CCME August 2016

EDITORIAL CAMPAIGN: IAQ in underground car parks

‘CO detectors need to be recalibrated at least annually but preferably every six months’

August 2016

Controlling Controllables the

What are the possible ramifications of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 on the HVACR industry?

What’s keeping the region from reaping the full benefits of control systems? Could RMS be the answer?

HEADLINES

Dubai Municipality launches new Green Building rating system

Evoqua and Neptune Benson acquire VAF Filtration Systems

DC PRO Engineering and TAQNIA ENERGY sign partnership

Eurovent Middle East to be launched soon

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contents vol. 11 no. 8 ď ˇ AUGUST 2016

COVER STORY

10 page

Where are we on control systems?

perspectiveS page

30

page

22 Thinking beyond the Eurovent Summit Alex Rasmussen

Felix Van Eyken

Sarmad Fakhri of Kingspan Insulation details how thermal insulation and pre-insulated panels can bring about climate change if they are not manufactured in a responsible manner.

Eurovent's Alex Rasmussen, President; Felix Van Eyken, Secretary General and Morten Schmelzer, International Director, share details about the association's upcoming event, the Eurovent Summit, as well as offer their insights on key issues of relevance to the HVACR sector.

page

26

REGULARS

Ed's note 06 A boost to the energy efficiency ethos

NEWS Morten Schmelzer

34 42 45 48

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Insulating the planet against GWP and ODP

Regional Global Associations & Societies Marketplace

Parking problems of the gaseous kind Syed Taqi Hussain of Green Tech discusses the importance of carbon monoxide sensors in enclosed car parks and offers tips on their selection and maintenance.

August 2016

5

A boost to the energy efficiency ethos

D

B Surendar Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early!

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

omestic demand for oil in Saudi Arabia has come down on the back of a move by the Kingdom to cut fuel subsidies. According to Riyadh-based Joint Organisations Data Initiative, the consumption of oil in the country has expanded at the slowest pace in the last six years. This has included the oil used for generating electricity.

For advocates of energy efficiency and climate change mitigation efforts, the decline in domestic oil consumption is a positive trend and a vindication of a long-held stance that by removing subsidies, the country will be able to arrest runaway consumption. It is a fillip to technological solutions providers seeking opportunities for business growth in the energy-conservation sphere.

The general belief is that Saudi Arabia has tremendous potential to structure a multipronged energy-efficiency strategy. As a first step, broadly speaking, there is better general awareness about energy efficiency compared to even five years ago. But that alone will not suffice, many say. What is needed, they add, is specific, contextual awareness among building owners of the possibilities of reducing power consumption, and a skilled engineering base to help them translate intent into reality.

Take the case of the country’s large stock of existing buildings, which can be candidates for retrofit initiatives and the energy conservation opportunities, therein. The first task at hand is for owners of commercial, mixed-use and residential buildings to see the potential of undertaking a retrofit programme. Consultants say they seldom get a chance to meet the owner of a building, though. So while they may be called to make a presentation on an energy audit, it invariably is to a lower-level manager, acting as a representative of the owner. The manager, they say, usually fails to understand the full import and value of undertaking the exercise, or is keen on maintaining the status quo. The message of energy conservation and the resultant financial savings, they add, simply does not make its way through to the key decision-maker.

The second task is for consultants and contractors to equip themselves better with skills to undertake energy audits and to carry out a broad sweep of retrofit measures. Constant updating of specialised skills to better manage the assets of a building requires discipline, commitment and a vision that doing so will lead to better buildings.

A cut in subsidies has proved to be a significant first step towards reducing fuel consumption. In-depth awareness among clients, a well-rounded sustainable development ethos and enhanced engineering approaches, in combination, will lead to greater economic stability and a greener future.

Managing Director & Associate Publisher Frédéric Paillé | fred@cpi-industry.com Associate Editor Pratibha Umashankar | prati@cpi-industry.com Assistant Editor Fatima de la Cerna | fatima@cpi-industry.com Online Writer Nayantara N | nayantara@cpi-industry.com Events & Marketing Manager Ruqiya Shariff | ruqiyah@cpi-industry.com Advertising Enquiries Frédéric Paillé: +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com

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UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF

Inauguration & Keynote Address by H.E. Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment

4thEdition

26-27 October, 2016 | Al Yasat Ballroom, Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai, UAE

Theme:

“Supporting the transformation to a sophisticated IEQ regime across multiple sectors; analysing and understanding the enabling mechanisms needed to implement broad-based IEQ strategies and specific solutions.”

Overview

The 4th edition of the World IEQ Forum will aim to build on the positive momentum achieved at the last edition. The only dedicated conference that looks at IEQ through the prism of the HVAC industry, the Forum will extensively spotlight the residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare and education sectors. While the various vision statements by regional governments have driven home the need for continuous efforts towards achieving socio-economic development and a happy society, the additional motivation for the conference comes from the nearness of the two mega-events – the Dubai EXPO 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022 in Qatar – and the associated construction projects on the anvil.

Key topics • Dubai EXPO 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022 as key drivers for growth, and strategies to ensure complete IEQ compliance for healthy visitor experience • IEQ compliance in the inventory of existing buildings and new construction (NC) across the GCC region • Balancing IEQ with energy efficiency, as opposed to viewing the two as conflicting with each other. Looking at the minimum number of fresh air changes, heat recovery, etc.

• Aligning IEQ measures to energy-efficiency retrofitting initiatives

• Addressing thermal comfort through holistic design, installation, operation and maintenance strategies; innovations in technology • Scientific approach to measuring benefits of good IEQ and reporting structure • IEQ in the commercial sector • IEQ in the education sector

• Supporting mechanisms from government (policies, regulation, enforcement)

• IEQ in the healthcare sector • IEQ in the hospitality sector

• Other enabling mechanisms: Financial models for successful IEQ planning and implementation strategies

EXHIBITOR

• Innovative solutions in air treatment and air movement, and cost-effective strategies for marquee and affordable projects (residential, commercial)

• IEQ in the residential sector

• Performance management contracting in IEQ

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• Return on Investment on standalone IEQ projects

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August 2016

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By Fatima de la Cerna | Assistant Editor

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August 2016

August 2016

11

Sandrine Le Biavant

Jamal Abdullah Lootah

I

f building owners and developers approached projects in the same way that automobile connoisseurs appraised cars, the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the GCC countries would find it easier to reduce their buildings’ energy consumption and implement their sustainable development agenda. Sharing her theory with Climate Control Middle East, Sandrine Le Biavant, Director of Consultancy at Farnek, talks about how car enthusiasts are just as concerned about the performance of a car’s engine as they are about the car’s appearance.

“As an FM company, we think that it would be great if buildings were like a Rolls Royce or a Bentley,” she says, before clarifying that when it comes to buildings, the “engines” would be controls solutions like Building Management Systems (BMS).

Driving home the point

Vijay Kumar

Mohanad Alshaikh

Mario Seneviratne

Le Biavant is not alone in her thinking that there’s a connection to be made between cars and buildings.

Mario Seneviratne, Director of Green Technologies, also recognises the relevance of the comparison between them. “The industry is being pulled by technological developments,” he says. “People want to go high-tech.

When they buy a car, and you see the brains behind the car, it is immense – the safety [devices], the gadgets and features, etc. And that’s where the industry is today.”

Pointing out that everybody would choose a Tesla over a low-end car, he adds: “If you take the car analogy to the building industry, you’ll see that we are in trouble.”

In support of his statement, Seneviratne recounts how in most of the projects that he and his team of consultants have visited, the BMS is often nothing but a “white elephant” – a big screen that doesn’t do much. “Recently, we conducted an audit of a major hotel chain,” he says, “and discovered that they are not measuring the incoming condenser water temperature and the energy [consumption] of the chillers. What is the point, then? The incoming condensing water temperature is an important parameter, so if they do not measure that, what is the use of a BMS? All the technology is specified by the consultant; it is there, but is anyone using it to make life better for the occupant or to save energy? Is it installed and maintained correctly?

This is a drawback in the building industry.”

Dilip Sinha

Tariq Chauhan

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August 2016

We see residential and commercial building maintenance left to security guards. In such cases, the investment in deploying BMS risks underutilisation

August 2016

13

Dilip Sinha, General Manager of Honeywell Environmental and Energy Solutions in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), offers a similar observation, saying: “In the Middle East, while we often see properly managed high-end buildings or critical spaces, such as hotels and hospitals, we also regularly see residential and commercial building maintenance left to security guards. In such cases, the investment in deploying BMS risks underutilisation.”

He acknowledges, however, that “developers and consulting engineers are well aware of [the value of] BMS” and that they typically “include HVAC design in the building specification”, especially for mid- to high-end facilities".

Speaking along the same lines, Mohanad Alshaikh says that with the Gulf region having one of the top construction markets in the world, its adoption of technologies like BMS is on par with markets like North America. “The Middle East has some of the [world’s] most high-tech buildings that have been specified with BMS,” says the CEO of Al Salem Johnson Controls (Saudi Arabia and Lebanon). “North America is a mature market and has the edge of early adoption, but the Middle East is catching up fast. There is a big difference, however, in the post-construction phase. The region needs to work on developing a strong operations and maintenance model that will help

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August 2016

sustain investments in energy technologies.”

Where does the problem lie?

If the region is catching up with the rest of the world when it comes to adopting the latest in controls solutions, why are building owners having trouble making the systems work for them?

What’s causing the operations and maintenance issue?

For Seneviratne, the problem lies primarily with the maintenance industry. “Few entities know how to operate and maintain smart systems,” he says. “The maintenance industry is trailing behind.

When it comes to the construction industry, you have consultants, project managers and quality managers. But you won’t find that calibre of professionals in the maintenance industry.”

Echoing Seneviratne’s assessment of the current scenario, Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of EFS Facilities Services Group, admits that the industry is, indeed, experiencing a shortage of skilled human resources. He says: “In the last 15 years, construction technologies have changed and evolved in terms of both design and function.

So the challenge now is not having enough skills to complement the change in technology within the core FM. The industry is struggling to find expertise and skills to manage these advanced systems.”

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Inside scoop Industry insiders share their thoughts with Climate Control Middle East on...

The importance of BMS “Controls and BMS are very critical to a building’s energy conservation plan. They are tools that help facility managers create an operating schedule that best matches the building’s occupancy pattern.

Most HVAC systems are designed for peak load conditions, which occur a few times a year. Controls and BMS help identify the off-peak pattern in buildings and adjust the HVAC systems to a lower energy consumption mode. This is done while ensuring best occupant comfort.”

–Mohanad Alshaikh, CEO, Al Salem Johnson Controls (Saudi Arabia and Lebanon) “In modern buildings, a substantial amount of energy is consumed by the HVAC equipment. So, it is extremely important to deploy the right control strategies utilising BMS, for optimum performance of the equipment with minimum load utilisation. This optimisation may have different strategies, such as distributing chilled water or cold air in proportion to the required areas. This can result in significant energy savings without causing any discomfort to occupants or affecting the value [of] assets in unoccupied areas.”

–Dilip Sinha, GM, Honeywell Environmental and Energy Solutions (META)

The future of the building automation industry

David Stevenson

“We can see the Internet of Things playing a big role in the marketplace, and we can see a lot more distributed intelligence in the future.

This means that there will be more intelligence in the field devices, and maybe less of a need for centralised BMS.” –David Stevenson, Managing Director, Belimo Automation

“Energy management is the key factor for influencing the future technology in the building automation industry. The future is Internet-enabled BAS that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, and that uses simple dashboards to indicate KPIs on key building performance measures. Be it a home, an office or a healthcare facility, the future BAS is easier to access and operate than the conventional control rooms of the past. As I said, BAS, or BMS as they call it, is a tool to help operate buildings more efficiently, with the key measure of performance being a reduction in energy consumption.”

–Mohanad Alshaikh, CEO, Al Salem Johnson Controls (Saudi Arabia and Lebanon) “We have seen several authorities outline sustainability guidelines across the Gulf region. This is ensuring that major buildings deploy dashboards to manage energy consumption. Energy dashboards not only provide management clues to facility managers, but there are also several tools and displays that can be utilised to educate building occupants to be aware of their responsibility towards the environment. In the coming years, the majority of buildings with high visitor footfall (eg, malls, cinemas and stadiums) are likely to install energy dashboards that create selfawareness for occupants that enable better utilisation of resources. In the future, BMS won’t only be associated with HVAC controls, it will become a guide to achieving building efficiency for building owners and occupants.”

–Dilip Sinha, GM, Honeywell Environmental and Energy Solutions (META)

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August 2016

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The incoming condensing water temperature is an important parameter, so if they do not measure that, what is the use of a BMS? Better wages for better returns While he agrees that the industry is low on skills, Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Imdaad, stresses that there is a bigger problem – one that he believes is, in fact, the reason behind the shortage.

“The wages – that’s the main challenge in the FM industry right now,” he says. Elaborating, he reveals that many FM companies, the small outfits in particular, not only give their employees very low salaries but also assign them to a variety of roles – security guard at night and cleaner in the morning, for instance, without investing in any form of training or development programme.

Backing Lootah’s claim, Le Biavant maintains that one way the industry can address the dearth in expertise is by offering higher salaries. “Let me give you a picture of how things are,” she says. “In my division, we have dedicated energy auditors with the required analytical skills that allow them to extract data from the BMS as well as analyse it and use it to formulate an energy [management] and maintenance plan. You can’t require or expect technicians to be able to do all that. If you want that, you’ll need to give higher salaries, which is something that most clients are not willing to do.”

And willing is what they need to be if they want to get their money’s worth out of the systems installed in their buildings, says Vijay Kumar, President of International Business at Cylon. He explains that building owners are advised to invest in highly skilled in-house BMS operators since BMS doesn’t just collect data but also controls equipment like HVAC. “Imagine a conference room at a hotel,” he says. “It is booked for three days. On the first day, it’s booked for the whole day, but only for a few hours on the second and third days. Each day, the occupancy changes, so somebody has to feed the information to the BMS. This means that you need to have an operator all the time. And that’s not even close to being the only responsibility of the operator.

Operators also need to manage the amount of information stored in the hard disk of the BMS

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August 2016

computer, because the system is continuously receiving data from the sensors in the building.

If left unattended, the system will become slow and deteriorate, in the same way that your iPhone will become slow when too many apps have been downloaded to it.”

Conveying his disappointment over what he describes is a sign of an immature market and corroborating the view of others, Kumar adds that even building owners who do start out having skilled technicians end up losing their staff because of low wages. “When a BMS is purchased, it typically comes with either a one- or two-year contract for maintenance and training,” he says. “After the period is over, customers can choose to extend the contract, but many don’t.

And as I mentioned, in a lot of cases, the trained technicians eventually leave, because they are not being paid well. So now, the clients will have to bring in new people, but because they want to avoid incurring more costs, they choose not to have the new people trained. BMS is an excellent technology, but what good is technology if the person using the system either does not know how to operate it or only has half the knowledge required? You’re doing an injustice to the system.”

Going remote Asked if he foresees the attitude of building owners changing anytime soon, Kumar answers without hesitation: “Unfortunately, no. I wish I could say that I see the market maturing, but even the industry itself does not fully understand what a BMS is supposed to do and what it can do.”

If that is the case, what then can be done to resolve the problem of underutilised control systems? “First, we need to educate the industry and create awareness,” says Kumar. “How do we do that? By having more technical seminars and product demonstrations. We need to be able to spread the message through workshops like those organised by ASHRAE.” Other than creating awareness, Kumar suggests coming up with a customised financial model centred on Remote Management Systems (RMS) to make the technology more appealing to the customer. He explains: “You bring in a financial or commercial model offering the client a costeffective solution in the form of RMS. For example, you can go to a building owner and tell him, ‘Listen, you don’t need a BMS operator anymore.

You don’t need to worry about his salary or his benefits; you don’t need to worry about upgrading your system or worry about its maintenance. You don’t need to worry about any of that, because we will take care of everything for you through remote monitoring and remote management. Our people in the central control room are all trained and well-paid and have the necessary skills to manage your building remotely.’”

Elaborating further on the benefits of RMS, Kumar adds: “With remote management,

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Green-rated system Dubai will implement a new building rating system to push BMS deployment…

D

ubai Municipality, in early July, announced the launch of its new Green Building rating system, called Al Sa'fat. The rating system – scheduled to start taking effect on September 1, 2016 – will apply to all buildings, regardless of use or size, and will be broken down into four classifications: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. It will be mandatory for every building to earn at least a bronze rating.

A project developed in support of the government’s goal to transform Dubai into one of the world’s smartest and most sustainable cities, Al Sa'fat is expected to promote the deployment of BMS in the emirate, as reflected in a statement released to Climate Control Middle East by Dubai Municipality: “BMS is part of Al Sa'fat. Its [BMS] weakness has to do with the way it is applied and connected in buildings. Al Sa'fat includes a lot of control points and control systems, which will increase the effectiveness of BMS. We can achieve greater energy efficiency in buildings by optimising BMS.”

hundreds of buildings can be connected to the same central control room, and it will only take around 20 operators to manage a hundred buildings, 24/7. Now if the customer says he’d rather go for his own BMS, he’ll need at least three operators for his building alone, with each taking an eight-hour shift. That’s going to cost him a lot. But with RMS, he’ll have a properly monitored and managed building at a fraction of the original cost, not to mention, he’ll also be saving on his electricity bill, because RMS can be used to control the building’s energy consumption.”

The future is here Kumar is not the only one who thinks that RMS could help solve the problems the region is facing in reaping the full benefits of control systems.

Alshaikh, while conceding there isn’t much demand for the solution at the moment, asserts that it has potential of performing well in Gulf markets like Saudi Arabia. “The demand is very low now, but with increasing cost of operations and a lower crude price, RMS has the potential to improve a building’s operating and scheduling plan,” says Alshaikh. “RMS can even be started with small investments like smart, cloud-based devices, and then transitioned to a full-blown RMS centre. There are several options available in this space.”

Extrapolating from RMS to reiterate his point that “a strong O&M strategy” is necessary so building owners can sustain their investments, Alshaikh adds: “85% of a building’s lifecycle is in the O&M phase, and this is where the awareness level needs to increase. Smart buildings won’t be sustainable without a comprehensive maintenance strategy. RMS could be one of the maintenance strategies.”

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August 2016

Sinha, on his part, is confident that RMS spells the future for the building industry, and says: “Currently, there are some isolated activities around RMS, but so far, there isn’t an organised approach to it. With today’s technology providing high availability networks, cloud solutions and big data, remote monitoring of buildings will become a reality in the coming years.”

The advantage of RMS, Sinha says, will not be limited only to helping building owners reduce their operational costs. “They will also be able to reap the benefits of having access to more advice and solutions from experts,” he says. “Connectivity will be more common, because of the convenience and flexibility it offers, but it’s very important that the industry and customers work together to ensure that these systems are deployed securely to help prevent unauthorised access.”

Cooperation is key While agreeing with Sinha that it’s important for different stakeholders to work together, Le Biavant cites a possible obstacle to the successful

RMS can even be started with small investments like smart, cloud-based devices, and then transitioned to a full-blown RMS centre

adoption of RMS in the region – one that she has actually seen happen. “Having a command control centre can be very positive, and I’ve seen it work well for a property,” she says, before spelling out the problem: “When a customer has one company handling RMS and another handling facilities management, there’s a risk of miscommunication, a conflict in the decision-making process. The RMS company could end up making decisions from the control centre that counter the decisions the FM company makes on-site. If, for instance, an event in a building requires for extra cooling, the FM personnel on-site would decide to switch on an extra chiller; but then, you have someone in the control centre, seeing that the chiller is on, even though his sequencing says that it shouldn’t be, making the decision to turn it back off. It sounds like a simplistic scenario, but we’ve seen that happen, and it’s not uncommon when communication between parties is not smooth and fluid.”

To avoid the aforementioned scenario,

Le Biavant is of the opinion that both the control centre and the on-site maintenance should be handled by FM companies – a concept that Kumar, despite regarding it with reservations, thinks has potential to work.

“The challenge with FM companies is that they are more electromechanical in their approach,” Kumar says. “When you talk of RMS and BMS, you talk about controls and data, software, networking and bandwidth. There’s a lot of IT-related stuff involved with RMS. But with FM companies, it’s more about piping, ducts, air conditioning, electrical motors and chillers.

So RMS is a little away from their core competency, but if they are willing to be trained, then I don’t see any problem.”

Not only does Kumar not see any problem with it, but he also thinks it may even bring about better collaboration among industry stakeholders. “Stakeholders, like FM companies and building controls manufacturers like us, should come together and engage in internal dialogues,” he says.

“We need to brainstorm as a team on how we can create a win-win situation for the industry as whole, because what’s happening now is we have different people talking in different voices; we have different stakeholders relaying different – often conflicting – messages. Unless we all talk in the same voice and relay the same message, the customers will be confused.

They will hear 10 people talking 10 different things.”

Once the industry succeeds in coming together under a unified message, says Kumar, it will realise that all other obstacles can be overcome.

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• Jeddah, KSA • Toronto, Canada

FOUNDED TO LEAD

Allied has grown into one of the leading Engineering and Project Management firms in the Middle East, boasting offices in 3 major Countries in the Middle East (Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia).

Allied offers full range of Engineering and Project Management services provided by nearly 140 dedicated professionals distributed among Egyptian, UAE and KSA locations.

The company is a multidisciplinary consulting firm and has a track record and specialization in Buildings, Industrial Works and District Cooling and Power Generation Plants.

August 2016

21

INTERVIEW

Thinking beyond the

Eurovent Summit C

ould you tell us about Eurovent and its activities?

Felix Van Eyken: Eurovent consists of three independent entities. First, the Eurovent association – Europe’s industry association for indoor climate (HVAC), process cooling and food cold chain technologies. It represents Europe’s major sector associations, and more than 1.000 manufacturers from over 25 countries, including leading players from the GCC region.

Our association monitors and contributes to the development of legislation and its supporting standards. In areas where there is no legislation or where there is no standard, the Eurovent association develops what we call ‘Recommendations’ and ‘Guidebooks’.

These tend to develop into standards. The most recent example is the publication of our Air Curtains Guidebook. Also, two new efficiency standards are going to be presented at the Eurovent Summit. We also monitor international developments that may impact the European and GCC region’s industry and represent our

22

August 2016

members internationally.

Second is Eurovent Certita Certification, which most of the readers of Climate Control Middle East might already be familiar with.

This organisation runs over 40 performance certification programmes independently from our association. It is globally known for the ‘Eurovent Certified Performance’ quality mark, which plays an important role in establishing a level-playing field for manufacturers. Eurovent Certification endeavours to fulfil the highest possible standards, and is EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 accredited.

Third, Eurovent Market Intelligence (EMI). As Europe’s and the GCC region’s statistics office of the HVACR market, EMI has been providing key market data since 1994, and is a trusted partner of more than 300 manufacturers. EMI also runs independently from our association, which has been done in order to comply with the strictest confidentiality standards.

What is the reason for hosting this year’s Eurovent Summit in Poland?

Alex Rasmussen: Poland has developed into one

Participants will receive insights into European Union’s regulatory developments surrounding ecodesign and energy performance of buildings

Alex Rasmussen

Photos courtesy https://eurovent.eu

Felix Van Eyken

of Europe’s major markets. The country has great potential and a thriving economy.

We want to support the Polish industry in becoming more visible throughout Europe and beyond, and more attractive for investments from abroad. In order for this to happen, the market needs to move away from a largely price-driven approach towards a higher recognition of lifecycle costs and product qualities. We would like that the Polish industry contributes to shaping European legislation, rather than merely following it. The developments at European level are a key to the future evolutions, and do require inputs and follow-up by all industries concerned.

Morten Schmelzer: By hosting this year’s Eurovent Summit in Krakow, we want to bring Poland’s market participants closer to the latest and upcoming technological developments, provide them with essential information on European legislation and standards and offer them the chance to meet and discuss with hundreds of key industry representatives from throughout Europe and the GCC region.

How can manufacturers from the GCC region profit from this?

Morten Schmelzer: We observe that many players from the GCC region are considering entering the European market. Why? Because it is a comparatively stable market with long-term growth perspectives. Driven

by strict legislation, Europe is more qualityoriented than most other markets, allowing for higher profit margins. Our event offers a very good opportunity to receive insights into regional market developments and potentials. It also provides manufacturers in the GCC region with hands-on knowledge on forward-thinking European legislation and standards.

Could you please elaborate on some of the activities planned during the Eurovent Summit?

Morten Schmelzer: We have partnered with leading national and international sector associations, such as eurammon, Polish Ventilation Association and REHVA, to deliver a series of events that we believe provide a high added value to participants.

For example, we have initiated an event called Indoor Climate 2030. This event constitutes a hands-on, forward-looking seminar for building consultants, contractors, designers, manufacturers, planners and everyone else interested in upcoming developments concerning indoor climate technologies. The symposium includes seminars by leading European industry experts and academics.

Among other things, participants will receive in-depth insights into European Union’s regulatory developments surrounding ecodesign and energy performance of buildings, new testing

Morten Schmelzer

August 2016

23

INTERVIEW

The Eurovent Summit moves to Poland

T

he Eurovent Summit connects around 400 industry leaders from Europe, the GCC region, Northern Africa and international markets through close to 40 seminars, meetings and dedicated side events.

This year’s Eurovent Summit puts a special emphasis on the growing Polish as well as Central and Eastern European markets.

The event is organised biennially by Eurovent association, Eurovent Certita Certification and Eurovent Market Intelligence, in cooperation with leading international and national sector organisations, such as eurammon, Polish Ventilation Association and REHVA.

and rating standards for ventilation equipment, performance certification programmes and market development trends following ecodesign regulations.

Felix Van Eyken: Secondly, our colleagues from REHVA are going to organise dedicated workshops, taking these issues further, while focusing particularly on topics, such as indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and Nearly ZeroEnergy Buildings (NZEBs), which all new buildings in the EU have to be by the end of 2020. REHVA, which can roughly be described as the European version of ASHRAE, groups over 100,000 HVACRrelated engineers and building consultants in Europe, and updates them with the latest developments at regulatory and standardisation level in the HVACR sector.

Thirdly, a dedicated evening event has been scheduled each day of the Eurovent Summit. One example includes the Eurovent Innovation Hub. In the unique environment of an old tram depot, this reception will offer non-commercial keynote presentations given in a TED-style manner by leading personalities from inside and outside the industry. Another example is the Eurovent/ REHVA ‘Climate Chamber’ at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO world heritage site. For this

We recognise the everincreasing digitisation of our sector. We understand that our industry produces more than just equipment 24

August 2016

event, we have invited European Commissioners and others to elaborate on market and legislative developments.

Alex Rasmussen: The Eurovent Summit also sees close to 40 working group sessions of the Eurovent association, Eurovent Certification, Eurovent Market Intelligence and REHVA, taking place throughout all event days. The Eurovent meetings are product-focused and provide insights into hot topics, such as ecodesign regulations our members are dealing with. Participants can join any of these meetings regardless of their membership.

Speaking of ‘hot topics’, what in your opinion are key issues the HVCAR sector is facing?

Felix Van Eyken: Together with our national member associations, we have defined several core issues within our new Statement of Principles.

Firstly, we regularly highlight the importance of ensuring good indoor air, and the central role ventilation and filtration play in this respect. The aspects relating to the health of citizens is rising on the political agenda, and will start to have impact on product and building regulations. Also, unfortunately, in the GCC region, we observe that many manufacturers somehow misuse the term ‘indoor air quality’ for pure marketing purposes.

This deserves to be changed.

Secondly, energy and environmental efficiency is and will remain one of our core issues. Our association shapes the development and evolution of legislation, such as ecodesign regulations, which require manufacturers to decrease the energy consumption of their products by establishing minimum energy efficiency requirements.

Thirdly, we recognise the ever-increasing digitisation of our sector. We understand that our industry produces more than just equipment.

Smart technologies, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things are keywords in this context.

The industry needs to be as receptive as possible

We think in terms of actual applications. We think beyond HVACR and do not strictly separate issues any longer

towards all kinds of digital developments.

This could involve new levels of cooperation and an opening up of the association scope beyond manufacturing – following our lead ideal of thinking ‘Beyond HVACR’.

Could you please explain what you mean by ‘Beyond HVACR’?

Alex Rasmussen: Frankly speaking, we are not big fans of the terminology HVACR. Not only does it not sound very appealing, but it also does not rightly reflect the state-ofthe-art of our industry. Nowadays, we think in terms of actual applications. We think beyond HVACR and do not strictly separate issues any longer. Accordingly, as an industry, we have established the key areas: indoor climate, process cooling/refrigeration and food cold chain. We furthermore speak of technologies, and not equipment, taking

into account the issues Van Eyken has outlined before.

Any other points our readers should now?

Morten Schmelzer: Yes, all Climate Control Middle East subscribers from the GCC region are going to profit from a 50% discount on the usual ticket rate. They are going to be informed via email and receive a dedicated promotion code.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

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

August 2016

25

Syed Taqi Hussain is Managing Partner, Green Tech FZC. He can be contacted at syedtaqi@greentechfz.com.

ERSPECTIVE

Parking problems of the gaseous kind C

arbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most dangerous gases known to humankind.

It is highly poisonous in nature. The symptoms of its toxicity include, headache, mental dullness, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of muscular control, increased, and then decreased pulse and respiratory rate, collapsing, unconsciousness and death (CO > 1,500 ppm).

What makes the gas dangerous, though, is that it is odourless, colourless and tasteless. And that is precisely why CO sensors or detectors are indispensable in enclosed car parks, where the CO levels could be high. New and existing parking garages require CO-based ventilation systems designed for car park applications to provide safe ventilation rates. Indeed, using CO sensors to control ventilation fans in enclosed parking garages is a widely recognised method for not only controlling CO levels but also for reducing the energy usage by activating fans only when automobile exhaust is present.

Sensor spacing and fan selection are among key factors to be considered when designing a CO monitoring system.

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August 2016

Checklist during design phase In terms of human safety and energy efficiency, there are quite a few factors to be considered during the design phase for installing a CO monitoring system.

Fan selection is a key factor. It is essential that proper minimum exhaust rates need to be selected. As per ASHRAE, the minimum exhaust rate is 0.75 cfm/ft2 and the outdoor air requirement is 1.5 cfm/ft2.

Sensor spacing is another factor for consideration. Sensors do not have what are termed a “capable radius” or “area of coverage”.

In order for a sensor to detect a gas concentration, the gas must migrate from the source location to the sensor location. As the distance from the source to the sensor increases, the migration time also increases. Subsequently, so does the time for detection and time for action via the DDC (Digital Data Control).

As a general rule, a minimum spacing of 5,000 square feet or 500m2 can be considered, based on the design of the car park. Further spacing needs to be reduced, considering the layout of the car park.

Sensor spacing and fan selection are among key factors to be considered when designing a CO monitoring system Sensor properties constitute another key factor for consideration. An electrochemical sensor can replace the conventional solid state (SOS) types of devices, also called metal oxide semiconductors. One of the main advantages of an electrochemical sensor over an SOS is high accuracy at 0 50 ppm range. Also, a lack of interference of temperature or humidity eliminates seasonal drift of sensors, in the case of an electromechanical sensor.

The location of the sensor is yet another

important factor for consideration. It is a good idea to locate sensing points on walls and columns at 1.5 to two metres above the floor level, which is assumed to be ideal by most of the manufacturers of CO sensors.

Control logic is another key factor. It is ideal for the logic to be programmed as per required air changes/hour, based on the area of the car park. Switching matrix should be based on the CO set-point. In other words, in case of an increase in the level of CO above the set-point (adjustable), the jet and extract fans switch from low to high speed.

Fire interlock can be hardwired through the panel or the input can be taken through the DDC to increase the fan speed and to switch off the fresh air fan, irrespective of the set- point, considering only the affected level.

These days, programmable DDC offers several logic options. Truly, what an engineer thinks can be programmed, provided the proper inputs and outputs at the DDC are available.

Maintenance is the mantra After installing the sensor system, the major challenge is to maintain it, as the sensors require periodic calibration. Since the sensor element is electrochemical, there is constant chemical reaction in the sensor and, therefore, after a few months of installing a sensor, the sensor element loses its efficiency and stability. That is, if the CO level is high, it will still show the reading as low. This means that if the set-point is set as 20 ppm, the fans will be switched on, when the actual is above 20 ppm. In fact, it could be anything from above 20 to 300 ppm, based on the chemical reaction of the sensor element.

To reiterate the point, in order to avoid inefficient performance of the sensors, and to keep them working as per the requirement, they need to be periodically calibrated.

Ideally, CO detectors need to be recalibrated at least annually but preferably every six months in order to ensure accurate and proper operation. This needs

August 2016

27

ERSPECTIVE

Watch out for CO!

The table, below, compiled from reputable sources, including the NFPA, summarises some of the health hazards caused due to prolonged exposure to various concentrations of CO in the air.

of five to seven years. Typically, regular calibration takes care of under-performance, as well as offer energy saving.

Some sensors show the reading as high, irrespective of the reading being low and, consequently, all the exhaust fans in the basement get switched on to high speed.

However, the calibration procedure will fix the sensors and make them work as per their requirement.

Unfortunately, there are car parks that do not have a sensor system in place, or are not maintained properly. Both situations are dangerous, considering the health hazards, life-threatening situations or general risk to safety they pose. These can easily be avoided by providing the correct sensor systems and maintaining them scrupulously. to be stringently followed, given the potential detrimental or fatal consequences that could occur without the required monitoring or indication of harmful CO concentrations present. The duration of the recalibration process will depend upon the amount of target gas the sensor is exposed to, or the extent of deterioration of the sensor, whereby one sensor can have its calibration re-established quicker than another, depending on the installation location.

If recalibration schedules are met regularly, a CO detector should have an operational lifespan

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August 2016

Electrochemical sensing technology Gas sensing devices are available in several technologies or principles of operation. The most common are the electronic, electrochemical and metal oxide semiconductors. The selection of a specific sensing technology is usually determined by its purpose – to sense a toxic gas or to sense a combustible gas. Here, I will deal specifically with electrochemical sensing technology used for the purpose of measuring CO. Typically, electrochemical CO sensors consist of

Ideally, CO detectors need to be recalibrated at least annually but preferably every six months

chemical reactants (electrolytes or gels) and two terminals – an anode and a cathode.

The anode is responsible for an oxidisation process, and the cathode is responsible for a reduction process. Consequently, current is created by way of positive ions flowing to the cathode, and the negative ions flowing to the anode. The output is directly proportional to the concentration of CO. A more superior three-terminal configuration consists of the anode or a “working” electrode, the cathode or a “counter” electrode and a third, “reference” electrode. The reference electrode maintains a healthy operation of the cell. As it is surrounded by electrolyte, it sees that no gas and no current is allowed to be drawn from it. Therefore, its electrochemical potential remains constant at a level referred to as the “rest air potential”. It is used to regulate the potential of the working electrode, regardless of the current generated during operation.

Some of the benefits achieved with a three-electrode sensor are extended range, improved linearity and other performance

advancements. (See Figure 1) As with all gas detectors, their operation and accuracy will deteriorate over time, depending on their installation and environment. The life expectancy of an electrochemical CO sensor depends upon several factors, such as the specific gas detected, the total amount of target (CO) gas the sensor is exposed to, temperature, humidity and pressure.

Typically, an electrochemical gas sensor should operate as designed for one to three years, as the electrolyte within the sensor cell will eventually get used up. Regularly scheduled manufacturer’s recommended maintenance (calibration) procedures should extend the lifespan of the sensor, if properly followed.

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

Venture Tape is MORE than tape A Complete Line of Building Construction & HVAC products

Insulation Jacketing Aluminum Foil Tapes Specialty Tapes UL Listed ®

August 2016

29

Sarmad Fakhri is Managing Director, Kingspan Insulation. He can be contacted at info@kingspaninsulation.ae

ERSPECTIVE

and

GWP ODP O

ur way of life threatens the very planet that we live on, and for our future to be environmentally sustainable, we need to act – and now!

The seeds sown at the Vienna Convention in 1985 to halt and reverse the depletion of the ozone layer are slowly coming to fruition in the GCC region. The Convention, which took place over 30 years ago, enabled unprecedented international cooperation in researching the effects of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) on the ozone layer, and was the basis on which the Montreal Protocol was produced in September 1987. At the time, 24 countries and the European Economic Community signed the Protocol, which requires the reduction and eventual phasing out of CFCs and other ODSs. It has since been amended five times, most recently in Montreal in 2007, each time calling for more stringent targets.

Article 5 Parties and their commitment In 1989, Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol was developed. This allowed developing countries to become part of the action against climate change.

Recognising the need to balance environmental concerns with the demands of the industry, the Article 5 Countries that signed the Protocol committed themselves to the phasing out of Halons, CFCs and Carbon Tetrachloride by 2010. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, too, signed the Protocol

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August 2016

August 2016

31

ERSPECTIVE

and came under the ambit of Article 5 countries and, therefore, committed to phase out these ODSs.

Implications of GWP and ODP

Under Estidama’s Stewarding Materials section, one credit point is available, providing all thermal insulation used has an ODP of zero and a GWP of less than five 32

August 2016

CFCs, HFCs and HCFCs are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning facilities.

However, HCFCs (and previously CFCs), can also be used as blowing agents during the manufacturing of foam insulation products. Blowing agents used in foam insulation production will have a different global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP).

In this context, it is important to understand that, whilst reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions of a building, thermal insulation and pre-insulated panels can impact climate change if they are not manufactured in a responsible manner. To underscore the point, blowing agents, such as HCFCs, used in the manufacture of foam insulation products, can be released into the atmosphere, and certain blowing agents that manufacturers are using can accelerate climate change.

HCFCs, whilst significantly lower than CFCs, can have a relatively high ODP.1 ODP is the ratio of relative amount of degradation to the ozone layer caused by a substance. The ODP of HCFCs is thought to be between 0.001 and 0.11, while other substances, such as Pentane, have zero ODP, but also offer a low GWP. GWP is a relative measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere. The more heat the gas traps, the bigger the potential for global warming. For example, HCFCs have a GWP of up to 2,000 times that of carbon dioxide, and so, these substances are considered to have GWP. Further information is provided by the European Parliament, which lists the GWP of each blowing agent that can be used during the manufacture of foam insulation materials.2 After the phase-out of CFCs, many foam insulation manufacturers turned to HCFCs as an alternative, as they have a much lower ODP than CFCs. However, following the 2007 amendment,

the phase-out of these interim chemicals, should really have already begun within Dubai, as per Dubai Municipality’s guidance document which enforces the phase-out.3 Additionally, Estidama rating systems in Abu Dhabi provide guidance.4 Under the Stewarding Materials section, one credit point is available, providing all thermal insulation used has an ODP of zero and a GWP of less than five.

However, despite this guidance, manufacturers are continuing to use HCFCs as blowing agents for foam insulation. So, are HCFCs safe for the environment? From research, the short answer is, no.

As such, specifiers in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar and, in fact, all countries across the GCC region, need to be aware that specifying all types of foam insulation products need to be not only CFC-free but also HCFC-free to ensure low GWP and zero ODP insulants.

Moving forward Ideally, pre-insulated ductwork systems with ODP of zero and a low GWP would be an easy route for specifiers, engineers and contractors to help combat climate change.

References: 1. https://www.giz.de/expertise/downloads/ Fachexpertise/giz2009-en-natural-foam-blowing-agents. pdf 2. “Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006”.

3. “Technical Guideline Number 7: Policy on the control of Ozone Depleting Substances”.

4. http://estidama.upc.gov.ae/pearl-rating-system-v10. aspx

CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.

August 2016

33

NEWS REGIONAL

Empower inks deal with Nakheel Will establish six cooling plants to provide 260,000 TR District Cooling services to Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Village Triangle

E

mpower has announced signing a contract with Nakheel to provide District Cooling services to Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Village Triangle. Empower, the announcement said, will invest AED 1.8 billion in five years for the project.

The agreement, the announcement added, was signed at Nakheel’s headquarters, between H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, and Sanjay Manchanda, CEO of Nakheel, in the presence of H.E. Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman of Nakheel, along with senior officials from the two companies.

According to the agreement, Empower

will reportedly build up to six cooling plants at the two locations, to provide 260,000 TR for the 400 buildings, with the project being divided into several phases.

Empower said that it will produce 30,000 TR by the fourth quarter of this year.

“In response to the growing demand for District Cooling, and in line with our expansion strategy, we are delighted to win these two contracts from Nakheel to provide District Cooling services to Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Village Triangle,” said Bin Shafar, while singing the agreement. “We share with Nakheel similar standards and reliability of services.”

DC PRO Engineering and TAQNIA ENERGY sign partnership Joint initiative targets new District Cooling and renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia

Dr Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Muhanna

Fouad Younan

U

AE-based DC PRO Engineering has announced partnering with TAQNIA ENERGY (TE), a subsidiary of the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company.

The agreement between the two entities, the announcement said, marks a joint initiative to pitch for new business projects in District Cooling and renewable energy throughout Saudi Arabia, and added that the initial agreement will last for 12 months, with an option to renew or expand the partnership, or look at other opportunities.

The two companies are currently working on new project proposals across the Kingdom,

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August 2016

said DC PRO Engineering, which has a presence in Saudi Arabia for the last eight years.

“The Saudi market is an extremely important one for us, and we have instigated a strong strategy to strengthen our presence and offering across a number of products that we aim to introduce through our partnership with TAQNIA ENERGY,” said Fouad Younan, Managing Director at DC PRO Engineering. “As part of Saudi 50, we are targeting significant growth that will enable the Saudi market to account for 50% of our total revenues by 2020.”

Dr Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Muhanna, CEO of TE, added, “DC PRO Engineering’s values are aligned with TE’s mandate, thus granting this partnership opportunity to contribute to the fruition on the Saudi Vision 2030, by developing the local content related to the energy infrastructure, and to safeguard the natural resources and the environment through increasing the efficiency of fuel utilisation.”

Daikin VRV IV receives QCC certification Has also received ‘Green Product of the Year’ award from EmiratesGBC

D

aikin has announced that the Daikin VRV IV Series has received the Abu Dhabi Trustmark for Environmental Performance from the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC).

The announcement added that Daikin VRV IV also received ‘The Green Building Product of the Year 2016’ award from Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) at the EmiratesGBC award ceremony held on May 18, 2016, in Dubai.

The news of receiving the QCC certification and EmiratesGBC award was announced during its Annual Dealer Meeting, held on May 30, 2016, the company said, and added that it also awarded over 73 Daikin dealers across the United Arab Emirates for their sales performance in FY 2015. During the event, Daikin also reportedly announced its Annual Incentive Trip, wherein nine top achieving dealers were awarded a trip to Venice.

Congratulating all the dealers, Geoff Watson, Deputy General Manager of Daikin Middle East and Africa, said that the company would continue its collaboration with its dealers with a fullfledged product range “that not only suits the high-ambient temperature of the region but also meets the highest level of efficiency and compliance with regional regulators, such as ESMA, ESTIDAMA, QCC, SASO, MEW and others”.

Speaking about Daikin VRV IV, the company claimed that the product is especially equipped to handle the heat in the Middle East region, and thanks to its VRT technology, it can also constantly monitor ambient temperature and continuously adjust the refrigerant flow and refrigerant temperature, to achieve maximum efficiency and minimum power consumption.

TROX Middle East bags three major UAE contracts Supplies products to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Opera House and Motiongate theme park in Dubai

Louvre Abu Dhabi

T

ROX Middle East has announced supplying its products to three major projects in the United Arab Emirates – Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Opera House and Motiongate theme park in Dubai.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, set to open later this year, the announcement said, became amongst the first in the region to use chilled

beams designed by TROX. Part of a 30-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government, the 24,000-squaremetre museum complex, to be located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District in the UAE capital, is expected to cost between EUR 83 million and EUR 108 million.

Giving details about the Dubai Opera

House, TROX Middle East said that it has equipped the 2,000-seat performing centre, part of The Opera District within Downtown Dubai, with air distribution system in the form of floor diffusers installed under every seat, as well as displacement diffusers and jet nozzles. Pointing out that the noise level and acoustics are very important in an opera house environment, the company said that its technology had been used to ensure what it claimed to be the best acoustic experience possible for the audience.

Regarding the Motiongate theme park project, part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, TROX Middle East said that it has won the contract for designer air outlets. Set to open in October this year, Motiongate is reportedly a 2.3-million-square-metre development being created at the cost of AED 10.5 billion.

Need Kitchen Exhaust Treatment?

A technique used to decrease the pollution content in the flue gases??

Electrostatic Precipitator is the SOLUTION!

Euro-Asia (Taiwan) Based in Taiwan, Euro-Asia is a manufacturer of electrostatic precipitators (ESP) or else known as electrostatic air cleaners (EAC).

Euro-Asia has supplied and installed various ESP’s in applications such as: ● Kitchen exhaust treatment for commercial restaurants. ● Dust and oil mist control for factories. ● Tobacco smoke and dust control for hotels, offices, casinos and etc. ● Clean indoor air (a�ached to air handling units) for buildings and hotels. ● Smoking lounge . ● Industrial - CNC, Paper Processing, Screw Tapping Facili�es and many more…

TYPES OF MODELS

● EAN-Series (without fan). ● HF Series (with fan). ● Capacity per unit: 2,000 up to 6,000 CFM. ● Can be used in mul�ples for bigger capaci�es up to 30,000 CFM.

Please visit Euro-Asia website (www.euroasia.tw) for more information

MIDDLE EAST SOLE REPRESENTATIVE:

U.A.E. Contact Detail:

OMAN Contact Detail:

Cheqpoint Tech Trading LLC

Blue Diamond Development Projects

P.O. Box 25236 - Dubai, U.A.E.

Office # 209, Al Jus House, South Mawale, Muscat - Oman

Tel: +971 4 3209310, Fax: +971 4 3925582

Tel: +968 24522283, Fax: +968 24522284

E-mail: info@cheqpoint.com

E-mail: info@bluediamondoman.com

Website: www.cheqpoint.com Website: www.bluediamondoman.com Contact Person: Mr. Harminder Singh (G.M.) & Mr. Jay Deliwala (Technical and Sales Manager)

(Cheqpoint Certifications: ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:2007 & USGBC Member)

August 2016

35

NEWS REGIONAL

Dubai gets world’s first office building produced by 3-D printer Siemens technology provides BM systems like air conditioning, fire protection and access control

T

he world’s first office building produced by a 3-D printer has opened in Dubai, and Siemens has announced providing it building technology integrated into a central building management platform. The technology ensures low operating costs and reduced energy consumption, claimed Siemens.

Dubbed the “Office of the Future”, the 250-square-metre structure, Siemens said, was built using a 3-D printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide, and erected near the Emirates Towers in Dubai.

Siemens gave the following details regarding the technology provided: The key components of the structure are integrated

with the help of Siemens’ Desigo CC building management platform. The platform enables the control and optimisation of the building’s technical infrastructure, surveillance, air conditioning and access control systems from a central location. A customised platform displays the status of the various systems in real time, enabling operators to accurately monitor and control the building’s performance. Siemens also supplied fire protection technology for detection, alarms and control, including multi-sensor detectors, which can adapt to changing environments, analyse signals for false alarms and protect against hazards, such as the presence of carbon monoxide.

The system can also be reportedly analysed, evaluated and diagnosed remotely.

“Integrating key functions into an intelligent building management system has clear safety, cost and efficiency benefits, and Siemens is a leading company able to combine the management of all building disciplines in one integrated platform,” said Matthias Rebellius, CEO of the Siemens Building Technologies Division. “Desigo CC gives building operators a precise overview of their assets not only allowing them to be managed more efficiently and transparently but also ensuring flexible usage and energy conservation.”

Rebellius highlighted that the Desigo CC building management platform is able to accommodate a wider range of building systems, including HVAC, power, lighting and shading.

Empower and Qatar Cool win IDEA awards

International recognition for region’s District Cooling providers

E

mpower has announced winning two gold awards at the 107th International District Cooling Conference & Tradeshow, hosted by International District Energy Association (IDEA), held from June 20 to 23, 2016, in St Paul, Minnesota, United States.

Empower said that the two gold awards were for ‘Most total number of buildings’, and ‘Most total square footage committed to District Cooling services outside North America’. The awards, said Empower, presented at a special ceremony, also recognised the company’s capabilities to save significant amounts of resources

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August 2016

in operational costs, preserve energy and protect the environment.

“We are receiving these gold awards for the 10th consecutive time, as we boast 28 awards from IDEA alone,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower. “The awards recognise the efforts of the UAE and the emirate of Dubai to ensure a sustainable future; they are also a testament to our determination, motivation and persistence to deliver our message, which serves our nation and the world.”

In another news, Qatar Cool won the ‘2015 silver Space Award for the total area committed’ and the ‘2015 silver Space

Award for the total number of buildings committed’. The company said that the new awards recognise the witnessed growth in the number of buildings and total area connected to District Cooling in the districts served.

Yasser S Al-Jaidah, CEO of Qatar Cool expressing delight at the company’s achievement, said: “We are proud that we put the name of Qatar in this international District Energy forum. To win another two significant awards from IDEA and to be recognised amongst our industry peers is a great tribute to our dedication to excellence in the industry.”

Al-Futtaim Technology to distribute Blue Star products in UAE

SNIPPET

Arming yourself with underarm AC

Signs agreement for distributorship of AHUs, fan coil units and VRF systems

A

l-Futtaim Technology for Buildings Energy Efficiency Services announced signing an agreement with India-headquartered air conditioning company, Blue Star, for exclusive distributorship of its air-handling units, fan coil units, chillers and VRF systems across the United Arab Emirates.

Al-Futtaim Technology said that the agreement was signed by Dawood Bin Ozair, Senior Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Engineering and Technologies, and Vir S Advani, Managing Director of Blue Star.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Blue Star, and look forward to a long and successful relationship,” said Bin Ozair “Through this association, we are in a position to provide innovative and cost-effective cooling solutions for various construction sectors, including shopping malls, hotel buildings and residential complexes, as well as commercial towers.”

Advani added, “Al-Futtaim’s well-entrenched network of consultants and contractors will ensure an extensive reach of our applied air conditioning solutions in the UAE market.”

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hanko, a company based in Japan, has come out with wearable air conditioners to combat underarm perspiration. It is a fan that clips on to shirt sleeves and blasts cool air into the target area. It operates using two AAA batteries, or a USB charger connection to a laptop or other power source, reports Gizmodo Australia. The coolers will continuously run from five to nine hours depending on which of the three intensity settings you use.

UltraViolet Devices, Inc.

August 2016

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NEWS REGIONAL

The Big 5 Kuwait 2016 expected to be... well, bigger Will be held against the backdrop of a slew of government-backed projects lending fillip to the construction sector

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he Big 5 Kuwait will take place from September 25 to 27, 2016, at the Kuwait International Fair, and host over 200 exhibitors from 24 countries introducing certified products, exhibition producer dmg events has announced.

The event, the announcement said, is being held against the backdrop of planned developments worth an estimated USD 123.6 billion, according to MEED, and USD 68.9 billion government construction budget allocation for 2016, thus offering business opportunities in the country. Also, according to a Timetric report, the construction industry in Kuwait is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.44% from 2016 to 2020, due to the government developing projects in several areas, including rail, infrastructure, road and airport under its Vision 2035 programme. This comes on the heels of the news that recently, the Kuwaiti construction sector has profited from the New Direct Investment Promotion law, which

is encouraging the creation of new, large companies in the country.

The organisers listed a few of the event highlights: The latest trends, findings and issues in the sector will be discussed in freeto-attend CPD-certified workshops delivered by industry experts. Also, a free-to-attend Sustainability Day will offer insights into best practices and opportunities for industry players. The ‘How to Trade in Kuwait’ seminar will offer tips and information to help tap into the Kuwait market and conduct business.

The last year’s edition reportedly grew by 21% across all participants, with a 43% growth in international exhibitors. Alluding to this, Ashley Roberts, Event Director of The Big 5 Kuwait, said: “These figures are a clear sign of the show’s success, and they are set to grow even further in 2016, as we will bring the best of The Big 5 show to Kuwait, tailoring our 36 years’ experience to the needs of the local construction industry.”

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August 2016

Addition complements Evoqua range in industrial and municipal markets

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voqua Water Technologies and its recently acquired Neptune Benson business have announced the acquisition of Colorado-based VAF Filtration Systems, manufacturer of automatic water filters and control valves for industrial and municipal applications.

The acquisition, the announcement said, pairs VAF’s selfcleaning screen filtration systems with Neptune Bensons media-based filters, including the award-winning Defender Regenerative Media Filters, Vortisand cross-flow microsand filters and Legacy Sand Filters.

“We are pleased to welcome VAF to the Neptune Benson and Evoqua family,” said Ken Rodi, President of Evoqua’s Neptune Benson. “This acquisition expands Neptune’s presence in industrial markets and complements our existing filtration product lines, allowing us to offer a mediafree filter in applications that may not need the Defender or Vortisand’s level of filtration.”

VAF President, Glenn Dobbs added: “We are enthusiastic to join the Neptune/Evoqua team. This acquisition provides VAF Filtration additional resources, products and an increased presence worldwide to better support our diverse market channels.”

WILO announces investment in Dubai Plans to set up new facility offering locally designed and assembled products and services

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ermany-headquartered pump manufacturer, Wilo SE has announced investing to build a local facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone South. The plan, the announcement elaborated, consists of constructing offices, a training centre, warehouses and a local assembly plant over an 8,000 square-metre plot, to be used by Wilo Middle East, the regional subsidiary of the Wilo Group.

The training centre in the new facility, Wilo said, will include the Wilo Academy, where distributors, engineers, installers and end-users will receive training on the company’s various water technology solutions.

Wilo Middle East reportedly originally opened in Jebel Ali Free Zone in 2008, and subsequently moved to another facility in 2011 to accommodate its regional business expansion.

“By further expanding to a bigger facility by the end of 2017, we believe we can better serve our distributors in the region by offering locally tailored and assembled products and services,” said Carsten Krumm, COO of Wilo SE. “The new offices will strengthen Wilo Middle East’s position as a regional platform that supports the Gulf and surrounding countries.”

Krumm also revealed that in addition to its plans for expansion in the United Arab Emirates, Wilo last year announced the formation of two other subsidiaries in the region, in Egypt and Iran.

Bishara Khalil, Managing Director of Wilo Middle East, added, “The company’s rationale for making the investment in Dubai was based on several factors, including the city’s role as a platform and hub for logistics and commercial trade in the Middle East, Dubai’s efficient sea, land and airports infrastructure and, of course, its long-standing business stability.”

Ahmed bin Shafar’s membership at IDEA Board of Directors renewed Will lead to pioneering partnerships locally and internationally, says Bin Shafar

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mpower has announced that the International District Energy Association (IDEA) has renewed the membership of H.E. Ahmed bin Shafar, Empower CEO, at the Board of Directors for a second three-year term, until 2019.

In 2013, IDEA appointed Bin Shafar to its Board of Directors, making him the first Arab from the United Arab Emirates to hold the title in the history of the association, the announcement added.

Empower claimed that the membership reflects the leading role played by the utility provider at local and international levels to popularise District Cooling.

“This membership is to voice out the Arab District Cooling industry to the world,” Bin Shafar said, and added that the United Arab Emirate is playing a leading role in the sphere of environmental sustainability, and that the membership shows greater awareness among energy decision-makers and specialists about what District Cooling is achieving as a sustainable alternative to conventional cooling systems.

Bin Shafar anticipated that the membership will lead to pioneering partnerships locally and internationally.

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ina Axelson, Ever-Green Energy; Ahmad Bin Shafar, Empower Energy Solutions; David Bump, Enwave Chicago; Scott Clark, CEM; Edward Conway, Consolidated Edison; Richard Damecour, FVB Energy (Canadian Seat); Walter (Buddy) Doll, Johnson Controls; Jeffrey Duncan, R.G. Vanderweil Engineers; Kevin Fox, Jacobs Engineering Group; Henry Johnstone, GLHN Architects & Engineers; Tom Nyquist, Princeton University; Christopher Potter, Capitol Power Plant; Joe Riemer, Trane; Meghan Riesterer, Oberlin College; Jim Riley, Texas A&M University and Mark D Vogler, Citizens Thermal.

Hisense in distributor agreement with BNT

China air conditioning major aligns itself with the trading company to expand its system air conditioning market base in the UAE

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isense International has appointed BNT General Trading to distribute its system air conditioning solutions in the UAE, a company official has revealed.

Moan Abraham, Vice President of Operations & General Manager (Air conditioners) at Hisense Middle East, said that BNT will be providing spares and after-sales support to Hisense.

“BNT General Trading has qualified engineering and sales

teams to provide full solutions to clients, especially on energy saving and Green Climate, with Hisense’s range of high-efficiency inverters and VRF Systems,” Abraham said.

Hisense offers a full range of HVAC products to cover all the Middle East and Africa markets, the company said. The range includes residential and light-commercial split air conditioners, packaged systems and VRF systems.

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NEWS REGIONAL

Al Fajer and Neon Energy announce partnership Customers can repay for LED products from savings on electricity consumption, newly formed company says

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S-headquartered Neon Energy, which recently expanded its operations in the Middle East, has announced partnering with UAEheadquartered Al Fajer Group, to form a new company called Al Fajer Neon Energy.

Through the partnership, the announcement said, the company aims to bring about sustainable development and reduce the global carbon footprint.

In light of this, the company said that it will provide affordable integrated solutions in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency sectors to support the development of clean energy projects in the United Arab Emirates.

The company claimed that it offers LED products, which can save energy up to 95%, on a fully financed-basis, enabling its customers to repay for the equipment exclusively from their savings on their electricity consumption. The other features, the company added, include high colour rendering index, low maintenance, low heat emission and a longer lifespan.

The company also reportedly offers (non-obligatory) free-of-charge audit and extended after-sales support.

Al Fajer Neon Energy said that it practices the “think green” philosophy in the field of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions.

Climate Abu Dhabi 2016 exhibition calls for presenters Interested organisations can apply for seminar slots on indoor climate, process cooling and refrigeration, food cold chain and industrial ventilation

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urovent, in an official communiqué, has announced launching ‘call for presenters’ for the Climate Abu Dhabi 2016 exhibition, to be held from October 3 to 5 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

Giving details, the communiqué said that interested organisations can submit proposals till August 12, 2016, for seminar presentations or panel discussions for the exhibition’s ‘Climate Technology 2030’ Forum, which is being organised in cooperation with Eurovent, and will take place in a seminar theatre in the centre of the exhibition hall. The communiqué further elaborated that interested organisations can apply for various forum and seminar slots, which will recur daily, and are grouped around the Forum’s core themes: Indoor Climate (four slots), Process Cooling and Refrigeration (two slots), Food Cold Chain (one slot) and Industrial Ventilation (one slot).

According to Eurovent, all proposals have to fulfil specific quality criteria, as outlined on the ‘call for presenters’ online portal, and that within five days after their submission, presenters or panel organisers fulfilling the criteria will receive a confirmation on a first-come-first-served basis.

Climate Abu Dhabi, incorporating the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, is a new international specialised HVACR exhibition run by the organisers of Climate World Moscow (Mir Klimata), Eurovent revealed, and added that ‘Climate Technology 2030’ Forum is aimed at manufacturers, building consultants, contractors, designers, planners, energy managers, public policy-makers and anyone interested in the latest and upcoming developments concerning indoor climate (HVAC), process cooling and food cold chain technologies.

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August 2016

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NEWS GLOBAL

Montreal Protocol on track to reach 2016 HFC amendment, says EIA Issues briefing warning of work ahead before finalising amendment in Kigali in October

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arties to the Montreal Protocol have made significant progress on agreeing to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in a series of back-to-back meetings held in Vienna from July 15 to 23, 2016, raising expectations that a global agreement to address the super greenhouse gases can be adopted this year, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has announced.

Ahead of the meetings, EIA said that it produced the briefing: ‘The Importance of Ambition in the 2016 HFC Phase-down Agreement’, outlining key aspects of the proposals, and calling on Parties to seek an agreement securing the highest climate ambition.

In this regard, Clare Perry, EIA Climate Campaign Leader, said, “Countries are moving in the right direction, but there is a huge amount of work to be done to finalise an ambitious amendment in Kigali in October. Discussions on the HFC schedule for developed countries lacked the ambition we expect, given that these countries are in a position to fully understand their current HFC consumption, and are already taking domestic action to phase down HFCs. Climate leadership needs to be demonstrated through an ambitious commitment from the developed countries, not just words.”

Against the backdrop of India’s proposal to freeze HFC consumption some

10 years later, while most other developing countries agreeing to do so earlier, Avipsa Mahapatra, EIA Climate Campaign Manager, added: “If India waits until 2031 for a freeze, it will not be able to leapfrog HFCs, and will see a massive phase-in of these super greenhouse gases instead. It is in India’s interests to not only demand more from developed countries but also ensure India doesn’t get locked into obsolete technology that will need yet another transition.”

Bitzer holds seminar on F-gas and ecodesign regulations Focus on upheavals in refrigeration and air conditioning industry

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itzer has announced holding a seminar, titled ‘F-Gas, Ecodesign & Co. – The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry in Upheaval’, on June 28, 2016, at Schaufler Academy, Rottenburg-Ergenzingen, Germany.

Describing the backdrop against which the seminar was held, Bitzer said that this is a period of change for the industry, with the new F-gas Regulation stipulating the use of refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP), the issue of compressor efficiency becoming increasingly important globally, and future Ecodesign Directives addressing condensing units, liquid chillers and other components, which will establish high minimum requirements in terms of energy efficiency.

The seminar, said Bitzer, focused on the current situation and legislation, where specialists in these fields presented papers under the broad ambit of two topics: EU F-Gas Regulation – Challenges and Solutions and Ecodesign Product-Regulations, with presentations specifically on future requirements for liquid chillers, future requirements for condensing units and responses from Bitzer and software for efficiency calculations, followed by discussions and a Q&A session.

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August 2016

Ammonia-based refrigeration systems in spotlight at eurammon symposium Focus on natural refrigerants in food and retail industry

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t the eurammon symposium, held on June 23 and 24, 2016, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, in keeping with the motto “Path into a Green Future”, 10 international lecturers showcased current trends and regulations in the refrigeration technology of the food and retail industry and presented future-oriented application examples, eurammon has announced.

To a gathering of 70 participants from 13 countries, eurammon members, Ákos Murin and Anders Juul introduced innovations in the field of technologies and planning standards for CO2-based refrigeration systems, and pointed to an increased trend towards applications with CO2, the announcement revealed, Highlighting the installation of a refrigerated warehouse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, eurammon member, Miguel Garrido demonstrated the extreme capability of ammonia in hot desert climates, and underscored that an intelligent system design with easy accessibility minimises maintenance costs and facilitates.

During a workshop, participants reportedly discussed the future use of natural refrigerants in the food and retail industry, where experts assessed barriers in the industry and potential of individual applications. They believed that ongoing developments in technology, such as low-charge ammonia systems, could help drive a wider use of natural refrigerants. In this context, eurammon Board Member, Mark Bulmer said: “The use of natural refrigerants is gaining importance in this industry in particular, especially considering international regulations, such as the F-gas regulation. But also the increasing awareness for sustainability among operators and consumers makes natural refrigerants more popular than ever before.”

In the course of his presentation, eurammon member, Stefan Jensen, demonstrating that ammonia is still one of the most popular refrigeration solutions in the food and retail industry, said, “The wide spectrum on available cooling capacity (from -50 degrees C to +15 degrees C) makes this refrigerant particularly suited for the high cooling demands of the food and retail industry.

ASERCOM certifies Bitzer compressors and condensing units Twelve Ecoline reciprocating compressors, 15 condensing units for R-134a and five CO2 compressors for subcritical and transcritical applications certified

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itzer has announced that the Association of European Refrigeration Component Manufacturers (ASERCOM) has certified 32 of its compressors and condensing units in 2015. This, said Bitzer, means that the high coefficients of performance and the efficiency of its products have now been confirmed by a neutral party.

Giving details, the company said that the performance data of 12 models in the series of Bitzer Ecoline reciprocating compressors have now been certified by ASERCOM – including those developed for use with the new low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants R-448A and R-449A, making Bitzer the first compressor manufacturer to completely test, document and integrate both refrigerants in the Bitzer software.

Furthermore, the manufacturer said that its 15 LHE condensing units can now carry the ASERCOM seal of approval for use with the R-134a refrigerant, and added that the air-cooled condensing units are almost infinitely adjustable and are, thus, particularly energy efficient, thanks to their integrated capacity control and electronically commutated fans. The company also claimed that the mini-channel condenser has been further developed to improve the eco-efficiency of the condensing units via small temperature differences at the heat exchanger, and a reduction in the refrigerant charge.

Bitzer revealed that by including five additional reciprocating compressors, ASERCOM has now checked the performance data of all Bitzer series for subcritical and transcritical CO2 applications, and has added them to its list of certified compressors.

BSRIA responds to EU Referendum outcome Seeks clarity on investment flow and energy and emission policies in a post-BREXIT scenario

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SRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association), in an official communiqué, said that it is taking stock of the post-BREXIT scenario vis-a-vis energy policies and investor sentiment.

The decision is ‘out’ and the country has voted,” Julia Evans, Chief Executive of BSRIA, said. “But we now have some very serious questions for government: How do we maintain economic investor confidence? What does this mean for energy efficiency?”

Specifically seeking answers to the issues related to project

financing and carbon emissions, Evans asked: “We also ask government, where will direct investment now come from without EU financing and backing? If government is not going to make any necessary investment, where will it come from? And what of carbon reduction energy policies? Will these still be followed? Industry needs to be reassured and quickly.”

Evans expressed her concerns against the backdrop of the news that, according to the latest Markit/CIPS survey, output growth over the month slowed to its weakest rate for over three years.

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NEWS GLOBAL

ACEEE ranks Germany world’s most energyefficient country Scored most points in national efforts, buildings and industry categories

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n its recent report, ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) has rated Germany the most energyefficient country in the world, Trade & Invest, the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany, has announced.

ACEEE, now in its third edition, the announcement said, ranks nations using 35 policy and performance metrics spread over four categories: buildings, industry, transportation and overall national energy-efficiency efforts.

Germany reportedly scored the most points in the national efforts, buildings and industry categories, while India tied with Italy and Japan for first place in transportation; the latter two countries were tied for second overall.

According to Trade & Invest, the concept of Energiewende (Energy Transition), aims to achieve a highly efficient and almost carbon-neutral economy in the country by 2050 at the latest, while the National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency (NAPE) focuses on innovative industrial processes, energy-efficient buildings and products and long-term investments.

“It is brilliant to see Germany’s efforts in energy efficiency recognised in the ACEEE scorecard,” said Rob Compton, Manager of Energy Efficiency and Smart Cities at Trade & Invest.

“Germany has a wide range of funding programmes in this area, ranging from energy efficiency in buildings and industry through to generous specific programmes, for example, in heat recovery.

This has caught the interest of international investors.”

Fresh-Aire UV receives patent for mini-split UV light system Inhibits biological growth and sterilises pathogens in ductless HVAC systems, says company

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resh-Aire UV, a division of Triatomic Environmental, has announced that Chris C Willette, President, Triatomic Environmental, Jupiter, Florida, was granted a US patent on May 17 for a mini ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation light system, designed for the tight confines of mini-splits and other HVAC industry ductless air conditioners.

Patent number US 9,339,579 B2, the announcement said, is currently marketed under Fresh-Aire UV brand.

According to the company, the invention consists of two pencilthin, 9 (L) x 3/8 (D)-inch UV lamps and a 6 (W) x 1.5 (H) x 1 (D)-inch 120 or 208-230-VAC power supply – a system which is being sold under the product name Mini UV since 2011, and also repurposed in 2015 as Ice UV Mini for nursing station and retail countertop ice and water dispensers.

Willette’s invention, said Fresh-Aire UV, was conceived more than 10 years ago, and inhibits all mould and other biological growth on blower and evaporator coil interior surfaces. It also sterilises germs, viruses, allergens and other pathogens that can flourish in all ductless HVAC systems, including PTACs, fan coils, recreational vehicle air conditioning and other compact refrigeration systems, the company claimed.

The patent reportedly follows another one granted in 2008 for the Blue-Tube UV, a residential low-voltage UV light disinfection system.

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August 2016

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ASSOCIATIONS & SOCIETIES

Eurovent Middle East to be launched soon

Members will comprise manufacturers and associations from HVACR sector in the region

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limate Control Middle East has reliably learnt that Eurovent will soon be launching a dedicated project called Eurovent Middle East. The project, the source said, will be a representative of the Eurovent members based or active in the Middle East region.

Eurovent Middle East, the source revealed, will comprise manufacturers of indoor climate (HVAC), process cooling, food cold chain and industrial ventilation technologies, as well as associations and national industry initiatives active in the HVACR sector.

The source further said that the contributing manufacturers will fulfil the highest requirements in terms of product quality and sustainability, and avowedly be united in their aim to work towards a lower energy demand, improved food safety and better indoor air quality (IAQ) in the Middle East.

AHRI announces updates to Guideline N Specifies that all refrigerant containers should have a uniform paint colour

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he Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced, what it calls “significant changes” to refrigerant paint colour designations in the revised version of AHRI Guideline N – Assignment of Refrigerant Container Colors.

The revisions, AHRI said, now specify that all refrigerant containers should have one uniform paint colour – a lightgreen grey (RAL 7044) – and that existing individually assigned container paint colours should be transitioned to that colour by 2020.

According to AHRI, its Guideline N previously stipulated that specific paint colours be used for refrigerant containers as an additional means of refrigerant identification. However, with the increasing number of refrigerants approved for use, there was concern over the potential misidentification of similarly coloured containers. AHRI believed that the confusion was likely to increase as new refrigerants are added to the market.

Contextualising the revision, AHRI said that The US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 for hazmat transportation regulations and CFR Title 29 for occupational safety and health regulations require that all hazardous

material containers, including refrigerant cylinders and drums, be properly labelled to clearly identify the contents, and that these container labels and markings should always be used as the primary means to identify the type of refrigerant in a container.

AHRI said that while its guidelines serve as recommendations for the industry, and are not required by law, most industry members use Guideline N, and all refrigerant users should be aware that the label will now serve as the primary means of positively identifying the type of refrigerant in a cylinder or drum.

The guideline reportedly already requires that all flammable refrigerants include a red band on top of the container.

“Misidentifying refrigerants can lead to serious safety issues since refrigerants have different operating pressures and, in some cases, flammable properties,” said Maureen Beatty, who chairs the AHRI committee that oversaw the revision. “It can also cause equipment damage if refrigerants are used in the wrong applications. Therefore, we decided the best course of action for the industry was to update the guideline to ensure that refrigerants continue to be used correctly and safely based on the required product markings and labels.”

Eurovent Commission publishes first European-wide Statement of Principles Document reflects joint views of member associations on an industry that thinks 'Beyond HVACR'

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uring the 2016 Eurovent Annual Meeting in Verona, the Eurovent Commission, the committee of national member associations, has finalised its first European-wide Statement of Principles on an industry that thinks ‘Beyond HVACR’, Eurovent has announced.

The document, said the announcement, acts as a basis for decisions taken by the Eurovent association, and is recognised by its member associations on a national level. It incorporates wider industry perspectives, statements on key policy issues, and visions that help to ensure a true level-playing field.

Eurovent revealed that since their meeting in Prague in October 2015, its

member associations from the European Union, Russia and Turkey have been working together on developing guiding principles. According to Eurovent, the 34-page document includes agreed key statements on a wide range of topics, including the technological scope of the European industry, the core issues it is facing, such as indoor air quality, digitisation, food safety and energy efficiency) and major policy areas, as well as internationalisation aspects, such as a jointly agreed support on advancing and promoting EN and ISO standards.

“The publication of the Eurovent Statement of Principles constitutes yet another milestone in the further

development of our association, and in bringing the European industry and their leading sector associations closer together,” said Eurovent President Alex Rasmussen.

“The document brings together all the different technologies of our industry, focusing on unification and not separation.

It follows our key principle of thinking Beyond HVACR by incorporating visions on future issues, and our European industry values in general.”

The Eurovent Statement of Principles is now reportedly available for download at the homepage of Eurovent and distributed by national member associations, and is being regularly reviewed by the Eurovent Commission.

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ASSOCIATIONS & SOCIETIES

ASHRAE wraps up 2016 Annual Conference Instates Timothy G Wentz as ASHRAE President for 2016-17

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SHRAE has announced holding its Annual Conference – ASHRAE 2016 – at St Louis, Missouri, from June 25 to 29, with nearly 1,800 attendees.

Timothy G Wentz, PE, Fellow ASHRAE, HBDP, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, was instated as ASHRAE President for 2016-17 at the Conference, ASHRAE said.

Wentz reportedly chairs the Society’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

His focus, ‘Adapt Today to Shape Tomorrow’, ASHRAE said, is based on the Society’s Strategic Plan to adapt. “When it comes to change, we tend to ‘hang on’ to what feels safe as long as possible,” Wentz said. “When we can’t see the future, we don’t know how far we will fall. That can be frightening. We must work to shape tomorrow so we feel empowered to ‘let go.’”

ASHRAE also announced appointing other officers for a oneyear term and directors to serve a three-year term (see side-bar, right).

Giving event details, ASHRAE said that about 100 sessions with 400 speakers were offered as part of the Technical Program, with a spotlight on the philosophy and ethics of building industry professionals, which examined how buildings are created by “constructive confrontation,” via teams of professionals from varied training and background.

Other highlights, ASHRAE said, were ASHRAE Fellows Debate, a seminar on energy management for multi-building portfolios from the owner-operator and consultant perspectives, two-day professional development seminars and eight half-day short courses from the ASHRAE Learning Institute.

In other news, ASHRAE announced that its 2015-16 RP campaign reached USD 2.57 million, donated by members, chapters and companies, with the funds earmarked to support ongoing research projects – ASHRAE Learning Institute, Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Leadership activities and scholarships.

ASHRAE revealed that the 2017 Winter Conference will take place in Las Vegas from January 28 to February 1, 2017, with the ASHRAE co-sponsored International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition being held in conjunction with the conference, from January 30 to February 1, 2017.

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ASHRAE instates new officers, directors

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part from appointing Timothy G Wentz as the new President, ASHRAE has announced instating the following new officers and directors for 2016-17 at its Annual Meeting held at St Louis, Missouri, from June 25 to 29: Officers installed for a one-year term – 2016-17: • President-Elect: Bjarne W Olesen, PhD, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Professor, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark • Treasurer: Sheila J Hayter, PE, Fellow ASHRAE, Group Manager, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado, USA • Vice President: Walid Chakroun, PhD, Fellow ASHRAE, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, Kuwait • Vice President: Patricia Graef, PE, Fellow ASHRAE, Senior Engineer, Evaporative Media Core Technology, Research and Development, Munters Corp, Fort Myers, Florida, USA • Vice President: Ginger Scoggins, PE, President, Engineered Designs, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA • Vice President: Edward Tsui, Managing Director, Intelligent Technologies Ltd, Hong Kong ASHRAE installed the following directors to serve a three-year term – 2016-19: • Region IV Director and Regional Chair: George W “Billy” Austin Jr, PE, BEAP, BEMP, CPMP, HBDP, HFDP, OPMP, Principal, Shultz Engineering Group, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA • Region V Director and Regional Chair: Douglas David Fick, PE, Vice President, TRC Worldwide MEP, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA • Region VI Director and Regional Chair: Benjamin A Skelton, PE, BEMP, President, Cyclone Energy Group, Chicago, Illinois, USA • Region XII Director and Regional Chair: Daniel R Rogers, PE, President, Flow Control Technology Co, Tampa, Florida, USA • Region XIII Director and Regional Chair: Ir Ng Yong Kong, NYK Engineering and Trading, and Executive Director, Bezaire Sdn Bhd, Subang Jaya, Malaysia • Director-at-Large: Essam Eldin Khalil, PhD, Fellow ASHRAE, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University, Egypt • Director-at-Large: Thomas “Tom” M Lawrence, PhD, PE, Mechanical Engineering Program Coordinator, Professor, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA • Director-at-Large: Lawrence C Markel, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Senior Program Director, CSRA, Inc, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

ASSOCIATIONS & SOCIETIES

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This section contains updates on regional and international products.

MARKETPLACE

Trane Airfinity rooftop units

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aying that they are light and compact and designed for easy installation, Trane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has announced introducing Airfinity, a new range of HVAC rooftop units.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: • Airfinity is a portfolio of modular plug-and-play units that are compatible with wireless technology.

• The portfolio was designed to save time and costs for replacing and improving efficiency of Existing Buildings across Europe, that require customisable solutions to meet the needs of a variety of commercial buildings.

• The units range from 40 to 250 KW. • They feature the following sustainable enhancements: Seasonal efficiency (SEER) of up to 3.5, compliant with 2018 European regulations (EcoDesign), which will enforce minimum requirements on part-load efficiency for rooftop units; high-efficiency multi-scroll compressors working in tandem in both full-load and part-load operations, thanks to capacity modulation; variable speed technology on indoor fans for quiet and efficient operation and free cooling and heat recovery solutions for lower total cost of ownership.

• The heat recovery module utilises best-in-class rotary wheel technology, with a return on investment of less than one year for typical applications that require fresh air introduction like cinemas, restaurants and warehouses.

• The units offer improved indoor air quality, thanks to filtration of up to F9 and double wall panels.

Grundfos iSOLUTIONS

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aying that it has been developed against the backdrop of the regional governmental plans to use water and energy resources more wisely, Grundfos, has announced introducing Grundfos iSOLUTIONS – an intelligent pump system.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: • Rather than focusing on just the pump, Grundfos iSOLUTIONS focuses on the entire system to optimise the way pumps, drives, controls and protection and communication units work together.

• The new system combines the traditional Grundfos offerings – pumps and intelligent motors – with monitoring, controls and sensors, to ensure optimal performance in any specific application.

• The system adapts to changing demands, and any deviation or differences are detected immediately by the integrated communication solutions.

• It offers potential energy savings of up to 40-50%, a more optimised use of water resources and reduced lifecycle costs.

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August 2016

Trane XStream water-cooled screw chillers

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laiming that it is the perfect choice for buildings that require large capacity performances, Trane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has announced introducing XStream, a new range of water-cooled screw chillers.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: • The XStream range offers capacities of up to 2.3 MW, unmatched by any other screw chiller available on the market today.

• It features the Trane Adaptive Control with patented algorithms and multiple diagnostic capabilities, which allows facility managers to take action and prevent shutdown in case of abnormal operating conditions, thus offering reliability needed in critical applications.

• The flexible design of the chiller portfolio delivers efficiency configurations that can be tailored to customers’ needs.

• It is available in four efficiency levels that achieve Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER).

• The XStream XE model offers net EER value of 5.72 (5.88 gross EER) and the XStream HSE unit reaches 7.49 net (7.69 gross) ESEER value.

• The counterflow configuration significantly increases the efficiency of the chiller plant and reduces installation costs.

• All sizes come with dual circuit configuration, reducing refrigerant content per circuit.

• It is fully compatible with the use of variable flow for reduced power use.

• All XStream chillers are given a complete functional test and validation at the Trane testing facility.

• The range is now available in Europe and the Middle East.

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION FOR HVACR 3 - 5 OCT 2 0 1 6 - ADNEC, UAE

A WORLD WHERE THE TEMPERATURE IS UNDER CONTROL. Climate Abu Dhabi has been set up as an international exhibition focusing on Indoor Climate (HVAC) as well as Process Cooling and Cold Chain Technologies.

While the Middle East is rich of general construction exhibitions, there is yet no specific event to bring together the HVAC-R industry and its affiliated sectors. With an emphasis on a technology driven parallel program, offering its exhibitors the chance to showcase and highlight their products and solutions and discuss latest advancements in industry standards, Climate Adu Dhabi aims to attract visitors from the whole MENA and South Asia region.

CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY 2030 Forum The ‘Climate Technology 2030’ Forum during the 2016 Climate Abu Dhabi is a hands-on, forward looking seminar programme that brings additional value to manufacturers, building consultants, contractors, designers, planners, energy managers, public policy makers, and everyone else interested in the latest and upcoming developments concerning Indoor Climate (HVAC), Process Cooling, and Food Cold Chain Technologies. It incorporates the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 of ‘Creating a sustainable Emirate that protects resources for current and future generations’.

This Forum is organized by Europe’s leading Industry Association Eurovent.

Par ticip Now ate !

www.climate-expo.com STRATEGIC PARTNER

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

SUPPORTING PARTNER

SUPPORTING ASSOCIATIONS

OFFICIAL PARTNER ASSOCIATON

OFFICIAL HVACR MEDIA PARTNER

OFFICIAL SUPPORT

SUPPORTED BY

ORGANIZED BY

August 2016

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DIAMOND SPONSOR

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August 2016

AWARDS 2016 21 NOVEMBER AL YASAT BALLROOM, AL MUROOJ ROTANA, DUBAI, UAE

STRATEGIC HVACR RECRUITMENT PARTNER

BRONZE SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

www.climatecontrolawards.com FOR EDITORIAL-RELATED QUERIES:

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

B Surendar Editorial Director & Associate Publisher T: +971 4 375 6831 • M: +971 50 509 2457 F: +971 4 434 1906 • E: surendar@cpiindustry.com

Frédéric Paillé Managing Director & Associate Publisher T: +971 4 375 6833 • M: +971 50 714 7204 F: +971 4 434 1906 • E: fred@cpi-industry.com

FOR MARKETING-RELATED QUERIES:

Ruqiya Shariff Events & Marketing Leader T: +971 4 375 6838 M: +971 55 440 0890 F: +971 4 434 1906 E: ruqiyah@cpi-industry.com

Anup Dominic Business Development Manager T: +971 4 375 6834 • M: +971 55 974 5317 F: +971 4 434 1906 • E: anup@cpi-industry.com Rao Ali Akbar Sales Manager T: +971 4 375 6832 • M: +971 50 410 8034 F: +971 4 434 1906 • E: ali@cpi-industry.com

In North America, contact: Kanika Saxena Our representative in North America T: +1 (905) 267 4666 • E: kanika@ cpi-industry.com In Asia (except India), contact: Judy Wang Our representative in Asia T: 00852-30780826 E: judy@cpi-industry.com August 2016

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