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NEWS – g20 vote to phase out super ghgs p20

posT-eVenT reporT: the Big 5 Kuwait p14

tabreed launches training programme p10 spoTlIghT: Dubai Municipality’s green building legislation p11 naFa presents iaQ Clean air awards 2014 p20

focus: the pros of sealing a building p38 perspecTIVe: another feat

for ice thermal storage p52

plus: Marketplace

OCTOBER 2013

Official HVACR Media Partner AT THE BIG 5 DUBAI

ON THE DOUBLE A close look at how the peninsula’s two major growth drivers, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030, are contributing to an acceleration of efforts – and the impact on the HVACR industry

PLUS!

Up close and personal with Dr Marcus George, CEO, Consortium Trading and Contracting Co. Ayman Eltalouny, UNEP-ROWA

James Walters, AHRI

HOT TOPIC:

The unfurling of ARAMENA New HVACR industry association launched

EXCLuSIVE Stephen Yurek of AHRI speaks about ARAMENA PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

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contents

Vol. 8 No. 10 | OCTOBER 2013

62

04 froM The edITor

The challenges ahead for a fledgling

happenIngs

06 The region 20 At large 28 Marketplace

end poInT

ENGINEERING A SYNERGY

36 focus

Sealed: Inside and out as a building's air tightness affects its longevity, environmental quality and energy efficiency, it is important that adhesives and sealants withstand the region's unforgiving weather. Jerome Sanchez takes a close look.

Dr marcus george, the Ceo of Consortium Trading & Contracting Company, is involved in prestigious projects in the Uae and Qatar. a civil engineer, he speaks of the wonders that can be achieved through close collaboration among architectural, structural and electro-mechanical disciplines, from the inception stage of a project.

acousTIcs & VIbraTIon 46 Sound ideas Jason hird highlights some of the common problems found on site, and demonstrates that effective sound control demands good practices on site.

48 Better building acoustics – some sound advice

gerald Stewart advocates having a set of regionspecific and enforceable codes to help curb noise in apartments.

perspecTIVe

60 No mean feat

positing the view that ice thermal storage is an ideal solution to improve the performance and efficiency of a district cooling plant, georges hoeterickx supports it with a case study.

41

counTrY reporT:

On the double

QaTar

The peninsula is currently experiencing an incipient ramp-up in construction-related projects, owing to its hosting of the 2022 FIFa World Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030. Though this bodes well for the industry, the hVaC sector has yet to feel its impact. Jerome Sanchez has the report.

38

focus:

paInTs & sealanTs

Painting the town green There is a discernible growth in the paints and coatings sector, owing to the boost in regional construction activity. but it comes with the challenge of manufacturing safer and more environmentally friendly paints and coatings.

REFERENCE POINT 54

Cold store construction – a handy checklist

Saying that the quality and efficiency of a cold store depends on the quality of the main components that make it up, ghaleb abusaa provides a step-by-step guide.

56

Operating behaviour of CO2 booster

postulating that the operational safety and efficiency of compressors can be significantly improved by using innovative and new technologies in their development and construction, oliver Javerschek and Tobias hieble demonstrate it through empirical and simulated results.

October 2013

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3

FroM the

editor

S

Publisher Dominic De Sousa

THE CHALLENgES AHEAD For A FLEDgLINg

Managing Director & Associate Publisher Frédéric Paillé | fred@cpi-industry.com Editorial Director & Associate Publisher B Surendar | surendar@cpi-industry.com COO Nadeem Hood | nadeem@cpidubai.com

eptember saw the launch of ARAMENA, a regional association of HVACR manufacturers, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). During the inauguration, AHRI CEO, Stephen Yurek (interview on page 8) said that ARAMENA would serve as the voice of the industry – a single point of contact between HVACR manufacturers with business interests in the region and government bodies.

While it would be interesting to see how manufacturers with divergent commercial goals and aligned to different cooling or ventilation approaches come together for a lobbying activity – for that’s one of the avowed goals of the association – it would be equally interesting to see the strategies adopted to engage different government and quasi-government entities.

Another challenge in the region is the befuddling surfeit of similar codes. The GCC, for instance, is home to numerous green building codes, though they address similar ambient conditions. The cluster of codes represents what a stakeholder once described as an “administrative tangle”, though a case can be made that the sovereignty of geographical entities needs to be respected. And in the variable refrigerant flow industry, faced with the challenge of having to submit data related to COP, Seasonal COP or kWh, manufacturers have been shouting themselves hoarse for a uniform set of energy-efficiency-related evaluation parameters and also testing and certification procedures.

Europe has time and again negotiated such hurdles in the context of environmental stewardship.

The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases) Regulation represents a more recent example of a cluster of countries coming together for a cause (to lower the impact of high-global-warming potential (GWP) refrigerants), under the auspices of the European Commission. The regulation has a critical task – to control the refilling, disposal and labelling of equipment that contain F-Gases, and are binding on stationary refrigeration and air conditioning, among other sectors.

Speaking of refrigerants, yet another challenge, as articulated by some regulators in the region, is for manufacturers to supply equipment that match the specific profile (T3 conditions, for instance) of the region against the backdrop of the urgent need for low-GWP solutions and, at the same time, to respect the region’s concerns for health and safety. As Yaqoub Almatouq, the Head of the Refrigeration Team with the Ministry of Social Affair & Labour in Kuwait, puts it bluntly, “There is an absence of international technology providers that promote the use of natural solutions in the region.”

Faced with such scenarios, ARAMENA has quite a course to navigate if it wants to be seen as a potent and relevant platform for HVACR manufacturers in the region.

Assistant Editor Jerome Sanchez jerome@cpi-industry.com Contributing Editors Pratibha Umashankar prati@cpi-industry.com Anoop K Menon anoop@cpi-industry.com Senior Business Development Consultant Stephanie McGuinness stephanie@cpi-industry.com Design Genesis Salao | getty@cpi-industry.com Webmaster Troy Maagma | troy.maagma@cpimediagroup.com Database/ Subscriptions Manager Purwanti Srirejeki purwanti@cpi-industry.com Advertising Enquiries Frédéric Paillé: +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com Stephanie McGuinness: +971 50 5034087 stephanie@cpi-industry.com USA and Canada Kanika Saxena Director (North America) 25 Kingsbridge Garden Cir Suite 919 Mississauga, ON, Canada L5R 4B1 kanika@cpi-industry.com Tel/fax: +1 905 890 5031 Euro Zone and UK Sicking Industrial Marketing Wilhelm Sicking

B Surendar Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

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NAFA presents IAQ Clean Air Awards 2014 p20

Tabreed launches training programme p10

SPOTLIGHT: Dubai Municipality’s green building

POST-EVENT REPORT: The Big 5 Kuwait p14

legislation p11

e.com

Comings & Goings,

Marketplace

at tHe Big 5 DUBai

On the dOuble

A close look at how the growth drivers, the 2022peninsula’s two major Qatar National Vision FIFA World Cup and the 2030, an acceleration of efforts are contributing to – and the impact on HVACR industry the

PluS!

Ayman eltalouny, uNep-RoWA

up close and personal with dr Marcus George, CeO, Consorti trading and Contract um ing Co.

James Walters, AHRI

hOt tOPIC:

the unfurling of ARAMenA new hVACR industry association launched

EXCLUSIVE Stephen Yurek of AhRI speaks about ARAMenA PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

4

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

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INSIDE: A Climate

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FOCUS: The pros of sealing a building p38 PERSPECTIVE: Another feat for ice thermal storage p52

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happenings the region

New HvACR industry association launched ARAMENA will take up the cause of manufacturers plying their technological solutions in the region

A

new HVACR industry association, ARAMENA, was launched on September 11, 2013, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City, coinciding with the second day of the Third Regional Symposium on Alternative Refrigerants for Air Conditioning in High-Ambient Temperature Countries. The association is a joint initiative by the Airconditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); it will focus on the Middle East and Northern Africa region.

Speaking at the event, Stephen Yurek, the CEO of AHRI (also see interview on page 8), said that the formation of the association

Stephen Yurek addressing the audience at the official launch of ARAMENA

was an important step to create a unified entity that would serve as the voice of the HVACR industry. "I would like to thank the manufacturers in this area, and I hope that they continue to make sure that ARAMENA remains as the

voice of the industry," he said, during the launch ceremony.

Ayman Eltalouny, Programme Officer of UNEP's Regional Office for West Asia, said that the initial attempts to form an association were made back in the 1990s and

that the first meeting to discuss with local and global equipment manufacturers occurred in October of 2012.

"In 2012, everyone said that we may not be able to initiate the association in one year," he said. "Today, we made it happen. Congratulations to the industry."

Eltalouny explained that the foremost drivers in the formation of ARAMENA were the introduction of non-harmonised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), the confusing issues on refrigerant choice and the lack of a common voice representing the industry.

Taking the podium, James Walters, Vice President for International Affairs, AHRI, said that the association would facilitate communication with national governments, as well as with regional and international bodies. ARAMENA, he continued, would promote, facilitate and contribute to research and would represent the industry before the media and other organisations and institutions. "Here, your voice is stronger and sustainable, and it is going to be heard," Walters said.

Laying the foundation of ARAMENA Ayman Eltalouny, Programme Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Regional Office for West Asia and James Walters, Vice President for International Affairs, Airconditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) outlined the different events that led to the formation of the association. Here is what they said: • The attempt to form an association was made in the 1990s.

• On May 2012, UNEP and AHRI held a side meeting

6

Ayman Eltalouny

in Kuwait with industry representatives to test the idea of organising an industry association.

• On September 2012, UNEP and AHRI made a

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

joint visit to major local manufacturers in Bahrain, KSA and UAE, which showed unanimous support for the initiative.

• The first meeting was held on October 16, 2012 to continue discussions with local and global equipment manufacturers. In the said meeting, the purpose, the scope and the coverage of the association was defined.

• On December 19, 2012, a meeting was held in Bahrain to discuss the legal structure and the proposed

bylaws of the industry association • On February 10, 2013, another meeting was held in Riyadh to deliberate on the reports by the subcommittees on the legal structure and on the name of the association.

• On June 9, 2013, the last meeting prior to the launch was reportedly held in Manama, Bahrain to agree on the location, name and bylaws of the association.

The sub-committees were also tasked to prepare the budget.

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‘ARAMENA will be the voice of the HvACR industry’ Stephen R Yurek, the CEO of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), spoke to B Surendar on the sidelines of the ARAMENA inauguration ceremony, on September 11 in Dubai…

Considering we have an aShrae presence in the region through local chapters, what role would arameNa look to fulfill?

The primary purpose of ARAMENA is to bring together manufacturers in the region. ARAMENA will be the voice of the HVACR industry – a single voice that will meet with governments in the region. ASHRAE is a body of engineers, and yes ASHRAE

has representatives of companies as members, but it is not involved in lobbying.

ARAMENA will help identify areas for research and also raise funds for the purpose.

It’s not to compete with the chapters but to coordinate efforts, if the need arises.

We do have similar interests, but ARAMENA will be representing manufacturers at the regional level and the international level.

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Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Energy

Environment

For instance, the region has unique needs, and ARAMENA will get the message out to such bodies as the Montreal Protocol or the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). one of the challenges in the region for manufacturers and other stakeholders is the wide range of standards, be they related to green buildings or fire safety. Would you look to address this issue?

We will try to harmonise the testing standards and also the efficiency standards adopted in the region. Consumers need predictability, and multiple efficiency levels raise the cost for them. So yes, we will try to push for harmonisation in the GCC. you spoke about being the voice of the industry. What strategy do you have in place

to engage the governments on a consistent basis?

We don’t have a strategy as of yet, but the group has to come up with one to talk to governments. We need to figure out how to work with governments in the region, and also in terms of adopting what the Saudis have and what ESMA has.

There might be differences, but we are hoping the differences will be minor in nature.

The global economic crisis, if at all anything, has highlighted the cut-throat competition that exists among manufacturers. how do you see them working together?

That’s why we have ARAMENA. Manufacturers in the region realise they can get their message out as an industry instead of as individuals. The industry is maturing, and it needs control over all the products sold in the Middle East. To date, we have 13 manufacturers that have joined ARAMENA. The 13 represent an estimated 75-80% of the products sold in the region. You are always going to have those in the fringes, finding loopholes, but you will have people following regulations. are there any local manufacturers of hVaCr equipment among the 13 members?

We don’t as of now, but I hope they apply. As the association gets more recognition and more of a voice in MENA, manufacturers are going to want to be on the table.

At AHRI, we have built the membership base. Today, we represent 90% of all the manufacturers that sell products in North America.

We have 310 members representing approximately 75% of all the products sold globally.

happenings the region

Tabreed launches training programme

Initiative aims to prepare UAE national university students to excel in private sector

T

he National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed), has announced launching a new training programme aimed at UAE national university students. The programme will commence in the upcoming academic year 2013-2014 and is a longterm commitment by the company to develop the skills of Emirati university students and prepare them to enter the private sector workforce,

the announcement added.

Tabreed gave further details: The programme comprises three parts and includes training and theoretical and practical components. In addition to internships, students will have the opportunity to participate in engineering lectures by the company’s senior management team, while visits to Tabreed’s plants aim to give students first-hand industry experience

through on-site practical instruction. The internship programme, available to students in their third or final year of study, will cover disciplines like engineering, finance and accounting, communications, human resources and business development. It will run in partnership with academic institutions in the UAE, including UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed

University, Abu Dhabi University and Khalifa University.

In this context, Jasim Husain Thabet, Tabreed’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to launch this important initiative and create new career paths for our students. The programme’s objective is to make national students aware of the exciting and diverse career opportunities available to them in the private sector, while also fostering a greater understanding of the technology and engineering underpinning our industry and its crucial role in enabling the sustainable development of the UAE. We also want to mentor students and give them real, hands-on experience as they embark on their professional careers.”

The Big 5 2013 set to expand

Will have dedicated Building Interiors zone and increased product sectorisation

S

aying that with the current value of USD 1.5 trillion, the GCC construction market is one of the most buoyant in the world at present (research conducted by MEED projects data, commissioned by The Big 5 2013), dmg events, organisers of The Big 5, have announced that they have further expanded their product-specific zones, with the addition of Building Interiors to ensure that each

10

sector of the industry has the opportunity to showcase its products and technologies in an effective environment.

According to the organiser, products related to kitchens and bathrooms, ceramics and fittings are some of the most sought-after solutions in the industry at present, and that the new Building Interiors zone will showcase the latest products from across the region, as well as from Italy, Spain and Greece.

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Andy White, Group Event Director, elaborated: “Our research has shown us that there is a clear need for a dedicated zone for building interiors products, particularly for the interior designers and architects who attend our show. A common misconception is that The Big 5 is a buildingproducts-only event.

However, for many years,

we have also hosted some of the world’s top interiors brands at the event.”

The Big 5 2013 will be held from November 25 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the organisers said, adding that it will be collated with the Middle East Concrete and PMV Live events, dedicated to the concrete machinery sector.

DM to educate on new green building legislation at The Big 5

the two entities revealed. In addition, there will reportedly be a comprehensive overview of the testing procedures of products within the new regulations and the certification process.

In this context, Eng Abdulla Rafia, Assistant Director General of Engineering at Dubai Municipality, said: “The new Green Building Code will be implemented next year, and we are currently working to strengthen our efforts in educating the necessary audiences on the requirements they will have to meet. We are ready, our testing and certification centres

are ready; we want to ensure that the industry is also ready and has access to the relevant training and information they require in advance of the launch.

The Big 5 provides an excellent platform for us to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and communicate this key information.”

“The new legislation from Dubai Municipality" commented Andy White, Group Event Director, The Big 5, "is an important step towards realising sustainable construction processes with a long-term view."

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he Dubai Municipality will be presenting the latest Dubai Green Building Code at The Big 5, offering attendees the opportunity to understand more about the regulations and their impact on the industry for the future before they go live in early 2014.

Announcing this, The Dubai Municipality and dmg events, organisers of The Big 5, said that the new legislation will be mandatory for all new buildings across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The code covers a range of construction features, including building vitality, ecology, as well as energy, water and waste efficiency and effectiveness, the announcement added.

Information on the Dubai Green Building Project, of which the new regulations are derived, will be provided along with the rationale behind its implementation, the role it will play in Dubai’s drive for sustainability, and there will be a full outline of the requirements for assessment and certification of green buildings together with a follow-up workshop to provide more in-depth information on assessment procedures,

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happenings the region

PRE-EVENT REPORT

DM gears up to conduct DIFSC 2013 Event will feature a food safety exhibition and workshops

T

he 8th Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC 2013), organised by the Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality (DM) and supported by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), will be held on November 18 and 19 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Informing this through a communiqué, DM said that alongside DIFSC 2013, IAFP’s 2nd Middle East Symposium on Food Safety will also be held. Moreover, said the organisers, DM will host the annual meeting of the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food (ICMSF) during the conference.

According to DM, in addition to a food safety exhibition, a first for DIFSC, the event will feature various workshops, technical sessions and paper presentations conducted by more than 200 presenters from all across the globe.

Commenting against the backdrop of the event’s programme, Bobby Krishna TM, Senior Food Studies and Surveys Officer, Food Control Department, DM, said: “The programme is designed to suit the food industry, regulatory authorities

and students working in the field of food safety or are interested in it. One thousand four hundred delegates attended the conference in 2012.” The continuous growth in the number of attendees, added Krishna, indicated the interest that the conference had been able to generate. “We are sure that the programme will help all those involved in the development, implementation and maintenance of food safety programmes,” he said.

The programme Having attracted participation and attendance from food safety professionals, trainers, consultants and auditors; owners and managers of food businesses; chef or food & beverage managers, food traders, importers and exporters; food control and health officials; consumers; members of the academia and the media, DIFSC 2013 will reportedly present a line-up of symposia and pre-conference workshops that cover a wide range of food safety-relevant topics from different contexts and perspectives.

According to an official communiqué, DIFSC 2013 will feature symposia on food safety culture; monitoring, verification and validation of food safety practices; managing food allergens; best practices

on cleaning and disinfection; evaluating the safety of food contact surfaces and packaging materials; halal foods; foodborne disease surveillance and food inspection. In addition, the symposium organised by ICMSF will include sessions on controlling microbiological hazards, emerging foodborne pathogens, risk-based microbiological food safety management and opportunities to collaborate for global food safety.

The pre-conference workshops, scheduled on November 16 and 17, added the official release, comprise a course on the Risk Assessment Training and Experience (RATE), a basic course on HACCP, a practical course on changing an organisation’s food safety culture, and a course on microbiological testing.

The communiqué revealed that the workshops, worth six CPD hours each, are organised in cooperation with The United States Environmental Protection Agency, IAFP, ICMSF and Campden BRI. Full information on the programme and on the speakers and facilitators at the event is available at the official DIFSC 2013 website, www.foodsafetydubai.com.

Kizad and Brasil Foods ink deal

BRF invests AED 533 Million in Kizad’s Food Cluster

K

halifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) has announced signing of a new Musataha agreement with Brasil Foods (BRF), claimed to be South America’s largest food processing company, and the producers of Sadia, brand of frozen foods. The agreement, with Federal Foods Company, the local arm of Brasil Foods, was signed by Eng Khaled Salmeen, CEO and Managing Director of Kizad, and Patricio Rohner, General Director BRF Middle East of Brasil Foods, the

12

announcement added.

The AED 533-million investment it has reportedly made provides Brasil Foods with a land plot of 1,743,000 square feet in the free zone area’s food manufacturing cluster of Kizad Area A, which will be used to produce diverse products, including

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

meat products, marinated processed foods and other bread-based foods.

Expected to be fully operational by 2014, the plant will have a production capacity of 80,000 tonnes annually, said Kizad.

Commenting on the tieup, Salmeen said: “We are

pleased to welcome South America’s largest food processing company, and the largest poultry exporter in the world, to Kizad. Through Kizad’s food manufacturing cluster, we aim to support Abu Dhabi’s Economic vision 2030 by increasing food production within the emirate through reducing dependence on imports. Brasil Foods will benefit from Kizad’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure and proximity to Khalifa Port, the only semi-automated port in the Middle East, allowing them to tap new markets and increase their business output dramatically.”

happenings the region

POST-EVENT REPORT

The Big 5 Kuwait 2013

attracts over 260 exhibitors Delegates from 25 countries participate

H

.E. Minister of Public Works and Minister of Electricity and Water, Abdul Aziz Al Ibrahim officially inaugurated The Big 5 Kuwait 2013 on September 16 at the Kuwait International Fair, with over 260 exhibitors from 25 countries providing building solutions to those attending the event. Announcing this, dmg Events, organisers of The Big 5 Kuwait, said that the trade fair saw product launches, new technologies, Sustainable Design & Construction Conference, a certified LEED training workshop, a "How to Trade in Kuwait" seminar for international companies, and opportunities to network with professionals from across the industry.

Alongside the launch of the exhibition, construction professionals had the opportunity to gain their USGBC LEED 201 Workshop: Core Concepts and Strategies certificate, which combined theory with practical application, showing participants ways in which they can incorporate LEED strategies into their own business, the announcement added.

Commenting on the LEED 201 workshop, Mario Seneviratne, the workshop facilitator and USGBC LEED Fellow, said, “The LEED workshop is the most

14

H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ibrahim (centre) inaugurating the event

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

important class for anyone who wants to understand sustainability and sustainable buildings. Our goal here is to simplify the use of LEED in buildings.”

Andy White, Group Event Director for The Big 5, said: “The Big 5 Kuwait is a sell-out for its launch, with 12 national pavilions participating in the three-day exhibition, bringing together renowned brands from the building and construction world.”

According to the event organisers, taking advantage of event were exhibitors like the France-based Haulotte Group, a people and material lifting equipment specialist, who promoted their full range of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, including the newly launched telescopic boom; Reynaers Middle East, a Bahrain-based supplier of sustainable aluminium solutions for windows, doors, curtain walling, sliding systems, sun screening and conservatories, which unveiled a new range of “green handles”; and Ecotherm, the Austrian-based company dealing in individual solar, hotwater and steam systems, which presented its products and solutions for hotels, hospitals and industry.

The outdoor arena saw live demonstrations throughout the day, which included concrete cutting, drilling machinery and fire suppression and protection equipment, dmg Events claimed. Companies exhibiting at the outdoor arena, added the organiser, included Kuwait-based Instant Access, which displayed their range of branded and award-winning construction equipment available for sale or rent.

MENA city populations to reach 226 million by 2020 UN report predicts strong regional urbanisation trends and challenges

M

ore than 226 million people will be living in cities throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by 2020, accounting for nearly 62% of the region’s total population, the UN has estimated. According to the latest revision of the World Urbanisaton Prospects report by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, a two per cent average annual urbanisation growth rate will exist across the MENA region until the end of the decade, as predominantly youthful populations gravitate towards cities in search of improved work opportunities and better lifestyles. Further, Saudi

Future Cities, the Middle East’s leading conference in sustainable urban development ,takes place from 8 to 10 October

Acrex2014_ME_185x90_climate_control.indd 1

October 2013

Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman in particular will have dense urban conglomerations, with 45.1 million people expected to reside in GCC cities by 2020 – 85% of the total estimated population.

Disseminating this information through a news release based on the UN agency reports, the Dubai Municipality, Environment Center for Arab Towns, the Arab Towns Organisation, and Informa Exhibitions, have revealed that ensuring a city’s well being, growth and development will be the key message at the Future Cities conference, taking place from October 8 to 10 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, running alongside the Cityscape Global exhibition.

Organised jointly by the Dubai Municipality, Environment Center for Arab Towns, the Arab Towns Organisation, and Informa Exhibitions, the three-day summit has reportedly attracted worldleading authorities on urban Continued on page 16

13.08.13 15 09:45 www.climatecontrolme.com

happenings the region

meNa city populations to reach 226 million by 2020 Continued from page 15

Taher Diab

planning to discuss the key pillars of a prosperous city: security, water & waste management, tourism & hospitality, transport, energy management, disaster relief, and green building, the organisers claimed.

Beginning with the keynote address by H.E. Engineer Hussain Lootah, Director General of the Dubai Municipality, Future Cities will comprise a two-day conference and a one-day urban planning workshop, and highlight best-practice case studies that ensure that cities address regional challenges, the organisers highlighted.

“Prudent government policies are key drivers to regulate the market and draw investors in clean energy technologies,” said Taher Diab, Director of Strategy & Planning for the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and a speaker on the first day of the conference.

middle east North africa urban population outlook – 2020

Country

Population living in cities by 2020

Total population by 2020

% of total population living in cities by 2020

Average annual rate of urban population growth 2010-2020 (%)

UAE

7.9 million

9.2 million

86.7

2.3

Saudi Arabia

28.1 million

33.5 million

84.1

2

Oman

2.4 million

3.2 million

75.7

2

Bahrain

1.3 million

1.5 million

89.4

1.8

Qatar

2.1 million

2.2 million

99.5

2.3

Kuwait

3.3 million

3.4 million

98.4

2.1

GCC total

45.1 million

52.9 million

85

2.1

Algeria

31.8 million

40.1 million

79.4

2.2

Egypt

43.1 million

94.8 million

45.5

2

Libya

5.6 million

7 million

79.4

1.3

Morocco

21.2 million

35 million

60.4

1.5

Sudan

14.6 million

41.8 million

35.1

2.7

Tunisia

7.8 million

11.5 million

68.4

1.2

Iraq

28.4 million

42.6 million

66.7

3

Jordan

6.2 million

7.3 million

84.7

2

Lebanon

3.9 million

4.5 million

88.2

.7

Palestine

4 million

5.3 million

76.3

3

Syria

14.3 million

24 million

59.7

2.3

MENA total

226 million

366 million

61.7

2

Source: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division

16

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Sonitec-vortisand microfiltration systems for Sadara

The first microfiltration systems shipped to Saudi petrochemical complex

S

onitec-Vortisand, the Quebec-based designer and manufacturer of the Vortisand microfiltration system, has announced shipping the first of many Vortisand microfiltration systems to Sadara petrochemical complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, touted to be the world’s largest integrated chemical facility ever built in a single phase.

The Sadara complex is a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Aramco, and is currently under construction in Jubail Industrial City, in the Kingdom, targeted to produce more than three million metric tonnes of added value chemicals and plastics, Sonitec-Vortisand informed.

“We are proud of the recognition given to us by major international giants, Aramco and Dow Chemical, where the Vortisand filters are already in operation, and we are very pleased to have been selected to contribute to this unique petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia,” said Marco Bosisio, General Manager, Sonitec-Vortisand Inc. The company claimed that its Vortisand filter system was an automatic backwashable centrifugal sand filter, which combined centrifugal separation and micro-sand filtration, and achieved very fine filtration (0.45 micrometre) at a high, rate while using 80% to 90% less water for backwash compared to traditional sand filters.

From left to right: Raynald Jacques, Director of Operations; Marco Bosisio, General Manager and Alfred Pelland, Project Manager

happenings the region

Pentair signs Mou with Ali Abdullah Al Tamimi Co

Forms JV to manufacture, sell and service its products in Saudi Arabia

P

entair, a water, fluid, thermal management and equipment protection company with manufacturing and office facilities in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ali Abdullah Al Tamimi Company to form a joint venture to further establish its local presence to manufacture, sell and service Pentair’s products in Saudi Arabia. The MoU was announced at the US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum in Los Angeles, California, Pentair revealed.

“Pentair is excited by the opportunity to work with Ali Abdullah Al Tamimi Company in the largest energy market in the Middle East region,” said Ramesh Nuggihalli, Vice President and Managing Director for Pentair in the Middle East. “We are committed to local manufacturing in this region, which not only creates jobs and economic benefits, but also offers greater efficiencies for customers and opportunities for collaboration.”

Sulaiman Alrumaih, Vice President of Power and Industrial for the Ali Abdullah Al Tamimi Company, added: “We are pleased to be further extending our relationships with Pentair. Our combined strength will help serve the growing needs of the energy and water sectors. Pentair’s proven operating processes are an excellent foundation to accelerate a strong manufacturing base in the Kingdom.”

Emrill wins wTC Abu Dhabi contract

Will provide facilities management and additional services

E

mrill has announced signing of a three-year facilities management contract for The World Trade Center Abu Dhabi with Aldar Properties PJSC. In addition to MEP, housekeeping, concierge and lifeguarding services, the company will provide specialist services that include maintenance of ELV Systems, aircraft Emrill announces World Trade Center Abu warning lights, UPS, CO detection, chemical Dhabi win dosing, generators and swimming pools, the announcement added.

About being awarded the contract, Ben Churchill, Managing Director, Emrill, said: “We are excited to be able to offer our services to another world-class community in the capital.

Emrill are offering a unique solution with our years of facilities management expertise in the region to service and support this ambitious development.”

Empower supplies 54,000 RT to Dubai’s hotel industry Dubai is currently home to more than 600 hotel establishments

E

mpower, the district cooling provider in the Middle East, has announced that it currently supplies around 54,000 (RT) Refrigeration Tonnes to Dubai’s hotel industry, representing 15% of its total portfolio.

This figure, said Empower, is expected to rise further, given the volume of hotels that are in the pipeline to support Dubai’s plan to welcome 20 million

18

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

tourists by 2020, which will provide opportunities to adopt district cooling technologies in the hotel industry.

Announcing the figures on the first day of The Hotel Show in Dubai, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 to 30 September, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Dubai is seeing continued growth in development across the Emirate in terms of both hotels and

Ahmed Bin Shafar

DuPont hosts Executive Forums in Dubai Focus on sustainable business growth, advancing businesses via innovation and collaboration

and incident prevention in Europe, and the EMEA region.

On September 25, DuPont hosted the CEO Forum, an invitation-only event for approximately 100 CEOs from multinational companies, to collaborate on best practices related to sustainable business growth.

DuPont Chair and CEO Ellen Kullman opened the forum with a keynote address focused on building a sustainable economy through collaboration, followed by a series of panel discussions.

“Uncertainty in the global market, combined with new pressures to be more competitive and agile, is creating new challenges for business leaders,” said Jim Weigand, President, DuPont Sustainable Solutions.

“The DuPont Executive Forums are designed to give business leaders a chance to collaborate on ways to grow our businesses sustainably, while balancing shareholder accountability with stakeholder concerns, and company success with social progress.”

Just ask Castel

D

uPont has announced hosting its Executive Forums in Dubai, bringing together business executives, academics and government officials to focus on accelerating sustainable business growth through innovation.

The two-day event kicked off on September 24 with a Safety & Sustainability Forum focused on how businesses can make improvements in health, safety and the environment leading to sustainable growth, which included panel discussions, followed by the annual DuPont Safety & Sustainability awards ceremony, which recognised outstanding initiatives aimed at enhancing workplace safety, sustainability

hotel apartments and also in terms of the world-class infrastructure there is in place, such as Dubai metro and Dubai International airport. Demand for district cooling is also increasing simultaneously and Empower is committed to supporting Dubai’s future growth by upgrading our existing plants and developing a number of new ones.”

About 16 new hotel establishments have reportedly opened in Dubai since 2012, bringing the total number of establishments to 603 hotels. The use of district cooling will increase alongside the increase in Dubai’s hotel offering as hotels operators in the Emirate seek to reduce their carbon footprint, Empower claimed.

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October 2013

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happenings at large

g20 vote to phase out super gHgs

Takes landmark step in fight against climate pollution

T

he 20 biggest world economies have agreed to use the resources of the Montreal Protocol to get rid of a significant group of super greenhouse gases (GHG), on September 6 in St Petersburg, Russia. Sharing this news in a communiqué, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) said that it welcomed the statement and encouraged all countries to join the G20 in supporting a global phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol – the international ozone treaty.

In addition to the statement by the G20 leaders, the US and China reaffirmed their June 8 agreement on HFCs and “emphasise[d] the importance of the Montreal Protocol, including as a next step through the establishment of an openended contact group to consider all relevant issues, including financial and technology support to Article 5 developing countries, cost-effectiveness, safety of substitutes, environmental benefits, and an amendment,” the communiqué highlighted.

The global leaders have taken an important first step towards mitigating one of the main gases responsible for climate change, EIA commented, and pointed out that HFCs were thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2), and were primarily used in refrigeration and air conditioning despite the fact that climate-friendly alternatives were already available.

According to EIA, 20

Micronesia, along with the United States, Canada and Mexico have continually, for the past five years, put forward amendments to the Montreal Protocol to include a phase down of HFCs. However, global action on phasing down HFCs had stalled due to countries disagreeing over whether a phase-down should occur under the Montreal Protocol or the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In this context, said EIA, the G20 statement resolves the debate by asserting that the phase-down of the consumption and production of HFCs will take place under the Montreal Protocol, while the emission reductions will be accounted for under the UNFCCC, EIA explained.

“Given the international community’s success in effectively and rapidly phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals, we are encouraged that the world’s largest economies have agreed to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol,” said Mark W Roberts, EIA’s Senior Counsel and International Policy Advisor. “We strongly urge the rest of the world to join the members of the G20 in phasing down these super greenhouse gases.”

EIA’s Senior Campaigner, Clare Perry,added, “Phasing out HFCs is the fastest, most cost-effective climate mitigation measure available and joint global action on HFCs will set an example of how the nations of the world can come together to solve the problem of climate change.”

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

NAFA presents IAq Clean Air Awards for 2014

Buildings recognised for significantly improving IAQ by increasing level or efficiency of HVAC air filtration system

T

he National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), the trade association for heating, ventilating and air conditioning air filter manufacturers and distributors around the world, has announced presenting awards to the recipients of the Clean Air Awards for 2014 at their Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, on September 26. The Clean Air Award is presented each year to the building owners and managers that take steps to significantly improve the quality of their indoor air by increasing the level or efficiency of their HVAC air filtration system in 10 categories, NAFA added.

Explaining the process, NAFA said that candidates are nominated by both NAFA members and members of the facility management community for the award, and must submit detailed and specific steps taken towards cleaning the indoor environment through better air filtration, after which, a NAFA-certified air filter specialist confirms the improvements. Finally, the awards are judged by the NAFA Clean Air Award Committee. In addition, award-winning buildings must maintain IAQ diligence and submit inspection data each year in order to maintain the NAFA Clean Air Award.

According to NAFA, this year, 29 buildings received the award.

the world’s largest hvac r

C O-S P O N S O R S h o n o r a ry s p o n s o r

m a r ke tp l a c e

jan uary 21-23 jav its con v e ntion ce nte r a h r e x p o.c o m /at te n d13

happenings at large

Systemair bags Copenhagen Metro order

Will supply tunnel fans and allied equipment for emergency ventilation

S

ystemair has announced that it has been selected by the CMT Company (Copenhagen Metro Team) for the supply of tunnel fans and allied equipment for the emergency ventilation system for the new metro line in Copenhagen, the Cityringen, with a total order value of about EUR 4.5 million.

Systemair gave details of the project: the Danish capital is currently running “Project Cityringen”, which will develop a new line in the centre of the city, to serve major areas of Copenhagen, including the Danish Parliament, Central Station, the City Hall and the existing major S-train

and metro stations. The line will consist of a twin tube tunnel of 17.4 kilometres in length each, with 17 new stations located 30 metres below ground level. Systemair air revealed that it will supply the main emergency ventilation fans, emergency and piston relief dampers, silencers and switchboards for a total amount of approximately EUR 4.5 million.

“This is the largest order we’ve received within tunnel ventilation. It proves that we have the ability to deliver large and complex projects,” said Gerald Engström, CEO, Systemair.

“This project is highly technically challenging

due to its complexity and importance," added Kurt Maurer, Product Area Director Fans, Systemair.

"This also confirms our breakthrough in the European market for our infrastructure fans.”

AHR EXPO-Mexico named Best Event 2012

HVACR exposition selected from more than 700 contending events

A

HR EXPO-Mexico was recently selected as the Best Event of the Year as well as the Best Industrial Exhibition of 2012 by the Cintermex Convention Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.

Announcing this, International Exposition Company (IEC), which produces and manages the event, added that the 10th biennial AHR Expo-Mexico was selected from more than 700 other events held at the Cintermex in 2012, including both consumer and industrial events in 23 separate categories.

Held in September 2012 and co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, AHR Expo-Mexico covered nearly 67,000 net square feet, representing more than 400 exhibiting companies and attracted over 10,220 industry professionals, IEC said.

“We are extremely honoured to have been selected for this prestigious award, especially when you consider the calibre of the other nominated shows,” said Clay Stevens, President of IEC. “This was our 5th biennial event in Monterrey and our 10th overall in Mexico, and they have all been very successful shows.”

22

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

happenings at large

ACREX India 2014 aims to be carbon neutral

Will plant 10,000 trees all over India to offset emissions caused by the event

A

CREX India 2014 has started an initiative that aims at reducing its carbon footprint to set an example for environmentfriendly and energy-efficient development in the HVACR sector, the organisers, Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) and NürnbergMesse India, have announced.

As representative of a future-oriented industry, ISHRAE claimed that it had decided to set an example for the responsible use of

natural resources. It gave the details: To compensate unavoidable emissions caused by the exhibition, the organisation is going to plant 10,000 trees all over India. The NGO Sankalp Taru and 200 attendees have already started to plant the trees virtually via Internet on behalf of the organisers, exhibitors, visitors and ISHRAE members. Every tree can be located through a GPRS system, and its growth can be monitored. Another important proposition

EIA releases Chilling Facts v

Claims new cooling technology a ‘double win’ for climate

L

aunching its new report, Chilling Facts V, the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has revealed in a communiqué that supermarket chains throughout the EU, and particularly in the UK, were moving away from traditional hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) towards natural refrigerants, reaping big benefits in the process. EIA stressed that it is a new wave of technology spurring a European refrigeration revolution –

24

slashing energy usage and eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. The report comes just days after the G20 agreed to use the resources of the Montreal Protocol to phase-down HFCs and as the European Union debates new rules to cut HFC emissions, the agency added.

EIA elaborated that HFCs are a fluorinated or F-gas, hundreds or thousands

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

of ISHRAE is reusing and recycling of waste material generated during the event.

Every exhibitor is invited to contribute to the reduction of the exhibition’s carbon footprint by following the principle of Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

Ashish Rakheja, Chairman of ACREX India 2014, said that the exhibition had set its focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Sonia Prashar, Managing Director of NürnbergMesse India, added: “The positive development of the construction and infrastructure sector offers numerous business opportunities for the HVAC&R industry.

With ACREX India we offer the global industry

a platform to expand their business and to benefit from these positive developments.”

According to the organisers, Acrex India 2014 will take place at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from February 27 to March 1, 2014, with more than 450 companies from Asia, Europe and North America participating, with the exhibition focusing on energy-efficient technologies and latest innovations.

of times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) and responsible for about two per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, and that they are used widely in refrigeration and leak into the atmosphere.

EIA claimed that companies responding to it highlighted the energy efficiency savings of new HFC-free systems, and pointed out that in Switzerland, Co-op Schweiz found annual energy efficiency improvements of 30% over its previous HFC systems, with additional heat recovery benefits, while Carrefour’s HFC-free store in

Turkey reported energy efficiency improvements of about 15%. Chilling Facts V is also said to have found a significant rise in the number of stores adopting HFC-free systems.

“Moving away from HFCs is a double win for the climate, reducing energy demand and eliminating the need for these climate-damaging refrigerants,” said EIA Senior Campaigner Fionnuala Walravens.

“European companies lead the world in natural refrigerant technology.

The EU’s new rules should support this green economy and ensure a swift reduction in the availability of HFCs, supported by bans in new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.”

ISH China & CIHE adds new section

Launches building water supply and drainage section to 2014 edition

I

SH China & CIHE, the China International Trade Fair for Sanitation, Heating,

Ventilation & AirConditioning, has announced adding a new section on Building Water Supply and Drainage to its 2014 edition.

Scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 May 2014 at Beijing’s New China International Exhibition, the show will once again be organised

by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) and Beijing B&D Tiger Exhibition, the announcement added.

According to the organisers, the section will showcase advance products, technologies and solutions with a range of products that include water pumps, pressurisation water supply equipment, building water supply systems, water treatment systems, sewage pumps, reclaimed water systems, roof drainage collecting systems, samefloor drainage systems, landscape water equipment, fountains, spray irrigation equipment and swimming pool equipment.

The three-day event reportedly expects to welcome over 950 exhibitors and is estimated to cover more than 85,000 square metres of exhibition space across six halls with innovations and practical solutions in HVAC and sanitation technology.

Halton opens air filter factory in Finland

Has expanded and centralised production at new facility in Kausala

H

alton, a family-owned company specialising in indoor climate solutions, has announced opening new air filter factory in Kausala, Finland, on September 2. Till now, Halton had manufactured its air filtration products in Orimattila, Finland, as well as in Hungary, but now the entire filter production has been centralised in the new facility, located

next to Halton’s existing manufacturing units, and will employ 300 people, the announcement revealed.

According to Halton, the new facility has been named O-factory after Orimattila, as a reminder of the importance of the Orimattila production to Halton’s air filtration expertise.

About the move to centralise its air filter production, Tarja Takki, the Managing Director of Halton Oy, said: “One of Kausala’s strengths is logistics, so the transfer was the best alternative from the business point of view in general. The expansion of manufacturing in Kausala will also bring us synergy benefits. In addition, it will improve the efficiency of manufacturing, and will create broader career opportunities for our personnel.”

Hannu Hokkanen, Production Manager at Halton Oy, Kausala, added, “For the moment, Finland is our biggest market, but we’re excepting growth abroad as well.

Millennium Energy Industries receives IEA award

Recognised for implementing world’s largest operational solar heating project in Saudi Arabia

M

illennium Energy Industries (MEI) has announced that it has received a special award for “Integration of Renewable Energy” at the International Energy Agency’s 3rd Global District Energy Climate Awards Summit, in New York City on September 23.

The award was in recognition of successfully implementing the world’s largest operational solar heating project, MEI revealed and gave further details: MEI’s 25MWth Solar District Heating Project was implemented for the Platinum LEED-certified Princess Noura University for Women (PNUW) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The system provides 95°C hot water to the network that supports space heating and domestic hot water for the 40,000-person university campus. The solar system was engineered, procured and constructed by MEI and has been successfully operational since 2012. MEI is also providing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for the system for the next five years.

Based in Amman, MEI is an industrial/commercial solar heating EPC and project developer active in South Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

October 2013

www.climatecontrolme.com

25

happenings at large

Carel turns 40

Optimistic about future growth

C

arel, the Italy-based company that designs, manufactures and markets energy-saving control solutions for the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors, is now 40 years old. Announcing this, the company said that reaching this milestone was marked by celebration with staff from the headquarters in Brugine, at the “Dominio di Bagnoli”, Padua province in Italy, with over 500 people attending the

event, as also the company’s three founding partners, who still hold company positions: Luigi Rossi Luciani, Carel Group President, Luigi Nalini, Group CEO, and Giancarlo Galvani, Member of the Board.

According to Carel, Rossi Luciani, addressing the gathering stressed how the celebrations concerned the entire Group, including the other half of the company operating abroad at its

From left to right: Luigi Rossi Luciani, Group President; Luigi Nalini, Carel Group CEO and Giancarlo Galvani, Member of the Board

manufacturing sites and sales offices all over the world, and added that the company owed its success in the field of electronic control solutions for air conditioning and refrigeration, not only

Siemens adopts Datacenter Clarity LC Claims to bring transparency to data centre infrastructure

S

iemens has announced that it has recently added Datacenter Clarity LC, a DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure

26

Management) solution to its portfolio for data centres. The software links facility management with IT management, combining information from subsystems

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

that until now have often been operated separately, including energy management, building management, fire safety, building monitoring, monitoring of server racks, zones and raised floors, data storage systems, as well as switches and routers, the announcement elaborated.

Datacenter Clarity LC is a trademark of Maya Heat Transfer Technologies, its long-term partner, it added.

to the contribution of the headquarters, but also to the work of its foreign subsidiaries, which account for almost 88% of Carel, as the Group sales figures reportedly continue to grow.

According to Siemens, the solution gives data centre employees a wide range of tools for planning and simulation, asset management and energy consumption monitoring. The company gave the finer details: The software generates a 3D model of the data centre from CAD plans, while Datacenter Clarity LC acts as a data cockpit for operators who can optimise the data centre’s infrastructure based on the DCIM data. Using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis technology, Datacenter Clarity LC then calculates the air flows in the server rooms in order to identify potentially problematic zones, such as hot spots.

Real-time monitoring as well as alarm and event notification makes it possible to take corrective action quickly in the event of a malfunction.

marketplace

this section contains regional and international products information

SPC Water heat pipe

C

laiming that water is more efficient in transferring heat when compared to the refrigerant fluids commonly used in heat pipes, SPC has announced commencing the world-wide launch of its heat pipes, with patent-pending waterfilled technology. The company reveals that the technology was developed during a two-year research programme involving SPC and Brunel University, and that it is the only entity offering water heat pipe manufacturing process.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits:  It is more environmentally friendly than refrigerant-filled heat pipes, as it is Zero ODP (ozone-depleting potential) and zero GWP (global warming potential).  It is significantly more efficient in saving energy and reducing humidity.  It has better expected longevity, especially in the Middle East and other parts of the world where high temperatures and humidity make extreme demands on air conditioning systems.  It is suitable for industries for providing dehumidification and heat recovery.  It transfers heat between airstreams, or between points in the same airstream, as water is more efficient at transferring heat because it has greater fluid thermal conductivity and higher latent heat, both of which minimise temperature drops within

the heat pipe.  It offers reduced pressure drops.  Internal temperature differences within the heat pipes are practically zero and it is a thermal super-conductor.  The heat transfer is achieved via a working fluid that boils and condenses at opposite ends, transferring heat from end to end as it does so.  It comes with lower running costs and guaranteed performance  It creates comfortable and healthier spaces to live and work in.

TROX Easy Product Finder Version 2

T

ROX has announced launching the second generation of its comprehensive electronic selection programme – the EPF2. Billed as “Fast, Reliable, Innovative”, this tool in selecting air handling equipment is now available for download, TROX has revealed.

The manufacturer lists the following features and benefits:  Has modern design on an easyto-use platform.  Intuitive user concepts simplify use, and keyboard entries with shortcuts allow for faster accurate work.  Users can individually design and configure their workspace.  Offers enhanced navigation and handling.  Provides improved direct access to more products/selections and project structure.  Comes with completely revised

28

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

interactive room wizards.  Has Generation of Bills of Materials that can be exported with all essential technical data for products selected.

 The output data allows designers to understand room conditions for the given criteria, and thus design with complete confidence.

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special report

ARACIHAT

The search continues

The onus is on key stakeholders to find a suitable alternative refrigerant that can meet more stringent environmental requirements.

The background

The terms of the Montreal Protocol stipulate that hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), known to be ozone-depleting substances, must be globally phased out over the current and the following decades. In September 2007, the parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to accelerate the phase-out schedule in developing countries through the introduction of several schemes, including maintaining the HCFC 32

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

consumption levels for 2013 at the average usage between 2009 and 2010 and cutting on HCFC consumption from 2015 through 2030.

In light of the need for expediting the phase-out, the air conditioning industry in the Middle East expressed its concern about meeting the freeze and reduction targets, as long-term alternatives to HCFCs in small- and medium-sized air conditioning applications have not yet been cleared nor verified by local

markets. There is also a growing uncertainty among governments and industry stakeholders on the future of alternative refrigerants in the air conditioning industry, as the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) currently in use, as alternatives to HCFCs, are widely regarded to have high global warming potential (GWP), and, thus they are also being considered for a phase-down.

The Third Regional Symposium on Alternative Refrigerants for the Air Conditioning Industry in High-Ambient Temperature Countries (ARACIHAT), organised by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water; Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA); Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the ASHRAE Falcon Chapter, and held on September 10 and 11 at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, provided a venue for regional and international industry stakeholders to discuss and address the emerging concern on producing and selecting viable refrigerant alternatives for high-ambient temperature countries.

This year, ARACIHAT introduced a new dimension to the discussion on alternative refrigerants, as it included an entire plenary session on the current academic and research activities, aimed at finding suitable alternatives, particularly for high-ambient temperature countries.

Flammable refrigerants are here to stay; we should learn how to deal with them The report

The event was attended by personalities and representatives from regional standardisation and environment authorities; agencies of the United Nations working in relevant projects under the Montreal Protocol; regional research institutes; international and regional air conditioning equipment, refrigerant and compressor manufacturers; air conditioning systems suppliers and international, and regional experts and consultants.

The plenary sessions of this year’s symposium delved into a range of topics, including regional and international environmental policies, the status of the introduction and enforcement of regional Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and their relation to the choice of refrigerants, case studies from different countries on conversion to lowGWP alternatives, updates from regional equipment manufacturers on attempts to build and test systems for low-GWP options, and the role of research centres in promoting low-GWP solutions.

The first session of the conference, moderated by Dr Radhey Agarwal, Senior Advisor and Coordinator for HCFC Phase-out, SPPU, India, concentrated on global environmental standards and policies that are seen to affect the future of refrigerants. The participants of the session, comprising Ayman Eltalouny, Programme Officer, UNEP-Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA); Ole Nielsen, Unit Chief, Refrigeration and Aerosols Unit, United National Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO); Didier Coulumb, Director, International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR); Stephen Yurek, CEO, AHRI; Andrea Voigt; Director General, The European Partnership for Energy and Environment (EPEE); and Shuji Tamura, Director for Chemical Management Policy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, made presentations on different issues surrounding the current search for the appropriate alternative refrigerant to HCFCs and HFCs. The topics discussed in the session included ways to

reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants, the F-Gas Regulation and its revision and new policy measures for reducing F-Gas emissions in Japan. (For highlights, see “Where we stand”.)

The second plenary session gave a regional perspective on environmental standards and policies affecting the future of refrigerants. The speakers, including James Walters, Vice President for International Affairs, AHRI; Abdulla Al Muaini, Director of Conformity

Affairs Department, ESMA; Eng Aisha Al Abdooli, Acting Undersecretary for the Environmental Affairs Sector, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW); and Eng Yaqoub Almatouq, Refrigeration Expert from the Kuwait National Ozone Committee, spoke on the development and effectiveness of MEPS, energy labelling programmes for air conditioning appliances in the UAE, the UAE perspective on the continuing and future challenges on ozone layer protection, and

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33

special report

ARACIHAT

Where we stand We bring you the highlights of the plenary sessions on environmental standards and policies affecting the future of refrigerants…

Ayman Eltalouny, Programme Officer, UNEP-ROWA: “More than 100 refrigerants, including blends, are marketed at present, out of which more than 60 new refrigerants, many of them blends, were introduced for use either in new equipment or as service fluids (to maintain or convert existing equipment) since 2006.”

Shuji Tamura, Director for Chemical Management Policy, METI: “The major points of the revision [of Japan’s Fluorocarbon recovery and Destruction Law] include the promotion of low-GWP equipment and products, phase-down of fluorinated gases on the basis of GWP, and the prevention of leakage from commercial equipment currently in use.”

Ole Nielsen, Unit Chief, Refrigeration and Aerosols Unit, UNIDO: “Flammable refrigerants are here to stay; we should learn how to deal with them.”

Eng Aisha Al Abdooli, Acting Undersecretary, Environmental Affairs Sector, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water: “During consultations with experts, a number of themes emerged regarding the future of the Montreal Protocol, and its continuing contribution to developing environmental sustainability. These are particularly focused on the [link between] ODS phase-out and climate change.”

Didier Coulumb, Director, IIR: “A phasedown of HFCs will most likely be decided in the near future: Your countries will be concerned, and you need to begin the planning and definition of national strategies.”

Stephen Yurek, CEO, AHRI: “Adequate time is needed to properly research alternatives, engineer products that can safely use alternatives, and develop capacity to manufacture, distribute and sell. We must continue to work with policy makers and seize the opportunity to approach a global issue in a global fashion.”

Andrea Voigt, Director-General, EPEE: “Why a phase-down of HFCs? Because it supports sustainable refrigerant management.

A phase-down fulfills the EU Commission’s criteria for new F-gas rules, as it contributes consistently and cost-effectively to Europe’s 2050 goals in terms of climate change.”

creating a unified set of policies in phasing out HCFCs in GCC countries. (For highlights, see “Where we stand”.)

The last session for the first day of the conference focused on relevant research programmes and initiatives for finding refrigerant alternatives. Dr Walid Chakroun, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Kuwait University, shared the fact that ASHRAE considered the continued use of ammonia as necessary for food preservation and air conditioning. In addition, 34

Chakroun said that ASHRAE also believed that natural refrigerants offered potential to improve the environmental performance of refrigeration systems. In line with these considerations, said Chakroun, ASHRAE would continue research activities on ammonia (such as on handling, application, operation, control of emissions and new technology), and would support research and strategic growth in the use of

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Eng Yaqoub Almatouq, Refrigeration Expert, Kuwait National Ozone Committee: “Countries and agencies are requested to seriously assess opportunities to promote natural solutions in different applications, carefully study the readiness of different sectors to safely and efficiently deal with natural solutions, and implement pilot projects in order to promote and test the use of natural alternatives, particularly in the RAC sectors.”

James Walters, Vice President for International Affairs, AHRI: “Among the challenges [in terms of MEPS] in the region include the conflict between energy efficiency and climate change goals, the limited experience of regional governments and industry with managing an MEPS system that works, and creating MEPS programme that recognise market and engineering realities.”

Abdulla Al Muaini, Director of Conformity Affairs Department, ESMA: “Part of the expansion plans of the UAE energy labelling programme is to include ducted air conditioners and VRF units, to increase the existing scope in terms of kW rating and cooling capacity, to phase out R22 and [promote] the use of alternative refrigerants, and to improve the current energy efficiency rating.”

natural refrigerants.

Bassam Elassaad, Consultant to UNEP for High Ambient Projects, spoke about PRAHA (Promoting low-GWP refrigerants for the air conditioning sectors in high-ambient temperature countries), saying that its key

elements included assessment of available technologies, assessment of relevant energy efficiency standards and codes, economic comparison of alternative technologies, and the promotion of technology transfer.

James Walters, making a

From left to right: Eng Mohammed Badri, Director-General, ESMA; Stephen Yurek, AHRI; James Walters, AHRI and Mohammad Ahmad Al Mulla, Director, Metrology Department, ESMA

From left to right: Stephen Yurek, Torben FunderKristensen, Head of Public and Industry Affairs, Danfoss and Andrea Voigt

Dr Walid Chakroun

Members of the audience

Dr Radhey Agarwal

presentation on AHRI’s Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Programme (AREP), highlighted that its aim was to evaluate refrigerant candidates and present their performance, instead of prioritising alternative refrigerants. He also shared the fact that 38 low-GWP refrigerant candidates were currently being evaluated by 21 domestic and international entities. As of the moment, added Walters, 22 test reports had been made available to the public, and all the results would be released on completion of the programme.

The other speakers who completed the panel included Dr Tiejun Zhang, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Dr AbdulMajeid Haddad, Regional Climate Change Coordinator, UNEP-ROWA. Dr Zhang discussed the status, challenges and opportunities in hydrocarbon refrigeration, while Dr Haddad presented on climate change-related research and technology transfer opportunities.

Day Two saw technical presentations from different international and regional associations, refrigerant and compressor manufacturers, academic institutions and consultants. Sessions on the second day of the conference covered a range of specialised topics, including hydrocarbons for air conditioning applications, HFC-32 for air conditioning applications, and refrigerants and compressors for the future. Speakers on Day Two of the event comprised representatives from GIZ Proklima, Chinese Household Electrical Appliances Association, Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry, University of Illinois, Johnson Controls (Denmark), Daikin, DuPont, Honeywell, Emerson Climate Technologies and Danfoss.

At the closing plenary session of the conference, the new HVACR industry association, ARAMENA, was officially launched. The inauguration of the new association was attended by air conditioning system manufacturers and suppliers, key industry stakeholders, and representatives from the academe and the media. (See page 8 for a related story). October 2013

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focus

adhesives and sealants

Sealed: Inside and out

As a building's air tightness affects its longevity, environmental quality and energy efficiency, it is important that adhesives and sealants withstand the region's unforgiving weather. Jerome Sanchez takes a close look.

I In recent years, the GCC construction market has discernibly shifted its priorities. With the building industry in the region progressively reaching its maturity, the market is gradually growing more conscious of the quality and sustainability of products on offer, and is slowly realising the benefits of looking at their long-term advantages.

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Adhesives and sealants are widely used in the construction industry, and with the nascent increase in building projects in the GCC region, the sector is expected to grow proportionally. In fact, Rizwan Shaikhani, Managing Director, Rubber World Industries, says that industry reports have shown that adhesives and sealants constitute 25% of the total demand for construction materials in the region. In his view, this percentage represents an increase, owing to the resumption of stalled projects and the progress of new ones.

“GCC economies have implemented and embarked on strategic programmes and projects aimed at developing and constructing

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Improving the performance of the building envelope is said to be 10 times more costeffective than endeavoring to make air conditioning systems efficient

residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure,” says Shaikhani. These projects, he adds, along with those coming from the private sector, have ensured a continuous demand for adhesives and sealants, contributing towards the growth of the industry.

With the GCC market’s heightened consciousness of the importance of a healthier indoor environment and of energyefficient building operation, the quality of adhesives and sealants are now, so to speak, under a microscope.

“Today the industry is marked with challenges, like the need to develop new technology for adhesives and sealants. This will enable manufacturers to accelerate [innovation] and

increase the longevity of its products,” Shaikhani says.

Taking on the challenge

Adhesives and sealants have a profound effect on a building’s indoor environmental quality and on the energy efficiency of its heating and cooling systems. In light of the region’s unforgiving climatic conditions, adhesives and sealants are primarily used to ensure the air tightness of the building envelope and, thus, the efficient operation of its air conditioning systems, as well as to prevent the deterioration of the building’s interiors due to detrimental levels of moisture, temperature and humidity.

In an article titled,

“Brighter future for coatings and sealants” by Sona Nambiar, William Whistler, Managing Director of building air leakage testing specialist, GBSI, said that the air tightness of a building envelope is a significant factor in the overall energy consumption of buildings and homes in the GCC region. He explains: “The energy required to comfortably cool and maintain humidity in buildings increases dramatically if there is uncontrolled air transfer through the building’s exterior fabric. Leaky buildings are vulnerable to moisture infiltration, deterioration of building materials, poor indoor temperature and humidity control.”

Nabil Siyam, Senior MEP Engineer, Civil Engineering Division, Department of Planning and Development, Trakhees, during the 1st Annual Middle East Indoor Environmental Quality Conference in May in Dubai, explained how air tightness in buildings affects energy consumption. “Air tightness is the resistance of the building envelope to inward and outward air leakage,” he said, adding that excessive air leakage could result in increased energy consumption in a draughty and cold building. Ensuring air tightness, Siyam said, is achieved through a careful implementation strategy throughout the design and construction phases. “The effect of structural envelope elements, both exterior and interior, becomes increasingly important,” he said, “whereas the good coordinated foundationdesign entails not only structural soundness and good installation but also appropriately controlled moisture, contaminants and indoor quality.”

Improving the performance of the building

Rizwan Shaikhani

Nabil Siyam envelope, to which adhesives and sealants are critical, is said to be 10 times more cost-effective than endeavoring to make air conditioning systems efficient. “From my perspective,” says Whistler, “the sealant is the most important material used in the construction of the building.” He says that there are many five- or sixyear-old buildings that look older, because most of the sealants and gaskets around the windows have failed in harsh climatic conditions, resulting in air infiltration.

Shaikhani agrees and says that the failure in performance of adhesives and sealants can cause large problems if they allow moisture to get through.

He shares his view that improper installation is a factor that could be the root cause.

In Whistler’s opinion, currently, the market is seeing better products that can tolerate the unrelenting heat and special October 2013

weather conditions of the region. “One is also seeing products that have less carbon emissions and that have decreased the use of petroleum-based products in their materials,” he says.

Shaikhani substantiates Whistler’s observation, when he says that his company is ramping up its R&D in order to develop products that are sustainable and highly eco-friendly. “We are also developing products that are designed to assist contractors, designers and end-users and that are fully compliant with set international ‘green’ standards,” he says.

In addition, with the region’s more stringent environmental and safety codes and regulations, adhesives and sealants companies are working to provide safer, less toxic and more environmentally friendly products. “Our R&D team,” Shaikhani says, “has conducted key tests to prove that our products, particularly Gulf-o-Seal and Gulf-o-Glue, have low carbon emissions and have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Our products are purely aquabased, contribute to energy efficiency and are all airtight.”

Conclusion

With the region’s unique environmental conditions, the GCC market requires a higher degree of reliability and performance from adhesives and sealants.

Adhesives and sealants play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy indoor environment and in maintaining the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. By contributing to a building’s air tightness, adhesives and sealants encourage the longevity of the structure, good indoor environmental conditions and cost savings from cooling and heating systems. www.climatecontrolme.com

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focus

PAINTS AND COATINGS

Painting the town

green There is a discernible growth in the paints and coatings sector, owing to the boost in regional construction activity. But it comes with the challenge of manufacturing safer and more environmentally friendly paints and coatings. Jerome Sanchez has the report.

P

Paints and coatings have a significant effect on the Indoor Environmental Quality and on the overall energy efficiency of a building. With residents of Gulf countries spending an average of 90% of their time indoors, ensuring a healthy indoor environment and an efficient energy consumption of air conditioning systems is of utmost importance.

Taking stock

The paints and coatings industry is expected to 38

continuously grow in the coming years, as a result of the observed increase in activity in the construction sector in the region. Market experts estimate the total size of the GCC paints and coatings sector to be around USD 2.2 billion in 2012, and predict a continuous expansion at a compound annual growth of approximately six per cent until 2017. The demand for decorative paints in the GCC states is said to be greatly influenced by the increase in government spending in infrastructure, owing to an observable rise in government revenue from oil and gas exports. This bodes well for the industry players,

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

especially the Europe-based entities, as they are able to offset the slow pace of business in their home countries, with the revenues they derive from their activities in the GCC region.

Industry players consider Saudi

Arabia to be the biggest market for paints and coatings among the GCC states. In fact, market research consultancy, Frost & Sullivan says that GCC paints and coatings market is dominated by the Kingdom, with a 50% share of the total demand. Experts cite the additional governmentinitiated domestic funding and the influx of foreign capital as the foremost drivers to the growth of the sector in the country.

Qatar is also considered a growth hub for the paints and coatings sector, thanks to the boost in the country’s infrastructure in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which Qatar will be hosting. The planning and the designing of the sporting facilities are said to be under way, with the paints and coatings companies bidding to be specifiers or suppliers for the project.

In Abu Dhabi, the largest and the capital emirate of the UAE, the residential units are reported to increase by 35% from

2011to 2013. In Dubai, on the other hand, the number of existing housing units is expected to increase by approximately 20%, as the emirate recovers from the effects of the economic downturn of the recent years.

Staying competitive

Though paints and coatings companies welcome the huge business and growth opportunities presented to them in the GCC region, they sound a warning that, with the harsh climatic conditions in the area, their products have to be tailored to the needs of the region. A few of the special features that customers in the region typically demand that paints and coatings should

Information checklist To help contractors assess the potential health risks associated with certain materials, Andrew Jackson believes that product manufacturers can provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Here is what he says:

“MSDS include information on hazardous components, chemical identification, chemical characteristics, reactivity data, health hazard data and fire/explosion hazard data, to name a few. Test data can be acquired from manufacturers for each indoor material and finish.

Reports should include information on material origins, test methods and results and VOC emission rates.”

A few of the special features that customers in the region typically demand that paints and coatings should have are heat shielding, weather resistance and sand repellency

satisfy the region’s stringent sustainability and Indoor Environmental Quality requirements. Sustainability codes, such as Estidama (Abu Dhabi), Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS, Qatar) and the Dubai Green Building Code, are tipping the scales in favour of “green” paints and coatings in the GCC region.

“Changing regulations are pushing the industry to move in a sustainable direction and to develop healthier products,” says Mustapha Selim, Brand Manager, Caparol. The challenge for manufacturers, he adds, is to design products that minimise risks to one’s health and to the environment, without compromising quality and performance.

Selim says that his company’s products

have are heat shielding, weather resistance and sand repellency.

In an interview at the World Future Energy Summit 2013 (WFES 2013) in February in Abu Dhabi, Abdel Megeed, General Manager, Jotun, Abu Dhabi, spoke about his company’s line of eco-friendly paints, and claimed that one of its products was capable of reflecting heat and reducing the penetration of temperature from the outside of a structure. “When you have this type of reduction in temperature,” said Megeed, “it automatically reflects on the energy consumption, when it comes to air conditioning and controlling the temperature inside the house.”

Paints and coatings companies are also ramping up their R&D in order to introduce new products that would October 2013

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focus

Paints and Coatings

changing regulations are Sounding a caveat pushing the industry to move an article titled, “Brighter in a sustainable Infuture for coatings and sealants” by Sona Nambiar, direction and to Vishnu Sankaran of market consultancy Frost & develop healthier research Sullivan said that innovation coming from the GCC states for the paints and coatings products industry is “low”. Here is the

Andrew Jackson

highlight: receive clearance for large-scale production only when it can be guaranteed that all quality parameters are clearly above the requirement level.

Selim adds that his company puts special emphasis on innovative, environmentally friendly and non-noxious products.

“During the late 1980s, Caparol introduced the quality grade “ELF” (emission-minimised and solvent-free) in the field of water-thinnable, environmentally friendly building paints,” he says.

He points out that during the process of drying, these non-odiferous paints do not emit solvent, plasticiser or any other harmful substance.

“Our products are free of formaldehydes, heavy metals, lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have all been proven to negatively affect people’s health and contribute to global climate change,” he explains.

During the interview at WFES 2013, Megeed sharing additional details on the drying process of paints said: “While the paint dries, the liquid part would evaporate into the air…. The liquid part could possibly be made 40

“‘Green awareness’ amongst the coatings sector in the GCC still revolves only around VOCs – either reducing them or removing them completely. The initiative and the need to go green are primarily being driven by the regional governments and other external international entities because of environmental concerns.

We expect substantial efforts towards this to come into effect by 2015 or thereafter.”

up of water, chemicals or solvents. While the paint dried in days or a few weeks, it could keep emitting VOCs after drying…. It may still take months after the paint dries that it continues to emit other compounds that contaminate the air.” He claimed that Jotun paints contained low VOCs and were anti-asthma and nontoxic, even after application.

Andrew Jackson, Director, SAS International, a manufacturer of suspended ceiling systems, speaks about how the coating on his company’s products contribute to the

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Abdel Megeed

Mustapha Selim

maintenance of a healthy indoor environment. “Health risks associated with indoor air contaminants can be minimised by selecting indoor materials that have zero or minimal rates of VOC emissions,” he says, and adds that his company’s metal ceiling systems are finished with an electrostatically applied powder coat finish. “This process is well documented to produce zero or near-zero VOCs during manufacture use,” he claims.

New trends

Apart from the increase in construction projects and the sustainability practices in the region, Jackson says that technical development

is also driving the growth of the paints and coatings industry in the GCC. He makes the claim that advances in technology allows his company to provide metal ceilings with finishes for different environments, including hospitals, laboratories and schools.

“Anti-bacterial coatings applied during manufacture, effectively inhibit the growth of micro-organisms and control potential risks when used in conjunction with routine cleaning procedures,” he elaborates.

Whatever the purpose is, Jackson says that paints and coatings need to provide a durable finish that can be maintained easily in order to retain its appearance over time. “Using approved powder coatings on metal, the paint finish itself can be guaranteed for 30 to 40 years.”

Naturally, consumer preference may also influence the trends that are blowing through the paints and coatings sector. “Consumers’ tastes are constantly changing,” says Selim.

“Therefore, manufacturers need to develop products like Caparol Metallocryl (metallic paint), for example.” He believes that the challenge for manufacturers is to stay ahead of the game when it comes to catering to the market’s varied and changing taste.

Conclusion

The paints and coatings sector in the GCC is kept buoyant by the growth in construction activities in the region. The unique regional climatic conditions spur specific market requirements, such as heat shielding, weather resistance and sand shielding. Moreover, stricter sustainability regulations and an increasingly discerning market are driving the innovation in this sector, bringing to light more low-VOC, non-toxic and environmentally friendly choices.

country report Qatar

On the double The peninsula is currently experiencing an incipient ramp-up in constructionrelated projects, owing to its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030. Though this bodes well for the sector, HVAC industry players say that its impact is yet to be felt.

Jerome Sanchez has the report.

T

To say that these are exciting times for the Qatar HVAC industry could be an understatement. There is a palpable nascent ramp-up in construction-related projects, in light of Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the country’s National Vision 2030. Taking note of the trend, industry players are expressing their optimism about the growth of business in the peninsula.

“The HVAC industry in Qatar is growing,” says Raphael Khlat, CEO of Faisal Jassim Trading Group. He explains that there are various

October 2013

factors pushing the expansion of the industry in Qatar, including the increase in the number of construction projects and the extreme weather conditions in the country. “Of course, add to that the country’s win to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he elaborates.

Gaëtan Pierrefeu, Managing Director, Aldes Middle East, agrees with Khlat and says that part of the country’s preparations for the 2022 sporting event is constructing key facilities and structures to accommodate spectators and tourists, who are expected to pour in for the global spectacle. “To date,” he says, “the country is abuzz with major projects, like airports, universities, hospitals, stadia and road expansions and development.” He adds that naturally the presence of

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country report

QATAR

these projects will also mean an increased demand for high-standard HVAC design and products.

Mohammad Mokdad, Export Manager of Maico Gulf (Dynair and Elicent), is of the opinion that the increase in government spending, in line with its vision of building a sustainable infrastructure in relation to its National Vision 2030 and the increasing requirement for residential units owing to the country’s growing population, fuel the growth of construction activities in Qatar.

Spotlight: FIFA World Cup 2022

Though the news that Qatar will be hosting the World Cup has long been announced, Pierrefeu says that the HVAC industry has yet to feel the full impact of this fact. “Most of the projects linked to the preparations for the 2022 event are still in their design stages, and are expected to commence construction by 2015,” he says, and adds that, in his opinion, the next two years will see a lot of infrastructure work. Once the initial stages are through, Pierrefeu predicts an exciting phase for the industry, as he believes that HVAC companies will play a big role in the completion stages of the projects.

Mokdad echoes Pierrefeu’s view, and adds

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The biggest challenge for Qatar, in light of hosting an event of such a magnitude will be to construct eco-friendly stadia with environmentally sustainable cooling systems that the biggest challenge for Qatar, in light of hosting an event of such a magnitude will be to construct ecofriendly stadia with environmentally sustainable cooling systems. Mokdad says that there are a number of projects that have already been announced, particularly in Lusail, where all the new construction has been “mushrooming”, as part of the preparations.

While constructing sustainable sporting facilities pose a challenge, Khlat sees this as an important driver.

“The construction of eco-friendly stadia and the sustainable cooling systems for them, of hotels, and commercial and residential complexes for players, organisers and tourists is one way that the FIFA win has affected the HVAC industry in Qatar,” says Khlat.

He cites the expansion particularly of the airport,

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Raphael Khlat

Mohammad Mokdad

Gaëtan Pierrefeu

in order to accommodate the influx of people into the country, as a major factor contributing to the growth of the construction industry, and, thus, the HVAC sector, in Qatar.

Focus: Qatar National Vision 2030

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 is said to define broad future trends and to reflect the aspirations, objectives and culture of the Qatari people.

In addition to shedding light on the fundamental choices that are available to the Qatari society, the Vision is envisaged to inspire the Qatari people to develop a set of common goals related to its future.

“Qatar has outlined its 2030

National Vision, wherein it aims to be an advanced society, diversified beyond oil, and providing a high standard of living,” says Mokdad. In his opinion, approximately USD 130 billion is earmarked for investment over the next five to six years, of which USD 65 million to USD 70 million will be devoted to non-energy projects. “The government spending on the educational and health sectors is noticeable,” he observes, “with lots of new schools and hospital projects under construction or being tendered and announced.”

This, he says, bodes well for the industry.

In light of the fact that HVAC systems are considered the largest energy consumers, responsible for approximately 60% of a building’s total energy cost, Khlat says that the fourth pillar of the Vision, which is on Environmental Development, greatly impacts the industry. “An efficient HVAC system,” he says, “can reduce consumption by 35% to 40%.” This, he adds, can help achieve the green building standards of LEED and ASHRAE, both important

certifications widely used and adopted in Qatar and in the GCC region, in general.

overcoming challenges

While industry players are satisfied with the buoyant HVAC sector in Qatar, they share the view that some of the challenges they face in the country include complicated custom procedures for importing equipment, specific certification and local approval process, and the high competition for projects.

“Custom procedures for importing equipment,” says Mokdad, “can sometimes get complicated and difficult to understand, as they are frequently changed.”

Despite this difficulty, Mokdad recognises the need for the “strict” import procedures, especially after the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Villaggio Mall in May 2012. In order to avoid problems and delays in importing his company’s equipment to Qatar, he says that their head office and factories ensure that all necessary certification and documentation is complete

and updated as per custom authority requirements.

Pointing out that Qatar is regulated with specific certification and a local approval process that may require special consideration, Pierrefeu says that his company is aligning itself to the set regulations and, at the same time, is lobbying for more streamlined rules and regulations.

Khlat expresses his optimism that the quality, service and pricing that his company offers the Qatari market keep it buoyant.

“We have the added benefit of relying on our branch in Dubai (FJTCO) for engineering, logistics and administration,” says Khlat.

“Add to those the networking opportunities that our company uses to convey what it stands for, what products it stands behind and its commitment to the market, and we are confident that Faisal Jassim will prevail over the competition.”

Conclusion

One cannot deny that there is a growth in construction activities and in the demand

for HVAC systems in Qatar.

The question, however, is, until when will this last, and whether this can be sustained even after the 2022 World Cup. Pierrefeu feels confident.

“Qatar has the resources and the funds to finance its projects and its growth,” he says, and shares his observation that the country has a capacity of investment that “many countries would envy” and the resources to call on the best competencies worldwide to work on its projects and development.

Mokdad believes that Doha’s desire to diversify away from its energy resources is responsible for more than half of the economic output, and is leading the way towards the country’s sustainable growth.

“Qatar’s ambitious economic

policy has been delivering a double digit growth rate,” says Mokdad. “The country’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup is a testament to [the country’s growth strategy] and will generate good demand for housing and retail space.”

Despite the great positivity surrounding the country’s economic strategies, Khlat says that Qatar still needs much more infrastructure and construction work if the government means to fulfil its vision for 2030.

To this recommendation, Pierrefeu adds: “All it needs is a bit of planning and organisation, and Qatar will surely be one of the most modern and advanced countries in the world.” 

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country report

QATAR

INTERVIEW

“This nation has a bright future ahead” Salah Nezar, Sustainability Director, Qatar Project Management (QPM), speaks to Climate Control Middle East on the current situation of the peninsula’s construction sector, in light of its hosting the 2022 World Cup and the ongoing projects related to Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

What, in your opinion, are the factors that push the growth of the HVAC industry in Qatar?

The increasing number of construction activities in Qatar and in the region has facilitated the growth of the HVAC industry. According to a recent specialised study, the HVAC industry in the GCC is expected to grow by 7.4% per year until 2016.

This rate is considered very high compared to the international growth rate, with the exception of the Chinese and the Far Eastern markets.

Furthermore, the harsh outdoor conditions in this region have made it essential to maintain an optimum indoor comfort level, in terms of ambient/ mean radiant temperatures, relative humidity and overall indoor air quality (IAQ), thus creating considerable steady demand for HVAC equipment, air distribution system, associated controls and post-sales services.

How has the looming 2022 FIFA World Cup affected the HVAC industry in Qatar?

The upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in

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Qatar has undoubtedly spurred an increase in construction activity across the nation, augmenting the demand for HVAC products and services.

For QPM, being one of the region’s premier project management companies and the first Qatari firm in this field, demand for our services has likewise increased. At the moment, we are involved in a number of iconic projects in Qatar, such as QP District, Barwa City (Phase I), infrastructure works in Lusail associated with Construction Package 4 (CP4), luxury Head-of-State Hotel, large scale museum on the Entertainment Island in Lusail, Education Park, Internal Security Force development in Duhail and Sheraton Park. At the rate projects are being planned and conceptualised, together with the Qatar government’s firm expenditure commitment, we also see our portfolio of projects increasing in the near and distant future.

How has Qatar’s National Vision 2030 impacted the HVAC industry in the country?

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 opened the gates for increased construction activity, even prior to Qatar’s winning the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The HVAC industry

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

already benefited from the plan, owing to the heightened development in infrastructure, as well as in residential and commercial sectors. Thus, the Qatar National Vision 2030 has nothing but positive impact on the HVAC industry and on the level of energy efficiency expected, as recommended by the Sustainability Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

On the other hand, what do you think are the challenges to your operations in Qatar?

The biggest challenge, which became evident during and after the global financial crisis, is that no country exists in isolation. A highly globalised economy has revealed that any hiccup that occurs anywhere in the world creates a negative domino effect to various business sectors, including the construction industry.

One of main challenges − from an operation standpoint − is the availability of expertise in select sectors, compounded with the prevailing shortage in social infrastructure that support relocation of staff to the country.

In light of the growth in infrastructure projects in Qatar, what is QPM doing on the District Cooling front?

We are contributing in the

development and integration of district cooling approach at the infrastructure level in Qatar. We fostered our relationship with governmental institutions at different levels, allowing our operation team to be up to speed regarding applicable governing regulation and best industry standards.

Does the Qatari market have some specific product requirements?

The Qatari market has a number of specific requirements for products related to life safety, energy efficiency, water efficiency and durability.

Building thermal insulation requirements, for instance, are stringent enough to be in line with the best industry practice at an international level. Energy efficiency standards for HVAC product in the Qatari market is gradually rising to reach the international norms recommended by the mainstream sustainable rating systems (GSAS, LEED, etc.). This requirement has spurred the continued development of sustainable solutions that address energy efficiency, water scarcity and natural resources.

In your opinion, can Qatar sustain its status as one of the foremost growth markets in the Middle East?

Undoubtedly, with the vision and foresight of Qatar’s preeminent leaders, as well as its firm resolve at implementing a comprehensive development plan, as contained in the Qatar National Vision 2030, this nation has a bright future ahead and shall continue to experience growth for more years to come. So yes, it can definitely sustain such status as one of the foremost growth markets in the Middle East.

acoustics

&vibration A Climate Control Middle East Supplement

In the second and concluding part of Climate Control Middle East’s special supplement on acoustics and vibration, Jason Hird, Senior Technical Development Manager of Gyproc and Gerald Stewart, Victorian Acoustics Section Manager of Wood and Grieve Engineers, both members of the Middle East Acoustic Society (MEAS), explore how good on-site practices contribute to effective sound control and how having a set of region-specific and enforceable codes may help curb noise in apartments, respectively.

FLASHBACK...

In our previous issue, our expert guest columnists, Rebecca Hogg, Senior Acoustician at BSRIA and Edward Adamczyk, Head of Acoustics and Principal at PMK International and member of the Middle East Acoustic Society (MEAS), discussed various procedures and considerations in order to achieve acoustics, noise and vibration control.

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acoustics & vibration

A

coustic wall and partition systems are designed and tested to provide a set level of sound insulation, generally from around Rw 36 dB for a simple partition, up to around Rw 80 dB for specialist twin frame acoustic wall systems, and these systems work in conjunction with MEP systems and building services to provide essential levels of privacy between two adjacent spaces.

Problems can arise, however, if partition installers take short-cuts, particularly where the plasterboard lining is incorrectly fixed or finished; where attention is not paid to ensuring that any penetrations are correctly detailed or where perimeters are not fully sealed.

Damaged or removed paper liner

The paper liner is an essential component of any plasterboard. It adds additional performance, protects the gypsum core and provides up to 80% of the board’s strength.

Removing or damaging the liner will lead to early degradation of the core, compromising not only the acoustic performance, but also the fire performance and robustness of the structure.

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SouND IDEAS

No matter how diligent architects and engineers are when specifying sound control measures in buildings, unless contractors follow basic rules when detailing and finishing, sound performance will be downgraded, and putting this right later can be difficult, and very costly. Jason Hird highlights some of the common problems found on site, and demonstrates that effective sound control demands good practices on site.

remOvIng Or dAmAgIng The lIner wIll leAd TO eArly degrAdATIOn OF The cOre, cOmprOmIsIng nOT Only The AcOusTIc perFOrmAnce, buT AlsO The FIre perFOrmAnce And rObusTness OF The sTrucTure

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Some contractors adopt the practice of removing a 1” strip of liner along the 1,200 mm square profile edge of the board to achieve a flatter finish when taping and jointing horizontal board joints. This is bad practice, and can be overcome by increasing feathering on horizontal joints. In critical lighting areas, it is generally better to flush-fill and tape joints and finish with a 2 mm skim of finishing plaster for a perfectly flat surface.

Over-tightening of drywall fixing screws can also lead to tearing of the liner and cracking of the gypsum core immediately around the screw head. This causes the board around the fixing to become brittle, putting the integrity of the fixing in doubt – a particular problem on ceilings where screws carry the full weight of the lining. The problem is easily overcome by ensuring the correct screw length for the depth of lining and adjusting the screw gun to the correct depth of fixing for the supporting framework.

Penetrations to the plasterboard lining For effective sound and fire insulation, the integrity of the plasterboard lining must be maintained across the complete structure.

Electrical socket boxes, light switches, access panels or other penetrations of the lining must, therefore, be correctly detailed to maintain the same level of fire and acoustic performance as the original lining, though this is not always the case.

In the case of socket boxes, for instance, cut-outs must be neatly prepared to minimise gaps and a plasterboard backing, equal to that of the original lining, installed as a pattress behind each box.

The installation should, then, be acoustically sealed with a suitable sealant.

Similar attention must also be paid where access panels are incorporated, to ensure they fully maintain the performance of the surrounding structure.

movement which can cause cracking around the perimeter and downgrading of acoustic performance, and even possible ceiling collapse.

Another common problem occurs on MF suspended ceiling systems where boards are fixed in the wrong direction. Boards must always be located at right angles to the main supporting MF5 ceiling sections – fixing in the direction of the supporting section will increase the risk of the lining quilting or sagging, thus compromising the integrity and performance of the ceiling.

Poor detailing on metal stud framework

The metal stud framework has been developed to work with the other wall components to provide a precise level of performance to the overall structure.

Poor or incorrect detailing can lead to system failure, or cracking of linings that will downgrade the acoustic performance.

Typical problems include taking short cuts at door openings, where some contractors fail to provide correct detailing at the junction of the floor track and door frame. To provide integrity to the frame, the floor track should be snipped and bent upwards to cloak the vertical stud. In heavy and severe duty doors this cloaking must extend at least 300mm up the vertical stud frame to provide adequate reinforcement to the junction.

Similar problems are found where studs need to be extended and incorrect splicing details are used.

To maintain integrity, studs should be overlapped by a

minimum of 600mm and fixed using two wafer head drywall screws to each flange. Typical bad practice examples include where studs are simply butted together and sleeved with a short length of standard channel, or where an attempt has been made to wrap one section of ‘C’ stud around the back of another.

Alterations to the metal stud framework

Care must be taken when making changes to the metal stud framework, as this can increase the connection between the leaves and downgrade acoustic performance. In the Middle East, it is fairly common practice for contractors to install additional horizontal noggins in the framework to provide additional support for heavy linings or to provide additional fixings points. This will change the dynamics of the framework and impact acoustic performance.

Incorrectly fitted ceilings

Direct fix ceilings, are regularly specified for lining concrete soffits or upgrading

The sTrucTure musT be cOmpleTely seAled ArOund The whOle perImeTer TO prevenT gAps ThAT cOuld prOvIde A pATh FOr sOund

Inadequate acoustic sealing

Finally, the structure must be completely sealed around the whole perimeter to prevent gaps that could provide a path for sound. It is always recommended that lining boards are lifted and fitted flush with the ceiling, and any gap at the base bulk filled with a suitable filler.

The perimeter of the wall or ceiling should then be completely sealed with an acoustic filler, to ensure that it is completely airtight.

Cutting corners will inevitably lead to acoustic failure of the structure and expensive remedial work – often at the contractors’ expense. 

the fire and acoustic performance of existing timber joist ceilings. Whilst simple to fit, it is essential that the supporting ceiling track is securely fixed to the soffit using the specially designed brackets. Brackets are first fixed to the ceiling and then screwed securely into both sides of the track before bending back flush with the track.

It has become common practice to short-cut this by bending and fixing only one side of the bracket. This compromises the security of the structure, enabling

October 2013

The writer is Senior Technical Development Manager for dry wall specialist, Gyproc Middle East and member of the Middle East Acoustic Society (MEAS). He can be contacted at jason. hird@saint-gobain.com

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BETTEr BuILDINg ACouSTICS – soMe sound adVIce "hello, this is gerald”

“Ah, yes, good morning, Gerald. I have a problem.

I’ve moved from a wonderful, quiet and secluded three-bedroom house in the suburbs where the sound of birds was about the only thing that I could hear early in the morning, to an apartment in the city where I can’t sleep because every time my neighbours turn on the shower, I hear the water noise squeal through my apartment. And the noise from the dump trucks picking up waste next door wakes me at five in the morning, and every time my neighbour upstairs uses the laundry, I can hear the thumping noise on the ceiling. And then when he walks on his floor all I hear is footsteps…. What can I do?”

When these types of phone calls come to my desk, I reflect on the words of George Carlin: “The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time.

We have more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We've learned how to make a living,

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Pointing out that while building codes in most other countries follow minimum acceptable standards and regulations to deal with acoustical issues, there is a lacuna in this area in the Middle East, Gerald Stewart advocates having a set of region-specific and enforceable codes to help curb noise in apartments. but not a life. We’ve done larger things, but not better things….”

And so it goes that as the “advantages” of leaving the suburbs for the city life is now an only option for many people trying to get ahead, one of the major issues that are seldom thought about is that of noise. In fact, it’s not until you have moved into your wonderful three-bedroom beach view, million-dirham apartment and your neighbours get home from work that you realise there is a problem.

In my time as an acoustic engineer, I have had only one call from a client who wanted the private residential building he was considering purchasing checked out for acoustics prior to signing the purchase agreement. This doesn’t surprise me, in that most people would assume that our building codes and regulations are being enforced at some stage throughout the design or construction process. The sad fact is that this rarely happens, and it is typically left to the owner to rectify any issues that arise after the builder/developer and the

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

The uAe Is grOwIng very QuIckly, IT Is AlsO A lITTle AlArmIng AT hOw nOIsy IT hAs becOme In reFerence TO OTher very busy cITIes In The wOrld architect have long gone.

The Middle East acoustic fraternity has been concerned for some time that there are minimal building regulations or standards that encompass all aspects of the acoustical qualities of apartments, townhouses and other multi-tenancy dwellings.

The result has been that owners of luxury apartments built in the UAE have become dissatisfied with the acoustic performance, which in their view, is not commensurate with the price they have paid.

Building codes in most other countries, for example, regulate minimum acceptable construction standards for buildings and also deal with other acoustical issues, such as noise intrusion from outside or noise generated by building services even down to things like setting

allowable times for mowing lawns.

Building designs would normally include an acoustic consultant’s report, and this report would be included into the architect’s design and the acoustic consultant is commissioned to continue during the construction to certify the building has met the codes. The fact that the codes are not changing as fast as the high-power ratings of the average home stereo is one of the main causes of many problems, but the bigger problem is that of perception of sound.

If I made a comment that one sound is 5dB less than another, many would have no idea how much difference that is, and a lot would think that it is not much. But if I said in the same sentence that to get one room 5dB less noisy than another, it would cost nearly twice as much to build, you would start to take a bit more notice of the actual amount of noise that is around.

City living, by its very nature can be as much as 20dB louder than its suburban counterparts. An example is my home in Australia is 45dB quieter than my Apartment in JBR Sadaf 7. But does this necessarily mean that the noise level in a bedroom in an apartment say on level 15 of a beach tower should be 20dB louder than a bedroom in The Springs?

No, according to the average of the rest of the world standards, it should not

be, and because of those guidelines it should achieve the “required ratings” as set by the relevant codes, or in some cases, the additional “value added” requirements as set by the designers or developers if they are setting a standard of higher than normal quality.

The fact is that most suburbs are inherently quieter, and hence the noise levels that are inside houses in these areas are much quieter is a factor to take into consideration. But I challenge that even the most astute acoustic design in the noisiest part of town won’t cost a small fortune to implement if it is done correctly.

I remember moving from my house in Melbourne a few years ago to an apartment in JBR. The first year, the construction noise in the middle of the night was awful and, then, there was the 2 to 4am “The Walk” car show horn blowing and the fireworks in the wee small hours and the neighbours in the units next door banging about at their leisure. I can hear people say, “You chose to live there.” And with this I absolutely agree. But if I responded with, “I also lived in New York for a time in a second floor apartment on East 27th Street and it was 25dB quieter than my 15th floor apartment in Dubai, then it may help to show that while the UAE is growing very quickly, it is also a little alarming at how noisy it has become in reference to other very busy cities in the world.

This same reason, I am sure, will apply to many people who either have had family and now want to move to the city to get the views or take the traffic jams out of the way of their day-to-day life experience, or those that simply need to get into the housing market by buying “off the plan”. And there are, of course, those who want to be involved in a community lifestyle that

The currenT uAe regulATIOns, In sO FAr As AcOusTIcs Is cOncerned, hAve The lOwesT level OF wAll IsOlATIOn In Any OF The develOped cOunTrIes only apartment living can deliver, and want to share in the spirit of the dream, albeit 2013-style, with inner city living. But this lifestyle is going to become the way of life for many more people in the future.

I discovered early that the more I stressed about the noise, the worse the noise got, and hence conformed to my knowledge of psychoacoustics. So I decided that it would be best to just relax and view the experience from the framework of “I don’t have to tackle traffic jams in the morning; I don’t have to worry about getting in my car to go to the shops or out for coffee or dinner as the local area has a fantastic lifestyle.” So, all of these things combined gave me a reason to be there that outweighs the desire to have a perfectly quiet sleep, and besides, ear plugs work a treat.

So, back to our friend who can hear everything that goes on in the apartments around him, and to the challenge of what can acoustics do to help. And here it must be noted that

the current UAE regulations, in so far as acoustics is concerned, have the lowest level of wall isolation in any of the developed countries, meaning that dividing walls between apartments are only generally built by conscientious architects to a mixture of Australian, UK and American standards, but are not mandatory.

Basically, the standard that is offered up is that to which the acoustics consultant on the project is used to specifying, but what gets built is based on cost and speed alone. These International standards don’t relate specifically to the UAE, and this is where more work should be done and promoted strongly, and they at minimum, should be administered on site and confirmed.

What can be done to alleviate the problems?

There isn’t going to be a code that says the street must not be used by traffic between the hours of x and y. There isn’t a code that says your neighbour must be in bed and fast asleep by 10pm, and there are certainly no current codes that mention anything about sound transmission isolation.

Although there are Federal guides and decrees to the amount of noise that can be made at certain times, having these codes enforced is something that just isn’t done.

So, I suggest that having codes that are specific and enforceable may help to curb the way for the protection of the future generation of Emiratis, and this can only be a good thing.

A Middle East Acoustic Standard should be developed that adopts one or more of the options outlined below. But before these are implemented, a series of numbers in a rating system needs to be identified that is Middle East specific. The rating system must include all factors on the built form and be focused on the amenity

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Prescriptive Approach — Deemed-toSatisfy Systems

of people above all else.

The rating system could have factors of other countries embedded into it, but it must be unique and regulated and consider adequately the local provisions and the local environment. This is to say that it is pointless to impose a background noise level, for example, next to Sheikh Zayed Road that implores a 45dB Leq 18/ hr external noise level. It is not achievable now or forever more, as the built environment in the UAE is well past that point of no return.

As a basis for the design process, the following simple methods for achieving construction approval could be implemented and administered:

This option uses only systems which comply with Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. These building elements would be constructed and installed as outlined in the regulations.

The construction of the building elements should be inspected and evidence documented that the building elements are in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.

The evidence can be in the form of a summary of building materials used on site, regular memorandum of inspections, overall list of defects, construction photographs of key elements and a summary of the rectification measures undertaken on the project.

Acoustic certification for occupancy is issued when all defects have been rectified to the satisfaction of the acoustical consultant.

Often, apartments are stacked, and the worst case scenario is where a tiled floor is located above a bedroom Prescriptive Approach —LaboratoryTested Systems

This option uses only systems which have been verified by testing in an approved testing laboratory. These building elements would be constructed and installed as those systems tested in the laboratory. The construction of these building elements would be inspected and evidence documented that the building elements are in accordance with the tested systems. The evidence can be in the form

Did you know?

T

he Middle East Acoustic Society (MEAS), established in 2010, seeks to inform and educate the building industry and the public of the role and responsibilities of acoustic practitioners and of how current and future developments can be improved with greater focus on noise- and vibration-related issues. The Society also cooperates and liaises with authorities and other engineering Societies having similar or analogous interests, and in doing so, contributes to the establishment, maintenance and application of standards, laws and regulations within the Middle East.

Members of the Society range from sole practitioners, partnerships, incorporated companies and other organisations that have an interest in acoustics in the Middle East. The Executive Committee of MEAS is overseen by its Chairman, Paul Schwarz, Partner and Principal Acoustic Consultant, Design Confidence LLC. 50

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

of a summary of building materials used on site, regular memorandum of inspections, overall list of defects, construction photographs of key elements and a summary of the rectification measures undertaken on the project.

Performance Approach — Verification Methods — Field Testing

For this option, it is expected that only systems that are likely to comply when tested on site would be used.

The building elements would be constructed as recommended, including any additional detailing to limit flanking noise. Inspections would be conducted, defects rectified and documentation produced, which demonstrates compliance with the construction requirements.

Testing is then conducted on a suitable number of building elements. Typically, at least 10% of all wall systems should be tested.

For some complicated sites, this may be 40 to 50%. The documentation can be in the form of a summary of building materials used on site, regular memorandum of inspections, overall list of defects, construction photographs of key elements, a summary of the rectification measures undertaken on the project and a copy of the results of acoustical testing.

Performance Approach — Checking for Compliance — Expert Judgement

This option uses only systems, which in the opinion of an expert acoustical consultant, would meet the required performance scheduled in typical standards. The ability of a consultant to make an expert judgement needs to be documented as does the basis of their opinion.

Typically, testing would need to have been conducted on the proposed system. The consultant would, then,

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need to form an opinion that the proposed system complies with the provisions of the regulations.

The building elements would be constructed as required. Inspections would be conducted, defects rectified and documentation produced, which demonstrates compliance with the construction requirements.

Performance Approach — Comparison with Deemed-toSatisfy Systems

This option uses only systems which, in the opinion of an expert, would match the performance of deemed-tosatisfy systems.

The ability of an expert to make an expert judgement needs to be documented as does the basis of his/her opinion. Typically, testing would need to have been conducted on a proposed system, and an expert would have formed an opinion that the proposed system is no worse than a deemed-tosatisfy system based on these test results.

The building elements would be constructed as required, inspections would be conducted, defects rectified and documentation produced, which demonstrates compliance with the construction requirements.

The intent of this approach is to consider treatments for services noise insulation and for impact rating of walls.

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An example is to measure the noise intrusion level from waste pipes adjoining the room and comparing these levels with the equivalent level from a deemedto-satisfy system.

The impact rating of walls is a more difficult undertaking, as no test method is universally acceptable to all interested persons.

The reliance on acoustic consultants has grown stronger, especially with regards to residential apartments in city areas What if there is a problem in the building you are living in now?

In the most part, we are able to provide solutions to everything, but these solutions are sometimes expensive to install “postcompletion”.

We have found in most cases that buildings don’t have a satisfactory level of isolation between floors.

This is not the error of the design or builder, but the lack of enforceable relevant codes (repeating that the current federal standards in the Middle East don’t have any codes to protect impact noise from transmitting

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

between floors). Often, apartments are stacked, and the worst- case scenario is where a tiled floor is located above a bedroom - that is, a bathroom or laundry above a bedroom, which, of course, leads to complaints. It is this very problem that is prevalent in practically 95% of the apartment buildings in the UAE. Walls that are built to provide “only just” the level of transmission loss required (normally for reasons of cost) will typically fail “in the field”, as the ratings that are measured in a controlled laboratory environment are usually 3-5 rating points higher, but the construction leaves gaps and holes. The result is possibly 10-15 rating points lower than tested.

These factors all add up to a very insecure place for a developer or architect to be in and, hence, the reliance on acoustic consultants has grown stronger, especially with regards to residential apartments in city areas.

The next issue is that most of the noises that affect one person may not affect another, and we, therefore, have a different perception level and, hence, the acoustics of a space become “subjective”, which in effect, is exactly what it is. The mere mention of running finger nails across a blackboard will send a shiver through many people, but not even raise a twinge in others, or the scraping of a shovel on concrete will have some looking for ear plugs, but others trying to compose musical shows for Broadway.

This “subjectiveness” is where developers, architects and authorities become perplexed, as they do not have the “historical and relevant judgement” to be able to quantitatively state that a certain construction is satisfactory or not. This is, therefore, where people like acoustics consultants and other professional engineers have come to play an important part in

the development of many of the codes and regulations in place in our world today. These by standards committee process are used so that this “often subjective” quantitative element can be removed from the design, and, instead, replaced with “definitive” design goals and testing methods to allow for a detailed method of quality assurance to precede the building industry.

This must, however, lead from the purchaser as the more acoustic consultants are involved in the rectification of problems with buildings, the more we tend to report these sub-standard building methods back to our relevant societies so that those methods can, then, be assessed and standards raised for the next one, and so on. With this raising of standards, the cost associated with building better, quieter buildings will also rise, but until which point? Obviously, no one wants to hear their neighbour do the washing the same as we don’t want to design walls that are a metre thick. But there must be some ground covered by consultants, architects and developers alike that show responsibility to the purchaser in the way of “reasonable amenity”. And we should all strive to define that “reasonable amenity” and a method of construction to achieve it.

The writer is the Victorian Acoustics Section Manager of Wood and Grieve Engineers. He is a member of the Middle East Acoustic Society (MEAS). He can be contacted at gerald. stewart@wge.com.au

REFERENCE POINT

A Climate Control Middle East Supplement on Refrigeration

October 2013

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perspective

COLD STORAGE

Cold store construction – a handy checklist

Saying that the quality and efficiency of a cold store depends on the quality of the main components that make it up, Ghaleb Abusaa provides a step-by-step guide.

Construction outlines

There are several features that go to make a model cold store. But if one were to reduce them to a basic list before undertaking its construction, the following items would be top priorities: • The weighing station • The trailers, medium and small trucks parking area • The docks’ arrangements and quantity • The steel structure

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• The civil works and floor area • The service corridors behind/around the cold rooms/store peripheral • The insulated envelope • The rooms’ height • The number of rooms and their storage capacities Let me discuss the items on the list one by one.

The weighing station The purpose of the weighing station is to monitor the

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

incoming and outgoing loads entering the cold store through proper electronic weighing scales connected to a centralised monitoring and control system. This controls many aspects, such as possible theft and the percentage of defective and reject items out of the total periodic incoming and outgoing quantities.

This helps keep a tab on everything, and judge the quality of the storage and refrigeration systems.

The trailers, medium and small trucks parking area The size and layout of traffic in this part of the cold store govern the productivity and handling of the products in both time and quality of the products. Therefore, their importance cannot be emphasised enough.

When there is a long waiting time, the natural human tendency is to switch off the trucks’ refrigeration systems to save money. This could prove detrimental as it might result in reducing the quality of food and/or in spoilage of the products.

Thus, proper design of this area is vital for a proper cold store output.

The docks’ arrangements and quantity The following list can serve as a ready reckoner with regard to the docks: a. The dock levellers b. The dock shelters c. The guides, the sump pit and submersible pump plus other accessories in the vehicles parking area d. The number of docks to match the approximate maximum daily intake/ discharge plus extra for emergency purposes and possible future expansion e. Medium and small vehicles may enter the handling area via a ramp rather than having a special dock for them f. Docks’ doors – quick lift sectional insulated doors are recommended instead of rollup doors The steel structure There are three things that need to be given due consideration with regard to the steel structure: a. One needs to make sure that the steel

structure is designed to carry the extra loads of the insulated roof and coolers, especially with a wide span. Therefore, some thought and planning needs to be invested in this. b. Extra steel bars/angles and the like need to be added to the roof structure (main beams and/or Z berlins) to hang the insulated panels via insulated threaded rods.

It needs to be noted here that the steel structure manufacturers normally do not allow welding for expansion and contraction purposes. They rather use a bolting system. c. If need arises and some columns fall within a cold room, the columns need to be insulated to prevent heat bridges and condensation.

The civil works and floor area For holding freezers to store frozen products usually at -20°C or lower, electric heat mats or other means, such as ventilated floors are required when the floors are on the ground level.

This is in order to prevent frosting and possible failure of the entire structure if frost accumulates under the floor. Floor insulation and final reinforced concrete slab need to be cast on top of it.

The service corridors behind/around the cold rooms/store peripheral To be able to install the insulated envelope wall panels and for future service of the cold store, we need to factor in a service corridor. One can assume that a maximum of onemetre-wide service walkway behind the peripheral of the cold rooms would be required.

The size and layout of traffic in the parking area of the cold store govern the productivity and handling of the products in both time and quality of the products The insulated envelope For a typical cold store, it is safe to expect the following ranges of space temperatures as per industry standards: a. All holding freezers are normally designed at -20°C. (The process of freezing is not applicable.) The frozen goods are normally received at a maximum of -10°C and the rooms will drop the temperature of the goods down to -20°C. b. All chilling rooms are normally designed to a minimum of zero degrees Celsius. However, the room temperature can be adjusted above zero, as applicable to the particular product being stored. To calculate the cooling capacity required for such rooms, we need to know at what temperature such goods

are received. Fresh fruits and vegetables normally enter the room at ambient temperature, unless precooled. c. Dry/canned food is normally stored at air conditioned room temperature, say around 20°C. Some are designed for 15-20°C. d. Area for handling, receiving, inspection, packing, packaging, grading etc is normally maintained at air conditioned room temperature level (Same as c above). e. The floor insulation is normally made of high-density extruded polystyrene capable of standing the force applied on it, density ranges between 35 and 40 kg/ Mt3.

It needs to be noted that the thickness of the insulated panel will be decided based on the room’s final temperature. Normally, it is 50 mm for items c and d above, 100 mm for item b. and 150mm for item a.

The rooms’ height A thumb rule that needs to be remembered here is, the higher a room’s clear height, the better the utilisation of the floor space will be (going vertical).

However, handling such storage at high levels needs special arrangement. The traditional stacking using forklifts does not seem practical for heights over six metres. Heights in excess of that require narrow isle forklifts. But this will require fixed racking and small weight and volume packaging.

a hard thing to decide without knowing many other factors, such as the variety of products and types to be stored, for example, if it is for one’s own business or if it is built to lease to others, the cycles per year, etc. However, we have more than one option, as follows: a. Install commercial-type refrigeration system, standalone, each room has its own equipment b. Centralised industrial-type system for the full cold store c. In both cases (a and b), we may have a single application for each room (either above or below zero) or multi-use rooms where any room can be used for above and below zero application. Though this is a costly solution, it has wide diversity and flexibility in operation.

Each of the above options has advantages and disadvantages that are normally explained to the client to help them decide which way to go.

In a nutshell, keeping in mind the above as the basic outline will help construct a good quality cold store, which takes into account the present and future needs and ensures that the quality of food entering and exiting is not compromised.

The number of rooms and their storage capacities How many rooms a cold storage needs to have is

October 2013

The writer is CEO of The Three Factors Company (en3 Solutions). He can be contacted at g.abusaa@en3solutions. com

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perspective

CO2 COMPRESSORS Furthermore, applicationspecific advice, training seminars and mathematical modelling in the planning phase can all give access to different ways of increasing operational safety. Autonomous systems incorporating sub-critical and trans-critical applications using CO2 as a refrigerant are used by BITZER at its Rottenburg site for practical training seminars.

Different load and operating conditions are measured by using a booster system.

This paper compares and discusses the measured and mathematically modelled results.

The structure of the booster system under discussion

Operating behaviour of

CO2 booster Postulating that the operational safety and efficiency of compressors can be significantly improved by using innovative and new technologies in their development and construction, Oliver Javerschek and Tobias Hieble demonstrate it through empirical and simulated results.

Introduction

The operating conditions of a CO2 compressor in a combined booster refrigeration system are influenced by many factors. Besides the type of application, the system design (eg flash-gas bypass, open intermediate pressure

56

vessel or flooded system) and the configuration (eg performance graduations, internal heat exchanger, oil management), different load and operating conditions have the greatest influence on the compressor operating status. From the point of view of a

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

compressor manufacturer, it is important to ensure safe and reliable operation.

The operational safety and efficiency of compressors can be influenced very much by the use of innovative, new technologies in their development and construction [1].

The basic layout of this booster system comprises two compressors in the medium temperature (MT) stage, and one compressor in the low temperature (LT) stage. The two MT stage compressors are prototypes of the 4PTC 7K VARISPEED, and both have flange-mounted, suction-gascooled frequency inverter.

The LT stage employs a 2MSL 07K compressor from the new SL series for subcritical LT applications. To enable different gas cooler outlet temperatures to be simulated, the refrigerant mass flow is cooled or condensed in a water-cooled coaxial heat exchanger. The volume of cooling water that flows into this is regulated by a constantly controlled valve that is driven by the gas cooler outlet or condensing temperature in the cooling circuit. The HP expansion valve varies the refrigerant charge of the HP and LP sides. It is controlled by the high pressure and receiver pressure controller.

The same controller also regulates the flash-gas bypass

(FGB) valve. Downstream from the HP expansion valve is an intermediate pressure receiver with a FGB valve and two internal heat exchangers (IHE).

The liquid refrigerant from the receiver is subcooled by the internal heat exchangers in two stages against the FGB mass flow and LT suction gas mass flow. The second heat exchanger is designed primarily to keep the oil sump temperature high enough in the LT compressor. Aside from the LT freezer cabinet, another two evaporators are installed in a cold storage cell in the MT stage. The superheat at the outlet of the three evaporators is controlled by individual case controllers and electronic expansion devices featuring pulse width modulation. The booster system can be seen in the photograph, on the opposite page.

At the nominal design point, the booster system’s evaporator cooling capacities are around 20 kW in the MT stage and 3 kW in the LT stage. The parameters at the design point are: both MT compressors running at 70 Hz, the LT compressor running at 50 Hz, gas cooler outlet temperature of 35°C, a HP of approximately 87 bar(a), an intermediate pressure of 35 bar(a) and evaporating temperatures of –8°C and –32°C (each with 10 K of useful superheat). When the LT compressor is operating, the cooling capacity in the MT stage at the design point can be varied by regulating the frequency of the MT compressors from approximately 0 kW (28 Hz compressor operation) to approximately 26 kW (87 Hz compressor operation).

When the LT compressor is not operating, the minimum cooling capacity is approximately 3 kW and the compressor running

The size and layout of traffic in the parking area of the cold store govern the productivity and handling of the products in both time and quality of the products frequency is, then, 25 Hz. The cooling load for the evaporators is generated by electric radiant heaters, evaporator fans and heat absorption from the ambient.

Variation of operating conditions

Unlike single-stage refrigeration systems in which superheating and the

compressor’s suction gas temperature are influenced solely by the expansion valve and the unuseful heat absorption into the suction line, the suction gas temperature in CO2 booster refrigeration systems is the result of three enthalpy flows ie, three mass flows with different temperatures at the same pressure level.

That is why a low load in the MT stage combined with a high load in the LT stage causes higher suction gas temperatures for the MT compressors due to the influence of the hot LT mass flow. This has a negative effect on motor cooling, oil and discharge gas temperature.

The opposite scenario, involving low suction gas temperatures, and therefore, low oil sump temperatures, carries with it the risk of “wet operation” in the compressors, as well as serious degassing effects of refrigerant solved in the lubricant at lubricating areas of the compressor.

Insufficient suction gas temperatures are caused mainly by “cold” or even “wet” FGB mass flows, which can occur, for example, when there is a high load in the MT stage and a low load in the LT stage. Chilled cabinets that have either glass doors or are covered at night, and higher set points during

nighttime operation can intensify this situation in supermarket refrigeration systems.

Furthermore, with CO2 applications, the comparatively steep increase in the relative cooling capacity of a CO2 compressor between the nominal design conditions and operation at low external heat sink temperatures should not be overlooked. A high number of start-stop cycles and rapid pressure reductions in the compressors’ crankcases should be avoided, especially when external temperatures are low, and with them the temperature of the discharge gas and oil [2, 3]. In addition to operation under different load conditions, different intermediate pressures in the MT stage will be considered as well.

Finally, as mentioned in Section 2, the influence on the resulting suction gas temperatures in the system configuration must be taken into consideration.

Operation under different load conditions The first scenario measured used conditions involving low MT and high LT loads.

To accomplish this, the booster system ran with a 6 kW heating output in the MT stage and 3 kW in the LT stage. In the second

Selected operating conditions

Measured averages

Absolute deviation

34 °C

33.8 °C

+/– 0.1 K

-

85.3 bar(a)

+/– 0.2 bar

36 bar(a)

35.9 bar(a)

+/– 0.1 bar

MT evaporation temperature

–8 °C

–8.2 °C

+/– 0.1 K

LT evaporation temperature

–32 °C

–33.1 °C

+/– 0.4 K

Gas cooler outlet temperature Regulated HP Intermediate pressure

Table 1: Measurements under different load ratios: Predefined operating conditions

October 2013

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perspective

CO2 COMPRESSORS

If we relate the result of these measurements to the superheating of the flashgas at the outlet of the IHE, then the effect of the different intermediate pressures becomes even more pronounced scenario, the heating output was increased in the MT stage to 15 kW, while keeping the LT stage at the same level. These two sets of operating conditions therefore approximate to MT-to-LT load ratios of 2 to 1 and 5 to 1, respectively.

With regard to the operation of the MT stage, in the 2 to 1 scenario, one compressor operated at 63 Hz, and in the 5 to 1 load ratio, two compressors operated at 58 Hz. The compressor in the LT stage ran at 50 Hz in each case. For selected operating conditions under which the load ratios were varied, the averages and absolute deviations of all the readings were measured and are listed in Table 1.

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Gas cooler outlet temperature Regulated HP Intermediate pressure

Selected operating conditions

Measured averages

Absolute deviation

34 °C

33.8 °C

+/– 0.1 K

-

85.3 bar(a)

+/– 0.2 bar

36 bar(a)

35.9 bar(a)

+/– 0.1 bar

MT evaporation temperature

–8 °C

–8.2 °C

+/– 0.1 K

LT evaporation temperature

–32 °C

–33.1 °C

+/– 0.4 K

Table 2: Measurements taken at different intermediate pressures, predefined operating conditions

Figure 1: Different load ratios, resulting process cycles in a p-h diagram

Figure 2: Different intermediate pressures; resulting process cycles in a p-h diagram

The results confirm the correlation mentioned at the beginning: the higher the load ratio between MT and LT, the lower the suction gas temperatures at the MT stage. A comparison between the operating temperatures is noteworthy. At a load ratio of 2 to 1, the resulting superheat at the MT compressor inlet is 22.4 K. The discharge gas temperature measured

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

on the surface of the pipe connected to the MT compressor in operation was 124.6°C. At a load ratio of 5 to 1, the superheat at the MT compressor dropped by 9.4 K to 13.0 K. The average discharge gas temperature measured at the MT compressor was 117.0°C. Figure 1 compares operation under different load conditions in a p-h diagram. These diagrams show very clearly the

influence that the different load conditions have on the suction gas superheat in the MT stage.

The calculated and balanced figures were used for both the total superheat and the discharge gas temperature. If one were to reduce the MT load to less than 2.5 kW while keeping the other conditions the same, then the maximum allowable discharge gas temperature

at the compressors and at the coalescing oil separator used would be exceeded.

This could be prevented by using an LT discharge gas desuperheater, which would reduce the thermal load on the oil, the filter cartridges in the oil separator, and the compressors.

Operation at different intermediate pressures

The intermediate pressures were varied while the system was operating exclusively with an MT load, and with quasi-constant conditions on the HP and LP sides.

The intermediate pressures were 32, 36 and 40 bar(a).

Table 2 contains an overview of the selected operating conditions, the averages of the measured values, and their maximum absolute deviation.

The results of the measurements show that when the intermediate pressure rises, and with it the intermediate pressure temperature, the level of superheating in the flashgas also increases. An intermediate pressure of 32 bar(a) produces a measured suction gas superheating level of 8.8 K for the MT compressor. Under these conditions, the discharge gas temperature measured at the common discharge header of the MT compressor stage is 111°C. If the intermediate pressure is raised to 36 bar(a), then the suction gas superheating level rises to 10.6 K and the discharge gas temperature rises to 113.4°C. Finally, at an intermediate pressure of 40 bar(a), the suction gas superheating level is 12.0 K and the discharge gas temperature 114.7°C. If we relate the result of these measurements to the superheating of the flash-gas at the outlet of

the IHE, then the effect of the different intermediate pressures becomes even more pronounced. At an intermediate pressure of 32 bar(a), flash-gas superheating is 4.8 K. This superheating figure rises to 8.9 K at an intermediate pressure of 36 bar(a), while the results of the third measurement point in this series yield a flash-gas superheating level of 12.9 K at an intermediate pressure of 40 bar(a). The results of this are shown in Figure 2 in graphical form so that the differences can be clearly compared.

An internal heat exchanger is almost essential in order to achieve sufficient suction gas temperatures, especially during pure MT operation An internal heat exchanger is almost essential in order to achieve sufficient suction gas temperatures, especially during pure MT operation, as in this scenario. A side effect of this is that the liquid refrigerant is subcooled, thus significantly reducing the risk of flash-gas formation caused by heat

absorption and a reduction of pressure upstream of the electronic expansion valve.

Flash-gas formation before the expansion device leads to a reduced expansion valve performance, and to a reduction in the quality of the superheat control.

Furthermore, the suction gas can, in phases, come out of the evaporator both “wet” and excessively superheated.

Conclusions

Because of the different enthalpy flows, operating conditions and load ratios have a decisive influence on the compressors, especially the MT compressors in a CO2 booster refrigeration system. By performing measurements on an actual booster system, this influence was recorded metrologically and compared with simulated results. This demonstrated that the measured figures correspond well with the calculated results, and that the expected results were achieved, both when varying the intermediate pressure and when varying the load ratios.

This indicates that cooling systems can be simulated, as early as in the planning stage, in order to identify necessary additional components such as internal heat exchangers, desuperheaters or other regulatory components to avoid potential operating difficulties. Furthermore, the choice of intermediate pressure has a major influence on the system’s operating safety and should be taken into consideration.

One possible way of setting up a simulation, together with the most common ways of solving insufficient and excessive MT suction gas superheating has been published by the authors in article [3]. 

October 2013

Abbreviations FGB Flash-gas bypass HP High pressure IHE Internal heat exchanger LP Low pressure LT Low temperature

Bibliography [1] Javerschek O, Dr. Dittrich G, “Advanced Compressor Design and Various Systems for Commercial Applications with CO2”, 7th International Conference on Compressors and Coolants, IIR/IIF: 302-309, 2009 [2] Javerschek O, “Using CO2 in supermarket systems”, DKV Annual Convention, Convention CD III.8, 2008 [3] Hieble T, Javerschek O, “Dimensioning, calculation and simulation of CO2 booster refrigerant systems”, KI Kälte Luft Klimatechnik, May 2011, pages: 30-34, 2011

Oliver Javerschek

Tobias Hieble The writers work for Bitzer Kuehlmaschinenbau GmbH, Germany. They can be contacted at: Oliver.Javerschek@ bitzer.de and Tobias.

Hieble@bitzer.de

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perspective ICE THERMAL STORAGE

NO MEAN FEAT Positing the view that ice thermal storage is an ideal solution to improve the performance and efficiency of a district cooling plant, Georges Hoeterickx supports it with a case study.

D

istrict cooling plant designers are continuously challenged to match the plant designs with different conflicting criteria, such as space, occupied area, power demand, plant efficiency, and last but not the least, the client’s budget.

An increasing number of designers of large central and district cooling plants consider the possibility of introducing ice thermal storage in their concepts, and depending on the benefits versus cost, decide to implement ice thermal storage in the cooling plant concept.

This was the case for the designers of the King Abdul Aziz University Central Utility Plant 2 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a few years ago, when leading US and local designers were asked to design and build a new cooling plant to serve the University’s facilities having a total cooling, capacity of 158 MW. A few of the specific design requirements were: Occupy minimum area: Although the campus area is huge, the space allocated for the cooling plant was limited, due to some practical reasons. Restrict equipment: Because of the limited

Illustration 1: Ice coils being installed

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Climate Control Middle East October 2013

plant area, the space for the heat rejection equipment was also limited. Minimise required installed power and reduce power demand during day time, whenever possible: This was because power supply was limited and costly. In addition, the client wanted to be prepared for the introduction of electricity rates for different times of the day. Cost factor: The initial and running cost of the chilled water distribution system needed to be considered while designing the central plant. Offer high reliability: Because of the climatic conditions, providing year-round cooling without interruption was a must. In other words, high reliability under all circumstances was a key factor.

After in-depth investigations and evaluating various solutions, like chilled water storage, internal melt versus external melt, ice thermal storage and the use of eutectic solutions, the engineers and the university finally decided to implement ice thermal storage in the central plant’s concept.

The final solution selected was an ice thermal storage system, being the largest of

The final solution selected was an ice thermal storage system, being the largest of its kind in the world, having a total ice thermal storage capacity of 445 MWh and providing a cooling capacity of 39 MW its kind in the world, having a total ice thermal storage capacity of 445 MWh and providing a cooling capacity of 39 MW (melting ice only, excluding the chillers). In addition, the chillers would provide 158 MW cooling.

This cooling capacity was generated during 10 night hours by using 3,078 l/ sec of 25% Ethylene Glycol solution (by weight). The average entering and leaving temperatures were –6.0 °C and –2.3°C, with an average chiller capacity during the night ice building mode of 44.5 MW. To accumulate the 445 MWh, a total number of 432 ice coils model IPCB 338 was needed. The 432 coils were installed in six individual tanks, each 20 metres in length, 8.7 metres in width and 12.2 metres in depth. The total required

space to accumulate the 445 MWh was 12,860 m³ or 35 kWh per m³ tank volume.

Illustration 1 shows the coils being installed in the tank and Illustration 2 shows the top of the ice storage tank filled with water ready to build ice.

By adding ice thermal storage in this project, the following cooling system enhancements, compared to a conventional central or district cooling plant system, were achieved: Reduction in connected power: With the actual design a total cooling capacity of 197 MW (39 MW of melting ice + 158 MW by the chillers) could be provided by only 53 MW electrical chiller motor load. In total, a reduction of 20 MW connected electrical power, compared to a conventional system, was achieved. As a result, significant amounts were saved in electrical connection infrastructure and power supply to the plant. When using the 1.1°C water available, instead of 5.6°C water available from conventional chillers, the size of the chilled water distribution system was reduced significantly.

This was because the lower water flow resulted in much smaller pipe sizes, smaller pumps and lower pumping costs.

Comparisons are shown in the Table 1. Operating the chillers in a more efficient way: In the adapted design, the chillers and ice storage operate in series during the day time. In other words, the warm return water from the chilled water distribution system is first cooled down by the chillers until 7°C is reached and the following step in the cooling process,

Illustration 2: Ice coil installed

Cooling capacity

Temp. differ

Flow (l/sec)

Pipe size

70.000 kW

6.6 °C

2500

DN 1050

70.000 kW

11.1 °C

1500

DN 750

50.000 kW

6.6°C

1800

DN 750

50.000 kW

11.1 °C

1000

DN 600

40.000 kW

6.6 °C

1500

DN 600

40.000 kW

11.1°C

850

DN 500

Table 1: Comparison of typical flow-rates for conventional and ice-based chilled water system

means of radiators. This combination proved to be the most cost-effective and efficient method, considering the fact that due to lack of water, the use of open-type cooling towers for heat rejection was not an option.

The alternative solution with chilled water storage was not applied for the following reasons: High cost: While chilled water storage design looked quite simple and easy, in this case, taking into account all civil construction costs to accommodate the very large storage tanks made the concept unfeasible. Large volume and space: It was about eight times compared to ice storage. Chilled water system: No savings compared to a conventional design were possible. High maintenance costs: Keeping the storage tanks would have been a costly challenge.

Conclusion reducing the water temperature to 1.1°C, is done by the melting ice.

As such, the chillers are always operating fully loaded at better leaving water temperatures than with any other possible system design.

Improvement in efficiency during the day when the ambient temperature is at its peak offsets the need for negative glycol temperatures needed to build the ice. Stable leaving water temperature: Because the cooling capacity of the melting ice can easily match variable cooling loads instantly, the leaving chilled water temperatures of the central or district cooling plant is stable at the set point under all circumstances.

With regard to the ice storage coils, the option to use elliptical tube design circuits was preferred, because this arrangement allows more kWh ice storage per m³ tank volume and more circuits (and surface) can be installed in a given tank width.

The ice thickness reached at the end of the ice build determined, in combination with the ice build time, the leaving glycol temperatures needed from the chiller during ice build. Therefore, the ice storage coil surface was adjusted to match the chiller capacities during ice build mode and at different lower glycol temperature conditions. This was even more important, as the chillers were of the centrifugal type and the heat rejection happened by

October 2013

When considering all design aspects of a large central or district cooling system, very often, the integration of ice thermal storage offers unique opportunities to save initial and operating costs, while often other challenges are being taken care of.

The writer is Director of Business Development, Evapco Europe. He can be contacted at hoeterickx_g@evapco.be

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ENGINE A SYN 62

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endpoint

EERING NERGY Dr Marcus George, the CEO of Consortium Trading & Contracting Company, is involved in prestigious projects in the UAE and Qatar. A civil engineer, he speaks of the wonders that can be achieved through close collaboration among architectural, structural and electro-mechanical disciplines, from the inception stage of a project.

dr MarCUs george

MY rooTs

I’m an Assyrian – from an ancient nation. I am immensely proud of my roots.

My ancestors came from Van Jelo, in Turkey. It’s the part that’s close to Iraq.

They settled down in Baqoba, in Iraq, in 1918. But to this day, we have connections with our village. I grew up in Iraq and studied there.

I was born in Baghdad on May 26, 1945 into a farming family. My father, though, was a station master. He was posted to different stations. So, we travelled from the north to the south of Iraq and from the West to East; I lived in places like Tikrit and Basra.

I graduated from Basra High School and went on to earn a Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Baghdad University and a Master’s degree in civil engineering from Glamorgan University, in Wales, UK, followed by a doctorate in 2008.

MY career paTh

Being a civil engineer, I started out with the planning department in the Government of Iraq. This was in 1968. After a stint with the Beirut Design Office, in 1977, I went to Kuwait, where I worked with Arkicentre, a big architecture firm.

I lived there till 1991. In 1986, I had obtained Canadian passports for my family and for myself. It was fortuitous, as it almost seemed as if it was in anticipation of the impending invasion of Kuwait, and we moved to Canada.

In 1992, I came to the UAE, where I joined the firm, Arkiteknik. I worked on several projects with the firm as Project Manager.

no “I dId”, onlY “We dId”

In 1997, I established an architectural and engineering consultancy firm in partnership with Abdullah Rafi of Dubai Municipality.

In Dubai, I discovered that when you have a design firm, you also need to include structural and electro-mechanical disciplines. Otherwise, you would have to seek out subcontractors for the two disciplines, which is a big headache.

I believe that engineering is not an individual pursuit. There’s no “I did” in engineering, but “we did”. Because we had brought three disciplines together, it was possible to establish a coordinated approach to engineering.

The hVacr connecTIon Broadly speaking, the electromechanical discipline, or aspect, is the heart of any building. It works like the human heart October 2013

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endpoint

DR MARCUS GEORGE

in the body. That is why the HVAC industry means a lot to me. It’s HVAC that provides living comfort to people and the practical and economic inputs in buildings and factories. We are in the business of keeping people comfortable in every aspect, and that’s why HVAC systems should be professionally designed to save power and energy. I, therefore, believe that the design side and supervision are very important.

A Rhossy picture

Gradually, with more exposure to electromechanical and the HVAC side of things, I came to know of Dr Fabrizio Rossi, the Managing Director and Shareholder of Italyheadquartered Rhoss, which belongs to the IRSAP Group.

And that’s how today, I represent the Rhoss range of cooling solutions in the UAE and Qatar.

We entered into partnership with Dr Rossi and Vincent Rozario, the Managing Director of Rhoss Gulf, to take the cooling solutions they offer, to Qatar and also to Australia, where there’s a lot of interest in our products.

In the last three to four months, we have received many enquiries in Qatar, and we have good connections with many government departments and consultants; but we are still young there.

To me, Rhoss represents a renowned and prestigious company, manufacturing high-quality and efficient HVAC systems designed to suit all environments and, in particular, to comply with the stringent Green Building requirements.

The people at Rhoss have a vision, dedication and commitment to produce and upgrade, through constant and thorough research and dedication, state-of-theart HVAC equipment and components. Their products are used in prestigious 64

You are in the business of keeping people comfortable in every aspect, and that’s why HVAC systems should be professionally designed to save power and energy projects all over the world.

We are here to stay, and our belief in the product is trickling through the industry.

The industry has a gap, which our product fills perfectly.

Being able to fulfill the industry’s needs by supplying HVAC equipment, which is energy efficient, of high quality and is on par with other top brand names, is extremely satisfactory to us.

Vision of Consortium Trading & Contracting Company

Coming back to my own company, Consortium Trading & Contracting Company, it was established in 1997 in Dubai. We have done work with prestigious clients, for instance, the Ministry of Interior, Damac, Emaar and Nakheel. I’ve opened a branch of my firm in Abu Dhabi, where I’m doing the Mushrif Co-op building.

Apart from this, we are designing two towers, combined with a shopping mall in Lusail, in Qatar. The project will include a hotel

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Perspective view of a shopping mall at Naif City, Nuaija, Qatar

Perspective view of building type D

A plan for a contemporary garden

and hotel apartments for His Excellency Sheikh Naif Bin Suhaim Al Thani.

We are also involved in big projects in Qatar, such as Naif City. It’s a two-billion Euro project, comprising 57 buildings and a shopping mall. The shopping mall, called Naif City Mall, will have a 400,000-square-metre rental area.

Naif City itself is a big project – the total built-up area of the city is 1,931,734 square metres. It will be at a site that is about seven kilometres away from the new international airport in Doha, so it is strategically located.

As of now, it’s in the form of 5,000 drawings related to the architectural, structural and electro-mechanical disciplines. Once we begin construction, we will try to use everything from Rhoss, be they chillers, AHUs or FCUs. The project will take shape in a collaborative manner, with architects working in close

Above, from left to right: Dr Fabrizio Rossi, Managing Director, IRSAP Group; H.E. Sheikh Naif Bin Suhaim Al Thani; Dr Marcus George, CEO / Partner, Consortium Trading and Contracting Co.

October 2013

coordination with structural and electro-mechanical engineers.

We are open to all cooling approaches and will try to use water-cooled systems and distributed cooling.

It’s my wish to use watercooled systems, and I shall be discussing with the partners on the various options available.

My approach to projects is that, once I get concept design approval for clients, I give a copy each to the structural department and to the electromechanical team and, then, ask them to give me some ideas, to begin with, because the concept does not include shafts and beams. And once we come to the preliminary submittal stage, I fully give the drawings to the electromechanical and structural teams. From that stage onwards, we – all three of us – do the work together. The structural people will tell me where they want the columns, and the electro-mechanical people will tell me where we want the shafts to be and the electrical rooms to be. We have weekly coordination meetings, so nothing is left to chance. This should be the approach to raising buildings.

This is team work. That way, we will get the building 70 to 80% correct; it’s not possible to get everything 100% correct. We followed this approach with two Damac towers – Executive Bay (21 floors) and Capital Bay (20 floors), and I am pleased to say that the approach has been successful.

The green movement

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are enacting new laws and encouraging design offices to have engineers that are trained in green buildings and green technologies. In our firm, we have such engineers, because Nakheel and Emaar insist on such a profile.

I think the emphasis on green is good, because www.climatecontrolme.com

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dr george MarKUs

we are paying a huge price for energy, and the availability of water is a big issue. Desalination is a huge financial burden on the governments of the region. So governments are well within their rights to establish strict laws, and it’s incumbent upon us to follow the laws. Nakheel and Emaar are complying with green regulations; maybe a few of the private entities are not following them, and so, maybe the government should impose the laws.

Overall, we are very proud of the governments in the Middle East for introducing energy-saving and energyefficiency initiatives. The harder the authorities push for a greener tomorrow, the higher will green products, like Rhoss, be ranked.

MY role as a green conTrIbuTor

Broadly speaking, I would like to firmly align myself to the green vision in the region.

I believe in an integrated approach to engineering, and in cooperating with government laws and regulations. In Qatar, for instance, where we have just started our work, we shall work closely with our partners to produce a green city. That’s the vision of Naif City.

My contribution to the region will also stem from my positive feelings for it. Overall, I’m optimistic about the region. In Dubai, people are waiting for news on the Expo 2020 bid. It’d be wonderful if Dubai wins the bid. It’ll give a good push for Dubai. As for Qatar, they have the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is very exciting. I’m optimistic the Qatar Government would work hard to prepare a good environment for the players and fans.

I, Me, MY faMIlY

I’m happily married and have two sons and a daughter.

66

Overall, we are very proud of the governments in the middle east for introducing energy-saving and energyefficiency initiatives My elder son is the CEO of Panerai; my other son is a lawyer. My daughter works with me here in my business.

fooTIe and TennIs

Family life does not prevent me from engaging in my interests. I love football and tennis. I love the Swiss guy, Federer. He’s the most complete player I’ve ever seen. But I think he is nearing the end of his career, and so he is playing very hard to get one more Grand Slam trophy and finish on a high. He represents excellence for me, an attribute I always aspire to achieve. And much like the Swiss guy are Brazil and Germany, when it comes to football teams.

The love for football runs in the family. In the 1930s, my father was a very good football player. I, too, played representative football. In the 1960s, I played football in Kirkuk, Baghdad and Basra. I was also a trackand-field athlete and was a 1,500-metres champion. To this day, I try to keep myself fit. I work out for an hour and a half every day in the gym.

MY phIlosophY

I believe in being sincere and trustworthy and to be able to say whatever I believe in an open manner.

Climate Control Middle East October 2013

Dr george the sportsman, in pictures...

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Coils and Coating

Air/Water Testing Adjusting and Balancing

Zamil Air Conditioners Tel : +966 3 8473333 Fax: +966 3 8471904 P.O.Box 14440, Dammam 31424, KSA Customer Service: 92 0000 468 info@zamilac.com www.zamilac.com

Zamil CoolCare Tel : +966 3 8474222 Fax: +966 3 8473744 P.O.Box 14440, Dammam 31424, KSA Customer Service: 92 0000 468 www.zamil-coolcare.com