Entry Details
| Organization: | Black & White Engineering |
| Login ID: | 47fazil |
| Category applied for: | YOUNG HVAC CONSULTING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR |
| Submission date: | 06-Oct-2024 |
| Submission Entry: | 1.) 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 your design development strategies? What specific design or equipment/controls selection changes have you incorporated in your designs in order to support the 1.5 goal? (241)Answer: I focus on sustainability in the data center sector, where energy consumption is high and growing due to AI. To support the 1.5°C goal, I prioritize energy-efficient designs, including chillers with variable-speed compressors and pumps, and the use of variable primary pumping systems for better energy performance. 2.) Describe what building performance parameters you would like to study or observe, if given an opportunity to visit a project that you worked on, as part of a team or as an individual consultant. And why? (This is beyond the Defects Liability Period and could span the lifetime of the project.) (242)Answer: If given the opportunity, I would focus on observing district cooling projects, particularly in areas where future developments are expected to connect to the cooling network. Currently, many design decisions are based on assumptions regarding future buildings and their daily thermal load profiles. Since most district cooling projects are for undeveloped areas, the actual performance of the cooling network in real-world conditions is often unknown until later stages. 3.) In the past one year, how have you applied AI/IoT in projects you are given an opportunity to work on? What technological initiatives have you brought to bear as an individual and as a member of a team of engineering consultants? (243)Answer: In the past year, I have applied AI and IoT technologies to optimize energy consumption in data center projects. By integrating AI-powered Building Management Systems (BMS), I enabled real-time, intelligent control over cooling systems, based on factors such as server load, ambient weather, and historical energy data. This approach ensures efficient cooling while minimizing energy waste, especially during periods of fluctuating IT load. I also implemented AI-driven predictive maintenance for critical data center equipment, such as chillers and pumps. IoT sensors monitor system performance continuously, detecting potential faults early. This allows for timely maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing overall reliability—crucial in data centers where uptime is paramount. Additionally, AI has been used to optimize airflow and temperature control within data halls, adjusting cooling based on real-time heat loads. These initiatives have helped reduce energy consumption, improve cooling efficiency, and contribute to more sustainable data center operations. 4.) In the past one year, what percentage of your design projects have secured a Green Building certification? And under which rating systems and at what levels of certification? (244)Answer: In the past year, 100% of my data center design projects have secured Green Building certification, with all of them achieving LEED Certified. These certifications reflect our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, particularly in an energy-intensive sector like data centers. 5.) In the past one year, how much carbon emission reduction has been achieved by the projects that you have designed? (245)Answer: In the past year, the data center projects I’ve designed have collectively achieved an estimated carbon emission reduction of 15-20%. This reduction was accomplished by implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, such as variable-speed chillers and free cooling solutions and optimizing airflow management. Additionally, we integrated renewable energy sources and low-GWP refrigerants to further minimize the carbon footprint. These strategies, coupled with smart building controls, have significantly reduced energy consumption, contributing to a lower operational carbon footprint and aligning with global sustainability goals, including the 1.5°C climate target. |
| Supporting documents: | none |
| References: | CCAUAE2430 || MFazil@bw-engineering.com |