Product Archives

Accelerate the Move to BIM for Infrastructure with Enhanced Autodesk InfraWorks 360

23 February, 2016/in Design, Product, Technology & Softwares/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, recently announced that it is enhancing its Autodesk InfraWorks 360 product by including new Road Design, Drainage Design and Bridge Design Modules at no additional charge or separate subscriptions.

These advanced capabilities were previously found separately in vertical Autodesk application modules. By including these features in the core InfraWorks product, users will no longer need to purchase modules individually.

A rendering of the E16 Highway in Norway created in InfraWorks 360 by Autodesk
customer, COWI. Image courtesy of COWI

InfraWorks 360 is Autodesk’s next generation BIM for Infrastructure offering that enables true parametric modeling in spatial context. It uniquely offers customers the benefits of maintaining a BIM workflow through planning, design, construction and operations of infrastructure assets. Many customers worldwide like Parsons Brinkerhoff, VHB, David, Evans & Associates, Soethe Cursino (Brazil), and others have leveraged the power of InfraWorks 360 to optimise their project delivery process.

AutoCAD Civil 3D users are also now able to attach InfraWorks 360 to their traditional CAD-based workflows and improve their productivity through enhanced BIM workflows. The seamless interoperability between InfraWorks 360 and Civil 3D provides customers an unparalleled opportunity to fuse BIM’s contextual visualisation capabilities with detailed CAD design in their projects.

“We’re constantly working to expand the capabilities of InfraWorks 360 and help customers improve their project workflows. By integrating more functionality into the core InfraWorks 360 product at no additional cost, we are lowering the barriers to adoption for customers and helping them to accelerate their move to BIM for infrastructure,” said Gianluca Lange, Head of Sales for Architecture, Engineering and Construction, Autodesk ASEAN.

Existing users InfraWorks 360 simply need to update their version of InfraWorks 360 to gain access to the complete package. New subscribers to InfraWorks 360 will also immediately have access to all the capabilities available within the InfraWorks 360 portfolio.

Beyond including these new Road Design, Drainage Design and Bridge Design Modules at no additional cost: Students, teachers and schools worldwide can take advantage of free* access to InfraWorks and other 3D design tools and curricula via the Autodesk Academic Resource Center

Interested users can access a free* 30-day trial of InfraWorks 360 via Autodesk.com.

Deckshield takes Galaxy Macau to greater heights

6 February, 2016/in Construction, Product/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Phase 2 of mega casino Galaxy Macau’s development plan included the creation of a high performance car parking facility, ensuring that visitors to the resort would drive into a clean, quiet and visually appealing environment. The HK16 billion-construction project would see Macau’s new venue expand by 450,000 sq metres, with 3,600 hotel rooms and 500 more tables in the casino. This growth would see Galaxy Macau significantly increase both its footprint and customer volume.

To accommodate this expansion, a multi-storey car park that would reflect the site’s high standards of customer satisfaction, aesthetics and functionality was required. The resort knew that this was essential in order to provide a high quality visitor experience and to avoid delays, traffic congestion and failures from over-capacity and over-use.

Over 50,000 sq metres of high performance flooring materials was required to create the desired finish.

Thanks to the success of Flowcrete Hong Kong’s work supplying floors for Phase 1 of the project, the casino’s operators once again turned to the resin flooring specialists to provide a high performance, reliable and long-lasting surface for its upgraded car parking structure. Over 50,000 sq metres of high performance flooring materials was required to create the desired finish. The main floor area was coated over a nine-month period using 20,000 sq metres of the flexible, polyurethane deck coating system Deckshield ID as well as 14,500 sq metres of Deckshield LBD, which has been designed to act as a barrier to protect against moisture rising from the substrate.

Deckshield ID has been specifically formulated to optimise the floor area within large, multi-storey car parks. Deckshield ID is exceptionally robust, which means that it can withstand heavy vehicles constantly moving in tight circles. The chemically resistant nature of Deckshield ID also prevents exposure to automotive fuels and oils from deteriorating the finish. To ensure that the car park is a quiet and calm environment, Deckshield ID’s texture has been designed to reduce unpleasant tyre squeals.

Galaxy Macau chose a sleek, modern grey colour for the floor finish, which not only created a contemporary aesthetic but it would also provide an effective backdrop for the bright yellow signage and demarcation. Underneath the finish, 10,000 sq metres of both Isocrete K-Screed and the damp proof membrane system, Isocrete M-Bond Extra, was applied to ensure that the floor build up was robust and that the finish would be protected from moisture rising out of the substrate.

2,300 sq metres of Deckshield IDSD High Grade was used on the multi-storey facilities ramp while 10,000 sq metres of Flowcoat SF41 3mm Composite was applied in the loading bay and back of house areas.

During Phase 1 of Galaxy Macau’s construction, which was completed in 2010, Flowcrete Hong Kong supplied 15,000 sq metres of Deckshield in the initial car park and 18,000 sq metres of Isocrete K-Screed in the casino’s basement floor.

General Manager of Flowcrete Asia, Francis Tang, said, “It is imperative that the building materials specified for a location such as Galaxy Macau live up to the high standards of the venue. For our work during both phases one and two of the casino’s development, this meant providing the required functionality to support the operations of such a large, complex site while also ensuring that the environment constantly conveys a clean, visually appealing image.”

He added, “The expertise and experience at Flowcrete Hong Kong combined with our high quality flooring materials meant that we were ideally positioned to meet Galaxy Macau’s needs. We are committed to working closely with the resort as it develops and grows over the coming years.”

Autodesk expands availability of Revit’s collaboration service

2 February, 2016/in Product, Technology & Softwares/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Autodesk recently announced the expanded distribution of A360 Collaboration for Revit, a service that works with Revit software to connect project teams with centralized access to BIM project data in the cloud. Released and available in North America only since December 7, 2014. Collaboration for Revit will be available for commercial global use as of today.

Collaboration for Revit helps project teams conquer the barriers of corporate firewalls and physical location by enabling centralized access to Revit models. Team members in all disciplines from multiple firms or sites worldwide can access and work in models hosted in the cloud. This virtual colocation is an improvement over costly and inefficient workarounds for sharing models such as use of FTP sites, sharing software, or email, and adds up to significant benefits that are amplified for global building project teams.

A360 Collaboration for Revit revolutionizes project collaboration by connecting team members within the Revit models where they work.

Centralized access to project data contributes to more efficient and easily managed collaboration whether within a firm or for projects involving remote participants. “Collaboration for Revit provides us greater flexibility,” says Leo Gonzales, BIM Manager at Newman Architects. “If they’re on the road, at a job site, or just working from home, our users can access their Revit projects as if they’re sitting in one of our offices.”

A360 Collaboration for Revit opens doors to participate in joint ventures and multi-location projects. “Seamless information sharing between joint ventures and project partners is the future of doing business,” says Gonzales. “And Collaboration for Revit gives us that future… today.” The reduced need for in-person meetings or co-location of teams translates to lower travel expenses and better work-life balance for project team members.

Physical distribution of teams enabled by Collaboration for Revit can relieve the requirement for office space for all project team members. Finally, with location not a limiting factor, project leaders have more options for accessing people with the right skill set for a project, resulting in better allocation of team resources

With the Communicator for Revit chat tool that comes with Collaboration for Revit, project team members can communicate directly with each other in real-time, within the project models. A designer in any location can chat with other team members and attach files, images, or Revit screen captures. Using real-time chat within project models helps designers not only to stay in touch but also to know instantaneously who is working in the model and what they are doing.

Collaboration for Revit is tightly integrated with Autodesk A360, providing Revit design and engineering teams a centralized cloud-based workspace in which to work together more efficiently on projects and make more effective decisions. External team members and project contributors who do not use or have access to Revit software can view, search, and socially interact on models, discuss challenges and successes, and stay current with project activities. This is ideal for building owners or others who want to have visibility to the project status, but don’t need full access.

Timely feedback and input from an extended team speeds communication timelines and can help ensure project understanding and buy-in. A360 Collaboration for Revit revolutionizes project collaboration by connecting team members within the Revit models where they work.

Plazit-Polygal launches economic new roofing material

3 December, 2015/in News, Product/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The easy-to-fit system comes in five colours. Image courtesy of Plazit-Polygal

Plazit-Polygal, a producer of polycarbonate building materials, has launched Topgal, a modular range of translucent roofing material, which is attractive, economic, flexible and easy to install.

The Topgal range is suitable for any building that requires natural light, such as sports stadiums, commercial buildings and even pool enclosures. The Topgal sheets come in five different colours: clear, bronze, ice, blue and polyshade silver. It also comes in a variety of sizes and thickness levels, and delivers different levels of light transmission to meet even the most demanding of needs.

Topgal panels are linked together with easy-to-fit connectors, which create a mechanical lock between the sheets, ensuring that the panels are strong and watertight. Fixture points are hidden and the sheets can be flexed to suit any type of structure.

The Topgal system. Image courtesy of Plazit-Polygal.

“The Topgal system is translucent but all damaging UV rays are filtered out while heat transference is limited,” said Tito Asher. “It is modular so units can be added as needed,” he added.

The Topgal standing-seam panels and components integrate the unique properties of multi-wall structures to deliver superior strength, rigidity and thermal insulation. Topgal sheets are manufactured in 600 mm and 1,000 mm widths (centre to centre) and in thicknesses from 8 mm to 20 mm. In addition to the standard colours, Plazit-Polygal can tailor special colours and solar radiation levels. Find out more at www.plazit-polygal.com.

Next generation fire control panel

9 October, 2015/in Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Tyco Fire Protection Products, a Tyco business, is launching the new ZETTLER PROFILE fire detection control panel range to meet a variety of market demands in the Asia Pacific Region. Aesthetically blending into any environment, from luxury hotels to schools, universities and hospitals, commercial multi-story offices to large scale multi-site complexes, the PROFILE touch-screen user interface allows access to any part of the menu in only three easy steps.

Tyco ZETTLER PROFILE

Once installed, the system can help improve efficiencies, reduce lifetime costs and fundamentally ensure the highest enhanced levels of fire safety. In addition, system owners and users who require access to manage the programming software can now do so with the release of a user-friendly version of the configuration tool.

The ZETTLER PROFILE is a new way of interfacing and managing all aspects of the renowned MZX Technology® digital addressable system, which delivers a range of unique benefits as part of an overall fire safety strategy. The new panel is totally backwards compatible with the existing MZX range, all of which can fully interface with the older legacy Minerva range meaning upgrading existing systems is easy, saving time and reducing installation costs. The system can also be updated in line with future advances in fire detection technology and can be easily expanded, allowing a capacity of up to 2,000 addresses per panel and up to 99 panels per network.

The ZETTLER PROFILE range of control panels is available from one to eight loops. The system can also be managed via a remote user interface, an 8-inch colour touch screen with multi-lingual options. Up to 8 user interfaces can be used per panel. From an aesthetic standpoint, the contemporary and discreet touch screens have been designed with a fully customisable home screen, which can be branded in-line with the building’s corporate identity.

With an intuitive and intelligent design, the complexity of the system has been reduced to ensure on-going management of the system can be completed efficiently. Furthermore, users can now ensure site and zone maps feature on the user panel helping to locate a fire alarm as quickly as possible and also save time and cost in locating any fault which might occur.

Simple to install, configure and service, ZETTLER PROFILE allows users to log on using the latest Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) for fast and secure identification, instead of a traditional key. Engineers can configure the system with the required cause and effect programming, leaving the building occupier with the software necessary for the day-to-day management of the system. In addition, with a standard USB, extensive information can be downloaded – a key advantage when it comes to diagnostics and analysis.

Besides VdS, EN54.13 and EN54.2 European approvals, PROFILE has also been approved by Singapore TUV – PSB: EN54 & Singapore Code of Practice: SS CP10:2005.

For more information, visit: www.zettlerfire.com

China leads fire safety, prohibiting use of flammable foam in new construction

22 July, 2015/in News, Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Text by Tony Wu, Senior Loss-Prevention Consultant, Asia, XL Catlin

Purely as a thermal insulator, polystyrene foam outranks every other building material. In addition to its inherent thermal properties, it can be sprayed into any space, filling tiny gaps without damaging beams or other important structural supports. It even keeps out most rodents and insects.

No wonder, it quickly became the global insulator, not only for buildings and transport, but also for refrigeration and food packaging. It was even used as a seal in nuclear power plants.

However, several deadly, high-profile fires—at the Düsseldorf Airport, the Channel Tunnel, and the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant—brought the foam under global scrutiny. Clearly, although it was the most effective thermal insulator on the market, it was also quick to ignite, highly combustible, and therefore dangerous in numerous circumstances.

Some builders concluded that using the foam only in enclosed spaces—behind walls or concrete—would keep it away from heat sources, rendering it safe. Of course, this still left the foam exposed to welding and other hot works during construction and renovation.

Eventually, most builders began to treat the foam with HBCD flame-retardant. This became the industry standard—although not a legal requirement—in most regions, including the EU, the US, and Japan.

The Problem with HBCD

The self-extinguishing agent in HBCD certainly helps prevent foam fires. The treated foam shrinks away from a direct flame, and as long as the flame is small and brief enough, only the surface of the foam will burn. Once the flame is gone, the foam extinguishes itself. For HBCD-treated foam to begin to burn internally, it must reach temperatures of between 400-500°C.

However, even treated foam can start a fire indirectly. How? If a fire begins in a room nearby, or if an enclosed room with foam insulation heats up on a hot, summer day, the foam’s temperature can slowly rise to above 100°C. As it heats up, the foam softens, releasing highly combustible gases. A single spark can ignite the gases, causing a“flashover” fire that can fill a room in an instant, and quickly spreads to other areas.

HBCD in the gas is highly toxic and carcinogenic, and it accumulates in the environment, endangering human, animal, and plant life for many years.

The EU has responded to the combined dangers of HBCD and flammable foam by instituting a ban on HBCD, effective August 21, 2015. From that point forward builders and others will be expected to use a safer flame retardant, most likely the newly commercialized pFR.

In 2011, Dow Chemical Company announced the development of pFR in anticipation of the ban on HBCD. In its July 2014 report, the EU cited test results demonstrating pFR to be just as flame-resistant as HBCD, but non-toxic and non-cumulative in the environment. The EU also expects Japan to replace half of its HBCD with pFR in 2015, and expects the US to replace all of its HBCD with pFR by 2019.

Tests are one thing; reality is sometimes another. Time will tell how much safer pFR really is.

China’s National Outcry

China enjoyed its own foam insulation trend in the 1990s, also with tragic consequences.

In 2010, a fire in a high-rise apartment in downtown Shanghai killed 58 retired teachers. The shock reverberated across China, reports flooding the media for weeks. An investigation revealed the cause: in an uninhabited building section under renovation, hot works had ignited newly installed foam insulation. The ensuing fire shot through the building so fast, residents in occupied areas were unable to evacuate in time.

Only 2 years later, foam panels in the refrigerated area of a food plant caught fire. Nobody realised how quickly the fire would spread. Before they could evacuate, 119 workers died from toxic smoke and flames.

These tragic incidents threw a public spotlight on polystyrene foam and other flammable building materials, compelling legislators to intervene.

China Raises the Standard

Also in its 2014 report, the EU predicted that China would begin the transition from HBCD to pFR in 2019, and complete the change by 2020.

In the meantime, China has taken a more decisive step forward in fire safety. On May 1, 2015 China released its revised Code for the Fire Protection Design of Buildings. The new code moves beyond flame-retarding treatments, to prohibit the use of flammable polystyrene foam altogether in new construction.

Other “Class B3” highly combustible materials will also be outlawed or require safer handling, including aluminum dust – the cause of another national fire tragedy.

Foam or No Foam?

XL Catlin risk engineer’s guidelines recommended avoiding the use of polystyrene foam in new construction, so, we fully support China’s new law. As we continuously analyze loss statistics from around the world, it is clear that wherever polystyrene foam is used, the risk to lives and property is substantially greater.

China does not mandate the same level of insurance. However, companies in China are increasingly looking for more powerful risk-transfer solutions. These companies frequently ask us to help them assess and mitigate their fire risk, in order to help them meet the requirements for better insurance.

Companies selecting facility locations in China should be aware of the prevalence of polystyrene foam insulation in buildings of a certain age. In new buildings, if the foam is part of the design, it should be replaced. If possible, companies should avoid leasing or buying existing locations with foam insulation.

If operations are already underway in buildings with foam insulation, very stringent/strict fire prevention procedures and safety procedures must be instituted. Risk engineers can help, by conducting a COPE (construction, occupancy, protection, and exposure) risk evaluation. This will determine how additional sprinklers or other measures can help to protect lives and reduce property risk.

Above all, it is important to know that while fire is the leading threat to property, nearly every fire is preventable.

As China takes the lead on banning highly flammable building material, and the EU bans toxic HBCD, we look forward to a future of better worker safety, property safety, and ultimately business security.

Volvo Trucks releases five new features for rough terrain

2 July, 2015/in News, Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Volvo Trucks continues to improve productivity within construction by releasing another five new features, including Volvo Dynamic Steering for dual front axles and increased front axle loads. This further highlights Volvo Trucks’ special attention to the construction segment.

The first Volvo FMX from 2010 was followed up with a completely updated version in 2013, including innovative breakthroughs such as Volvo Dynamic Steering. In 2015 Volvo Trucks introduces a new series of solutions that enable trucks and drivers operating in tough conditions to perform their work more smartly and efficiently.

“Volvo trucks have a solid reputation for their quality and drivelines. By adding new, innovative features we give our customers access to a broader range of options and unique ways to improve productivity,” says Ricard Fritz, Vice President, Volvo Trucks Brand.

In addition to introducing a heavy duty bumper for the Volvo FH series and the industry-first Automatic Traction Control function for the Volvo FMX, five more features are now available:

Volvo Dynamic Steering for dual front axles: Volvo Dynamic Steering is now also available on trucks with dual front axles, a very common configuration in construction operations. Since such trucks often carry particularly heavy loads or superstructures, the benefits are very noticeable for the driver. In addition to far lower turning resistance at low speeds, the steering wheel returns automatically to the straight-ahead position after full lock, cutting out the need for added effort in close-quarter manoeuvring and saving the driver both time and energy. Volvo Dynamic Steering, which was launched in 2013 and was showcased in for example the YouTube hit “The Hamster Stunt”, consists of an electric motor that compensates for vibration and steering wheel movement while minimising the amount of force needed to steer the truck.

Increased front axle loads, dual front axles: Volvo’s heavy duty trucks with dual front axles increase the maximum technical capacity from 18 to 20 tonnes. Customers benefit from both improved productivity and added flexibility. The extra capacity translates directly into increased income-earning capacity, something that is particularly valuable when transporting heavy materials in construction operations. On a 4-axle truck with a gross weight of 32 tonnes the load bed is also longer and there is greater flexibility regarding where to place a load such as gravel in a tipper body. This means maximum load is reached more quickly when loading and that the driver can be certain about meeting weight limitations. Higher load capacity above the front axles also permits a greater variety of crane configurations and allows other applications with considerable weight on the front axles.

Five-axle trucks, 10×4 and 10×6: On many markets, the trend is towards increased gross combination weights of between 50 and 76 tonnes. In order to meet the demand for heavier applications both on highways and in construction, Volvo Trucks is now launching factory-built 5-axle combinations. The two front axles permit up to 20 tonnes maximum load and the three rear axles can handle up to 36 tonnes, resulting in both increased payload and greater flexibility for customers. This solution is also suitable for concrete pumps and large crane trucks that need uniform axle load distribution. By reducing pressure on the axles, many of these vehicles can be transported over longer distances on regular highways, resulting in both faster transportation and increased income potential.

Rear air suspension in combination with driven front axle (Volvo FMX): The new possibility of combining an air-suspended rear axle with a driven front axle permits the highest level of comfort even for trucks with all-wheel drive. Whereas leaf springs are generally dimensioned for the heaviest weights, air suspension offers the flexibility of adjustment to suit the weight of the load. This results in a smoother driving experience and less wear on truck, driver and road surface. Thanks to less vibration – especially when the truck is driven without a load – the driver can maintain a higher average speed on bumpy construction site roads and can thus handle more deliveries during each shift. In addition to the enhanced comfort, Volvo Trucks’ air suspension also offers ground clearance of at least 300 mm and effective protection for all vulnerable components.

Electronic Brake System for drum brakes: Now even customers who specify drum brakes for operation in particularly dusty or wet conditions can benefit from the advantages of Volvo’s Electronic Brake System (EBS). The system’s electronics give access to a range of intelligent functions such as Hill Start Aid for better control on steep gradients. Safety is also improved thanks to integration of engine braking and retarder function, known as Brake Blending. In addition to improved brake function, EBS in combination with drum brakes also offers access to Volvo Dynamic Steering (not with drive to the front wheels) and more efficient gear changes since I-Shift obtains some of its information from the electronic braking system.

“We want to be the leading brand in the construction segment just as we are in long haul. These new features in combination with our completely updated product range clearly sets a new standard for what a construction truck can deliver,” says Ricard Fritz, Vice President Volvo Trucks Brand.

The Volvo Trucks construction offer

In addition to the Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH 16, the Volvo Trucks construction vehicle range also encompasses the Volvo FL with four-wheel drive and gross weight of up to 18 tonnes, and the Volvo FE with maximum gross weight of 26 tonnes. Together with an extensive workshop network and advanced services for excellent availability, customers benefit from considerable flexibility to create individually tailored and safe solutions.

Watch the feature film here:

Be a step ahead with superior energy efficient solutions

24 April, 2015/in Product, Sustainability/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Buildings are valuable assets but the costs of maintenance can affect the bottom line of a business. As energy
costs continue to rise, building owners and facility managers face increasing pressure to reduce operational
costs, at the same time, increase productivity, improve sustainability and ensure business continuity for their
organizations.

A building’s chiller plants typically consume the most energy, so it makes sense that any strategy to reduce costs and to be environmentally friendly needs to start here. Johnson Controls is a global multi-industrial company with established core businesses in the building and automotive industries. It leverages on decades of YORK chiller innovations to deliver more efficient and sustainable chiller solutions in its continual push of the boundaries of chiller technology.

Larry Kouma
Product Management Director,
Asia Chiller Solutions, Johnson Controls Inc.

With over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Larry boasts
vast technical knowledge in the design and application of steam and
chilled water systems. He is passionate about driving sustainability
across the value chain and has spent over a decade working with
energy efficiency standards. In addition, he has served on the
ASHRAE-ANSI 90.1 Standard Committee for 8 years.

In a recent interview, Mr. Larry Kouma (Product Management Director) shared his insights into regional trends in Asia’s refrigerant industry and on how the YORK® Magnetic Centrifugal Chiller (YMC2) system addressed the most pressing concerns of facility owners and designers.

BRJ: What are the regional trends in the refrigerant industry in 2014?

LK: With the awareness of ozone depletion and commitment to the Montreal Protocol, major suppliers are responding to the phase out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However, meeting all the requirements of safety, reliability, efficiency, Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a tall order. The refrigerant that best fulfils these requirements are the hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) for large HVAC equipment applications, and in certain applications, natural refrigerants including hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide (CO2), are also safely applied.

BRJ: In what direction would these trends change in the next few years?

LK: Increasingly, refrigerants are also assessed based on their Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP), which takes a holistic approach in estimating all warming impacts – both direct and indirect – over the lifetime of the refrigerant for specific applications. Research will continue to push forward to find or create refrigerants that best fulfil all the necessary criteria while minimizing climate impact. Meanwhile, HFCs look to be the mainstay with European Union F-Gas Regulation to mitigate its GWP by addressing the containment, use, recovery, reporting, labelling, training, certification and some market prohibitions. This will have implications especially for sectors with high leakage such as automotive and commercial refrigeration.

BRJ: What are some of the most pressing building and facility challenges faced in the industry today?

LK: Rising energy costs and the need to improve productivity and minimize downtime continue to be key challenges for building and facility managers today. In addition, there is growing interest in sustainability across the industry as organizations increasingly seek to incorporate it into business goals and culture.

With the increased focus on climate change globally, many countries are enacting legislation and providing
incentives to modernize and retrofit existing facilities. In fact, the recent 2013 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI)
study by Johnson Controls found that such government policies and programs were one of the key drivers for
Asia to adopt “greener” and more energy efficient HVAC equipment and solutions.

In Singapore, the government’s push to green 80 percent of all buildings by 2030, mean that building owners
and facility managers will increasingly look to proven and reliable HVAC and solutions to help them to achieve
their energy efficiency and green building targets in the next few years.

BRJ: How does YMC2 help address them?

LK: Johnson Controls is one of the first to apply the magnetic-bearing technology to chillers, originally in response to mission-critical needs of the navy. Subsequently, we then extended this technology to make it available to other sectors (including commercial) to help address the growing demands with energy consumption reductions and sustainability. The magnetic-bearings reduce friction and vibration, while eliminating the need for oil to lubricate the bearings – delivering energy-efficiency, high reliability and noise control as a result. It addresses these challenges through:

Improved Efficiency – YMC2 chillers is 10 percent more efficient than new conventional, variable-speed chillers. The magnetic-bearing technology eliminates mechanical-contact losses in the driveline. In addition, proven energy efficient YORK® features such as the OptiSpeed™ variable-speed drive and the optimized centrifugal compressor have been retained and improved on. The efficiency benefits can be greater than 30 percent when considering replacement of an older existing chiller at end of life.

Reduced Noise – The YMC2 chiller is quieter than any water-cooled centrifugal or screw chiller on the market. Driveline vibration is eliminated with the magnetic-bearing technology, while the YORK® OptiSound™ control further helps reduce noise. As a result, the YMC2 chiller operates at a maximum of 73 dBA at full-load standard conditions (The human ear would perceive the YMC² chiller only half as loud as other magnetic-bearing chillers).

High Reliability – The design of the YMC2 chiller has fewer moving parts, requires less servicing and has a longer motor life. This helps to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs. The chiller’s permanent-magnet motor has an inherently longer life than traditional motors, and the OptiSpeed drive’s soft-start sequence helps to further extend motor life.

Better Sustainability – The YMC2 chiller uses refri-gerant HFC-134a which has zero ozone-depletion potential. Furthermore, it is designed with 57 percent less refrigerant-piping connections which drastically reduce the potential for direct global warming caused by refrigerant leakage potential. The 10 percent to 50 percent efficiency improvement also reduces indirect global warming caused by greenhouse-gas emissions generated by electric utilities. Indirect impact is typically more than 95 percent of the chiller contribution to environmental warming impact over the operating life of the chiller.

BRJ: What is the potential for adoption of the new YMC2 technology in Asia?

LK: We see lots of potential for adoption in both the developed and developing markets in Asia. Interest in the developed markets, such as Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, would be more immediate and widespread. For one, the YMC2 chiller is ideal for retrofit installations because it not only delivers higher efficiency but also caters to a higher capacity within a small footprint.

We are also starting to see interest in developing markets, such as India and China, where a few forward thinking companies have started to implement high efficient systems and solutions. At the same time, the governments in these countries have increasingly taken steps to drive the adoption of more energy efficient and green solutions across businesses and infrastructure through regulations and incentives. So we can expect good growth in these markets in the coming years.

In general, YMC2 is a versatile solution that is suitable for application across a wide range of industries. Given its high reliability and superior sound control, it is also recommended for high performance facilities such as data centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and concert halls.

BRJ: In terms of cost savings, how long is the payback with YMC2 installed?

LK: Generally less than five years, and can be lower than three years depending on total system design and ambient conditions.

BRJ: Does YMC2 help existing buildings? Please elaborate.

LK: The YMC2 contributes towards helping reduce the energy consumption and operational costs of commercial and industrial buildings. It is also ideal for retrofit in existing buildings because of its small footprint – it can fit into the old chiller space and still cater to a higher capacity (up to 560TR) and deliver higher efficiency. Its energy efficient and sustainable features also help existing buildings meet the energy management and environmental targets set out by building owners and increasingly, governments.

In Singapore, government legislation and incentives play a big part in driving the adoption of more energy efficient HVAC solutions. This is in part due to the Government’s push to green 80 percent of all buildings by 2030.

New regulations increasingly require new and existing buildings to achieve a minimum Green Mark standard when retrofitting or installing a new cooling system. Existing buildings are also required to carry out regular energy audits and report annual energy consumption data.

Johnson Controls, has helped existing buildings such as PoMo, a mixed-use retail facility achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum rating with YMC2. The YMC2 helped address the needs of the building owners by reducing energy consumption and controlling excessive equipment noise. With the YMC2, the retrofitted chiller plant achieved an impressive system efficiency of 0.65 kW/RT and successfully lowered sound levels below 73 dBA.

Xylem launches a series of highly efficient in-line and end-suction pumps

21 April, 2015/in News, Product/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Xylem recently launched a next generation, global range of highly efficient in-line and end-suction pumps that exceed the strict 2015 European Ecodesign requirements (Minimum Efficiency Index > 0,4). The new Lowara e-series provides significant energy savings of up to 23 percent. Additionally, its expanded and optimized hydraulic coverage allows a much broader range of HVAC and industrial applications.

The new e-series streamlines 10 product lines to three, comprising the e-NSC high performance end-suction pumps, the e-LINE vertical inline pumps, and the e-SH stainless steel end-suction pumps. It simplifies and quickens the selection process for the Lowara pumps. These models will be supplied with IE3 high efficiency motors in accordance with the European Union motor performance standards.

For an even greater reduction in energy consumption, e-series pumps can be supplied with an optional Xylem Hydrovar variable speed drive which is also universally compatible with any existing pump. The motor-mounted, space-saving Hydrovar is ‘plug-and-play’ and automatically adjusts operating speeds to optimize pumping system efficiency. As a result, it can provide up to an additional 70 percent reduction in energy costs depending on the application.

Peter Agneborn, director, HVAC and Commercial Buildings business unit, comments: “We want to make selection easier for our customers. The new series consolidates several legacy models into a single, global offering, enabling specifiers to quickly choose the correct Lowara solution for their application. And the e-series continues our commitment to provide our customers with the highest levels of service throughout the product’s life cycle. Combined with Xylem’s global presence, the improved modularity of the new designs makes maintenance and spare parts management much easier.”

He continued: “And while we have streamlined our offering, the new series does not hint our ability to serve a number of HVAC and industrial applications. In fact, the extended hydraulic range, multiple configurations, new materials and options actually dramatically increase the number and complexity of applications we can support.”

The Lowara e-series provides energy cost savings and enhanced reliability, with simplified specifications, faster lead times and improved pre- and post-sales support. The new pumps will enable consultants, specifiers and engineers to leverage Xylem’s global presence and production network, while creating customized system solutions for their customers supported by localized applications expertise.

Lowara e-NSC

Lowara e-SH

Lowara e-LNE

Sustainable and economical – GROHE Blue® in office kitchens

4 May, 2014/in News, Product/by Editorial Staff

Reading Time: 3 minutes

New study shows that the carbon footprint of GROHE Blue^®is significantly smaller compared to bottled water

When it comes to fitting out their premises, today’s enterprises attach importance not only to functionality, cost-efficiency and convenience but increasingly also to sustainability. Green buildings are an excellent advertisement for businesses seeking to demonstrate their environmental values to employees, business partners and customers. Local planning regulations, too, are increasingly geared towards eco-friendly construction and interior design. Minimising the carbon footprint is consequently an integral element of any forward-looking company’s sustainability policy. A recent study carried out by the Production and Logistics Chair of Georg-August University in Göttingen in cooperation with Grohe AG compared the carbon footprint of GROHE Blue^® with that of bottled mineral water. The result: the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the GROHE Blue^®water system are much lower. This clear benefit for the environment goes hand in hand with greater efficiency, cost reductions and comfort.

Scientifically proven sustainability

The aim of the study was to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of GROHE Blue^® and to put them in relation to bottled water. Between July and November 2013, the scientists of Göttingen University compared the carbon footprint of one litre of water tapped from the GROHE Blue^® system with the footprint of one litre of bottled water. The scenario was based on the assumption of 30 users per day who drink one litre of bottled water on 220 days of the year over a period of five years. The calculation of the carbon footprint covered all five lifecycles of GROHE Blue^® and of bottled mineral water, which range from production and transport of the raw materials as well as transport of the finished product to consumption and disposal. Another factor in the analysis was the geographic distribution of GROHE Blue^® across the main output markets, Germany, France and the USA. The assumed consumption was 40 percent sparkling, 30 percent medium and 30 percent still water.

Based on these data, the scientists calculated green house gas emissions of 17.96 g CO2-eq/litre for GROHE Blue^®. This is an impressive result, as the emissions are much lower than those of bottled mineral water, which range from 70 to 600 g CO2-eq/litre, depending on the type of packaging and the place of origin. Since GROHE Blue^® does not need to be bottled and transported over long distances, it is clearly superior to bottled water in terms of sustainability. The study also shows that the values achieved by GROHE Blue^® are even lower than those of conventional water dispensers, which range from about 35 to 50 g CO2-eq/litre. This means that GROHE Blue^® allows users to save greenhouse gas emissions of at least 25 to 50 percent.

A versatile device for modern office kitchens

But this smart water system has even more to offer. The fact that it supplies filtered and chilled water in three different variants – sparkling, medium and still – directly from the special kitchen faucet means that the many different users in an organisation can enjoy their preferred type of water at any time. This saves the time and logistic effort of ordering sufficient quantities of the different types of bottled water, placing them in the various offices, storing them and recycling the bottles. Whether used as a regular refreshment for employees or placed in carafes on the conference table – freshly tapped, well-tasting water is always at hand thanks to the environmentally friendly and comfortable GROHE Blue^® system.

GROHE Blue Minta

GROHE Blue Mono