. Ronchi added, “The scope of the Congress was to offer strategy and technical presentations in order to motivate professional companies to come into this market. We want to repeat the Italian experience in UAE.”

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Etihad ESCO sets new CO2 target Body announces during RetrofitTech Dubai Summit that it aims to abate one million tonnes of the gas by 2030

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By CCME Content Team

According to the release, Ali Al-Jassim, ubai aims to CEO, Etihad ESCO, abate more revealed other new than one million targets, including an tonnes of aim to save 5.6 billion carbon dioxide by 2030, imperial gallons of water as part of a new set of by 2030 through new environmental targets, initiatives. revealed Etihad Energy Ali Al-Jassim Solar projects were Services Company, Etihad also a key focus of the ESCO, at the 4th annual event, among them RetrofitTech Dubai an initiative to generate 1,000 kWp Summit & Awards, which concluded on through solar panels installed on the April 11, in Dubai. The body said the rooftops of the Dubai World Trade emirate will be working to save 1.7 TWh Center and another to generate 3,000 of electricity by the same year, in line kWp from solar panels on the roofs of with the same new targets. 640 villas in Hatta, the release said. The event highlighted the growing According to the release, Al-Jassim said investments being made and projects that through such projects and, overall, being established to help save electricity, through implementing cost-effective reduce water consumption and raise electricity- and water-demand-saving awareness on energy efficiency in Dubai, measures, Dubai would become a role according to a Press release by ACM, the model in energy efficiency as well as in organisers of the Summit.

developing a green service market. According to the release, Jassim also stated that the partnership with the British University in Dubai, supported by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, is a complete success, embracing as it does training programmes for executive managers, engineers, technicians and financiers. The programme will add the solar sector and reach out to the GCC region countries. According to the release, case studies during the event showed how DEWA has achieved 30% energy savings through retrofit projects as well as AED 2 million a year in monetary savings. This, the release said, was a result of replacement of chiller plants, significant retrofit of HVAC systems and retrofit of seven DEWA buildings in Dubai. According to the release, Al-Jassim said: “It is important that we continue raising awareness in Dubai on the benefits of retrofitting and its positive

Increase in development projects drives demand for FM services, says MEFMA President Confex focussed on integrated and collaborative approach among stakeholders to introduce new standards, organisers say By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

he increasing number of development projects in the GCC region has led to a growing demand for modern Facilities Management (FM) services, said Jamal Abdulla Lootah, President, MEFMA, at the opening of MEFMA Confex Dubai, which was held from April 29 to 30. This year’s conference, he said, was organised under the theme, ‘Sustainable FM industry through creative value-based innovations’. “The aim for this year’s event was to help drum up more awareness on the many ways we can strengthen the industry,” Lootah said, urging the concerned government authorities and organisations concerned to develop and introduce new standards, benchmarks, legislation and guidelines. The two-day conference, Lootah said, explored the vital role FM plays in helping build the UAE economy and discussed solutions to address industry challenges. The exhibition, he emphasised, showcased the latest products and services in the FM market.

May 2018

The opening of the event also featured a strategic corporate membership MOU signing between MEFMA and Etisalat Facilities Management. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice President – Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, spoke on the future of FM in the context of the latest innovative technologies, which he said, will carry the FM industry forward in the years to come. “No doubt,” Nasib said, “the event has taken place in such a dynamic city that has a huge potential for FM businesses and practices.” Nasib commended the significant participation of the youth, which he said, is vital, because they are “the future of the country”, encouraging participants to take advantage of the educational dialogue that took place during the course of the event. Nasib also touched on the huge potential for infrastructure spending in light of Expo 2020.

impact on the environment. We are working closely with residential groups, government, commercial entities and industrial organisations to provide support and assistance on education around energy efficiency and sustainability. This event goes a long way in spreading the message and in setting new targets for the future. “We have launched the Dubai Energy Efficiency Training Program, which is a consortium of three local and international partners, who will deliver 19 training sessions, offering 12 certifications for members. Initiatives like these will help educate and motivate people to consider changes in technology that will lead to more energy-efficient buildings across the Emirate.” According to the release, Etihad ESCO has signed its first project outside of Dubai, in Abu Dhabi, to retrofit two industrial facilities. Another significant announcement was that Etihad ESCO will now manage the building-labelling scheme for existing buildings under the leadership of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the regulation of Dubai RSB.

Consultants, contractors must collaborate to meet client objectives Industry expert shares recent experience by way of addressing delays owing to inability to obtain design approvals By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

onsultants and contractors must collaborate to meet the goals of clients, said Kandasamy Anbalagan, Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants, gleaning from the company’s recent project, the APID @ D3 office fit-out, the office space for the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), located at Dubai Design District. The Kandasamy Anbalagan project, he said, had kicked off with the fit-out design in 2016 but had struggled to get through the fit-out permit process and MEP design approvals from Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA) and D3. “In spite of a simple fit-out design,” Anbalagan said, “the interior design fit-out contractor failed to get through the DCCA comments until early 2018.” In February of 2018, Anbalagan said, APID approached Proleed seeking assistance to get through the approval process by resolving the DCCA comments. Proleed, he said, owing to experience in handling authority approvals, resolved the issues raised by DCCA and obtained the fit-out permit in a single pass. “The comments were related to HVAC and electrical to meet the base-build requirements,” he said. “Though the assignment was a small one,” Anbalagan said, “it reflects a common phenomenon of less-qualified ID contractors taking up the entire scope [of work], including MEP, resulting in delays to the end-user.” Anbalagan emphasised that knowledge of MEP systems and approval processes through interactive forums will help resolve such perennial issues.

Sultan Al Khuraissi, General Manager Operations & Maintenance, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighted the importance of the FM industry and the Royal Commission’s initiatives, which includes renewable and energy management and smart systems. Al Khuraissi also touched on the strategic partnership with MEFMA, since the 2017 MoU signing between the two entities, stressing the most vital aspect of which is the exchange of information and participation and hosting of FM-related events. “We, the Royal Commission,” he said, “recognise and appreciate efforts of MEFMA as a professional society that provides a lot of information and training to the industry.” When asked what the diverse agenda of the Confex hoped to accomplish, Lootah said: “Awareness. This is the most important thing -- the people should understand what they are talking about. I don’t want the client to keep asking and be confused about where to go.” Clients and government representatives, he said, must engage in a dialogue to “see what’s happening in Facilities Management”. Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad Energy Services (Etihad ESCO) also spoke on the importance of an integrated approach at the beginning of projects, especially in view of energy-saving goals. “The

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Confex

design of a building has implications on the energy consumption,” he said. “If you ignore it, your energy bill can become high, if you look at it, it could cost you high at the beginning, but you will save throughout.” Collaboration, Al Jassim said, is the future and vital in developing a holistic approach towards design, facilities management and energy saving.

May 2018

NEWS REGIONAL

Tecumseh opens new Dubai office

Aims to develop a larger regional infrastructure and to provide sales and technical support to Middle East market By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

Johan Gouws

ecumseh has opened a new office in Dubai, in line with efforts to develop a larger Middle East infrastructure. Johan Gouws, Managing Director, Tecumseh Middle East, said this is one of the key initiatives of the global growth strategy being rolled out under Doug Murdock, CEO. “The core drivers of this strategy,” he said, “are to be able to better support our local customers, focus on the ease-of-doingbusiness philosophy Tecumseh is passionate about and provide a platform for closer engagement with government, industry and regulatory stakeholders throughout our industry.” Speaking on the company’s history in the region, Gouws said the company’s AW-series of air conditioning compressors has been a standard with some of the region’s largest AC OEMs for more than 15 years and that Tecumseh has a substantial installed base of compressors and condensing systems throughout the territory. The team in Dubai, Gouws said, will manage the complete portfolio of

products sourced from global locations to provide a comprehensive, fully diversified air conditioning and commercial refrigeration product line-up to regional OEM and wholesale/distributor customer base. “As the business continues to develop in the region in the future,” he said, “we intend to increase our investment even further and expand our infrastructure capabilities to enable even better compressor and systems supply to our regional customers.” The local team, Gouws said, will focus on guiding customers on product selection, providing on-the-ground technical advice, supporting customers with system design and optimisation and driving product awareness across Tecumseh’s product range. The company, he said, is leveraging expertise from its four global technology centres to quickly address not only product challenges with customers in a specific market but also react rapidly to customers’ changing product requirement and needs. “In a market and industry where an array of regulations is rapidly shifting to meet

new environmental and energy-efficiency standards,” he said, “Tecumseh is confident that we have the engineering infrastructure and global reach to understand and adapt to these changes with a perspective to provide the right product solution to the market at the right time.” Gouws said that in the region Tecumseh has commenced with product seminars and technical training for select customers. “We will continue to build on this momentum,” he said, “and offer regular regional technical training programs and sessions in the future, and we invite all interested industry stakeholders to attend the sessions.” Details for each session, Gouws said, will be communicated through Tecumseh’s distribution channels, website and social media platforms. Tecumseh is located in the Jafza 1 building in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, and serving customers in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Eaton publishes paper to help data centres optimise power supply reliability Paper offers practical advice on optimising a data centre’s power chain, company official says By CCME Content Team

ower management company, Eaton has published a paper for data centre managers with advice on how to ensure power supply reliability is taken into account when commissioning a new data centre, the company said in a Press communiqué. Entitled ‘Fast Track to Improved Power Supply Reliability’, the paper offers practical advice on optimising a data centre’s power chain and explains how, by considering the individual requirements of all components, a data centre’s power infrastructure can be designed to meet both current and future requirements to guarantee business continuity. Karim Refas, Regional Channel Manager ME, Eaton, said: “Mission-critical applications rely on having a continuous supply of clean power under all conditions, making the design of the supporting power infrastructure crucial. An early consultation with an experienced supplier is essential for identifying and overcoming

May 2018

possible challenges, some of which the installers may not even be aware of, in order to ensure the system’s safety, reliability and availability.” The paper examines what needs to be considered in terms of power distribution and UPS components to achieve a system that is reliable and protected against unscheduled power events, the communiqué said. It covers topics such as three- and four-pole switching, the impact of a UPS on a power system, possible fault conditions, including arc flashes, operation and maintenance issues as well as the latest industry standards, the communiqué further said. The paper also highlights the possible consequences of failing to follow good design principles the communiqué added. According to Eaton, the company will also publish a set of five technical white papers in order to provide data centre designers with in-depth practical guidance on how to optimise system reliability.

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Winners of RetrofitTech Awards felicitated Event held in conjunction with the Fourth UAE RetrofitTech Summit By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

he UAE RetrofitTech awards announced the winners of its second edition. Envirofina, Smart4Power, Armstrong, Griffin Consultants, Luceco Middle East, Daikin, Enova, Dow Chemicals and Siemens were the winners during a ceremony on April 19, the organisers said in a Press communiqué. The awards were hosted under the patronage of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority and officially supported by the Supreme Council of Energy, Etihad Energy Services and TAQATI. They were organised by ACM (Advanced Conferences & Meetings) Speaking on the occasion, Alexis Gianniotis, Founder & CEO, Envirofina,

said: “Good quality leads the way, and the event consolidated the most important people in the industry. We won in the ‘Best Commercial Building’ category, where we retrofitted one of the biggest hypermarkets in the UAE with 280,000 LED lights, and they are witnessing savings.” Smart4Power won the award in the ‘Retrofit Project of the Year for Public Buildings’ category. Speaking on the win, Tharun Thomas, Energy Efficiency Business Manager and project manager for the winning project, said: “The award was for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing project, where we replaced 100,000 LED lights in 2,000 villas, in less than six months. The project has a potential to save 80% of the lighting energy, and over a lifetime

of the lamp, it could save 6.4 million kWh of energy. It was the first project with Etihad ESCO, and it shows not just how competitive the proposal was but also the capabilities of delivering to the expectations of the customer.” Armstrong won in the category of ‘Innovation and Automation Systems’. Speaking on the win, Rajmohan Govindarajan, Building Systems & Solutions Manager Middle East & Africa, Armstrong,said: “We won the award based on our sensorless control technology of our pumping systems. The technology eliminated extra cost and achieved higher energy efficiency. Over the last 15 years, we perfected it and developed it into a parallel pumping level. This award also

Eurovent Middle East hosts seminar on airhandling units Event focused on selection criteria, technological advances and certifications Whether you are an engineering firm, contractor, supplier, manufacturer, consumer, service provider, private or public sector...

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May 2018

By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

s part of its leadership workshop series, Eurovent Middle East hosted a technical seminar on air-handling units (AHUs), on April 30, in Dubai. At the seminar, industry representatives highlighted the fundamentals of AHUs and energy-saving strategies, while increasing indoor air quality (IAQ), fan technology, residential applications and certifications. Highlighting the importance of fans in an AHU, Martin Lenz, Team Leader R&D Fire Protection, Filters and Air Handling Units, TROX (Germany), said, “One of the main components in an AHU is the fan, and without the fan, there is no ventilation.” Further explaining the elements of the plug-fan, Lenz added that the four openings around the fan create a housing for the unit, which improves its efficiencies. “Although it depends on the characteristic curve of the fan and where the duty point is but around five per cent points can easily be achieved only by reducing the air,” Lenz said. Highlighting a strategy on controlling the airflow behaviour in the ducts, Lenz added that a silencer could be placed in the centre of the ducts, which could improve the fan efficiency. Lenz

reflects the success of our local team serving the customers in the GCC region.” Griffin Consultants bagged the best energy consultancy award for the second year, said Hassan Younes, Director, Griffin Consultants. “When it comes to energy savings, it has been a good year for us," Younes said. "This year, we are working on a project with the Abu Dhabi Water Electricity Authority (ADEWA), where we are working on eight buildings as a pilot project to reduce energy efficiency. We are also working with the Cleveland Clinic to reduce their energy consumption. This award gives us the recognition that we are doing the right thing when it comes to energy.” Luceco Middle East won the award for the ‘Lighting Innovation of the Year’. Speaking on the occasion, Arun Kumar, Area Manager – UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Egypt, said: “We won the award for our Lux Frame, which is a 60x60 frame with LED lights, which has a better efficiency with low lumen output. The

product has a low lumen output and a 32-wattage consumption, which reduces heat energy load by 20%.” Daikin Middle East won the best HVAC innovation award, said Michel Farah, Director - Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility, Daikin Middle East and Africa. “This is a very special award, although we have been awarded on energy efficiency in the past, here this was beyond energy efficiency, so they were looking at one of our projects that were installed in one of the biggest JAFZA ESCO projects with a very high proportion of savings with innovation," Farah said. "At the project, we use low-GWP refrigerants that has features to limit the power consumption,” Farah said. Enova won in three categories, ‘The Green Hotel of the Year’, ‘The Solar Retrofit of the Year’ and the ‘Contractor and FM Company of the Year’. Speaking on the achievements, Francisco Ramalheira, Director, Business

also pointed out that while the selection criterion of AHU components is critical, implementation of smart controls would significantly contribute towards acquiring of quality technical data, which would result in reducing the usage of energy and better performances of the systems. Sharing strategies on room relative humidity (RH) management, Arun Diwakar, Assistant Manager – Business Development, Desiccant Rotors International, suggested that there are four available options, which are: (1) rotary passive desiccant air-to-air heat exchanger coupled with dehumidification coil; (2) rotary passive desiccant air-toair heat exchanger coupled with dehumidification coil and wrap around heat pipe; (3) rotary passive desiccant air-to-air heat exchanger coupled with dehumidification coil and (4) sensible air-to-air heat exchanger and rotary passive desiccant air-to-air heat exchanger coupled with dehumidification coil and passive dehumidification wheel. Speaking on features of EC fans technology for AHUs for new-build or retrofit applications, John Fernandez, Managing Director, ebmpapst Middle East, said that the fans are plug-and-play air movement systems. They are highly energy-efficient and are maintenance-free

Development and Marketing, Enova, said: “The solution for the green hotel encompasses a lot of innovation and the fact that we bring our upgrade into the equation. The solar retrofit project of the year shows our capability in complementing the energy performance contracts and delivering renewable solutions on site. The third award is a confirmation of our versatility because as a company we are capable of studying, executing and running the solution.” The Dow Chemical Company won in the category of the ‘Energy Retrofit Project of the Year’. Ammar A. Ali, Sales Manager, MENA, E&W Africa Region, Dow Construction Chemicals, said: “This award reflects our focus on sustainability and energy saving projects, and it also demonstrates the participation and commitment of the governmental and private sectors, which are driving towards energy efficiency and sustainability.”

with long service life. He further added that they are built with integrated controls and networking capabilities. Explaining the benefits of the technology, Fernandez added that the significant advantage of the solution is its high efficiency and low heat losses, and the motors are up to 90% efficient. Speaking on the combination of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems with fresh air handling units (FAHUs) in the residential segment, Utpal Joshi, Head of VRV DX Consulting Sales, Daikin Middle East and Africa, said: “Some of the challenges faced by contractors are that the equipment like the AHUs and controls come from different sources, which makes the integration very difficult. The ideal solution would be plug-and-play systems, and it is important to consider sourcing the entire system, including the controls, from one vendor or manufacturer.” Speaking on the certification of air filters, Dr Nodirjon Rasulov, Business Development Manager and Indoor Air Quality Specialist, Camfil Middle East, said: “We need a global standard that is recognised easily. The new ISO16890 is based on the correct pollution levels so that the filter selection for the AHU can be made accurately.” Explaining the dangers of particulate matter, Dr Rasulov said that while particulate matter (PM) of 50 microns are visible to the naked eye; however, any PM below 50 is difficult to see with the naked eye, which can be a severe health hazard. “PM 10 can enter the throat, while PM 5 can enter the lungs and PM 1 can enter the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular diseases.” Highlighting the importance of certifications, Brian Suggitt, Chairman, Eurovent Middle East and Managing Director, Systemair Middle East, said that the Eurovent certified performance gives a level of confidence for manufacturers to assure customers that the AHU unit is built correctly, with quality components. Suggitt added that the authenticity of the Eurovent certifications could be checked on Eurovent’s website.

May 2018

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Panasonic unveils Middle East business strategy to commemorate 100th anniversary Air conditioning is a vital component of business structure transformation, says Managing Director By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

activities and enhancing brand awareness. He added, the improvement of business structure includes expansion of major appliances such as air conditioning and the company has enhanced its product line of commercial split models to meet growing demands for this sector, following more stringent regulations. Yasuo Yamasaki, DirectorDivision Head, System solutions and communications division, Panasonic marketing made a presentation on the company’s B2B strategy, (L-R): Keisuke Nakagawa, John Hardy, Director, Consumer Sales, Hiroki Soejima, Yasuo Yamasaki and emphasising that it is not Hidenori Matsubara. simply about challenging and changing the market but also providing a comprehensive anasonic unveiled its 2018 strategy for the Middle East, solution for consumers through collaboration and ensuring support in an event celebrating its 100th anniversary, on April 18, at the front line. in Dubai. Hiroki Soejima, Managing Director, Panasonic Hidenori Matsubara, General Manager, IAQ Department Eco Marketing Middle East and Africa, welcomed visitors with Solutions Divisions, Panasonic Eco solutions Middle East and Africa, a keynote address, in which he traced the company’s milestones spoke on the IAQ department history, which began nine years as an electronics manufacturer since entering the Middle East in prior to the establishment of Panasonic itself, as KDK, which joined 1955, discussed upcoming initiatives and explained the company’s Panasonic in 1956. “In this sense, we are proud of our technology expanding footprint in the region. The Middle East market, he said, and experience,” he said. “We aim to become the best IAQ provider is divided into three main segments: Consumer Electronics, B2B and and to contribute to better life.” IAQ equipment within Eco solutions. Matsubara touched on the urgency of air quality owing Touching on Panasonic’s strategy for 2018, Soejima said, to growing air pollution worldwide. Under such conditions, he the company is pursuing two fundamental business directions. emphasised, there has been an uptake in respiratory diseases The first, he said, is business structure transformation, noting a owing to proliferation of harmful particles and concentration of strong emphasis will be placed on air conditioning equipment, PM 2.5. “Currently, 300 million people suffer from asthma,” he refrigerators and washing machines. “We see major potential in said. “In the world, the current rate is four per cent. However, in the major appliances categories,” Soejima said. The next direction, Middle East, the rate is 11% higher and, in the UAE, it is actually he announced, is marketing and sales transformation. Soejima more severe.” This, Matsubara said, underpins the importance of said: “We want to change how we do marketing towards a more ensuring proper Indoor Air Quality, which he said, can be addressed consumer pool activity. Until now, we are not investing enough in by providing three main solutions: Supplying and purifying air, the market ourselves but rather selling into our partners. Instead, exhausting air, and circulation. we want to work with our partners to invest more in marketing Matsubara said Panasonic is eager to expand from the activities, increasing touchpoints to reach targeted consumers.” residential segment to providing solutions to commercial buildings Keisuke Nakagawa, Director-Division Head, Consumer Marketing and industrial projects. Matsubara highlighted the company’s Division, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa, shared the range of fans, emphasising that their main advantage is their high company’s consumer marketing strategy in the region, which he durability, energy savings and third-party certifications. Panasonic, said, operates in the context of the company’s vision to design Matsubara, said, is also highlighting air purifiers, noting that the lifestyle from home. Nakagawa emphasised that the company will models are being enhanced with high performance filters and that go beyond appliances, “moving from things to experience”. This, Panasonic is committed to providing new technology and products he said, is through improvement of business structure, shopfront developed for the people of the region.

May 2018

Empower to provide District Cooling services for Cityland Mall Project will have a total investment of AED 150 million, CEO says By CCME Content Team

mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) signed an agreement with Cityland Real Estate Development, an investment holding arm of Cityland Group, to provide District Cooling services to Cityland Mall, at Global Village in Dubai, with a total capacity of 14,000 tonnes of refrigeration (TR), Empower said in a Press communiqué. The agreement reflects the growing adoption of District Cooling technology by the real estate industry, the communiqué said. According to Empower, the project, which will have a total investment of AED 150 million, will start commissioning from August 2018. The agreement was signed by H. H. Sheikh Theyab Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Cityland Group, and Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, at the Cityland Mall Site Office, the communiqué said.

Sheikh Theyab said: “This significant agreement with Empower will drive environmental as well as economical returns while making a major impact on Cityland Mall. As the world’s first nature-inspired shopping destination, the unique design and development of the mall will ensure environmental sustainability while being an attractive destination for residents and tourists.” Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said, “We are happy that we have been chosen to serve Cityland Mall with eco-friendly District Cooling systems. This reflects Empower's ability to support Dubai's pioneering role in reducing carbon emissions, in line with the directives of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Empower aims to increase its production capacity and expand its portfolio with new projects this year, through signing agreements with more local developers to adopt District Cooling.”

GCC Food Safety Week spotlights best practices in food preparation Regulations are set but consumers must be vigilant, says Dubai Municipality's Food Permits and Control Officer By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

hile the food industry abides by the strict rules and regulations implemented by government Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir authorities, consumers must also exercise awareness with regard to best food safety practices, said Noor Abdelhalim Fadl Nasir, Food Permits and Control Officer, Dubai Municipality, against the backdrop of the GCC Food Safety Week, held recently, from April 15 to 19, in Dubai. Highlighting one of the activities developed in lieu of the event, Nasir said that Dubai Municipality set up a model kitchen with a variety of food safety tips for visitors. “They could open the fridge or the freezer,” she said, “to see how to store food or at what temperature the food should be stored.” Further elaborating on food preparation practices, Nasir stressed that it is important to ensure the separation of raw meats from raw vegetables to prevent transfer of bacteria, as well as using different cutting boards and knives. She said, “These are small changes that could have a big impact on your life and the safety of your family in your home, because at the end of the day that’s what matters. Dubai Municipality is here to ensure that you’re safe and your family stays safe.”

Did you know that death by cardiovascular disease is linked to long term exposure to poor #IndoorAirQuality? #IAQ

My Health My Home @DearmanLtd

May 2018

NEWS REGIONAL

Galloway Acoustics Engineering Services inks deal with Tru-Duct

Official says the three-year-long agreement would provide comprehensive training on all aspects and technical support to Middle East market By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

alloway Acoustics Engineering Services has signed an international manufacturing licensee agreement with US-based Tru-Duct, a sheet metal fabricator in southern California, United States, the company said through a Press communiqué. Speaking on the occasion, Dipak Bhadra, Executive Director, Galloway Acoustics Engineering Services, said: “We inherited a wealth of expertise in manufacturing of acoustic products from UK’s Galloway Group. It’s our business objective to share this knowledge through such licensee agreements with reputed manufacturers across the globe to sustain a line of products that are known for their quality and reliability.”

Bhadra added that the deal allows Tru-Duct to exclusively manufacture and sell Galloway Acoustics Engineering Services’ products, in three states: California, Nevada and Arizona, in the United States. In accordance with the agreement, which is for an initial term of three years, the team will provide comprehensive training on all aspects of acoustics including acoustics calculation, selection of right solution, manufacturing, estimation and pricing. According to the communiqué, TruDuct will have access to Galloway’s complete range of products such as louvres, attenuators and enclosures, in all available designs, as well as

its calculation tools. In addition, the American manufacturer will receive design assistance on up to three major projects and ongoing technical support throughout the contract period. Drew Miles II, Operations Manager, Tru-Duct said: “The pedigree of the acoustic products and the calibre of the team at Galloway Acoustics Engineering Services, were compelling reasons for us to enter into this partnership. We believe the partnership will go a long way in strengthening our product portfolio and enable us to reach a wider customer base in the United States market.” Gary Hall, Founder of G Hall Associates, a consultancy firm appointed by Galloway Acoustics Engineering Services, said: “Our team is highly experienced in the creation, commencement, development and growth of acoustic companies and divisions. We are both technically and commercially competent. This provides a potent force, catalyst and tremendous reference point for all aspects of a new venture. We are confident Tru-Duct will benefit significantly from this licensee programme.”

Empower supplies Dubai Arena with 3,600 TR of cooling

Our goal is to “achieve a harmonious balance between leisure and sustainable environment", Empower CEO says

By CCME Content Team

mirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the District Cooling services provider, has signed an agreement with Meraas, to provide Dubai Arena, the destination for global events and live shows, with a total capacity of 3,600 tonnes of refrigeration (TR), the former announced in a Press communiqué. Empower has announced that it will connect one building with its services and it will be delivered by the end of June, the communiqué further said. Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer, Empower, said: “The addition of Dubai Arena to our projects portfolio is a significant step in realising our goal to be a major player in urban development and achieve a harmonious balance between leisure and sustainable environment. Our role in this project is to provide sustainable District Cooling services for indoor areas where concerts and events are held throughout the year.” Dubai Arena is considered the world’s largest and most modern destination for events and live shows, spread over half a million

May 2018

square feet and accommodating around 20,000 spectators, the communiqué said. Once it is completed, it will host the world’s largest live shows, international sports events, and entertainment events such as hockey matches, the National Basketball Association World Championships and the world’s most popular artists’ tours, the communiqué further said. Bin Shafar confirmed that servicing Dubai Arena is in-line with Empower’s strategy to expand its operations to all regions of Dubai and provide a service that is low in carbon footprint and high in efficiency. He noted that District Cooling services consume 50% less energy than conventional cooling services.

UAE companies share their approaches to workplace, environment and community Dubai Chamber hosts best practices event By CCME Content Team

he Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a series of best practice sharing sessions, which highlighted best practices in the areas of employee welfare, waste management, environmental education, Emiratisation, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities, among several other important matters, the organisation said in a Press communiqué. Companies like Empower, Farnek Services, Veolia and Cummins Middle East participated in the event. The event was organised by members of the Dubai Chamber of Sustainability Network and was led by the network’s specialised task forces. Dr Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, said that the strong participation in the sessions reflected a growing awareness about important sustainability and corporate social responsibility matters impacting businesses in Dubai. He explained that the case studies, best practices, strategies and experiences shared by participating companies provided valuable insights, which will help build on progress already achieved by the task forces and identify new areas where businesses can align their efforts to maximise their social impact. According to the communiqué, the other companies who participated in the sessions, included Emirates NBD, Chalhoub Group, RAK Bank, Six Construct, German Imaging Technologies, Dubai Design District, Dulsco, UAE Exchange, Nestle, Axiom Telecom and Tristar Group.

Is financing of retrofits a challenge?

Industry insider says change of mindset required more than financing of retrofits

By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

hile it takes 18 to 24 months to build a tower, it takes around the same time to decide to retrofit the same building, said Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad Energy Services (Etihad ESCO), while making an observation on the retrofit market. Sharing a similar view, Charles Blaschke, Founder and Managing Director, Taka Solutions, said: “While it takes around four weeks to do a complete survey of the building Charles Blaschke and identify the areas of retrofit, it takes around 50-100 weeks for the client to take a decision on whether to greenlight the project or not. All it requires is a signature from the client, and we – as an energy savings company – can begin investing in the project.” Further elaborating on the challenges faced by the retrofit market, Blaschke said that changing the mindset of the project owner to consider the retrofit is a more significant challenge than funding a retrofit because energy service companies (ESCOs) offer 100% funding for projects. “When we started the financier-savings model, we did not want customer budgets to cause a hindrance for us while trying to achieve the retrofit target, therefore, we came up with the 100% financier savings model, where the customer would just sign the contract and enjoy the long-term benefits, while we are paid only a share of the savings,” he said. Blaschke added another challenge was that customers usually have shortsighted goals, instead of longsighted goals, and are apprehensive about signing long-term contracts with ESCOs.

Non-technical solution to help reduce cooling loads Solution could reduce cooling loads by 20%, says company official By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

hile there are many technical solutions available to reduce cooling loads, it is also important to consider nontechnical solutions, such as the cool roof coating, to achieve the same goal of energy efficiency, said Beyhan Gözoğul, Business Development Manager, Middle East, Africa, Greece, Turkey, Dow Construction Chemicals. Sharing details on the solution, Gözoğul said, “The cool roof coating technology is designed to reduce the HVAC cooling load by 20% in GCC climatic conditions.” Explaining the features of the solution, she added that the roof of the building could be sprayed with the low-VOC, water-based solution up to a thickness of one millimetre, and it forms a flexible membrane, which is durable in all climatic conditions. Speaking from a building retrofit perspective, Gözoğul said, “One of the strongest properties of this product is to use it on the roof of old buildings.” Gözoğul added that the company is currently working on a project on one of the buildings belonging to Dubai Municipality, where the energy consumption is currently being monitored, and in June 2018, the solution would be applied on the roof of the building, following which, a third party would monitor the energy consumption and compare the results.

Poor indoor air quality #IAQ can affect development in children and has been linked to lung disease later in life.

Indoor Air Quality @IAQforum

May 2018

NEWS REGIONAL

Itqan Investments, Vpower Group and CITIC Pacific acquire Byrne Group GCC region’s supplier of rental equipment prepares for expansion into Asian markets, CEO says By CCME Content Team

▶ Byrne Group

tqan Investments LLC (“Itqan”) owned GCC region, the communiqué said. The deal by Sheikh Hamad Al Sulaiman, together also includes other businesses within the with Tamar VPower Energy Fund I LP Byrne Group, namely Spacemaker (UAE), (the “Fund”), jointly established and Byrne Technical Services (KSA) and Byrne managed by Hong Kong based VPower Medical Equipment Rental, the communiqué Group International Holdings further said. Ltd. (1608.HK) (“VPower”) Sheikh Hamad Al Sulaiman, and CITIC Pacific Ltd. (“CITIC Chairman of Itqan and Pacific”), has acquired Byrne Chairman & CEO of the Byrne Equipment Rental LLC (the Group, said: “The acquisition “Byrne Group”), a supplier of will support Byrne’s plans rental equipment, including to grow into the Asian power rental solutions, across market, replicate the success the Gulf Corporation Council the company has already Sheikh Hamad Al Sulaiman (GCC) region, in a deal valued achieved in the GCC region at approximately AED1 billion, and tap into a wider scope of the former company announced power generation solutions in via a Press communiqué. the GCC region.” Byrne Equipment Rental offers equipment Sheikh Hamad further said: “VPower and rental solutions to a broad variety of CITIC Pacific have a clear understanding sectors, including oil and gas, construction of our operating model and we see this and infrastructure, events, industrial and as a powerful opportunity to leverage manufacturing and marine and ports and our respective strengths and generate works with global companies throughout the enhanced growth in our markets. This is

particularly the case in the larger scale power generation market, where VPower’s investment, building and operating business has demonstrated tremendous growth in recent years and CITIC Pacific has extensive experience with a total gross installed capacity in thermal, clean and renewable energy over 7GW.” With 15 operational bases and a fleet of over 10,000 items of plant, the Byrne Group is made up of more than 1,500 people and the acquisition is expected to benefit existing staff members with career progression opportunities made available. Sheikh Hamad added: “We are a GCC company with a strong history and an incredibly experienced team of professionals who are both multi-cultural and multi-national. The team has helped our business to thrive and succeed in many different ways and this will continue to be an important focus of the organisation in the future with VPower and CITIC Pacific.” Headquartered in Hong Kong, VPower is Southeast Asia’s largest private gas-fired engine-based distributed power station owner and operator, the communiqué said. Rorce Au-Yeung, Co-Chief Executive Officer of VPower, said: “VPower has the capabilities and expertise to help drive Byrne’s expansion, with a focus on the multi-megawatt power generation and power rental markets.” CITIC Pacific is the overseas investment platform of CITIC Limited and its core businesses include special steel manufacturing, energy and real estate development. Steve Kwok, Executive Vice President of CITIC Pacific, said, “We are pleased with the opportunity to invest with our partner VPower in this worldclass equipment rental company in the GCC. This is our first project in the region and we are confident to contribute our expertise in the power sector, and bring in other business opportunities leveraging CITIC Group’s network to support the growth of Byrne and open up the China market opportunity.”

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May 2018

Tabreedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Q1 2018 net profit increases 3% to AED 77.7 million â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unique cooling solutions are playing their part in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to achieve energy sustainability,â&#x20AC;? says CEO

Trane launches IntelliPak Rooftop System HVAC software provides greater energy efficiency and system integration, company official says

By CCME Content Team

Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi

Jasim Husain Thabet

ational Central Cooling Company PJSC (DFM: Tabreed), released its 2018 first-quarter consolidated financial results, the company announced in a Press communiquĂŠ. According to Tabreed, the financial highlights of the three months ended 31 March, 2018, are: CZi egd[î Viig^WjiVWaZ id i]Z eVgZci ^cXgZVhZY Wn (#& id 6:9 ,,#, bâa^dc F& '%&,/ AED 75.4 million) 8dgZ X]âaZY lViZg gZkZcjZ ^cXgZVhZY Wn &#) id 6:9 '*-#, bâa^dc F& '%&,/ 6:9 '**#' million) H]VgZ d[ gZhjaih d[ VhhdX^ViZh VcY _d^ci kZcijgZh YZXgZVhZY Wn )#- id 6:9 '&#- bâa^dc (Q1 2017: AED 22.9 million) <gdje gZkZcjZ ^cXgZVhZY Wn ' eZg XZci id 6:9 ',)#) bâa^dc F& '%&,/ 6:9 ',%#' million) :7>I96 ^cXgZVhZY Wn + eZg XZci id 6:9 &)-#+ bâa^dc F& '%&,/ 6:9 &)%#- bâa^dc

N Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122;

According to Tabreed, the operational highlights of the three months ended March 31, 2018 are: Â&#x2122; IdiVa <gdje XdccZXiZY XVeVXîn VXgdhh i]Z <88 gZ\^dc d[ &!%.(!-&- IG# Â&#x2122; 6Xfj^hî^dc d[ *% d[ H I 8dda 9^hig^Xi 8dda^c\ 8dbeVcn AA8 dc GZZb >haVcY ^c 6Wj Dhabi to become its sole owner. The plant has connected capacity of over 32,000 TR and is the sixth plant in Tabreedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio providing District Cooling to Aldar developments Â&#x2122; HjXXZhh[ja XdbeaZi^dc d[ i]gZZ"nZVg eâdi egd_ZXi id YZkZade Y^\îVa ÂťhbVgi XdcigdaaZgÂź technology to intelligently manage District Cooling plants to improve operational performance by decreasing energy consumption in partnership with Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a part of the Khalifa University of Science and Technology According to Tabreed, the environmental highlights of the three months ended March 31, 2018 are: Â&#x2122; &,. bâa^dc `âdlVii ]djgh lZgZ hVkZY VXgdhh i]Z <88 gZ\^dc Âˇ Zcdj\] ZcZg\n id edlZg approximately 6,000 homes in the UAE every year Â&#x2122; I]ZhZ edlZg hVk^c\h egZkZciZY i]Z gZaZVhZ ^cid i]Z Vibdhe]ZgZ d[ -.!+%% idch d[ carbon dioxide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the equivalent of eliminating the emissions of 18,000 vehicles annually Commenting on the results, Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Tabreed, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is another strong set of results. We are confident of continuing to deliver growth as we further expand our operations and look forward to reporting progress through the current financial year.â&#x20AC;? Jasim Husain Thabet, Chief Executive Officer, Tabreed, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very pleased to demonstrate once again that our unique cooling solutions are playing their part in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to achieve energy sustainability. We remain alert to all opportunities that can add value to our own business and also enhance our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to reduce their energy consumption.â&#x20AC;?

rane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has introduced the IntelliPak commercial HVAC rooftop system connected with Symbio 800, a flexible controller designed to improve the customer experience, the company announced in a Press communiquĂŠ. The new IntelliPak and Symbio 800 system pairs with Trace 3D Plus software to make the system easy to select and design for exact customer specifications, the communiquĂŠ said. This solution is well-suited for industrial, healthcare, education and retail facilities that require greater efficiency and connectivity, the communiquĂŠ further said. Manlio Valdes, Vice President, Product Management and Marketing, Trane, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve designed the new system to enhance the customer experience, from easy initial selection, to superior quality and testing during manufacturing, and flexible and fast installation onsite. The added Symbio 800 controller enables connected capability to improve the overall building performance for customers.â&#x20AC;? The communiquĂŠ added that IntelliPak, with Symbio 800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upgraded variable speed technology, allows Trane to offer a unit at each tonnage, which meets the Consortium of Energy Efficiency advanced tier, with a rating up to a 17.8 Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio. The communiquĂŠ added the rooftop system also meets regulatory compliance; all heat exchangers satisfy the 2023 U.S. Department of Energy code of at least 81% steadystate efficiency.

May 2018

NEWS REGIONAL

Corys Build Centre inaugurates flagship store in Dubai “We aim to be a key player in the MEP market across the UAE and GCC region,” says company official By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

orys Build Centre has inaugurated their first flagship store in Dubai, making it their seventh store in UAE. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on April 25, 2018. Speaking on the occasion, Allister Bold, Commercial Director, Corys Build Centre, said: “The opening of our flagship store says that we aim to be a key player in the MEP market across the UAE and GCC region. The store tells that we want to be close to our customers and deliver our promises as per our abilities.” Sharing details of the business-to-business plan, Bold said that the overall strategy is to differentiate us from other players in the market. We see the market maturing and transforming into a European model, where we can bring in many brands, under one roof. “We have adopted a multi-channel strategy that includes our stores, field sales agents and fellow traders who engage with our customers,” he said. Bold added that the company would also be conducting training programmes to educate consultants, contractors and developers on different innovations available in the market and how they would benefit projects. Kurt Pereira, Product Category Manager, Corys Build Centre, said: “Our main focus is to reach out to other traders, contractors, consultants and developers, and introduce them to our partner brands like Hepworth, Grundfos Pumps, Ariston Water Heaters, to name a few, and show them how their projects can benefit from these products. We have already seen the acceptance of these brands by developers like Emaar and Wasl Properties.” Highlighting a change in market trends, Pereira said that the demand earlier was exclusively for European or US-manufactured products, but now there is more demand for locally produced, high-quality products. Pereira added that the company would be adding an HVAC product category to the line.

NEWS GLOBAL

RGF Environmental Group purchases Biological Controls, Inc. Strategic purchase will help RGF enter healthcare industry, CEO says By CCME Content Team

GF Environmental Group, Inc. has announced the purchase of the assets of Biological Controls, Inc., a New Jersey manufacturer of commercial indoor air quality products, via a Press communiqué. The Biological Controls purchase helps RGF Environmental Group (RGF) enter the healthcare industry with the Microcon series of FDA 510K-compliant air filtration equipment, the communiqué said. In addition to RGF’s existing air purification line of products, the Microcon series and the Airmation series of diesel exhaust filtration systems will provide air filtration solutions for a variety of applications, such as government agencies, fire stations, municipal garages, police evidence rooms as well as residential whole home HEPA and carbon filtration, the communiqué further said.

May 2018

L-R: Gary Messina, Founder and CEO, Biological Controls and Tony Julian, VP Business Development, RGF

Commenting on the purchase, Ron Fink, President/CEO, RGF, said: “This purchase takes RGF into new commercial markets. The blending of sales forces will enhance each team’s product offering and use-applications exponentially. We believe the Biological Controls products will receive wide acceptance by our international sales force in 58+ countries – including our China office – and will catapult sales to new highs.” The communiqué added that the new division will be named RGF-BioControls, a Division of RGF Environmental Group, Inc., and will join RGF’s family of brands, which includes AFL Industries and Element Air.

BITZER acquires Alfa Laval’s product group shell-and-tube heat exchanger The products taken over from Alfa Laval are designed for air conditioning and refrigeration applications, company says By CCME Content Team

IAQ and retrofit measures must go handin-hand More focus on IAQ in new buildings than in existing ones, expert says By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

ITZER has expanded its product portfolio through acquiring the shell-and-tube heat exchanger segment of Alfa Laval, based in Alonte, northern Italy, the company said through a Press communiqué. Starting May, BITZER will be the largest independent manufacturer in the shell-and-tube heat exchanger market, worldwide, it said through the communiqué. The contract between BITZER Italia and Alfa Laval SpA was signed in Milan in the first week of April. “I am delighted to be able to welcome Alfa Laval’s shell-and-tube heat exchangers to the BITZER family,” said Gianni Parlanti, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. According to the communiqué, the products taken over from Alfa Laval are designed for air conditioning and refrigeration applications and will, thus, enlarge BITZER’s product portfolio. BITZER has been producing condensers for fresh and seawater applications since the 1950s. “With this acquisition, we are expanding our portfolio, as the evaporator technology manufactured in Alonte complements our existing product range,” Parlanti said. “With this operation, BITZER is becoming the largest independent manufacturer in the shell-andtube heat exchanger market, worldwide. Our aim is to become the technology leader in this segment offering the market the latest solutions. To do this, we are building up a state-of-the-art laboratory with highly skilled personnel. “This is an important step for BITZER in its efforts to develop its heat exchanger and pressure vessel segment effectively. With the acquisition of Alfa Laval’s shell-and-tube heat exchangers, BITZER is gaining more than 40 years of experience in the development of these components and is, at the same time, strategically complementing its own product lines. Alfa Laval’s key strengths include decades of experience in dry expansion evaporators, flooded evaporators and condensers for fresh and seawater applications with a capacity of up to 2,000 kW. With this acquisition, BITZER is able to offer its customers highly efficient, future-proof solutions.”

Hassan Younes

Michel Farah

hile carrying out retrofit measures, consultants must also focus on improving indoor air quality (IAQ), said Hassan Younes, Director, Griffin Consultants. Sharing his thoughts on the subject, Younes said: “In new request-for-proposals (RFPs), consultants must follow IAQ standards, and educate the client on the benefits of improving IAQ. The client is often caught up in a dilemma of whether IAQ would increase energy efficiency, and often ignores the importance of IAQ.” Younes added that clients also look at the investment when it comes to implementing IAQ standards. Voicing a similar view, Michel Farah, Director – Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility, Daikin Middle East and Africa, added: “IAQ is one of the key maintenance points of cleaning and improving new technologies. We find more attention given to IAQ in newly constructed buildings than in existing buildings, which need higher IAQ standards while implementing retrofit measures.” Farah further added that there should be a clear set of key performance indicators between all stakeholders on how IAQ can be quantified, while discussing what should be retrofitted in the project.

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May 2018

NEWS GLOBAL

BIM software used for designing Paralympics arena

Software plays a crucial role in minimising errors in entire construction cycle, says company official

CAD expert Heidi Hewett joins Bricsys Aims to help take BricsCAD to the next level By CCME Content Team

fter 26 years with Autodesk, Heidi Hewett, former AutoCAD Technical Marketing Manager, has joined Bricsys as the entity’s User Success Manager. She will be part of the Bricsys global team and help in assisting customers in moving to the next level of productivity with BricsCAD and BricsCAD BIM. “We are very pleased to welcome Heidi Hewett as our new User Success Manager,” said Don Strimbu, VP Communications, Bricsys. “She joins the Bricsys global team to assist customers in moving to the next level of productivity with the best dwg-based CAD applications available today BricsCAD- and BricsCAD-BIM.” Hewett has been working with .dwg-based CAD since 1986, learning AutoCAD as a student. After earning her BS in Architectural Engineering, she joined Autodesk as a Product Support Technician. During her 26-year tenure at Autodesk, Hewett worked as a Training Specialist, a Senior Applications Engineer and as a Technical Marketing Manager. “For well over a decade, the world was told that the .dwg file format is not suitable for advanced design workflows,” Hewett said. “It can’t be used for mechanical design, and it certainly can’t be used for BIM. Bricsys has shown that this old belief is simply not true. The .dwg file format is alive and well. I am looking forward to helping Bricsys take .dwg to new, previously unimagined levels, and I’m excited to be part of the team that is doing this for our users.” Hewett has an MS in Technical Communications and an MA in Information and Learning Technologies from the University of Colorado, in the United States. According to Bricsys, she brings her passion for learning to Bricsys, where she will work to help customers understand the fastest path to success with BricsCAD products.

May 2018

By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

IM software, Tekla Structures, was used for designing the Gangeneung Ice Arena for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, held from March 9 to 18, said Wan-soon Park, Country Manager, Wan-soon Park Trimble Korea. Speaking on the development, Park said: “Tekla Structures played a crucial role in minimising errors in the entire construction cycle, which includes, designing, fabrication, installation and construction of the arena, within a short period of time.” Park further said that the arena needed a large open space with pipe trusses, which was fabricated and constructed by Dongbu Steel, who adopted Tekla Structures to create a digital simulation of the steel structure. “The design,” he added, “was based on the data derived from detailed 3D BIM design data in the Tekla Structures model.”

Chigo to launch its CMV mini-VRF in H2 2018 Chigo to launch its CMV mini-VRF in H2 2018 By CCME Content Team

higo HVAC said its new CMV mini-VRF will be launched in the second half of 2018. The new system, the company said, has a completely new appearance and is smaller in size, ensuring the flexibility of more units in a single container, leading to savings in transportation costs. The new unit is marked by the absence of screws in the front panel, which makes it very convenient for production and maintenance, Chigo said. The commissioning board is placed at the wire connection port, which gives easy access from the point of view of project installation commissioning, the company added. With E-parts integration design, all wires are in good sequence, the company further added. The new CMV mini-VRF system has a designed cooling capacity, starting from 8kW to 16kW, and is suitable for an operation temperature range, starting from -25℃ to 55℃, Chigo said. It uses refrigerant cooling technology for PCB and high-ESP mode to improve system reliability in extreme conditions, Chigo added. The new unit features a new silent technology to decrease running noise greatly in the night, the company said. And through adding various outdoor unit priority-setting modes, like auto mode, cooling- or heating-only mode, VIP mode and cooling- or heating-priority mode, the company said, it can easily meet various demands, according to varying situations.

ASHRAE publishes energy simulation-aided design standard Standard 209-2018 defines minimum requirements for integrating building energy modelling into the design process, organisation says By CCME Content Team

SHRAE published a new standard describing a methodology to apply building energy modelling throughout the design process, the organisation said through a Press communiqué. ASHRAE Standard 209-2018, ‘Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings except Low Rise Residential Buildings’, defines minimum requirements for providing energy design assistance using building energy simulation and analysis, the communiqué said. According to ASHRAE, the standard defines consistent energy modelling procedures to quantify the impact of design decisions when they are being made. To minimally comply with Standard 209-2018, building project teams must evaluate energy-efficiency options using modelling early in the design process (schematic design), the communiqué said. "For many buildings, energy modelling is typically employed only near the end of the design process to determine if a building meets minimum requirements for energy-efficient design, outlined in Standard 90.1," said Jason Glazer, chair of the Standard 209 committee. "Standard 209-2018 requires building energy modelling earlier in the design process, so the information it provides will more effectively inform design decisions and result in higher performing buildings," he added. This new standard will be useful to building owners, architects, government agencies and many others who want their projects

RSA Global reinforces presence in India with majority stake in Meesan Logistics Company plans to expand operations beyond the UAE and ME region, CEO says By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

SA Global has acquired a majority stake in Meesan Logistics as part of joint efforts to reinforce presence in India, the former company announced via a Press communiqué. Speaking on the partnership, Abhishek Shah, Co-Founder and CEO, RSA Global, said, Abhishek Shah “RSA Global and Meesan Logistics share a similar structure and corporate values in that they are both owner-run and operated, place special emphasis on sustainability, are customer-centric and hungry for regional and international growth.” The partnership, Shah said, allows RSA Global to be present in eight Indian cities. Shah added, “India’s regulatory framework is rapidly changing, supply chain infrastructure

to benefit from the use of simulation, the communiqué said. By referencing the standard, they can identify appropriate modelling tasks and procure modelling services that add value in the design process, the communiqué further said. According to ASHRAE, the standard also describes analysis activities from early concept development to post-occupancy. The standard applies to new buildings, major renovations and additions, and defines nominal requirements for using modelling to support integrated design efforts, the communiqué said. Standard 209-2018 defines seven design-phase modelling cycles, each with specific modelling goals coordinated with the typical design process , the communiqué said. Each modelling cycle is an extension of a general modelling cycle that can be applied any time during design , the communiqué further said. Three additional modelling cycles are defined for construction and operation phases, and include a design and post-occupancy performance comparison to help owners and modellers understand the impact of design phase modelling assumptions and inform future modelling efforts , the communiqué added. According to ASHRAE, the cost of ASHRAE Standard 209-2018 is USD 67 for ASHRAE members (USD 79 for non-members). To order, visit: www.ashrae.org/bookstore.

is undergoing a transformation and we are proud that our technological innovation and skilled workforce can support this important evolution.” Furthermore, Shah said, India has recently introduced the Unified Tax Regime (GST), which is expected to simplify the distribution network by creating a business environment that allows for smaller warehouses to merge into centralised regional hubs. “The new regulations will create a favourable climate for high-scale results from process optimisation, to support the Indian market’s move towards advanced third-party logistics services,” he said. With RSA Global, Shah said, Meesan Logistics was seeking access to capital for growth, in addition to a wider customer base outside India, as well as a partner with varied expertise in thirdparty logistics, especially chemical operations. “Meesan Logistics will benefit from the UAE’s inherent strategic location on a global scale,” he said, “which has cemented the country’s place as a leading sea-air multimodal transport hub.” Meanwhile, he said, RSA Global was seeking a partner to expand operations to India, “an equally dynamic and important market on the logistics and overall business scene”. Meesan Logistics, he said, came as a natural choice given its expertise and ability to navigate the local landscape throughout India. RSA Global, Shah said, has plans to expand operations beyond the UAE and Middle East region in key markets and this recent collaboration serves as an initial step towards global expansion.

May 2018

NEWS GLOBAL

ASHRAE announces technical programme for Annual Conference Five-day event will include eight conference tracks, including one titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Residential â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Modern Building in Hot and Humid Climatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By CCME Content Team

he 2018 ASHRAE Annual Conference technical programme will provide practitioners with topical, in-depth educational tracks to optimise the design and performance of buildings, ASHRAE said through a Press communiquĂŠ. The conference will take place from June 23 to 27 in Houston, Texas, in the United States. The five-day event will includes eight conference tracks, tours, social events and a keynote message from research scientist and author, Dr Ainissa Ramirez on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inspiring the Next Generation.â&#x20AC;? Additionally, 201819 ASHRAE President, Shelia Hayter, Fellow ASHRAE, will present the Society theme for the coming year during the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Luncheon on June 25. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dynamic and innovative industry of HVAC&R is a reflection of our ever-changing individual, societal and global constructs and demands,â&#x20AC;? Cindy Moreno, chair of the 2018 ASHRAE Annual

Conference, said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2018 Annual ASHRAE Conference aims to provide the setting for a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience, and the technical program looks to enrich that exchange with a broad spectrum of topics and discussion. We welcome you to join us as we share ideas ranging from basic design fundamentals to specific applications and technologies.â&#x20AC;? The need to achieve sustainable buildings in hot and humid climates calls for an understanding of the local climate and integrating appropriate building technologies into the architectural and urban design, the communiquĂŠ said. A new and anticipated track at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference, Residential â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Modern Building in Hot and Humid Climates, will discuss how modern residential design and building practices can be integrated into hot and/or humid climates with specific challenges ranging from indoor comfort to ventilation and mould, the communiquĂŠ added. Another popular design track, District Energy and Cogeneration Plants, will address how the carbon footprint is being minimised by combining resources. This track takes a look at the advantages and limitations, dos and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts and best practices of utilising this type of shared system. The conference tracks include: Â&#x2122; =K68 G HnhiZbh VcY :fjêbZci Â&#x2122; ;jcYVbZciVah VcY 6eea^XVi^dch Â&#x2122; 9^hig^Xi :cZg\n VcY 8d\ZcZgVi^dc EaVcih Â&#x2122; =K68 GZhâ^ZcXn/ HV[Z\jVgY^c\ djg LdgaY Â&#x2122; GZh^YZci^Va Âˇ BdYZgc 7jâY^c\ ^c =di VcY =jb^Y Climates Â&#x2122; Egd[Zhh^dcVa H`âah Â&#x2122; GZhZVgX] Hjbbî Â&#x2122; =K68 G 8dcigda ;gZV`h Â&#x2122; =K68 G 6cVani^Xh Meanwhile, the ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will offer two full-day seminars and eight half-day courses. New courses include: Advance Design for Net Zero Buildings; Latest in High-Performance Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS); Save 30% Complying with Standard 90.1-2013; and Principles and Practices of Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Air Conditioning, the communiquĂŠ said. According to the communiquĂŠ, ASHRAE will also be conducting six certification exams on Energy Auditing, Energy Modelling, Commissioning, Healthcare Facility Design, High-Performance Building Design and Building Operations. The last date for applying to the exams is June 5. According to the communiquĂŠ, ASHRAE will be making an announcement about a collaboration with ASHRAE's archival research publication, Science and Technology for the Built Environment (STBE) during the sixth annual Research Summit, to be conducted this year.

May 2018

Lu-Ve approaches Iranian market Company official speaks of uptake in demand for industrial and commercial refrigeration solutions

Middle East has reinforced the local team by hiring new professionals to address the needs of local customers. Lu-Ve Group, Liberali said, currently has 10 manufacturing facilities spread out across seven countries: Italy, China, India, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic and Russia.

By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

u-Ve Group has been successful in entering the market in Iran, said Fabio Liberali, Chief Communications Officer. Over the last few months, Liberali said, the group upon approaching the market has seen most demand in the industrial refrigeration sector as well as in the commercial refrigeration niche. Touching on the Group’s activities in the Middle East region, Liberali said Lu-Ve

ASEAN market is booming, says Midea Company official cites population growth as key factor driving demand for RACs across Southeast Asia By Hannah Jo Uy | Features Writer

Fabio Liberali

The Group, he said, also has a software house dedicated to ICT (Information and Communications Technology) for the development of product calculation software and digitalisation. Peck Zhao

Ziehl-Abegg ranks first in dual training survey in Germany Study examines the quality of training in 20,000 German companies By CCME Content Team

iehl-Abegg, a ventilation, control and drive technology company, has been rated first in a study, titled ‘Germany's best companies for training 2018’, the company announced in a Press communiqué. The company said training officers of 20,000 companies with the largest number of employees, from 93 sectors, were surveyed on behalf of the news magazines Focus and Focus Money for the study. Peter Fenkl, CEO, Ziehl-Abegg SE, said, "The nationwide study in Germany testifies to our long-term commitment to qualified training." The study focused on five aspects: The success of the training, structural data on the trainees, the remuneration, the training ratio as well as additional offerings for trainees, the communiqué said. Professor Werner Sarges, a specialist in personnel diagnostics at the Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, provided the scientific support for the study, the communiqué further said. Commenting on the study, Fenkl said, "I am pleased with the result for our trainers, who are highly committed to providing the next generation of skilled workers with the best possible start to their careers."

he ASEAN region is shaping up to be a booming and promising market, said Peck Zhao, Senior Specialist of Marketing, Midea, adding that to meet growing demand the company has set up more than 12 branches in the region in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The biggest demand, Zhao said, is for RACs, largely owing to a fastgrowing population, particularly in Indonesia. The second reason, Zhao said, is that the presence of traditional home appliance companies in those countries is decreasing, while the strength of Brand China is steadily growing. This, he said, is not owing to a more competitive market but a series of joint ventures, allowing Chinese companies to be more active in Southeast Asia rather than in Europe, being positioned near the region. “Also, the [One Belt One Road],” Zhao said, “is helping us do more marketing in those countries.” The initiative, he said, has resulted in billions of dollars’ worth of agreements for the next five years and a number of potential projects.

May 2018

NEWS GLOBAL

U.S. Department of Energy and National Association of Manufacturers announce partnership

California introduces legislation on zero-emission buildings

Will accelerate adoption of energy-efficient technologies, official statement says

Document requires California Energy Commission to ensure all new residential and non-residential buildings achieve zero-emission by 2030

By CCME Content Team By CCME Content Team he U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) have announced the Sustainability in Manufacturing partnership, in a Press communiqué. “Through this partnership, fostered by DoE’s Better Plants program, DoE and the NAM will work together to help US manufacturers drive energy-productivity improvements and accelerate adoption of energy-efficient technologies,” the communiqué said. “The Sustainability in Manufacturing partnership will provide DoE and the NAM the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers, identify opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements, and serve as a platform to recognise companies and leaders that have led the way in the application of innovative strategies,” the communiqué further said. Commenting on the partnership, Rick Perry, Secretary of Energy, United States, said: “Working alongside our private sector partners, we are driving cost savings and a stronger, more secure US industrial base. The Department’s partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers will further spotlight industrial leadership and boost awareness of the resources across the DoE enterprise to boost manufacturing competitiveness through energy savings.” Commenting on the role of manufacturers, Jay Timmons, President and CEO, NAM, said, “Manufacturers accept the responsibility to better the future of our communities, our environment and our children, which is why, over the past decade, we have reduced emissions by 10%, even as our value to the economy has increased 19%.”

he Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) announced in a Press communiqué that a bill has been passed by the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, which requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a plan to ensure all new residential and non-residential buildings in the state achieve zero-emission by 2030, as well as develop a strategy to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated by the state's existing buildings. The Bill, AB 3232, states: It is the intent of the Legislature to do both of the following: 1. Establish the goal that new residential and nonresidential buildings built on or after January 1, 2030, should be zero-greenhouse-gas-emission buildings. 2. Achieve significant reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases in the state’s building stock by January 1, 2030. Many of the proponents of the bill have stated that they would like AB 3232 to promote the transition from natural gas end-uses to electric, the AHRI communiqué said. AHRI, as a policy position, supports an "all of the above" approach to energy sourcing, officially opposes this legislation and will join the broad coalition of industry and businesses leading opposition efforts, the communiqué further said. The communiqué also said that the bill will now go to the Committee on Utilities and Energy of the California State Assembly for consideration and, since it is likely to have a fiscal impact on the state, will be considered by the Appropriations Committee, as well.

STULZ introduces micro data centres Systems come with optional direct liquid-to-chip cooling, can be configured with all the key design aspects of a brick-and-mortar data centre, says company representative By Benwen Lopez | Assistant Editor

ith demands for space and other technical complexities rising for data centres, STULZ Technology Integration has introduced a new micro-data centre (Micro DC), said Simon Gardner, Managing Director, STULZ Technology Integration. Explaining the features of the model, Gardner said, “The STULZ Micro DC can be configured with all the key design aspects of a brick-andmortar data centre, including critical power control and monitoring, fire suppression, physical security and precision cooling.”

W 64

May 2018

Elaborating on the cooling features of the model, Gardner added that a partnership with Canada-based COOLIIT Systems had been established to incorporate the Chip-to-Atmosphere cooling solution. The technology, he added, combines the standard integrated cooling solution (ICS) with a direct liquid-to-chip system (DLCS), and uses the thermal conductivity of liquid to provide concentrated cooling to the hottest components inside a server, thus enabling very high-density configurations. "The solution can be integrated into existing water circuits, such as condenser return water, chiller return water and facility water," Gardner said. Gardner further said that the cooling solution is highly energy efficient and that it could dissipate heat loads of up to 80kW per rack.

MARKETPLACE This section contains updates on regional and international products.

E Instruments International E1500 Portable Emissions Analyser Instruments International has introduced the E1500 Portable Emissions Analyser. According to the company, this portable flue gas analyser is designed for emissions monitoring, maintenance and tuning of boilers, burners, engines, furnaces, turbines, kilns, incinerators and many other industrial combustion processes. According to E Instruments, the E1500... >cXajYZh YViV"ad\\^c\ hd[ilVgZ/ JhZgh XVc XdccZXi i]Z VcVanhZg id i]Z XdbejiZg id manage test data. =Vh 6cYgd^Y VcY ^DH XdbeVi^WaZ Veeh/ JhZgh XVc YdlcadVY i]Z Vee id XgZViZ FG XdYZh! save and send tests, and more. >cXajYZh D2 and CO gas sensors BZVhjgZh iZbeZgVijgZ VcY egZhhjgZ gZVY^c\h >cXajYZh ^ciZgcVa YViV bZbdgn [dg je id '!%%% iZhih =Vh Vc VjidbVi^X YViV hVk^c\ [ZVijgZ >cXajYZh V hd[ilVgZ eVX`V\Z lî] JH7 VcY 7ajZiddi] ;ZVijgZh V Wjâi"^c eg^ciZg lî] cdc"[VY^c\ eVeZg

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May 2018

OBITUARY

Pratibha Umashankar 1957-2018

What is an inertia reel?

his was the question Pratibha Umashankar posed during lunch one day, as part of one of her many impromptu mini-quizzes. She went on to explain that the reel is a critical component in a seatbelt system and plays a crucial role in restraining a motorist from hitting the steering wheel or the dashboard, when a car travelling at moderate or high speed rapidly decelerates. Pratibha, who passed away on April 21, was an enthusiastic quizzer, bibliophile, teacher, mentor and writer of considerable accomplishment. Readers of Climate Control Middle East will remember her as the Associate Editor, a post in which she served from 2010 to early 2017. She vacated the post citing lower back pain, which she added, was impeding her ability to focus on her work. At the time, she didn’t know the root cause; as medical investigation later revealed the reason for what deteriorated into debilitating pain was pancreatic cancer. Displaying the same indomitable spirit as at work, she valiantly fought the disease, but in the end, alas, it proved to be stronger! Pratibha was a rare form of energy. Understanding the formidable challenge involved in editing articles on HVACR-related issues – with many of them being highly technical in nature – she set about reading and trying to understand as much as she could of the industry. What followed was a hallowed stint that had earnestness, a certain doggedness and an uncompromising attitude to ensuring clarity in communication. Among the many guest columns she edited, the most long-lasting was the one on air filtration by the world-renowned authority on the subject, Dr Iyad Al Attar. Himself fastidious to a fault and with an exquisite eye for detail, he soon became an admirer of her work and even as recently as a month ago said he was considering approaching her to help him collate the articles and present them in the form of a book. Besides editing, Pratibha took the initiative of writing articles, the most high-profile being a column on the history of air conditioning. She harnessed her love for quizzing with her appreciation of the HVACR industry to present accurate historical perspectives on air conditioning and refrigeration. In case you missed reading them, they are available at www.climatecontrolme.com Do have a read – you will surely love them for the rare sepia-toned texture she brought to beautiful narratives on the progress of our industry. Personalities like Pratibha come once in a lifetime. No hyperbole, this. She was the genuine deal – as a human being and as a colleague. I don’t mean to sound morbid, but how I wish I could have her read this article, just to ensure nothing is out of place, grammar- and usage-wise! Thank you, Pratibha! Words cannot fully express the void you have left.

–Surendar Balakrishnan

(The writer is Editor of Climate Control Middle East. His association with the late Pratibha Umashankar lasted 23 years, here at Climate Control Middle East and, earlier, during a stint at a Dubai-based newspaper.)

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20-30% higher output for most systems

less electricity, more eco-friendly

How EcoMesh works EcoMesh’s unique design harnesses two natural cooling effects. By regulating the spray of a fine water mist onto the mesh we can adjust the adiabatic cooling properties of the EcoMesh system. This can cool the ambient air by as much as 28°C (82°F)! Coupled with this is the shade provided by the mesh itself instantly reducing the solar radiation impact. This can have a 3–8°C (37–46°F) cooling of the incoming air.

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Spray is intermittent and only activated when required, hence it consumes 79% less water than any other wet systems.

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