| Submission Entry: | 1.) What transformation are you able to report as an HVAC technician?
- Is your sense of responsibility towards sustainable development as an individual radiating beyond your specific focus on energy efficiency, considering that sustainable development also includes water use optimisation (embedded energy), better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), etc.)
- Have you established or strengthened your individual approach towards addressing the bigger picture (of helping in the effort to limiting global rise in temperature or improvement in IEQ, etc.) and working in an interconnected manner with other stakeholders?
(102)Answer: As Armstrong Fluid Technology’s Service Engineer (MEA), my goal is to leverage our cutting-edge Design Envelope pump technology to unlock energy savings in chilled water systems and efficiently solve customer problems. This involves optimizing plant energy consumption through several key steps.
Firstly, during start-up and commissioning, the use of real-time flow data ensures the system operates efficiently from the outset. This allows me to then adjust the pumps to meet the building's actual demand, rather than relying on theoretical design parameters. This reduces energy wastage by ensuring pumps operate only at the required levels, minimizing energy consumption without compromising performance. This approach also prevents sizing issues, leading to cost and energy savings.
Secondly, continuous monitoring via our cloud-based Active Performance Management™ platform, Pump Manager, is key to maintaining long-term efficiency. The system tracks performance in real-time, allowing me to detect energy drift and any deviations from optimal efficiency. This proactive approach also helps prevent inefficiencies from creeping in over time, ensuring sustained energy savings.
It also supports predictive maintenance, allowing us to pinpoint when maintenance is needed before issues arise and preventing unexpected downtime. This not only improves reliability but also extends the life of the equipment, further reducing costs.
As buildings increasingly demand smarter, more connected solutions, digital technologies like Pump Manager are transforming how we deliver energy efficiency. By applying this approach and integrating advanced tools into my daily workflow, I can proactively enhance the client experience while maintaining system efficiency.
2.) Given that buildings consume 40% of global energy, within which at least 40% is consumed by HVAC systems, how has the goal of 1.5 C additionally impacted you personally in terms of HVAC system O&M strategies? What specific changes have you suggested incorporating in your O&M in order to support the 1.5 goal? (103)Answer: The 1.5°C goal has driven me to prioritize sustainability and energy optimization in HVAC system design and management. Some changes I’ve suggested to support this goal include: ● High-efficiency equipment: I encourage transitioning to variable-speed pumps and advanced heat exchangers to maximize efficiency. ● Demand-based commissioning: I promote commissioning based on real-time demand, aligning HVAC operations with actual building needs to reduce unnecessary energy use. ● Advanced automation: I advocate for smart HVAC controls for real-time adjustments, and emphasize predictive maintenance to prevent failures and extend equipment life. ● Energy audits: Regular energy audits and continuous monitoring help maintain peak system efficiency. ● Low-GWP refrigerants: I encourage the use of refrigerants with lower GWP to reduce environmental impact. ● Chilled water optimization: Incorporating variable-flow technology ensures chilled water circulation matches cooling demands, improving the delta T. These strategies contribute to the 1.5°C target while reducing costs and improving system reliability.
3.) Have you been part of any implementation team that has conducted an energy management programme in a building in the past one year? What percentage reduction in energy consumption and carbon emission did the building achieve? What specific tasks did you carry out towards the outcomes? (104)Answer: Yes, I have been part of an implementation team that conducted an energy management program in commercial buildings, hotels, schools, and malls this past year. My tasks included:
Energy audits: To identify inefficiencies and establish baselines for energy consumption, guiding our energy-saving targets.
Retrofitting: I oversaw the replacement of outdated HVAC equipment with high-efficiency systems and variable-speed drives.
Optimized commissioning: I led demand-based commissioning, adjusting HVAC operations to actual building conditions rather than theoretical loads, resulting in significant energy savings.
Smart controls: I implemented advanced automation systems, optimizing HVAC performance based on real-time occupancy and environmental data. Continuous monitoring: I installed Pump Manager to track energy use, and detect drift.
Predictive maintenance: I also set up predictive maintenance protocols to prevent inefficiencies and extend equipment life. These projects achieved a 30-45% reduction in pumping energy consumption and a proportional decrease in carbon emissions while improving system reliability and occupant comfort.
4.) Have you resolved any perpetual design-related HVAC complaint from a tenant in the past one year? If so, how? (105)Answer: Yes, I resolved design-related HVAC complaints in the past year through optimized smart commissioning. Instead of relying on design loads, we tailored the system to the building's actual operating conditions and usage patterns. A common issue involved oversized pump heads, which can lead to excessive flow through heat exchangers, resulting in a low delta T and penalties from district cooling providers. In this scenario, achieving the correct delta T by adjusting the flow to meet building needs is crucial. By adjusting the flow to meet the building's real needs, in some cases, we improved the delta T from 3°C to 6.5°C.
Another key factor in addressing these issues was adjusting the pump's operating curve to match actual building demand, particularly in remote areas. By leveraging smart, intelligent technology, we were able to overcome many design-related challenges and optimize system performance.
5.) How do you respond when asked to recharge an air conditioning system? What specific steps or procedures do you adhere to? (106)Answer: Although Armstrong focuses on pumps rather than air conditioning systems, my broad experience allows me to handle AC recharging when needed. When asked to recharge an air conditioning system, I follow a structured approach to ensure safety and efficiency.
Initial inspection: I first check whether the system actually requires refrigerant by inspecting for leaks and evaluating system performance, including airflow, compressor function, and refrigerant pressure. ● Correct refrigerant type: I ensure the proper refrigerant is used according to manufacturer specifications and calculate the correct charge based on system size and conditions. ● Environmental considerations: I prioritize refrigerants with low GWP and adhere to environmental regulations. ● Recharging procedure: After turning off the power and connecting gauges, I purge air from the hoses and slowly add refrigerant, monitoring system operations throughout. ● Post-charge inspection: Finally, I recheck for leaks, test system performance, and document the charge amount, disposing of waste properly.
6.) What HSE protocols do you adhere to when handling refrigerants? (107)Answer: When handling refrigerants, adhering to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocols is crucial to protect myself, others, and the environment. Below are the key HSE protocols I follow:
● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): I always wear appropriate PPE, to prevent exposure to refrigerants.
● Safe handling and storage: I handle refrigerants with care, ensuring they are stored under the correct conditions and clearly labeled to avoid accidents.
● Proper disposal: Used refrigerants and contaminated components are disposed of through certified disposal services or recycling facilities to minimize environmental impact.
● First aid: I ensure that I am familiar with the most up-to-date first aid procedures in case of accidental exposure to refrigerants, including how to treat refrigerant burns, inhalation issues, or frostbite.
● Ongoing safety training: I regularly participate in safety training to stay updated on the latest refrigerant handling techniques, regulations, and HSE protocols.
7.) Describe general and site-specific training you have received in the past one year? (108)Answer: Over the past year, I’ve attended several webinars from Armstrong’s Webinar Library, focusing on key topics like energy efficiency and HVAC optimization. These sessions included ‘Roadmap to Energy Upgrades’, ‘HVAC Retrofit Best Practices for Energy Savings and Financial Returns’, and ‘HVAC Problem Diagnosis and Resolution – A Re-enactment’.
I also gained insights into IoT solutions through ‘The Previously Hidden Potential of Connectivity’ and learned about extending equipment life and ensuring tenant comfort with ‘Save Energy, Extend Equipment Life and Assure Tenant Comfort Through Modern Condenser Water Pumping’.
In addition to receiving training, I also conduct regular training sessions for distributors and clients, sharing best practices and technical knowledge to help them optimize their HVAC systems and maximize energy savings.
8.) What do you do when confronted with a BMS/Chiller Plant Manager or any equipment that might require extensive repair/upgrade/ modifications? (109)Answer: When confronted with a BMS, Chiller Plant Manager, or equipment requiring extensive repair or upgrades, I follow a structured approach to minimize downtime and better manage building demand.
Firstly, I begin with an initial assessment to identify the root cause of the issue. The next immediate step is to operate the plant manually, following a sequence to minimize system downtime. I then consult with equipment operators on recurring problems and performance concerns. I also verify that all areas of the building are receiving adequate cooling.
I then inform facility management about the findings, detailing potential risks if left unaddressed, before analyzing historical data to detect inefficiencies and, if needed, adjust pump operating curves and sequencing.
I continue to monitor performance and make necessary adjustments then, once stable, I submit a detailed report to management. Finally, I develop an action plan for necessary system repairs, upgrades, or modifications.
9.) Describe your exposure to AI and IoT in building assets where you are tasked to operate and maintain. (110)Answer: I currently use Pump Manager, a cloud-based Active Performance Management™ service that significantly enhances my ability to address site issues remotely and prevent system downtime. It helps manage pump performance by providing system-level insights based on flow information.
Key features include:
● Real-time operational data
● Time-stamped performance profiles
● Real-time energy and carbon savings
● Alerts, alarms, and warnings
● Vibration analytics for early detection of potential issues.
● Monthly reporting with comprehensive summaries of system performance.
Pump Manager's built-in asset management capabilities allow for complete lifecycle management, improving response speed and expediting equipment’s return to service.
10.) In the past one year, has any building under your responsibility secured a Green Building certification? If so, under which rating systems and at what level of certification? (111)Answer: I am not aware if I have directly managed any buildings that secured a Green Building certification in the past year, as this is typically handled by the client.
However, I can provide detailed information about our products to support their application via TM65 certification. TM65 offers a high-level methodology for calculating embodied carbon across the key lifecycle stages of a product: manufacturing, operational, and end-of-life. This helps energy managers to assess the environmental impact of building materials and HVAC processes more effectively.
11.) Have you recommended additional columns to O&M logs through any unique situations you might have encountered? (112)Answer: Yes, I have worked with various stakeholders to emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance for the system.
For example, we introduced a motor-specific ‘Grease Interval’ to ensure timely lubrication based on motor requirements.
We also implemented Pump Manager, an Active Performance Management™ tool that provides real-time alerts for critical functions, including vibration levels and motor overload situations.
Additionally, I recommended adding ‘Filter Replacement Intervals’ to the logs to ensure regular maintenance and optimal system performance.
Lastly, a column for verifying the ‘NRV (Non-Return Valve)’ function on every pump weekly, which is crucial for maintaining system integrity.
These enhancements to the O&M logs have improved our preventive maintenance strategy and overall equipment reliability.
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