CCME - August 2010

Trane launches variable refrigerant system

JCI wins Makkah project

august 2010

DC: Metering and billing challenges Perspective: A closer look at chiller ratings Country focus: Sweden

Fanning the debate EXAMINING the fans and blowers market in the GCC

Plus Marketplace, comings and goings events watch www.climatecontrolme.com

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this month

Vol. 5 No. 08 | august 2010 www.climatecontrolme.com 04 editorial

Why let it drip and drain away?

happenings 06 The region 13 Comings and goings 14 MARKETPLACE 18 advertorial NVious track record

33

A close look at the fans and blowers market in the GCC.

Geo Group is on course for not only increasing its capacity for cooling and power but also for joining a select band of companies with the capability of manufacturing their own chillers of 2,500-TR capacity.

20 report Getting the numbers right

Sub-metering was ignored in the beginning stages of district cooling in the region; most district cooling providers put bulk meters on buildings.

Gradually, through a strong emphasis on the end user, the metering regimen is now being changed from bulk to individual meters.

perspectives 22 In the groove

A question often asked by engineers is: Is a mechanical joint reliable? Rami Mahmoud, while answering it, addresses some of the misconceptions about them and makes a case for grooved pipe joining.

44 A closer look at chiller ratings

For years, the HVAC industry has struggled to find easier ways to quickly evaluate the performance of central chiller plants. With accelerating pressure to increase design productivity, the desire grows stronger for a quick, simple and accurate evaluation tool to analyse chiller plant performance.

33 cover story

Blowing hot and cold

The economic downturn has dealt a blow to the fans and blowers market in the GCC. The gaze is now set on Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where there is palpable activity, say industry insiders.

06

08

54 EVENTS WATCH

country focus Sweden’s quest

20

for hitting the sweet spot in the GCC is backed by a culture of regulation, research and innovation, say Swep, Systemair and Tour & Andersson.

22 25

August 2010

Sweden

A SPECIAL COUNTRY

BY CLIMATE CONTROL REPORT MIDDLE EAST

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

3

editorial

Publisher Dominic De Sousa Managing Director & Associate Publisher Frédéric Paillé | fred@cpi-industry.com

Why let it drip and drain away?

O

f the two approaches to using treated sewage effluent (TSE), the direct use of raw TSE comes with a lower capital cost, higher water usage, higher chemical usage and, always worryingly, a higher microbiological risk. The TSE polishing method, on the other hand, comes with a higher capital cost, lower use of chemicals and water and a lower microbiological risk.

Typically, re-circulation of raw TSE in a cooling tower in a district cooling scheme involves such parameter as salinity, TDS, chloride and sulphate for consideration. Potable water is, of course, king, because largely speaking, these parameters are not factors. Thus, it is the case that while potable water allows five to six cycles of concentration, raw TSE allows 2.5 to three cycles.

Government regulation in Abu Dhabi and Dubai having taken potable out of the picture – and not to forget, the high costs involved, in the first place, anyway – the toss-up is between raw and polished (with seawater cooling as a possible option in coastal developments). In the new paradigm, recent technological developments in wastewater treatment plants allow for an improvement in quality of raw TSE. Polishing takes the water several notches higher. Though polished TSE comes at a cost higher than raw TSE, the fact of the matter is that it allows for higher cycles of concentration – sometimes, higher than even potable water.

Cost is too important a factor to ignore, though. It always has been and is more so in this period of economic uncertainty, in a world that is increasingly talking of a double-dip recession. At such times – and other times, as well – thinking beyond the conventional helps. Condensate water recovery is unconventional. Though it has been used for many, many years, it has never been viewed as a significant factor in district cooling plants. That view surely has to change in these times. At Reem Island, they are collecting condensate water with the intention of making their district cooling plants more water efficient. Nearly 20% of the make-up water will come from condensate water that is collected from buildings in the development. And for this, they say, considerable investment has gone into installing buffer tanks, pumps and pipes throughout the reticulation network.

Considering the fact that condensate water is very high quality water, when blended with TSE, it will improve the quality of TSE. The folks at Reem Island say that when they consider condensate water recovery and the use of polished water as benchmarks, the overall water efficiency of their district cooling plants is high.

Indeed, why let it drip and drain away, then?

B Surendar

Editorial Director & Associate Publisher B Surendar | surendar@cpi-industry.com Associate Editor Jose Franco | jose@cpi-industry.com Contributing Editors Anoop K Menon | anoop@cpi-industry.com Pratibha Umashankar prati@cpi-industry.com Business Development Manager Vedran Dedic vedran@cpi-industry.com Events / Marketing Manager Deep Karani | deep@cpi-industry.com Design Rey Delante | rey@cpi-industry.com Webmaster Troy Maagma | troy@cpidubai.com Database/ Subscriptions Manager Purwanti Srirejeki purwanti@cpi-industry.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Frédéric Paillé: +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com Vedran Dedic: +971 50 5574019 vedran@cpi-industry.com USA and Canada Kanika Saxena Director (North America) 25 Kingsbridge Garden Cir Suite 919 Mississauga, ON, Canada L5R 4B1 kanika@cpi-industry.com Tel/fax: +1 905 890 5031 China Sean Xiao Hui China Business Media Group Room 403, Block 17, Wuyimingzhu, No 6 Jinshan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350008, China Tel: +86 591 8386 3000 Published by

Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 375 68 30 Fax: +971 4 43 419 06 Web: www.cpi-industry.com Printed by: Excel Printing Press, Sharjah, UAE © Copyright 2010 CPI. All rights reserved.

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

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

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As a bonus, the digital version includes such features as a keyword search, annotation, highlight, notemaking and hot links. For more details, please access www.cpi-industry.com/digital (Zinio is a digital publishing firm based in the USA.) August 2010

happenings

the region

Empower adds Mirdif Gate to its portfolio

Will provide district cooling to 59 buildings with a capacity of 320 TR

E

mpower has announced that it has bagged the Mirdif Gate Buildings project for providing district cooling services.

According to Empower, the Mirdif project will be in addition to other areas it provides district cooling to in Dubai, such as Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay and City Of

Arabia.

In a statement, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, confirmed that the project was preceded by extensive studies before investing into central stations and networks to enhance ROI in the long and short run. In his opinion, Dubai was moving rapidly towards increased use of district cooling as an alternative to conventional district cooling, because of

its efficiency in rationalising electricity consumption and conserving natural resources and reducing operating and maintenance costs. He also confirmed that Empower’s plant in Mirdif would provide services to 59 buildings with a capacity of 320 TR. He added: “Mirdif is one of the dynamic destinations of Dubai, and it is becoming a very busy area. This area has developed remarkably and it

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower

offers customers a wide array of options. We have managed to create a large demand on our services from landlords and tenants at the same time.”

Enpark seminar highlights clean tech solutions

Event also trains the spotlight on ‘performance contracting’ to achieve capital and operational cost reduction in buildings

A

wide range of innovative solutions in the clean tech sector can help augment energy supply, especially during the peak season, according to energy and environmental experts at a seminar hosted by the Energy and Environment Park (Enpark), a sustainable community model for commercial and residential use, and a member of Tecom Investments’ Sciences Cluster.

According to a news release on the event, key industry leaders, including Enpark business partners, as well as representatives from the government, financial institutions and legal firms, also demonstrated through a sequence of regional case studies, how regional organisations are successfully addressing environmental and energy concerns by deploying clean tech solutions, particularly during the summer season.

Themed ‘Energy Efficiency’, the seminar, said Enpark, was its first in the ‘Green Brunch’ series of four events that aim to focus on different aspects of the energy and environment industry.

Topics covered during the seminar included green retrofitting for private and commercial space, water and waste water management as well as solid waste and recycling management.

Commenting on the Green Brunch series, Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director of Enpark, said: “Worldwide, there is an increasing call for organisations to operate in ways that are less power intensive and less impactful on the environment. The Green Brunch series of seminars organised by Enpark serves

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

as a platform to zoom into what regional organisations have already done in this sphere, which could be upheld as examples worthy of emulation.”

Sougata Nandi, Director of Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED), Tecom Investments, made a presentation, titled ‘Performance Contracting at Tecom’.

As part of his presentation he reportedly said: “This innovative financing technique is ideal in this economic climate, as it allows building users to achieve energy savings without up-front capital expenses. The costs of the energy improvements are borne by the performance contractor, and later, paid back out of the energy savings. The scientific approach to energy-efficiency initiatives, depending on several factors, can often reduce operational costs in a salutary range of 10 to 25%.”

Tecom claimed that the Green Brunch series featured presentations and open debates to help raise awareness of new energy and environment-related technologies and solutions available today. The series, said Enpark, follows the success of its Green Building series in 2009, which was said to highlight its initiative to promote sustainability across the region.

The news release further added that, as part of Tecom’s initiatives to inform and educate on green issues and contribute to reducing the region’s carbon footprint, it has also compiled the ‘Sustainable Development Report’.

Tecom claims that it is the first of its kind to be released by a company based in the Middle East.

happenings

the region

SIPOS reports Middle East expansion Claims that its actuation technology and Torento’s product portfolio is the perfect match for strong growth market in district cooling

I

n an announcement, SIPOS Aktorik, supplier of specialist variable speed and standard actuator solutions, has reported the success of its Middle East agent, Torento Energy Systems, a member of the Al Dhafra group. It was reportedly appointed as the exclusive representative for SIPOS, for the region in 2008. Its brief was to incorporate SIPOS’ actuation products into its turnkey solutions across a range of sectors, including major utilities, district cooling and construction in the UAE. Commenting on the synergies of SIPOS’ actuation technology with Torento’s product portfolio, Ahmed Sobhi, a Director of Torento Energy Systems, said: “SIPOS, with its focus on

high level service and bespoke solutions, is a perfect match for our business and our customers’ requirements. The extreme heat of the UAE makes the centralised production of cooling energy a highly attractive solution, and this has made district cooling, a technology that is supported by SIPOS’ actuators, a particularly strong growth market.”

According to the announcement, SIPOS claims that its actuation technology plays a key role in controlling valves that manage the cooling water flow and protect hydraulics from water hammer.

Regions supported by Torento Energy Systems include, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait and Pakistan.

SIPOS Aktorik actuator technology installed at a site in the UAE

Breezair forges alliance with ClimaGulf Partnership to tap potential for evaporative air conditioning systems

B

reezair, the air cooling technology brand from Seeley International, Australia, has announced its partnership with ClimaGulf Trading, to launch a range of evaporative air conditioning systems in the UAE. The announcement added that

as a result of the tie-up, ClimaGulf has become the exclusive distributor of Breezair in the UAE. As part of the joint statement, ClimaGulf said that with the size of the Middle East market for air cooling systems reportedly

Forming a new alliance: Sabu C Abraham, Managing Director, ClimaGulf (right) and Kym Garrick, Export Manager, Asia, Middle East and South America of Seeley International

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

estimated at 100,000 units per annum, it planned to tap the UAE market in the initial phase, before expanding across the region.

Breezair claims that it foresees numerous growth opportunities its cooling systems in the Middle East.

Commenting on the partnership, Sabu C Abraham, Managing Director, ClimaGulf, said: “We are pleased to forge this alliance with a prestigious brand like Breezair, the innovator of natural air cooling technology.

Breezair will become a trendsetter for natural air cooling in the UAE, which supports environmentally friendly and energy-efficient sources of air conditioning. Breezair systems use only a fraction of the energy compared to conventional, refrigerative air

conditioning.”

Kym Garrick, Export Manager, Asia, Middle East and South America, Seeley International, added: “Sales of the high-quality, highefficiency Breezair machines are expanding in the Middle East region, where evaporative cooling can be successfully used. Even on the coastal areas of the Gulf countries, Breezair machines can provide cooling solutions to many commercial and industrial applications.”

Durgesh Verma, General Manager, ClimaGulf, claimed that Breezair was suitable for places where the normal air conditioning system cannot work or be installed, and added that the technology developed by Breezair was an affordable alternative cooling system.

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happenings

the region

Trane launches variable refrigerant system Claims cost savings and operational improvements across the spectrum

T

rane recently launched its new TVR (Trane Variable Refrigerant) air conditioning system, with the claim that it is ideal for most medium-sized hotels, hospitals, schools, offices and luxury villas and apartments.

Touting the centralised nature of the cooling system as a great space-saver, Trane pointed out that the ability to have adjacent rooms at different temperatures or even switched off was ideal for personalised comfort and energy savings.

According to Trane, the modular design allows for a phased approach

to installation. Citing an example Trane explained: if floors of an apartment block are to be leased or occupied at different times, the installation schedule may be tailored to accommodate this.

The easy-to-handle modules also make the systems equally suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects, added Trane.

The manufacturer listed the following product features and advantages: • The system comes with digital scroll compressors with wide capacity modulation, which enables the system to deliver precise

temperature control.

• This implies that the entire installation is able to closely match the total load of the building at any given time.

• The system capability ensures that only the required amount of cooling is delivered to the occupied rooms and nowhere else, which

Trane introduces remote monitoring facility for chiller plants and BMS

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

Enumerating other benefits, Mohammed Khaja, product leader for unitary systems for Trane in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, said: “The TVR system offers advantages throughout the project lifecycle, from design, installation and commissioning, through to operation and maintenance.”

TVR is available through select Trane distributors in the Middle East, India and Africa region, the manufacturer said.

Staying in touch from afar rane has announced that a remote monitoring option that tracks the operation of chilled water plants and building management systems (BMS) via a GSM phone network, is now available in the Middle East, India and Africa. The application allows users to stay in touch with a facility’s HVAC system when away from the office, claims Trane.

It further claims that when the systems need attention, users receive alarms and event notifications on their mobile phones as text messages.

Explaining how it works, the manufacturer says that a GSM modem interface/ transceiver board is fitted to a Trane Tracer Summit control system, and connected to a wireless modem via a RJ12 cable and a DB9 connector.

Trane says that the remote option may be beneficial especially to

10

translates into reduced energy consumption and run-hours.

organisations where a small operations team has to cover a very large site, or where facilities are scattered over a wide geographical area. Trane backs this claim by adding that apart from in-house testing, it has also carried out successful pilot installations at a globally recognised microprocessor manufacturer in India and an international pharmaceutical company in South Africa.

Commenting on the technology, Akel Diab, controls and contracting leader for Trane, in the Middle East, India and Africa, said: “Customers are no longer tethered to the office when it comes to monitoring their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

They can now remotely and reliably track the operation of their systems and take appropriate action as soon as they receive an update by text message.”

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happenings

the region

Masdar announces ushering in new phase of development

Following the first study, the sustainable city project is to be a test case for urban development

M

asdar, in an announcement said that apart from gearing up to welcome its first residents in September 2010, with the support of Foster and Partners, it is also nearing completion of its first review. Masdar explained that this was part of a strategic plan to refine the overall master plan design with the benefit of lessons learnt so far. Masdar further claimed that some of the experience gained from the Masdar City project was already influencing the wider city of Abu Dhabi, and the Emirate as a whole.

It cited as example, transfer of knowledge to aid the development of the locally based ‘Estidama’ environmental rating system, similar to LEED. According to Masdar, the master plan has been designed to be flexible in order to anticipate and incorporate emergent technologies, as well as to respond to lessons learnt

during the implementation of the first phases of the project.

This flexibility, said Masdar, had allowed for exploration into, for example, off-site power generation and a transport strategy that links into the wider Abu Dhabi network.

The review study, said Masdar, marked an important stage in its evolution, which

JCI announces winning Makkah project ohnson Controls Saudi Arabia, through the 11th edition of the company’s in-house journal, Ripple Newsletter, has announced that Al Salem Johnson Controls has been awarded the biggest single order of OM chillers worldwide, for the project of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

has been in the process of development for three years, in preparation for the next phase of construction.

Further mixed-use phases of Masdar City are now being prepared for imminent start on site, added the press statement.

Commenting on this, Lord Foster said: “We are honoured to be working on

the quest for the world’s first sustainable city – and we are excited to be able to review the project at this important moment – with the benefit of many lessons learnt over the past three years.

“Masdar has far-reaching significance as a test-bed and an integrated urban research project of unprecedented scale and ambition. It shows a commitment to infrastructure at the highest political level that is vital for the future of cities, demonstrating the potential for significant reductions in terms of energy consumption, with lessons for wider, global application.

I very much hope that by example, it will encourage other bold initiatives around the world.”

EMCOR bags Musanada project Facilities services to maintain 650 mosques across Al Ain region

M

usanada, the Abu Dhabi General Services company, established by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2007 to support the Emirate’s public sector institutions, has announced that it has identified EMCOR Facilities Services (EFS), as a strategic service provider in supporting a government project.

According to the announcement, EMCOR was awarded a 650-mosque maintenance project worth Dh62 million for a period of three years. The contract, the announcement added, covers the Al Ain region with the overall area falling approximately 30 kilometre short of Fort Hatta, said Musanada.

It explained that EFS’s responsibilities would include management and servicing of the mosques’ MEP equipment, and managing and repairing ancillary work associated with the mosques’ building fabric.

The contract requiring the skills of over 100 tradesmen as well as support staff and functions, commenced on August 1, said the statement.

Commenting on why EMCOR was

August 2010

recognised for this project, an official representative at Musanada said, “We seek to partner with customer-oriented organisations that are experienced in the GCC region and have displayed strong commitment to health and safety initiatives.”

Speaking about bagging the project, EMCOR’s UAE Managing Director, Richard Burl said: “Our solid international knowledge, local experience, highly skilled teams and workforce are what gave EFS the functionality and mobility to begin work in just a few weeks. We are honoured to have been awarded this project, and look forward to working with Musanada.”

At present, EFS reportedly delivers multidiscipline services to 600 projects across the region, valued at Dh1 billion through its regional offices.

According to the announcement, major projects undertaken by EFS include, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) Community in Dubai and the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Hew Balfour SAS International

S

AS International announced the appointment of Hew Balfour as a NonExecutive Director of SAS Holdings.

According to the announcement, Balfour will bring a wealth of experience to the board of SAS Holdings, having held previous appointments as a Non-Executive Director in a number of different public and private sector organisations, including the Miller Group, the Ministry of Defence and currently the Scottish Leather Group.

SAS International further added that earlier this year, Balfour retired after 20 years of service from his position as CEO of Havelock Europa, a UK-based company dealing in the design, manufacture and installation of retail and educational furniture and point of sale displays.

The announcement claimed that during his time at Havelock Europa, the group reportedly grew from £33 million per annum turnover to £137 million per annum, and in 2008, the group delivered a record profit of £8 million.

Shahab Z Ahmed

Primacool FZC (Tiba Manzalawi Group)

S

hahab Z Ahmed has joined the Tiba-Manzalawi Group of Egypt as Regional Manager for the Middle East region. He will be based in the UAE, from where he will oversee the sales and marketing of the PRIMACOOL brand of products, under Primacool FZC. Ahmed’s previous assignment was with Desiccant Rotors International (DRI), where he worked as Branch Manager for the Middle East region.

Ahmed has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from JMI, New Delhi and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi. He is a member of ASHRAE and the Emirates Green Building Council and has over 15 years of experience in the HVAC field. This includes sales, marketing and design of HVAC products and systems, with in-depth attention to vapour absorption chillers, AHUs, FCU, energy wheels and energy recovery systems.

He lives in Sharjah with his wife and two children.

Ahmed can be contacted at shahab@primacool.net or at +971 50 55 85 724.

August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

13

marketplace

This section contains regional and international products information

Breezair, Seeley International

Breezair evaporative air conditioning systems

C

laiming that evaporative cooling technology is ideal for hot, dry climates like the Middle East, as it cools air naturally, effectively and efficiently, Breezair, air cooling technology brand from Seeley International, Australia, has announced its partnership with ClimaGulf Trading, to launch a range of evaporative air conditioning systems in the UAE. Explaining the process, wherein the cool breeze is created by hot air passing over water soaked cooling pads, Breezair said that natural evaporation helps soak up the heat and cools

the hot air. The effect created by evaporative air cooling is similar to the cooler conditions found at or near large expanses of water, Breezair claimed. It added that Such an air conditioning system is suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications, and is beneficial in covered/ ventilated places. It further claimed that it helps in controlling heat buildup and smoke and fumes, and ensures flow of cool, natural air.

Breezair lists the following advantages of evaporative cooling over conventional,

Ecotherm

AC Energy Saver

T

erming it an extensively tested revolutionary energysaving device that has a patented design, and is claimed to save 35% to 50% energy on any window air conditioner or split unit, Ecotherm has launched the new AC Energy Saver in the second quarter of this year.

According to Ecotherm, the product comes with a twoyear warranty and a return of investment period of eight to 12 months.

Ecotherm explains that energy wastage occurs, because most air conditioning systems are sized to deliver cooling under demanding situations. Consequently, air conditioners are built with a lot of excess capacity most of the time. This leads to a lot of energy being wasted,

14

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

when not put to optimum use.

Ecotherm claims that this is the reason AC Energy Saver has been found to save more energy in cooler months, though it still saves significant amount of energy even in the hotter months.

Ecotherm claims that the AC Energy Saver works by reducing the amount of time the air conditioning compressor is running to the optimum level, while ensuring that the selected temperature is accurately maintained. This is done by using specially designed artificial intelligence. It, therefore, not only provides

August 2010

refrigerated air conditioning: • Low energy consumption – 20% of what is consumed by conventional air conditioning systems • Does not contain harmful CFC gases • Machines are easier and cheaper to install, and easy to maintain

comfort and saves energy but also solves common problems like dripping and icing up, adds Ecotherm.

Ecotherm lists the following product features and advantages: It works in conjunction with an air conditioning unit’s existing temperature and thermostat and ensures that the cold air supply is sufficient to deliver the right amount of cooling.

It reduces the amount of time the air conditioning compressor is running to the optimum level, while ensuring that the selected temperature is accurately maintained.

It constantly adjusts according to changing weather conditions and

According to the manufacturer, some of the areas where Breezair can be used include, factories, warehouses, commercial kitchens, outdoor Majlis, tents, restaurants (outdoor), airports and hangars, bus stops, zoos, sports grounds, outdoor swimming pools and in poultry farming.

other variables.

It works with most air conditioning systems, and can be easily installed on standard split and window units.

Models are available for units of any size, although specialist advice is needed from Ecotherm’s technical consultants for air-handling units and other large or complex systems.

Ecotherm adds that a project was undertaken to calculate return of investment (ROI) of AC Energy Saver at the Abu Dhabi Police Facilities Management, in July, with positive results. Energy saving per month was calculated to be 918.00 kWh. The ROI period was 2.22 months, the minimum life expectancy of the device was seven years and the cost saving within the life expectancy period was a minimum of Dh20,820.24.

TVR

Trane

T

rane recently launched its new TVR (Trane Variable Refrigerant) air conditioning system, with the claim that it is ideal for most medium-sized hotels, hospitals, schools, offices and luxury villas and apartments.

Touting the centralised nature of the cooling system as a great space-saver, Trane pointed out that the ability to have adjacent rooms at different temperatures or even switched off was ideal for personalised comfort and energy savings.

According to Trane, the modular design allows for a phased approach to installation. Citing an example Trane explained: if floors of an apartment block are to be leased or occupied at different times, the installation schedule may be tailored to accommodate this. The easy-to-handle modules also make the systems equally suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects, added Trane.

The manufacturer listed the following product

features and advantages: • The system comes with digital scroll compressors with wide capacity modulation, which enables the system to deliver precise temperature control.

• This implies that the entire installation is able to closely match the total load of the building at any given time.

• The system capability ensures that only the required amount of cooling is delivered to the occupied rooms and nowhere else, which translates into reduced energy consumption and run-hours.

Enumerating other benefits, Mohammed Khaja, product leader for unitary systems for Trane in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, said: “The TVR system offers advantages throughout the project lifecycle, from design, installation and commissioning, through to operation and maintenance.”

TVR is available through select Trane distributors in the Middle East, India and Africa region, the manufacturer said.

Trane, Ingersoll Rand

Trane Tracer ZN525

I

ntroducing Trane Tracer ZN525 controller, Trane, the manufacturer of the product, claimed that it ensures optimum energy efficiency, increases comfort and eliminates operating noise when combined with EC fan motor technology.

According to Trane, Tracer ZN525 was developed to meet the specific comfort needs of hotels and office buildings, and is certified as a LonMark Space Comfort Controller type SCC 8501. The company explained that the controller runs terminal units to adapt to the exact cooling and heating needs of individual zones or rooms in a building.

As a result of cascade control based on room and discharge air temperature monitoring, this configuration avoids potential cold or hot air drafts, added Trane.

It further claimed that the controller maximised the energy-efficiency of an EC fan motor terminal unit through fan speed optimisation, and a random start function to limit power-up demand. This, said Trane, avoids peak time tariff periods for further energy savings. Additionally, a window contact switches off the heating/cooling unit when a window is opened, it added.

The manufacturer listed the following features and advantages of the product: • Significant reduction in sound levels with the Tracer ZN525 intelligent fan speed and valve control, ensuring that up to 40% of nominal capacity is available at low fan speed • The controller allows for fan cycling, which turns the fan off whenever zone

temperature is at optimum comfort level • To reduce on-site commissioning time and maximise assembly quality, it can be factory-mounted on all Trane chilled water terminal units equipped with EC fan motor technology • This includes the EC fan motor fan coil units and cassettes, chilled beams and chilled ceilings • Controls two-pipe or fourpipe units with or without electric heaters and optimises performance with either floating or thermal valve actuators • It is also offered as a fieldinstalled controller • Compact unit with an embedded 230Vac power supply • DIN-rail or screw mounting, removable terminal strips and a configuration tool ensure August 2010

quick and easy installation • Can be part of a fully integrated Trane room comfort solution in combination with lighting and sun blind controllers Tracer EXL and Tracer EXB • Also compatible with the Trane wall interfaces range ZSM10, ZSM11 and ZSM31, including the wireless ZSM31-W Commenting on the product, Franck Biegalke, applied integrated systems leader for Trane Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, said: “Comfort is key for hotels and offices. The Tracer ZN525 is an important component of a high performance room comfort system because it integrates seamlessly into a complete Building Management System (BMS) architecture.”

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

15

marketplace DuctSox

ChemSox

T

outing it as the HVAC industry’s first fabric duct air dispersion system for chemically harsh environments, DuctSox, a fabric HVAC duct systems manufacturer, has announced the introduction of ChemSox. DuctSox claims that the product can be used in metal plating, paper/ pulp, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, plastics manufacturing, petrochemical, battery manufacturing and other highly corrosive and caustic industries. The company further claims that although ChemSox was developed for chemical resistance in environments using substances such as hydrochloric acid, sodium sulphate and isopropanol, it also resists the corrosiveness of many other chemicals. DuctSox enumerates what it claims to be additional advantages and product features: • It is recyclable • It is made of inert high density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric, so outlasts conventional polyester-based fabric duct and accessories • Up to 50% less expensive than the materials and installation costs of coated metal, aluminum and stainless steel ductwork • It is available in round, pliable lengths of semi-translucent fabric that use zippers to join sections together • Sections are available up to 50 feet in length and in diameteres from six to 56 inches • Unlike metal duct/register systems, it features a high-throw design that

delivers air throws of up to 75 feet and a uniform linear array of orifices that offers a more even air distribution • Installs 25% to 50% faster than conventional ductwork and is 90% lighter than metal duct – ideal for retrofit or direct drop in replacement installation situations where plant downtime and roof loads are limited • Comes with suspension systems of anti-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel track, cable and hanging clips, aluminum H-track, plastic-coated cable systems • An inlet collar with DuctSox’s proprietary DuctBelt, attachment loops and other accessories are also constructed of generally inert materials • Improved indoor air quality (IAQ)

and increased mechanical equipment efficiencies due to better air dispersion • Easy to disassemble and clean • Comes with a one-year limited warranty • Offers factory engineering and customer support Commenting on the product, Kevin Gebke, DuctSox’s Product Development Engineer, said: “DuctSox is a custom manufacturer with full range of research and development services. We’ve researched many fabric materials and the specialised, high endurance threads and PVC-coated webbing of ChemSox HDPE provides an excellent solution for businesses with unique chemical environments.”

Güntner Group

Unit Series HACCP Certified

A

nnouncing that its 13 evaporator and air cooler series have been certified with the TÜV HACCP certificate, Güntner explained that as of January 1, 2006, the implementation of the HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Concept) is compulsory for all food business operators, according to the Regulation (EC) No

16

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

852/2004 on hygiene of foodstuffs. Güntner added that health risks were reduced by implementing the concept, and the regulation was valid for all companies producing, processing or selling foodstuffs on a commercial basis.

Explaining that TÜV provided HACCP certificates for units and machines that are used for the kinds of

August 2010

applications listed above, Güntner added that units with the TÜV HACCP certificate had to comply with strict specifications for all ranges of applications.

Güntner claimed that in obtaining the certification, it had, therefore, anticipated its customers’ requirements.

According to Güntner, simple cleaning procedure was the central point of the

TÜV HACCP specifications.

Keeping this in focus, said Güntner, its main series, GHN, GHF and GDF/GDM, as well as different refrigerant types used in these unit series, had been tested and certified. The customers, therefore, could now be sure that its units were suitable, especially for foodstuff applications, claimed Güntner.

McCrometer

FPI Mag

C

alling it the successor to its earlier MultiMag insertion flow meter, which, it claims is the industry’s only multi-electrode hot tap full profile insertion flow metre, McCrometer has introduced the FPI Mag (full profile insertion) electromagnetic flow metre.

According to McCrometer, the new flow metre features additional sensing electrodes for increased sensitivity, and is now packaged in a heavyduty 316 stainless steel sensor body for maximum structural integrity. In addition, says McCrometer, that the sensor is coated with a NSF certified 3M fusion-bonded epoxy coating for operational longevity.

The manufacturer further claims that the FPI Mag with hot tap installation, not only addresses the need for municipalities to provide

uninterrupted service but also improves process control and ensures delivery accountability.

McCrometer lists the following features and advantages of its new product: • Installs without interrupting service, de-watering lines, cutting pipe or welding flanges • Reduces installation costs by more than 45% by eliminating the need for heavy equipment or extensive manpower • The compact insertion design fits in confined spaces with limited access and offers total accessibility • The flow metre can be removed in pipes under pressure for easy inspection, cleaning, calibrating or verification with McCrometer’s own NIST traceable calibration lab • Cost-effective for retrofit

over the full diameter of the pipe • It is available for line sizes from 4 to 138 inches • Features accuracy of ±1% of reading ± 0.03 feet per second zero stability from 0.3 to 20 ft/s velocity range • The flow sensor comes pre-calibrated from the manufacturer’s NIST traceable calibration lab and requires no recalibration in the field

applications replacing flow meters or in sites never metered before • The multi-electrode sensor design compensates for variable flow profiles, including swirl, turbulence and low-flow conditions • Multiple electrodes placed across the entire sensor body continuously measure and report the average flow rate

McCrometer adds that with single-piece design and no moving parts, the FPI Mag’s multi-electrode sensor contains nothing to wear or break, and is generally immune to clogging by sand, grit or other debris.

It claims that the product supports liquid flow measurement requirements in municipal water and effluent wastewater treatment.

Saves up to

50% energy on your window or split AC

ECOTHERM Middle East FZCO • Tel: +971 04 4226 944 • Fax: +971 4 4226 943

RTA’s Dubai Metro site

NVious track record With 34 years of robust presence in the region, rental cooling and rental power major, Geo Group needs little introduction. Its ambitious expansion programme merits attention, though. The Group is on course for not only increasing its capacity for cooling and power but also for joining a select band of companies with the capability of manufacturing their own chillers of 2,500-TR capacity.

N V George

18

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

T

wo weeks ago, Sharjah-based Geo Electricals Trading & Contracting received a call from a high-profile client in Abu Dhabi, to whom the company had supplied over 30 chillers, a year ago.

The nature of the call was urgent – the client told Geo Electricals that there was something the matter with the equipment that the company had supplied, because the cooling was no longer sufficient. Geo Electricals, an integral part of the 34-yearold Geo Group, reacted with alacrity and sorted the matter out within 48 hours.

For N V George, the Group’s Chairman and Managing Director, the Abu Dhabi episode is a matter of pride. His team confronted a challenge, and through teamwork, coordination and a willingness to be flexible – the technicians worked unmindful of night and day – rose to the occasion to deliver. For George, though, such challenges are not new; after all, August 2010

the company that he spearheads has handled complex assignments, including the supply of rental cooling (3,000 TR) to the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, immediately after the first Gulf War, and to the 121-aircraft-capacity behemoth, the USS Abraham Lincoln, during the same period.

The Group’s track-record is an envious one, indeed. Throughout the 1990s, it provided rental solutions to the Dubai Air Show (before the event moved into a permanent facility). More recently, its rental equipment have been deployed at Yas Island; the iconic and distinct headquarters building of Abu Dhabi master-developer, Aldar and at the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, where it is providing cooling to 19 stations and 28 locations.

Geo is involved in such large projects, because it has the required girth. With a cooling capacity of 77,000 TR – which includes packaged units, free-standing

advertorial

units and chillers – and the ability to generate matching power, the Group wears the confidence of a veteran. Having sunk its foundations deep in the UAE, it is nursing ambitions to enter Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, where it sees tremendous potential to offer its expertise.

It is, perhaps, a measure of its confidence that, in anticipation of the growth, the Group is expanding its capacity. “We have given an order for new chillers,” George says. “We will be adding 50,000 TR this year, with power.”

Currently, the Group boasts 150 gensets; by the end of the year, George says, it will expand to have 250 gensets, ranging in capacity from 100 to 3,000kW. The Group’s long-term order-profile includes water-cooled centrifugal chillers and more power. George speaks of plans to purchase up to 3MW of power.

The plan to acquire water-cooled chillers is allied to its desire to provide greater efficiencies to its clients, never mind the fact that it would have to install cooling towers for the purpose. This goes against convention for the rental industry, but George is determined to tread a new path for the sake of offering better service to the Group’s clients.

If acquiring the equipment is seen as courageous and unconventional, George is working on a project that will place the company as a manufacturer of large-tonnage, water-cooled centrifugal chillers. The machines will be produced

USS Abraham Lincoln, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai

Sharjah Expo Centre

RTA Rashidiya Depot, Dubai

my advantage. I say this, because I can offer them high-quality service and, at the same time, match their financial constraints, if any. Price-wise, we are very competitive. ” George believes the rental market will see sustained growth for the next five years. He is optimistic that Geo, with its arsenal of diverse and reliable equipment is more than capable of meeting the demands of the market.

More than the equipment, though, it is his people that give him the confidence to make sustained forays into the market, he says. His team comprises 250 technicians, who, he says, are well-qualified and welltrained to handle just about any situation.

“They are the backbone of the company,” he says. “They can service or replace any

Emirates Towers, Dubai

at the Group’s factory in India, with the first batch expected to roll out in 2011.

With the equipment-manufacturing capability, George hopes to bolster his rental inventory and also strengthen the trading and contracting sides of the Group’s business.

In line with the ambitious expansion drive, George is scouting for a vast area of land near the port in Dubai, to house his inventory. “I wish to serve the whole of the UAE and the GCC,” George says. “The intention behind the plan to establish a base in Dubai, which will be a depot and a manufacturing facility, is to stock all my equipment under one roof, so it will be convenient to serve Abu Dhabi and Al Ain from there and, at the same time, export to other parts of the GCC; the existing Sharjah base will serve the Northern Emirates.”

While Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman are in the Group’s radar for growth and expansion, it views the UAE as integral to its success. The downturn forced several projects in Dubai to be put on hold. Today, though, George senses a loosening of the recession’s vice-like grip. “Many developers want to restart their projects, and for this, they want to go with temp-cooled solutions,” he says. “I find the situation to

Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi

One and Only Royal Mirage, Dubai

piece of equipment in a matter of hours or a few days.” He should know – they certainly did not let him down two weeks ago in Abu Dhabi.

N V George can be contacted at +971 50 481 2356 or at cmd@geogroupglobal.com.

August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

19

report

DC Dialogue is CPI Industry’s triennial event on district cooling. Through a series of roundtable discussions, the event aims to understand industry trends and unearth solutions to contemporary challenges. DC Dialogue is an initiative by Climate Control Middle East.

Getting the numbers right Sub-metering was ignored in the beginning stages of district cooling in the region; most district cooling providers put bulk meters on buildings.

Gradually, through a strong emphasis on the end user, the metering regimen is now being changed from bulk to individual meters. In this, the concluding part of the two-part report on DC Dialogue, we focus on metering and billing challenges.

T

he first part of the session on metering and billing challenges covered the technical aspects of metering.

The participants discussed ultrasound and mechanical meters in detail. They reached a consensus that priority ought to be given to 20

ultrasound meters. This type of meters won votes based on its higher precision and lower threshold and the nonrequirement of straighttype run before and after the meter as well as the low maintenance and longevity, owing to the non-existence of mechanical parts.

The participants

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

discussed the need to adapt the meter to the chilled water situation rather than the standard one for heating in Europe.

A key challenge with ultrasound meters involves condensation, so design changes were necessary, the participants said.

That said, considering the fact that two generations of the meters have

Participants in the roundtable were: Hans Altmann, Techem Tarek El Far, Ista Michael Gutzler, Landis+Gyr Jarmo Heikkinen, Kamstrup Deepak Naik, Cimac Ramesh Ramadurai, Empower Mohammad Taib, DC Pro Engineering Moderator: George Berbari, DC Pro Engineering

PHOTOS: REY DELANTE

George Berbari interacts with members of the audience

been produced, reliability in performance in higher temperature and higher humidity conditions has improved by several notches, the participants agreed.

Participants also focused on different temperatures and BTU calculations and different types of communication.

Some of the participants said that the most popular form of communication is radio communication, as is the case in Europe. In the UAE, which typically consists of many high-rise buildings, though, it is prudent to opt for a wired solution with a concentrator, they added. And from the building to the district cooling plant, it can be wired using fibre-optic cables, they further added.

The most interesting part of the discussion involved sharing the experience that Empower (close to 12,000 sub meters and 200 bulk meters) and Emicool (6,000 sub meters) have had with submetering. Empower has a call centre to deal with clients.

As a result of the facility, the district cooling provider is closer to end-users, owing to the opportunity to regularly interact with them, said Ramesh Ramadurai. Empower receives at least 100 calls a day, Ramadurai revealed.

Members of the audience

Voices: Michael Gutzler

Ramesh Ramadurai

Jarmo Heikkinen

Mohammad Taib

The second part of the discussion was on how Empower absorbs enduser complaints and how it undertook an initiative to build awareness among customers on fixed charges and variable charges. The exercise was a challenge, Ramadurai said, but it helped in easing the situation.

During the time when the spotlight was firmly on him Ramadurai also spoke on tampering of meters. In the case of Empower, he said, tampering has been almost non-existent. “Even in the few cases of tampering, I

If you supply the meter, who takes care of it? Asset management is important.

We need a metering device to begin with. We then need to calibrate it correctly. And then, once you get the data, you have to read it correctly and analyse it. We then capitalise on the data. We get to benchmark and find out what is the solution.

–Hans Altmann, Techem

Tarek El-Far

Cost allocation is governed by government regulation.

It says that you don’t meter common areas. You take total cooling costs and, then, allocate it into variable and fixed costs.

–Hans Altmann, Techem

Deepak Naik

Hans Altmann

would not say customers are deliberately doing it,” he said.

“The workers may be doing it accidentally.” Tampering, he said, was not a major issue, though, in the sense that if a meter stops functioning, it will give a signal to the operator, and thus, the fault can be rectified.

Later, Mohammad Taib and Deepak Naik discussed various integration methods.

A key question was, ‘Do you need to purchase only a meter or go to a service provider to establish a full solution, wherein you integrate and even provide bills?’ The core of the matter was, “Are service providers useful to district cooling utilities or not?” The consensus was that a service provider can provide much relief and that such a service can be outsourced.

The roundtable was well attended. Among the members of the audience were Barwa from Qatar, who are at a beginning stage, and Surouh, who have installed 1,000 meters.

August 2010

Ultrasound is definitely more accurate; mechanical is more durable. As long as the meter is providing good service, I couldn’t care less whether it is mechanical or ultrasound.

–Tarek El-Far, Ista Seven to 15% of a building’s consumption is in the common area.

–Tarek El-Far, Ista Since people are moving out and in more frequently, owing to better rents, there is a lot of registering and de-registering activity. We have 100 connections and disconnections every day.

–Ramesh Ramadurai, Empower, Dubai There are legal issues involved in closing a valve.

It is a police issue.

–Hans Altmann, Techem (in response to a question regarding whether it was okay to close the connection for a defaulting end-user) The building capacity per square foot was 26 square metres/TR in the mid-1990s and 32 square metres/TR in the early 2000s; today, it is 40 square metres/TR. –Mohammed Taib, DC Pro Engineering

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

21

perspective

In the groove A question often asked by engineers is: Is a mechanical joint reliable? Rami Mahmoud, while answering it, addresses some of the misconceptions about them and makes a case for grooved pipe joining.

G

rooved mechanical pipe joining is a no-flame joining technique of forming or cutting a groove in pipe ends and, then, joining them with bolted housings around a sealed gasket. The technology was deployed during World War I, as a fast and reliable way to get resources to frontline troops. Since being made commercially available in 1925 it has become a preferred joining method on many piping applications, when compared 22

with welding, threading and flanging.

A mechanical joint comprises four elements: grooved pipe, a gasket, coupling housings, and a pair of nuts and bolts. The pipe groove is made by cold-forming or machining a groove into the end of a pipe. The key section of the coupling housings engages the groove. The bolts and nuts are tightened with a socket wrench or impact wrench and hold the housings together.

The coupling housings

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

engage in the groove around the circumference of the pipe and encase the gasket.

A pressure responsive gasket, then, creates a seal unified joint that is enhanced when the system is pressurised.

The grooved method has gained widespread use in its 85-year history, but many myths and misunderstandings still exist. Why haven’t more eyes been opened to the benefits of grooved technology, which is versatile, economical and reliable?

For engineers, the benefits

of the grooved system are many: the design versatility of the joint can allow both rigidity and flexibility, or a combination of the two, throughout a system when necessary; a mechanical joint provides noise and vibration attenuation, seismic relief, and accommodates for thermal expansion and contraction.

Added to these benefits, the system provides a union at every joint for ease of system maintenance and expansion.

Perhaps the most important

question for engineers will always be: Is a mechanical joint reliable? This article will explore some of the misunderstandings about grooved pipe joining, and remove any misconceptions about grooved joints weakening pipes, leading to premature failures or contributing to flow loss.

The basics of cut grooving and roll grooving In terms of pipe preparation, there are often questions about how a groove is formed into the pipe and how that affects the pipe’s performance in different applications.

There are two ways of grooving pipe: cut grooving and roll grooving.

Cut grooving is commonly used on pipes of standard or heavier wall thicknesses and for abrasive applications, where the inside of the pipe wall needs to be as smooth as possible to let materials pass without obstruction.

Cut grooving involves the removal of a small fraction of pipe material in order to provide the necessary lip for engagement of the coupling housings. Cut grooving removes less metal, to less depth, than threading, thus maintaining the integrity of the pipe.

Cut grooving can be done manually or with a motorised tool. It is common practice to process a cut groove into plastic-coated or cement-lined pipe, as roll grooving may damage the internal coatings or linings of such pipe.

Roll grooving, the most common grooving method, is used on 90% of grooving applications today. Roll grooving was first used on a light or thin wall pipe, which had insufficient wall thickness for cut grooving.

Today, roll grooving is used on a wide variety of pipe sizes and standard wall thicknesses, because it is a fast and clean technique. To create the groove, pipe material

is radially displaced by a machine.

When grooving a pipe, pipe fitters place the pipe end between a roll set, and as the roll set is compressed and rotated, a groove is processed around the diameter of the pipe, recessed on the outside and protruding on the inside.

The roll-grooving method can be used on carbon steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminium pipe or tubing as well as PVC pipe. Most coupling manufacturers will provide the proper roll grooving equipment based on customers’ requirements.

Latest technological developments include enhancements for medium to large diameter pipes that deliver greater strength and reliability through a robust coupling housing, deeper roll-grooves and increased coupling-to-pipe engagement.

Does grooving weaken the pipe end?

A question that is often asked regarding a grooved joint has to do with the reliability of the groove under stress.

When examining the stress on pipes created by internal pressure and the typical “overstress” failure mode, the cut groove has been shown to not be the weakest link. When under pressure, two basic stresses occur: longitudinal and hoop. Longitudinal stress is often described as “tensile” stress in material, the force pushing pipe apart in the axial direction. A failure due to longitudinal stress would cause a circumferential fracture around a pipe. Hoop stress can be described as ballooning or expansion of a pipe diameter in a radial manner. A failure due to hoop stress would cause the pipe to split lengthwise along its axis.

Mathematically, the formulas for longitudinal and hoop stresses are shown below: Hoop Stress = (Pressure x Outside Diameter) ÷ (2 x Wall Thickness)

Longitudinal Stress = (Pressure x Outside Diameter) ÷ (4 x Wall Thickness)

The design versatility of the joint can allow both rigidity and flexibility, or a combination of the two.

Cut grooving removes less metal, to less depth, than threading, thus maintaining pipe integrity.

Therefore, in any given pipe diameter or pressure, hoop stress is twice the longitudinal stress. Analytically, this suggests that pipe failures due to overstress would show up as fractures along the length of pipe, such as weld-seam failures. Empirical or real world data confirms this to be the case.

Cut grooving reduces pipe wall thickness by removing a narrow circumferential strip of material on the outside surface. Hoop stress remains approximately the same since the groove is so narrow and is reinforced by the full wall thickness of the pipe on either side of the groove. The groove also is reinforced by the coupling key engaging the groove and preventing it from expanding diametrically.

However, longitudinal stress will increase proportionally with the decrease in wall thickness. Therefore, if one half of the original wall

The latest grooved systems now offer even greater strength and reliability for medium to large diameter pipes.

August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

23

perspective

Coupling housings engage the groove and encase a pressure responsive gasket that creates a seal unified joint.

thickness remains, longitudinal stress will be doubled or approximately equal to the hoop stress.

Since the cut groove depth in pipe with standard wall thickness is only about onethird the thickness of the original pipe, the hoop stress will remain larger than the longitudinal stress. Any “overstress” failure will continue to occur along the length of the pipe and not at the groove, demonstrating that the groove area is not weaker than the longitudinal barrel of the pipe.

Cut grooving also does not create the stress risers that occur in threaded joints at the crests and roots of the threads.

With pipe that is rollgrooved, any potential increase in pipe hardness, reduction in tensile strength or reduction in elongation has no effect on the integrity of the joint, and pipe material changes are comparable to any other cold-forming manufacturing operations.

The AGS design results in a 40% increase in end-load carrying capabilities compared to previous joining methods.

Grooved piping systems have a union at every joint for flexibility and ease of maintenance.

Proven reliability When it comes to specification of systems, as noted above, often every engineer’s final question is

Flow dynamics The inside protrusion or upset of a roll groove is small and smooth at its entry and exit 24

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

and has been proven to have negligible effect on both flow and line pressure. Published ratings take into account the groove and, through testing on the performance of a joint, pressure ratings with a three-to-one safety factor are evaluated. However, some system designers and engineers still worry that the slight indentations will have a negative effect on the dynamics of system flow. However, published ratings take into account the groove and the testing on the performance of the joints’ established pressure ratings and safety factors.

Recent flow testing was conducted on the grooved joints; it confirmed excellent flow characteristics, with an insignificant contribution to system pressure loss. In fact, the amount was negligible in comparison with more common points of flow loss, such as pipe friction, valves, bends and branches.

Testing on grooved and plain end pipe, using 104.8mm Type “K” copper tubing and 50mm and 200mm Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe, saw pressure drops measured with velocities between 4 and 20 metres per second at ambient water temperature.

The results proved that pressure loss was negligible.

These finding are also supported through rigorous independent testing by Factory Mutual Research Corporation, further attesting to the low-flow loss characteristics of grooved joints. These published qualifications are recognised globally and support the idea that the flow loss characteristics of grooved piping do not lead to extra operational energy costs.

August 2010

about reliability.

Mechanical grooved pipe joining has been proven through research, testing and extensive evaluation. It has stood the test of time in some of the most impressive engineering feats of the past century, including the Hoover Dam in the United States, the Grand Arche de La Defence in France, the Alexandria Library in Egypt, the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates and the Taipei Financial Center in Taiwan.

Moreover, mechanical joining has been a reliable and rugged component of mission critical applications, such as data centres, flammable chemical cleaning applications, the rigorous system demands required for high pressure applications in mines, power applications, life safety systems, tunnelling and in hydraulic elevators.

The benefits of grooving are verified by independent approval agencies worldwide, including Bureau Veritas (BV), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Deutsche Vereingung des Gas-und Wasserfaches e.V. (DVGW), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME. These are the same agencies that recognise welded, flanged and threaded systems and set forth the stringent requirements they must meet.

Conclusion Engineers can be assured that grooved technology has been robustly tested by Research and Development Engineers in the lab as well as in the field to consistently demonstrate its strength and reliability. Details about the grooving process, the strength of grooved pipe and the flow characteristics are further explained in published reports from independent agencies.

The writer is the Regional Manager at Victaulic.

Sweden

A SPECIAL COUNTRY REPORT

BY CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

foreword

Embracing innovation Thanks to well-honed business best practices, Sweden continues to introduce new technologies and novel approaches to achieving energy efficiency and reliability.

By Cherif Sayed, Head of Swedish Trade Council – UAE & Egypt

S

weden has a long standing as an industrial nation that embraces innovation and globalisation. Relative to our size, Sweden has delivered, and continues to deliver, technological breakthroughs and companies that become world-leading in their fields.

Sweden is, among other things, well-known for its high-standing environmental technology and good environment legislation.

Swedish greentech is promoted globally under the concept, SymbioCity (www. symbiocity.org). SymbioCity promotes sustainable urban development, an area where Swedish environmental technology has set a new standard.

Swedish technology solutions are characterised by energy efficiency. To mention one example, Sweden is the world leader in district heating, and 89% of Swedish district 26

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

heating is based on energy that would otherwise have gone to waste. Sweden is also a pioneering country in district cooling, with the first plant in operation since 1992.

These verified and successfully implemented solutions are of great potential also for the future development of the Middle East region. Swedish greentech firms can offer costefficient modern solutions, consultancy, training, services and high-tech green products to the Middle Eastern market.

A great acknowledgment of innovative solutions from Swedish technology companies was the nomination of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, as the first European Green Capital for 2010. The European Green Capital Award is given to a city that has a record of achieving high environmental standards, is committed to ambitious goals for further environmental August 2010

and sustainable The Swedish improvement development, and can act as a role model to inspire Minster has other cities and promote best practices in other European worldwide) cities. started several (andTheother Swedish Minister for Dr Ewa Björling, has initiatives to Trade, made the Middle East a priority for Sweden and has facilitate the region visited the region many times to facilitate and encourage exchange business partnerships and business relations between Sweden and the Middle East. of ideas, In addition, Dr Björling specifically supports the technology development of sustainable building and environmentally and knowfriendly technologies; as a result, the Swedish Minster has how with started several initiatives to the exchange of ideas, countries in facilitate technology and know-how with countries in the Middle East.

The role of the Swedish Trade the Middle Council is to promote Swedish trade and industry in the entire East. region. We assist companies by providing strategic advice and hands-on support. In other words, we essentially provide all services required to establish a company and its products or services in the Middle East.

We have been present in the region for over 30 years and, at this point in time, the Swedish Trade Council has four offices around the region. In

country focus: sweden

order to increase business contacts between Swedish and foreign companies, we among other things, arrange bilateral events, such as seminars and matchmaking events. Furthermore, we work closely with the Swedish embassies in the region. The Swedish Trade Council also carries out assignments directed to support small-sized companies with their international business development, as Swedish companies, with new environmentally friendly technology solutions, often are relatively small and have limited experience of export business.

In order to facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge as well as best practices to the region,

the Swedish Trade Council carries out different kinds of activities. One example is the plan to establish a House of Sweden in the middle of Masdar City. The House of Sweden will be a one-stop shop for the Swedish cleantech and sustainable building industry in the Middle East region. By gathering Swedish cleantech companies under one roof together with the Swedish Trade Council, House of Sweden will increase awareness about Swedish cleantech products, solutions and knowledge.

Another example is our cooperation with ABB; the Swedish leading power and automation technology company. The Swedish Trade Council is cooperating with ABB in the UAE, as part

of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

Every year, ABB will sponsor two promising UAE national students to complete a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

This will give UAE engineers a unique opportunity to develop their engineering skills and industry knowledge at one of the largest and most prestigious technical universities in Sweden. The programme will ensure that students will have the skills needed to succeed in the industry when they return to this region. The programme has also been carried out in Saudi Arabia.

I hope this special Sweden report will increase the awareness about the innovative nature and potential of Swedish greentech and VACR solutions in the region.

Take control of your cooling SWEP is the world’s leading supplier of compact brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs). Our products are used where heat needs to be transferred efficiently in air-conditioning, refrigeration, districtcooling/heating and industrial applications.

Our innovative heat exchangers provide energy- and cost efficient solutions that you can rely on.

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Swede spot Sweden’s quest for hitting the sweet spot in the GCC is backed by a culture of regulation, research and innovation, say Swep, Systemair and Tour & Andersson. Story: B Surendar

L

ashed by the downturn, the market conditions in the GCC are tough, but generally speaking, Swedish companies that have been entrenched in the region for variable periods of time are not blinking. Far from it, their optimism seems to be unshakeable.

Swep, Systemair and Tour & Andersson (TA) are representatives of such companies. They say that a homegrown culture of adherence to regulation, research and a willingness to innovate, among other factors, has translated into steady business growth in the region for them. Says Shwan Lamei, Area Sales Manager (Middle East) for Swep: “Regulation is one aspect. A far more important factor is the willingness to try new ways of doing things and having the courage to take calculated risks.

To succeed more, you have to increase your rate of failure. It all boils down to willingness to try out new technologies.”

28

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

Lamei speaks from experience. Swep is supplying energy transfer stations (ETSs) to a project in Saudi Arabia in ready-to-use containers. In effect, Lamei says, the company is constructing entire ETS rooms (up to 5,000 kW capacity), at a manufacturing facility in Sweden, from where they will be shipped to the Kingdom “for plug and play”. The initiative to supply factory-built, factorytested ETSs in container rooms is a first for the region, used as it is to a system, where consultants design the ETSs, and contractors build them on site.

The pre-fabricated concept, Lamei says, is modular and enables future capacity expansion, which he adds, is suited for the downturn, which is characterised by uncertain load profiles. “With this modular concept, we hope to offer the market more flexibility and margins for error, as correctable actions can be taken down the road, in case loads are

August 2010

underestimated,” Lamei says.

Innovation figures high on TA’s list of business strategies, as well, and it avowedly has the track record to prove it. The company is in the process of introducing an instrument that will measure and diagnose problems in HVAC systems, enabling users to see the status of the system and analyse issues arising out of it. It will also enable the customer to diagnose faults early on in the system. Says Bassam Al Awar, TA’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa regions: “This instrument is the foundation to the whole TA philosophy: to measure is to know, meaning you should measure and analyse an HVAC system to optimise energy efficiency.”

TA will also be introducing a pressureindependent control valve with presetting functionality into the Swedish market. Al Awar says the product is quite complex and, as such, demands the right

level of knowledge to be understood, something that is not an issue with consultants who are familiar with such products.

Al Awar alludes to a long history of market maturity in Sweden, be it consultants or contractors, and among competitors. Lamei adds that this culture has a spread-off effect in supplierclient relationships as well as among competitors. “We continuously push each other to be more creative and efficient,” he says.

In addition to the culture of innovation and knowledge, is the mature regimen of regulation and legislation in Sweden and in the European Union, broadly speaking, which the manufacturers agree, constantly keep them on the hunt for more energy-efficient solutions and other positive technological attributes, which in turn, translates into business growth.

The European Union has a building energy declaration directive in place, which classifies the energy efficiency of buildings. The directive gives directions on how much energy can be used for a certain building type. “This leads to the use of energy-efficient products,” says Niklas Engström, Managing Director of Systemair Middle East. “Sweden is one of the countries in the EU that is enforcing this directive to the highest degree.”

In Engström’s view, Sweden insists on high standards with regards to ventilation rates, which are strictly enforced. Sweden, he adds, together with the other Scandinavian countries, is a world leader in IAQ research and the implementation of good IAQ policies.

Adds Al Awar: “TA has always had a strong energy focus, and legislation in Sweden and in the EU has moved in the right direction, accordingly. As the demand for more energy-efficient installations grew, as a result, we were well equipped with the knowledge and the products to support it. Equally, as governmental legislation moves even farther towards energy use, TA will be able to support the market.”

Legislation in the European Union lays stress on retrofitting of existing buildings and for ensuring that all new buildings comply with strict energyefficiency measures. For instance, according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2010/31/EU), all new buildings must be nearly zeroenergy buildings by 2020, with member states required to set intermediate targets for 2015. The directive for existing buildings is equally decisive.

Sweden, generally speaking, complies

with the requirements.

There is a need for retrofitting initiatives in Sweden. In the mid-1960s and mid-1970s, the ruling Swedish Social Democratic Party implemented The Million Programme (called Miljonprogrammet in Swedish), the aim of which was to provide housing for all at a reasonable price. Since then, the properties have fallen into varying stages of disrepair and require retrofitting to restore their energy efficiency.

The Million Programme projects constitute but one example of a demand for retrofitting in Sweden. Al Awar estimates that between 60% and 70% of the projects in Sweden are retrofit assignments. Speaking for Europe, Engström says a third of the turnover is coming from retrofit jobs. In his view, there are many improvements being implemented on buildings with no or badly functioning ventilation systems. “The improvements are being August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

29

country focus: sweden

Shwan Lamei

Bassam Al Awar

undertaken to meet sharpened demand for ventilation, energy efficiency and good IAQ,” Engström says.

From Swep’s perspective, retrofitting activity has meant changing over from shell and tube (S&T) heat exchangers and plate heat exchangers (PHEs) to brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs). There is a continuous work of replacing S&Ts and PHEs with BPHEs, he says.

The expertise gathered, be it in innovation or in retrofitting – both driven by the need to grow the business or to comply with governmental legislation – bodes well for Swedish companies searching for new opportunities for business in the GCC. They are quick to add that retrofitting assignments, in the kind of volumes that make business sense, are still a while away in the GCC, though. Says Al Awar: The retrofit market for hydronic balancing is very small and represents less than five per cent, simply because most of the buildings in the region are less than 30 years old. Engström echoes Al Awar’s observation. He adds

30

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

Niklas Engström

For the short and the medium term, the focus, then, will be on new buildings. All three companies are optimistic that the GCC economy will continue to grow, despite the downturn, fuelled as it is by massive government spending and active private investment.

The growth, Al Awar says, means that there will be greater demand for TA’s products, because they will help building owners achieve better indoor

The European Union has a building energy declaration directive in place, which classifies the energy efficiency of buildings.

Sweden is one of the countries in the EU that is enforcing this directive to the highest degree. that Systemair is in a state of readiness to respond to an increase in demand, though. The company’s direct-driven motors allow for more accurate and affordable speed control when compared to widely used belt-drive technology, Engström says, and can be deployed in retrofitting projects in the region. “As and when the retrofit market gathers pace, we are confident that Systemair will be a significant player in the market,” he adds.

August 2010

climate and lower energy consumption.

“LEED requirements and green building legislation in the region means that the need for our products and solutions will increase,” Al Awar says. “In that context, sharing the knowhow of hydronic balancing with building owners, consultants and MEP contractors is the core of our business strategy.” In Engström’s case, the strategy involves pushing direct-driven motors. And for air distribution products, the company’s aim is to showcase controllable diffusers with good induction.

Generally speaking, none of the companies is limiting itself to any one particular GCC entity for a more focused business approach, though Saudi Arabia and Qatar are of interest. TA, for instance, says that it continues to be active in the UAE and in Qatar, where it already has an active distributor, who is engaged in a number of key projects. In Saudi Arabia, it appointed a dedicated sales manager this year. To be based in Jeddah and covering the entire Kingdom, the sales manager, Al Awar says, will be working with consultants and contractors on bespoke hydronic balancing solutions. As for Swep, the supply of containerised ETSs represents a robust foray into the Kingdom. At the same time, the company’s wind-vane will turn in any direction that holds the promise of business growth.

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cover story

Fans and blowers

Blowing

hot and cold The economic downturn has dealt a blow to the fans and blowers market in the GCC. The gaze is now set on Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where there is palpable activity, say industry insiders.

Story: Pratibha Umashankar (with inputs from B Surendar)

T

he writing on the wall is clear: projects have been delayed, kept on hold or even cancelled.

Global MEP packages have been reviewed downwards.

Given this scenario, cost tops the list of priorities, with

concern for energy efficiency coming a distant second.

This is the independent, yet unanimous, verdict reached by representatives from the fans and blowers market in the GCC – in particular, Systemair, Dynair, Aldes,

Leminar, Nuaire and Faisal Jassim Trading Company.

Improper installation and maintenance are other worries that manufacturers and consultants have to contend with. But the general mood is to weather the storm August 2010

by remaining competitive, raising customer awareness and trying to make inroads into more promising markets – these at present being Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

When it comes to the size of the fans and blowers

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

33

cover story

Fans and blowers

market in the GCC, the verdict is neither clear nor unanimous. Amit Ahuja, General Manager, Maico Gulf (Dynair), estimates the market size to be between Dh320 million and Dh350 million, Qatar between Dh60 million and Dh70 million and Saudi Arabia between Dh120 and Dh150 million.

Mohammad Abulwafa, Product Manager, Faisal Jassim Trading Company, Abu Dhabi, thinks that the size of the market is increasing and getting more importance than before. He estimates it to be between $15 billion and $20 billion of projects under construction or at the design stage. He pegs Saudi Arabia at between $2 billion and $3 billion, the UAE at between $5 billion and $7 billion, with Qatar standing at $1 billion. Gaetan Pierrefeu, the Managing Director of Aldes ME, admits to the difficulty in arriving at a conclusive figure. “We have assumed the fans market to be around Dh160 million in the UAE for the moment,” he says.

“But this is quite difficult to estimate clearly, due to different specific fans (small extract fans and smoke exhaust fans, to name two) and different manufacturers and distributors.”

The figures, therefore, are not conclusive and appear, at best, to be ‘guesstimates’, as the economic downturn has made it difficult to pin down numbers with any degree of certainty. As Aboobacker Aslam, Sales and Marketing

Manager at Systemair Middle East, points out, “Sales from Dubai alone is down by 40% – around 20% estimated reduction in overall business.”

The other spokespersons echo this view. Pierrefeu explains, “Business has been even more competitive on price, with contractors more demanding on this key sales factor.”

Ahuja, points out that this is in contrast to 2007, when most contractors were busy designing projects that were yet to be announced.

“Frankly, in the UAE,” he says, “there are no new projects that we are working on. The existing projects in Dubai have already been designed and are under way.”

Andrew Kirton, General Manager, Nuaire, says that fewer projects under construction have led to greater competition. Another fall-out of the situation, he says, is that due to tighter banking regulations, suppliers are having to accept extended payment terms.

Rakesh Mistry, Design and Estimation Engineer with Leminar, which represents Casals and Twin City, believes, as do the others, that Abu Dhabi has helped stabilise the market, which was in danger of keeling over. “We were not active in the Abu Dhabi market, but now we are getting five per cent of the market share for fans,” he says.

Pierrefeu lists the reasons: “Dubai has been much more affected than Abu Dhabi

Rakesh Mistry

Andrew Kirton

34

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

We have now designed and tested our products to run on 60Hz frequency cycle, and so we are Saudiready. We are looking to enter the market through a distributor network and through our own set up.

Aboobacker Aslam

due to the revelation of the real estate bubble, mixed with a stock of offices and apartments. The Abu Dhabi market is safer due to oil revenues, a real demand for housing and offices and a need for education and health facilities.”

Ahuja, while agreeing with Pierrefeu, warns: “Everyone was looking at Abu Dhabi as a saviour. But even Abu Dhabi has slowed down.

There has been a drastic reduction in the pace of work. Nobody is in a hurry; earlier, everything was in the fast-track.” Ahuja believes that this is because owners and developers are treading with caution. “People are evaluating their investments even in projects that are under way,” he says. “They are now saying, ‘Let’s do it in phases’. The bottom line is, people have time today.”

Though it comes with a caveat, the important players in the fan and blower sector, sensing growth in business opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have either set up shop there or are strengthening an already existing base, hoping to inject life into a weakening market.

Aslam admits that Systemair’s distributors have a fullfledged base in Qatar and that the company is now setting up a network in the Kingdom, in response to the number and size of projects that have been announced there.

Pierrefeu echoes this view.

“There is a real demand in Saudi Arabia, with a strong

Gaetan Pierrefeu

Blowing hot and cold

domestic market supporting the growth, with a need for education facilities, hospitals, and housing for the young population,” he says.

Kirton, speaking from Nuaire’s point of view, says: “We recognise that the Saudi market is becoming of more importance to our market sector due to reduction in opportunities in other GCC countries.” His company, says Kirton, has recalibrated its strategy by focusing more on the supply of ventilation systems there, which involves the input of Nuaire’s ventilation specialists at the design stage.

Companies, like Dynair, have responded to the changing scenario by adapting their products. Speaking on behalf of his organisation, Ahuja says: “Saudi Arabia is a very different market.

For one, any product there that runs on electricity does so on 60Hz frequency cycle, while in the rest of the GCC, it is 50Hz. We have now designed and tested our products to run on 60Hz frequency cycle, and so we are Saudi-ready. We are looking to enter the market through a distributor network and through our own set up. We are doing due diligence, and have identified a couple of people and have already started marketing (to some markets). But we are looking for the right channel partners across the country. We will start with Riyadh and, then, diversify into Dammam and Jeddah. But Riyadh is most active. Most of the construction and development is taking place there.”

But Ahuja is quick to add that though the market in the Kingdom is huge and there are many projects up for the taking, the receptiveness to change is slow, as one has to operate against an essentially conservative backdrop, where customers don’t readily change to new brands. “It is an interesting challenge to break into KSA,” he says.

When it comes to Qatar, speaking from Dynair’s experience of over 15 years in the country, Ahuja says that his company has intensified its activities there, as it is vibrant in terms of business.

Mistry says that Leminar, has started a joint venture operation in Qatar with the Dyarco Group from January this year, with a sales and marketing team in place, but has not yet received orders for fans. “The Qatar market is encouraging and the potential is there,” Mistry says.

He, however, adds, “The pace of projects is slow compared to the UAE. But the money is there. And also, they are bidding for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” The World Cup could, perhaps, prove

to be the panacea that the construction sector, in general, is looking for. The fan and blower market hopes to benefit from the spill-over effect, considering the symbiotic relationship the two sectors enjoy.

“The business opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been stable in numbers, but the time frame for the completion will be probably longer,” warns Pierrefeu, on a conclusive note.

Meanwhile, expanding the customer network and product range and improving service, especially after-sales service, appears to be the three-pronged approach of the sector to combat market realities. This translates into going back CCME GenVent May10:Layout 1 toNuaire the basics.

Alluding to after-sales service as the key to the success of Leminar, Mistry says, “We have factory-trained technicians, spare parts for all the fans and complete knowledge of our products, which make all our customers happy.”

Aslam lists strategies Systemair has adopted to spur on a sluggish market: expanding to other growth markets, adding new product lines like AHUs and air distribution products, while laying emphasis on products like air curtains and heaters.

On the other hand, Pierrefeu says, “Our target is to propose the right offer with the best support and services 13/5/10 11:47 Page 1 to our (knowledge and follow-up)

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cover story

Fans and blowers

customers, at the most appropriate/competitive price.” But he also astutely points out: “Cost is the first criterion for MEP contractors.

Energy efficiency has not really been considered and implemented yet by MEP consultants (it is still in the hands of authorities like ESTIDAMA). Reliability and brand name are considered by MEP consultants to make the shortlist of three approved manufacturers.”

Ahuja, too, names pricing as high priority, as also service, and customer intimacy for Dynair, but is quick to add, “Pricing is not such an important issue, because we are already wellestablished in Dubai, and people know our price.”

However, he agrees that the market, at least for now, is cost-driven. Kirton, while seconding the view that price plays a big part in the current market climate, warns: “It is important for designers to understand that reducing the amount of expensive air conditioned air that is extracted from a building can have a huge effect on the total energy usage, as chiller loads have the single biggest effect on energy costs in any building.

Alluding to the market prior to 2008, especially in Dubai, where every supplier had a big chunk of the pie, Ahuja points out, “People are quoting any price to get a project. Some of the pricing is absurd. I don’t understand the strategy. I sometimes wonder if they are making any money at all out of this.”

Desperate times, perhaps, call for desperate measures, and visibility and being a player, despite low margins, till the tide turns in favour of the market, could prove to be a wise game plan.

With the global focus on it, sustainability is an aspect that needs to be factored into the equation. Cutting costs while offering energy-efficient products is, therefore, a 36

Moreover, it becomes convenient for us in a few cases, where the designer/ contractor doesn’t want to admit to the mistakes in design calculations and doubts the performance of the product supplied.

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

balancing act for the sector.

“Energy efficiency and reliability have a low share now,” admits Abulwafa, while Mistry taking into account the other horn of the dilemma, says, “Today, when the whole world is shifting towards green buildings, energy efficiency and reliability are key issues.”

Aslam succinctly sums up the situation: “Generally speaking, the emphasis is solely on cost. Stress on efficiency and reliability apply only on select projects.”

Ahuja takes an even more sceptical and cynical view of the situation, while bemoaning lack of standardisation and resistance to new technology.

“People do talk about green buildings, but I’m amazed by the ‘medieval specs’ (specifications) that we hear,” he says. He admits that a lot of energy is being wasted. “At the end of the day, owners of malls will pay the energy bills, which they will, then, pass on to customers.”

Since sustainability and innovation often go together, the GCC market also needs to address the problem of being open to change. Mistry stresses that the market is ready for new technology when it comes to fans and blowers. But Ahuja points out that consultants and designers have their own standard parameters, within which they have to work.

Besides, ASHRAE Std 62.1 has a set of fixed guidelines for ventilation for toilets and kitchens. In certain cases, therefore, there may not be enough wriggle-room for innovation.

With issues like survival and pricing gaining immediacy and urgency, retrofitting does not often and necessarily feature on the to-do list, think the market representatives.

Speaking of the limited scope of the retrofit market, Abulwafa says: “We are always enhancing to use

VFDs and to incorporate them in the controls.

Changing the impeller pitch angle is a good way to adjust only the performance to a certain level.”

Kirton, on the other hand says: “We do not see many cases of retrofitting to change the fan performance or increase the efficiency. The cost to retrofit to incorporate a VSD in all but the larger fan sizes would not be economical.”

Expressing the general opinion, Pierrefeu says: “The retrofit market is promising, but it will take some time, as the market was totally focusing on the construction of new buildings. We haven’t yet been called for such energy-saving retrofit assignments.”

Regarding certification of products, the main players say that they adhere to a stringent testing regimen, based on either European or American standards. Though they think that having regionspecific testing would be welcome, they are not sure if it is possible or practical or even necessary, at least at present.

Abulwafa says that all the fans Faisal Jassim Trading Company supplies are certified and licensed to bear AMCA seal as a third-party certification.

Leminar follows ISO, BS, EN, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Civil defence and Applus standard for Casals fans, reveals Mistry. He says that his company tests performance parameters for fire with Warrington, a testing authority, and adds: “It will be good if they test beyond fire. Measurement, flow, head and so forth.”

Regarding advocating regionally based testing centres, Mistry says: “If someone is available locally, we can get it certified here at our expense. To certify air conditioning units, we have to courier to Thailand, and the activity costs a

Blowing hot and cold

fortune.” He points out that on the flip side, suppliers need to make sure that the credibility is high.

Aslam says that Systemair tests for flow, pressure drops, vibrations, power consumption and noise/ vibration at the company’s European facilities at Skinnskatteberg in Sweden and WIndischbuch in Germany. He advocates regional-based testing centres.

“It gives more credibility to us as a manufacturer, and makes our work easier with the local authorities, who are keen on tests,” he says, and adds, “Moreover, it becomes convenient for us in a few cases, where the designer/ contractor doesn’t want to admit to the mistakes in design calculations and doubts the performance of the product supplied.”

Aldes has its own laboratory in its headquarters in France

to test mainly airflow, noise, and the power consumption of its range of fans. It follows the EN ISO 5801 standard for the airflow curves. High temperature fans are tested as per EN 12101-3 by APPLUS laboratory in Spain, says Pierrefeu. When it comes to getting testing done locally, he believes that the move would, perhaps, help a few local companies to get certification quickly but points out that all the main fan manufacturers are from Europe or the United States, with their testing facilities in their home country. “Testing centres would be more useful for some locally made products like, fire dampers, VAV boxes, grilles and diffusers,” he says.

Kirton says that all Nuaire’s products are manufactured in the UK to stringent European standards. Performance

parameters they are typically subjected to are, air volume, external static pressure and sound spectrum tests.

Regarding regionally based testing centres, he says, “Anything that helps to educate the local markets of the importance of the proper control of ventilation systems would be a great advantage in reducing energy costs and environmental impacts.

Ahuja believes that standards formulated in Europe will eventually come to the Middle East, and will become binding.

When it comes to customer responsibility, the experts cry foul. They believe that while manufacturers and suppliers, on their part, are expected to follow stringent product certification standards, customers are not always held accountable and, hence, don’t do their bit. Suppliers cite incorrect installation,

In the days of the real estate boom, it was a practice to allocate large safety margins, which led to over-sized fans that operated at flow rates far below their design values.

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37

cover story

Fans and blowers

lack of maintenance and improper fan selection, as the main problem areas.

“There is not enough care about installation practices in the GCC,” Pierrefeu says.

“This concerns not only fans, but also the whole system, where a circular ductwork with good insulation could avoid any leakage and reduce pressure losses, and where a proper location of grills and diffusers increases the efficiency of the air distribution system.” He thinks that even when it affects efficiency, there has yet been no noticeable move towards incorporating best practices.

Abulwafa thinks that many designers do not incorporate fan efficiency requirements in their design in a clear statement. In his opinion, incorrect installation practice in the region is due to lack of experience of contractors and improper fan selection. “It is worrisome, as it is linked to

38

We are approaching the market via the specification route through M&E Consultants, as it is important to convince the system designers of the benefits of fan control technology, prior to projects being tendered.

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

energy efficiency,” he says.

Lack of proper maintenance and fan selection cause breakdowns, Mistry says. He believes that fan design and selection criteria are keys to fan selection. “Furthermore, instead of two-speed motors, VFDs are a better choice, in terms of energy efficiency,” he says, and adds, “We have come across wrong wiring connection, improper installation, and in some cases, wrong static pressure calculation.”

Aslam lists low/high airflow due to improper ESP calculation, over-sizing, incorrect system design, lack of maintenance and inefficient control systems, as areas that need attention.

In the days of the real estate boom, it was a practice to allocate large safety margins, which led to oversized fans that operated at flow rates far below their design values. Aslam says that he now sees a move to improve these aspects.

Kirton says, “We are very rarely called back to site if the fans have been installed and commissioned properly, which is why we offer local support at the commissioning stage.”

Ahuja, on the other hand, thinks that basic norms are routinely bypassed, product manuals are not read and compromises are made in the installation process. “Their excuse is, space and design constraints,” he says. “So I do believe these two have to be factored in by architects at the tendering stage itself.

But unfortunately, they are not considered during the tendering stage.”

He adds: “Eventually, the equipment is not installed properly, and we, suppliers, are blamed for the performance of the equipment.” He strongly believes that poor installation and lack of timely maintenance will, in the long run, hamper energy efficiency and

performance. In Ahuja’s opinion, though energy efficiency is seen to be important, only 10% of projects actually pay heed to it.

Kirton believes that the standard of installation, although lower than European standards, has improved significantly over recent years, and adds, “But we still see some ventilation system designs that will have a negative effect on energy usage, due to unnecessarily high static pressure requirements.

The experts agree that raising awareness and educating all the parties involved is vital at this point of time, to help change the buying approach from price to more crucial factors like reliability and energy efficiency. Their organisations, they say, have taken the seminar and campaign route to ensure this.

“Aldes Middle East is a complete solution provider,” Pierrefeu says. “So we are trying to demonstrate that the price issue doesn’t matter, especially with each item or a batch of items but the whole system, to make it work more efficiently with higher reliability.”

The company has implemented training sessions in its Middle East facilities with the support of its new showroom to exhibit its products to educate its existing and potential customers. “We have also started technical newsletters to emphasise some general and specific points about our different activities,” Pierrefeu says. “From September till December 2010, we will tackle different kinds of fans, how to read a fan curve, fans with forward-curves and backwards-curves blades and belt drive.”

Pierrefeu adds that Aldes has conducted technical seminars aimed at authorities, MEP consultants and contractors to

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CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

Fans and blowers

address the issues of fire protection and air diffusion.

“All these have received really good feedback, as these organisations are usually keen to get useful technical information to solve their different issues,” Pierrefeu says.

Abulwafa says that his company conducts seminars for customers to educate them on features other than cost. “Low-cost fans means more maintenance troubles,” he adds.

Apart from conducting seminars, visiting designers and end-users in connection with their EC line of energy-efficient fans, is the approach Systemair has adopted, Aslam says.

Speaking about Nuaire, Kirton says, “We are approaching the market via the specification route through M&E Consultants, as it is important to convince the system designers of the benefits of fan control technology, prior to projects being tendered.”

Ahuja points out that rising cost, if not concern for the environment, will finally force errant parties to toe the line. “Energy is getting very expensive the world over,” he says. “I don’t know for how long we can continue to use cheap energy like we are doing in the Middle East. Standards written down in Europe will, at some point in time, come to the Middle East, and people will have to follow them,” Ahuja concludes.

When it comes to market preference, Aslam gauges it to be American and European technologies, in that order, but with a leaning towards European technology in car park/ tunnel ventilation systems.

Systemair, he says, has supplied car park ventilation, kitchen ventilation, staircase pressurisation, general ventilation and air curtains to the region.

In Kirton’s opinion, the

market is split between USAled specifications, which favour centrifugal fans (blowers) and European-led specifications, which favour axial fans.

Pierrefeu, speaking on behalf of Aldes, says that small extract fans are still commonly used for toilet extraction in offices, mosques and villas. He enumerates products that make it to the shopping list: “Low-energy consumption fans with EC motors are available by manufacturers (Aldes has a full range called Microwatt), but are not really used in the UAE market, yet. As noise is an important criterion in the UAE, double skin inline cabinet fans should be used for common applications in residential/commercial buildings. Smoke exhaust fans with high temperature rating (400°C – two hours) are the standard in the UAE for smoke extraction and staircase pressurisation – mainly roof fans and axial fans. Jet fans for car parks are being used more and more in Dubai but are strictly forbidden in Abu Dhabi.”

Explaining this point further, Ahuja says that jet fans and induction fans for car park ventilation were first introduced in Europe, and have found their way to the GCC market only in the last three years. Interestingly, says Ahuja, though Dubai and Qatar have been receptive to jet fans, Abu Dhabi and Oman have opted for conventional ducted fans. The question as to which is more suitable is open to debate, he says.

Abulwafa thinks that when it comes to fans, in terms of technology, sustainable fans that are able to withstand harsh weather conditions of high temperature and humidity are on the wish list of contractors. This is indicative of the fact that market preference is often dictated not only by technology and standardisation but also

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August 2010

cover story

Fans and blowers

by the need of the hour.

Kirton says, “We specialise in supplying smoke ventilation products, particularly car park ventilation systems, as well as general ventilation systems, which respond to user requirements.”

This goes to prove that though ventilation for buildings is in demand, car park ventilation accounts for a big chunk of the market – 80% to 85% – thanks to the rising number of malls and towers.

Since land is expensive, underground parking has become a necessity. Says Ahuja: “In a G+40 building, you need to make space for 400 cars. This is where car park ventilation comes into play.”

In the final analysis, if the report cards of Systemair, Dynair, Aldes, Leminar (Casals), Nuaire and Faisal Jassim Trading Company are taken cumulatively as a yardstick, the fans and blowers market in the GCC has not fared badly, despite the slow pace of the construction sector. But, as most report cards typically say, it can do better.

Among large projects, Systemair has recently supplied fans and blowers to Dubai Metro; Pearl Qatar; The Wave Muscat, Durrat Al Bahrain townhouses; Damasquino Mall, Syria and Jordan Gate Tower.

Dynair says it has supplied its ventilation equipment to Sky Courts, Dubai; Seba Tower, Abu Dhabi; Lusail, Qatar and Radisson SAS in Bahrain.

According to Aldes, it is focusing on extract ventilation fans for all kinds of applications – villas, malls, hospitals, schools and towers, and smoke exhaust fans for fire protection. Its customers in the region include Qasr al Sarab Hotel; Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi; Umm al Quwain Hospital and RAK Hospital.

Leminar says it has supplied applications to commercial and residential buildings, warehouses and logistics facilities, pumping stations, electricity substations, sewage treatment plants, district cooling plants, schools and hotels, among others. Its main customers include the Hydra Project, Abu Dhabi and Tamouh District cooling plant (Reem Island), Abu Dhabi.

Kirton, speaking for Nuaire, says that his company has supplied products in the region to Yas Island car park (used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix); Al Zeina at Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi; Qatar Civil Defence Headquarters and the Doha Pars Sorbonne University.

Faisal Jassim Trading Company lists the Abu Dhabi Financial Center and Etihad Towers, in Abu Dhabi amongst its customers.

Does this long list translate into healthier account books for the sector? Admittedly, driven by the need to see itself out of the woods, the sector has kept the market moving by deploying various strategies, but with each player trying to carve a larger wedge of the pie for themselves, whether there will be enough to go round is anybody’s guess.

Ahuja, perhaps, voices the niggling worry that most players in the sector have felt, but have not dared to articulate, when he says: “My worry is 2011 and 2012 in Dubai. I see no new projects, so there’s bound to be a ripple effect.

Consultants began to feel the pinch a while ago, and now it is beginning to affect contractors.”

Will the ripple effect drag the market in its powerful undertow? At this stage, no one wants to stray into the realm of supposition.

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perspective

A closer look at chiller ratings For years, the HVAC industry has struggled to find easier ways to quickly evaluate the performance of central chiller plants. With accelerating pressure to increase design productivity, the desire grows stronger for a quick, simple and accurate evaluation tool to analyse chiller plant performance. This demand for quick results has led many in the HVAC industry to use single number evaluation methods, such as IPLV (integrated part load value) as a substitute for executing a complete hour-by-hour modelling analysis.

By W Ryan Geister, Member ASHRAE, and Mike Thompson, Associate Member ASHRAE

U

sing less comprehensive evaluations is enticing and seems logical.

IPLV was created by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and often is promoted by some manufacturers as the method to analyse chiller performance. However, as acknowledged by AHRI (and described later), IPLV or NPLV (non-standard part load value) IPLV uses only four operating does not accurately represent h weighting intended to a chillerfactors plant’s operating characteristics. based e percentage of time aDecisions single chillon this incomplete data often ng an averaged load profile,ofwill result in poor predictions differentequipment loads and withuse, assumed energy so it is important to use accurate ondenser water temperature. energy analysis tools to ensure optimal solutions economically 4 finition of andIPLV environmentally.

other than full load, an IPLV is an important tool in determining how well a chiller is able to unload.

However, to ensure sound purchasing, design, and energy saving decisions are made, a full system analysis must be performed.

Let’s run through some facts of the IPLV formula.

Fact 1: IPLV evaluates a single chiller application only. Appendix D, D2.1 of AHRI Standard 550/590 states: “The [IPLV] equation was derived to provide a representation of the average part-load efficiency for a single chiller only.”1 It is not applicable for multiple-chiller installations.

Current estimates2,3 suggest that more than 90% of central water-cooled chilled water plants are multiple-chiller installations, the most common being comprised of two chillers.

Fact 2: IPLV uses only four operating points with weighting factors intended to indicate the percentage

A= kW/tonne at 85°F at 100% Load 1% A

42% B

45% C

12% D

Temperatures: Expected Entering Tower Water AHRI Conditions: Chilled Water: 54°F/44°F Condenser Water: 3 gpm/tonne 1%

85°F

B= kW/tonne at 75°F at 75% Load C= kW/tonne at 65°F at 50% Load D= kW/tonne at 65°F at 25% Load

%

1 indicates how the different 42% wrong with 57% factors What’s are used to calculate the using an IPLV? 75°F e. PointsFirst, A, itB,is C, and Dtoare the important recognise thatatAHRI’s erformance levels eachIPLV of the 65°F and NPLV evaluation methods g points.

Note that the calculation were created to help compare hat onlythe 1%unloading of the chiller operacharacteristics similar chillers not to s at highofloads and high —condenser infer economic savings. Since peratures. many chillers operate much argued ofthat chillers do not Figure Figure 1: AHRI definition of integrated part (IPLV/NPLV). load value 4(IPLV/NPLV).4 their time atsimply conditions 1: AHRI definition of integrated part load value 100% load; therefore, the full load n’t matter. a world where most chillers are oversized, ThisIn article was published in ASHRAE Journal, December 2009. Copyright 2009 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. Reprinted by 100 permission at www.trane.com. This article may not be copied and/or distributed electronically or in paper form without permission of ASHRAE. For more information about true at design conditions in single chiller applications.

ASHRAE Journal, visit www.ashrae.org.

90 ome chiller plant sequence of operations turn a second 80 MIDDLEfull EASTpeak August 2010 many efore the44firstCLIMATE chillerCONTROL ever reaches load, 70 oling applications do not start another chiller until the

75°F 65°F

perspective

AHRI definition of integrated part load value (IPLV/NPLV).4

hillers oid the ightly. unload sulting acity.) efinite tion of oad.

ey

rmula ercentures.4,5

90

1% A

80

12% D

Lift

80

50 40

Chiller 1 Chiller 2 Chiller 3

30 20 10

70 60 50 40 30

45% of Operation

42% of Operation

1% of Operation

20

10

20

30

40 50 60 System Load %

70

80

90

100

Figure plant unloading profile.

Figure2:2:Three-chiller Three-chiller plant unloading profile.

The IPLV/NPLV formula assumes a condenser water-relief of time a single chiller, Figure 2 (above) illustrates following that a chiller three schedule an thataveraged results in corresponding chiller plant relief,with or reducload willas operate chillers haswater a verytemperature different tion profile, in power, lowering the condenser at different loadsimpact and with profile. Another industry has a dramatic on chiller load performance.

Note that lower assumed entering condenser rating system, seasonal temperature tower water is not typically “free.” Specifically, this water temperature. energy efficiency ratio (SEER), is due to the additional energy expended at the cooling uses a larger number of tower to create lower temperatures entering the condenser (if 4 AHRI definition of IPLV operating points to morethose fully temperatures are even possible), as the entering water Figure 1 (opposite page), represent the condenser entire range indicates how is the different temperature limited by the outdoor wet-bulboperation. temperature. of equipment weighting factors are used to Unfortunately, SEER notconIn many climates of the world, the lower range of isthe calculate the IPLV value.

Points used for large chiller rating, denser water temperatures can never be reached during the A, B, C andseason.

D are the kW/tonne and thethe current rating system cooling Further, even when physics allow low performance levels at each of is limited to four distinct cooling tower return water temperatures to be achieved, the the four loading points. Note operating points. energy required byassumes the tower maySpecifically, increase the plant that the calculation theoverall IPLV/NPLV energy consumed.

Plant controls should focus on balancing that only 1% of the chiller calculation assumes that the energy equations the chiller plus equipment operation occurs atsuch highthat loads 57% of theancillary operating hours and high condenser of consumption, the chiller arenot at 50% load minimize the plant’swater overall energy singularly temperatures. or less. Figure 2 shows that focusing on one variable.6 It’s often argued thatthe assumed only one chiller will run at More importantly, reduction of entering conchillers simply do not operate lesscoincidently than 50% load, andload this is denser water temperature changes as the at 100% load; therefore, the occurs only when the entire reduced. The IPLV/NPLV calculation assumes that the chiller full loadrating doesn’t matter. chiller plant is unloaded to In a world where most chillers less than 16.7% capacity. This A Strue H R A Epoint J o ualone r n a ldemonstrates

23 are oversized, this may be at design conditions in single that the IPLV formula is not chiller applications. an accurate evaluation tool to While some chiller plant use for central chiller plant sequence of operations turn performance. a second chiller on before Now, some control the first chiller ever reaches sequences will let all full peak load, many comfort operating chillers unload cooling applications do not further than 50% before start another chiller until shutting them off to avoid the system supply-water the need to turn that chiller temperature rises above the back on if the load increases desired setpoint for a defined slightly. (When two chillers period of time. In such cases, are running, both would be chillers do operate at full allowed to unload to about load. For this discussion, it is 45% capacity before turning assumed that chillers do not off Chiller 2. The resulting operate the majority of their load on Chiller 1 would time fully loaded. Does this require it to operate at 90% validate the IPLV/NPLV choice capacity.) The specific load of 1%? Let’s take a look. profile must be examined to 46

45% C

90

60

0

42% B

100

70

Chiller Load %

s has a asonal erating operang, and points.

57% of Figure % load, oaded es that use for

100

Chiller Load %

rsized, ations. second , many ntil the etpoint erate at do not alidate

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

10 0

Figure 4

12% of Operation

occur o the chil Figure 3: Two-chiller efficiency comparison: custom analysis Figure 3: Two-chiller efficiency comparison: custom analysis versus with 75 versus generic index ratings.

Fact generic index ratings. conside plant operates 57% of the time at 65°F (18.3°C) entering con- original reach a definite conclusion; water temperatures to be denser water temperature, and only 1% of the time above 75°F applica however, it can be stated achieved, the energy required (23.9°C) entering condenser water temperature. As stated by designs that a smaller portion of the by the tower may increase the AHRI IPLV definition (Figure 1), all operating Centr chiller’s operating hours will the overall plant points energyabove 75% load and warmer than 75°F (23.9°C) water are assumed to them m actually occur at full load. consumed. Plant controls 55°F

60°F

65°F 70°F 75°F 80°F Entering Condenser Water Temperature

85°F

should focus on balancing Assumptions on cooling the energy equations such tower temperatures is the key that the chiller plus ancillary Figure 3 (above) illustrates equipment minimise the how the IPLV/NPLV formula plant’s overall energy “buckets” the operating consumption, not singularly criteria. Let’s take a look at focusing on one variable.6 More importantly, the the percentage of load versus assumed reduction of entering the entering condenser water condenser water temperature temperatures.4,5 The IPLV/NPLV formula changes coincidently as the assumes a condenser waterload is reduced. The IPLV/ Advertisement formerly in th relief schedule that results in NPLV calculation assumes that corresponding chiller relief, the chiller plant operates 57% or reduction in power, as of the time at 65°F (18.3°C) lowering the condenser water entering condenser water temperature has a dramatic temperature, and only 1% of the impact on chiller performance. time above 75°F (23.9°C) entering Note that lower temperature condenser water temperature. tower water is not typically As stated by the AHRI IPLV “free.” Specifically, this is definition (Figure 1), all due to the additional energy operating points above 75% expended at the cooling tower load and warmer than 75°F to create lower temperatures (23.9°C) water are assumed entering the condenser (if to occur only 1% of the time. those temperatures are even Said another way, 99% of possible), as the entering the time, the chiller will be condenser water temperature unloaded to less than 75% load and operate with 75°F (23.9°C) is limited by the outdoor wetentering condenser water or colder. bulb temperature.

Fact 3: IPLV does not take In many climates of the variable-speed drives into world, the lower range consideration. Unfortunately, of the condenser water the values and methodologies temperatures can never originally intended to rate be reached during the chillers did not fully consider cooling season. Further, even when the physics allow 24 A S H R A E J o u r nthe a l application of variablespeed drives, at least on low cooling tower return

perspective centrifugal designs.

Centrifugal compressors are dynamic compressors making them more dependent on lift reduction in lieu of load reduction. From a physics perspective, these compressors raise the pressure of the refrigerant by imparting velocity, or dynamic energy, using a rotating impeller, and convert it to pressure energy.

In contrast, screw or scroll compressors are positivedisplacement compressors where two mechanical

pieces mesh together to trap refrigerant vapour, and reduce the volume of the refrigerant to a discharge point. This difference between dynamic and positive displacement compression leads to considerable difference in response to variations in speed (or hertz) that can be imparted by a variable-speed drive. By changing the speed of a positive displacement compressor, the amount of work, or load, handled is varied.

Conversely, this impact is

85°F ECWT

% D

75°F ECWT 65°F ECWT

Lift

n

Load

Figure 4: IPLV/NPLV operating buckets.

Figure 4: IPLV/NPLV operating buckets.

85°F

versus

g con75°F ed by above med to

occur only 1% of the time. Said another way, 99% of the time, the chiller will be unloaded to less than 75% load and operate with 75°F (23.9°C) entering condenser water or colder.

Fact 3: IPLV does not take variable-speed drives into consideration. Unfortunately, the values and methodologies originally intended to rate chillers did not fully consider the application of variable-speed drives, at least on centrifugal designs.

Centrifugal compressors are dynamic compressors making them more dependent on lift reduction in lieu of load reduction.

ent formerly in this space.

Figure 5: Global climates included in study.

48

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

not seen with a centrifugal chiller. In trying to simply state the impact for a centrifugal chiller, reducing condenser water temperatures or increasing chilled water supply temperature will reduce the lift, or work, the compressor has to provide. It does not reduce the amount of load or refrigerant compression required. Thus, the dominant driver of any hertz variation, or speed change, of the compressor is the amount of lift the compressor can stably handle, not the load.

Recall that IPLV/ NPLV is dictated by four distinct operating buckets incorporating simultaneous load and lift reduction (Figure 4, left). So, while variable-speed drives can offer significant savings in the right application for centrifugal chillers, they give the perception of efficiency gains when the IPLV/NPLV

formula is applied — a recipe for selling more drives, and not necessarily offering real energy savings.

IPLV/NPLV operating buckets Fact 4: The intent of IPLV is to compare unloading characteristics, not to infer economic savings. Appendix D2 of ARI Standard 550/590 states: “It is best to use a comprehensive analysis that reflects the actual weather data, building load characteristics, operational hours, economiser capabilities and energy drawn by auxiliaries such as pumps and cooling towers, when calculating the chiller and system efficiency.”1 A detailed hour-by-hour energy analysis is needed to determine economic savings. Let’s take a look at a detailed analysis and compare it to IPLV. At the outset of this analysis (using TRACE

a closer look at chiller ratings

• Typical commercial business hours

ple Comparison and holiday schedule applied.

e dictates a close look at an example to demonstrate Thisallleaves weather and resultant or to showing globalthe geographic regional charts. as variables.

Once the detailed g the chartloads depicting Atlanta (Figure 6), it quickly hour-by-hour weather-dependent vident that the two-chiller plant operation does not analysis is completed, the corresponding the values of IPLV/NPLV. operating points per chiller are plotted on the template outlined in Figure 3.

Each operating hour for an entire year is plotted and represented as a point on the graph. With two chillers ready to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days as required, there is potential for 17,520 operating points (8,760 per chiller).

Clearly, the number of points varies with climate and cooling needs. The resulting plotted points are, then, totalled and the percentage of operation in each AHRI IPLV/NPLV “bucket” is determined.

100 90 80 Chiller Load %

a high degree ofpiped importance was ally sized 700), centrifugal chillers, in parallel; in(4°C) offering a global perspective ing tower placed with 7°F approach and VSD with 10°F ) range; to demonstrate the many varying global climates that impact both the load and with reheat, 55°F (12.8°C) supply-air temperature; lift aspects of the chiller plants serving lication oftheoutside-air dry-bulb economization building HVAC systems.

The cities per dard 90.1;modelled and are shown in Figure 5 (Opposite cal commercial page). business hours and holiday schedule The following are fixed and variable ied. assumptions made for this analysis: ves the weather and resultant loads as variables.

• Typical commercial office space analysis with detailed hour-by-hour weather-dependent corresponding diversity; ed, the corresponding operating points per chiller • Two-chiller plant with dedicated d on the template outlined in Figure 3. Each optowers per chiller; ur for an •entire year is plotted and chillers, represented as Equally sized centrifugal the graph.piped With in two chillers ready to operate 24 parallel; y, 365 days• as required, there is 7°F potential for 17,520 Cooling tower with (4°C) approach andper VSDchiller). with 10°F (6°C) range; points (8,760 Clearly, the number of • VAV with (12.8°C) ies with climate and reheat, cooling55°F needs.

The supplyresulting air temperature; nts are then totaled and the percentage of operation • Application of outside-air dry-bulb HRI IPLV/NPLV “bucket” is determined. economisation per Standard 90.1; and

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

55°F

60°F 65°F 70°F 75°F 80°F Entering Condenser Water Temperature

85°F

Figure 6: Atlanta (two-chiller plant); custom analysis versus generic Figureestimates.

6: Atlanta (two-chiller plant); custom analysis versus generic NPLV

NPLV estimates.

IPLV accounts for 1% of operation above 75% percent load and above 75°F (23.9°C) ECWT. Reviewing Figure 6, we see that this typical application demonstrates 54% of operation with warmer than 75°F (23.9°C) condenser water with loads greater than 75% load.

A Global Analysis of Various Climates

The analysis so far has used weather data for climate in Atlanta. It is important to look at locations with different climate profiles. (See Figure 7 for a subset of plotted charts analyzed

An example comparison Prudence dictates a close look at an example to demonstrate the tool prior to showing all global geographic regional charts. Examining the chart depicting Atlanta (Figure 6), it quickly becomes evident that the two-chiller plant operation does not align with the values of IPLV/NPLV. IPLV accounts for 1% of operation above 75% percent load and above 75°F (23.9°C) ECWT. Reviewing Figure 6, we see that this typical application demonstrates 54% of operation with warmer than 75°F (23.9°C) condenser water with loads greater than 75% load.

A global analysis of various climates fficiency comparison: index rating versus real-world (two-chiller plants).

The analysis so far has used weather data for climate in Atlanta. It is ASHRAE Journal a s h r a e . o r g

December 2009 August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

49

in each AHRI IPLV/NPLV “bucket” is determined.

An Example Comparison

perspective

Prudence dictates a close look at an example to demonstrate the tool prior to showing all global geographic regional charts.

Examining the chart depicting Atlanta (Figure 6), it quickly becomes evident that the two-chiller plant operation does not align with the values of IPLV/NPLV.

that this typical application demonstrates 54% of operation with warmer than 75°F (23.9°C) condenser water with loads greater than 75% load.

A Global Analysis of Various Climates

The analysis so far has used weather data for climate in Atlanta. It is important to look at locations with different climate profiles. (See Figure 7 for a subset of plotted charts analyzed

Figure comparison: index rating versus real-world (two-chiller plants).

Figure7:7:Efficiency Efficiency comparison: index rating versus real-world (two-chiller plants).

a holistic approach to selecting chillers should be standard practice, rather than reliance on a 50 CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST August 2010 single number.

In this particular analysis, the

is aonly of a s h rrepresentative a e . o r g small percentage of the total building load, and does not address the large impact on cooling tower performance.

The global analysis figures show how the AHRI loading points misrepresent a typical chiller plant. Note that the operation of the chiller consumes the most energy, establishing demand charges

with theDhighest e c e mkW. b e rThe 2009 IPLV/NPLV formula assumes that only 1% of the chiller operation occurs at high loads, and high condenser water temperatures. In reality, the global average for this bucket is 47.9% of a two-chiller plant’s operating hours over the course of a year — that is nearly half.

12 10 8 Btu/h (millions)

look without a 2 8 importantAto SH R A at E J o u r nCoincidently, al locations with different reduction in condenser water climate profiles. (See Figure temperatures, the compressor 7, above, for a subset of lift is not significantly reduced, plotted charts analysed and which hinders the centrifugal Table 1, opposite page, for chiller’s ability to leverage all location included in the the variable-speed drive analysis.) investment.

It is clear after reviewing To illustrate the the data from various global contribution of different locations that by far the most types of loads on a building critical performance bucket and to supplement the is the one most understated discussion, Figure 8, right, in the IPLV/NPLV formula: depicts the load contribution The Impact of is Chiller Count and profile for a typical weather.

Weather the most In this analysisofwe focused on multiple chillers versus volatile component thealso total moderate-climate, two-chiller location-dependent yielded theoffice same space. conclusion: load over the course ofweather a year. andcommercial the highest load and lift bucket remains the internal most prominent.

Other components that Clearly, the and contribute significantly loads relatively Figure 9 shows a variation in thesolar number ofare chillers in Chicago towhere the overall load of the relief is certainly consistent throughout the condenser water attainable, as the vastly building, suchseasons as internal year; however, the contrasting offer many shoulder months ofweather operational and solar loads, are more load shifts dramatically. This hours with cool temperatures. Again, each plot point represents consistent throughout the illustrates precisely why the oneTherefore, hour of chiller operation during the year. year. climate, investment in programmes Figure 9the shows that as the number chillers a plant grows, specifically wet-bulb that of rely on fullinhour-by-hour so does thehas importance of the location-dependent higher bucket. Even a single temperature, the greatest weather chilleronplant analysis in Chicagois where is imminent, the impact the associated criticalrelief to making accurate condenser waternot temperatures Conversely, number does even get closeconclusions. to 1%. produced the cooling tower itofhighlights whychillers bin dataplants Table by 2 provides a summary the multiple and the building usage of will lead to the wrong for the geographic region. Once again, it clearly shows that the outside air economiser. conclusions, as weather

6 4 2 0 Conductive Loads Ventilation Loads Internal Loads Supply Fan Heat Exhaust Heat Solar Load

–2 –4 –6

J

F

M

A

M

J J Month

A

S

O

N

D

Figure Twenty-story office building in St monthly load load Figure8:8: Twenty-story office building inLouis; St. Louis; monthly component profile.5 5

component profile.

a closer look at chiller ratings

The impact of chiller count In this analysis we also focused on multiple chillers versus locationdependent weather and yielded the same conclusion: the highest load and lift bucket remains the most prominent. Figure 9 shows a variation in the number of chillers in Chicago where condenser water relief is certainly attainable, as the vastly contrasting seasons offer many shoulder months of operational hours with cool temperatures. Again, each plot point represents one hour of chiller operation during the year.

Figure 9, page 30, shows that as the number of chillers in a plant grows, so does the importance of the higher bucket. Even a single chiller plant analysis in Chicago where relief is imminent, the number does not even get close to 1%.

Table 2, page 31, provides a summary of the multiple chillers plants for the geographic region. Once again, it clearly shows that a holistic approach to selecting chillers should be standard practice, rather than reliance on a single number.

In this particular analysis, the chiller plant is a solid candidate for a single variable-frequency drive on a single centrifugal chiller, as it has both a significant number of hours at low operating tons (part load) and low condenser water temperatures (part lift). Conversely, as chillers are added, the plant becomes increasingly less suitable as a candidate for variable-frequency drives. A better option might be to invest in more heat exchanger surface to maximise operational performance at high loads and high condenser water temperatures, or possibly provide a single drive on only one chiller for the low-load, low-lift conditions.

Bottom line: the right design can be speculative, but a detailed analysis is the only prudent method to determine the most economic and energyefficient plant.

Conclusions IPLV/NPLV should not be used as an efficiency standard. When looking at the real operating points of a chiller, it becomes increasingly obvious that high-load operating points are extremely important. It also becomes obvious that using the AHRI 550/590 Standard can lead to a misrepresentation of where two chillers really operate. IPLV/NPLV

AHRI Percentage

100% Load with 85째F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

75% Load with 75째F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

50% Load with 65째F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

25% Load with 65째F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

1

42

45

12

Atlanta

52

30

8

10

Bangkok

94

5

0

1

Beijing

44

30

7

19

Cairo

47

28

8

17

Cape Town

18

44

15

22

Caracas

95

5

0

0

Chicago

41

29

9

21

Dallas

59

21

7

13

Denver

19

34

22

25

Dubai

65

27

2

6

Hanoi

69

15

2

13

Ho Chi Minh

97

3

0

0

Hong Kong

64

18

5

13

Houston

66

19

3

12

Kansas City

59

19

5

17

London

14

32

18

35

Los Angeles

19

44

15

22

Melbourne

11

24

16

49

Mexico City

23

48

15

14

Miami

78

18

1

3

Moscow

16

38

16

30

Mumbai

80

18

1

1

New Delhi

53

27

7

13

Ottawa

28

32

12

28

Paris

19

38

13

29

Perth

18

40

15

27

Phoenix

35

42

10

13

Riyadh

33

46

8

13

Rome

43

26

7

24

Sao Paulo

46

39

5

10

Seattle

13

29

21

37

Seoul

45

28

7

20

Shanghai

52

24

3

21

Singapore

100

0

0

0

Sydney

29

37

11

23

Taipei

63

22

4

11

Tokyo

43

28

4

25

Vancouver

10

33

22

35

Warsaw

23

33

16

27

Washington, D.C.

47

27

6

20

Average

45

28

9

18

AHRI Percentage

1

42

45

12

Table 1: Summary of all global analysis (two-chiller plant). To see all charts in the study, visit www.trane.com/ChillerRatings.

August 2010

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

51

Conductive Loads Figure 9 shows that as the number of chillers in a plant grows, –2 Ventilation Loads Internal Loads so does the importance of the higher bucket. Even a single Supply Fan Heat –4 Exhaust Heat chiller plant analysis in Chicago where relief is imminent, the Solar Load –6 number does not even get close to 1%.

J F M A M J J A S O N D Month Table 2 provides a summary of the multiple chillers plants for the geographic region. Once again, it clearly shows that Figure 8: Twenty-story office building in St. Louis; monthly load a holistic approach to selecting chillers should be standard component profile.5 practice, rather than reliance on a methodology makes sense single number. when determining minimum In this particular analysis, the efficiency requirements, such as chillerinplant is a solid the Standard 90.1candidate or IECC for a efficiency single variable-frequency standards (Figure Thesecentrifugal standards drive 10, onbelow). a single require the user to meet chiller, as it has both a significant both full-load and a partnumber of hours at low operating load performance measures. tons (part load) and low conGood full-load performance denseriswater (part criticaltemperatures to minimise peak energy consumption, which lift). Conversely, as chillers are building owners added,impacts the plant becomes increasaround the world, as these ingly less suitable as a candidate peak charges establish for variable-frequency drives.

A demand charges and ratchets better within optionutility might to invest billbe clauses.

Good part-load performance in more heat exchanger surface is criticaloperational to ensure a chiller to maximize perforwill properly reduce energy mance at high loads and high consumption as the lift and condenser temperatures, or load iswater reduced. possiblyThe provide a bottomsingle line is drive that on Figure 9: Impact of multiple chillers in Chicago.

Figure 9: Impact of multiple chillers in Chicago. only one the right low-load, youchiller need tofor do the 100% with 75% with 50% Load with 25% Load with of Load required, usingLoad the weighting performance.

Using single number low-liftthing. conditions.

Bottom line: the additional investment 85°F Entering 75°F Entering 65°F Entering 65°F Entering a variable-speed drive, and guidelines, found in Table Meanwhile, today’s evaluations cannot accurately the right design can be speculaCondenser Condenser Condenser can in no way be indicative 1, or generating a customer Condenser marketplace offers a myriad represent a chiller’s energy tive, but a detailed analysis is the of a financial payback. Water Temp.

Watermay Temp.

Water Temp. part-load value, provideWater ofTemp. computer simulation use in a system. It also only prudent to determine Perhaps if a simplified a more realistic guideline programs with the capability cannot method predict the savings AHRI Percentage 1 42 45 12 the most and energy“IPLV-type” methodology is for predicting chiller of modelling a surprising that economic can be associated with 1 Chiller Plant 23 33 4 40 efficient plant.

perspective

Conclusions

kW/tonne std = 0.576 2 Chiller Plant

41

3 Chiller Plant

53

Condenser Flow Rate

2 gpm/tonne

29

2.5 gpm/tonne 3 gpm/tonne 4 gpm/tonne 5 gpm/tonne 6 gpm/tonne

262.5 gpm/tonne

2 gpm/tonne

IPLV std9= 0.549

Condenser Flow Rate

9

3 gpm/tonne

4 gpm/tonne

21 126 gpm/tonne

5 gpm/tonne

IPLV/NPLV should not be used 4 Chiller Plant 62 24 7 8 as an efficiency standard. When Average 44.8 28.0 7.3 20.3 looking at the real operating Required kW/tonne Required NPLV points of a chiller, it becomes inTable 2: Average performance weighting in Chicago. creasingly obvious that high-load operating points are extremely important. It also becomes efficiency standards (Figure 10, p. 32). These standards require obvious that using the ARI 550/590 Standard can lead to a the user to meet both full-load and a part-load performance misrepresentation of where two chillers really operate. IPLV/ measures. Good full-load performance is critical to minimize NPLV methodology makes sense when determining minimum peak energy consumption, which impacts building owners efficiency requirements such as in the Standard 90.1 or IECC around the world as these peak charges establish demand

30

ASHRAE Journal

a s h r a e . o r g

December 2009

Lift = Entering Condenser Water Temperature – Leaving Chilled Water Temperature Condenser DT = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature – Entering Condenser Water Temperature COPadj = Kadj × COPstd Kadj = 6.1507 – 0.30244(x) + 0.0062692(X)2 – 0.000045595(X)3 kW/tonadj = 1/(COPadj × 0.2845) NPLV Value at Conditions of 3 gpm/tonne and 41°F Lift is IPLV 7 (Centrifugal 7 (Centrifugal Figure kW/tonand andNPLVs NPLVsfor fornonstandard nonstandardcentrifugal centrifugal chillers with and without variable speed drives. chillers >300 tons.)

Figure 10:10: kW/tonne chillers with and without variable speed drives. chillers>300 tonnes.)

52

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

charges and ratchets within utility bill clauses. Good part-load performance is critical to ensure a chiller will properly reduce

The desire to find the “easy” answer is understandable.

However, as Standard 550/590, Appendix D, suggests, care-

for variable-frequency drives. A better option might be to invest in more heat exchanger surface to maximize operational performance at high loads and high condenser water temperatures, or possibly provide a single drive on only onenumber chiller of forcritical the low-load, variables, low-lift including conditions.

Bottom line: hour-by-hour the rightenergy designanalysis, can bevariable speculadiverse tive, but electrical a detailedrates, analysis is the building types and operating only prudent method to determine profiles, chiller plants and the mostperformance economic characteristics and energyefficient such plant. as variable-speed drives and high-efficiency

chillers. Additionally, Conclusions

drastic improvements in

a closer look at chiller ratings Figure 9: Impact of multiple chillers in Chicago.

100% Load with 85°F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

75% Load with 75°F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

50% Load with 65°F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

25% Load with 65°F Entering Condenser Water Temp.

AHRI Percentage

1

42

45

12

1 Chiller Plant

23

33

4

40

2 Chiller Plant

41

29

9

21

3 Chiller Plant

53

26

9

12

IPLV/NPLV should not be used user interfaces of available 4 Chiller Plant 62 24 7 8 as an efficiency standard. simulation programsWhen offer Average 44.8 28.0 7.3 20.3 lookingoperator at the effectiveness real operating and T able 2: weighting in Chicago. startpoints ofefficiency a chiller,shortening it becomes inTable 2:Average Averageperformance performance weighting in Chicago. to-end completion times, creasingly obvious that high-load never before possible, operatingeliminating points aretheextremely It toalso efficiency standards (Figure 10, p. 32). standards require need for important. industry use becomes the tools Network.

24(1)These LaCrosse, Wis.: Trane. obvious short that using can lead to a the user to meet both and a part-load performance cuts. the ARI 550/590 Standard and technology available 3. Trane Service and full-load Order 7. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA The desire find the “easy” to really practice due diligence Records.

Standard 90.1-2004, misrepresentation oftowhere two chillers operate.

IPLV/ measures.

Good full-load performance is critical to Section minimize answer is understandable. offer our clients viable, peak4.energy Air Conditioning, Heating Mechanical Equipment NPLV methodology makes sense whenand determining minimum consumption, which6.2.1, impacts building owners However, as Standard 550/590, sustainable and proven and Refrigeration Institute.

Efficiency. efficiencyAppendix requirements such as in the Standard 90.1 or IECC around the world as these peak charges establish demand D, suggests, careful solutions.

2003. AHRI Standard 550/590,

30

analysis is the only real means A S H R determine A E J o u ran a l to accurately building’s energy usage with corresponding economic impacts to determine fiscally responsible conclusions.

The bottom line is that there is no easy answer.

It’s our responsibility as an

Standard for Performance Rating a sofh Water-Chilling r a e . o r g References Packages Using 1. Air Conditioning, Heating, the Vapor Compression Cycle. and Refrigeration Institute.

5. Trane Air Conditioning and AHRI 550/590, Standard for Economics (TRACE™ 700).

Water Chilling Packages Using 6. Schwedler, M., and B. the Vapor Compression Cycle, Bradley. 1995. “Tower water Appendix D, D2.1. temperature – control it 2. McGraw-Hill Construction how???” Engineers Newsletter

About the Authors W.D Ryan e cGeister e m b is e rglobal 2009 product manager, Trane Centrifugal Chillers – Climate Solutions, Ingersoll-Rand in LaCrosse, Wis. Mike Thompson is director, Trane Environmental Affairs – Climate Solutions, Ingersoll-Rand in College Station, Texas.

events watch september 2010 1-3 September 2010 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore HVAC Asia 2010 HVAC Asia 2010, in its 8th staging, is an important international exhibition in South East Asia on Air-Conditioning, Heating & Ventilation, Air-Filtration & Purification Systems. The event will provide a marketplace for international manufacturers and suppliers of the HVAC industry to launch new products, reach out to buyers, appoint agents & distributors, build brand awareness and establish business networks in South East Asia’s economy.

Contact Jennifer Chiah Exhibitions Sales Manager T: +65 6517 3038 M: +65 9780 7791 E: jennifer.chiah@iirx.com.sg IIR Exhibitions (Singapore) 205 Henderson Road, #03-01 Henderson Industrial Park, Singapore 159549 T: +65 6319 2668 F: +65 6319 2669 E-mail: hvacasia@iirx.com.sg

october 2010 13-15 October 2010 Nuremberg, Germany Chillventa 2010 Contact NürnbergMesse GmbH Messezentrum D-90471 Nürnberg T: +49 9 11 86 06 81 10 F: +49 9 11 86 06 82 47

november 2010 8-9 November 2010, Doha, Qatar 5th International District Cooling Conference & Trade Show The International District Energy Association (IDEA) will be conducting the Conference and Trade Show under the theme, ‘District cooling: greener building, smarter grid’, which emphasises how district cooling infrastructure can improve the end-use energy efficiency in customer buildings and reduce the eco54

nomic and environmental strain on the regional power grid, in line with Qatar’s 2030 National Vision and Environmental Design programme, which seeks to harmonise economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

Qatar Cool is the Principal Host and sponsor of the event. A highlight for the host will be the inauguration of the world’s largest district cooling facility (the Pearl Qatar plant), on the evening of November 9.

The conference programme includes an industry leadership panel discussion; and a peer-topeer exchange summit, with primary focus on: • Infrastructure master planning, design and development • Plant operations and optimization strategies • Work force training and industry cross-training initiatives • Customer service and satisfaction A special focus of the event will be on global best practices – utility rate design and cost of service studies.

Contact: Tanya Kozel E: tanya.idea@districtenergy.org T: +1 410 518 6676 Web site: www.districtenergy.org

11-14 November 2010 SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines HVAC/R Philippines 2010 The 13th HVAC/R Philippines 2010 will focus on all the sectors related to heating, ventilating, airconditioning, refrigerating, pumps, valves & pipes, filtration and purification technology. The show will bring together major suppliers of HVAC, refrigeration and pumps & valves industries from all over the world. The expo will serve as the best forum for all the visitors and exhibitors to network face to face, and to build up fresh business partners as well as renovate existing associations. HVAC/R Philippines 2010 will be a magnificent platform for all the attendees, as it will enable them to discover and attain the information of most

CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST

August 2010

up to date technologies and trends of the associated market.

The targeted visitors in the event include manufacturers, fabricators, importers, exporters, service providers, director of projects, department heads, buyers and related professionals.

The profile for exhibits includes air-conditioning, air compressors, air filtration & purification equipment, blowers, chillers, cleaning equipment, compressors, cooling towers, automation components, chemical processing equipment, circuit breakers, engines & motors, environment protection equipment, filtration systems, hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, production facilities, check valves and cold storage facilities.

The event is being organised by the Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers.

22-25 November 2010 Dubai International Exhibition Centre, UAE The Big 5 International Building & Construction Show The Big 5 is widely regarded as an influential building and construction show in the Middle East. It has a dedicated HVCAR section that draws the HVACR fraternity from the region.

Contact Sarah Palmer Marketing Executive dmg world media Dubai Ltd PO Box 33817, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 438 0355 F: +971 4 438 0356 E: SarahPalmer@dmgworldmedia. com

28-30 November 2010, Doha, Qatar 2nd Annual Middle East District Cooling Summit Fleming Gulf Conferences will be conducting the Summit under the theme, ‘Innovating energy efficiency in a dynamic region’.

Key topics include ‘Is solar district cooling viable?’, ‘Is cogeneration gaining favour?’ ‘Bank’s perspective on the challenges perceived in financing district cooling projects in Qatar’, ‘Why is district cooling

crucial to Qatar’s export revenues and its future ability for continuous growth?’, ‘Opportunities for district cooling in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’, ‘BOO/BOT model for district cooling’ and ‘TSE: challenges and opportunities’.

The Summit is expected to attract senior officials and key decision makers from district cooling companies, master developers, EMP/MEP contractors, design consultants, power and energy management companies, wastewater and desalination utility companies and regional regulatory officials, the organisers said.

According to the organisers, speakers include Abdulhamid Al Mansour, the CEO of Saudi Tabreed; R Seetharaman, the CEO of Doha Bank Group; George Berbari, the CEO of DC Pro Engineering, Mohamed Hamra-Krouha, Partner at Clifford Chance; Jaap Kalkman, the Head of Arcapita (MENASA region); Albert Haykal, the Vertical Market Leaders (district cooling), Trane; Per Jonasson, the CEO of Capital Cooling MENA and Henrik Enstrom, President of Termoekonomi.

Contact: Samir Ahmed Marketing Manager E: samir.ahmed@fleminggulf.com T: +91 988 63 54 321

Please contact event organisers directly to re-confirm dates and agenda To feature your event in these pages, call +971 4 3756830 or e-mail: surendar@ cpi-industry.com

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