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Surbana Jurong and Aerolion Technologies to Develop UAV Technology for the Built Environment

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Surbana Jurong and AeroLion Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in April 2019 to further develop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies for the built and natural environment. The MOU was signed at Unmanned Systems Asia 2019.

Under the MOU, the partners will jointly develop UAV solutions for various project applications, including land reclamation, workplace safety, site progression and fault detection in enclosed areas such as buildings and tunnels. Surbana Jurong aims to integrate these UAV solutions into its current processes to further increase its productivity.

At the same time, combining real-world data from Surbana Jurong’s operations with the UAV’s artificial intelligence platforms will allow Surbana Jurong to offer advance data-driven UAV solutions to its global clients.

The partnership brings together Surbana Jurong’s expertise and experience in planning, design and engineering in the global urban and infrastructure sectors, with AeroLion Technologies’ expertise in UAV technologies that are focused on the building and construction sector.

UAVs are one of several technologies transforming the engineering and construction industry. Its use not only boosts productivity, reduces overall project time and costs, provide more accurate data readings in shorter time and improve worker safety.

Mr Wong Heang Fine, Group CEO of Surbana Jurong said, “Surbana Jurong already uses UAVs as part of our project processes, from conducting inspections and surveillance, high-precision data collection as well as security-led activities by our subsidiary AETOS. Our collaboration with AeroLion Technologies will further ensure our leadership in the area of UAV applications.”

AeroLion Technologies is a leader in the application of UAV in infrastructure inspection and warehouse management. The Company has strong foundations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), UAV automation and advanced flight operations, and is slated to launch novel solutions for the built environment, following the success of its recent autonomous tunnel inspection UAV platforms.

Cambridge Researchers Developing Self-Healing Concrete

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge are using microencapsulation technologies developed by Dolomite Microfluidics to develop self-healing construction materials.

As highlighted in recent BBC News broadcasts, the Department of Engineering’s Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group is developing microcapsules containing ‘healing’ agents – such as minerals, epoxy or polyurethane – which can be added to building materials to allow self-repair of small cracks which develop over time.

Dr. Livia Ribeiro de Souza, a postdoctoral researcher in the group, explained: “Many composite building materials used in the construction industry – such as concrete – suffer fatigue over time, developing small cracks. We are hoping to overcome this problem by adding microcapsules filled with ‘healing’ agents to the concrete before it is used. The idea is that, as cracks begin to form, they rupture the microcapsules, releasing their payload and stabilising the material.”

“This approach requires the formation and functionalisation of double emulsion microcapsules, which we have been producing with the help of microfluidics. We have been using a Dolomite Microfluidics system since 2014, and find that microfluidics offers much better control of particle size and composition than traditional emulsification polymerisation techniques, simplifying the investigation and optimisation of particle properties.”

The Dolomite system has enabled the researchers to create functionalised microcapsules that bind more strongly to the cement matrix, while also having thinner shell walls and higher core retention, improving their self-healing properties. Livia continued: “It is good to be able to discuss any issues we’re having with the experts at Dolomite Microfluidics, helping to accelerate our research and move us a step closer to real world applications.”

For more information, visit the Dolomite website.

Hanergy’s Innovative Thin-Film Solar Products Win Multiple iF Design Awards

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One of the world’s largest thin-film solar power solution companies, Hanergy Mobile Energy Holding Group, attended Germany’s iF Design Award Night in Munich in March, winning four prizes in total. These includee: one Gold Award for the Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile, and another three Design Awards for the Single-Glass Spool HanTile, Fold Backpack for Business Travel, and Solartank Thin-film Solar Power Backpack. HanTile is Hanergy’s rooftop solar solution while the solar backpack is Hanergy’s creation of integrating solar power generation with backpacks.

Xie Tao, CEO of Hanergy’s Global Application Product R&D Center attended the award ceremony and received the awards on behalf of Hanergy.

The iF Design Award committee commented on HanTile, saying, “This product combines a traditional appearance with the latest energy breakthrough. These tiles represent the world’s most advanced thin-film solar energy technology. Any house or building covered in these roof tiles has the chance to be energy-self-sufficient or at least offset its energy footprint. The tiles have the look of glazed tiles and come in black or dark-green colors. This is the future of solar energy: integrated, efficient, attractive and unobtrusive.”

Since its launch in 2018, Hanergy has harvested many HanTile contracts such as a US$130 Million HanTile contract in Japan, a US$10 million contract in Malaysia, and US$8 million contract in South Korea and so on.

Solar backpacks are another line of business for Hanergy. By merging Hanergy’s unique solar thin-films with traditional backpacks, it creates a new category of smart bags.

Receiving the awards at the ceremony, Xie Tao said: “We believe that these products make a perfect combination of advanced thin-film solar technology and sustainable product application, and the awards are an acknowledgement that Hanergy’s product design deserves to be at the forefront of the industry. We are honoured.”

Hanergy’s four award-winning products are all recent innovations launched in 2018 and designed in-house by Hanergy’s product research and development team. By winning the highly-sought after iF Gold Award, Hanergy’s Single-Glass Triple-Arch HanTile’s innovative single-glass structure, light and durable design and beautiful appearance was recognised as one of this year’s most outstanding entries. 

With its thin, light-weight and flexible features and high conversion efficiency, Hanergy’s five thin-film solar technology roadmaps have changed the landscape of the solar industry. The conversion rate of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology manufactured by Alta Devices, Hanergy’s California-based subsidiary, has set the world record for conversion efficiency several times, with the current rate standing at 29.1 percent.

Likewise, Hanergy’s flexible and glass-based large-area Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin film modules produced by Germany’s Solibro and USA’s MiaSolé, also Hanergy’s subsidiaries, have reached world record highs of 18.72 percent and 19.4 percent respectively.

Colourland Paints

AkzoNobel Acquires Malaysia’s Colourland Paints Business

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AkzoNobel has strengthened its business in Asia by acquiring 100 percent shares in Colourland Paints Sdn Bhd and Colourland Paints (Marketing) Sdn Bhd – both referred to as “Colourland Paints” – a home- grown paints and coatings manufacturer with wide distribution across Malaysia.

The acquisition enhances AkzoNobel’s global portfolio with a much-loved local brand. It also means the company will be able to provide an improved customer experience through an expanded product offering and distribution network. Financial details were not disclosed.

“As a leading global paints and coatings company, we are proud to add the well-established brands and expertise of Colourland Paints to our business,” said AkzoNobel CEO Thierry Vanlancker. “We are looking forward to unlocking the value it will bring as we accelerate our Winning together: 15 by 20 strategy and increase our footprint in this fast-growing region.”

Added Oscar Wezenbeek, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints in the region: “This deal marks another milestone in ensuring that we continue to deliver the best brand and customer experience. The combination of global and local expertise is also an excellent strategic fit and will accelerate our development as we further build on our strong market position in Malaysia.”

The transaction includes all relevant technologies, patents, trademarks and assets of Colourland.

Cosentino Unveils Seven New Shades in its Silestone and Sensa Ranges in Singapore

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Cosentino Group, the world leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, is pleased to announce the Singapore launch of its newest colours in its Silestone® and Sensa® ranges.

In total, seven new colours will be available in Singapore from today onwards; five from the Silestone® Eternal Collection, and two from the Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range.

The five new colours of the luminary Silestone® Eternal Collection are the Bianco Calacatta, Classic Calacatta, Desert Silver, Eternal Emperador, and Eternal Marfil.

The Eternal Collection is the first in Silestone’s offerings to have veining and highlights run completely through the material, making for an unparalleled natural beauty coupled with Silestone’s industry-leading performance, thanks to the Silestone® N-Boost technology.

This innovation, which has been patented by Cosentino, modifies the material’s surface at a molecular level to give it greater color saturation and extraordinary lustre, along with an enhanced water repellent property that makes the surface easier to clean and maintain.

As with all Silestone® natural quartz products, the Eternal Collection includes the notable characteristics that set the brand apart: high resistance to impact and scratching; manufactured in large formats; and versatility of application. Please see Annex A for the new Silestone® Eternal Collection shades.

“Cosentino’s investment in R&D to develop the complex, full body designs of the Silestone® Eternal Collection, has received wide recognition by consumers, architects and designers alike. We are delighted to present now these new Eternal colors and we look forward to the collection’s continued success in 2018,” says Valentin Tijeras, Vice-President of Global Product and R&D, Cosentino.

Cosentino also adds two exotic new Brazilian quartzite colours to its Sensa by Cosentino® Protected Natural Stone range. The two new shades, Taj Mahal and White Macaubas, join the Sensa Premium range and feature the exclusive Senguard NK stain protection.

These two new surfaces are the first quartzites to join the Sensa by Cosentino® range. Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that is composed almost entirely of quartz and is the perfect substitute for a natural stone that is more durable and hardwearing than traditional marbles, whilst offering a similar look.

Sensa surfaces offer an excellent level of stain protection, including against acidic substances commonly found in household kitchens, with no need for special daily maintenance. Anchored to the surface of the stone, the Senguard NK stain protection technology also offers the surface of the countertop UV resistance, allowing the natural stone surfaces to be used inside and out whilst still allowing the stone to breathe and preserve its natural colour. The new surfaces are also safe for contact with food thanks to their NSF certification. Please see Annex B for the new Sensa by Cosentino® shades.

The seven new shades were unveiled in Singapore on 17 August at an exclusive launch party held at Cosentino City Centre showroom. Over 100 guests from the media and design industry were in for a treat at the event with the theme “Brazilian Summer Nights”, alluding to the exotic new Brazilian quartzites in the Sensa by Cosentino® that were being launched that night in addition to the new shades in the Silestone® Eternal Collection.

The new shades of the Silestone® Eternal Collection were mounted on the walls of the Cosentino City Centre showroom, for the guests to view and feel for themselves. One of the kitchen countertops in the Cosentino showroom was also replaced with a countertop made from Sensa® in the shade of Macaubas so that guests could see how the surface looks like on an actual kitchen top. Additionally, an ornamental flower pot made from the new Sensa® shade of Taj Mahal was on display to show the versatility and beauty of the two colours.

Newly appointed General Manager of Cosentino Southeast Asia, Pablo Abad Gomez enthuses, “With the launch of at least a dozen new shades in various collections this year alone in Singapore, Cosentino is cementing its position as a market leader of innovative surfaces in Southeast Asia. We look forward to shaping and growing the industry in the region through collaborations that showcase the uniqueness and versatility of our products beyond the kitchen and bathroom.”

All seven new shades in the Silestone® Eternal and Sensa by Cosentino® collections is now available in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.silestone.com.sg or www.sensabycosentino.com

Sunseap Group Launches New Subsidiary Called Sunseap Solutions

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Sunseap Group, Singapore’s leading integrated clean energy solutions provider, recently announced the launch of its newest fully-owned subsidiary, Sunseap Solutions Pte Ltd.

The new entity provides integrated efficient energy solutions through energy audits, Green Mark consultancy and energy performance contracting. Sunseap Solutions’ energy performance contracting focuses on LED lighting retrofits.

This will eventually expand to include other forms of M&E equipment (e.g. chiller plants, pumps and lifts). Under the energy performance contracting scheme, lighting retrofits will be fully financed by the Sunseap Group and clients will co-share the energy savings. The equipment will be maintained and warrantied by Sunseap Solutions during the contract period.

Sunseap Solutions also offers the full range of Optigreen green roof solutions and components. The launch of the new business unit is part of Sunseap Group’s plan to provide all-rounded sustainable solutions for its clients. The Group’s other entities are Sunseap Leasing, which provides rooftop solar solutions to the masses, Sunseap International, which is responsible for the group’s regional activities outside of Singapore, and Sunseap Energy, Singapore’s largest clean energy retailer.

Mr Laurence Kwan, Director of Sunseap Energy, said: “We are excited that the Sunseap Group is about to embark on the next phase of its development with the formation of Sunseap Solutions. We are now able to provide the full spectrum of green solutions to our clients with the convenience of a single point of contact.

“This is in line with the Group’s vision of providing affordable sustainable solutions to the masses and is an important step to decarbonising.”

To date, Sunseap has more than 160 megawatts (MWp) of contracted solar project capacity in Singapore, which has been deployed or is in the course of being deployed. Some of its clients include Apple, Housing Development Board, Singapore American School, Raffles Institution, the United Technologies Group and ABB.

Regionally, it is also one of the largest and most established players in the solar energy industry. It has a pipeline of projects in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia, including a 168 MWp solar farm in Vietnam, the largest in the country, a 62 MWp utility scale farm in the Philippines and a 10 MWp utility scale farm in Cambodia.

Grundfos Launches New CR Product That Achieves New Efficiency Heights

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Pump manufacturer Grundfos has launched its new generation of CR pumps – which exceeds current energy efficiency limits for multi-stage in-line pumps. Grundfos’ renowned range of CR pumps are the world’s first vertical multistage centrifugal inline pumps, which line up pump pressure and pump suction port in a straight pipe.

The centrifugal CR pumps can transport corrosive, hot, and high-pressure liquids used across various applications including water supply, water treatment and almost all industrial solutions.

The new generation of Grundfos CR pumps introduces three new flow sizes (CR95, 125 and 155) and increases the maximum water flow to 220 cubic metre per hour.

Gary Flanagan, Regional Product Manager – Multistage, Grundfos Asia Pacific Region said the pump manufacturer is dedicated to continuous development and innovation to ensure that this new generation of CR pumps is meeting the evolving needs of industries in Asia and globally.

“The world has changed in many ways since the CR was first introduced many years ago. But our drive to set new standards for our customers has always remained the same. That is why we are so proud to announce the launch of this new generation of Grundfos CR pumps.

“Today, our new CR pump design features a full range of sizes and literally millions of customised solutions to suit the specific needs of companies and engineers.”

Based on extensive research, development and testing of new hydraulic designs, the CR pump is engineered using state-of-the-art production methods – including a fully automated and flexible production line.

Gary Flanagan added, “As industries in Asia expand to meet the growing consumption demand of the region, they need to take a smarter manufacturing approach to make sure their industrial processes are able to produce more with less, while reducing energy consumption and limiting their carbon footprint.

“Sustainability is a very important part of Grundfos’ DNA and we aim to create cleaner and more energy efficient technologies to help our customers reduce their carbon emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement commitments.”

Espai Barça - FC Barcelona

Bentley Systems Presents Synchro Software At Microsoft Inspire Conference

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Espai Barça - FC Barcelona

Image courtesy of www.fcbarcelona.com

Bentley Systems, Incorporated presented Synchro, a 4D construction modeling solution at the Microsoft Inspire conference in Las Vegas in July 2018. The use of Synchro as part of a mixed reality construction management solution for FC Barcelona’s Espai Barça sports stadium project was featured during the Mixed Reality (MR) and the Cloud session at the conference.

The Microsoft Inspire session, led by Microsoft’s Nancy Li, detailed how Bentley’s Synchro, a cloud-based 4D construction modeling solution, will be used for FC Barcelona’s major renovation to the Espai Barça sports arena in Barcelona, Spain, which when completed will accommodate more than 100,000 fans. In conjunction with time-lapse monitoring footage of the construction site provided by EarthCam, Bentley’s Synchro will help the stadium project team to visualise and compare construction progress with the 4D construction model.

Greg Demchak, technical architect for Bentley, said, “The scope of this project demands that we look for new solutions, and for this, we turned to Microsoft. Using Azure infrastructure, HoloLens technology, and Cognitive Services, multiple users can interact with a holographic representation of the stadium data at any moment in the construction process. We are also leveraging machine learning and on-site images to digitally track actual progress with Synchro.”

Bentley Systems is a Mixed Reality and CityNext partner with Microsoft, and will receive the 2018 Microsoft CityNext Partner of the Year Award during this year’s Microsoft Inspire Conference for its Azure-enabled software solution for Mass Rapid Transit Corporation’s world-class, Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya high-speed railway project in Malaysia.

JCB Telehandlers Take Pole Position At Formula One 2018 Singapore Grand Prix

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JCB has won a four-year contract to supply recovery equipment to the Formula One 2018 Singapore Grand Prix. The high profile race takes place in the heart of Singapore’s central business district from 14-16 September 2018 and – as the only Formula One event scheduled for Southeast Asia – it is often described as the region’s crown jewel. This spectacular night race is a highlight of the Formula One season and offers JCB a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate their renowned products to a global audience of millions.

JCB successfully managed to secure the rights to supply recovery equipment following a competitive, high-level tender process. The race organising committee were particularly impressed with JCB’s products, and the role of Aly – JCB’s newly appointed Singapore dealer – in negotiations; as well as JCB’s commitment to motorsport through its existing sponsorship agreement with Williams Martini Racing.

Albert Foo, Executive Director Corporate Strategy, Aly JCB – JCB’s exclusive dealer for Singapore – states: “Supplying equipment to the Singapore Grand Prix is a big opportunity for JCB. It’s a statement of intent, which shows our customers that Aly and JCB are rapidly growing in Singapore ready to support them. If such significant, high profile customers as the Singapore Grand Prix have confidence in JCB to provide the solutions for their operations, and are making the switch to our brand, our customers will trust us to provide them with the same world class solutions.”

JCB will exclusively supply the Singapore Grand Prix with 20 Telescopic Handlers – ranging from the 527-58, all the way up to the 540-170 and the 560-80 models – in a package that also includes JCB’s flagship model, the 541-70 Telescopic Handler. These machines will be deployed at several prominent locations within the race track area for the full three days of the race weekend.

The Telehandlers will be used in the event of a crash or car malfunction. They will lift and remove the affected race cars from the track into the holding area. Familiarisation training is being provided using machines with appropriate jibs and spreader bars, while both JCB and Aly’s technical resources are on standby for the whole event.

Max Lytle, Managing Director JCB Southeast Asia, comments: “The local knowledge and insight of Aly JCB played a crucial part in JCB winning the race for this contract. It is another string to our bow that shows customers we are serious about the Singapore market and are a world class manufacturer of construction equipment. What better way to demonstrate our products than in a high profile event such as the Singapore Grand Prix that will attract vast global interest and provide an excellent opportunity to raise our brand visibility?”

Max continues: “The Telehandler concept is one that can revolutionise customers’ applications across Southeast Asia. The ability to quickly and easily pick up and move a load – be that a Formula One car, brick pack, or whatever it may be – is the very essence of a Telescopic Handler.”

Cosentino Presents: Valdebebas 127 With Dekton And Silestone By Cosentino

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Valdebebas 127, a residential project with an exclusive location along the edge of Valdebebas Central Park in northern Madrid, is a development that oversees splendid views of the park, and also includes shops separate from the main residential area.

The development consists of a total of 201 double- orientation two-, three-, and four-bedroom units that are all designed thoughtfully with storage rooms and parking spaces for convenience in the everyday life of the residents.

Other key features of the development include its thermal and acoustic efficiency, and the incorporation of innovative and next-generation materials in its construction, architecture and design – specifically, the use of Cosentino’s premium ultracompact surfaces Dekton® and Silestone®.

Almost 8,000 square metres of the ultracompact surface Dekton® were used in the first stage of this residential development, in the construction of its façades and pedestals. Dekton® was chosen to construct the façade cladding due to its excellent aesthetic and specific building qualities that promises exceptional durability and thermal performance: specifically, its high resistance to UV radiation, stains and thermal shocks, low porosity and colour stability. Dekton® has also received ETA 14/0413 (European Technical Assessment) documentation and CE certification as testament to its suitability for use as the cladding of a ventilated façade.

Dekton® surfaces were used in the colours – Warm and Korus – to bring harmony and balance to the overall aesthetic of the development. Warm’s white finish gives the building a cosy feel and brings it into harmony with its surroundings, providing a complementary blank canvass against which the grey of Korus could be used to highlight specific aspects of the façade. The pedestal was surfaced with Domoos, a very elegant black shade that ultimately facilitated a unique contrast with the larger areas for a nice touch of juxtaposition to the eye.

Says Mr Carlos Rubio, the main architect of the development, from architectural firm Estudio Rubio Arquitectura: “The exceptional qualities of Dekton® were a key factor influencing our choice to use it as the façade material. Its large format, as well as its variety of textures and colours, allowed us to respond and emphasise our play on both form and volume.”

Quartz surface Silestone® was used for the interiors, making 72 shower trays and 72 kitchen worktops in total. Silestone® was used with the idea that the interiors of the development, much like the exteriors that surrounded them, would be of the highest quality and designed to stand out.

The shower trays are made from the Silestone® Kador range, which is made of extremely durable quartz that is entirely impervious to stains and scratches. The colour chosen for the trays – Silestone® Blanco Zeus – was selected for the sense of cleanliness, hygiene and space it conveyed to the bathroom environment. Cosentino’s shower trays comply with DIN 51097:1992 standards, certifying their low slip risk.

The kitchen worktops of 72 units were made of Silestone® in Blanco Zeus, a quartz surface in pure white chosen to fill the kitchen with light and maintain a harmonious elegance in the space.

With its excellent quality, aesthetic beauty, and specific qualities of durability, low porosity, stain resistance and knock resistance, the ultracompact Silestone® surface is very suitable for use in a top performing kitchen and home. Silestone® is truly a surface that is a sector benchmark and industry leader, making it a natural choice for homes that prioritise both high functionality and beautiful design.