Posts

thyssenkrupp Unveils Latest Technology to Transform Global Elevator Service Industry

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
MAX is already on track to be connected with 180,000 units by the end of 2017.

MAX is already on track to be connected with 180,000 units by the end of 2017.

thyssenkrupp recently announced its use of Microsoft HoloLens technology in its elevator service operations worldwide. The special mixed reality device is set to empower more than 24,000 of the company’s service technicians to do their jobs more safely and efficiently, and keep people and cities moving better than ever before. Currently, the global elevator service industry is valued at over $US 44 billion per year and more than 12 million elevators transport over 1 billion people each day.

Using HoloLens, service technicians will be able to visualize and identify problems with elevators ahead of a job, and have remote, hands-free access to technical and expert information when on site – all resulting in significant savings in time and stress. Initial field trials have already shown that a service maintenance intervention can be done up to four times faster than before by using the device.

Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of thyssenkrupp Elevator said: “With elevators transporting over one billion people each day, the service industry has a critical role to play in keeping cities moving. We remain focused on leading the transformation in this industry; introducing the latest technologies, processes and training to enable technicians to do a better job with less stress and more fun. Our goal is to dramatically increase efficiency, raise elevator uptimes and speed up service interventions to ensure mobility equipment is always running as it should, providing each passenger with the safest and most comfortable travel experience possible.”

Commenting on Microsoft Corp., he added, “This application of HoloLens in our service operations was made possible through our collaboration with Microsoft, and the close integration with their software experts has even allowed us to explore dedicated HoloLens apps to meet thyssenkrupp’s specific requirements.”

Sam George, Partner Director, Microsoft Azure IoT, added, “The successful launch of IoT- enabled MAX was the first step in thyssenkrupp’s journey to not only transform their business but also its 100-year-old industry. Predictive maintenance, powered by Microsoft Azure IoT, enabled thyssenkrupp to offer time savings to worldwide elevator passengers equivalent to 95 million hours of new availability per year of operation. Today, we are proud to have once again collaborated with thyssenkrupp to bring another game-changing solution to market together.”

Scott Erickson, General Manager for Microsoft HoloLens, commented: “As the first fully self- contained holographic computer running Windows 10, Microsoft HoloLens has been helping companies and industries innovate in entirely new ways. By utilising the out-of-the-box Skype experience without any additional development required, thyssenkrupp’s 24,000 service engineers can now do their jobs safer and more efficiently. Triaging service requests ahead of the visit and getting hands-free remote holographic guidance when on site has reduced the average length of thyssenkrupp’s service calls by up to 4 times.”

The launch of HoloLens and MAX is timely given that global revenues from elevator-related services are forecast to rise 4.9 percent per annum through 2019 to $US 56.3 billion.

In this regard, Andreas Schierenbeck noted: “Rapid urbanisation across the globe means that our cities are getting bigger and taller, making it essential to tap into the power of technology to reduce overcrowding and move people in the most efficient way possible. By harnessing the power of IoT with solutions like MAX and HoloLens, thyssenkrupp is able to step further into the digital era and transform the way the elevator industry offers maintenance services.”

Launched by thyssenkrupp in 2015 as the industry’s first predictive maintenance solution, MAX is already connected with thousands of units in the pilot countries of US, Germany and Spain, and is on track to be connected with 180,000 units by the end of 2017. The successful implementation in the pilot countries has also set the stage for rollouts in additional countries by the end of 2016.

Iconic buildings whose elevators are already cloud-connected through MAX include the One World Trade Center. The building has elevators that travel faster than Usain Bolt, capable of moving from the ground floor to the 102nd floor in just 60 seconds, and regenerative drives that convert energy produced when elevators decelerate into electricity that can be used to significantly reduce the building’s energy consumption. Now equipped with MAX and HoloLens, the tower is setting new standards for sustainability and building efficiency.

Technologies that are Shaping the Future of the Construction Site

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
autodesk info graphic Article and infographic contributed by Autodesk.

Technology is dramatically transforming the construction industry, with professional-grade wearables and new survey methodologies, making construction sites safer and even accessible from remote locations.

Here’s a quick look at three technological breakthroughs that you may see on construction sites in the near future.

1. A smart badge that provides a real time view of the construction site

Workers can use the call button on the B3 Badge to request for help in emergency situations. (Image Credit: Redpoint Smart Badge and Asset Tags)

Workers can use the call button on the B3 Badge to request for help in emergency situations. (Image Credit: Redpoint Smart Badge and Asset Tags)

Imagine sitting a few hundred kilometres away from the construction site and having detailed visibility into workforce activity. Innovations like Redpoint Positioning’s compact and wearable B3 Workforce Safety Badge makes this possible.

This badge is equipped with an Indoor GPS platform that allows contractors to view and record workforce activities from remote locations. As an early Autodesk Forge partner, Redpoint Positioning leverages the Forge Platform’s APIs to monitor and record real time job site activities directly within BIM 360. Contractors can use this real time data to alert workers with a loud alarm if they enter danger zones or areas with electrical hazards.

Screen Shot 2016-09-27 at 6.26.20 pm

The DAQRI smart helmet’s anti-reflective, scratch resistant face shield replaces safety glasses, and workers can use in-built USB ports to power additional equipment like flashlights. (Image Credit: DAQRI Products)

2. Smart helmets that provide in-depth information on construction sites
Hard hats and safety glasses are essential on construction sites, but they aren’t exactly high-tech. DAQRI, an LA based AR company has designed an “Industrial Augmented Reality (AR) Helmet” that features thermal imaging, head tracking, motion sensing, pattern recognition and much more. In contrast to an ordinary hard hat, the DAQRI helmet does much more than just protecting your head. Its in-built cameras and sensors provide workers with detailed real-time information about their surroundings. For instance, when a worker glances at a pressure gauge, the helmet can alert him if it displays a reading outside the expected range. Overheated panels and instruments can also be easily detected by thermal imaging tools and sensors, thus helping prevent accidents on the construction site.

3. Getting a bird’s eye view of projects with drones

Some contractors are already piloting drones to conduct site surveys, but what’s even more exciting is the potential to turn the footage captured by these unmanned aerial vehicles into actionable and relevant intelligence for businesses.

Contractors can use this Dashboard to view real time updates captured by the EVO3, hence getting a glimpse of work that’s ahead, on time or behind schedule. (Image Credit: Skycatch)

Contractors can use this Dashboard to view real time updates captured by the EVO3, hence getting a glimpse of work that’s ahead, on time or behind schedule. (Image Credit: Skycatch)

Skycatch’s EVO3, for example, not only takes off and lands on its own, but also provides workers with a Dashboard interface to overlay aerial footage over construction plans and detect changes in progress, all from the sky and in real-time. Don’t want to invest in buying your own fleet? SkyCatch is also bringing the “sharing economy” ethos to drones with a new service called Workmode that helps companies find and hire unmanned aerial vehicles for mapping jobs, surveying, and other work.

Less Dust, More Data
From drones to sensors and every gadget in between, it’s plain to see why construction sites across the world are focusing on technology. While contractors are unlikely to go hi-tech overnight, the benefits of capturing data and leveraging it for greater planning and worker safety are simply undeniable.

 

BEX Asia 2016 Returns as a Regenerative Force in the Age of IoT

/in /by
Reading Time: 4 minutes
BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions.

BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions.

Against a backdrop of accelerating climate change and rapidly increasing population growth, the call for more energy and cost-efficient buildings in Southeast Asia is immediate. With IDC’s prediction that Asia Pacific will become the frontline for the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2021, the green building industry can expect an increased adoption of green technologies with a growing focus on IoT.

Returning in its ninth edition, the upcoming Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia 2016 will be held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre Singapore from 7 to 9 September, 2016. In light of a rapidly advancing infocomm technology landscape, BEX Asia is uniquely poised to deliver ideas and solutions to futureproof the built environment with an increased focus on smart yet energy-efficient technologies.

The event will see the convergence of green building experts, policy-makers, academics and built environment practitioners of international recognition for a discussion of new ways to tackle these issues. Exhibitors will showcase ways in which green buildings and new technologies can work in tandem for a regenerative approach to building designs, propelling the industry beyond the existing sustainability agenda. Minister for National Development, Mr Lawrence Wong, will grace the opening ceremony.

An energy-efficient event strategy that can take the heat
The future of the green building industry is facing a high degree of complexity and uncertainty due to climate change and the disruptive nature of innovation. As regenerative solutions take centre stage this year, visitors to BEX Asia will see a strategic three-way rollout of the exhibition and seminar to focus on green architectures, smart technologies and energy efficient solutions.

One-stop business exchange platform
Continuing the tradition of previous exhibitions, BEX Asia 2016 will also house dedicated market pavilions from mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore, consolidating in-country exhibitors for an overview of game-changing solutions of local relevance to the regional audience.

“We aim to lead the charge for sustainable coating solutions for greener architectures through our innovative products. Our eco-friendly products can improve the quality of life, and we’re very excited to be at BEX Asia 2016 to share our expertise and network with the community,” said Kel Low, Senior Manager, Specifier Relations, Nippon Paint.

Echoing a similar sentiment is Alex Lau, CEO, Anacle Systems, a home-grown green technology firm determined to resolve energy wastage with its smart energy management system. “BEX Asia serves as a launch pad for transformation in areas of energy efficiency and smart technology. Our generation is technologically savvy and it is important to have energy saving abilities like smart meters and energy tracking systems at our fingertips. BEX Asia is an ideal place for us to be part of dialogues to drive breakthroughs in next-gen energy management.”

Anacle Systems and Nippon Paint will be joined by returning and new exhibitors including Akzo Nobel Paints, Camfil, Fuji SMBE, Kansai Paint, LifeSmart Singapore, Mun Hean, Parex Group, REC, and ST Electronics at BEX Asia 2016.

Thought provoking insights exchange
According to the Global Green Building Market Outlook 2020 published by Research and Markets, the worldwide green building market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of about 13 percent from 2015 to 20202. This growth can partly be attributed to rising awareness of the implications of climate change, and the understanding that green buildings can result in lower level of greenhouse emissions.

To continue to advance such knowledge, industry innovators will gather at the ‘Green View’ to share related insights from which our man-made environment is founded on. Seminar goers can expect topics ranging from an education of materials necessary for green architectures by San Marco Paints and Graphenstone, to visionary tales of a smart community by Lux Research and getting to the heart of the energy efficiency boom by AECOM.

To complement these discussions, event organisers have also enhanced the business-matching programme. Set to attract the region’s key suppliers and marketers, BEX Asia 2016 is expected to surpass more than US$125m in green building business transactions. Visitors can expect one-to-one business matching, as well as key networking with regional delegations including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and beyond Asia from Italy.

“Beyond sustainability and the recognised need to reduce carbon footprint, there is a greater call to strengthen competitiveness and collaboration between private and public stakeholders for collective action. We want to walk the talk and ensure that BEX Asia continues to be relevant. The solid foundation we’ve built will help us continue conversations for a better tomorrow for future generations,” said Louise Chua, Business Development Director and Project Director, Reed Exhibitions, organiser of BEX Asia 2016.

Supported by prominent organisations in the industry, BEX Asia 2016 is one of the anchor events of the Singapore Green Building Week (SGBW).

Aimed at inspiring green building leaders around the region, BEX Asia 2016 will be held alongside the second edition of Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia, the leading trade exhibition dedicated to energy efficient solutions in HVAC-R, plumbing technology, sanitary accessories, and renewable energy, as well as the International Green Building Conference (IGBC) organised by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. Both exhibitions will play host to more than 450 exhibiting companies across the region to a congregation of over 12,000 trade visitors.

Visitor registration is now open HERE.

Xylem Expands Reliable Fire Protection Solutions Offering in Asia

/in , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region.

Local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region.

Xylem Inc., a global water technology company, is delivering on its commitment to meet the diverse water needs of Asia by manufacturing the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series at its Calamba facility in the Philippines. This move addresses a critical need for a strong safety portfolio to support commercial and industrial applications in the region.

Assembled at Xylem’s only UL and FM-certified manufacturing facility outside the U.S., the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series provides water to stand pipe, sprinkler, chemical mitigation and hydrant systems for fire suppression in industrial and commercial facilities, meeting both UL and FM global standards. With a greater awareness of the importance of UL-listed and FM-approved fire equipment in the region, fire consultants and other customers can now attend fire pump witness tests without having to travel too far. In addition, the broader product and service portfolio enables Xylem to streamline service capabilities for the Asian markets, which are expected to contribute 44 percent of new pump demand through to 2018**.

“There is a growing demand for safe and reliable fire pump solutions in the region,” said Ramesh Nuggihalli, Vice President and Managing Director, Xylem Greater Asia. “Our expanded product portfolio in Asia reflects our commitment to meeting this demand, while supporting our customers with shorter lead times and local engineering and servicing capabilities.”

In addition to manufacturing Goulds Water Technology and Lowara branded pumps and booster systems in Calamba, local production of the A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series highlights Xylem’s increased focus in the region. The localization also enables Xylem to provide its Asian customers with embedded application support and service capabilities and gives the company the flexibility to meet unique market requirements with its manufacturing expertise in-region.

“Xylem’s local manufacturing capabilities coupled with our deep knowledge of the growing region, makes us well equipped to give our customers the quality products and customer support they seek,” said Nuggihalli.

The A-C Fire Pump 8100 Series range covers electric, engine-driven pumps supporting capacities up to 3,000 gallons per minute (681 cubic metres per hour).

 

**From “World Pumps” by the Freedonia Group Inc., published 2015.

Tuas Power Aids Businesses in Reducing Energy Expenses With Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Tuas Power Generation Pte Ltd (Tuas Power), an energy solutions provider in the liberalised Singapore electricity market, recently announced the launch of Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution (IEMS) for buildings and businesses.

The first of its kind launched by an electricity retailer, Tuas Power Supply (a subsidiary of Tuas Power Generation), Tuas Power IEMS provides an integrated suite of solutions tailored for building owners and tenants to better manage their energy consumption. With Tuas Power IEMS, building owners and businesses get an overview of their energy statistics, cost savings, and at the same time ensure that the building remains green and sustainable for the future.

In line with Building and Construction Authority’s 3rd Green Building Masterplan, Tuas Power IEMS will pave the way for businesses to monitor their energy consumption online, allowing for better control over energy usage. Tuas Power IEMS will ensure that both building owners and tenants are accountable for their energy use, which will promote change in consumption habits and increase in energy efficiency. Usage patterns containing real-time data will easily be available and will help both parties understand their usage patterns and identify possible cost savings areas. Many renowned buildings and developers had embarked on this solution as part of ensuring their building remains green and sustainable for the future.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, Building and Construction Authority, was present at the launch as the Guest of Honour, and felt that Tuas Power’s latest initiative is a good step towards helping building owners manage costs and improve energy efficiency.

“The third Green Building Masterplan was developed to engage building tenants and occupants more actively to drive energy consumption behavioural change,” Dr. Keung said. “Tuas Power’s Integrated Energy Management Solution for buildings and businesses facilitates tenants to better understand their energy usage pattern, thereby empowering them to make better decisions and adopt greener practices.”

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

Together with Tuas Power’s consultation expertise, the IEMS will consist of three main areas: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App. With the AMR solution, businesses will be able to monitor their energy consumption through real-time, half- hourly data, allowing for better control over electricity usage.

Jointly developed with NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Tuas Power’s AMR solution automatically collects energy consumption data from electricity meters, and simultaneously transmits this data for accessing through the TPS AMR Portal. This enables building owners to identify areas to increase energy efficiency, which in turn works to achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

The Building Management Solution in Tuas Power IEMS is a way of ensuring good energy management. With proven track records of handling more than 630 buildings since 2003, Tuas Power has professional and in-house capabilities to handle the management of tenants’ electricity accounts, meters, billing and collection, electricity management duties, on behalf of landlords. The solution helps building owners manage and integrate their tenant’s electricity accounts in an organised and systematic approach.

Rounding up these solutions in a convenient way is the mobile CusCare App – designed to give users a quick overview of their energy spend on a digital platform. Using this app, data is condensed into simple charts and statistics, yielding insightful information about energy consumption patterns, and leaving room for building owners and tenants to make informed business decisions on conserving energy.

“In keeping with the Building and Construction Authority’s vision to establish a future-ready built environment for Singapore, Tuas Power is committed to energy sustainability and continually strives to develop solutions and adopt technologies to aid building owners, along with their respective tenants to manage electricity consumption. Our goal is to help all involved monitor their energy usage, and provide solutions to make sustainable energy a reality,” said Mr. Michael Wong, General Manager, Tuas Power Supply.

Rigel Opens S$35 Million New Headquarters and Innovation Centre

/in /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Homegrown green sanitation specialist Rigel Technology (S) Pte Ltd (Rigel) will pump in S$35 million into its new global headquarters and innovation centre at Changi Business Park – a move to boost business development in Indochina, South Asia and China.

Flushed with demand for high-tech, quality sanitation products in these countries, Rigel’s latest innovation centre is aimed at researching, testing and discovering new products. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art automation capabilities and test laboratories to fully support product innovation and quality manufacturing.

Founded in 1991, Rigel has since developed more than 200 new products through research and commands more than 50 percent of the local market share with majority of its work in the commercial sector. With the new innovation centre, Rigel seeks to expand its product offering by driving the development of 30 to 50 new and improved products per year. In order to support its expanding research development activities, the company also foresees a 40 percent increase in future hires of researchers and design engineers. Rigel also aims to increase its international market share via its existing hubs in Vietnam, India and China, which serve as stepping stones to emerging markets such as Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Screen Shot 2016-04-16 at 9.03.21 pm

Mr Ng gives Mr Heng a tour of the new product introduction centre in the new facility in Changi Business Park. Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

Finance Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat officially launched the new S$35 million facility at Changi Business Park this morning. The six-storey building, with 16,000 square metre of gross floor area, has been recognised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for its green features and design with the Green Mark Gold Award 2016.

Mr Christopher Ng Eng Seng, CEO of Rigel, commented, “Today marks a historic milestone for Rigel in our 25 years of success. The new global headquarters and innovation centre will enable us to establish a stronger presence within existing markets in the region, and will also strengthen our capabilities to better serve emerging markets in the Middle East and Latin America. This is part of Rigel’s ongoing commitment to provide sustainable and efficient green products, which translates into greater cost-savings for our customers.”

The Rigel Innovation Centre also houses a research and development (R&D) incubation room on the second level, to stimulate ideation and brainstorming. On the same level, there is a complete suite of semi-automatic manufacturing line and test labs for quality control of invented products before mass manufacturing.

At the opening ceremony, Rigel also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three companies for deals worth more than S$9 million cumulatively. Under these deals, Rigel will supply and deliver with its customer care programme to leading real-estate developers in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia respectively.

DSC_0674

Image courtesy of Rigel Technology.

To date, Rigel has completed a number of prominent local projects that include MediaCorp’s Mediapolis@One-North, National Gallery Singapore, Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, and Singapore Sports Hub, as well as regional projects such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, Tianjin Eco-City in China and Mall Plaza Egana in Chile.

Rigel’s products have attained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications at international level and the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme certification from the Public Utilities Board. Key products of Rigel’s R&D innovations include its proprietary LED hydro power faucets and showerheads, intelligent restroom systems that help to fine-tune settings on all Rigel sensor products, self-cleaning anti-bacteria sanitary ware and anti-bacterial rimless flush.

 

Trimble Introduces Three Enhanced Tekla Software Solutions

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 3 minutes
The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency.

The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency.

Trimble introduced today three new software versions of its Building Information Modeling (BIM) and analysis & design solutions for engineering and construction – Tekla Structures 2016, Tekla Structural Designer 2016 and Tekla Tedds 2016.

The solutions provide enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency for structural steel and precast concrete designers, detailers and fabricators, concrete contractors, general contractors and structural engineers.

Tekla Structures 2016: New User Interface and Advanced Information Utilisation
Tekla Structures, the most advanced BIM software, makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible. The new software version provides even more efficient modeling, allowing increased productivity by avoiding costly errors more easily in the fabrication and construction phases. The software is available and supported in 17 languages. Korean is also now available with this release.

The new Tekla Structures user interface offers a smooth user experience and shorter learning curve with several features that make modeling easier and accelerate the design process. The customisable menus and easily recognisable icons allow users to save time, improving modeling efficiency, while the consistent colours help them immediately spot what they are looking for in the models.

The new version also introduces more efficient utilisation of model information. Finding possible flaws during the design phase when they are simpler to fix compared to rework on the construction site can bring savings. Creating repetitive fabrication information, such as concrete covers for precast elements, can be automated for increased productivity. With Tekla Structures 2016, collaboration has become easier and more reliable with its advanced functionalities such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file change management.

Modelling made easy with Tekla.

Modelling made easy with Tekla.

When another discipline working on the construction project makes changes, Tekla Structures users can now see what has changed in the IFC reference model. In addition, visualisation and traceability improvements in Tekla Model Sharing leverage collaboration through sophisticated change management. The tool allows team members to work on the same model from any location or time zone to deliver projects faster and with more flexibility. The changes list allows for filtering and searching for specific ones.

“Many of the new features and improvements have been developed to address our customers’ requests. For example, drawing production is faster with functionality improvements and a 2D library that allows users to pick details for their drawings from a collection of ready-made 2D details, such as bolts, instead of drawing them. Reusing customer-specific 2D details saves even more time,” said Risto Räty, general manager of Trimble Buildings Structures Division.

Tekla Structural Designer 2016: Enhanced Collaboration
Tekla Structural Designer 2016 is an engineering tool for analyzing and designing buildings efficiently. The new version features major performance enhancements in both modeling and processing time when analysing and designing structures, and can now easily handle even larger and more demanding models.

The software release expands its seismic design capabilities with additional structural design and detailing checks for concrete structures to U.S. codes, enabling use in higher classified earthquake regions. Designing pad and strip foundations to a range of international codes within the same model environment is now possible.

The new version also allows design of steel and concrete buildings to Indian codes. Tekla Structural Designer 2016 joins open BIM workflows with IFC compatibility, enabling smoother processes and reduces manual work. The users can share and review their designs with other project disciplines even at a very early stage of the Design-Build-Operate (DBO) workflow.

Tekla Structures makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible.

Tekla Structures makes accurate, constructible modeling of any steel or concrete structure possible.

Tekla Tedds 2016: New Options and More Flexibility
The new version of Tekla Tedds – a solution for automating repetitive structural calculations – has been enhanced by providing additional features requested by its users. New options bring more flexibility and choices for the analysis and design of retaining walls, foundations and steel and concrete beams to both the U.S. building codes and Eurocodes.

The comprehensive calculations make work easy and fast, enabling users to avoid human errors when working with load combinations. Document templates that can be matched to company standards including custom layouts and logos save time and improve presentation.

Tekla Structures 2016, Tekla Structural Designer 2016 and Tekla Tedds 2016 are available now. To download, visit:

Tekla Structures:
www.teklastructures.com

Tekla Structural Designer:
http://url.tekla.com/TeklaStructuralDesigner2016DownloadNow

Tekla Tedds:
http://url.tekla.com/TeklaTedds2016DownloadNow

For more Information on Tekla software, visit www.tekla.com

Green Building Developments Gets Boost from Carrier Singapore’s and Toshiba’s Newest Variable Refrigerant Flow System

/in , , /by
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The SMMS-e is the next-gen model of the Toshiba VRF system.

The SMMS-e is the next-gen model of the Toshiba VRF system.

Carrier Singapore Pte Ltd. (Carrier Singapore) announced today the launch of the Toshiba Super Modular Multi System-e (SMMS-e), a next-generation variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system that combines industry-leading energy efficiency with expanded capacity loads and a smaller modular footprint.

 

The SMMS-e is the next gen model of the Toshiba VRF system and boasts a number of industry-leading system enhancements, including an expanded single outdoor unit capacity, as well as an expanded combination capacity.

 

An ideal system to support green building development, the SMMS is designed to help meet increased demand for high-efficiency building systems that use less energy and lower the overall carbon footprint of buildings. Driven by high-volume compressors and Toshiba’s high-performance inverter, the product is said to be one of the most energy efficient in the industry.

The SMMS-e has a single unit outdoor capacity of up to 22HP, which enables building owners to save on the footprint occupied by each system – with a reduced number of combined modular units necessary to obtain a high capacity.

Partial load performance for higher energy efficiency
SMMS-e is the only product in the heating, ventilating and cooling industry that has obtained a European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) of at least 7.0 for all available chassis options – both on a stand-alone and combination basis. It has also achieved one of the highest-class nominal efficiency ratios in the industry: 6.39 for EER with the 8HP module.

Incorporated in Toshiba’s new VRF system design are three cutting-edge technologies that deliver industry-leading energy-efficient performance:

  • Compressor: Application of a diamond-like carbon coating to the rotary vane of the DC twin rotary compressor successfully reduces friction and provides an expanded RPS range from 15RPS to 115RPS, while ensuring reliable operation.
  • Heat Exchanger: The new and enhanced heat exchanger design improves overall heat exchange efficiency by using a smaller tube diameter to reduce the pitch of the tubes, increasing the number of tube rows.
  • Accumulator: The new refrigerant system is designed with a modified outlet tube, which improves refrigerant circulation and capacity.

High-volume single outdoor unit modules rated as one of the industry’s best
Toshiba 3The expanded capacities on both the standalone (22HP) and combination bases (60HP) enable the reduction in the number of outdoor unit modules and the labour hours required for piping, wiring and hoisting of units onto the top of the building for installation.

Toshiba’s standalone model has one of the smallest footprints among models of the same class in the industry. The two-propeller fan system was newly developed for the SMMS-e to minimise noise.

 

 

 

 

Easier service and maintenance

A contactless communication unit offers ease of service and maintenance.

A contactless communication unit offers ease of service and maintenance.

The SMMS-e is the first system in the industry to include a contactless communication unit as its standard equipment offering, designed for ease of service and maintenance. The SMMS-e is compatible with near field communication, a protocol for contactless communication between devices and smartphones. The SMMS Wave Tool application can be downloaded from a dedicated website and installed on the smartphone.

During installation and service, customers can obtain service and maintenance data such as system configuration and error code history through this application without removing the front panel of the outdoor unit. This feature can be used even when the outdoor unit is not connected to a power source. The data obtained via the SMMS Wave Tool may be sent via e-mail, which facilitates communication between on-premise personnel and colleagues in the office.

Expanded Flexibility in Piping Design
toshiba 2With the SMMS-e, up to 18 units of8HP module indoor units can now be connected. When the SMMS-e modules are used in combination, the number of connectable indoor units is also improved to 64 units.

The SMMS-e also features improvements on maximum piping length; the maximum pipe length between the outdoor unit and the farthest indoor unit is increased to 235 metres, while the maximum height difference between the indoor and outdoor units is extended to 40 metres, both of which are best in the industry. The piping length from the first branch joint to the farthest indoor unit is also extended to up to 90 metres. These enhancements provide the utmost flexibility in design and installation.

Carrier Singapore distributes Toshiba air conditioning products in Singapore as part of a global alliance agreement between the two businesses. For more information, log on to www.carrier.com.sg.

Bentley’s EADOC capital project management offering set to help Carollo Engineers reduce construction management costs

/in , /by
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Carollo Engineers and Bentley Systems have announced that Carollo has chosen Bentley’s EADOC cloud-based construction management software as its corporate standard for capital project management. Carollo Engineers will standardise on EADOC across its construction services teams, bringing cost savings to all of its projects and eliminating the inefficiencies of managing multiple legacy systems.

 

EADOC helps you manage design and construction documents. Image courtesy of Bentley.

EADOC helps you manage design and construction documents. Image courtesy of Bentley.

As a long-standing user of EADOC, Carollo Engineers has firsthand knowledge of the solution’s ability to help manage risks, track construction documents and communications, and control costs for construction managers at engineering/construction management firms or infrastructure owner organisations.

 

By standardising its construction management process on EADOC, Carollo will further improve the management of its construction teams using an automated workflow and also improve control of project finances, including budget, funding sources, contracts, and change orders. In addition, the ability to effectively and consistently manage its contractual deliverables with a detailed electronic construction record and audit trail will provide Carollo with the accountability it needs to resolve disputes quickly and streamline project and program execution.

EADOC is being supplied to Carollo through a corporate-wide subscription that is available for all projects, users, data storage, and technical support. As a result, Carollo Engineers’ project teams no longer need to procure individual subscriptions for their projects, which will reduce administrative costs and enable the company to standardise its construction services throughout the organisation.

Carollo Engineers Vice President Michael Warriner said, “Bentley’s EADOC gives us a competitive advantage by helping us deliver better projects with less risk and at a lower cost. Our new subscription will streamline EADOC’s availability among our teams and eliminate the administration cost of managing multiple, project-based subscriptions. Standardising our construction project management practice through EADOC will take the benefits we’ve seen on individual projects and extend them across our organisation.”

It's now easier to manage contracts and mitigate project risks. Image courtesy of Bentley.

It’s now easier to manage contracts and mitigate project risks. Image courtesy of Bentley.

Eric Law, Bentley Systems senior director, product management, and EADOC founder, said, “We thank Carollo Engineers, a leader in water engineering, for selecting our EADOC system as its preferred construction management solution. Carollo’s management team recognises the tremendous benefits that EADOC brings to its entire construction services practice, and we welcome the opportunity to help it realise the full potential of that advantage in its delivery of benchmark-setting, high-quality projects.”

For additional information about Bentley’s EADOC, visit www.bentley.com/EADOC

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

/in , , /by
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

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.