BUILDING SERVICE (BLD60903) PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY OF BUILDING IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS INVOLVING PUBLIC USE TUTOR : MR. MOHAMED RIZAL
MENARA MIDF GROUP MEMBER : JOWYN OOI YIN YI JOVIN CHEONG YEN SIN LOH SHU WEI OW XUN CONG TAN YOW HUE YEOH WAN YEE
0330897 0328050 0331016 0321997 0327550 0331154
Table of Content 1.0 Abstract
6
2.0 Acknowledgement
7
3.0 Introduction of Menara MIDF
8
4.0 Active Fire Protection System
9
4.1 Introduction
10
4.2 Water Based System (Case Study)
12
4.2.1 Wet Riser system 4.2.1.1 Wet Riser 4.2.1.2 Wet Riser Control panel 4.2.1.3 Wet Riser Pump System 4.2.1.4 Hose Cradle
13
4.2.2 Dry Riser system
17
4.2.3 Automatic Sprinkler system 4.2.3.1 Fire Sprinkler Pump 4.2.3.2 Fire Sprinkler alarm valve 4.2.3.3 Fire Sprinkler Head
18
4.2.4 Hose Reel system 4.2.4.2 Hose Reel Pump 4.2.4.3 Hose Reel
23
4.2.5 External Water hydrant
26
4.2.6 Water Storage tank
28
4.3 Non-Water Based System (Case Study)
29
4.3.1 Argonite suppression system 4.3.2 Fire Extinguisher 4.3.2.1 ABC Multipurpose fire extinguisher 4.3.2.2 Carbon Dioxide Fire extinguisher 4.4 Alarm and Detection System (Case Study)
34
4.4.1 Smoke detector 4.4.2 Heat Sensor
2
4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.5 4.4.6
Fire Alarm Bell Manual pull station Fireman’s switch Fireman Intercom system
39 40 40 41
4.4.8 Fire Control Room 4.4.8.1 Fire Alarm Control Panel 4.4.8.2 Intercom Panel 4.4.8.3 Digital Alarm Communicator
42
4.4.9 Emergency Exit Sign
45
4.5 Smoke Control System
46
4.6 Fireman Equipment room
46
4.6.1 Butterfly Valve and Flow switch 4.7 Conclusion
47
4.8 Location of Active Fire Protection System Component
48
5.0 Passive Fire Protection System
51
5.1 Introduction
52
5.2 Purpose group of Menara MIDF
53
5.3 Fire-fighting access
54
5.3.1 Fire engine access 5.3.2 Fire fighting shaft 5.3.2.1 Fire lobby 5.2.2.2 Fire fighting stair 5.2.2.3 Fire lift 5.2.2.4 Regulation 5.2.2.5 Conclusion 5.4 Evacuation
5.4.1 Evacuation routes 5.4.2 Assembly point 5.4.3 Emergency exit plan 5.4.4 Fire escape plan 5.4.4 Horizontal and Vertical Exits
54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 61
62 63 63
3
5.5 Passive Containment 5.5.1 Staircase and lobby enclosure 5.5.2 Compartmentation 5.5.3 Structural fire protection
65 66 66
5.7 Conclusion
67
6.0 Mechanical ventilation System
69
6.1 Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation System
70
6.1.1 Types of Mechanical Ventilation System
74
6.2 Case Study of Mechanical Ventilation System of Menara MIDF 6.2.1 Supply Ventilation System 6.2.1.1 Stairwell Pressurization System 6.2.1.2 Components of Stairwell Pressurization System 6.2.1.3 UBBL 1984 Regulations and Conclusion 6.2.2 Exhaust Ventilation System 6.2.2.1 Component of Exhaust Ventilation System in Menara MIDF 6.2.2.2 UBBL 1984 Regulations and Conclusion 6.2.3 Balanced Ventilation System 6.2.3.1 Component of Balanced Ventilation System 6.2.3.2 UBBL 1984 Regulations and Conclusion
76 76 77 79 82 83 84 85 86 86 89
7.0 Air-conditioning System 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 Types of cycles in air-conditioner system 7.2 Types of air-conditioning systems
90 91 94
7.2.1 Room air-conditioner 7.2.2 Split unit air-conditioner 7.2.3 Packaged air conditioning system 7.2.4 Centralised/Plant air-conditioning system
94 95 99 101
7.3 Case Study of Air-Conditioning System in Menara MIDF
103
7.3.1 Split unit air-conditioning system 7.3.2 Centralised/Plant air-conditioning system 7.3.3 Fan-coil Unit (FCU)
104 108 117
7.4 UBBL 1984 Regulations
119
7.5 Conclusion
120 4
8.0 Mechanical Transportation 8.1 Introduction
123
8.2 Types of Elevator
124
8.3 Case Study 8.3.1 Mechanical Transportation in Menara MIDF
128
8.4 Elevator Component 8.4.1 Gearless Traction Elevator 8.4.2 Machine Room 8.4.3 Elevator Shaft 8.4.4 Elevator Car (Exterior) 8.4.5 Elevator Cabin (Interior) 8.4.6 Arrangement of Elevator Machines, Sheaves and Ropes
129 130 133 138 139 143
8.5 Safety Requirements
144
8.6 Location Consideration of Elevator
147
8.7 Conclusion
150
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1.0 Abstract This report is a review of our group work which is a case study on building services system applied and installed in a multi-storey buildings involving public use. In this assignment, we are introduced to the basic principles, equipment and process of various building service systems that found within the building we have chosen. Those systems that are used at a larger scale in a bigger volume that easing the variety users’ needs and increase comfortability with the functions and various safety features. In this report, we get to develop an understanding in the application of building services in every building that make the building technically functional. In this report, the building services system we had studied were active and passive fire protection systems,
mechanical
ventilation
system,
mechanical
transportation
systems
and
also
air-conditioning systems. We can familiarizes the understanding of effective potent graphical communication according to the required standards, MS 1184 and UBBL 1984, as well as the use of proper terminologies. To understand more about the systems, we execute the report through site visit, research and investigation with thorough applications of principles and procedures for the operation of systems, services and associated major apparatus in Menara MIDF, Kuala Lumpur. By end of this report, research and studies on those systems and building become some valuable understandings and knowledge of identifying the details component of it, and how the building services take roles within the construction industry. This results us to be more conscious of how important and impactful these building service systems are functioning in the building that might affect the users.
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2.0 Acknowledgement
We would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our lectures, Mr. Rizal and Mr. Zafar for their guidance, patience and wisdom while overlooking the progress of this report. Also, a big thanks to both of the lectures which spend their time and help us to find available building for us to pay a visit. Besides, we would also like to thanks Puan Ani for helping us to arrange the tour of visit in Menara MIDF and also spending her working time to guide us in the tour. She also arranged a professional to explain and show us the building service system during the tour. They granted us access to the restricted area in the building explain to us patiently about how the systems work. Last by not least, to every group mates, whom without your effort, time and dedication, this assignment would not have been a success.
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3.0 Introduction of Menara MIDF Building’s location Menara MIDF is our case study building which located at Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. This building is located at the primary location at Bukit Bintang which is just 5 minutes driving distance from Pavilion. The building is also accessible within walking distance to various conveniences, hotels, restaurants and also mrt.
Address 82,
: Jalan
Raja
50450
Chulan, Kuala
Kuala
Lumpur, Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Figure 3.1 Location of Menara MIDF (Source : Google Map)
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4.0 Active Fire Protection System
9
4.1 Introduction Active Fire Protection (AFP) introduces to a group of systems that requires a set of manually operated systems or automated responding systems that can be either hand operated or programmed to respond during an event of a fire. It helps in extinguishing or control the spread of potential fire to prevent further damage to the building which might endangered the lives of the users. Most of systems are initiated by flames or smoke within the building and uses designs that are in compliance with UBBL 1984 to ensure that the building are safe and out of danger’s reach. The Active Fire Protection includes different types of system that helps in keeping the building safe from fire which are Water based systems, non-water based system, fire/smoke alarm system, smoke control system .Fire/smoke alarm system are systems that act as detection to alert and warn the users of the building when there is a fire or smoke within the building. While the water based system includes sprinkler systems which are used to slow down the spread of the fire and put it out. The non-water based systems includes dry chemical agents and fire suppression components that are able to safely suppress the fire, it is mostly used in sensitive areas that might easily be hazardous to water based suppression system. The smoke control system helps in controlling the smoke by keeping it away from the escape routes making it easier for evacuation.
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM NON WATER BASED Argonite Suppression System
WATER BASED
ALARM AND DETECTION
Wet Riser
Smoke detector
Dry Riser
Heat sensor
Automatic water Sprinklers
Fire alarm bell
External fire hydrant
Manual Pull Station
Water Storage tank
Fireman’s switch
Fire Extinguisher
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Fireman intercom system Fire Diagram 4.1: General overview of active fire protection system found in Menara MIDF
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4.2 Water Based System Water based system are systems that utilizes water as its method of extinguishing fire, the system includes components such as fire hydrants , water hose, water sprinkler and many more. It is commonly used within commercial and residential buildings and is placed at most part of the building to confront the fires. The MIDF building utilizes mostly water based system as its method of extinguishing fire except for areas that are more sensitive to water.
4.2.1 Wet riser system Wet riser are supply system that are used to supply water within buildings, commonly fitted in tall buildings due to the excessive pressures required to pump water to high levels. It is used for firefighting purposes during cases of fire emergencies by processing water from a pressurised supply and pumped from a storage tank. The waters are distributed to landing valves that are placed at specified locations on every floor to ensure that each floor has enough water supply so that the firefighters can have access to water system in case of emergency without creating their own distribution system of water to fight fire. Because of its importance, the wet risers should be carefully inspected and tested regularly to ensure the system is fully operable during emergencies.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Water Tank Pump Starter Panel Breeching Inlet Duty Pump Jockey Pump Standby Pump Hose Cradle Landing Valve
7 8 1
2 4
5
3
6
Diagram 4.2 Overall layout of Wet riser system (Source : Obtained from http://www.highrisefirefighting.co.uk/wr.html)
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4.2.1.1 Wet riser (Menara MIDF) The Wet Riser in Menara MIDF is located every floor of the building. Wet rising mains consists of vertical pipes with 65mm landing valve within the buildings which are connected to a wet riser supply pipe that distributes water to it from the supply pipe from the Fire Pump Room located at 3rd floor. Each pipes are linked to every floor in the building, connecting the water to every wet riser within the building. Every landing valves in the building are attached with a coupling adapter which are installed on to the outlet of the valve, each landing valves are located beside the hose reel within every floor in the building.
Landing valve
Figure 4.2 Wet Riser system located at basement level (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Wet riser system location
Diagram 4.3 Typical location of wet riser system in Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong, 2018)
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4.2.1.2 Wet Riser Control panel (Menara MIDF) The wet riser control panel controls the entire pump system within the Menara MIDF.It is mounted on to the wall, within the panel are controls and indications that keeps the pump system running so that the whole building is distributed with water through the system. The control panel also allows the operator to manually switch or shut down the pumps, it also alerts the operator with indications when one of the pumps fail to run to alert the operator on duty.
Figure 4.3 Wet Riser control panel located in fire pump room (Source : Jowyn Ooi,2018)
Figure 4.4 Pressure Gauge and switches beside Control panel (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018)
4.2.1.3 Wet Riser Pump System (Menara MIDF) The pump system in Menara MIDF consists of three types of pump : the standby pump, duty pump and jockey pump. Each of the pipes are connected through pipe manifolds . The standby pump and duty pump are activated when the landing valves are turned on, the duty pump act as the active pump while the standby pump activates when the active pump fails to run through a sensing device that detects the pressure difference. The standby pump are recommended to run on a daily basis to ensure it is in good condition in cases of emergency failure of the active pump which can be manually switched. The jockey pump is a smaller pump that activates even if there’s small pressure in the system, which will automatically cut-in and cut-out water pressure. So when the pressure is lower than the respective pressure, it will automatically start the jockey pump which aids in increasing the pressure to the operating pressure to prevent the duty and standby pump from activating.
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Figure 4.5 Wet Riser Jockey Pump (Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018)
Figure 4.6 Wet Riser pump system (Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018)
Diagram 4. 4 Location of Wet riser Pumps in Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
4.2.1.4 Hose Cradle ( Menara MIDF) Located in the equipment room in every floor of Menara MIDF, the hose cradle are normally used by the fireman so that they can attached the hose cradle to the landing valve. So the hose cradle is located nearby the fireman’s lobby in Menara MIDF. Attached to the landing valve, the fireman can gain access to the building’s water supply through the wet riser pipe which flow water in to extinguish the fire. The hose cradle can be are free swinging hose that is flexible and folded into a rotational form and sits on a cradle handle, it is found sitting in the same area beside the wet riser of Menara MIDF .
14
Figure 4.7 Hose Cradle location at basement level (Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018)
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 231 1)
Wet rising systems shall be provided in every building in which the topmost floor is more than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level.
2)
A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby
CLAUSE 248 1)
Wet riser, dry riser, sprinkler and other fire installation pipes and fittings shall be painted red
Conclusion The Wet riser system used in Menara MIDF compliance with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 231, (1) and (2). As the building is higher than 30.5 metres, so a wet riser system is installed. The wet riser components are also located near the fire fighting access lobby based on the diagram (). So that in the event of fire, firefighters can easily access the wet riser system on each floor. The wet riser also compliance with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 248, (1) as all the wet riser are painted red in the building.
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Fire Pump Room
Diagram 4.5 Fire Pump Room Location (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
4.2.2 Dry Riser System Dry riser are vertical pipe that are installed for the purpose of extinguishing fire.The system consists of inlet connections at fire engine accessible levels and landing valves on every floors. It is normally an empty pipe but can be used by pumping water into it from the fire engine.
Diagram 4.6 Overall layout of dry riser (Source : http://www.huatguan.com/services.html)
The Menara MIDF does not adopt a dry riser system as the UBBL requirement for a dry riser system installation is that the topmost floor is more than 18.3 metres but less than 30.5 metres above fire appliance access level, the Menara MIDF is more than 30.5 metres height so its uses the wet riser system and not the dry riser system.
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4.2.3 Automatic Sprinkler System Automatic sprinkler system are a set of installation used within buildings to detect and extinguish fire, it function as an early stage extinguishment to hold the fire in check and prevent it from spreading further. The sprinkler are a series of water distribution pipes that are supplied by the building’s water supply and mainly consists of a few compartments such as sprinkler head and sprinkler pump which works along with fire and smoke alarm to detect and immediately put out the fire. The sprinkler head are installed at specified locations at the roof or ceiling and are linked to pipes that run along the building, each pipes are pressurized with water within and the sprinkler head are designed to automatically open when they reach a certain temperature. Within the Menara MIDF, the sprinkler system are installed at every room except for the control room and electrical rooms as the water may cause damage to the electrical appliances.
1.
4 1
2
2. 3. 4. 5.
Pump Starter Panel Water tank Pumps Sprinkler head Water distribution pipe
5 3
Diagram 4.7 Overall layout of automatic sprinkler system (Source : http://www.huatguan.com/services.html)
4.2.3.1 Fire Sprinkler Pump System (MIDF) Located at the 3rd floor in Menara MIDF, there are diesel type fire pump which consists of the low zone and high zone pumps. The low zone pumps function as pump to distribute water to floor levels lower than 18 floors and the basement level while the high zone pump distribute water to floor level higher than 18 floors.
Figure 4.8 Low Zone Sprinkler Diesel Engine Pump (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
Figure 4.9 High Zone Sprinkler Diesel Engine Pump (Source : Loh Shu Wei ,2018) 17
Each pump system in Menara MIDF consists of a duty pump, standby pump and a jockey pump. The duty pump are known as the active pump which are the main pumps of the system, it is powered by diesel and provides water flow at a higher pressure to the sprinkler system risers and hose standpipes. The standby pumps act as a backup alternative pump that function when the duty and jockey pump fail to run. The jockey pump are tasked with maintaining the water pressure of the system within a specific range, because of the activation on the sprinkler system. The water pressure within the pipes will drop as the water flows towards the sprinkler head installed on the ceiling to put out the fire. So the jockey pump keeps the water in high pressure while it constantly sends out water during emergency to prevent any drastic change within the water pressure and assuring that the whole system does not fail.
Figure 4.10 Sprinkler Diesel Engine Pump system (Source : Jowyn Ooi,2018)
Figure 4.11 Low Zone Sprinkler Duty Pump (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
4.2.3.2 Fire Sprinkler Alarm Valve (MIDF) Located at the 3rd floor, the alarm valve function as prevention of reversed water flow or air pressure within the pipes. In cases of fire when the sprinklers are activated, the alarm valve will open and pump water to into the main riser. A pressure switch gives a signal to activated the fire pump. Each alarm valve are labelled to indicate the area and floor it operates on.
Figure 4.12 Fire Sprinkler Alarm Valve in MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018 )
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4.2.3.1 Fire Sprinkler Head (MIDF) One of the main components in an automatic sprinkler system, the fire sprinkler head act as a nozzle that releases water around the area where the fires are detected. Upon detection, the fire sprinkler activates immediately, taking out fire in the specific detected area. It is installed in every floor and room in the building except for the control room and electrical room. The Menara MIDF uses Pendant Sprinkler head as their sprinkler type which consists of a glass bulb filled with liquids that expands when temperature in the room exceeds a specific temperature, this causes the glass to break and releases water through its connected pipework. The pendant sprinkler are installed on the ceiling of the floors and are placed hanging downwards, it sprays water downwards which goes through a curved deflector to direct the water pattern into a cone to increase its range.
Figure 4.13 Sprinkler head in office floors (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
Figure 4.14 Sprinkler head in basement parking lot (Source : Jowyn Ooi ,2018)
The plug is forced out by the pressurized water which cause the water to flow out to the curved pattern distributor of the sprinkler head
Figure 4.15 How fire sprinkler works (Source : https://bcfirefighting.en.alibaba.com/)
The distance between each Sprinkler head in the lobby are 350cm x 150cm while the distance between the Sprinkler head in the basement are 390cm x 290cm. The lobby has more flammable material so the distance between each sprinkler head are shorter compared to the basement. The difference between ceiling height also affects the distance, the basement ceiling are higher so the distance between the sprinkler head are longer compared to the lobby area.
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Every type of sprinkler has a specific activation temperature that activates when its temperature is reached, these sprinklers are labelled according to colour and temperature difference on the sprinkler head . The sprinkler colour of Menara MIDF are red which means it will activate when the temperature reach 68°C.
Diagram 4.8 Type of Bulb Colour with its rupturing temperature (Source : https://firehydrant1001.wordpress.com/author/caesarteknik/page/4/)
Sealing assembly
Temperature Sensitive Glass Bulb
Frame
Deflector
Figure 4.16 Sprinkler head components (Source : http://www.qrfs.com/61--Fire-Sprinkler-Head-Types-Pendent-Upright-Sidewall-Concealed)
Figure 4.17 Sprinkler system distribution board in fire pump room (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 228 1)
Sprinkler valve shall be located in a safe and enclose position on the exterior wall and shall be readily accessible to the fire authority
2)
All sprinkler systems shall be electricity connected to the nearest fire station to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm when activated
Conclusion The fire sprinkler system in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBl 1984 requirement listed under Clause 228 (1) and (2). The fire sprinkler valve in Menara MIDF are located in a safe and enclose position within the Fire pump room at the 3rd floor of Menara MIDF. It is easily accessible for the firefighters and the systems are also connected to the alarm system which links directly to the nearest fire department.
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4.2.4 Hose Reel System Usually manually operated and activated by the occupants of the building, the fire hose reel system are located at strategic places within the building to provide the users with reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water that helps in extinguishing potential fire hazard within the building. The hose reel system consists of fire hose reels, pumps, water storage tank that supplies the water and pipe works that distributes the water to ensure that the occupants have the proper way to combat a fire.
Hose reel system Water tank
Distribution Pipe
Pumps
Diagram 4.9 Overall layout of hose reel system (Source : http://www.qrfs.com/http://itag.pw/fire-protection-piping-specifications)
4.2.4.1 Hose Reel Pump System (Menara MIDF) The hose reel system in Menara MIDF consists of two types of pump which are the duty pump and standby pump. The duty pump acts as the active pump and is run by electricity while the standby pump act as an extra back up pump that activates when the duty pump fails to run and is operated with diesel. The distribution pipe that connects to every hose reel are connected to a pressure switches which are used to oversee and indicate the water pressure to ensure that the system have adequate water flow and pressure to provide a water jet for the hose reel system. The pump is located in the 3rd floor of Menara MIDF, the pump system also serves as the water pumping system for the whole water based system in the building to ensure that the water pressure are high enough to provide adequate water flow.
Figure 4.18 Hose reel Pump System of Menara MIDF (Source : Loh Shu Wei ,2018)
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4.2.4.2 Hose Reel The hose reel system within Menara MIDF are normally found located on every floor including the parking floor. It can be found placed nearby the fireman’s lobby and the lift area, the hose reel are kept hidden within the equipment room and placed along the corridors near the office area.
Figure 4.19 Fire escape plan of 4th floor showing location of hose reel (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
The hose reel system are manually operated by the occupants by opening a valve to bring out a jet of water that can be ranged minimum 10m from the nozzle to put out fire. So the system pump needs to constantly provide adequate water flow and pressure to the hose reel system. The hose type used in Menara MIDF are swing type which can be easily pulled out in any direction and can go up to 30m long. Each of the rubber hose in the building are 25mm in diameter and 30m long which are equipped with an adjustable nozzle that can adjust the flow rate and stream of the water. The hose reel in some are of the Menara MIDF are kept hidden within the fireman’s equipment room that can only be unlock with a key when there is a emergency.
Figure 4.20 Hose reel located along the corridor (Source : Ow Xun Cong,2018 )
Figure 4.21 Hose reel inside the fire equipment room (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 231 2)
A hose connection shall be provided in each fire fighting access lobby
Conclusion The hose reel system within the Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 231 (2). Based on the escape plan above, both the fire hose reel location are strategically placed near the fire fighting lobby and nearby the emergency staircase. This helps ease the fire fighter as it is easier to notice and access by them to use during events of fire.
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4.2.5 External Water Hydrant The external water hydrant are a type of fire protection measure that provides the public with water sources, it act as extra water supply for the fireman during an emergency. The fire hydrant system consists of a water tank , suction pipings, fire pumps and a distributing pipe system that delivers the flow of water to each fire hydrant in the area. The fire hydrant are pressurized by the pump from the main water tank so that it delivers a strong flow of pressurized water. The fireman can attached a hose reel into the fire hydrant which then can be boosted with more pressure by using the pump in the fire engine.
Figure 4.22 Location of Fire hydrant on site plan (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
The fire hydrant in Menara MIDF is located 20m away from it. One located near the border of Affin bank SDN BHD building while the other fire hydrant is located near the border of Holiday Villa both beside the Menara MIDF. The building itself does not have any fire hydrant as the fire hydrants are owned by MBKL so it is placed in set specific location in the area. The fire hydrants outside of Menara MIDF are two-way fire hydrants.
Figure 4.23 Location of fire hydrant near Holiday villa (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
Figure 4.24 Location of fire hydrant near Affin bank (Source : Jovin Cheong ,2018)
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 225
2)
Every building shall be served by at least one fire hydrant located not more than 91.5 metres from the nearest point of fire brigade access
3)
Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access for fire appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required by the fire authority
Conclusion The external fire hydrant system of Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 225 (2) and (3). Menara MIDF is located between two fire hydrants systems place by MBKL , the location of each fire hydrant are also not more than 91.5 metres with both being only 20m apart from Menara MIDF making it easier for the firefighters to access.
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4.2.6 Water Storage Tank The water storage in Menara MIDF plays a big significant role, it act as storage for large amount of water to be pumped into sprinkler and wet riser systems. It is located at the 3rd floor of the building and is split into two capacity of storage tank to enhance the reliability in distributing the water to the systems and also to ensure that there is still water supplied even if one of the tanks are under maintenance. Each water storage tank are linked to various pipes and pumps which helps in pumping and pressurizing the water to be distributed to different parts of the building.
Figure 4.25 Water Storage tank in Menara MIDF (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
Diagram 4.10 Location of Water Storage tank for water sprinkler in Menara MIDF (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 247 1)
Water storage capacity and water flow rate for fire fighting systems and installations shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the Tenth Schedule by these By-laws.
2)
Main water storage tanks within the building, other than for hose reel systems, shall be located at ground , first or second basement levels, with fire brigade pumping inlet connections accessible to fire appliances.
3)
Storage tanks for automatic sprinkler installations where full capacity is provided without need for replenishment shall be exempted from the restrictions in their location.
Conclusion The water storage tank used in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause (1), (2) and (3). The pumps helps in controlling the pressurized water to the wet risers, water sprinklers and hose reel system from the water storage tank while the storage tank in the 3rd floor are exempted as it is a water sprinkler storage tank.
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4.3 Non-Water Based System An alternative way of extinguishing fire beside using water based methods. In cases of fire that ignites due to electrical failure, usage of water to extinguish the problem may in the end cause the situation more worse. Non water based fire fighting are also introduces to prevent damages done to electrical appliances during a fire emergency. Within Menara MIDF, there are a few suppression methods used to suppress the fire on places that is unsafe for water based methods.
4.3.1 Argonite Suppression System Located at the 3rd floor of the building, behind the water storage tanks. The Menara MIDF uses Argonite Suppression System as part of its non water based system as the inert gas itself are made of 50% Argon and 50% Nitrogen which are naturally present in the atmosphere so it is considered environmentally friendly to be used. The argonite are chemically inert, colourless, odourless and flavourless making it safe around the occupants when used. Location of Argonite suppression system
Diagram 4.11 Location of Argonite Suppression system in Menara MIDF (Source : Joving Cheong,2018)
Benefit of using Argonite Suppression System : ● ● ● ● ● ●
Safe for Personnel and Equipment Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) Remote Cylinder Storage Capability Local Refill Sources Automatic or Manual Actuation No Residue Clean-Up—Minimizes Downtime
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The Argonite suppression system are simple but effective system used in suppression of fire, it works by reducing the oxygen concentration within the area affected by the fire hazard. It minimizes the level of oxygen until combustion is no longer supported and thus extinguishing the fire. The argonite system are not conductible making it suitable to be used in places with electrical appliances and also making it safe in rooms that may cause hazard if affected by water. Each of the systems distributes the argonite uniformly and ensuring it covers the area through the nozzle unit that emits the Argonite substance out. The smoke detector first detects the fire hazard then sends a signal to the control panel which then allow the substance to flow through the pipe to the fire hazard room.
Discharged Nozzle
Control Panel
Distribution pipe
Argonite Storage container
Diagram 4.12 Overall layout of Argonite Suppression system (Source : http://www.gibrosenmajari.com/index.php/majari/argonite-fire-suppression-system-detail)
The Argonite suppression system are stored within cylindrical tubes and mounted in vertical position which are then stored at a pressure of 2900 PSI (200 bar) so that it is properly maintained and safe to use when there’s fire hazard. The Argonite suppression system are mostly used in the M&E room, data room, Control room, lift motor room, AHU room and the fire pump room.
Figure 4.26 Rows of Argonite Suppression (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018)
Figure 4.27 Argonite Suppression system (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 ) 29
4.3.2 Fire Extinguisher One of the most common devices that is used as one of the protection measures against fire, it is a portable device that requires manual operation for it to be activated where the user will need to pull out the pin to be able to discharged the chemical agents in it. The fire extinguisher emits a chemical agent that extinguish and controls the level of fire. Within Menara MIDF, there are two types of fire extinguisher which are the ABC Multipurpose dry powder fire extinguisher and the carbon dioxide extinguisher. Each type of fire extinguisher are used as countermeasure against different types of fire source. The fire extinguishers are placed around in Menara MIDF where it is easily accessible and noticed such as fire exit stairs, corridors and lobby. The fire extinguishers are also placed in rooms like M&E room, data room, Control room, lift motor room, AHU room and the fire pump room.
Figure 4.28 Types of Fire Extinguisher (Source : Jowyn Ooi,2018)
Diagram 4.12 Location of Fire extinguisher in basement of Menara MIDF (Source : Joving Cheong,2018) 30
4.3.2.1 ABC Multipurpose dry powder fire extinguisher One of the fire extinguisher used in Menara MIDF, the dry powder fire extinguisher is a multipurpose fire extinguisher that can be used in cases of fire outbreak. It can be used for many types of situations which are classified to 3 types of classes. Class A which are burning solids (wood, paper, cloth) , class B which are liquid fires ( flammable liquids) and class C which are gases (flammable gas) or fires cause by electrical appliances. It works by cutting the oxygen around the fire when the foams are discharged on it through the nozzle, The dry powder extinguisher are located in places near all emergency exit doors, lobby area, corridors and also kept hidden in the fireman’s equipment room along with the wet riser within Menara MIDF.
Figure 4.29 ABC Multipurpose fire extinguisher located along the corridor (Source : Joving Cheong,2018)
Figure 4.30 Location of fire extinguisher inside office premises (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
4.3.2.2 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher A cone shape nozzle type fire extinguisher that can be found in room with electrical appliances in Menara MIDF like the M&E room, data room, Control room, lift motor room, AHU room and the fire pump room. . As this type of fire extinguisher are more suitable to used on fire caused or near electrical appliances. Carbon dioxide extinguisher expels cold carbon dioxide that covers the oxygen that leads to combustion, cooling down the area around it also. It does not work well on Class A solid burning ( wood, paper, cloth ) as the fire may reignite after exposing to oxygen again. The large cone shape nozzle on the fire extinguisher helps in displacing large amount of carbon dioxide that expands through the cone shaped nozzle. It is designed to allow the carbon dioxide to emit at high speed, which is fast enough to prevent the snow from forming at the nozzle as the carbon dioxide are too cold which causes it to form snow when emitted.
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Figure 4.31 Location of Carbon Dioxide extinguisher inside M&E room (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
Figure 4.3 2 Location of Carbon Dioxide extinguisher in Fire pump room (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 227 1)
Portable extinguisher shall be provided in accordance with the relevant codes of practice and shall be sited in prominent positions on exit routes to be visible from all directions and similar extinguishers in a building shall be of the same method of operation.
Conclusion The fire extinguisher system used in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 227 (1). The fire extinguishers in Menara MIDF are sited near emergency exits and near lift area or along the corridors to allow easy access and noticeability to the occupants of the building. And both fire extinguishers also have the same method of operation.
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4.4 Alarm and Detection System Considers as one of the most crucial active fire protection system in Menara MIDF as it is the first to notice and alert the occupants in cases of fire emergency. It detects and activates the fire protection system to help control the fire before the fireman arrival to the building. It uses sensitive devices such as smoke detector and heat sensor to sense the presence of fire in the building which will then alert the occupants using devices such as alarm bell. The occupants of Menara MIDF can also manually alert the using the alarm handle in the room. The system also provides audio and visual alarm that could help in evacuating or call for emergency during hazard periods. There are two stages of fire alarm system used in Menara MIDF, which are the single and two stage alarm system. In this system, a alert signal is first send to notify the staff or people in charge of the fire emergency. The staff then are expected to investigate the source of the alarm. If a fire is discovered, the staff will then activate the alarm to notify the occupants of a fire in the building. If the alarm is discovered to be a false alarm, the staff can manually reset the system.
Menara MIDF
Smoke detector
Heat Detector
Manual Pull Station
Control panel
Emergency light
Water Sprinkler
Argonite suppression
Alarm Bell
Diagram 4.13 General overview of alarm system of Menara MIDF
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4.4.1 Smoke Detector One of the detectors that alerts the occupants of Menara MIDF when its senses smoke within the building. Once the smoke is detected, the smoke detector sends a signal towards the fire control panel which will then indicate the area of the detected smoke on the screen. Then the control panel will send a signal towards the alarm which will then activate and warn the occupants of a potential fire hazard in the
building.
Normally installed at the ceiling of the room, the smoke detector can be found on the corridors and entrance of office compartments in the building. The type of smoke detector used in Menara MIDF are photoelectric smoke detector. The detector works as it activates when it senses the lack of light in the area, it is more responsive to “smoldering fires�. The Photoelectric-type alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle away from the sensor. Smoke enters the chamber, reflecting light onto the light sensor which in the end triggering the alarm.
Diagram 4.14 How the smoke detector operate (Source : http://appkhi.com/how-work-smoke-detectors-diagram.html)
Figure 4.33 Smoke detector of Menara MIDF located near entrance of Office premisses (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
Figure 4.34 Older version of Smoke detector in Menara MIDF located near corridor of Office premisses (Source : Tan Yow Hue ,2018)
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 225 1)
Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirement as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-Laws.
Conclusion The smoke detectors in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 225 (1). The Photoelectric smoke detectors were used for detecting the fire and are installed on the corridors and entrance within the building. The detectors work together with fire alarm to alert occupants within the building when there is a fire.
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4.4.2 Heat Sensor One of the fire detection system of Menara MIDF, the heat detector function as detection against sudden thermal changes around the installed area of the detector. The detector triggers when it detects a sudden temperature or high temperature cause by the fire in the area, it then sends a signal to the control panel which will then activate the alarm after the heat sensor detects a potential fire hazard in the area. Located at specific location in Menara MIDF, the heat sensor are installed on the ceiling in the middle of every room in the building. The type of heat sensor used in the building are Rate-of-rise heat detectors , which activates when there’s a rapid rise in temperature, it has two type of heat- sensitive thermocouples where one monitors heat transferred by radiation and the other responds to ambient temperature.
Figure 4.35 Heat Detector in Menara MIDF located near middle of the lobby area (Source : Loh Shu Wei ,2018)
Diagram 4.15 Difference between both types of heat detectors (Source : https://5cidade.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/detectores-apollo.pdf )
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 225 1)
Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguishing fire and with fire alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the requirement as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-Laws.
Conclusion The heat detectors in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 225 (1). The heat detectors were used for detecting the fire and are installed in the of the rooms in the building. Similar to the smoke detectors, the detectors work along with fire alarm to alert occupants within the building when there is a fire.
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4.4.3 Fire Alarm Bell An audible system in Menara MIDF, the fire alarm bell are installed on walls of the lobby, along the corridor of the offices, and also can be found near the emergency exits and lift area of every floor in the building. The fire alarm are triggered when the detectors in the Menara MIDF senses fire in the building or can be activated manually by pulling the manual pull station or via the manual button on the control panel. It produces loud ringing noise that alerts the occupants of fire in the building.
Figure 4.36 Fire Alarm Bell located in the lobby of Menara MIDF (Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018 )
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 237 1)
Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws
2)
All premises and building with gross floor excluding car park and storage area exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a two-stage alarm system with evacuation (continuous signal to be given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section
3)
Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action of a master control
Conclusion The fire alarms system in Menara MIDF complies with UBBL 1984 requirements listed under Clause 237 (1) , (2) and (3). The fire alarm is always ready and provided to notify the occupants through visual and audio appliances during fire hazards. A two- stage alarm system are used as the Menara MIDF exceeds 30.5 metres in height.
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4.4.4 Manual Pull Station The manual pull station also known as break glass is a call point used by the occupants of Menara MIDF to manually signal an alarm to warn people of a fire in the building. The pull station is manually connected to the fire alarm system, it is located in every floor of Menara MIDF together with the Fire alarm bell
Figure 4.37 Manual Pull station in Menara MIDF located near the lobby area (Source : Loh Shu Wei ,2018)
4.4.5 Fireman’s Switch The fireman’s switch are a type of specialized switch that is used by the firefighters to disconnect the power of Menara MIDF from high voltage that may be a threat during an event of an emergency fire. These switches can be found nearby the fire escape staircase and along the corridor of every floor, it is easily seen as it is red in colour and installed high on the wall with a label of “fireman switch”. The switch is used to remotely shut down the entire floor’s power.
Figure 4.38 Fireman’s switch located near the fire emergency exit staircase at the ground floor (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018 )
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UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 240 1)
Every floor or zone of any floor with a net area exceeding 929 square metres shall be provided with an electrical isolation switch located within a staircase enclosure to permit the disconnection of electrical power supply to the relevant floor or zone served
2)
The switch shall be of a type similar to the fireman’s switch specified in the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations then in force
Conclusion The Fireman’s switch in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 240 (1) and (2). The fireman’s switch of Menara MIDF is provided at every floor near the emergency staircase, so in cases of emergency the electrical supply of the building can be manually cut off. The fireman’s switch are also the similar type specified in the Institution of Electrical Engineers Regulations.
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4.4.6 Fireman Intercom System A system that uses two-way communication to link between the remote telephone handsets inside the phonebox and the intercom panel inside the fire control room of Menara MIDF. It is used only in cases of fire emergency and can be found located along with the fire hose reel along the corridor of every floor in Menara MIDF.
Figure 4.39 Fireman intercom System located along the corridors of the 4th floor (Source : Tan Yow Hue,2018 )
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 239 1)
There shall be two separate approved continuously electrical supervised voice communication systems, one a fire brigade communications system and the other a public address system between the central control station and the following areas:
(a) (b) (c)
Lifts, lift lobbies , corridors and staircases; In every office area exceeding 92.9 square metres in area; In each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be combined with the public address system
Conclusion The voice communication system used in Menara MIDF complies with UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 239 (1). The fireman intercom system are located near the corridors, emergency staircase and near the lift area to allow the occupants to communicate with the people in the fire control room, asking them for assistance during times of emergency as the systems are connected together. The central control directly link to the communication system around the building making it easier for people to connect to the fire control room during emergency.
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4.4.8 Fire Control Room Located at the ground floor of Menara MIDF, the fire control room is located behind the reception of the building at the lobby area. It is the central of the building where all the the important informations regarding the systems in the building are located. Within the control room are the main fire alarm control panel, intercom system, digital alarm communicator, cctv channels and the lifts supervision system. The room provides information about the fire detection system as it ensures that every unit in the system are working well. When a signal is sent from one the detectors in the building, the fire control panel receives the signal and notifies the person in charge within the control room.
Location of Fire control room
Diagram 4.16 Location of Fire control room in Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 238 1)
Every large premises or building exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a command and control centre located on the designated floor and shall contain a panel to monitor the public address, fire brigade communication, sprinkler, waterflow detectors, fire detection and alarm systems and with a direct telephone connection to the appropriate fire station by-passing the switchboard
Conclusion The fire control in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement listed under Clause 238 (1). The fire control room in Menara MIDF are full equipped with all the required and listed control system stated in the clause, the building exceeds 30.5 metres so the fire control command centre are design to be located at the ground floor of MIDF building with functioning components and system. It is also able to fully monitored all the fire control system in the building with supervision of the person in charge.
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4.4.8.1 Fire Alarm Control Panel One of the main component located in the fire control room, it is tasked in managing the fire system in Menara MIDF. The fire alarm control panel monitors the fire system and provides the person in charge with the authority of remotely controlling the fire system devices by manual. The panel also displays detected signal received from detectors to alert the person in charge of the potential fire hazard so that necessary actions can be executed. In cases of emergency, the control panel also allows the contact of nearby fire station to request for emergency services during a fire outbreak. The control panel also provides a series of indicators showing the location of every break glass and fire alarm on every floor within Menara MIDF. If one of the break glass or fire alarms are triggered, the red light will appear on the indicator showing the locations of the triggered alarm. The control panel is to help ease the staff and firefighters in monitoring the condition of the building during fire emergency to ensure that the occupants are safe and alerted during a fire.
Figure 4.40 Control panel components in Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Figure 4.41 Diagram indicators of the floor levels (Source : Jowyn Ooi,2018)
UBBL 1984 PART VIII : ALARMS, FIRE DETECTION, FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS CLAUSE 155 1)
The fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually
Conclusion The fire alarm control panel in Menara MIDF complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement under Clause 155 (1). The fire alarm control panel are fully equipped with indications of every floor diagrams to show where the fire signal origins from when there are detections of fire emergency, the indication will turn red if one of the alarms or manual pull points are activated making it more easier for the staff to act immediately as they know the location of the detected fire. 43
4.4.8.2 Intercom Panel Used as a communication device between the Fireman Intercom System and the fire control room in Menara MIDF. The fire chief can easily communicate with the firefighters on other floor through the intercom panel and the fireman intercom system. The intercom panel are connected to every fireman intercom in the building so that the firefighters can communicate easier.
Figure 4.42 Intercom Panel in Fire control room within Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
4.4.8.1 Digital Alarm Communicator Used as a direct communication to the nearby fire department, the digital alarm communicator allows the occupants of Menara MIDF to directly contact the fire department in cases of emergency. It is located in the fire control room beside the control panel.
Figure 4.43 Digital Alarm Communicator in Fire control room within Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018) 44
4.5 Smoke Control System The smoke control system in Menara MIDF are a type of mechanical system used as protection measure against smoke to prevent it from entering the fire escape stairwell. It ventilates and sucks the smoke cause by the fire in the building keeping the emergency fire escape ventilated and pressurized so that the accumulation of smoke in the area are avoided. It supplies and regulate the air around the area to ensure that the emergency escape are safe to use by the occupants in cases of emergency.
Figure 4.47 Smoke control system located at the emergency escape stairwell (Source : Ow xun cong,2018)
4.6 Fire Equipment Room Located on every floor of Menara MIDF, nearby the emergency staircase and fireman’s lobby. The fire equipment room stores fire equipments that can only be open during emergency using a key placed in front of the door. The room contains equipments such as wet risers, fireman intercom system, fire cradle, fire hose reel, butterfly valve, flow switch and fire extinguishers. It is used as storage for these equipments so that it can only be used during emergency.
Figure 4.48 Fire Equipment room at 4th floor of Menara MIDF (Source : Ow xun cong,2018) 45
4.6.1 Butterfly valve and flow switch Located in the fire equipment room, the butterfly valve function through the rotation of an internal disc within the valve. The disc are always parallel to the water flow, but is perpendicular when there is no water flow in the valve. The butterfly valve act as as a rotating handle to turn the valve on and off preventing the water to flow out when it is in perpendicular but allows the flow of water when it is in parallel. The valve serves as regulator for the wet riser, as the flow switch allows the flow of water into the valve.
Diagram 4.18 Overall view of a butterfly Valve (Source : http://hvac-system-basics.blogspot.com/2012/09/butterf ly-valve-basics.html#.W8Qq02gzZPY)
4.7 Conclusion Consists of more than 25 floors including the basements, Menara MIDF is considered as one of the safe working environment to be in as it complies with the UBBL 1984 requirement on fire safety regulations. It is able to ensure and maintained the components of the fire safety system despite being quite old compared to modern buildings in the area. Complying with the UBBL, each components of the fire safety system are placed and set accordingly based on the requirement, which proves that Menara MIDF has the understanding of fire safety by following the law to provide a safe environment for the occupants in it. It is filled with fire protection measurements that may be of help during cases of fire emergency.
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4.8 Location of Active Fire Protection System Component
Figure 4.49 Legend in floor plan of active fire protection system components. (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018 )
Diagram 4.18 Ground Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.19 First Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.20 Second Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
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Diagram 4.21 Basement A Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.22 Basement B Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.23 Third Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.24 4th-9th Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018) 48
Diagram 4.25 10th-21st Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.26 22nd Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018)
Diagram 4.27 23rd Floor Plan Active Fire Protection System (Source : Jovin Cheong,2018) 49
5.0 Passive Fire Protection System
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5.1 INTRODUCTION Passive fire protection (PFP) systems are a group of systems that are inert at normal circumstances but plays an important role during fire to ensure the protection of occupants even in the event of the failure of active protection. Passive fire protection begins at the designing and concept stages of any constructions. Purpose of Passive Fire Protection: -
Providing sufficient time and safe evacuation routes for occupant in the case of fire
-
Maintains structural integrity under fire for sufficient time
-
To protect building properties from total damage.
-
Prevent spread of fire to adjacent buildings
The categories of Passive Fire Protection in Menara MIDF are divided into : Passive containment involves isolating fire-affected areas by restricting the spread of fire and smoke which escalates the severity of the blaze. Evacuation are means of providing safe exit for the occupants in the cause of a fire by providing the shortest and safest escape route to a safe point, which includes evacuation routes, horizontal and vertical exits, emergency exit signs and assembly point. Fire fighting access are means which allows the ease of fire appliance access and operations in the case of a fire, it includes fire appliance accesses, external hydrants and fire lobbies, staircase and fire lifts.
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Evacuation
Passive Containment
Fire appliance access
Evacuation Routes
Compartmentation
Fire lobby, fire staircase, fire lifts
Assembly points
Staircase and lobby enclosure
Horizontal and Vertical exits
Structural fire protection
Fire Fighting Access
Emergency exit signs
Diagram 5.1: General overview of passive fire protection system found in Menara MIDF
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5.2 PURPOSE GROUP OF MENARA MIDF Menara MIDF functions mainly as an office premise, with mixed smaller functions such as cafe. The building typology is designed with the focus of of providing administrative and office efficiency to its employees and known personnel and sustain their additional needs when performing tasks.
UBBL 1984 PART VII : Fire Requirements CLAUSE 134 For the purpose of this Part every building or compartment shall be regarded according to its use or intended use as falling within one of the purpose groups set out in the Fifth Schedule to these By-laws and, where a building is divided into compartments, used or intended to be used for different purposes, the purpose group of each compartment shall be determined separately: Provided that where the whole or part of a building or compartment, as the case may be, is used or intended to be used for more than one purpose, only the main purpose of use of that building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining into which purpose group it falls.
ANALYSIS/CONCLUSION: Although there are other purposes in Menara MIDF, such as cafe, majority of the compartments functions are according to the Fifth Schedule, an office premise under Purpose Group IV, wherefor the purposes of administration, clerical work, telephone, handling money and telegraph operating, thus the requirements of the building shall be treated as under Purpose Group IV.
Figure 5.1 Building volume of Menara MIDF with perimeter length and width of street. (Source : Ow, 2018)
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5.3 FIRE FIGHTING ACCESS The purpose of fire fighting access is to enable fire fighters to gain access from external to rescue and put out fire within a given time efficiently. A proper fire fighting access will provide fire fighters with a clear, legible pathway equipped with different fire-fighting equipments to carry out fire-fighting operations on different levels of the building.
5.3.1 FIRE ENGINE ACCESS CLAUSE 140 All buildings in excess of 7000 cubic metres shall abut upon a street or road or open space of not less than 12 metres width and accessible to fire brigade appliances. The proportion of the building abutting the street, road or open space shall be in accordance with the following scale: Volume of building in cubic metre
Minimum proportions of perimeter of building
7000 to 28000
one-sixth
28000 to 56000
one-fourth
56000 to 84000
one-half
84000 to 112000
three-fourths
112000 and above
Island site
ANALYSIS/CONCLUSION: Menara MIDF is a building of 42000m3 volume, according to UBBL, its should have at least one-fourth of its 210m perimeter in contact with the street, of which it complied. The north-south ends of the building are equivalent to Âź of the total building perimeter. The northern street is 10m which would deter fire engine access in the case of fire. However, the southern street has 12m width which complies with the requirements for optimal fire brigade access in the case of a fire
Figure 5.2 Building volume of Menara MIDF with perimeter length and width of street. (Source : Ow, 2018)
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5.3.2 FIRE FIGHTING SHAFTS The fire fighting shaft is formed by fire main, fire fighting stair, fire fighting lobby and fire fighting lift. It provides the fire and rescue service with a safe area from which to undertake fire fighting operations. Fire fighting shaft links all necessary floors of a building, providing at least 2 hours of fire resistance to protect fire crews and occupants to protect are connected to fresh air.
Secondary shaft
Main shaft Fire-fighting lift
Fire-fighting stairs
Fire-fighting lobby Fire mains
Fire-fighting stairs
Diagram 5.2 Standard floor plan of floor 3 indicating the main and secondary fire fighting shaft. Source : Jovin Cheong,2018
ANALYSIS/CONCLUSION: The fire fighting shaft in Menara MIDF is divided to a main shaft and a secondary shaft, The main shaft accommodates the general traffic of the floor and provides adequate equipment and space for fire-fighting operations. The secondary shaft is provided to avoid users travelling over 45.75m to the a safe point,, it provides simple equipment and alternate use for when the main shaft is blockaded or inaccessible during fire. The secondary shaft is also pressurized.
5.3.2.1 FIRE LOBBY The main fire lobby is pressurized and protected with fire doors to prevent ingress of smoke. It provides access from a firefighting stair to the accommodation area equipped with fire mains and to the firefighting lift. Travelling between fire-fighting stair to accommodation area to firefighting lift are within a close linear circulation to enable ease of operation for fire-fighters.
Fire-fighting stairs
Fire-fighting lift
Figure 5.3 Fire lobby with fire stair and lift indication at level 3 Source : Loh, 2018
Figure 5.4 Fire lobby showing fire mains and fire doors at basement level . Source : Loh,2018 54
5.3.2.2 FIRE FIGHTING STAIRS Fire fighting staircases are protected stairways which are protected from the accommodation areas by the fire fighting lobbies. They provide direct access towards fire fighting lobbies in every floor. Complying with Clause 168, there are 2 staircases for egressing which rises throughout the height of the building. The main fire-fighting staircase has deeper landings as consideration for the impact of door swings for its connection with other spaces and its higher occupancy load. The secondary stair accommodates lower occupancy load and is mechanically ventilated in the case of fire.
Secondary fire stairs
Main fire stairs
Compliant with minimum of UBBL, lower occupancy load.
Deeper landings, consideration for door swings and higher occupancy load
Diagram 5.3 Plan indication of fire stairs of Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong
5.3.2.3 FIRE LIFT Fire
fighting
lifts
are
designed
with
additional
fire
protection, and are equipped with controls that enable them to be used under the direct control of the fire and rescue service in an event of fire. The fire fighting lifts operate in two phases. In Phase one, triggered smoke detectors or hallway key switches will direct the elevators to the fire recall floor. Elevators will travel away from the designated landing and proceed without stopping. Upon reaching the fire recall floor, it allows passengers to evacuate safely. The elevators are then removed from
Figure 5.5 Protected fire lift of Menara MIDF Source : Loh,2018
normal service and will no longer accept car or hall calls. During Phase Two, once the elevator has reached its designated
landing
and
all
passengers
are
safely
evacuated, firefighters can take exclusive control of the elevator using a special Firefighter’s Service Key switch. This mode of Fire Service allows firefighters to continue to utilize the elevator to rescue people from other floors.
Diagram 5.4 Plan indication of fire lift of Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong,2018 55
5.3.2.4 REGULATIONS PART VII : Fire Requirements CLAUSE 150 - PROTECTED SHAFTS 1.
No protected shaft shall be constructed for use for any purposes additional to those specified in this Part other than for the accommodation of any duct, or as sanitary accommodation or washrooms, or both.
2.
Subject to the provisions of this Part, any protected shaft shall be completed enclosed.
CLAUSE 197 - PROTECTED LOBBIES 1.
Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircases in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls.
2.
In buildings exceeding 45 metres above ground level, such protected lobbies shall be pressurized to meet the requirements of Section 7 of the Australian Standard 1668, Part I -- 1974 or any other system meeting the functional requirements of the D.G.F.S.
CLAUSE 229 - MEANS OF ACCESS AND FIRE FIGHTING IN BUILDINGS OVER 18.3 METRES HIGH 1.
Protected lobbies shall be provided to serve staircases in buildings exceeding 18 metres above ground level where the staircase enclosures are not ventilated through external walls.
2.
Fire fighting access lobbies shall be provided at every floor level and shall be so located that the level distance from the furthermost point of the floor does not exceed 45.75 metres.
3.
Fire fighting access lobbies may be omitted if the fire fighting staircase is pressurized to meet the requirements of by-law 200 and all fire fighting installations within the pressurized staircase enclosure do not intrude into the clear space required for means of egress.
4.
A fire fighting staircase shall be provided to give direct access to each fire fighting access lobby and shall be directly accessible from outside the building at fire appliance access level. This may be one of the staircase required as a means of egress from the building.
5.
A fire lift shall be provided to give access to each fire fighting access lobby or in the absence of a lobby to the fire fighting staircase at each floor level.
6.
The fire lift shall discharge directly into the fire fighting access lobby fire fighting staircase or shall be connected to it by a protected corridor.
5.3.2.5 CONCLUSION In summary, the fire-fighting shaft designs of Menara MIDF meets the requirements of UBBL under clauses 150, 197 and 229. Where the height of the building is over 18.3m, fire fighting lobbies are provided. And two fire fighting shafts are provided to comply with Clause 229, so at no point does the furthermost point to a lobby exceed 45.75 metres. The primary shaft is well equipped with fire lift, lobby and fire stairs and is pressurized, allowing ease of operation for fire-fighters in the case of a fire.
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5.4 EVACUATION The principle on which means of escape provisions are based is that the time available for escape is greater than the time needed for escape. In order to achieve this, it may be necessary to protect the route which include enclosed corridors, emergency staircases to the final assembly point by providing fire-resisting construction. It might also be necessary to apply positive air pressure to an escape route to discourage smoke from entering in the event of a fire.
5.4.1 EVACUATION ROUTES In Menara MIDF, there are a total of 26 floors, which include 18 office use levels, 3 multipurpose levels, 2 basement floors, B1 and B2, and the lift motor floor at level 23. In the case of an evacuation, occupants will exit vertically to either levels 2 or G, and then exit horizontally from those levels.
Service
Office
Exit via car park to adjacent building
Multipurpose
Exit via main entrance
Parking
Diagram 5.5 Evacuation Source : Jovin Cheong ,2018
route
shown
through
building
section
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Ground Floor Level The evacuation route of ground floor level are in the north-south ends of the building, this is to provide alternate choices of escape as far away from each other in the case of a fire to spread out the rate of discharge of occupants and prevent congestion. This is also in compliance with Clause 188 where the travel distance from any point of the building to an exit is within 60 metres in Menara MIDF, as a sprinkled building. CLAUSE 188 Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the travel distance from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 45 metres for unsprinkled buildings and 60 metres for sprinkled buildings
Exit Diagram 5.6 Evacuation plan of Ground floor level Menara MIDF Source : Menara MIDF safety guide 58
1st Floor Level The evacuation route of 1st floor level provides 2 exits are located as distant from each other as possible as well, to lower travel distance from any point of the level to the exit and prevent congestion. The southern exit leads to occupant directly outdoors, but the northern exit takes the user to the emergency stairs which they would exit from the alternate car park exit at level 2.
CLAUSE 188 Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the travel distance from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 45 metres for unsprinkled buildings and 60 metres for sprinkled buildings
Exit
Diagram 5.7 Evacuation plan of level 1 Menara MIDF Source : Menara MIDF safety guide
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18th Floor Level In 18th Level of Menara MIDF, the layout is a centralized configuration where people evacuating will converge at the central point and exit vertically. There are 2 fire-fighting shafts, hosting 2 flight of emergency stairs for escape to accommodate for users for escaping. The fire-fighting shafts are protected by horizontal barriers.
CLAUSE 188 Exits in any place of assembly shall be arranged that the travel distance from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 45 metres for unsprinkled buildings and 60 metres for sprinkled buildings
Exit Vertical exit
Horizontal exit
Diagram 5.8 Evacuation of Level Source : Menara MIDF safety guide
18
Menara
MIDF
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5.4.2 ASSEMBLY POINT Assembly points are points of gathering for evacuated occupants to be identified and marked safe after exiting from the building after a case of emergency. In our case, the assembly point is at Holiday Inn Level 2 car park, where occupants will exit from Menara MIDF level 2 open car park to Holiday Inn’s level 2 open car park for assembly.
Car park at Holiday Inn
Diagram 5.9 Open car park of MIDF at level 2 Source: Jovin Cheong ,2018
Diagram 5.10 Evacuation route into assembly point at Holiday Inn next door. Source : Jovin Cheong,2018
ANALYSIS / CONCLUSION: The assembly point of MIDF is classified under class B, where it can accommodate an approximate of less than 1000 people with inclusion of office personnel and visitors. As shown in diagram, the assembly point is located away from the building, this provide a buffer which ensures the evacuates are away from danger.
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5.4.3 EMERGENCY EXIT SIGN The emergency exit signage guides and directs the occupants to the nearest fire exit for efficient evacuation. It should be placed on top of each exit to indicate the presence of the fire exits and should be clearly visible from various locations. The emergency exit signs will illuminate at all situations, even if there is a power outage, as it is powered by a battery-backup system.
Unobstructed, legible, and illuminated at all times
Figure 4.44 Emergency exit signage in secondary shaft, Menara MIDF Source :(Tan,2018)
Figure 4.45 Emergency exit signage in main shaft, Menara MIDF Source :(Tan,2018)
Figure4.46 KELUAR sign above emergency exit Source : (Tan,2018)
UBBL 1984 PART VII : Fire Requirements CLAUSE 172 1)
Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipments.
2)
A sign reading ‘’KELUAR’’ with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
3)
Every exit sign shall have the word ‘’KELUAR’’ in plainly legible letters not less than 150mm high with the principal strokes of the letter not less than 18mm wide. The lettering shall be in red against a black background.
4)
All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.
5)
Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen watts each.
ANALYSIS / CONCLUSION: The emergency signage in Menara MIDF complies with UBBL requirements under clause 172. Referring to diagrams 5.4.3.1 to 5.4.3.3, we can see that the signages are unobstructed in any way and are legible through with at least 150mm text height and 18mm wide strokes. The signs are also lighted continually even at the stage of emergency as they are powered by backup power systems. 62
5.4.4 FIRE ESCAPE PLAN The fire escape plans can be found at every fire exits to show the location
of
fire
extinguishing
equipment
and
emergency
staircases of the floor. In addition, they also indicate the present location of the occupants in relation to the plans, thus serving as a tool for occupants to obtain their bearing and successfully navigate to the escape during a fire.
Figure 5.9 Emergency exit plan located at lift lobby Source :(Tan,2018)
5.4.5 HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL EXITS Horizontal Exit Horizontal
exits
in
Menara
MIDF
separates
the
office
compartments from the fire-fighting shafts. They are generally protected by fire-rated doors of solid wood that would withstand smoke and fire spread which provides users safe evacuation to the final exit at the fire fighting stairs. The horizontal exits are pressurized as well to keep out smoke from entering the area.
Horizontal exit
Diagram 5.11 Plan indicating horizontal exit at basement level Source :(Ow,2018)
Figure 5.10 Horizontal exit protected by fire-rated door at basement level Source : (Tan,2018)
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Vertical Exit Menara MIDF consists of 26 levels including basement levels, all of these levels are connected by the same 2 vertical flight of stairs, of which are crucial for evacuation in the case of fire when lifts are disabled. The main stairs are U-shaped with landing of 2100mm depth, stair width 1800mm, riser height of 150mm and thread 290mm, in addition to railing height of 914mm, this is compliant with UBBL standards, the extra landing depth accommodates fire-fighting services. The secondary stairs have same measurements but with less stair width 1500mm and lower landing depth at 1200mm, because it only provides evacuation purposes. Figure 5.11 Enclosed secondary vertical exit with mechanical ventilation at basement level Source : (Tan,2018)
Vertical exit
Diagram 5.12 Plan indicating vertical exit at basement level Source : (Ow, 2018)
ANALYSIS / CONCLUSION: The vertical exits complies with clause 106 and 168 where the measurements are optimal for egressing, with which the primary staircase landing depth is enlarged to accommodate for fire-fighting communication rooms and their door swings which is linked to the main stairs.
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5.5 PASSIVE CONTAINMENT 5.5.1 STAIRCASE OR LOBBY ENCLOSURE Fire-rated doors Fire rated doors are placed at the entrance of the fire exits and mechanical and electrical system rooms to suppress the fire by restricting the oxygen flow, which is an essential element for a fire to burn continuously. Menara MIDF uses double leaf doors with the dimensions of 1600mm x 2100m. The doors are closed by default as an automatic door closer hinge is installed.
Figure 5.12 Fire-rated doors at level 17 compartmentalizing AHU room. Source: (Tan,2018)
Figure 5.13 Fire-rated wall segregating office compartment with evacuation route. Source: (Tan,2018)
Fire-rated walls Fire rated wall are also known as compartment walls are used to separate the office compartments with the fire-fighting shafts and maintains its own stability. It is found enclosing both fire staircases, to resist and prolong the escape duration and prevent fast structure failure due to spreading of fire.
Figure 5.14 Fire-rated walls protecting evacuation route. Source : (Tan,2018) 65
5.5.2 COMPARTMENTATION The blue highlighted area represents the A.H.U room which is at the same location throughout all floors of the buildings. It is protected in its own compartment to avoid by fire barriers to make the building functional as long as possible in the case of emergency. The red highlighted area is specific to 3rd floor, where the mechanical and sprinkler room are compartmentalized to one end of the floor by concrete walls. This is to separate the higher fire risk areas from the office compartment to prevent quick spread of fire and allow more time for evacuation.
Mechanical and sprinkler room AHU Room (Uniform from floor 3-22)
Diagram 5.13 3rd floor plan indicating compartmentation of areas. Source : (Ow,2018)
5.5.3 STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION Structural fire protection provides defense for essential structural components and prevent structural failures at the cause of fire. In Menara MIDF, thick reinforced concrete members are used for construction, where they have excellent fireproofing properties. Successful structural fire protection will protect the structural integrity and ensure safe evacuation in the case of emergency.
Figure 5.15 3rd floor plan indicating compartmentation of areas. Source : (Ow,2018) 66
5.6 CONCLUSION In conclusion, Menara MIDF has adopted successful passive fire protection in its design. Compliant fire-fighting access designs internally and externally will ensure efficient fire-fighting operations in the case of emergency. The fire-fighting shafts are mindfully spaced and designed to accommodate both egression and fire-fighting operations. In the case of evacuation, the routes and pathway and exits are compliant with UBBL requirements, ensuring safe exit for the population of the building towards the assembly area under a standard-required time. For passive containment, it is well compartmentalized, where fire-risk areas are well segregated from other compartments with fire stopping measures, preventing the fast spread of fire, and allowing active protections to act accordingly in the affected areas.
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6.0 Mechanical Ventilation System
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6.1 Introduction Mechanical ventilation is a more efficient ventilation system for commercial building and functions to provide fresh air to a building. It functions by the supply and extract system through enhancing air movement to exhaust latent heat. There are three main functions of mechanical ventilation which is expelling stale air, drawing in fresh outdoor air and and distributing and circulating outdoor air around the office building.The ventilation system is important to preserve the oxygen content level and remove carbon dioxide level and control humidity level for human comfort. To prevent condensation due to high level of moisture in indoor environment, mechanical ventilation also functions tp dispose contaminants and provide freshness in the air circulation in the office building.
Diagram 6.1 Airflow Mechanism of supply and extract system (Source : https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/mechanical-ventilation-in-buildings-what-you-n eed-to-know/)
Elements
of
Mechanical
Ventilation
System
The mechanism works by the process of supplying air from supply points and extracting air using mechanical devices like ducts and fan. The ventilation system contains two main elements which is compulsory in order to achieve optimal mechanical ventilation system. Among the elements are :I.
Make
up
Air
Supply
Exchange mechanism of the system allows fresh outdoor air to undergo transfer of outdoor fresh air and indoor stale air. Negative pressure produced from the suction by the exhaust fan pulls the fresh air from outdoors through the supply point into the indoor environment. II.
Industrial
Ventilation
Fans
Fan is a device which impells air through ducts to allow air movement which transports pressure. The function varies by the typres, blade speed and shape of the fan. is vital for effective ventilation. It can prevent incomplete combustion with constant ventilation and help with dust removal accompanied by invisible bacteria and contaminants. Ventilation fan also lowers the indoor temperature by driving away heat during the exchange mechanism to keep a cool and comfortable indoor environment. The type of the fan is divided to :
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A)
Axial Flow Fan Axial fan is a cylindrical-cased wheel with the impeller fixed to bushing at an angle to the rotation plane.Fan causes gas to flow through it in an axial direction at the entry and exit. Air flow produces pressure difference. The performance is affected by the number and shape of the blades. The motors with axial fans function as pumps to supply the fresh air and extract the exhaust air through the inlet and outlet.
Diagram 6.2 : Components of axial fan (Source : Google, 2018)
B)
Centrifugal Fan Fan causes air to be displaced radially which changes the direction of the airflow by 90°. The volume of airflow is increased by the kinetic energy produced by the impellers
Diagram 6.3 : Airflow mechanism of centrifugal fan (Source : Google, 2018)
C)
Propeller Fan Fan causes transmission of power by generating a pressure difference between the airfoil blades and converting rotational motion into thrust.
Figure 6.1 :Propeller fan (Source : Google, 2018)
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III. Duct System Ductwork is conduit or passages used for ventilation to channeling stale indoor air outwards and fresh outdoor air inwards. The purpose of ductwork is to properly distribute airflow. Rectangular duct has bigger cross sectional area and more duct wall exposed to air. Galvanized steel is the most common material for ducting.
Diagram 6.5 Component of connection of ductwork (Source : Google, 2018)
IV. Air Filter Filter is used to provide protection against impurities and contaminant and to ensure adequate indoor air quality. The process to ensure efficient filtration is influenced by filtration efficiency, air flow resistance, dust absorption, air flow speed, air stream volume and filtration surface area. Filter are used in both air supply and exhaust system. Before releasing air into the indoor environment, the filter functions to sift external air.
Figure 6. 2 : Air Filter (Source : Google, 2018)
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V. Fire Damper Fire dampers are used to prevent the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. Fire dampers are tested and inspected once a year after installation.
Figure 6.3 Component of fire damper (Source : Google, 2018)
VI. Ceiling Diffuser Diffuser is manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes. It functions to improve the circulation.
Figure 6.4 Round DIffuser
(Source : Google, 2018)
Figure 6.5 Directional 4-Way Diffuser (Source : Google, 2018)
Figure 6.6 Linear Slot Diffuser
(Source : Google, 2018)
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6.1.1 Types of Mechanical Ventilation System Ventilation in a office building need to be tight and therefore airflow into the building must be controlled.With a combination of ducting, fans, dampers and controls, mechanical ventilation are restricted to three types which are :I.
Supply Ventilation System
Supply system is the most effective way to introduces fresh air into indoors of the office building. It is most commonly known as CFI which is the central-fan integrated system. Outdoor fresh air is ducted to an HVAC air handler which functions to distribute and draw in air. This system is useful to decrease the amount of contaminants entering the office building enclosure. Air leaked out though through the ducts and vents allows it to maintain positive pressure.
Diagram 6.6 : Air Flow Mechanism of Supply Ventilation System (Source : :https://www.house-energy.com/House/SupplyVsExhau st.html)
II. Exhaust Ventilation System
Exhaust system functions by creation of negative pressure or depressurization by the fan causing the air inside to travel towards the fan and exhaust the indoor air outwards. Although it requires lowest operating and installation cost, the setback of this system is that contaminants may be drawn into the indoor
environment
and
possibly
cause
condensation due to drawing in moist outdoor air.
Diagram 6.7 : Air Flow Mechanism of Exhaust Ventilation System (Source : :https://www.house-energy.com/House/SupplyVsExhaust.html)
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III.
Balanced Ventilation System
This system is a combination of supply and exhaust system which results in equal rate of exchange between indoor and outdoor air flow. It neither pressurize nor depressurize the office building which results in control of flow of air. Balance
ventilation
allows
the
ventilation
and
temperature control to be seperated which maintains proper pressure balance and optimize both ventilation and temperature control. One of the setbacks is allowing cool and heated air to escape at a higher rate.
Comparison Between Mechanical Ventilation Type
Supply Ventilation
Pros
● ●
Exhaust Ventilation
Balanced Ventilation
Diagram 6.8 : Air Flow Mechanism of Balanced Ventilation System (Source : System :https://www.house-energy.com/House/SupplyVsExhau st.html)
●
●
●
●
Cons
Creation of positive pressure Better control of air with filtering of outdoor air
●
Moisture issue if not properly dehumidified
Lower cost option
● ●
Entry of dust and contaminant Not energy efficient
● ●
Highest cost More maintenance
ventilation
Balance rate of exchange between indoor and outdoor air by transferring part of the heat and humidity Combination of two subsystem :an exhaust and supply ventilation system Significant energy saving
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6.2 Case Study of Mechanical Ventilation System of Menara MIDF Menara MIDF is a 23 storey building with a 2 storey below ground basement. Located in the middle of the city centre with the increasing density of Kuala Lumpur city centre, without support of mechanical ventilation, the building is exposed to poor indoor air quality. Due to security, privacy and noise level problem, windows and openings are not optimal solutions to ventilating the indoor space of the building. In response to solve the problem, mechanical ventilation is introduced and plays a vital role in keeping a safe and conducive indoor air environment using mechanical device like fans and ductworks to provide controlled and consistent air flow within the interior space of the building. Menara MIDF features all three types of mechanical ventilation to provide efficient and appropriate ventilation and increase comfort level of the occupant of the office building. Daily maintenance and care is given to ensure the smooth supply and exhaust of the office building at all floor levels.
Among the types of mechanical ventilation used in Menara MIDF are:
I.
Supply Ventilation System
II.
Exhaust Ventilation System
III.
Balanced Ventilation System
6.2.1 Supply Ventilation System in Menara MIDF By pressurizing the building, they use a fan to force outside air into the building while air leaks out of the building through holes in the shell, bath- and range-fan ducts, and intentional vents. This system allow better control of the air that enters the house than do exhaust ventilation systems. By pressurizing the building, these systems discourage the entry of pollutants from outside and prevent backdrafting of combustion gases from fireplaces and appliances. They also allow air introduced into the house to be filtered to remove pollen and dust or to be dehumidified.
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6.2.1.1 Stairwell Pressurization System Stairwells have better fire ratings than other parts of the building and most widely used option due to the high cost of mechanical system. Therefore, pressurization of the stairwells keeps the exit route free of smoke when there is a fire break out helping occupants to evacuate the building safely. Pressurization system is mainly used for fixed smoke management to ensure the effectiveness of fireground operation.
When the door fire exit door opens during fire escape, the higher pressure in the stairwell itself helps push the smoke back into the floor which is keeping the smoke free from the route. A pressure difference between the exit route and the interior space prevents smoke infiltration and protects zone away from the fire source.
Due to the relative cost of the associated mechanical systems, and architectural space issues related to providing exterior balconies and stair vestibules, the stair pressurization system is the most widely selected design option.
Figure 6.14 Mechanism of Stairwell Pressurization System (Source : Google, 2018)
Function of Stairwell pressurization System : 1.
Inhibits migration of smoke to stairwells, area of refuge, elevator shafts
2.
Maintain a tenable environment in spaces with large number of occupants and means of egress during evacuation
3.
Improving the visibility for firefighting members to perform fire rescue operation
Factors Affecting Stairwell pressurization System 1.
Stack Effect
2.
Inadequate Vents
3.
Evacuation Time
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In Menara MIDF, due to its large number of occupants, there are two sets of pressurized stairwell system.
Diagram 6.9 Highlighted section indicating position of pressurized stairwell Figure 6.7 Emergency Staircase with stairwell pressurization system (Source : Jowyn, 2018)
Diagram 6.10 Highlighted ground floor plan indicated the position of the pressurization stairwell at Level 22 floor
UBBL 1984 : Section 202 : Pressurized System For Staircase All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.75 metres in height where there is no adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of pressurization which meets the functional requirements as may be agreed with the D.G.F.S.
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6.2.1.2 Components of Stairwell Pressurization System A.
Supply Air Grille
The centralized supply air fan from the rooftop of the building brings the external air indoors and supply fresh air through the supply duct through supply grilles into the interior space. Suck outside air into the building creating positive pressure causing inside air to leak out through holes, cracks and openings, or through ducts and vents, if any exist, or through open windows and outlets.
Figure 6.8 : Location of supply ventilation grilles in the interior office space (Source : Jovin, 2018)
B. Axial Fan Axial fan is a cylindrical-cased wheel with the impeller fixed to bushing at an angle to the rotation plane. The axial fan located at the level 23 floor connected to the ductwork system.Clean air will be forced into the stairwell system in a case of emergency. Installation of an electrical motor mounted fan in an isolated compartment is needed in which the fresh air is collected through a shutter that has particle filter. Through dampers, the excess air is relieved at suitable locations. In order for effective pressurization to occur, a set of fans is necessary to be installed which acts to suck the air into the airwell to prevent infiltration of smoke during fire. At Menara MIDF, the pressurization fan
is
automatically turned on when smoke is detected by the fire alarm system in events of a fire emergency to ensure the safe evacuation of its occupants.
Figure 6.9 : Axial Pressurization Fan at rooftop floor level 23 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
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C. Ductwork
Rectangular ductwork system is used to channel outside air into the stairwell to channel outside fresh air to pressurized the stairwell.
Figure 6.10 Ductwork connected to the axial fan at floor level 23 of Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.11 Connection of ductwork at floor level 23 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
D. Smoke Protection and FIre Damper An enclosure system connected to a network of ducting which operates to prevent passage of fire and smoke. When over pressurization happens, the damper will open to allow air to be released into the atmosphere.It has an adjustable start open pressure that allows excess air to low the indoor pressure and closes when there is a decrease in differential pressure.
Diagram 6.11 Mechanism of smoke protection damper in an office building (Source : Jovin, 2018)
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Figure 6.12 Fire damper in basement floor level 1 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.13 Pressure relief damper at AHU room (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.14 Pressure relief damper adjacent to the fire rated door (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Fire dampers as seen in Figure 6.23 are installed in basement carpark of Menara MIDF to prevent spread of fire into the duct system. The fire damper will automatically close when a high temperature is detected. Pressure relief damper functions to relieve the pressure generated by the positive stairwell pressurization system.
E. Control Panel
Control panel unit is necessary for activation of the supply ventilation system to activate. It is easy installed to which it consist of start and off button.
Figure 6.15 Control panel of stairwell pressurization fan (Source : Jovin, 2018)
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6.2.1.3 UBBL 1984 Regulations UBBL 1984 Part VII : Fire Requirement Section 202 All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.75 metres in height where there is no adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a basic system of pressurization :(a)
Where the air capacity of the fan shall be sufficient to maintain an air flow of not less than 60 metres per minute through the doors which are deemed to be open
(b)
Where the number of doors which deemed to be opened at the one time shall be 10% of the total number of doors opening into the staircase with a minimum number of two doors open;
(c)
Where with all the doors closed the air pressure differential between the staircases and the areas served by it shall not exceed 5 millimetres water gauge
(d)
Where the mechanical system to prevent smoke from entering the staircase shall be automatically activated by a suitable heat detecting device, manual or automatic wet pipe sprinkler system
(e)
Which meets the functional requirements as may be agreed with D.F.G.S
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6.2.2 Exhaust Ventilation System Exhaust ventilation works by depressurizing the building by using exhaust fan to create negative pressure into the interior office building and bring fresh air from outside into the interior environment through dedicated vent. Building uses centralized exhaust system with exhaust fan or multiport ventilation unit installed in basement or rooftop to pull stale air through ducts from the interior environment to outdoors. Exhaust ventilation system functions to exhaust odor and unwanted moisture and improve indoor air quality. In case of Menara MIDF, exhaust system are found in toilets because it acts to remove odor and stale air and help absorb moisture in the atmosphere which results i problems like mold. It is found in toilets, AHU room and the piping room. 6.2.2.1 Component of Exhaust Ventilation System in Menara MIDF A.
Exhaust Air Grille
Exhaust air grille functions to remove by absorbing heat and humidity into the duct system in order to regulate and maintain comfortable indoor air quality and remove unwanted odor. Air exchange is constantly required as there are no openings or windows for natural ventilation in the toilet of the building.
Figure 6.16 : Exhaust grille located at the ceiling of the toilet (Source : Jowyn, 2018)
Figure 6.17 : Exhaust grille located at the AHU room (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.18 : Exhaust grille located at corridor of office building (Source : Jovin, 2018) 82
B. Ductwork
A network of duct functions to exhaust the contaminated indoor air and to bring in air from the outside of the building. Ducts are used as channels that carry moving air. Within the interior office space of Menara MIDF, the duct network system is hidden above the plastered ceilings so that it will look neater and organized.
Figure 6.19 : Ductwork system disguise under plaster ceiling of office space (Source : Jovin, 2018)
C. Exhaust Fan
Exhaust fan functions to eliminate hot air and humidity and purifying air. One of the main importance is exhausting odour from the room. It also functions to reduce the temperature generated by the machineries in the enclosed rooms.
Figure 6.20 : Exhaust fan installed at lift motor room to circulate and extract hot air in Menara MIDF
Figure 6.21 Exhaust grilles containing fan in control room
(Source : Jovin, 2018)
(Source : Jovin, 2018)
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UBBL 1984 Regulations Third Schedule Clause 10 Water closet and toilets Water closets, toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, latrines, urinals or similar rooms or enclosures used for ablutions which are situated in the internal partitions of the building and in respect of which no such external walls (or those overlooking verandahs, pavements or walkways) are present, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or having air-conditioning having a minimum fresh air change at the rate of 0.61 cm per square metre of the floor area of ten air changes per hour, which is lower.
Conclusion Menara MIDF complies by the UBBL requirements for its ventilation system in aiding and providing regulated air for the occupants health concerns The toilets are mechanically ventilated and complies with UBBL 1984 Third Schedule.Even though the toilet does not have any operable window, there is no foul smell coming from it.
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6.2.3 Balanced Ventilation System Balanced system which have two types of fans which is supply ventilation fan and exhaust ventilation fan. In this mechanism, heat and moisture are exchanged between two airstreams. Air is transferred from the supply point to the designated area using ducts and exhausted from a different designated area using different sets of ducts. Balanced ventilation system removes stale interior air and replace it with the same volume of fresh outdoor air simultaneously by an exhaust fan. For the case of Menara MIDF, balanced ventilation system can be found at the underground which is the basement car park. Effective indoor air quality (IAQ) is a vital element in ensuring occupants health condition.Due to insufficient natural ventilation and the limitation of infiltration and exfiltration process, mechanical ventilation plays an important role in exhausting pollutants and contaminants which are hazardous.Two fresh air supply fans and two exhaust fans can be found on the east and west side of the office building. Air filter mechanism aids to protect the heat exchanger both on the fresh air and exhaust air side to enhanced the indoor air quality. It is important to note that the dilution principle have to be implemented in order to maintain a safe level of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide emitted from vehicles car exhaust.
6.2.3.1 Component of Balanced Ventilation System
A.
Supply and Exhaust Fan
In a space like the underground, the co existence of the supply an exhaust fan and supply fan are the main components that is the most cost effective way to continuously provide fresh clean outside air . To deal with issues of smoke and fire fighting in case of an emergency breakout, replacement of smoke and exhaust gas by fresh air is needed to ensure the safety of the occupants in the carpark basement. 2 pairs of each component of fan exist on both sides of the building to ensure that there are no pocket spaces with stagnant air and prevent build up on the vehicle exhaust fumes or spilled fuel.
Figure 6.22 Exhaust and supply fan located at proximity distance between each other (Source : Jowyn , 2018)
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B. Outlet duct Ductwork are usually tubes or conduits which are used to deliver air pollutants and smoke out of the building. Normally, the ductwork stretched over a network across horizontally below the ceiling of the basement floor level. Duct covering and lining should be non combustible. In Menara MIDF, there is a cylindrical ducting which functions to remove hot air. For the rectangular duct, due to its suitability and ability to withstand high pressure, it channels the air absorbed through the duct to the diffuser for expelling.
Figure 6.23 :Cylindrical ducting across the basement level 1 at Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.24 : Rectangular duct span across the basement level 1 at Menara MIDF (Source : Jovin, 2018)
C. Exhaust and supply diffuser The diffuser functions to release air pollutant and contaminants from the carpark environment through the ducting network out to the exhaust grille to the external environment.
Figure 6.25 : Position of exhaust and supply ventilation ducting and diffuser on basement level 1 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.26 : Front View of both supply and exhaust diffuser not accessible to public (Source : Jovin, 2018) 86
Figure 6.27 : Supply Air Inlet located at basement Level 1 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
Figure 6.28 : Exhaust Air Outlet located at basement Level 1 (Source : Jovin, 2018)
D. Outlet Grille
Non combustible outlet grille can be found on attached across the duct span of the basement level 1 and 2 which functions to exhaust smoke and fumes from the environment. Behind the grille, there is a presence of a layer of grille which functions to trap contaminants and pollutants.
Figure 6.29 : Outlet Grille attached to the duct span which transfers pollutant and stale air to be exhausted outwards to the atmosphere with the presence of a filter to trap contaminants (Source : Jowyn, 2018)
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UBBL 1984 Section 249 Part VIII : Fire Alarms, Fire Detection, Fire Extinguisher and FIre Fighting Access In windowless buildings, underground structures and large area factories, smoke venting facilities shall be provided for the safe use of exit.
UBBL 1984 Third Schedule 7- Mechanical ventilation system in basement areas (1)
Basement and other enclosure below ground level used for working areas or for occupancy of more than two hours duration shall be provided with mechanical ventilation having a minimum of six air changes per hour.
(2)
Basement or underground car parks shall be provided with mechanical ventilation such that the air exhausted to the external atmosphere should not constitute not less than six air changes per hour. Air extract opening shall be arranged such that it is not less than 0.5 metres above the floor level period system. Basement and other enclosures below ground level used for working areas for the occupancy of more than two hours duration shall be provided with a minimum of one fresh air change per hour, or the minimum of 0.28mm per person working in such area.
(3)
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6. Conclusion Based on our observation, the maintenance and conduction of the mechanical ventilation system in Menara MIDF is well maintained and at a satisfactory level. With the use of fan, ductwork, dampers, diffuser and others, a complete and efficient ventilation system is achieved to provide a comfortable and safe indoor environment for the occupants of the office in Menara MIDF. With the supply ventilation system, the building was ensured to be well ventilated all day long with the supply of fresh air from the external source of the building. To remove odour and contaminants, exhaust ventilation also plays a vital role in keeping the indoor air environment safe and satisfactory. Lastly, the balanced ventilation system ensures equal rate of supply and expel of air to provide movement of air in the basement floor levels of Menara MIDF which ensures a proper ventilation of air with regards to UBBL 1984 Clause 7. Conclusively, maintenance of the mechanical ventilation system of the Menara MIDF requires regular inspection in order to maintain effective ventilation system.
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7.0 Air Conditioning System
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7.1 Introduction Air conditioning system, AC in short is the control and altering of temperature, humidity, air purity, air movement and heat radiation through mechanical means .The aim of AC is to distribute the conditioned air to and remove heat and moisture from the interior to achieve human thermal comfort and to improve air quality within a space. Generally, air conditioning systems are employed in buildings to keep the air properties on constant values or to change them by a given program to fit different needs, data room for instance.
7.1.1 Types of cycles in air conditioner system All air conditioning system follow the same principle whereby the heat is removed from one area and replaced with chilled dry air and the hot air is expelled, normally to the outside atmosphere despite the their difference in types with the aid of other building services ,namely electrical and water supply.Two types of cycles which are the refrigerant cycle and air cycle take place during the process.
Cycles in Air-conditioning System
Refrigerant cycle
Air cycle
Refrigerant cycle The vapour compression refrigeration cycle is a process of transferring heat from a low temperature region to a high temperature one.Refrigerant is a medium that absorb heat from low-pressure, low temperature evaporator and condensing at a higher pressure, high temperature condenser. It changes state from vapor (by absorbing heat) to liquid (by condensing heat).The refrigerant is used to move the heat from one area, to cool the area, and to expel this heat in another area.
Principles of Refrigeration Liquids absorb heat when changed from liquid to gas .(latent heat of vaporization) Gases give off heat when changed from gas to liquid.(latent heat of condensation)
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Diagram 7.1 : Refrigerant cycle in air conditioning system Source: Ag_Power, 2018
The refrigerant cycle depends on five components: the compressor, the refrigerant, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator coil.Heat inside a room is transferred through the evaporator and removed to the outside air through a condenser.Refrigerant cycle works as follow:
1.
The refrigerant comes into the compressor as a low-pressure gas, it is then compressed and moves out of the compressor as a high-pressure gas.
2.
The gas then flows to the condenser and condenses to a liquid, and gives off its heat to the outside air.
3.
The liquid then moves to the expansion valve under high pressure. This valve restricts the flow of the fluid thus lowers its pressure.
4.
The low-pressure liquid then moves to the evaporator, where heat from the inside air is absorbed and changes from liquid to gas.
5.
As a hot low-pressure gas, the refrigerant moves to the compressor where the entire cycle is repeated.
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Air cycle
Diagram 7.2 : Shows the operation of air cycle. Source: Mohamed Rizal Mohamed, P.Tech, 2018
The process of distributing treated air into the room that needs air conditioning. It is an integral part of air-conditioning system and interdependent together with refrigerant cycle.Latent heat inside the room is removed when the return air is absorbed by the evaporator. The medium to absorb the heat can be either air or water. Distribution of air can be either through ducts or chilled water pipes. Heat inside the room is removed and slowly the internal air becomes cooler. Below are the components involved in the process of the air cycle and their relative functions::
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7.2 Types of air-conditioning systems Generally, there are four types of common air conditioning system in the market.Different types of air conditioning systems are recommended for different applications.The choice of which air conditioner system to use depends upon a number of factors including how large the area is to be cooled, the total heat generated inside the enclosed area and cost effectivity.However, few types of air-conditioning systems might be used within a single building.
7.2.1 Room air conditioner (Window unit) This is the simplest and cheapest of air-conditioning system out of the four types and suitable only for a small room as this type of unit is specially designed to cool a single room. It is usually installed directly at window openings or wall. The main components, namely the compressor, condenser, expansion valve or coil, evaporator and cooling coil are enclosed in a single box.
Room air conditioner can be divided into 2 compartments: â—?
the room side
â—?
the outdoor side separated by an insulated partition
Diagram 7.3 : Shows the components of a room air conditioner and how it works. Source: brighthubengineering.com, 2018
Figure 7.1 : Outdoor side of a room air conditioner. Source : princetonfuel.com, 2018
Figure 7.2 : Room side of a room air conditioner. Source : bestchoicemechanicals.com, 2018 94
7.2.2 Split unit air conditioner This is the most popular type of air conditioner nowadays and is widely used in buildings especially in tropical residential homes due to its silent operation, elegant looks and do not need to make a hole in the wall like a window unit does.A split air conditioner does not require major installation work because it does not require ductwork and can be installed unobtrusively to buildings.
It consists of two units, an outdoor unit (condenser , compressor and expansion valve) and one or several indoor units (evaporator or air handling unit) connected by copper tubing.
Diagram 7.4 : Connection between indoor and outdoor unit of a split unit air-conditioner Source: missionac.com, 2018
Diagram 7.5 : Components and relation of indoor and outdoor units within split unit air conditioner. Source: brighthubengineering.com, 2018
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Types of indoor unit Ceiling mounted/ cassette type
Figure 7.3 : Ceiling mounted indoor unit Source: .daikin.com.vn, 2018
Wall mounted type
Figure 7.4 : Wall mounted indoor unit Source: coolexhvac.com
Floor mounted type/ stand-alone
Figure 7.5 : Floor mounted indoor unit Source: aussieairconditioning.com.au
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Types of split unit air-conditioning system: Single-Split Connects one indoor unit to an outdoor unit.It installs simply and unobtrusively to buildings with no need for ductwork, delivering a sophisticated air conditioning solution to single zone interior spaces at an affordable price.There are two types of split unit air:
Figure 7.6 : Shows the single split air-conditioner. Source: daikin.com, 208
Diagram 7.6 : Shows the ductless split and ducted split. Souce: blogs.panasonic.com, 2018
i)Split unit without outside air (ductless split)
Recirculate and recycle existing indoor air, no supply of fresh air to renew the existing indoor air Normally used for small room/area
ii) Split unit with outside air (ducted split)
Ducting is utilised to distribute the conditioned air.Part of the existing indoor air is recirculated and mixed with fresh outdoor air.Ducted split unit has a larger capacity compared to the ductless split system
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Multi-split
Figure 7.7 :Shows the multi split air-conditioner. Source: .daikin.com, 2018
Connects up to 8 indoor units to a single outdoor unit.Allow the installation of a complete air conditioning system to multiple zone interior spaces with no need for ductwork and provides individual control of room temperature settings.Enables indoor units of different styles and capacities in one system .
Diagram 7.7 :Shows the VRV system. Source: phoenixaircon.co.uk, 2018
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF)/ variable refrigerant volume (VRV) Particularly popular because they require less outdoor plant space than conventional systems Use refrigerant as the cooling medium rather than chilled water .There are various types of VRV system. Types of VRF/VRV system: Master & slave system Slave unit control only itself while Master unit is able to control the individual unit or all units at the same time.This is suitable for single areas or multiple rooms with very similar heat gains, for example, schools and offices where the central control is required. Zoned control units Each indoor unit has its own individual temperature controller and functions as required to maintain the individual room temperature .It has its limitation, if cooling is required in one area it is not possible to provide heating in a different area served by the same system because the compressors will function in either cooling mode or heating mode . Variable refrigerant volume (VRV) system Able to provide total versatility and each indoor unit may cool or heat independently of each other.
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7.2.3 Packaged Unit Air-Conditioning System
Diagram 7.8 : Shows the functioning of a packaged unit air-conditioning system. Source: centralair.net.au, 2018
Diagram 7.9 :Shows the outdoor unit of a package air conditioner air cooled condenser. Source: brighthubengineering.com, 2018
Packaged unit air-air-conditioning system is similar to room air-conditioner but in a much larger size with fixed rate capacities in tons. This type of unit is perfect for cooling multiple rooms or a medium size building, halls for instance.All of the important components involved in the system (compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator) are enclosed in a single casing which add difficulty in its maintenance.Equipment are usually installed at the rooftop, on the ground, inside a ceiling or crawl space.There are two different types in this system, ducted and ductless
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Methods of removing the indoor heat in the larger packaged unit:
Diagram 7.10 :Shows air-cooled packaged unit. Source:.brighthubengineering.com, 2018
In this packaged air conditioners the condenser of the refrigeration system is cooled by the atmospheric air. Indoor heat is removed by the outdoor air, where the equipment are located outside the building adjacent to the room to be air-conditioned or on the rooftop where the free flow of the atmospheric air is available. The packaged ACs with the air cooled condensers are used more commonly than the ones with water cooled condensers since air is freely available it is difficult maintain continuous flow of the water.
Diagram 7.11 :Shows water-cooled packaged unit. Source: alibaba.com, 2018
In these packaged air conditions the condenser is cooled by the water. Indoor heat is removed by continuous supply of water .The basic refrigeration components are built into a compact indoor unit. In these packaged air conditions the condenser is cooled by the water. The condenser is of shell and tube type, with refrigerant flowing along the tube side and the cooling water flowing along the shell side. For ducted type, the duct comes out from the top of the unit that extends to the various rooms that are to be cooled. This whole packaged air conditioning unit externally looks like a box with the control panel located externally.
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7.2.4 Centralised/Plant air-conditioning system
DIagram 7.12 :Shows the components and how the water-cooled plant system works. Source: researchgate.net, 2018
Diagram 7.13 :Components and refrigerant cycle in a chiller. Source: engfac.cooper.edu, 2018
This category of air conditioning system is widely used in large scale and complex buildings.The central air conditioning system is comprised of a huge compressor that has the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of air conditioning. he implementation of this system should be integrated with the structure and spaces of a building in the early stage of design and it is usually installed during the construction phase of a building.The main components of this system includes the refrigeration plant, AHU and cooling towers.Refrigerant is cooled in the plant room and distributed to the air handling unit (AHU) located in different rooms at different levels.Treated & cooled air is supplied from the AHU to the rooms in the same level/zone via the ducts.A refrigerant plant consists of the chiller, chilled water pump, water pump, control panel, air compressor and automatic temperature controller while the chiller contained an evaporator, an expansion valve, a condenser and a compressor.There are two types of chillers. 101
Type of chiller:
Air-cooled
Air cooled-chillers will blow air across their condenser to disperse the unwanted heat into the atmosphere with no cooling tower needed.
Figure 7.8: Shows a air-cooled chiller. Source: indiamart.com, 2018
Water-cooled
The chiller is connected to a cooling tower and it is usually located inside the plant room.The cooling tower is placed outside the room.This type of chillers are smaller in size as compared to air-cooled chillers and features higher efficiency and last longer than the mentioned alternative.
Figure 7.9: Shows a water-cooled chiller. Source: carrier.com,2018
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7.3 Case Study of Air Conditioning System in Menara MIDF Menara MIDF is an office tower comprising of 23 levels and 2 levels of basement car park. It requires three types of air-conditioning systems in total namely split unit air-conditioning system, centralised air-conditioning system and fan coil unit (FCU) in different area in order to provide sufficient cooling effect within the building envelope due to its complexity.The centralised air-conditioning system is the main system which is used throughout the building, stretching from ground floor to the 23 floor.Split unit air conditioners are only used in 21 and 22 floors which the offices for upper management and data room are located.Fan coil unit (FCU) however only served a portion of the ground floor.
TYPE OF AC SYSTEM
SPLIT UNIT AC SYSTEM
CENTRALIZED UNIT AC SYSTEM
FAN-COIL UNIT(FCU)
Diagram 7.14 :Different types of air-conditioning system shown in Menara MIDF section. Source:Cheong,2018
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7.3.1 SPLIT UNIT AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM Split unit air-conditioning system is an affordable air-conditioning system choice and is suitable for cooling small spaces or a room.A split air-conditioner comprised of an indoor and an outdoor unit.Split unit system is generally only used in the areas which are still in use by the occupants after office hour for example the security room located on the ground floor and the office of the upper management located on the 21st floor(due to restricted premises,we are unable to retrieve a picture of the split unit on the 21 floor).This unit is the only system adopted on the 22 floor where a data room is located.
Figure 7.10 :Outdoor unit of the split unit air-conditioning located on the rooftop(Level 22) (Source:Cheong,2018)
Figure 7.11 :Wall mounted type indoor unit located at the data room (Level 22) (Source:Cheong, 2018)
Figure 7.12 :Wall mounted type indoor unit located at the security room on ground floor. (Source:Cheong,2018)
Diagram 7.15 :Highlight of location of split unit air-conditioning system on the Menara MIDF section. Source:Cheong,2018
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Component of Split Unit Air Conditioning System
Diagram 7.16 :Shows the connection of indoor and outdoor unit if split air-conditioner. (Source: testingwordpress.co,2018)
Copper coil tubing Diagram 7.17 : Coiled copper tubing as connection between indoor and outdoor unit. (Source: copperindia.org, 2018)
Figure 7.13 :Copper coil tubing in Menara MIDF with insulation to prevent it from rusting. (Source:Cheong,2018)
The condenser used in the outdoor unit of split air conditioners is the coiled copper tubing with one or more rows depending on the size of the air conditioning unit and the compressor. Greater the tonnage of the air conditioner and the compressor more are the coil turns and rows. The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant from the compressor comes in the condenser where it has to give up the heat. The tubing is made up of copper since it rate of conduction of heat is high. The condenser is also covered with the aluminum fins so that the heat from the refrigerant can be removed at more faster rate. 105
Air filter
Diagram 7.18 Air filter in an indoor unit (Source:thermospace.com)
The air filter is very important part of the indoor unit as it removes all the dirt particles and contaminants from the room air and helps supplying clean air to the room and thus ensure the indoor air cleanliness and quality.The air filter in the wall mounted type of the indoor unit is placed just before the cooling coil. When the blower sucks the hot room air, it is first passed through the air filter and then though the cooling coil. Thus the clean air at low temperature is supplied into the room by the blower.
Blower
Diagram 7.19 :Shows a blower in an indoor unit. (Source: twentyonecelsius.com, 2018)
Inside the indoor unit there is also a long blower that sucks the atmospheric air. It is an induced type of blower and while is sucks the room air it is passed over the cooling coil and the filter due to which the temperature of the air reduces and all the dirt from it is removed. The blower sucks the hot and unclean air from the room and supplies cool and clean air back. The shaft of the blower rotates inside the bushes and it is connected to a small multiple speed motor, thus the speed of the blower can be changed. When the fan speed is changed with the remote ,the speed of the blower changes.
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Louvre
Figure 7.14 :Shows the close up of the louvre in an indoor unit. (Source: istanbulkombimarket.com, 2018)
The cool air supplied by the blower is passed into the room through louvers. The louvers help changing the angle or direction in which the air needs to be supplied into the room as per the requirements. With louvers one easily change the direction in which the maximum amount of the cooled air has to be passed.
Drain Pipe
Diagram 7.20 :Shows the location pop a drain pipe. (Source: korti.co,2018)
Due to the low temperature refrigerant inside the cooling coil which is usually much below the dew point temperature of the room air, when the room air is passed over the cooling due the suction force of the blower, the temperature of the air becomes very low, causing water vapor present in the air gets condensed on the surface of the cooling coil. These water drops fall off the cooling coil and are collected in a small space inside the indoor unit. To remove the water from this space the drain pipe is connected from this space extending to the some external place outside the room where water can be disposed off. Thus the drain pipe helps removing dew water collected inside the indoor unit.
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7.3.2 Centralised/Plant air-conditioning system Menara MIDF adopted the centralised /plant air-conditioning as its main system to cool the building, stretching from basement to the highest floor. However, based on person in charge of Menara MIDF, there are no chillers within the building itself. After consulting tutor, the operational air-conditioning system of Menara MIDF is possibly a district cooling system.
District Cooling System
Diagram 7.21 : District Cooling System (Source : google.com, 2018)
District cooling means the centralized production and distribution of cooling energy. Chilled water is delivered via an underground insulated pipeline to office, industrial and residential buildings to cool the indoor air of the buildings within a district. Specially designed units in each building then use this water to lower the temperature of air passing through the building's air conditioning system.The water is returned to the central plant when the thermal energy is extracted from the chilled water to re-circulate through the closed-loop piping system.The output of one cooling plant is enough to meet the cooling-energy demand of dozens of buildings. District cooling can be run on electricity or natural gas, and can use either regular water or seawater. A district cooling system consists of three primary components: the central plant, the distribution network and the consumer system. The central plant may include the cooling equipment, power generation and thermal storage .Water is chilled through chillers ranging between 2 to 7 degree celsius. The distribution or piping network is located underground from central plant to the consumer systems.Water is returned to the plant once it has extracted heat from the buildings. The consumer system would usually comprise of air handling units and chilled water piping in the building.
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Diagram 7.22 :Shows the consumer system of a district cooling system. (Source : goodmanmfg.com, 2018)
Gas district cooling (GDC) plant system
Diagram 7.23 :Shows the distance between Menara MIDF and GDC Plant 2. ( Source : googlemap, 2018)
The gas district cooling(GDC) plant system was implemented in Putrajaya in 1999 due to major development in the area.Currently, there are a total of 4 GDC plants in Putrajaya.GDC Plant 2 located only a km away from Menara MIDF supplies chilled water to the building and other buildings around the district.Gas district cooling system comprises of the 3 components as mentioned above which are the central chiller plant, distributed network and the consumer system.
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Cooling Tower A cooling tower is a heat rejection device, which extracts waste heat to the atmosphere though the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature. Heat is removed through evaporation of water and the cooling water is pumped to the refrigeration machine where it cools the condenser coil .The cooling tower is ducted to a water tank to replace the water lost by evaporation .
The building uses closed-circuit cooling tower .It is designed to minimize corrosion and fouling in the cooling water circuit by making this a closed circuit. The cooling water flows through a bare tube coil in the tower, and coolant water in a separate circuit is sprayed over the coil and evaporated. Because of the temperature differential through the tube wall, this system is slightly less efficient than the open circuit, but the lower fouling effect improves the performance of, and decreases maintenance on the condenser.
There are 4 cooling towers located on Level 22 which require 3 40 horsepower to operate and it is located on the rooftop to allow better ventilation for a better heat exchange rate.
Diagram 7.24 : Highlight on the 22nd floor plan of Menara MIDF where the cooling towers are located. (Source:Cheong,2018.)
Figure 7.16 & 7.17 : 4 closed loop cooling towers in Menara MIDF. ( Source: Cheong,2018).
Figure 7.15 :Entrance to rooftop where the cooling towers are located. (Source:Cheong,2018.)
Figure 7.18 :Interior of one of the cooling towers,with built up dirt. ( Source: Cheong,2018) 110
Figure 7.19 :Control panels for the operation of cooling towers. (Source: Cheong,2018.)
Figure 7.20 :Shows cooling tower water pump station. (Source:Cheong, 2018.)
How cooling towers work?
Diagram 7.25: Shows the functioning of a Counter flow cooling tower. (Source: coolingtowerproducts.com, 2018)
Diagram 7.26 :Components shown in the cross section of the closed loop cooling tower. (Source: cnjinling.com, 2018)
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Air Handling Unit (AHU) In Menara MIDF, the air handling units are located within a dedicated and insulated AHU room on every levels to distribute treated air thoroughly within the building. Air handling unit is a device used to regulate and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.It is a factory-made encased assembly consisting of fans and other necessary equipment to perform functions of circulating, cleaning, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying and mixing of air.A control panel is used to regulate the air flow for optimum thermal comfort and to conserve energy by turning it off when it is not in used.It comply to MS1525 ( code 8.4.1.2.1 Control setback and shut off)each system should be equipped with a readily accessible means of shutting off and reducing the energy used during periods of non-use or alternate use of the building spaces or zones served by the system.
Diagram 7.27 :Highlight of location of the AHU room on the Menara MIDF section. (Source:Cheong, 2018)
Diagram 7.28 & 7.29 :Annotation of the location of AHU rooms on Menara MIDF floor plans. Source:Cheong, 2018
Figure 7.21 :Shows the entrance of the AHU room on Level 3. (Source:Cheong, 2018)
Figure 7.22 : Control panels within the AHU room. ( Source:Cheong,2018)
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Diagram 7.30 :Cross section of an AHU and how it functions. (Source:http://www.himachal.co/ahu-unit-diagram.html)
Components of AHU Air filter Air handling units are fitted with filters that perform the function
of
removing
dust
and
other
undesirable
components of air to make it clean and fresh while extending overall life of the AHU unit.Air enters the air grillers and ioniser before entering the air filter to generate charged air which removes impurities and air contaminants.
Figure 7.23 :Shows the air filter of the AHU. Source:Cheong.
Cooling coil
Cooling coil is used to cool and dehumidify the air.These coils are arranged in rows with different fin spacing to increase surface area to maximise heat transfer within the air. Aluminium fins and copper tubes are used due to their corrosion resistance hydrophilic fins ,lower cost and lower resistance to the air velocity. Figure 7.24 :Cooling coil of the AHU. Source:airwashermanufacturer.com,2018
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Blower fan The air collected by the blower is conditioned (heated or cooled) and then released into the building by pushing it through the ductwork. Multiple blowers may be present in large commercial air handling units, typically placed at the end of the AHU and the beginning of the supply ductwork. Menara MIDF uses high efficiency centrifugal fans.The centrifugal return fan pulls air from occupied building space through the return air ducts.
Figure 7.25 :Shows a centrifugal fan. (Source: iklimnet.com, 2018)
Humidifier Humidifiers present in the air handling units perform the function of maintaining the quality of air in cold climate areas. In the absence of these components, the air may become extremely dry due to constant heating. Different types of humidifiers, including vaporizers and ultrasonic humidifiers are present in different units. However,it is unnecessary since the building is located in tropical zone.
Refrigerant Exchange Pipe
The pipes are labelled accordingly with arrows
in
order
to
be
identified
clearly.The pipes are connected to the AHU for heat exchange and the other end to the chilled water supply.Pressure valves are used to read and control the pressurised air contained in the pipes.
Figure 7.26 & 7.27 : Refrigerant exchange pipes connected to the AHU and pressure valves (Source : Cheong, 2018)
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Damper
Dampers are installed inside the mixing chamber to mix air from the outside of the building and exhaust air from the inside of the building in order to condition the air more efficiently by controlling the ratio between the return, outside, and exhaust air.
Figure 7.28 :Shows a damper within an AHU. ( Source: kesklima.com, 2018)
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Air Duct /Ductwork Ducts are conduits or passages used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to supply air, return air, and exhaust air.Ducts commonly also deliver ventilation air as part of the supply air. Cooled air is transfer via well insulated galvanised steel duct from AHU to the spaces to be conditioned in Menara MIDF.However, most of the ductwork are concealed by the ceiling for aesthetic purposes.
Figure 7.29 :Air duct used to distribute air from the AHU to the spaces need to be cooled. (Source:Cheong, 2018 )
Diffuser
Supply air diffuser.
Return air grille.
Figure 7.30 & 7.31: Diffusers on the ceiling in the office area located at level 3 floor (Source: Cheong, 2018)
For an air-air-conditioning system to be effective it is important that the air is distributed evenly within the occupied space.Air diffusers are used to supply air to a space as they provide control of airflow and direction.Most appropriate types are chosen based on the space.
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7.7.3 Fan Coil Unit (FCU) Fan coil unit is a simple terminal device used to recirculate and cool the indoor air.It is typically not connected to a ductwork and is controlled either by manual on/off switch or by thermostat.It is commonly used as it is rather economical and convenient to be installed.Menara MIDF uses a concealed fan coil unit installed within ceiling voids or services zones.The return air grille and supply air diffuser are set flush into the ceiling,ducted to and from the fan coil unit, thus allowing the great flexibility for locating the grilles to suit the ceiling layout within the space on ground floor.According to Puan Ani, the person in charge of building services in Menara MIDF, fan coil unit is only added to this area on the ground floor as there is not enough cooling after the completion of the building.Also, this area on the ground floor has low human traffic flow, adoption of this system instead of the centralised air-conditioning system can prevent energy wastage the air-conditioning can be turned of when it is not in used.
Diagram 7.31 : Highlight of the area on ground floor plan which depends on fan coil unit (FCU) for cooling. (Source : Cheong,2018)
Supply air diffuser
Return air grille
Figure 7.32 :Shows the return air grille and supply air diffuser ( Source: Cheong,2018)
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DIagram 7.32 : the section and components of a horizontal fan coil unit (Source: researchgate.net, 2018)
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7.4 UBBL 1984 Regulations Part III SPACE,LIGHT AND VENTILATION
41. Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning.
(1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is intended, the relevant building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and heights of rooms may be waived at the discretion of the local authority.
(2) Any application for the waiver of the relevant bylaws shall only be considered if in addition to the permanent air-conditioning system there is provided alternative approved means of ventilating the air-conditioned enclosure, such that within half an hour of the air-conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated volume of fresh air specified hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure during the period when the air-conditioning system is not functioning.
(3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned.
(4) Where permanent mechanical ventilation is respect of lavatories, water-closets, bathrooms or corridors is provided for and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Third Schedule to these By-laws, the provisions of these By-laws relating to natural ventilation and natural lighting shall not apply to such lavatories, water-closets, bathrooms or corridors.
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7.5 Conclusion To conclude, Menara MIDF adopted split unit air-conditioning system, centralised air-conditioning system and fan-coil unit as the main systems to cool the building for optimum thermal comfort for the occupants and to guarantee the indoor air quality while complying to the requirements of UBBL 1984.
Based on the observation made during my visit, the overall indoor air quality and cooling effect within the building is still well maintained and above satisfaction especially in the area which need extra cooling where the lift motors are located due to excess heat generated.However, some parts of the system needs to be improved, where the person in charge stated that a split unit indoor unit is simply added to the small security room as the cassette indoor unit is broken and the interior of the coolings towers contains dirt built up over the years and need to be cleaned.
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8.0 Mechanical Transportation System
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8.0 Mechanical Transportation 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Types of Elevator 8.3 Case Study 8.3.1 Mechanical Transportation in Menara MIDF 8.4 Elevator Component 8.4.1 Gearless Traction Elevator 8.4.2 Machine Room 8.4.3 Elevator Shaft 8.4.4 Elevator Car (Exterior) 8.4.5 Elevator Cabin (Interior) 8.4.6 Arrangement of Elevator Machines, Sheaves and Ropes 8.5 Safety Requirements 8.6 Location Consideration of Elevator 8.7 Conclusion
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8.1 Introduction Mechanical transportation system is an integral part of modern buildings which used to move goods or people vertically or horizontally travelling between floors in a building. It usually consists of elevators, escalators and travelators to aid in the transportation of people or objects efficiently. (Location)
Figure 8.1 : Elevator type transportation system Source : Pinterest
Figure 8.2 : Escalator type transportation system Source : www.alibaba.com
Figure 8.3 : Travelator type transportation system Source : otisworldwide
Elevator An elevator is a type of mechanical vertical transportation for raising and lowering people or things between levels of a building. It can also be defined as a machine which is capable of moving vertically up and down to carry people and goods from one floor to the other with the help of a rotating motor and a shaft or with the help of a high magnetic force. It is generally powered by the electric motors that are driven by traction motors and counterweight systems such as the hoist or hydraulic pump. According to the UBBL clause 124, a lift shall be provided to non-residential building which exceeds 4 storey above or below main entrance. Elevators also essential in building less than 4 storeys if access for elderly or disabled is required. There are various types of elevators to cater different building typologies where it can be rope dependent or rope-free. The 4 main types of elevators: 1.
Traction Elevator
2.
Hydraulic Elevator
3.
Climbing Elevator
4.
Pneumatic Elevator
Regenerative drive system in elevator is a remarkable advancement in these energy efficient elevators. For mid and high-rise buildings, traction or cable-driven type of elevators are perfectly suitable compared with the electromechanical relays-based elevators and hydraulic elevators.
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8.2 Types of Elevator 8.2.1 Electric Elevator Traction Elevator Traction elevators are the most common type of elevators and can be geared or gearless. Both geared and gearless traction elevators are driven by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electrical motors. Elevator cars are pulled up by means of rolling steel ropes over a deeply grooved pulley, commonly called a sheave in the industry. Elevators are driven by an electric motor above the elevator shaft. It is used for mid and high-rise applications and have much higher travel speeds than hydraulic elevators. A counter weight makes the elevators more efficient by offsetting the weight of the car and occupants so that the motor doesn't have to move as much weight.
Diagram 8.1 : Section of elevator transportation system Source : Pinterest
Diagram 8.2 : Section of Gearless Elevator Source : Visatech.org
Diagram 8.3 : Section of Geared Elevator Source : Visatech.org
Geared Traction Elevator Geared traction machines are driven by AC or DC electric motors. As the name implies, the electric motor in this design drives a worm-and-gear-type reduction unit, which turns the hoisting sheave. Machines have a gearbox that is attached to the motor, which drives the wheel that moves the ropes. Capable of travel speeds up to 152 m per minute. The maximum travel distance for a geared traction elevator is around 76m. An electrically controlled brake between the motor and the reduction unit stops the elevator, holding the car at the desired floor level.
Diagram 8.4 : Cross section of Geared traction Elevator Source : kimskloset.com
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8.2 Types of Elevator Gearless Traction Elevator Gearless traction machines have the wheel attached directly onto the motor. Capable of speeds up to 610m per minute and they have a maximum travel distance of around 610m which makes them the perfect choice for high rising buildings. With a high initial cost, gearless traction elevators operate much more efficiently than other designs which make them a brilliant investment.
Diagram 8.5 : Details of Gearless traction elevator Source : elevatorsltd.co.uk
Machine Room-less (MRL) Lift Traction elevators that do not have a dedicated machine room above the elevator shaft. Most elevators have their controller installed on the top floor but fewer elevators have their controller installed on the bottom-most gloor. Like normal traction elevators, machine room less elevators uses the conventional steel cord ropes used as the hoisting cables. Maximum travel distance of up to 76 m and can travel at speeds up to 152 m per minute. Most MRL elevators are used for low to mid rise buildings. MRL elevators are comparable to geared traction elevators in terms of initial and maintenance costs, but they have relatively low energy consumption compared to geared elevators.
Diagram 8.6 : Climbing machine room-less lift details Source : Pinterest
Advantages of MRL Lift ●
Improves aesthetic view of the building
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Additional saleable space for builder
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Construction cost-saving (Civil & Electrical)
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Greater design flexibility for Architects (modify)
Diagram 8.7 : Climbing machine room-less lift details Source : Pinterest
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8.2 Types of Elevator 8.2.2 Hydraulic Elevator Hydraulic elevators which are powered by a piston at the bottom of the elevator that pushes the elevator up as an electric motor forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into the piston. Electrical valves control the release of the oil for a gentle descent. The low mechanical complexity of hydraulic elevators in comparison to traction elevators makes them ideal for low rise, low traffic installations. They are used for low-rise applications of 2-8 stories and travel at a maximum speed of 61m per minute. They are less energy efficient as the pump works against gravity to push the car and its passengers upwards. The machine room is located at the lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft. Suitable for goods lifting, lifts for hospital and old folk’s home.
Diagram 8.8 : Types of Hydraulic Elevator Source : http://drkatherine.info
There are three types of hydraulic elevators: 1.
Conventional hydraulic elevators. They use an underground hydraulic cylinder, are quite common for low level buildings with two to five floors (sometimes but seldom up to six to eight floors), and have speeds of up to 1 m/s. For higher rise applications, a telescopic hydraulic cylinder can be used.
2.
Holeless hydraulic elevators. Were developed in the 1970s, and use a pair of above ground cylinders, which makes it practical for environmentally or cost sensitive buildings with two, three, or four floors.
3.
Roped hydraulic elevators. This type of elevator use both above ground cylinders and a rope system, allowing the 126 elevator to travel further than the piston has to move.
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8.2 Types of Elevator Advantages of Hydraulic Lifts ●
Operation is simple – lower maintenance cost
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The load imposed is lower compared to electric traction lift – reduce structural cost
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Brake, ropes, pulleys, driving sheaves or winding gear are not necessary
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No counter weight – largerlift
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Extremely accurate floor levelling can be achieved
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Acceleration and travel is very smooth
Diagram 8.9 : Section of Hydraulic lift Source : Pinterest
8.2.3 Climbing Elevator A climbing elevator is a self-ascending elevator with its own propulsion. The propulsion can be done by an electric or a combustion engine. Climbing elevators are used in guyed masts or towers, in order to make easy access to parts of these constructions, such as flight safety lamps for maintenance.
Figure 8.10 : Photo of Climbing Elevator Source : Pinterest
8.2.4 Pneumatic Elevator
A pneumatic elevator is the kind uses a vacuum on top of the cab and a valve on the top of the "shaft" to move the cab upwards and closes the valve in order to keep the cab at the same level. A diaphragm or a piston is used as a "brake" if there's a sudden increase in pressure above the cab. However, to go down, it opens the valve so that the air can pressurize the top of the "shaft", allowing the cab to go down by its own weight. The "shaft" is made of arcylic, is always round, due to the shape of the vacuum pump turbine. In order to keep the air inside of the cab, rubber seals are used. Due to technical limitations, these elevators have a low capacity. They usually allow 1-3 passengers and up to 525 lbs.
Figure 8.10 : Photo of pneumatic elevator Source : Pinterest
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8.3 CASE STUDY 8.3.1 Mechanical Transportation in Menara MIDF In Menara MIDF, the main mechanical transportation system, elevators, span the height of the building throughout; reaching every level of the building. The office building of 27 levels, including the two level of basement car park, are studied on for its mechanical transportation of elevators usage. Gearless Traction Elevators are used in Menara MIDF. There are 5 elevators, one of the elevators serves as the fire lift in case of emergency.
Passengers lift Fire lift
Diagram 8.11 : Location of Lift in Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong,2018
UBBL clause 124 Part VI Constructional Requirements Lift. For all non-residential buildings exceeding 4 storeys above or below the main access level at least one lift shall be installed.
Conclusion Menara MIDF has met the UBBL requirements as it has 5 elevators in total with a building height of 27 storeys.
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8.4 Elevator Components 8.4.1 Gearless Traction Elevator The elevators adopted in MIDF are gearless traction machines.
Diagram 8.11 : Components of Gearless Traction Machine Source : Visatech.org
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.2 Machine Room The elevator machine room that houses the machinery and electrical controls needed for the operation of lifts in MIDF is located at 24th floor level in which it houses the machinery and electrical for the high zone elevator (connects throughout the whole office levels and ground floor lobby.) The location of machine room at the top of the hoistway which minimises the length of the rope and optimizes the efficiency. An elevator motor room in MIDF contains the elevator machine, hoisting motor, control panel, inspection board and the overspeed governor.
Figure 8.3 : Elevator Machine Room of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 20181
Figure 8.4 : Location of Elevator Machine Room Source : Jovin Cheong, 2018
For every machineries, it is imperative to let allow the cooling of their components to prevent them from combusting and damage of the machines which could endanger the lives of occupants in the building. Exhaust fans of the machine room of MIDF seen in Figure 8.5 and Figure 8.6 prevents the overheating of the machines and damages to the lift components.
Figure 8.5 : Exhaust ventilation in the machine room of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.6 : Exhaust ventilation in the machine room of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.2 Machine Room Control Panel There are 5 controllers in the machine room, where every elevator has its own controller. The elevators in MIDF are automatic-controlled where controllers are relay based. Rely-controllers have the advantage over newer microprocessor error or hardware crashes. They are extremely robust too. The key disadvantages are sized and power consumption- the number of relays required increases almost exponentially with the number of floors and the number of elevators being controlled. Relay controlled systems have many moving parts and require more maintenance.
Figure 8.7 : Control panel of Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong, 2018
Overspeed Governor
Figure 8.8 : Components within the control panel of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Overspeed governor is important for elevator safety. It is located next to the gearless machine encased within a metal frame, which are mounted on the floor. When the car exceeds the designated speed, the governor will detect and activate the brake. This type of system is constructed around a governor sheave with a weighted one at the shaft’s bottom. The rope connects to the car, which moves up or down. When the car gains speed, the governor does too.
FIgure 8.9 : Overspeed governor of the elevators in Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong,2018
Figure 8.10 : Overall look of the overspeed governor Source : newsofenergy.com
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.2 Machine Room Gearless Machine A gearless traction machine consists of a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electric motor, the shaft of which is directly connected to a brake wheel and driving sheave. For safety purposes, the sheave is enclosed in a metal frame. The elevator hoist ropes are placed around this sheave. The sheave grips the hoist ropes. The motor rotates the sheave causing the ropes to move too. As the ropes move, the car is lifted.
The absence of gears means that the motor must run at the same relatively low speed as the driving sheave. As it is not economically practical to build motors for operation at very low speeds, a gearless machine is utilized for elevators with speed 2.5m/s and above. The motors range from 15 to 300 kW.
Gearless machine is considered superior to a geared machine as it is more efficient and quieter in operation , requires less maintenance and has longer life.
Figure 8.11 : Gearless Machine component of Menara MIDF Source :
Diagram 8.12 : Detail image of Gearless Machine Source :
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.3 Elevator Shaft Elevator shaft or hoistway is a vertical shaft in a building to permit the passing floor.
Hoisting ropes Roped elevators are used in MIDF where the car is raised and lowered by steel ropes instead of being pushed from below. The ropes are made of strong galvanised steel cables. Essentially, the ropes are attached to an elevator car, looping around a sheave, which is essentially a grooved pulley. The sheave then grips the hoist ropes so that they move when the sheave is rotated.
Figure 8.12 : Stainless steel Hoisting rope Source : alibaba.com
Figure 8.13 : Elevator Shaft Source : Euro-lift.co.uk
Elevator Rail Elevator Rails are part of the inner workings of most elevator shafts, functioning as the vertical, internal track. The rails are fixed to two sides of the shaft, one guides the elevator car and the other for the counterweight. These rails operate both as stabilization within the shaft during routine use and as a safety system in case of emergency stop.
Figure 8.14 : Elevator rail component of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.15 : Elevator rail component of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.3 Elevator Shaft Counterweight In traction elevators, a heavy counterweight counterbalances the load of the elevator car, so the motor lifts much less of the car’s weight. Composed of a steel frame that can be filled with cast irons fillers above one another. The counterweight weighs about the same as the car filled to 40-percent capacity. In other words, when the car is 40% full (an average amount), the counterweight and the car are perfectly balanced.
Diagram 8.13 : Location of counterweight in plan view Source : Pinterest
Diagram 8.14 : Detail image of arrangement of counterweight and elevator Source : Pinterest
Diagram 8.15 : Perspective view of elevator and counterweight Source : Pinterest
The counterweight also increases the ascending acceleration force and decreases the descending acceleration force to reduce the amount of power needed by the motor. The system is just like a see-saw that has an equally heavy kid on each end. The elevator car and the counterweights both have wheel roller guides attached to them to prevent irregular movement and provide a smoother ride for the passengers. Rope attachment Rope attachment
Vertical profile Locking angle
Filler weights Buffer plate Sliding guide
Figure 8.16 : Photo of counterweight Source : Pinterest
Diagram 8.16 : Components of Counterweight Source : Pinterest
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.3 Elevator Shaft Compensation Rope As the speed of elevator in Menara MIDF is 2.5m/s, compensation ropes are required to be installed. When the hoist ropes reach a certain length, their weight can affect the balance of the car. A compensating rope is used to counter-balance the weight of the hoist ropes. This creates an equal distribution of the load on the drive sheave and motor, regardless of the car's position in the hoistway. One end of the compensating rope is fastened to the bottom of the sling and the other end is attached to the bottom of the counterweight frame. Compensating ropes are generally used when the travel is 100 Feet or greater.
Diagram 8.17 : Arrangement of Compensation Rope Source : Pinterest
Figure 8.17 : Compensation Rope Source : Pinterest
Traveling Cable Traveling cable is a cable used for power transmission to the elevator car, and communication between the controller and the elevator car. The cable is usually black, and hangs from the elevator car. Figure 8.18 : Travelling cable Source : telechargervlc.cc
Car Buffer Car buffer is a shock absorber system located at the bottom of the lift shaft. When the elevator car cannot be stopped and hits the bottom of the pit, the bottom car is the last line of defence, prolonging the impact time, reducing the force, and reducing the damage to the car and passengers. Figure 8.19 : Car Buffer component Source : Pinterest
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.4 Elevator Shaft Landing Door Landing doors are set of doors that prevent passenger from falling down an open shaft. The elevators in MIDF have landing doors at every landing the elevator car stops at. The doors are automatic centre opening doors, they have two panels that meet in the middle and slide open to the side. The doors are powered by a door operator in the cabin. The elevators have motion sensor system that prevents the doors from closing if a person is between them. The doors have a clutch mechanism that unlocks the outer doors at each floor and pulls them open. The landing doors will only open if there is a car at that floor. This keeps the landing doors from opening up into an empty elevator shaft.
Figure 8.20 : Landing Door of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Diagram 8.18 : Sectional details of landing door Source : Wittur.com
Elevator Pit A lift pit is the area that is at the bottom of the hoist way underneath the car. Some of the item that must be included are the buffer springs to catch the car if it falls or over travels. Traction elevator will have a set of springs under the counterweight as well. For the case of Menara MIDF, an elevator oil buffer sits at the middle of the elevator pit.
Figure 8.21 : Elevator Pit of an elevator Source : Pinterest
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8.4 Lift Components Part VII Fire Requirements Clause 151 Ventilation to lift shafts. Where openings to lift shafts are not connected to protected lobbies, such lift shafts shall be provided with vents of not less than 0.09 square metre per lift located at the top of the shaft. Where the vent does not discharge directly to the open air the lift shafts shall be vented to the exterior through a duct of the required FRP as for the lift shafts.
Clause 152 Openings in lift shafts. (1)
Every openings in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open into a protected lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other special buildings as may be approved by the D.G.F.S.
(2)
Landing doors shall have a FRP of not less than half the FRP of the hoistway structure with a minimum FRP of half hour.
(3)
No glass shall be used for in landing doors except for vision in which case any vision panel shall or be glazed with wired safety glass, and shall not be more than 0.0161 square metre and the total area of one of more vision panels in any landing door shall be not more than 0.0156 square metre.
(4)
Each clear panel opening shall reject a sphere 150 millimetres in diameter.
(5)
Provision shall be made for the opening of all landings doors by means of an emergency key irrespective of the position of the lift car.
Conclusion To conclude, the elevators of Menara MIDF complies with the requirement of UBBL 1984 in whereby the landing doors are installed on every floor levels of the office building. These steel doors implementation caters the requirement where no glass shall be used for landing doors as elevator car doors.
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.5 Elevator Car (Exterior) Elevator car is essentially a platform that is either pulled or pushed up by a mechanical means. A modern-day elevator consists of a cab mounted on a platform within an enclosed space called a shaft or sometimes a “hoistway”.
Diagram 8.19 : Elevator car components Source : Pinterest
Car Frame Car frame is used to support the elevator cabin on a car platform. It is located at 3 different positions – upper sides and the bottom. The frame is made of steel; it has sufficient strength to withstand the operation of safety gear when fully loaded without permanent deformation.
Figure 8.22 : Car Frame of an elevator Source : Jadeec.com
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.5 Elevator Car (Exterior) Main Balustrade To ensure the safety of service personnel on the elevator cabin during the maintenance, a balustrade is installed on the roof of the car in Menara MIDF. The balustrade has a height of 700mm
Diagram 8.20 : Section of an elevator showing the main balustrade Source : Pinterest
8.4.5 Elevator Cabin The elevator cabin is where the passengers get into. It is enclosed by walls, ceiling and floor, the only openings are the car door and the ventilation.
Car Wall The car walls of MIDF are made of stainless steel covered with white wall panels. All three sides of the walls have tempered glass panels supported by stainless steel bars attached to it for decorative purposes. Every car has an air freshener mounted on the wall to help keep the air fresh, inviting and neutralize odors. Some informative posters such as emergency procedures, are pasted on the walls too. However, it is not disabled friendly, as there is no handrails installed on the walls.
Figure 8.23 : Car wall of an elevator in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Figure 8.24 : Car wall of a fire lift in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.5 Elevator Cabin (Interior) Car Ceiling The ceiling of the elevator cars in Menara MIDF is steel. It is made of the same materials with wall panels; tempered glass supported by stainless steel frames. It gives a sense of unity to the elevator. The ventilation fan and escape hatch are hidden from sight above the panel. The car is well ventilated. This increases passenger comfort even in warm temperatures. The interior of the elevator is brightly lighted because there are several light in middle.
Figure 8.25 : Car ceiling of elevator in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Figure 8.26 : Car ceiling of elevator in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Car Floor The car floor acts as a platform to sustain the live load capacity of the elevator. The car floor of Menara MIDF is covered with marble tiles. It is aesthetically pleasing, but easy to maintain too. The car sill of the door of the elevator car is located on the top surface of the car floor next to the tiles.
Figure 8.27 : Car flooring of an elevator in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.5 Elevator Cabin (Interior) Car Control The car controls are located at the right side for the elevator located on the left. Not disabled friendly as there is no braille description on it. The button that emits red light indicates the selected button by the user.\
Intercom Emergency alarm Overload Indicator
Floor selection button
Close doors Open doors
Figure 8.29 : Floor indicator Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Figure 8.28 : Elevator car controls Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Figure 8.30 : Key switch controls Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
Floor selection buttons Each button is labelled with the existing floor levels. Used to select the floors that the elevator will stop at. Red light signal is shown to indicated the pressed button. Open and close door buttons The open/close-door buttons are separated from the floor selection buttons to make them easy to find. The passengers can only press these buttons when the elevator car is stopped at a floor. The controller interacts with the buttons by receiving a signal when they are pressed and released. Operation and emergency buttons These buttons are located above the floor selection buttons. In case of emergency, the passengers trapped in the elevator can press the emergency alarm button to inform the people outside. There’s an intercom system next to the alarm, in the elevator car, communication with outside can be made. Overload indicator It restricts the elevator from transporting a number of people above the maximum prescribed limit. Key switch controls The controls are for maintenance purpose Floor indicator The indicator displays the floor destination. It acts as a notification to let passengers know the location the elevator car. The floor indicator in MIDF uses red dotted matrix LED display.
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.5 Elevator Cabin (Interior) Car Door Car door is the built in door of the elevator. The elevator car door of MIDF is made of stainless steel. The centre opening door opens automatically and operates at the same time as the landing door at every floor. Self-closing within a time frame.
Figure 8.31 : Stainless steel car door Source : Loh Shu Wei,2018
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8.4 Lift Components 8.4.6 Arrangement of Elevator Machines, Sheaves and Ropes The easiest method of arranging vertical travel of a car is to pass a rope over a sheave and counterbalance the weight of the car by a counterweight. Then rotating the sheave marks the car move up or down and requires very little energy to do so.
The gearless traction elevator machines are located in a machine room at the top of a hoistway in Menara MIDF. Therefore, diagram xxx shows the arrangement of elevator machines, sheaves and ropes.
Diagram 8.21 : Arrangement of elevator machineries Source : Pinterest
A hoist cable runs down from a drive drum attached to the hoist motor, around a large pulley on the top of the elevator, up to a second pulley hanging from the roof of the elevator, and down again to the counterweight.
It has a mechanical advantage of 2, which permits use of a high speed, low-power, therefore lower-cost traction machine. This arrangement is used for a wide variety of installations varying from medium speed (2.5-3.6m/s) gearless traction elevators.
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8.5 Safety Requirements Safety is an essential motivated to consider in every design; the lift incorporates several components as stated and elaborated earlier in the report: such as the overspeed governor figure 6.9 and the safety door edge of elevator car doors in diagram. Other safety precautions and features includes the elevator car apron, and the smoke detector by the lift lobbies.
Apron Apron sometimes called platform guard, is a safety device made of metal not less than 1.5mm thick, or made of material of equivalent strength and stiffness, reinforced and braced to the car platform. It has a straight vertical face, extending below the floor surface of the platform. This safety order is being issued to address the exposure to a fall hazard as well as prevent the possibility of self rescue by restricting egress from a car not at or near the floor for the building occupancies described.
Diagram 8.22 : Section showing components of a elevator Source : Pinterest
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8.5 Safety Requirements Safety door edge Sensitive door edges detect passengers or objects during door closing.
Diagram 8.23 :Safety door edge plan and front view Source : Pinterest
Smoke Detector Smoke detectors are installed on the ceiling of the lift lobby. As mentioned in active fire protection, smoke detector is a device that senses smoke within the vicinity and will later send a signal to the fire alarm control panel.
Figure 8.33 : Smoke detector in Menara MIDF location Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.34 : Smoke detector in Menara MIDF location Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
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UBBL 1984 Regulations Clause 153 Smoke detectors for lift lobbies. (1)
All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors.
(2)
Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled by light beam or photo-detectors unless incorporated with a force close feature which after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a preset time.
Clause 154 Emergency mode of operation in the event of mains power failure. (1)
On failure of mains power of lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor, commencing with the fire lifts, without answering any car or landing calls and park with doors open.
(2)
After all lifts are parked the lifts on emergency power shall resume normal operation: Provided that where sufficient emergency power is available for operation of all lifts, this mode of operation need not apply.
Clause 155 Fire mode of operation. (1)
The fire mode of operation shall be initiated by a signal from the fire alarm panel which may be activated automatically by one of the alarm devices in the building or manually.
(2)
If mains power is available all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor, commencing with the fire lifts, without answering any car or landing calls, overriding the emergency stop button inside the car, but not any other emergency or safety devices, and park with doors open.
(3)
The fire lifts shall then be available for use by the fire brigade on operation of the fireman’s switch.
(4)
Under this mode of operation, the fire lifts shall only operate in response to car calls but not to landing calls in a mode of operation in accordance with by-law 154.
(5)
In the event of mains power failure, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor and operate under emergency power as described under paragraphs (2) to (4).
Conclusion Menara PMI abides the requirement of UBBL 1984 in providing smoke detectors by installing on the ceiling of the lift lobbies on every floors of Menara MIDF. The operating system is designed accordingly where all elevators at designated floor if power failure occurs. Furthermore, all lifts abide the law stating under clause 154 indicating prohibit further utilization of the lift during an event of an emergency and the clause of 155 stating whereby the lifts are to be given access to fire brigades during an event of an emergency breakout in Menara MIDF.
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8.6 Location Consideration of Elevator The configuration of elevators in Menara MIDF consist of 5 elevator cars, 2 and 3 on each side in one lift lobby. Menara MIDF has a rather centralised arrangement for their mechanical transport system in elevators. This reduces the waiting time and cost of installation.
Diagram 8.24 : Location of Control room in Menara MIDF Source : Jovin Cheong, 2018
The elevators in Menara MIDF are located at behind of the main lobby where passengers easy to access. A control room is located at ground floor (Diagram 8.24). There is a system constantly monitoring the condition of elevator system (Fig 8.35 & Fig 8.36 ). Any faults or accidents can be easily observed.
Figure 8.35 : Monitoring system for elevators in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.36 : Lift Supervisory panel of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
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8.6 Location Consideration of Elevator
Figure 8.37 : Location of Lift in lobby area of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
The lift lobby (Fig) on each floor being the focal point from which the corridors open out access to all rooms, stairways, service rooms, etc. Lobbies in Menara MIDF provide adequate area for the peak-load gathering of passengers to ensure rapid and comfortable service to all.
Elevator access control is strict in Menara MIDF. Station security officers are installed at the lift lobby to sign visitors in and out. The elevators can only be accessed with staff id.
Diagram 8.25 : Location of Lift in Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
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8.6 Location Consideration of Elevator Elevator 1 functions as the fire lift in case of emergency. When a fire occurs and the alarm is triggered, the normal lifts will automatically head to the ground floor. However, the fire lift can still be used to get dire fighters to their desired floor faster, depending on the seriousness of the fire.
Figure 8.38 : Fire lift of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.39 : Fire lift of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
The hall lanterns (Fig 8.42), floor signage(Fig 8.41) and call buttons (Fig 8.40) are equipped on the wall in the lift lobby too.
Hall lantern gives out a red illumination showing the lift location at a particular floor. The passengers waiting for the elevator get to know where a certain car arrives to serve that particular floor.
Floor signage indicates the number of level in Menara MIDF
Call buttons are used to request an elevator. They are mounted at middle of the lifts and consist of an up button and a down button.
Figure 8.40 : Call Button of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.41 : Floor Signage of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018
Figure 8.42 : Hall Lanterns of Menara MIDF Source : Loh Shu Wei, 2018 149
8.7 Conclusion In conclusion, there are 5 gearless traction elevator, 4 passenger elevator and 1 fire elevator in Menara MIDF. The elevator arrangements and quality in function in Menara MIDF meets a standard of criteria in entrusting the occupants to access the elevators. Moreover, it also fulfil certain requirements into ensuring the usability and safety of the elevators for the occupants in office tower. Complying with the UBBL, each components of the mechanical transportation system are placed and set accordingly based on the requirements. The aspects into maintaining the details of component of the elevator for the functional, aesthetics and comfort standard in transporting occupants effectively.
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References 4.0 Active Fire Protection ●
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Active fire Protection https://news.lifesafetyservices.com/blog/difference-between-passive-and-active-fire-protectio n (Accessed at October 2018) Active Fire Protection systems and features https://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/volume-171/issue-5/features/what-firefightersmust-know-about-fire-protection-systems-part-2.html (Accessed at October 2018) Argonite Supression system https://www.firesuppression.co.uk/argonite-argon.aspx (Accessed at October 2018) Smoke and heat detector System https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/smoke1.html (Accessed at October 2018) Smoke alarm detection https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Smoke-alarms/Ionization-vs-photoelectric (Accessed at October 2018) Heat alarm system https://www.getkisi.com/guides/heat-alarm(Accessed at October 2018) Fireman Intercom System https://www.firefightingequipment.my/fireman-intercom-system/ (Accessed at October 2018) Fire Sprinkler System https://www.radfiresprinklers.com/sprinkler-system-pumps (Accessed at October 2018) Jockey Pump System https://www.grundfos.com/service-support/encyclopedia-search/jockey-pump.html(Accessed at October 2018) Smoke Control System https://courses.lumenlearning.com/firetech/chapter/types-of-smoke-control-systems/(Access ed at October 2018) Fire Supression system http://www.datasphere.com.sg/Products/fm200-fire-suppression-system/(Accessed at October 2018)
5.0 Passive Fire Protection System ●
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Scdf.gov.sg. (2018). SITE PLANNING EXTERNAL FIRE FIGHTING PROVISION. [online] Available at: https://www.scdf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/scdf-library/fssd-downloads/hb_v5_ch4.pdf [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. Designingbuildings.co.uk. (2018). Firefighting shaft - Designing Buildings Wiki. [online] Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Firefighting_shaft [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. Simpsondoor.com. (2018). Fire-Rated Wood Doors | Simpson Door Company. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsondoor.com/door-series/interior/fire-rated-doors/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. Lwf.co.uk. (2018). Fire Precautions - Compartmentation | Lawrence Webster Forrest. [online] Available at: http://www.lwf.co.uk/bulletin/fire-precautions-compartmentation/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. Hsa.ie. (2018). Emergency Escape and Fire Fighting - Health and Safety Authority. [online] Available at: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Fire/Emergency_Escape_and_Fire_Fighting/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. Panache Fire Services. (2018). Compartmentation and Fire Stopping. [online] Available at: http://www.panachefire.co.uk/passive-fire-protection/fire-stopping/ [Accessed 15 Oct. 2018]. 151
6.0 Mechanical Ventilation System ●
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Mechanical ventilation of buildings https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Mechanical_ventilation_of_buildings (Accessed at October 2018) Sensible house http://www.sensiblehouse.org/con_vent.htm (Accessed at October 2018) Stairwell pressurization system https://www.cedengineering.com/userfiles/Stairwell%20Pressurization%20Systems.pdf (Accessed at October 2018) Blog Stair Pressurization Fan https://www.douglaskrantz.com/BlogStairPressurizationFan.html (Accessed at October 2018) Smoke management in high rise structure https://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/volume-165/issue-2/features/smoke-managem ent-in-high-rise-structures.html (Accessed at October 2018) INDOOR_AIR_QUALITY_IN_SELECTED_UNDERGROUND_CAR_PARK_IN_MALAYSIA_STUDI ES_ON_VENTILATION_SYSTEM_AND_THE_DESIGN_LAYOUT https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266249931(Accessed at October 2018) Ventilation fan function http://www.allmarine.com.cn/knowledge/ventilation-fans-function.html#.W8NYmmgzZPY (Accessed at October 2018) Air filters for ventilation installations http://www.ventilation-alnor.co.uk/assets/files/PR/EN/Air-filters-for-ventilation-installations.pd f (Accessed at October 2018) House supply vs exhaust https://www.house-energy.com/House/SupplyVsExhaust.html (Accessed at October 2018)l Exhaust only vs balanced ventilation strate https://info.zehnderamerica.com/blog/exhaust-only-vs-balanced-ventilation-strate (Accessed at October 2018)
7.0 Air-Conditioning System ●
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Components and functions of air conditioning units https://acehiplghtg.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/components-and-functions-of-air-conditionin g-units/ (Accessed at October 2018) What are the different types of air conditioning systems http://www.4fac.com/uncategorized/what-are-the-different-types-of-air-conditioning-systems / (Accessed at October 2018) How does air conditioning work https://www.airconco.com/how-does-air-conditioning-work/ (Accessed at October 2018) Ultimate panasonic guide room vs ducted air conditioning https://blogs.panasonic.com.au/consumer/ultimate-panasonic-guide-room-vs-ducted-air-con ditioning/ (Accessed at October 2018) Air conditioning basics https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/air-conditioner-basics (Accessed at Octber 2018) Air conditioning lecture basic cycle https://www.swtc.edu/Ag_Power/air_conditioning/lecture/basic_cycle.htm (Accessed at October 2018) Types of air conditioning systems https://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/897-types-of-air-conditioning-systems/ (Accessed at October 2018)
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Split multi air conditioning unit http://www.daikin.com/products/ac/lineup/split_multi_split/index.html (Accessed at October 2018) Fan coil unit https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Fan_coil_unit (Accessed at October 2018) Closed circuit tower https://www.myodesie.com/wiki/index/returnEntry/id/2990#Closed-Circuit%20Towers (Accessed at October 2018) Cooling towers https://spxcooling.com/coolingtowers (Accessed at October 2018) District cooling system https://www.emsd.gov.hk/energyland/en/building/district_cooling_sys/dcs.html (Accessed at Octber 2018) Functions of an air handling unit and its components http://www.mynewsdesk.com/in/pressreleases/functions-of-an-air-handling-unit-and-its-com ponents-718365 (Accessed at Octber 2018)
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Gearless Traction Elevators https://www.isfelevator.com/gearless-traction-elevators/ (Accessed at October 2018) Traction Elevators http://elevation.wikia.com/wiki/Traction_elevators (Accessed at October 2018) Gearless traction elevators https://www.isfelevator.com/gearless-traction-elevators/ (Accessed at October 2018) Different Types of Geared and Gearless Traction http://elevatorsltd.co.uk/different-types-elevators-geared-gearless-traction/ (Accessed at October 2018) 5 main types of elevators and their functions https://kencorelevator.com/5-main-types-of-elevators-and-their-functions/ (Accessed at October 2018) Materials systems and vertical circulation https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/vertical-circulation/elevatortypes.html (Accessed at October 2018) 3 common types of elevators https://www.olympicelevator.com/3-common-types-of-elevators (Accessed at October 2018) Elevator Machine room http://elevation.wikia.com/wiki/Elevator_machine_room(Accessed at October 2018) Modernise Lifts to Boost Safety Urges https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/modernise-lifts-to-boost-safety-urges-bca(Accessed at October 2018) Lift Motor Room https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Lift_motor_room(Accessed at October 2018) Elevators Features http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/elevator/overview/elevators/s_features01.html(Accessed at October 2018) Parts of Elevators https://careertrend.com/info-8485788-parts-elevator.html(Accessed at October 2018) Report on mechanical transportation in building and electrical services https://www.academia.edu/31045430/Report_on_mechanical_transportation_in_Building_and _Electrical_services_in_Fianl_Sub-Circult_in_Building.docx?auto=download(Accessed at October 2018)
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Chaya elevators http://www.chayaelevators.com/technology.php(Accessed at October 2018) How elevators work https://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-elevators-work.html(Accessed at October 2018) Modular gearless machines for high rise elevators https://dokumen.tips/documents/modular-gearless-machines-for-high-rise-elevatorswwwschi ndlerportnacomfiles561330457856modulemachinesshepdf.html(Accessed at October 2018)
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