CCME January 2014

www.climatecontrolme.com

News – EU agrees to partial ban on F-gases p8 | Veolia and WatchFrog continue partnership p10

INTERVIEW: Mario Seneviratne, Green Technologies, on the impact of Dubai’s Green Building regulations p6

SPOTLIGHT: The importance of installing kitchen exhaust filtration systems p44

PERSPECTIVE: The ins and outs of ECM technology p40

PLUS: ASHRAE Update, Marketplace

JANUARY 2014

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neWS – eU agrees to partial ban on F-gases p8 | Veolia and WatchFrog continue partnership p10

InTeRVIew: Mario Seneviratne, green technologies, on the impact of Dubai’s green Building regulations p6

sPOTlIgHT: The importance of installing kitchen exhaust filtration systems p44

PeRsPeCTIVe: the ins and outs of eCM technology p40

PlUs: aSHRae update, Marketplace

JANUARY 2014

EXCLUSIVE Up close and personal with Claude Allain, Vice President and General Manager (Middle East), JCI

Gradual technological improvements and the clamour for energy efficiency and smaller installation footprint are spurring an increasingly mature global heat exchanger market.

INSIDE: CHILL: OUR HALF-YEARLY SUPPLEMENT ON DISTRICT COOLING Featuring: Drivers for growth of the DC market in KSA  The benefits of FM-approved fire-rated towers

January 21-23  Javits Convention Center

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Vol. 9 No. 1 | JANUARY 2014 04 FROM THe eDITOR Culture change

HAPPenIngs

06 The region 08 At large 12 Marketplace

16 AsHRAe UPDATe

PeRsPeCTIVe

38 Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis in HVAC applications

Inadequate sizing of air diffusers can cause discomfort in occupied areas and, occasionally, over loading of Air-Handling Units.

Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis can help select the right kind of diffusers.

contents 50

enDPOInT

All in a day's work

Claude Allain, Vice President & General Manager (Middle East), Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls Inc, describes himself as the new kid on the block. Belying this epithet is the wealth of experience he brings to his job and the region. Allain in conversation with B Surendar...

40 ECM – Electronically Commutated Motor for HVAC applications

Arguing that ECM technology has superior inherent efficiency at rated airflow and offers a greater range of speed and operability choices, Mohamad K Dahouk and Mrudul O Vaishya take us through the process of how it works.

44 sPOTlIgHT

Not in my back yard!

Dr Iyad Al-Attar discusses why air filtration considerations should be included in the decision-making process in kitchen exhaust areas.

DE

INSI

L

CHIL

36

PeRsPeCTIVe: HeAT eXCHAngeRs – A MARKeT OUTlOOK Spurred by a clamour for energy efficiency and smaller installation footprint, brazed plate heat exchangers in HVAC applications will gain market share, says Shwan H Lamei.

17

AlsO InsIDe: The Climate Control Conference, Doha,

post-event report Part II  FM-approved fire-rated cooling towers – a better bet  District cooling: A market poised for strong growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

January 2014

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3

FrOM tHe

editor Publisher Dominic De Sousa

CULTURE CHANGE

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

A

t the stroke of the midnight hour of the first day of the year, the Dubai Green Building regulations became mandatory for buildings and establishments belonging to the private sector. Rolled out in January 2011 as a pilot project, the regulations were hitherto mandatory only for the public sector. In the three-year nursery period since early 2011, the regulations reportedly spurred the development of a handful of buildings, in line with the green requirements, with two of them having been completed and certified.

As the private sector joins the movement, it will be interesting to learn of the extent of savings on power consumption in the two buildings and to at least loosely extrapolate and arrive at a figure that is indicative of the possible shaving of the electricity load in the Emirate. I say ‘loosely’, because two buildings cannot be representative of the entire range of building types in the Emirate.

The regulations are meant to pave the way for the enforcement of numerous construction- and operations-related specifications, which will make buildings efficient. It will be interesting to wait and watch how enforcement grapples with the prevailing mindset, and to observe the speed at which the enforcement officers can fan out to all corners of the Emirate to bring about permanent change. It is an onerous task to ensure that all buildings comply with the regulations – with the core of the challenge being the ready availability of adequate human resources as enforcers. To state the obvious, compliance is essential and will be a key driver for market growth for the HVAC industry.

In trying to understand the likely effectiveness of enforcement, though not an apples-to-apples comparison, one need not look beyond the Dubai Food Code, introduced in mid-2013 by the Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality. (Incidentally, the Code is of much relevance to the HVACR industry, considering that the authority representatives have widely recognised and acknowledged the critical role of ventilation, broad IAQ strategies and solutions and, of course, refrigeration in ensuring food safety and quality control (FSQA), in its pages.) With the expectations of the authorities clearly spelled out, food establishments (the FSQA definition for hypermarkets, restaurants, catering units, etc.) across the Emirate now have clarity on numerous issues. And clarity related to goals has begun to drive action. This is amply evident through the back-and-forth communication taking place at an online FSQA-related group that Dubai Municipality has initiated.

The online group is a masterstroke, because at one go, it serves as a clarifier and as an awarenessbuilding platform. In the years preceding the introduction of the Food Code, Dubai Municipality actively drip-fed its expectations, and so when the Code eventually arrived, the ground had been softened for its better acceptance.

Just as food safety culture cannot be accepted – leave alone imbibed – overnight, so cannot the key tenets enshrined in the Green Building Regulations. It takes time and immersion to see sustainable change.

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

B Surendar Editor @BSurendar_HVACR

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45130 Essen - Emmastrasse 44 Tel: +49 (0)201-779861 Fax: +49 (0)201-781741 Andreas Sicking 59872 Freienohl - Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 16 Tel: +49 (0)2903-3385-70 Fax: +49 (0)2903-3385-82 NEwS – EU agrees to partial ban on F-gases | Veolia and WatchF p8 continue partnershiprog p10

INTERVIEW: Mario Seneviratne, Green Technologies, on the impact of Dubai’s Green Building regulations p6

sicking-media@email.de • www.sicking.de

www.climatecontrolm

SPOTLIGHT: The importance of installing kitchen

exhaust filtration systems

p44

e.com

PERSPECTIVE: The ins and outs of ECM technology p40

PLUS: ASHRAE Update,

Marketplace

Published by

JANUARY 2014

EXCLUSIVE Up close and personal with Claude Allain, Vice President and General Manager (Middle East), JCI

Gradual technological improvements and the clamour for energy installation footprin efficiency and smaller t are spurring mature global heat exchang an increasingly er market.

INSIDE: CHILL: OUR HALF-YE ARLY SUPPLEMENT ON DISTRICT COOLING Also featuring: Drivers The benefits of FM-appr for growth of the DC market in KSA  oved fire-rated towers

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happenings tHe regION

Wilo re-opens facilities in Dubai

Aims to become more proactive and faster in responding to clients

W

ilo, the manufacturer of pumps and pumps systems for heating, cooling and air conditioning systems, and water supply and sewage disposal systems, announced, in an official communiqué, that, on November 28, 2013, it has re-opened its offices,

showroom and warehouse, in Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In line with the re-opening of its facilities, Wilo had also applied its new corporate design, with a new logo and a new slogan, “Pioneering for you”, it said in the same release.

According to the company, the event was attended by top executives, including CEO Oliver Hermes and CFO Tobias Ketterle, as well as by key clients from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iran.

Commenting on the event, Hermes said: “We are focusing not only on the new brand image, but on the new value proposition.

In the core of this brand value proposition, we see the human being, the customer.

TICK

TALK

Top executives of Wilo officially re-open the company's Dubai facilities

We intend to further increase our customer orientation.

With the new brand value proposition, we plan to deliver ultimate convenience for the consumer. We intend to become more proactive

and faster in responding to the clients, and to act as entrepreneurs, as we can understand customer needs in a better way. For the Middle East, the proposition will be the same.’’

Green signal for mandatory regime

In view of the implementation of the Green Building regulations across all buildings in Dubai, Climate Control Middle East spoke to Mario Seneviratne, the Managing Partner of Green Technologies, on its possible impact and other aspects. Excerpts from the interview…

What is the likely overall impact of the regulations going mandatory across the Emirate of Dubai?

The regulations will increase the level of sustainability on all building stock. At the moment, only selected, voluntarybasis buildings have adopted green. The regulations will bring up the sustainability level of all buildings, and there will be a more organised approach to it across the building industry. The regulations will bring a consistent form of improvement in all buildings. If we take other countries, people there don’t talk of energy codes, because there already are stringent building codes in place, and people have been accustomed to them over the years.

What do you like about the regulations?

The regulations apply across all

6

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

disciplines, be it energy or water. So the regulations look very extensive and a step in the right direction. When we normally do green buildings, we look at the IPLV of the chiller or the COP. We would now look at the standards and look to improve on them. Again, when we look at the issue of ducting systems and air leakage, we normally examine ducts as part of practice to check for leakage. The whole process was up to individual initiatives, but it is now heading towards becoming mandatory. Overall, the maintenance of mechanical systems will become mandatory. When it comes to operations, I recommend meters in the buildings I work on. For instance, the Dubai Chamber building has a chain of 27 meters. Now, the regulations will make metering mandatory.

ENEC takes international nuclear energy community on-site tour Offers insight into UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme

quality in every step of the project, which makes the project an example that should be replicated.”

Apart from giving information on the site tour, the ENEC’s communiqué also highlighted its programmes: It has recently reached the milestone for Barakah Unit 1, with the completion of the fabrication and installation of the Containment Liner Plate (CLP) in the Reactor Containment Building.

Commercial operations for Unit 1 are set to commence in 2017, subject to

regulatory approvals.

Barakah Unit 2 is also well under way and will take five years to be constructed, with the plant scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2018, pending regulatory approval.

ENEC will apply for an Operating License for Units 1 and 2 in 2015.

With four plants operational by 2020, nuclear energy will deliver up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, while saving up to 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

T

he Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) hosted a group of delegates of the New Nuclear International Conference (NNIC) at Barakah, the selected site of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, for a site tour on November 10, ENEC revealed in an official communiqué. The group, comprising government officials, nuclear energy leaders and experts from around the globe, had the opportunity to gain insight into the ongoing construction work of the Barakah site, where the UAE’s first two nuclear energy plants are under construction, the communiqué added.

According to ENEC, the site tour, organised on the occasion of the inaugural NNIC Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, running from November 11 to 14, was hosted by Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO), George Vanderheyden and Ali Al Zaabi, Executive Project and Construction Director.

The visit reportedly included different locations of the project, such as the Rebar Fabrication Workshop, the Site Concrete Plant, the Marine Work, Units 1 & 2 and the Main Control Room Simulator.

About the tour, Vanderheyden said: “This is a chance where we can explain why the project is a ‘Gold Standard’ for other responsible nations considering engaging nuclear new-build programmes. The UAE government and ENEC are insisting on following the highest standards of safety and

For 25 years, Faisal Jassim Trading Co. has been your partner in building the future.

Today, we renew our pledge to provide you with products and services to face the ever changing demands of the building industry.

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5/20/13 4:06:44 PM

January 2014

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7

happenings at large

EU agrees to partial ban on F-gases

Beginning of the end for climate-changing HFCs, says EIA

T

he European Union has struck a tentative deal to partially ban the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – a group of super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Announcing this, the UK-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) said that the review of the EU F-Gas Regulation will cap the amount of HFCs that can be placed in the European market and will gradually reduce it over time. By 2030, the volume of HFCs in the market is expected to be cut to 21% of present levels, the EIA added.

According to the EIA, the EU has also agreed to ban the use of HFCs in new equipment in a number of sectors, most notably commercial refrigeration by 2022. In addition, from 2020, very high global warming potential (GWP) HFCs (over 2,500 times more potent that CO2) will no longer be used to service and maintain refrigeration equipment, the EIA confirmed.

The EIA and Brussels-based European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomed the move, which happened on December 16, as a progressive and encouraging

Bitzer optimises compressors for vehicle ACs

Claims field tests confirm reliability of Roadstar compressors

A

ccording to an October 2013 JARN news report, Bitzer has decided to continue on further optimising its reciprocating compressors for use in vehicle air conditioning applications

8

and has begun manufacturing the Roadstar all over the globe at the beginning of 2013, including in Brazil, China, Germany and the United States.

Numerous tests have confirmed the reliability

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

victory in the fight against climate change, despite disappointment that extensive negotiations had failed to agree on earlier and stronger bans.

Commenting on it, Clare Perry, Head of EIA’s Global Environment Campaign, said: “Naturally, we would prefer more bans with fewer loopholes, as these are the most effective method of preventing greenhouse gas emissions, and there is overwhelming evidence that they would be feasible and cost-efficient. Nevertheless, this is the beginning of the end for HFCs in Europe….”

Susanna Williams, Climate and Energy Policy Officer at the EEB, added: “It is regrettable that certain

of the compressor, JARN said, and cited that experts at the Bitzer competence centre for reciprocating compressors in Schkeuditz, Germany, reportedly sent more than 700 Roadstar compressors to the roads for field testing in Brazil, Europe, India, Iran, Mexico and the United States.

The strengthened drive

countries were unwilling to listen to the best evidence available and instead chose to side with the interests of the chemical industry and HFC equipment manufacturers. Despite this, we are pleased that legislators agreed on bans in some key areas that will boost low-carbon innovation in Europe. The immediate focus now will be on the effective implementation of the legislation.”

The draft legislation now has to be approved

by Member State Representatives and, then, formally approved by the European Parliament and Council, before being adopted in early 2014, the EIA informed.

gear and its innovative surface treatment, said the news report, increase the level of reliability and extend the service life of the compressor even in demanding conditions. The integrated oil-collecting tank also simplifies maintenance and collection of the oil, the JARN report added.

BACnet Europe Journal 19 available as download

Autumn edition focuses on reliable building management

B

ACnet Interest Group Europe (BIG-EU), which promotes the use of the global BACnet communication standard ISO 16484-5 in building automation and security technology in Europe, has announced that its publication, the BACnet Europe Journal 19, can now be downloaded for free at http://www.bacnetjournal.org.

The international BACnet Standard ISO 16484-5 offers the capability for system-wide and multi-vendor communication, and how this building automation specifically affects planners, operators and system integrators is shown in a recent survey in the Autumn edition of the journal, the announcement added.

BIG-EU gave other highlights of the 60-page current edition: • Focus on reliable building management.

• An exclusive interview with Matthias Damm, Founder and Managing Director of ascolab GmbH about the progress of BACnet/OPC-UA Mapping • Simplifies networking of building and industrial automation • BIG-EU members report back about their success stories from BACnet projects in Europe The trade magazine is the only European publication that focuses, twice a year, on the applications of the BACnet Standard and activities of the European interest group, BIG-EU claimed.

Cleantech Group announces summit

Focus on future of intelligent commercial buildings

D

ubbing it a “conversation starter”, the Cleantech Group has announced an invitation-only executive summit, to be held in San Francisco from January 21 to 24. Titled “Buildings Get a Brain”, the summit will focus on smart buildings to explore what the buildings of the future will look like, as well as the drivers and barriers to adoption, the announcement added.

Sponsored by Johnson Controls, Jones Lang LaSalle, and Navitas Capital, the interactive event will give an insight into the latest on the future of intelligent commercial buildings from participating thought leaders, Cleantech claimed.

One of the pressing questions the summit will reportedly address is: Will today’s emerging technologies close the so-called “energy gap” and enable the billions of dollars in potential savings reported by experts?

The summit will reportedly gather customers, corporates, investors and startup CEOs.

January 2014

www.climatecontrolme.com

9

happenings at large

Halton opens a new factory in Malaysia Foresees Asia as a growth market for decades to come

H

alton, a company specialising in indoor climate products and services, has announced moving its production to larger premises in Malaysia as part of its Asian expansion strategy, as it believed the region played a central role in targeting fast growth

in the emerging markets.

The opening ceremony of the new factory took place on November 29, the announcement added.

According to Halton, its success and rapid expansion in the region, and the need to increase capacity and support for customers, prompted it to move its current manufacturing facilities in Malaysia to larger premises. The new manufacturing facility will reportedly increase the company’s product range serving the Asian region, comprising the Middle East, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Oceania.

In this context, Olli Sipilä, Director for Halton Group, Asia, said that expanding into new markets allowed it to be close to its customers, and that it foresees Asia to be a growth

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the three Factor company

10

Engineering

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

Energy

Environment

market for decades to come.

Mika Halttunen, Halton Group’s Chairman of the Board, speaking at the inauguration, said: “The new facilities will increase our production capacity and product range offering. The demand for high-quality indoor environmental systems is growing in the whole Asian region.

Halton’s brand new R&D centre, which was opened in Malaysia in March 2013,

is also located in the same premises.”

Halton revealed that it had established its first Asian office and manufacturing facility in Malaysia in 1996, and has bases in eight countries in Asia and Pacific, including manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and China, and that earlier this year, it had opened its sales offices in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Veolia Environnement and WatchFrog continue partnership

Will industrialise testing process in wastewater treatment plants

W

atchFrog, a spin-off of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, has developed smart biosensors to rapidly assess the quality of the water that leaves wastewater treatment plants and its impact on biodiversity. In partnership with Veolia Environnement, it has produced a tool to identify the presence of endocrine disrupters (such as thyroid, estrogen and adrenocorticotropic hormones) in wastewater through the fluorescence of parts of fish larvae or tadpoles. Announcing this in a press communiqué, the two entities said that, thanks to this innovative tool, frog larvae fluoresce when they are disturbed by these pollutants, and the greater the disturbance, the brighter the fluorescence.

Veolia claimed that its existing proprietary tertiary wastewater treatment technologies, including ActifloCarb, remove emerging micro pollutants, such as endocrine disruptors, and that, combined with the oxidising action of ozone, the process can eliminate more than 95% of endocrine disruptors and their by-products. The information provided by this testing process will allow fine-tuning of the ActifloCarb wastewater treatment process, it added.

According to WatchFrog and Veolia, the purpose of the new partnership is the production and commercialisation of the measurement tool that they believe will help measure the elimination of the afore-mentioned pollutants in wastewater treatment processes.

Pending the implementation of new EU legislation related to endocrine disruptors, Veolia Environnement and WatchFrog have decided to combine their expertise and technologies to improve public health and reduce environmental impact, the two entities confirmed.

marketplace

this section contains regional and international products information

Dyson Dyson AM05 Hot+Cool fan heater

S

aying that central heating may be too powerful for the mild winter temperature of the UAE, and external heaters may struggle to achieve precise temperature control, Dyson has announced introducing AM05 Hot+Cool, a bladeless fan heater.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: n The Dyson AM05 fan heater uses Air Multiplier technology for long-range heat projection, providing direct heat throughout the room in winter and high-velocity air cooling in summer. n It costs less to heat an entire room evenly with AM05 than with conventional fan heaters.

n An intelligent thermostat maintains the temperature between 1 and 37 degrees Celsius. When it hits the desired temperature, the machine turns itself off, but if the thermostat senses a drop in temperature, it turns back on to readjust. n With no visible heating elements or fast-spinning blades, it is safe and easy to clean. n The unit comes with a remote control to turn the machine on and off and adjust oscillation, temperature and airflow power from across the room. n It was tested in Dyson’s environmental chamber, simulating temperatures from 5°C to 80°C, and relative humidity of 10% to 80%. n It is made of tough Acrylontride Butadiene Styrene – ABS. n It comes with a two-year parts and labour guarantee.

Hörmann Middle East Fire-rated doors

H

örmann Middle East, an industrial, commercial and residential door manufacturer, has announced introducing new firerated doors, approved by UAE Civil Defence. The doors, which serve as a fire and smoke barrier, inhibit spreading of fire and protect life and property by reducing smoke hazards, the company claimed.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: n The fire-rated doors meet the lifesafety requirements in various types of buildings and structures, such as highrise buildings, metro stations, hotels, auditoriums, industrial plants, among others. n They meet all international, national and regional fire safety standards.

n They are aesthetically superior, factoryfinished and etch-primed to take any paint. n They are available in a wide range of semi-gloss paint finishes, including wood grain doors that offer the elegance of wood with the strength of steel. n Single and double-leaf doors are available in a matching appearance.

EIC Solutions ThermoTEC high-ambient thermoelectric coolers

C

laiming that thermoelectric air conditioners offer significant advantages over traditional cooling methods, EIC Solutions has announced expanding its line of ThermoTEC thermoelectric coolers with the addition of a high-ambient temperature model.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and advantages: n The new ThermoTEC high-ambient air coolers are capable of sustained, peak performance in environments with temperatures as high as 170°F. n Additionally, select models can be configured to operate in ambient temperatures of up to 190 °F. n They are used for cooling electronic enclosures in extremely hot settings,

12

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

such as in deserts, or in high heat industrial applications, such as those near blast furnaces. n They are also particularly well suited for

cooling applications where access to enclosures is limited or difficult. n They can be used to cool transit cases containing controls, computers, cameras, telecom equipment and other electronic/electrical gear. n They offer temperature control to within fractions of a degree. n The units are NEMA 4X-rated for indoor or outdoor use to provide protection against rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust and corrosion. n In addition, solid-state electronics and a lack of moving parts (except for fans) means thermoelectric cooling systems are low- maintenance and can operate without being serviced for long periods of time. n A wide range of sizes is offered from 200 to 2,500 BTU.

GEA Heat Exchangers Adia-DENCO cooling system

G

EA has announced that the GEA Adia-DENCO central cooling system, especially developed for climate control of computer centres, has been functionally improved. The new version is more compact and requires less energy than the first version, GEA has claimed.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: n With the new models, computer centre operators can save up to 70% in cooling energy, depending on design temperatures, as they are based on the GEA CAIR Air Handling Units, which exploit both free cooling as well as indirect adiabatic cooling to dissipate heat. n Adiabatic cooling – cooling by evaporation – takes place in a large double-plate heat exchanger, which humidifies warm outdoor air, which cools it. This air cools the hot return

air from the computer centre by means of hermetically sealed heat exchange in the recuperator. The air in the computer centre is, therefore, cooled in recirculated-air mode, and is hygienically separated from the flow of outdoor air. n The adiabatic system is more costeffective than the autonomous use of free cooling, thus minimising operational expenses.

n They come with new nozzle configuration for more output and directly spray the water on to the plates of the heat exchanger. n The optional peak-load cooler can, if requested, also be designed as a redundancy machine for 100% cooling duty.

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13

marketplace

This section contains regional and international products information

Seresco NV-Series indoor pool ventilation unit

D

ubbing it the HVAC industry’s most efficient indoor pool ventilation unit with the smallest footprint and lightest weight, Seresco Incorporation has announced introducing the NV-Series indoor swimming pool ventilation product line.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: n Available in 4,000- to 70,000-cfm sizes, The NV-Series’ use of a Glycol RunAround Loop (GRAL) heat recovery strategy results in a smaller and more compact but an equally effective ventilation unit, versus conventional plate heat exchanger systems. n The GRAL’s reduced fan energy makes the NV-Series more efficient compared to the power required to offset the larger air-side pressure drops associated with plate heat exchangers. n The GRAL combined with Seresco’s on-board microprocessor-based CommandCenter modulates outdoor air and exhaust air to control the space’s RH and temperature better than any other unit and heat recovery device on the market.

n The delicate balance between space RH and temperature and other operating parameters is monitored by WebSentry, Seresco’s proprietary web browserbased software/hardware application that is factory-installed on all Seresco commercial equipment and allows 24/7 real-time data transmission and extranet access. n It comes with standard direct-drive backward-inclined plenum fans, variable frequency drives (VFD) and electronically commutated (EC) motors, resulting in energy savings of up to 20%, versus conventional belt-driven ventilation units.

Other features include: n Real-time Internet monitoring of all system parameters to prove system and heat recovery performance n Compatible with the Evacuator n Outdoor air and exhaust air coils are available in depths with multiple rows depending on the target efficiency n Heating coil options include gas-fired and electric coils, or steam or hot water coils supplied by a central plant n Coiling coils are optional n Components exposed to air stream are corrosion-protected with fully-dipped proprietary coating

NES Company NES Heat Exchangers

C

laiming that any industrial process that involves heat transfer can be made more thermally efficient by adding a heat exchanger to the process, NES Company has announced adding heat exchangers to its selection of process equipment, spare parts and repair kits. All its heat exchangers are made in its factory in the United States, performance tested, and available in a variety of materials, the company says.

NES offers the following series with its respective product features and benefits: Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers: n Operating pressure: for tubes 150 PSI

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

n Operating pressure: for shell 300 PSI n Maximum operating temperature: 300°F n Can be customised to meet system requirements Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers: n Thermal capacity: up to 100 hp (75 Kw) n Standard ports: NPT n Optional: SAE straight thread or flange connections n Optional: built-in bypass relief valve n Operating temperature: 400°F n Operating pressure of 300 PSI

Custom heat exchanger design and spare parts n The company can design a heat transfer system involving a wide variety of heat exchangers like plate heat exchangers (gasket or brazed plate), heat pipe heat exchangers, column condensers, recuperators, and finned-coil heat exchangers. n It has an inventory of spare parts on all important heat exchanger brands with the specified materials.

E+E Elektronik EE871 Modbus CO 2 probe

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aying that it is designed for maintenance-free use in demanding OEM applications, E+E Elektronik has announced introducing the EE871 Modbus CO2 probe. The Modbus protocol permits easy retrieval and further processing of measurement values and facilitates simple integration into custom applications, E+E Elektronik adds.

EE871 is maintenance free and highly resistant to environmental influences. n The IP65 enclosure and the replaceable filter ensure optimal protection from contamination. Therefore, the EE871 can also be used in harsh environmental conditions. n Its compact design, M12 electrical connector and optional mounting flange facilitate the installation or replacement of the CO2 probe.

n Due to its very low power consumption, the CO2 probe is particularly suited for use in battery-powered devices, such as data loggers, handhelds and wireless sensors. n Other applications can be found in greenhouses, stables, fruit and vegetable storage facilities, hatcheries and incubators.

The manufacturer lists the following product features and benefits: n The compact probe measures CO2 concentrations up to 10,000 ppm. n Thanks to the multipoint CO2 and temperature adjustment, temperature compensation ensures excellent measurement accuracy over the entire operating range from -40°C to 60°C. n The CO2 measurement cell of the probe is based on infrared technology (NDIR) and uses a dual-wavelength auto-calibration procedure. Thus, the

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January 2014

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ASHRAE

For more updates on ASHRAE, visit the News section of our website, www.climatecontrolme.com

UPDATE ASHRAE seminar on IAQ in low-energy homes Winter Conference event will address dilemma between IAQ and energy efficiency

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utting forward the poser: Do designers have to battle it out between good Indoor Environment Quality and energy efficiency, or can they coexist peacefully? ASHRAE has stated in a communiqué that striking a balance between the two in homes is being addressed in a seminar at ASHRAE’s 2014 Winter Conference that will take place from January 18 to 22, at the New York Hilton, New York, USA. The seminar, “IAQ in Low-Energy Homes: Avoiding Collateral Damage”, will be held on January 19, as part of a track focused on Indoor Environmental Health/Indoor Environmental Quality, where speakers will share case studies and research that show how low energy and good IEQ can work in tandem.

Highlighting the significance of the subject, Seminar Chair Andrew Persily of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, said: “Whether a home is net-zero or very low energy, it is critically important that energy efficiency measures do not compromise the indoor environment. Homes, and buildings in general, exist for the occupants, not to win energy efficiency competitions, but the industry often sees tension between the goals of energy efficiency and Indoor Air Quality. As we move toward lowenergy homes, we need to remember and address IAQ, providing low-energy homes that support and ideally improve the health and comfort of the occupants.”

ASHRAE developing guideline for commissioning existing buildings Offers opportunity to comment on proposed guideline

I

n light of functional changes and occupant productivity driving the need to commission existing facilities, ASHRAE has announced that it is developing a guideline that addresses the commissioning process. The guideline is now open for public input/ comment from December 6 until January 20, 2014, it added.

ASHRAE gave further details: Guideline 0.2P, The Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies, describes the procedures, methods, documentation, requirements and physical activities of the commissioning process for existing buildings, systems and assemblies using the principles developed in ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005.

“The most fundamental difference between new and existing building commissioning, besides the obvious fact that one is new construction and one is existing, is that the function of the space may have changed substantially since it was designed,” Bill Dean, Chair of the Committee writing Guideline 0.2, said. “A great deal of the focus in the past was on energy savings being used to fund building improvements; now we are seeing functional changes and occupant productivity driving the need to commission existing facilities.”

Other commissioning guidance from ASHRAE includes Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process; Guideline 1.1-2007, HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process; and Guideline 1.5-2012, The Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems; and Standard 202-2013, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems, ASHRAE revealed.

For more information: www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

Registration open for ASHRAE’s Hot Climate Conference IAQ, energy efficiency, future HVACR technology to feature at Qatar event

R

egistration is now open for the first International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates, which examines the latest research and energy-efficiency technology in high-ambient temperature climates. Announcing this through an official communiqué, ASHRAE, which is organising the event with the ASHRAE Qatar Oryx Chapter and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), said that it would take place from February 24 to 26, 2014, in Doha, Qatar.

The conference, said the announcement, is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Federation of European Heating and Air-Conditioning Associations (REHVA), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and co-sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

According to ASHRAE, about 40 papers will be presented at the conference, including “Evaluation of a Low Cost Solar Cooling System for Hot and Humid Climates”, “Building Envelope Criteria for Hot Climates: ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013”, “The Application of Low Energy Technology Within the Built Environment in Hot and Humid Climates” and “Performance of Low-GWP Refrigerant Candidates At High Ambient Temperatures”.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) will present a session on indoor environments and health, covering general perspectives on health and indoor environments, housing and health, healthbased guidelines on Indoor Air Quality, and the health aspect of energy use in indoor environments.

A special session with regional research centres to present updates on projects and research findings related to IAQ and energy efficiency (hosted by UNEP and QEERI), and a panel discussion and a look at future HVAC&R technology (presented by major companies, hosted by the Qatar Oryx Chapter and AHRI) are reportedly the other programme highlights.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Walid Chakroun, Conference Chair, said: “The international support demonstrates the need for advancing the energy efficient design of buildings and systems in hot climates. The conference brings together experts to look at the synergy between energy conservation and Indoor Air Quality in buildings, with the goal of achieving high energy conservation in hot air climates. This first conference presents papers, keynote speeches and internationally organised sessions, and has an emphasis on systems and equipment and applications for commercial and institutional buildings.”

The conference proceedings will be distributed to the attendees onsite and is included in the registration fee, ASHRAE informed, and advised those interested to visit www.ashrae.org/hotclimates to register and for conference schedule.

A CLIMATE CONTROL MIDDLE EAST MAGAZINE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

TRACKING THE DC INDUSTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

WINTER 2014

DC IN THE KINGDOM A tale of growth and challenges

REPORT

THE CLIMATE CONTROL CONFERENCE, DOHA Discussions on DC

PERSPECTIVE ASLAN AL BARAZI Executive Director IMEC

eventreport

C3, DOHA, QATAR | Part II

District cooling - many questions and no easy answers

TSE, Legionella, regulations and tri-gen were the buzzwords at the 7th Edition of The Climate Control Conference, in Doha, which brought under one roof end-users and decision makers. Mary Coons brings Part II report of the two-day event.

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CHILL Winter 2014

A

After the initial euphoria with which district cooling was ushered in had died down, especially in the wake of the economic downturn, it was time to take stock of the situation and address the niggling doubts that had lingered. The Climate Control Conference that took place on October 6 and 7 at the Grand Hyatt, Doha, organised and produced by CPI Industry’s Climate Control Middle East magazine and co-hosted by Qatar Cool, provided just the right platform for it. It brought to the fore several issues concerning district cooling. TSE, Legionella, regulations and tri-gen figured prominently in the discussions.

TSE – the way to go

In the wake of Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation) making it mandatory for district cooling providers to switch from precious potable water to treated sewage effluent (TSE), it has become evident that TSE is here to stay in the GCC region – its use has been required by regulation either directly

or indirectly. Thus, water resources management, with special focus on TSE figured high on the agenda at the Conference, with alternatives being explored.

In both technical presentations and panel discussions held over two days, most participants agreed that TSE was the way to go. “We must use TSE, but we will need regulations,” Dr Esam Elsarrag of Barwa & Qatari Diar Research Institute, said. “Qatar has minimum requirements right now.

A unified code for GCC countries is coming.”

Explained Mohannad Khader of Qatar Cool: “If we switch to TSE, we have a source. TSE is free for now [in Qatar] at the first stage, but this could change.

Kahramaa won’t ask for something impractical even though they say potable water will be ‘strictly prohibited’ beginning in 2014.”

“In fact, when I spoke with Kahramaa, they said only three per cent of the TSE water was going to be used by the district cooling plants. Imagine that.”

Gerhard Bingel of Nalco pointed to the TSE conundrum: “Even in future, with two million TR, cooling tower makeup will only use 3.3% of the TSE currently produced in Qatar. No one can guarantee TSE quality. What comes in goes out. And therein lies the challenge of using TSE. The pressure is there to use

it, but there is no single TSE plant or quality.”

It was evident that using TSE for cooling tower makeup offered challenges and opportunities. The two main challenges were TSE quality (expect the unexpected) and discharge regulations. “But for each challenge, there is a technical solution, and the benefits to the district cooling provider are compliance with regulations, reducing potable water usage and, perhaps, reducing operating costs,” said Bingel.

Legionella

With Legionella continuing to be a growing health concern, everyone in the district cooling industry has come to realise the need to gain control over it.

“Legionella is an important issue for us as an industry,” stated Dan Coday of Tower Tech Inc, “as it is not controlled or contained. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) in the US reports that five per cent of those contracting Legionella will die.”

Susceptible individuals to Legionella are reportedly generally those with weak or suppressed immune systems, such as smokers and individuals over 60.

Christopher Rajamani of Al Hoty-Stanger Laboratories warned: “Legionella bacteria is now in the Middle East.

It can be found anywhere – wherever a source of water creates aerosols. Wherever droplets can be created,

“Money takes on two faces; cash flow and financing. The contractor’s cash flow is seriously affected by project completion dates, little or no advance payment, and delayed payments. All of these mean the contractor has to provide financing throughout much of the project, thus reducing already low margins and profits.” – Pradeep Saxena, General Manager, TransGulf Qatar Winter 2014 CHILL

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C3, DOHA, QATAR | PART II

there exists a risk of infection.”

Qatar Vision 2030 Economic Development, Social Development, Human Development and Environmental Development are the four pillars of Qatar Vision 2030. A familiar theme throughout the two-day conference was the fourth pillar – environmental development, vis-à-vis district cooling …

Environmental Development mandates, “Management of the environment such that there is harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection.”

In keeping with this pillar, district cooling provides the following benefits: • A sustainable cooling alternative • Eliminates noise pollution • Reuses local resources, such as TSE • Reduces environmental emissions, including air pollution, greenhouse gas, and ozone-destroying refrigerants • Reduces annual CO2 emissions by about 1.25 tonnes for each one tonne of refrigeration at district cooling plants • Reduces Legionella risks

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CHILL Winter 2014

The facts laid out were: • The main sources of bacteria stem from showers and tap water; spa and whirlpool baths; Turkish baths and saunas; ornamental fountains (particularly indoors); humidified food displays; and cooling towers and evaporative condensers.

• The bacteria are most likely to appear during the hot and humid summer months, mostly reflective of the temperature. As the temperature rises, Legionella bacteria begin multiplying.

Control and prevention are evidently the keys. Maurice Piché explained ways it could be controlled: • Minimise water stagnation • Minimise process leaks into the cooling tower that introduces nutrients for bacteria growth • Minimise sediment buildup • Apply scale and corrosion inhibitors • Use high-efficiency mist eliminators • Control the overall microbiological population “Bacteria feed on unfiltered organic solids and bio particles, and this increases the need of biocides dispersants, and maintenance,” Piché said.

Regulations and trigen

“Why go to tri-gen in the first place?” questioned Khader, setting the scene for a debate. “In Dubai they are forced to provide infrastructure. Is tri-gen what is most important in Qatar? Do we preserve the environment or save money and time? We need answers and then we can move on,” he challenged.

George Berbari pointed out: “We need to improve

George Berbari, DC Pro Engineering makes a point

cooperation between government efforts and developers. District cooling should become a duty in Qatar; it needs regulation.

The cost of digging is a factor. District cooling companies resist giving control to the government.”

Berbari conceded that time was running out, but argued: “We have population and per capita increases pushing demand up. We have a simple solution; combining this (tri-gen) in industry will help.”

Hassan Sultan, Partner at and Director of the Mechanical Department of MZ & Partners, added: “In general, we need to control emissions. What Qatar has done is important and unique. Kahramaa is creating new departments, sections and research on how to improve and enhance Vision 2030. Three to four years from now, Qatar will have four to five million people.”

Panel discussions – Day One The first day’s plenary discussion featured five

experts who discussed water and energy security, project finance, environmental policies and regulation, including those for TSE, along with the emergence of the end-user model.

Salah Nezar, Sustainability Director, Qatar Project Management, began the discussion urging a more efficient district cooling system. “We need to protect the customer,” he stressed, “But at the same time, we need to make district cooling more efficient. Using potable water is a challenge, because it all comes from the sea and,thus, it has an important energy impact. It takes energy to desalinate seawater.” His solution: We need regulations on district cooling to protect both the customer and the system.

Questions about energy security and how to define energy conservation were the second panelist’s topic.

Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank Group, believed energy conservation must follow the four pillars of Qatar’s Vision 2030 mandate, which, to be sustainable,

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C3, DOHA, QATAR | Part II

“Multiple efforts are deployed by the engineering community, except one, which is often overlooked or misunderstood – water quality.”

– Maurice Piché, CEO, Sonitec-Vortisand

needed economic, social, environmental and human development.

In his opinion, the future of energy conservation involved two factors: • Public government has the power to make changes.

The two prongs for policy are subsidies and efficiency regulation.

• Business is driven by profit and loss. The CO2 market is very low. Therefore, either make it profitable or the government will force this through regulation.

“The consumer must eventually pay for carbon credits,” Seetharaman told the audience. “Oddly, because Qatar Cool is involved in a development that requires district cooling, and because district cooling is already the most efficient, Qatar Cool cannot qualify for CERs (Carbon Emission Reduction certificates) for carbon reduction.”

Echoing the need for regulations, and advocating that the MoE needs to adopt regulations was Dr Esam Elsarrag, Director, Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Barwa & Qatari Diar Research Institute). Elsarrag spoke about his group’s role in assisting the possibility of all projects: “We need to know exactly what we’re doing; putting all the resources together and then we have a very good model for regulations in Qatar.

Our role is to promote sustainability for projects in Qatar.”

He then briefly spoke about GSAS (Global Sustainable Assessment System). “When it comes

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CHILL Winter 2014

(L-R) Salah Nezar, QPM; Issa Qandeel, Qatar Cool and Robert Miller, Marafeq Qtaar

to benchmarks, even five or 10% improvement, it matters what the initial benchmark was. GSAS benchmark is 30% less than ASHRAE 90.1,” he disclosed, and put forward the paradox: “When it comes to government involvement, we have only one word – mandate – and this does not leave room for flexibility. If district cooling is mandated by the government, then that becomes the new benchmark, and that is why, under this scenario of government involvement, district cooling providers cannot get CERs even if they are much more efficient than traditional cooling, because they already are implementing the benchmark. The only CER they can get would be marginal to beating some hypothetical district cooling benchmark. The features for buildings include the use of passive design using energy efficiently like district cooling. We need to come back to benchmarks of passive design.”

Ghaleb Abusaa, CEO, The Three Factors Company (en3 Solutions) quickly added, “That is why, whomever has

a project under design and wants carbon credits has to get his project in the pipeline before the regulations mandate district cooling as the new benchmark.”

King & Spalding LLP Partner, Tim Burbury focused on the end-user model. He explained how the market was changing and the enduser model was emerging for district cooling projects.

“How important is it to get anchor load tenant/ customers before a project?” he asked rhetorically. “We’re signing up individual master developers. Just like in any development, it is important to have an anchor tenant.

“Historically, what we saw in the last few years

was individuals signing up new individual customers.

What’s happened since,” he explained, “is that we’ve split the two models of master developer as the tenant and concession to the provider.

What we’re seeing more in Qatar is the end-user model.

Now, master builders get a license to sign up endusers, signing the contracts directly.”

Burbury predicted many challenges the GCC countries will face and posed a few rhetoric questions: “They have been doing contracted deals for the past 10 years. Aside from the environmental issues, really, there is nothing that is regulated in terms

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eventreport of issues of cooling, licensing and tariffs, etc.

The biggest challenge from my perspective has to do with resisting challenges and how the government – and which government agencies – are going to get involved.

Are they simply going to be regulators and watchdogs?

Are they going to be owners and ask for networks? Are they going to take part in regulating plants?”

Abusaa then discussed the two major drivers in the market and how they might impact the future of district cooling. “The driver is in the market for the carbon,” he stated. “Number one is the public. They have the money. The second side is the business side, and the private sector is always driven by profit and loss.

Without a profit, no one will work here.”

In reality, with the market driven by financials, he said, there was no way you could implement something unless you make it profitable for the private sector or the government to enforce regulations to make sure that it is done.

“Forget the private sector, until there are gains in green energy,” he advised.

“The consumer must pay for it if they don’t reduce consumption.” The UN is studying this and might promulgate international regulations, Abusaa told the audience. Again, he stressed: If we want to reduce carbon emissions, the public must be educated and aware of district cooling.

He continued: “In our part of the world, the government plays two roles. Number one is regulations, because they [the government] have the power to issue the regulations, and secondly, they do not touch it. Without the government in the picture, and no regulations for energy conservation, they save on the CO2 emissions 24

CHILL Winter 2014

C3, DOHA, QATAR | Part II

resulting in the price for CERs being too low. So, you can forget the private sector.”

Once you have a project, you still have a choice to go with standard air conditioning or district cooling. If you ask the government to “please approve my project” and they initially do so, then it becomes a case of timing and the developer retains the choice of air conditioning versus district cooling, Abusaa explained.

What are carbon savings?

What does the price bear? he asked, and elaborated: “If you know the price, you can see the value in your project. If your project is too small, then why are you wasting your time?

Wait for the government to mandate you to do it…. If a project is under 50,000 tonnes/year, don’t bother doing it ... which is why we ask permission because whomever has their project now under design, and wants to get a carbon credit, he must submit big bucks to the Qatar National Recovery in the country to get his project in the pipeline before that becomes an obligation, because if it becomes an obligation, it minimises the CERs.” A member of the audience asked how would conversion (retrofitting) in existing buildings benefit from district cooling. The answer given: Do a study to see how much savings you would realise. Although conversion is less common in Qatar, it is not impossible to do, panel members said. Qatar National Strategy 2014-2017 plans to look at conversion

“Is a new scalable option approach the healthy way to go? The entire district cooling system must be efficient. Projects should be tendered case by case; this should be standard procedure.” – Hassan Sultan, Director, Mechanical Department, MZ& Partners

of existing buildings in 2016.

How feasible is it to have an unregulated market was the final question. The panel agreed that there must be some regulation of environmental laws and licensing. The biggest challenge, they felt, would be dealing with existing arrangements and jurisdiction and grandfathering in certain provisions.

Panel discussions – Day Two

On the second day of the conference, Hani Awni Hawamdeh, Arab Engineering Bureau, Pradeep Saxena, TransGulf ElectroMechanical and Hassan Sultan, MZ & Partners, provided key lessons learnt in their experiences tendering for jobs, margins of doing business, how to avoid cost over-runs, challenges in a diverse and a multi-lingual workforce, among others. All participants agreed that no magic solution exists.

Here are excerpts of what transpired: In Pradeep Saxena’s opinion, there were no significant tenders in Qatar, and he didn’t “anticipate more than two or three district cooling jobs”.

On the other hand, Hani Hawamdeh said: “We see a promising trend for LEED projects in the next two to three years. Tri-gen projects are coming, as well as a good number of district cooling projects.”

Hassan Sultan, on his part, questioned, “Is a new scalable option approach the healthy way to go?” He added: “The entire district cooling system must be efficient. Projects should be tendered case by case.

This should be standard procedure.”

Significant discussion centered on Requests for

Pradeep Saxena, Transgulf Qatar; Hani Awni Hawamdeh, ASHRAE Oryx Chapter; Hassan Sultan, MZ & Partners and Salah Nezar

Proposals (RFP’s), the lengthy tender period, and their generalised formats.

“It’s a common syndrome in Qatar,” stated Hawamdeh.

“RFP’s are not clear. The client’s needs are not being addressed. The process takes three to four times longer than necessary, with gaps that need to be filled. This makes the contractor do more work.”

Moderator Nezar asked if showcasing the contractor who reviews the contract during the design phase might be a way to stay on track.

Saxena agreed. “Involve the contractor while design is evolving,” he said. “But when should it be a partner approach versus standard tender? I think it’s better to involve the contractor on complex jobs.”

“Tender process starts on Day One of the project, not after design completion,” added Sultan.

All panelists agreed that there was a margin for doing business in Qatar.

They believed that many companies were coming strictly for 2022 projects.

With many mid-size projects in the pipeline, they concurred that although the margin would be narrow, it would be there.

Saxena raised issues of procurement, including a saturation of goods, and challenges getting materials in Qatar. Two serious interconnected problems identified were visa limitations and the cost of getting workers.

The moderator reported that although Qatar’s

government was more flexible with work visas, ultimately the contractor must choose the cost and people to hire.

“Contractors need to talk to the government and see what can be done in procurement,” countered Hawamdeh. “We should quit comparing Qatar to Dubai.

Every country is unique with its own unique challenges.

The environment might be the same, but the culture is different. There needs to be interactive communication.”

A related issue posed was the problem of contractors cutting costs on projects. It was felt that understandably, a contractor is in business to make money, but he must also provide the best product for the client.

“Why doesn’t the contractor know ahead

“If citizens are to improve their quality of life physically and emotionally from a public health context, outdoor activity needs to be a viable component.

Shouldn’t we be doing more to study and create scalable and sustainable outdoor cooling so we can be outside more?”

– Salah Nezar, Sustainability Director, Qatar Project Management

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C3, DOHA, QATAR | Part II

of time and factor in the costs? Why is it a surprise?” asked a member of the audience.

Responses focused on the market not bothering with risk factors, and that they kept shifting. When there is not enough business, prices go down. Subsequently, they rise when business picks up, was the general agreement.

“Quality is cut to make a profit,” suggested the moderator as an answer to the question.

“There will always be cutting corners,” seconded Hawamdeh. “When you tender a project expecting 50 bids, you need to look at pre-qualified contractors, previous similar projects, and risk factors.”

Sultan pointed to workforce efficiency/ inefficiency. He added: “Everyone needs to know what to do. I’ve never seen high-efficiency manpower use. Laborers sit idle due to lack of material on site.

Why is this? Is the contractor searching for the cheapest material? Are they taking too long to decide what material to use?”

Faith and confidence in DC

Robert Miller of Marafeq Qatar and Issa Qandeel of Qatar Cool, both district cooling providers, wrapped up the final conference panel discussion with their thoughts on promoting confidence in district cooling systems.

Qandeel provided basic background information about district cooling, pointing out that it was not a new system, and had actually been in the Gulf since the 1960s. He also disclosed that some district cooling systems had already been built, but were not yet operational.

Qatar Cool conducted feasibility studies, wherein their research indicated a 25% savings to the customer,

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CHILL Winter 2014

Issa Qandeel

particularly when factoring in excavation costs and laying cables.

According to Qatar Cool’s study results, district cooling offers six major solutions: • Reduces the required connected electricity by more than 50% • Reduces more than 40% of electricity consumption • Saves customers around 25% of the lifecycle cost of the air conditioning system by lowering costs of equipment, construction, operations, utilities and profit opportunity • Saves building space that can be used for more

valuable purposes • Enables a greater degree of flexibility, as building needs can go up or down without needing to change the central plant’s capacity • Consumes water at the rate of 20 to 25 m3 per year for each one tonne of refrigeration at district cooling plants.

Nevertheless, as moderator Nezar pointed out, owners continued to think district cooling was expensive.

Miller contended that the customer opinion came from an uninformed perspective.

“The customer is buying

the finished product,” he explained. “The cost built in is infrastructure.

District cooling providers invest capital to supply the customer regardless if he uses it or not, or if it is online or not.”

Qandeel added: “By doing a feasibility study of the lifecycle of the system, you can find out how much the customer pays throughout the life of the system, and what that savings is. District cooling is not more expensive when you run the numbers with conventional air conditioning.”

Nezar suggested that air conditioning was not being used as a holistic approach in Qatar. He cited luxury villas installing conventional units into the wall, as well as mini split use.

The two panelists agreed that among the many benefits of district cooling, health and wellbeing related to Indoor Air Quality were important.

The final discussion point centred on regulation, and whether the Qatar government should “own” regulation. With that being the main question, the two panelists agreed that a few key elements needed to be answered first, such as trigen, co-gen, space and cost.

The Gulf currently has no codes and regulations in place for comparison.

A member of the audience questioned whether better pricing was available if TSE was used in makeup water, and how did one go about getting even pricing. “What is Kahramaa’s role in all of this?” he asked – great questions, with no easy answers.

“That’s why we’re here,” concluded Nezar, “to change ideas and see how we can improve the model of district cooling.”

The Industry Leadership Address Mohannad Khader, Vice President – Commercial, Qatar Cool, spoke on “The broader role of a district cooling provider in the community: A multifaceted model in serving the country and the people”. Here are the highlights …

I

n 2003, when Qatar Cool, district cooling developer for West Bay and The Pearl-Qatar, was formed, there was nothing in West Bay other than City Centre and Al Salam. This was a complete new development and the first district served by Qatar Cool, stated Mohannad Khader.

Demand for district cooling in West Bay is increasing, Khader explained. “Currently, we are designing Plant 3 for West Bay, that we will start building in the first quarter of 2014 to meet the demand of 80,000 tonnes of refrigeration (TR),” he said.

In the last 10 years, approximately 140,000 TR has been connected to district cooling. This represents more than 100 buildings, 30 retail shops and 60 villas. The chiller plant is truly a multi-faceted model serving Qatar and its people in the Pearl and West Bay areas.

In 2012, the IDEA (International District Energy Association) awarded Qatar Cool with the coveted System of the Year Award

as the outstanding district energy system for operational excellence, environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and customer commitment, while contributing to the advancement of the district energy industry.

That honour was followed up in 2013 with an Award of Excellence at the third Global District Energy Climate Awards for a new municipal scheme serving more than 10,000 citizens, which demonstrated local district energy leadership in providing clean, sustainable energy solutions to protect against the risk of climate change.

In Qatar, up to 70% of electricity is used for air conditioning. “Our analysis demonstrates district cooling is 30% cheaper than conventional cooling on a 20-year LCC basis,” explained Khader.

“District cooling is more feasible and makes more sense for the developer when there is a concentration of developments.”

According to Qatar Cool information, if their 100+ customers, comprising 140,000 TR, were cooled using traditional cooling, the power demand would be 238 MW. But with district cooling, the power consumption would be reduced to 140MW yielding 98 MW savings. For every 1,000 TR produced by Qatar Cool, Khader believes electricity consumption is reduced by 700 kWh, and

CO2 emissions are reduced by 300 kilogrammes. Khader also emphasised that the actual demand (based on district cooling) was about half of what normally would be installed by the building developer if he were to use traditional cooling.

In Qatar, he said, traditional cooling usually means aircooled chillers.

Khader mentioned that the Qatar National Vision 2030 was built on four pillars of development: human, economic, social and environmental, and he stated that Qatar Cool “is at the centre of this development, because we are combining economic growth and social development with environmental protection”.

District cooling consumes water in a very major quantity,” stated Khader. “But because district cooling is flexible and can accommodate other water sources, we will start using TSE in the West Bay area. This will free up millions of cubic metres of fresh water to the country.”

When it comes to cooling choices, conventional cooling has all the risks and/or uncertainly, believes Khader, as compared with district cooling, which for the building operator is as simple as an invoice.

Since the district cooling customers are buying a finished product, they don’t have to deal with all capital, utility, O&M, administrative and architectural issues associated with traditional cooling, Khader said. He listed some of the components required with traditional cooling that are not needed in district cooling: • Capacity (new and replacement) • Financing • Depreciation • Makeup water • Water treatment chemicals • Electricity • O&M • Refrigerants • O&M labour • Spare parts and supplies • Emergency responses • Administration &

Management Overtime premiums Regulatory compliance Fees and licenses Insurance Engineering & outside contractors • Space construction and allocation • Opportunity costs in main business • • • • •

“District energy is an integrative technology that can make significant contributions to reducing carbon emissions,” Khader stated. “Qatar as a country has the largest CO2 emissions per person in the world. These need to decline, because we need to be sustainable.” Over the past seven operating years, Qatar Cool has improved electric and water efficiency by 10% to 12%. Furthermore, with a carbon emission reduction of 56,580 metric tonnes versus conventional cooling and its adaptation to use TSE, Qatar Cool is a major contributor to clean energy use in Qatar, Khader claimed.

With all the studies and calculations, at the end of the day, district cooling proves itself with significant benefits, among them, comfort, luxury, reliability, energy savings, and environmental benefits, he elaborated.

When asked about customer surveys and complaints, Khader said, “We conduct customer surveys and comparing this year’s survey with last year’s, customer satisfaction was great in terms of operation and service.”

Customer service is tracked daily and end-users like the service, he highlighted. However, Khader added: “We need to educate more about the fixed fee [in the tariff]. After we explain this and what is involved, we receive good responses. But again, since the end-users are the people who receive our services, we need to create more awareness of what the charges encompass versus traditional cooling. Wordof-mouth testimony is very important.” n

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cooling towers

FM-approved fire-rated cooling towers – a better bet Arguing that even cooling towers could be prone to fires, Aslan Al Barazi makes a case for FRP FM-approved cooling towers as against conventional ones that use external fire sprinkler systems.

T

The cooling tower industry and, primarily, the industrial and district cooling sectors have, during the past year, begun incorporating FM-approved fire-rated standards on many ongoing or upcoming district cooling tenders and industrial projects, mainly in the UAE and in Qatar. The first question that would come to mind is, why would a designer specify a fire-rated

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cooling tower in the first place, when the cooling tower has water running through it practically all the time? The answer to this question is that fires can occur (and have occurred) on many occasions in cooling towers, where the results have been catastrophic for the end-user, to say the least.

How can it happen?

Usually, it may happen through an electric failure on the operating cooling towers, such as the case of short circuiting, or while the cooling towers are in the shutdown dry mode, and while having periodic maintenance being done to them. Cooling tower fires during tower maintenance can occur due to negligence by site maintenance workers, such as smoking a cigarette and then flipping it on to the

This is like an insurance plan, where a small premium is paid for protection against an unlikely, yet very costly (or worse, a grave potential) event cooling tower fill, or welding work by technicians above the cooling tower fill area, where the sparks could ignite the fill.

A recently recorded accident was on an eight-cell tower in

a plant room project in the United States, last year. The plant was completely wiped out in approximately two hours.

It may be argued that fires are rare occurrences in cooling towers. However, when the project is significant in cost, a relatively small additional cost investment in the cooling towers of approximately 10% to 15% is a small premium that many end-users find worth paying, to ensure safety and peace of mind on their project. This is like an insurance plan, where a small premium is paid for protection against an unlikely, yet very costly (or worse, a grave potential) event.

It is worth mentioning here that when an end-user purchases an FM-approved cooling tower from a reputed tower manufacturer, it adds many other salient features and advantages to the cooling towers. They include: 1. Major reduction in the overall life cycle cost of the project: The FM-approved towers typically outlive the standard corrugated singlewall FRP tower (FibreReinforced Polymer tower) by a factor of two to one, with a 40- to 50-year design life compared to 20- to 25-year design life for a standard highquality, highly specialised industrial range FRP cooling tower. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that an FM-approved cooling tower has an overall density of 32 oz per square foot in comparison with 12 oz per square foot for the single FRP wall that is properly specified. An unaccounted, yet very important hidden cost includes the fact that an FM-approved cooling tower does not require a sprinkler system, which costs a lot more than the additional cost of an FM-approved tower (10%

to 15%, as previously mentioned). This is not withstanding the additional maintenance costs and bi-yearly testing procedures for a certified sprinkler system, as required by NFPPA to operate in the United States. This, in fact, will run very high for a sprinkler system, not withstanding the potential of the system to fail, especially when needed most in an emergency case. This is because a sprinkler system is an electro-mechanical system with moving parts that are, therefore, subject to failure if it is not regularly maintained.

This is not the case with an FM-approved tower, which is static in nature, and, therefore, not subject

3. There is a better aesthetic appeal to the double wall FRP FM-approved cooling tower compared to a single-wall FRP corrugated wall cooling tower.

4. It has the potential to incorporate ceramic tile fill in comparison to the standard PVC fill normally used on the single wall FRP Towers: The additional cost of the tile fill may be a further 10%, but the life cycle cost reduction and advantage of using tile fill over PVC fill is huge. This is owing to the fact that the PVC fill is not only costly to replace, but it also enforces a full or partial shut down on the plant room (ranging anywhere from one to

Tile fill as used in FM-approved cooling tower

to regular maintenance and potential breakdowns, unlike a sprinkler system.

2. There is an overall reduction in the noise level of the double FRP wall cooling tower: This is because it comes with a wall thickness of approximately 29mm,

and the air acts as an insulating barrier between the two FRP walls (for both sound and heat insulation). Hence, there is a significant reduction in the noise level of the cooling tower in comparison to the 2mm- thick FRP panels for a standard FRP cooling tower.

by A I R H A N D L I N G U N I T S Mekar products conforms to the european

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For Inquiries, Please contact us at: Mekar Air Handling Units LLC

Mekar is an Italian manufacturer of high quality chillers, air handling units and fan coil units.

Our strength lies in our diverse and energy efďƒžcient product range, ďƒ&#x;exibility in design and manufacturing which is backed up by reliable after sales engineering support.

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tel. +974 4 4153742

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tel. +966 5 00360470 +966 5 99878838

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Winter 2014 CHILL

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three months in major plants). It requires a replacement, normally every eight to 10 years, provided that the towers are properly maintained and with a particularly good water treatment system in place. If not, the lifecycle of the PVC fill becomes even lesser (maybe three to five years), as witnessed on many projects in the UAE, which use bad water treatment systems. Moreover, some ceramic tile fill tower manufacturers give a 25-year guarantee on their tile fill, including the supporting FRP lintels, compared to a one- to five-year warranty for the standard industrial grade PVC fill normally given by manufacturers. In addition, an important fact to be noted is that the tile fill may use any type of water quality, whether it is nonpolished TSE, seawater, RO or potable water, compared to the casesensitive PVC fill type of tower heat exchanger.

5. It further needs to be noted that in case of certain manufacturers, their tower has further passed stringent hurricane and missile

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cooling towers

testing, as well as FM fire rating, which implies durability and rigidity of the double-walled FRP FM-approved cooling towers.

Having examined the merits of the double-walled FRP FM-approved cooling tower specifications, we can now turn to the subject of comparing the FM-approved towers with the age-old technology of fire sprinkler systems for fire protection, which also warrant FM approval if properly specified. The advantages of FM-approved cooling towers over conventional cooling towers using external fire sprinkler systems are easy to demonstrate, as the following clearly shows: • Cost-wise it is more economical to own and operate an FM-approved cooling tower compared to one that has a fire sprinkler system, especially when you add the cost of a sprinkler system manufactured in stainless steel material, which is absolutely required in the Gulf region, due to the corrosive atmospheric conditions.

This is in addition to the maintenance and bi-annual inspections needed for sprinkler systems.

An FM-approved cooling tower requires no additional maintenance, compared to one that has an external sprinkler system • An FM-approved cooling tower requires no additional maintenance, compared to one that has an external sprinkler system, which inherently comes with mechanical moving parts and electrical circuitry, both of which could be subject to failure, if not regularly maintained.

However, in light of Murphy’s Law that states that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, should a fire occur, it is hoped that the sprinkler system will function in the right way at the right time, and that fire will not spread to the adjoining

cells. In contrast, in an FM-approved tower, should a fire occur, it is contained in the actual cell where the fire has originated, and naturally self extinguishes, allowing the rest of the cooling tower cells to continue operating even during the incident of fire in one of the cells. This is especially important for critical applications like hospitals, district cooling applications, data centers and power plants, which are mission-critical facilities and cannot, under any circumstance, allow the potential of full plant room shutdown, as would happen in the case of a fire sprinkler system operating in case of a fire.

• The sprinkler system requires a dedicated water supply and dedicated water storage system to provide water required in the event of a fire. It further requires regular maintenance of the controls, valves and piping.

In the United States, sprinkler systems have to be inspected every six months by an independent, certified sprinkler system inspector. On the other hand, FM-approved cooling towers not requiring an external sprinkler system are practically maintenance-free.

It is well worth noting at this point that some manufacturers only use FRP material to achieve FM, with no wood or cementgypsum board. It must be further noted that cementgypsum boards have been used in the Gulf region and have extensively failed as a material for fire-rated walls on cooling towers due to its inherent relatively soft decomposition and breakup over time. Wood, on the other hand, though perhaps cheaper, has a short lifespan as a material, and is certainly not recommended in the Gulf region with high temperatures. Apart from these considerations, it is also regarded as old technology dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, whereas FRP, including

pultruded FRP structures, are clearly the way to go, as it is a new technology in cooling towers.

An interesting question that needs to be asked at this juncture is: How does the NFPA fire code relate to either the sprinkler system or the FM-approved cooling towers? To answer the question, NFPA 214 does not make a sprinkler system mandatory. According to Chapter 4, Section 4.2 of the NFPA 214 code, the customer must prepare a risk analysis and determine if a sprinkler system is required. In this scenario, having an FM-approved tower that is designed to ensure that a fire in one cell will not spread to adjacent cells is as good as or better than any sprinkler system that could be installed.

It is also important to note that FM approval also requires that the cooling tower materials come from FM-approved sources of manufacture identical to those used during the FM field fire testing and that they strictly comply with FM standards, which is usually from the United States as per FM standards.

FM will do periodic random inspections of the supply chain to ensure compliance.

In the United States, FM approval also implies that there could be a significant reduction of overall insurance premiums paid by the end-user, due to the greatly lowered risk by fire damage to the cooling tower. Note that unless FM is the insurer, the owner must convince other insurers to follow FM standards to

obtain a break in premiums, among other things.

It needs to be mentioned here that there are already installations of FM-approved cooling towers in the UAE on major projects with reputed cooling tower manufacturers.

The writer is ExecutiveDirector, IMEC. He can be contacted at: imec@ emirates.net.ae

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DISTRICT COOLING

District cooling: A market poised for strong growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Kingdom, have thrown the market open for DC applications.

Figure 2 shows the DC revenues of the KSA, in contrast with the rest of the GCC countries. The KSA DC market earned about USD 400 million in 2012, which is about 26% of the total GCC DC revenues. The commercial and retail segments together contribute a major share of the revenues. However, this scenario is likely to change, as new application Innovative technologies and construction boom will drive the District areas and end-user segments Cooling market in the Kingdom, says a Frost & Sullivan report. like residential, hospitality, infrastructure, among others, Abstract of electricity consumption by are likely to adopt DC for Globally, the movement various cooling technologies comfort cooling applications.  of countries towards is given in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows Saudi     DC  revenues   sustainability and “Green Arabia's and District cooling Technologies” is picking up capacity over the period market in the pace. The Middle East has 2010 and 2016. DC revenues Kingdom of Saudi also joined this movement are expected to increase from Arabia and is trying to “go green” USD 400 million in 2012 to With extreme high in all possible ways. An about USD 870 million in temperatures prevailing extremely high temperature 2016, at a Compound Annual throughout the year, air prevalent in the region makes Growth Rate (CAGR) of about conditioning is a necessity in air conditioning a necessity 21% over 2012-2016. It is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has a major share of the expected that the Kingdom  (KSA). During summer, total electrical consumption will account for about 35% of air conditioning accounts over other electrical needs. overall GCC DC revenues         the   for about 70% of the total District cooling technology is by 2016. Thus, the prospects electricity consumption. handy, as it effectively offers for DC application the KSA          in   Therefore, identifying a costcentral cooling for multiple look bright.  effective comfort cooling buildings, while saving about Companies leading the DC industry. However, the solution is an important 25% on electrical costs. services in Saudi Arabia are  subsequent boom in the KSA part of urban planning in Saudi Tabreed, City Cool and Introduction construction industry led to the KSA. Consumers have District Cooling.  realised      Arabian    District cooling (DC) is its emergence as one of the that DC offers the Key drivers of growth a system where chilled most lucrative construction best cooling services at a  • Growing population, water from a central markets in the Middle East, relatively lower price, as increasing commercial location is distributed to with projects worth USD 600 compared to other cooling  and residential buildings through a set of billion currently in progress. methods. developments, hot insulated pipes. The water, Megaconstruction projects, The global economic climatic conditions then, circulates through  currently in the planning slowdown inversely impacted Due to its extremely hot refrigeration coils or, stage or in progress in the the UAE construction by the use of absorption technology, enters the air conditioning system. The DC solution efficiently controls the internal temperature in buildings, produces less noise, is easy to maintain, and, most importantly, consumes less power, when compared to other cooling technologies.

With the use of eco-friendly refrigerants, carbon emissions in the environment can also Figure 1: Comparison of electricity consumption by cooling technologies be minimised. A comparison

Mega construction projects, currently in the planning  stage or in progress in the  KSA, have thrown the market open for DC applications

Note: KW- Kilowatt, TR-Tonnage Rate. Source: Frost & Sulliv 34

CHILL Winter 2014



climate, high population growth, and increasing investment in commercial and residential development, the demand for air conditioning will increase, with a rise in demand for DC, as well.

environment-friendly, and economical cooling solutions.

Major challenges

Educating customers about the tariff structure and installing smart meters at customer premises will measure the exact usage and ensure transparency in billing.

workforce or people with legal immigration status.

This will adversely affect labour costs and have a direct impact on the bottom line of the DC service providers.

• Financing, uncertain construction cost, and non-guaranteed cash flows Conclusion Against the backdrop of the • Lack of fresh water global credit crunch, • Energy efficiency, Due   the   to  limited     availability,            Rising    electricity demand, increasing costs and the high capital cost required for lower carbon footprint, fresh water is considered announcements of mega DC poses a major challenge, reduced power usage a precious resource in the infrastructure projects will especially to the small and With the pressure on the KSA; this poses a risk for drive the growth of the DC medium-scale DC service electricity grid increasing DC applications. However, market in the Kingdom. providers. To overcome this, and the cost of electricity with advancement of This demand will arise many developers and service rising, demand will increase technology, treated sewage  from important cities like providers are now using the for an efficient cooling water or seawater is being  Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, alternative option of Public solution, which will used in pilot projects for        (PPP)      DC  applications.       With    its     and  Mecca.    In Mecca, with Private Partnerships consume less power and is rising construction activity and Built-Own-Operateenvironment-friendly. This success in such projects at and growing awareness Transfer (BOOT) model. will drive the market for DC Jubail Industrial City and KSA about sustainability, services.

Jeddah Airport, Bay La Sun 26% Village and the residential the penetration of DC • Non-transparent billing Rest of applications will improve.

• Government regulation GCC system, inappropriate and development of King With the implementation and legislations Abdullah Economic City Countries non-standard accounting of innovative technologies system The DC market calls for have planned to use seawater 74% like plant control to monitor The market also faces the greater regulations to be extracted through beach wells and supervise central plant issue of losing customer enforced by government in their DC plants. However, operations, smart metering, confidence regarding nonauthorities in the KSA treating seawater for use in and seawater sourcing to transparent and higher (similar to the ones in the DC would incur additional achieve increased plant charges due to inconsistencies UAE), so as to promote costs for companies and, in the billing system. the use of energy-efficient, thus, mightSource: increase the&price Frost Sullivanefficiency, analysis the DC market in KSA is poised for growth. for end-users.

Also, with the efforts KSA                  by the Government of the • Labour shortages 26% Kingdom to move towards  The current crackdown on Rest of sustainability and curb illegal immigrants by the  GCC energy consumption, DC will Government of Saudi Arabia become a preferred choice to implement Saudiisation  Countries for cooling needs. Companies has impacted the construction  74%     industries,   with strong technical and  contracting as  acumen, good relationship they were largely reliant on  development skills, and daily wages labour. Thus, the innovative solutions for availability of a semi-skilled  Saudi Arabia's complex and unskilled workforce will resource issues will benefit fall, and service providers Figure 2: The KSA versus rest of the GCC countries’ DC market share in terms of revenues, 2012 in the long run. will have to hire local

 

Source: Frost & Sullivan analysis

1000.0

2.1

2.5

Capacity (Mn TR)

Value (USD Mn)

800.0          2.0      1.3 600.0 1.5  0.9 870.0 400.0 1.0  200.0 0.5 400.0 245.0  The writer is Industry 0.0 0.0 Manager, Environment 2010 2012 2016 & Building           Technologies Year Practice, Middle East, DC Revenues (USD Mn) DC Capacity (Mn TR) North Africa and South  Asia, Frost & Sullivan Figure 3: The KSA district cooling market revenues and capacity, 2010-2016

Source: Frost & Sullivan Analysis 

               

Winter 2014 CHILL

35

perspective

HEAT EXCHANGERS

Heat exchangers – a market outlook Spurred by a clamour for energy efficiency and smaller installation footprint, brazed plate heat exchangers in HVAC applications will gain market share, says Shwan H Lamei.

Heat exchangers

are essential components in thermal systems used worldwide in many modern industrial and engineering applications, ranging from automotive, aerospace, and commercial building HVAC to heating, cooling, and heat-recovery applications in industrial plants. This article focuses on the market outlook and drivers for heat exchangers used in HVAC applications over the coming years.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc (GIA) reports that the chemical industry and HVAC applications are the two largest end-user segments (see graph, below).

The rising graph for heat exchangers

An increasingly mature global

heat exchanger market is being spurred by a decade of gradual technological improvements. GIA expects improvements in energy efficiency, total lifecycle costs and durability to emerge as key differentiating factors over this period. One particular market driver is rising land prices in the world’s cities, which is strongly encouraging the adoption of more compact heat exchanger solutions.

Developing countries will account for much of the growth in the global heat exchanger market. Growth rates in emerging nations in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East regions are encouraging, but GIA points out that low penetration rates mean that this growth comes from a

Heat exchangers: Global market in 2010, by end-user segment (Source: GIA)

36

CHILL Winter 2014

much smaller base. GIA expects Europe’s share of the global heat exchanger market to fall from 30% (2004) to 27% by 2018, with a similar trend for the US market. The Asia-Pacific region will have become the world’s largest market by that time.

Rising energy price is a powerful driver of the more efficient use of energy. This is particularly true for HVAC applications, where heat exchangers with greater efficiency offer an attractive route to savings. However, there is a more general impetus towards energy efficiency and lower heat energy costs worldwide, and GIA concludes that heat exchangers will emerge as the greatest beneficiaries of the energy saving industry that is now rapidly emerging.

Challenges

The heat exchanger market, however, faces challenges, such as the recent F-gas (fluorinated greenhouse gases) regulations, which will have a profound impact on, among other things, heat exchangers used as evaporators and condensers in chillers.

In November 2012, the European Commission proposed important changes in the F-gas regulations: The banning of hydrofluorocarbon gases (HFCs) in some applications, and the reduction in the EU’s use

One particular market driver is rising land prices in the world’s cities, which is strongly encouraging the adoption of more compact heat exchanger solutions of F-gases to 21% of the 2008-2011 average, with the proposals being implemented stepwise over the period from 2015 through 2030.

Furthermore, HFC refrigerants will be allowed only if the systems concerned satisfy Eco- Design criteria. Similar developments are being debated in the United States (SNAP, Significant New Alternative Policy) and China.

In one-phase HVAC applications, such as district cooling and heating, the compactness of heat exchanger solutions is seen as a major differentiating

SOFT START ...

The heat exchanger market: development profile. (Source: Frost and Sullivan)

factor, alongside the ability to adapt to future demands for thermally longer heat exchangers. With labour costs increasing, maintenance and lifecycle costs are similarly expected to gain importance.

Demands for energy efficiency and compactness have made plate heat exchangers (PHEs) the fastestgrowing heat exchanger technology over the past few decades. Brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs), an evolution of the PHE concept, further reduce weight and footprint, and are expected to continue to gain market share. Putting this into a wider context, Frost and Sullivan (see diagram) regard BPHEs and all-welded PHEs as the only two technologies in the growth phase of their product lifecycles.

Although one past limitation of BPHEs has been the ability to produce units with bigger sizes handling high-flow rates, the technology to overcome the production limitations has been developed. Highcapacity units are now in production, and as a result BPHEs have continued to win market share from older technologies.

The road ahead

Looking ahead, the heat

exchanger industry will offer the HVAC market incremental improvements in weight to capacity efficiency, accelerated by increasing material costs and the demand for smaller units to minimise the footprint of installations. Parallel to this, products will need to be aligned with and optimised for new environmentally friendly refrigerants and high efficiency systems. REFERENCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc: HEAT EXCHANGERS: A Global Strategic Business Report; MCP-1159, November 2012 Frost and Sullivan

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Winter 2014 CHILL 10/04/2013 37 10:49

perspective

CFD ANALYSIS

 Step 2 – Define the

Computational Fluid Dynamics 

aeraulic and thermal limits Technical Information As mentioned previously,

N˚51 – September 2013

 the analysis is done with



CFD analysis is used to effectively simulates the fluid flow and heat flow in a defined zone.

The CFD analysis uses finite element methods, computer assisted calculations are performed using given data to describe the fluid flow.

analysis in HVAC applications This analysis is widely used in aeronautical and automotive industry. The application of CFD analysis can also be found in the construction industry, in many cases it has been used to verify or chose the air diffusion system.

Technical of air diffusers can cause discomfortInformation in occupied areas, and occasionally, over loading of Air-Handling Units.  Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis can help select the right  kind of diffusers.

September 2013 Inadequate sizing industry

defined boundaries, and not just for the physical analysed space. The following information is mandatory to perform a proper CFD analysis: • Airflow per diffuser • Temperature of air leaving the outlet • Desired temperature inside the room • Type and number of diffusers

The simulations are done in a defined zone with

analysis is used to effectively simulates known parameters in terms of airflow and temperatures. id flow and What heat flow a defined zone. is inCFD? FD analysisComputational uses finite element Fluidmethods, uter assistedDynamics calculations are performed (CFD) analysis is   given data toused describe the fluid flow. to effectively simulate

Fig1. CFD Analysis an Hotel Room

For very capacious spaces the fluid flow and heat flow analysis is in widely used zone. in aeronautical like malls and a defined The CFD ry and analysis automotive industry.

The uses finite element ation of CFD analysis can also be found airports some methods. Computer-assisted construction industry, in many cases it calculations are performed een used to verify or chose the air critical regions on system. using given data to describe the fluid flow. can be studied is widely mulations are CFD doneanalysis in a defined zone with used the aeronautical to facilitate parameters in interms of airflow and  Fig1. CFD Analysis an Hotel Room and automotive industries. ratures. calculations and However, its application N˚51 in – September 2013 Technical Information can also be found the   minimise the construction industry. In  many cases, it has been time required ical simulation zone or through usedoftoaverify chooseCFD the analysis helps to get an overview of the air flow and heat flow   ing to a particular arrangement of The air diffusers. The first step to perform a CFD analysis for air distribution is air diffusion system. to complete rly define the occupied space.

For in very simulations are done a capacious spaces like malls and airports some critical regions can be d to facilitatedefined calculations minimize zoneand with known the time required to complete modeling and analysis. modelling and parameters, in terms of modeling of the studied area is realized using a CAD software, this 3D model represents the zone including airflow and temperatures. analysis obstacles to airflow. In figure 2 the analysis represents a building with 2 floors with a central mechanical stair Numerical simulation of a zone through CFD analysis helps to get an overview of the air flow and heat flow according to a particular arrangement of air diffusers. The first step to perform a CFD analysis for air distribution is to clearly define the occupied space. For very capacious spaces like malls and airports some critical regions can be studied to facilitate calculations and minimize the time required to complete modeling and analysis.

A 3D modeling of the studied area is realized using a CAD software, this 3D model represents the zone including major obstacles to airflow. In figure 2 the analysis represents a building with 2 floors with a central mechanical stair and an atrium. In this particular case the complete area is not required for analysis as it can be considered with repeating symmetries.

Figure 1: CFD Analysis in a hotel room

As mentioned previously, the analysis is done with defined boundaries and not only for the physical analyzed space. The following information are mandatory to perform a proper CFD analysis:

• Airflow per diffuser.

• Temperature of airFigure leaving theModel outlet.of 2: 3D an analysed • Desired temperature inside thezone room. n atrium. In this particular case the complete area is not required for analysis as it can be considered with • Type and number of diffusers.

Fig 2. 3D Model of analyzed zone

ng symmetries.

ME Flash

Step 1 – DefineAldes the ME zone Flash 1/4 Step 3 – Type of Air outlet for analysis Each type of air outlet Numerical simulation has a different aeraulic of a zone through CFD characteristic, which clearly analysis helps to get an defines the type of airflow overview of the air flow Figure 3: Table of required for CFDdata analysis Fig3.

Table data of required for CFD analysis pattern. For a proper CFD and heat flow, according to   analysis, the air outlet design a particular arrangement minimise the time required should be integrated in the analysis represents a of air diffusers. The first type of air outlet a different aeraulic characteristic which clearly the type of air flow For tohas complete modelling and the pattern. calculation, or else the building withdefines two floors step to performEach a CFD proper CFD analysis the air outlet design should be integrated in the calculation else the simulation will not reflect analysis. simulation will not reflect the with a central mechanical analysis for air distribution the proposed installation air and heat flow in the studied zone. The figures below show different airflow patterns A 3D model of the studied proposed installation air and stair and an atrium. In this is to clearly define the to product type. according area is realised using a particular case, the complete heat flow in the studied zone. occupied space. For very CAD software. The 3D The figures on the succeeding area is not required for capacious spaces, like malls model represents the zone, page show different airflow analysis, as it can be and airports, some critical including major obstacles patterns according to the considered with repeating regions can be studied to Figand 2. 3D Model of analyzed zone 2, to airflow.

In Figure product type. symmetries. facilitate calculations 1/4

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

Slot Diffuser

   

Fig3. Table of required data for CFD analysis Fig3. Table of required data for CFD analysis

Each type of air outlet has a different aeraulic characteristic which clearly defines the type of air flow pattern. For Each air outletthe has different aeraulic characteristic which clearly defines thethe type of air flow For propertype CFDofanalysis airaoutlet design should be integrated in the calculation else simulation willpattern. not reflect proper CFD analysis the air design integrated the figures calculation else the simulation will not reflect the proposed installation air outlet and heat flowshould in thebe studied zone.inThe below show different airflow patterns the proposed installation according to product type.air and heat flow in the studied zone. The figures below show different airflow patterns according to product type.

To ensure proper comfort in the space,  occupied the diffuser N˚51 – September 2013 Technical Information should not create  regions of high   air velocity or   N˚51 – September 2013 Technical Information N˚51 – September 2013 Technical Information improper air  mixing in the    defined occupied   space Figure 4: Slot Diffuser

Slot Diffuser Slot Diffuser

Swirl Diffuser Swirl Diffuser

Figure 5: Swirl Diffuser

Aldes ME Flash Aldes ME Flash

2/4 2/4

Twisted Diffuser

Figure 6: Twisted Diffuser

• The terminal velocity in the occupied space • The sound power level

Twisted Diffuser Twisted Diffuser

Conclusion

Square Diffuser

  To finalize the analysis the exact position of each diffuser should be clearly specified. The supply and return diffusers position has a great impact on the air flow pattern. To ensure proper comfort in the occupied space the Square diffuser should not create regions of high air velocity or Diffuser improper air mixing in the defined occupied space.

Square Diffuser

On the figure below, the CFD analysis clearly demonstrate how the position of the supply diffuser changes the air Figure 7: Square Diffuser diffusion in the room to ensure better comfort without wasting energy.

    To finalize the analysis the exact position of each diffuser should

be clearly specified. The supply and return diffusers position has a great impactposition on the of air each flow pattern. ensure in the space the To finalize the analysis the exact diffuser To should be proper clearly comfort specified.

Theoccupied supply and return diffuser should nothas create regions of high improper mixing in thecomfort defined in occupied space.space the diffusers position a great impact on air thevelocity air floworpattern.

To air ensure proper the occupied diffuser should not create regions of high air velocity or improper air mixing in the defined occupied space.

On the figure below, the CFD analysis clearly demonstrate how the position of the supply diffuser changes the air diffusion in thebelow, room to better comfort wastinghow energy.

On the figure theensure CFD analysis clearlywithout demonstrate the position of the supply diffuser changes the air diffusion in the room to ensure better comfort without wasting energy.

Figure 8 Aldes ME Flash

Step 4 – Position of supply and exhaust diffuser To finalise the analysis, the exact position of each diffuser should be clearly Aldes ME Flash specified.

The position Aldes ME Flash of the supply and return diffusers has a great impact on the airflow pattern. To

3/4

ensure proper comfort in the occupied space, the diffuser should not create regions of high air velocity or improper air mixing in the defined occupied space.

In Figure 8, the CFD analysis clearly demonstrates how the position of the

supply diffuser changes the air diffusion in the room, in order to ensure better comfort without wasting energy.

3/4 There are three main 3/4 points to consider when choosing an air diffuser: • The length of air throw

CFD analysis helps to achieve a better selection and arrangement of air diffusers. The analysis is performed according to conditions given by the client. A 3D model of the studied zone of the building is realised and actual conditions are simulated.

In many projects, though high-quality Air-Handling Units are installed, when it comes to the air diffusion in the building, the design does not match even the basic requirements for comfort. Inadequate sizing and selection can cause discomfort in the occupied areas, uneven temperature in the building, and, sometimes, over loading of the Air-Handling Unit. The selection of air diffusers, therefore, needs to be considered as an important part of HVAC design in a building. Source: Aldes Me Flash N˚51 – September 2013

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perspective

ECM TECHNOLOGY

ECM – Electronically Commutated Motor for HVAC applications

Arguing that ECM technology has superior inherent efficiency at rated airflow and offers a greater range of speed and operability choices, providing better comfort levels compared to PSC induction motors, Mohamad K Dahouk and Mrudul O Vaishya take us through the process of how it works.

Comfort and energy

efficiency are two benchmarks when it comes to creating climate-controlled environments. Traditionally, the standard single-phase permanent-split capacitor (PSC) induction motors have been used to drive blowers in HVAC systems. Typical motor rating used is up to 1 HP, with efficiency from 50% to 60% at rated power, with application in packaged air conditioning systems used in commercial buildings.

For the blower load, the shaft power is proportionate to the cube of the blower speed, and the blower runs at the speed where the load characteristics meet the torque speed characteristics of the motor. However, as presently used, a single-phase PSC induction motor fed from utility voltage cannot be controlled for speed and torque, as the motor draws more input power without maintaining the desired air output according to the variations of conditions, like pressure and utility voltage.

Given this scenario, ECM could be the answer.

What is ECM?

Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM), which is basically a permanent magnet brushless DC motor, is a variable speed,

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energy-efficient technology developed over two decades ago, and are widely used in HVAC applications.

The input source is single phase, 120/240V or 277V, 50/60Hz. However, the motor is wound for three phases, driven through an inverter. Figure 1 shows the simplified blocks of ECM.

The motor construction

The stator has three-phase concentric winding and permanent magnets on the rotor, as shown in Figure 2.

The concentric winding has lesser resistance compared to distributed winding, giving reduced I2R (copper) losses.

As there are permanent magnets on the rotor, ECM does not take the magnetising current through the electronic converter and the source. Thus, there are no iron losses in the rotor, as it has a DC magnetic field.

The construction of the ECM makes it efficient compared to a PSC induction motor, as it has lower copper losses, lower iron losses and no magnetisation current from the source.

The controller

The controller consists of the converter, which converts the single-phase AC voltage into a DC voltage with the

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

The construction of the ECM makes it efficient compared to a PSC induction motor, as it has lower copper losses, lower iron losses and no magnetisation current from the source help of a rectifier. The DC voltage is fed to the three-phase motor winding through a three-phase inverter. The programmable controller senses the current, backs EMF and user commands through isolated interface and drives the inverter to run the motor, as per the user commands.

The inverter functions as brushes and a commutator of the DC motor and provides the current to the stator winding, which is

equivalent to the armature current of the DC motor.

The controller is attached to the motor, as shown in Figure 3.

The blower can be characterised and the blower constants can be fed into the micro-controller, so that the blower can deliver a regulated constant airflow.

For varied pressures, the blower is run at different speeds, through the controller, based on the user command to achieve a constant air output. Constant airflow is patented and embedded into the microcontroller.

It needs to be noted that the single-phase PSC induction motor is the standard motor available in the market. The schematics is as shown in Figure 4.

It can be observed that the stator has a two-phase winding, one of which is electrically phase-shifted by a capacitor, and the rotor is the standard squirrel cage laminated rotor. The stator has a distributed winding, which results into more I2R losses compared to concentric winding.

The motor draws the magnetising current from the source, unlike in the case of an ECM. The phase shifted by the capacitor, produces the rotating magnetic field and rotates the squirrel cage rotor, which slips the synchronous speed, proportional to the rotor copper loss.

Energy-efficient ECM

After understanding the workings of ECM and PSC motors, let us see how an ECM makes an HVAC system more efficient. It makes a positive impact on efficiency in two ways: First, an ECM is typically 20% more efficient than PSC induction motor at rated load. Second, it draws reduced input power at reduced pressure to deliver constant airflow.

Figure 1: The simplified ECM drive

Figure 2: The ECM construction

Figure 3: The controller integrated to the motor

Figure 4: Single phase PSC induction motor

Input power is proportional to the cube of the speed.

Figure 5 shows the curve of input power versus speed for a 1/2 HP ECM and a PSC induction motor.

The graph shows that, at the same speed, a PSC induction motor needs over

100 watts more power than an ECM for the 1/2 HP ECM blower application. This is because the ECM is better constructed compared to a PSC motor, offering lower copper losses, lower iron losses and no magnetisation current. In addition, it

provides a cubic relationship between the power and speed, so that the input power reduces as the speed of the blower reduces, due to a variation in pressure.

For example, the power is reduced by 1/8, if the speed is cut by half. In the

case of the available PSC induction motor, the speed can be changed within a very narrow range and at a further lower efficiency by means of winding taps.

Therefore, compared to a PSC induction motor, the ECM technology has greater inherent efficiency at rated airflow across speed ranges.

The pre-loaded blower provides a constant airflow to an ECM, while a PSCdriven blower airflow varies across a wide range, when the blower static pressure varies, as shown in Figure 6.

It is evident that a PSCdriven blower results in overblowing at lower pressure, which in turn, results in high power consumption. For example, an ECM would take 408 watts of input while a PSC motor would take 745 watts for the same pressure of 0.15� of water. Despite this, it will not be able to provide comfort due to the wide airflow variation, resulting in poor moisture removal.

Figure 7 gives the graph of airflow/watt versus pressure.

This demonstrates that there is a greater efficiency gain with an ECM compared to a PSC induction motor, when operated at lower pressure.

Another point to be noted is that the controller programmability for delays helps optimise system efficiencies, which is not possible with PSC induction motor-driven blowers. Table 1 lists the benefits of start/ stop ramp rates and on/off blower delays for furnaces and air conditioners.

It is evident that singlephase ECM and three-phase ECM products, supplied from a single phase AC source, can set a new standard of performance in HVAC systems, and is used in the best HVAC systems in the United States, Canada and Europe. ECM-driven blowers are featured in

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perspective

ECM TECHNOLOGY

nearly every major US manufacturer’s furnace and fan coil product lines.

Today, ECM-driven blowers are in widespread use in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Besides being popular in residential furnace and heat pump air handler applications, they are in a phase of very rapid growth in commercial packaged units, variableair-volume terminal boxes, unit ventilators, fan coils and heat recovery ventilators.

ECMs are transforming the HVAC market by offering high product value and efficiency and an unparalleled combination of low operating cost, comfort, flexibility, serviceability and reliability.

Figure 5: Input power versus speed

Conclusion

Figure 6: Airflow versus pressure

Figure 7: Airflow/watt versus pressure

Benefits of using Delay Profiles

Benefits of Furnaces

Benefits for Air Conditioners

Optimises system efficiency

No-run or pre-run time prevents from blowing cool air while the heat exchanger is warming up

Lower levels of airflow (pre-run, short-run) help for moisture removal

Maximises system comfort by reducing audible noise during airflow changes and moisture removal

Off delay extracts energy stored in heat exchanger at turn off

Off-delay extracts energy stored in heat exchanger at turn off

Compared with PSC induction motors, the ECM, as a technology, has greater inherent efficiency at rated airflow across speed ranges.

The programmability of it also makes the system efficient by extracting the stored energy in an HVAC system. There is greater efficiency gain at lower pressure, maintaining the desired airflow, making it an energy-efficient motor drive for blowers and fans in HVAC applications.

Table 1: Benefits of using delay profiles

Table 2: Energy saving per year

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

Mohamad K Dahouk is Director, HVACR Technologies, Regal Beloit, USA. He can be contacted at: Mohamad.

Dahouk@RegalBeloit. com

Mrudul O Vaishya, is Senior Project Manager, Regal Beloit, India.

He can be contacted at: Mrudul.Vaishya@ RegalBeloit.com

Spotlight This is the ninth in a multi-part, in-depth series on air filtration

NOT IN MY BACK YARD! Focusing his attention on the much-neglected issue of emission by kitchen exhausts, Dr Iyad Al-Attar discusses why air filtration considerations should be included in the decision-making process in this area.

W Who wants to wake up to the news that a slew of exhaustemitting restaurants, a beehive of residential buildings and noisy mechanical workshops would be built across the street from where one lives? And what would the community’s reaction be if news spread that a hazardous waste facility, incinerators, garbage dumps or a hospital treating infectious diseases would spring up next door?

The predictable and typical reaction would be “Not In My Back Yard!” or NIMBY.

NIMBY

The acronym NIMBY is a pejorative characterisation of opposition by residents to a proposal for a new development in the

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Several authors have highlighted that exposure to ultrafine particles can impact our DNA and respiratory and cardiovascular systems neighbourhood due to shared concerns [1]. New development, although important, elicit opposition from residents (NIMBYies), as they believe that the projects should be relocated elsewhere.

However, before we accept or reject development projects, we ought to closely examine how they are designed and executed, and what sort of air they would exhaust into the surrounding environment.

It is understandable if

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

the community concerns vary. For example, there could be concerns in the case of mushrooming of residential buildings, which would increase the density of population in the neighbourhood, strain public services and the general infrastructure, and cause traffic congestions and/ or lower property values.

Certainly, one serious concern that must be addressed is the impact on the urban air quality and the role of appropriate air filter selection for air-handling units (AHUs) to provide cleaner air for the indoor space.

An exhausting issue

Cooking, in general, is one of the most significant sources of ultrafine particles [2,3,4]. Several authors have highlighted that exposure to ultrafine particles can impact our DNA, and respiratory and cardiovascular systems [5,6,7]. Ultrafine particles have the propensity to

deposit themselves in the human lungs, resulting in inflammation and impairment of the lung cells [8]. Further, inhaled ultrafine particles can be transported from the respiratory system to the blood circulation system and, eventually, to other organs [9].

Let’s consider the construction of a restaurant as an example, which a community may regard as a “no objection” project.

Restaurants typically involve considerable amount of deep oil frying and charcoal grilling that emit a great deal of aerosol that contains oil, smoke and other particles.

Needless to say, charcoal grills emit deadly carbon monoxide fumes and, undoubtedly, charcoal meat grill workers are subject to it. The questions that emerge here are: Is it acceptable that workers inhale these emissions? By the same token, isn’t it an unfair practice to exhaust such emissions into the atmosphere, in the interest of the local and global environment?

Spotlight

Figure 1: Exhaust fan of a restaurant kitchen emitting oil on the roof of the building [sample 1]

Figure 2: Exhaust fan of a restaurant kitchen emitting oil on the roof of the building [sample 2]

Figure 3: Kitchen exhaust system equipped with exhaust filters (Europe, 2013)

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

At this point, filtration solutions come to play a critical role. It is evident that they are instrumental in determining whether their performance is efficient enough to allow such restaurants to operate in the neighbourhood without polluting the urban air and exerting excessive load on the filter on the air intake of the AHUs. Examining Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate different GGC examples of exhaust fans of restaurant kitchens emissions oil on the roof of the building, make us ask the following questions: • If we accept the fact that filtration should be done at the source to obtain better results, then we must ask: Are separators in the kitchen hood, in fact, performing their expected textbook separation function?

• If AHUs are located nearby, how would that worsen the situation in terms of reintroducing and distributing kitchen exhaust emissions to the indoor space, next door?

• What would be the maintenance cost of these exhaust fans, given that cost signifies time, staff, shutdown time, money and so on?

• How often do ducts require cleaning to remove oil from within?

• If this exhaust emission takes place near your house or mine, would we not be strong NIMBYies ourselves?

Figures 3 and 4 bring the functions of kitchen hoods and oil separators to question, the appropriate fan speed relative to the emission concentration, and if it is, in fact, variable to accommodate different emission concentrations?

In a recent trip to Europe, I was impressed to see an exhaust fume hood designed and positioned nearly in the

middle of the restaurant in a shopping mall to protect staff members and customers alike.

When I investigated further about where the emission was taking place, I was pleased to learn that behind the great removal action were engineering filtration solutions implemented to combat emissions that affected workers, customers and the environment. Figure 5 shows efficient oil separators installed in the kitchen hood, along with a filtration exhaust unit.

Although people may not lean towards installing a kitchen exhaust hood with an appropriate filtration unit, perhaps owing to lack of knowledge or concerns about noise, several studies have demonstrated that installation and operation of kitchen exhaust hoods can reduce cookingrelated pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ultra fine particles [10,11,12,13,14, 15].

Furthermore, the kitchen exhaust hood performance is influenced by several factors: • Hood type • Exhaust airflow rate used • Filters used – oil separators plus other types of filters • Hood design • Space conditions

Not in my AHU

It is certain that kitchen emission, as discussed above, needs to be removed at the earliest stage of the source.

Failing to do so, oil droplets and the associated odour would constitute two major problems in altering filter performance. At this point, filter selection may need to be changed to deal with the presence of oil in the air stream and to control the odour invading the building.

Exhausting such emission would not be appreciated as it may be reintroduced in the AHUs responsible

Spotlight

[6] Oberdörster G, Oberdörster E, Oberdörster J. Nanotoxicology: an emerging discipline evolving from studies of ultrafine particles. Environ Health Perspect 2005;113(7): 823–39.

Several studies have demonstrated that installation and operation of kitchen exhaust hoods can reduce cookingrelated pollutants

Figure 4: Kitchen exhaust system with exhaust filtration system (Europe, 2013)

Figure 5: Oil separators draining collected oil droplets (Europe, 2013)

Figure 6: If the Earth were to speak, it would have had its own lawyer by now!

to providing conditioned air for the indoor space. If we refrain from exhausting kitchen emissions to the urban environment by enforcing intelligent exhaust

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filtration solutions, reactions and perceptions towards a new construction in the neighbourhood may differ.

It amazes me that we tolerate kitchen exhaust emission into the environment rather than giving it our full attention. In this article, I have addressed the issue of kitchen exhausts which people may regard as harmless.

However, if we superimpose our discussion on dealing with exhaust of hazardous waste facilities, incinerators, garbage dumps, or hospitals treating infectious diseases, wouldn't we all end up becoming NIMBYies?

The desire to dream

There is no question that our planet needs attention and care. More importantly, we

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

need to spare a thought about how to be environmentally responsible. Frankly speaking, unless we put a price tag for damaging our environment, little can be achieved towards making people environmentally responsible. If we really like our children to inherit our principles, shouldn’t we be instigating these price tags in the first place? If we would like to leave behind a healthier planet, shouldn’t we control and regulate emissions into it? If we ought to lead change, shouldn’t we believe that even if we do not fully succeed in every environmental endeavour we undertake, we need to at least get busy trying? Finally, if the Earth were to speak, it would definitely say: “NOT IN MY PLANET!”

[7] Stölzel M, Breitner S, Cyrys J, Pitz M, Wolke G, et al. Daily mortality and particulate matter in different size classes in Erfurt, Germany. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2007;17(5):458–67.

[8] Brown JS, Zeman KL, Bennett WD. Ultrafine particle deposition and clearance in the healthy and obstructed lung. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002;166:1240–7.

[9] Kreyling WG, Semmler-Behnke M, Möller W. Ultrafine particle–lung interactions: does size matter? J Aerosol Med 2006;19(1):74–83.

[10] Singer BC, Delp WW, Price PN, Apte MG. Performance of installed cooking exhaust devices.

Indoor Air 2011a. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.16000668.2011.00756.x.

[11] Svendsen K, Jensen HN, Sivertsen I, Sjaastad AK. Exposure to cooking fumes in restaurant kitchens in Norway. Ann Occup Hyg 2002;46(4):395–400.

[12] Wang HQ, Hu JJ, Huang CH, Chen K, Gu WL, Shi MX. The research of fume pollution and optimization control in typical Chinese residential kitchen. The 6th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation & Energy Conservation in Buildings. IAQVEC Oct. 28–31 2007, Sendai, Japan; 2007.

[13] Chiang C, Lai C, Chou P, Li Y. The influence of an architectural design alternative (transoms) on indoor air environment in conventional kitchens in Taiwan.

Build Environ 2000;35:579–85.

[14] Huang JM, Chen Q, Ribot B, Rivoalen H. Modeling contaminant exposure in a single-family house. Indoor Built Environ 2004;13(1):5-19.

[15] D. Rim, L. Wallace, S. Nabinger, A. Persily.

Reduction of exposure to ultrafine particles by kitchen exhaust hoods: The effects of exhaust flow rates, particle size, and burner position Sci. of The Total Environment, , 2012, 432: 350356

NOTE: Unless otherwise referenced, the images used in this article are copyright of the author.

References [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY [2] Wheeler AJ, Wallace LA, Kearney J, Van Ryswyk R, You H, Kulka R, Brook JR, Xu X. Personal, indoor, and outdoor concentrations of fine and ultrafine particles using continuous monitors in multiple residences. Aerosol Sci Technol 2010;45: 1078–89.

[3] Kearney J, Wallace L, MacNeill M, Xu X, VanRyswyk K, You H, Kulka R, Wheeler AJ. Residential indoor and outdoor ultrafine particles in Windsor, ON. Atmos Environ. 2011;45:7583–93.

[4] Wallace LA, Ott W Personal exposure to ultrafine particles. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiology 2011;21:20–30.

[5] Brook R Cardiovascular effects of air pollution.

Clin Sci 2008;115:175–87.

Dr Iyad Al-Attar is an Air Filtration Consultant.

He can be contacted at: iyad@iyadalattar.com

endpoint Claude Allain

All in a day’s work Claude Allain, Vice President & General Manager (Middle East), Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls Inc, who took charge in August 2013, describes himself as the new kid on the block. Belying this epithet is the wealth of experience he brings to his job and the region. He speaks to B Surendar about issues close to his heart.

My background

I’m from Brittany, a special region in the western part of France. I was born and raised 50 metres away from the ocean. I studied Physics and Chemistry from the University of Rennes and, then, earned a Master’s Degree in Finance from INSEAD. I’ve been with Johnson Controls Inc (JCI) since April 2004. Soon, it’ll be a decade with the company.

Before JCI, I worked with Emerson Electronics and Honeywell, where my field of activity was the oil & gas industry. My focus was on chemical activities, so I’m not really an HVAC or buildings kind of guy.

My career path

At JCI, I started out as VP for France and Southern Europe. The company had 3,400 employees, then. We

50

had to deal with unions and 35 legal entities. The mission was to streamline operations, and all this was during the period when JCI acquired York – already a big organisation. Indeed, the assignment was a challenging one.

In 2007, I became VP and MD for JCI’s operations in Eastern Europe, involving 26 countries.

In 2008, I moved back westwards, to Brussels, where my responsibility was to manage the company’s operations in Europe and Africa. The function comprised managing a wide range of activities, including finance and HR and dealing with the unions in Germany…. Also, my move to Brussels coincided with the time when the region was hit by the big crisis – a scenario of factories closing down and the turmoil

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

When I joined, I said, “Don’t tell me about other stories; let’s talk about the customer” associated with them.

In the end of 2008, I moved to the United States as the VP & GM for Controls for the North America region. Controls was a USD 3.2 billion market for JCI in the United States. And then, I became VP & GM for Energy Solutions for the Americas – mainly a performance contracting business.

For me, most of these

jobs were typically about business process improvement, with the common theme of ushering in improvement in big businesses. But somehow, I felt that life was becoming boring, so I came here in August 2013.

When you’re the GM, managing business is about people, the processes and not necessarily about the technology. Here, we have to handle a portfolio of activities that includes facilities management, fire & security and largetonnage chillers. But then, I’m a specialist for running companies.

At the end of the day, even in big companies, it’s about processes and about being customer-oriented.

It’s a B2C type of business.

Everything we do is about customers and trying to understand their needs.

That’s why when I joined, I said, “Don’t tell me about other stories; let’s talk about the customer”.

We’ve grown drastically over the past five years. The Middle East is at an inflexion point. It’s above one billion US dollars in business. So, you can’t have old processes.

Putting structures in place

As we’ve grown rapidly, we’ve kept adding layers.

After the structuring process is complete, we’ll be better, simpler, cheaper. I think it’s all about simplification.

Structuring is also about having strong capabilities in operations, finance and sales. I believe that sales is a disciplined activity. Not just products or services, you want to sell value, as well.

With this as our touchstone, at the regional level, we have a simple structure, with operations and sales being the core focus.

The main objective is to bring technologies and competent capabilities.

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You always have to trim the bush, yet getting the best out of it, with continuous improvement taking place in the background. Ultimately, it’s not about the right number of people, but the right people.

Organisations are born to die and born to change.

Being lean and fast is what customers want. At the end of the day, you start from the customers and from the market. The market and customers drive strategy; the strategy defines the organisation. And the organisation drives people.

So, we first looked at the customers, and it looked like we needed a country focus.

The strategy was to establish a team of GMs and, then, to define attributes to drive that.

We are also upgrading the training – constantly raising the capabilities of people by investing in them. When you have good people, you want to retain them. The first demotivating factor is lack of clarity and lack of management. If people don’t respect management, it’s a clear case of demotivation.

So, you want to give clear goals which serve to motivate them.

Riding the VRF wave

Last December, we signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to obtain a 60% ownership stake in Hitachi Appliances’ global air conditioning business (excluding sales and service operations in Japan), to become operative this year.

The partnership includes key products, such as VRF and inverter technologies, supporting the commercial and residential markets. We have plenty of products, but we had gaps, and VRFs was one of them. Ergo, we’ve now bridged that.

You see, when you are in JCI, you want to be the number one in all the portfolios. Sometimes, you can grow organically, 52

The main impetus for district cooling can come from the GCC governments in the form of it being declared as a utility on the same level as water and electricity but that’ll take time. We realised we don’t have VRF capabilities to be scalable to the number one position.

Our VRF factory in Wuxi in China is using a different technology, being designed for larger applications.

Hitachi has the technology and JCI has channels and branch network. We matched the two attributes. Co-opting Hitachi’s technology will allow us to satisfy a larger customer base.

The VRF market is projected to be the fastestgrowing segment in the world, as witnessed in Europe and the United States. It’s growing for sure in Turkey. The segment will grow further in the Middle East, as people seek easier, configurable solutions. So we want to be ready for it.

In the context of our JV with Hitachi, China presents an interesting scenario. The “Made in China” brand is well respected in Europe and the United States. We are currently building another headquarters in China, which means we’ll have two headquarters there, allowing us a wider reach.

What JCI means to me I’m proud of the value that we, at JCI, add for our customers and the sustainability that we bring

Climate Control Middle East January 2014

DC – challenges and solutions Claude Allain speaks to Climate Control Middle East about the road ahead for district cooling What solutions could you offer to overcome the challenge of scarcity of treated water?

Johnson Controls offers two main options in its York chillers.

1. We have the technology to offer radiator-cooled chillers where the cooling water runs in a closed loop and doesn’t need replenishment. Practical examples of this technology in action are the Princess Noura University in Riyadh, which uses 28 York brand chillers of 2200 TR each, with a closed loop condenser cooling water circuit that don’t consume water. Because they are radiator cooled, the chillers not only save more than 2,100 gallons of water per minute of chiller operation, they also save considerable amount of energy that would be required to treat the water. The other examples of such applications are the Makkah Clock Tower, which is the second tallest inhabited building in the world and the Abu Dhabi Mall and commercial complex.

2. The other option we offer are high-efficiency chillers that can use treated sewage effluent (TSE) or seawater for condenser cooling. Our York chillers supplied for the expansion of the Holy Mosque in Makkah work with ablution water. For the Bahrain Bay

project and Diplomatic Area DC plant, we have supplied York chillers that use titanium tubes and are designed for high-efficiency operation with seawater.

We need to remember that according to some studies, district cooling can provide around one third of the GCC’s cooling needs by 2030. The use of district cooling against conventional standalone cooling can save the region about 20,000 MW of electricity, which in turn can save 300,000 barrels of oil per day. Here, you need to consider the fact that one barrel of oil can produce 433 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide (ignoring all other by-products).

How promising is the market for the industry?

What are the specific opportunities available?

I find the market quite promising for the right product and service. The markets especially in the UAE and Qatar behave more or less similarly to emerging markets anywhere else in the world. Here too, as in other developing markets, energy efficiency is the key word.

to the communities that we operate in. In the last decade or so, our solutions have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tonnes and generated savings of USD 7.5 billion. In 2013, JCI donated USD 16 million to philanthropy and global relief efforts. Closer home, in the Middle East, 1,163 employees volunteered 5,252 hours – equal to 1.82 years considering an eighthour work day – of social service through 99 projects under our Blue Sky Involve CSR programme. In addition to voluntary work, we donated USD 1,000 for each of these projects.

Also, for the sixth consecutive year, we’ve been named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute, and we are ranked fifth in Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 13th annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens List.” This ranking is based on performance in seven key areas: Environment, climate change, human rights, philanthropy, employee relations, finance and governance.

We are one of the most diverse companies in the region, and our operations in the Middle East have 41 different nationalities.

We are ranked number 67 on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies and 280 on Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s biggest public companies. In short, Johnson Controls is a great place to work in!

Working with associates

I believe in respecting people. It starts by listening.

At the end of the day, you want to get results, but based on values. It’s about performance and, at the same time, proper behaviour. Values are of prime importance.

How I’d like to contribute to the region

I believe in building a relationship with our customers. I think one way of contributing to the region is by expanding our capabilities by closely working with our customers and sharing best practices with them.

I believe we are able to add value throughout the lifecycle of a building. I’m also a great believer in process simplification and will make it easier for our clients and customers to do business with us and achieve higher levels of energy and operational savings without the need to sacrifice comfort.

Our ability to customise and scale our comprehensive technology and service offering will help organisations across the Middle East overcome challenges of any magnitude and complexity. I’m eager to work with our customers, employees and partners to make the Middle East a global leader in building efficiency.

The world is changing.

Sometimes you have to pause to see what’s going on around you. We’ve been here for 40 years, and we hope to be here for many more years to come.

We’re investing locally and intend to be here for the long haul.

and infrastructure projects around the event. According to some forecasts, close to 250,000 jobs will be created.

The talk is that Dubai needs 180,000 hotel rooms for Expo 2020. But I see a number of businesses unfinished. I think the first benefit would be to finish the backlog and also infrastructure.

Predictably, optimism’s in the air. But I believe it’s better to be cautiously optimistic. It’s good to be ambitious, but pragmatic.

Before 2008, we saw people putting all the chips on the table. I hope people have learnt from that. It’s about sustainable business. You cannot build a house on unstable foundations. We need to remember that the master plan will emerge only in the end of 2015. And only then will there be clarity.

The Middle East is a USD

2.7 trillion economy. The United States is a USD 16.7 trillion economy. And when you analyse the situation globally, the question is, “Where are we going to put the chips?” And so, you need to recast to the size of the region.

I think this inflexion point is coming at the right time for us. At JCI, we are structuring ourselves. We are regrouping and getting stronger.

Customers are more educated than they were 20 years ago and more demanding. That’s important for us, because it allows us to stand out from others. If I was a customer, I’d love to have a partner who is strong enough to go to the finish line. I want to be that partner for the customer.

We intend to stay disciplined and participate in the Expo 2020-related growth. What happens after

The 2020 effect

Dubai's winning Expo 2020 has posed a challenge for Qatar, because the two neighbours will compete for resources. It makes for an interesting scenario, but planning of resources for mega projects is crucial, and so is getting qualified people.

But yes, Expo 2020 is very positive news for the UAE, not just for business, but also in terms of global exposure.

It’ll act as a catalyst for the growth of the construction, infrastructure and tourism industries, with an estimated USD 7 billion plus earmarked for construction January 2014

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that is also a question that needs to be asked to ensure that whatever we do is sustainable. We have to absorb the peak.

Tough DCsions

During the heady days of the construction boom, the region was witness to forecasts as high as 15 million TR by 2015 for the GCC. In the wake of a nascent upturn, as a major chiller manufacturer, our view of the market is positive. With over USD 1.5 trillion in real estate projects that are planned or under way in the GCC region, the market offers a lot of opportunities for growth.

Our forecast for the district cooling market size is about four to five million additional TR by 2016. So, while the forecast is not as high as it was once projected, it’s by no means a lacklustre market.

The other factor that’s in favour of district cooling is the emphasis of the GCC governments to increase sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint. Depending on the make of the chillers and the technology being used, DC can be as much as 25% to 30% more efficient than standalone conventional cooling.

Coming back to the estimate of an additional four to five million TR by 2016, the service providers will need in excess of USD 10 billion to develop this capacity. Therefore, more than a lack of demand or opportunity, it’s generating this level of long-term finance that can present problems, and hold the market back.

I feel that while the DC market in the UAE is mature and ahead of other GCC countries, the markets in

Globally, the Building Efficiency business follows one philosophy – that of helping people aim and achieve higher. We do this by creating buildings and environments that give businesses and people every opportunity to reach their full potential Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain have strong growth potential. In fact, the Pearl Qatar, which uses York centrifugal chillers, is the single largest district cooling plant in the world.

The other major challenges that the industry can face in the near future are affordability of millions of gallons of treated water for chiller condenser cooling and the vast amounts of energy required to treat it, shortage of skilled labour, increase in costs of raw material, and property developers failing to appreciate the advantages of combining their cooling demand and being cautious of the significant initial investment.

JCI has long anticipated these challenges and developed highly efficient equipment. We’ve also been pioneers in developing and promoting variable speed drives (VSDs) that reduce annual energy consumption by up to 30%, even in multiple chiller applications, such as a DC plant, contrary

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Climate Control Middle East January 2014

to the general belief, taking advantage of varying wet bulb temperature rather than the chiller load.

The main impetus for district cooling can come from the GCC governments in the form of it being declared as a utility on the same level as water and electricity. They can consider giving additional incentives for doing the “right things”, such as demand reduction by thermal storage, power factor improvement with VSDs, and off-peak preferential tariff to encourage thermal storage, among others.

These will go a long way in motivating engineers and DC providers to implement more sophisticated systems that will save energy and water in great magnitude. (Also see Box DC – challenges and solutions)

This is what I live by...

Globally, the Building Efficiency business follows one philosophy – that of helping people aim and achieve higher. We do this by creating buildings and environments that give businesses and people every opportunity to reach their full potential. We are devoted to creating healthier environments, energy savings, operational savings and sustainable solutions.

Our business is built from the customer up, and our success depends on close alignment with customer goals. Our strategy is guided by customer needs, and we define our success by the success that our customers achieve.

When it comes to my personal philosophy of life, I’d like to quote His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai: “Most people talk, we do things. They plan, we achieve. They hesitate, we move ahead.”

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