Entry Details

Organization:MAICO GULF LLC
Login ID:Saurabh@maicogulf.com
Category applied for:HVAC TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR (ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Submission date:21-Oct-2024
Submission Entry:
1.) What transformation are you able to report as an HVAC technician?
  1. 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.)
  2. 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 an HVAC technician we are usually reports several transformations that align towards sustainable development program that much needed for future and next generations. Enhancing energy efficiency by optimizing energy efficient system HVAC systems. we can reduce energy consumption using i.e. VFD drive or EC motors or establishing sequency of operation or design to save energy & lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
We offer regular maintenance program that involves filter replacement / cleaning, replacing thermal efficient Duct insulation, performing operational test to ensure function of each component to prevent wastage of energy. sometimes we also convince our client to upgrade the equipment's like proposing smart thermostat, replacement of fans with EC motors etc.

Secondly, almost all HVAC system, particularly in cooling, use water. Implementing systems like cooling towers with efficient water management practices can reduce overall water use, addressing the embedded energy associated with water production and treatment. We think that by focusing above areas improve the overall energy efficiency of HVAC systems, which benefits both the environment and the customer's energy bills.

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: To achieve the 1.5 goal, we believe that best approach is to educate team with right direction. In which we can offer O&M training to facility team / client /owners with best strategies to reduce energy consumption like upgrading the systems optimizing smart Control or Automation (smart sensors that works based on occupancy and heat load monitoring), Retro Commissioning to ensure the system peak efficiency and improve overall performance of system. Establishing metrics to trac energy consumption and indoor air quality.

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: At one of the projects, we have replaced ventilation system with EC motors and some fan we have offered with VFD drive motors to reduce power consumption almost 5-10%. Another case where we have modified sequence of operation using Automaton technology, in that some limited fans will work to meet specific ventilation criteria instead all fan in whole Car park area. These operational strategies involved with selecting the location of CO sensors and reducing the fan qty based on the CFD analysis.

4.) Have you resolved any perpetual design-related HVAC complaint from a tenant in the past one year? If so, how? (105)

Answer: NO

5.) How do you respond when asked to recharge an air conditioning system? What specific steps or procedures do you adhere to? (106)

Answer: We are dealing often with ventilation products not air conditioning.

6.) What HSE protocols do you adhere to when handling refrigerants? (107)

Answer: As we learnt in engineering, PPE, Proper training, GAs Leak detection monitoring, maintaining ventilation, storage and disposal instruction must be followed while handling refrigerants. Also, we recommend establishing emergency response plan in case of refrigerant leaks, including evacuation procedure.

7.) Describe general and site-specific training you have received in the past one year? (108)

Answer: General Training
Refrigerant Management Covered the latest regulations and best practices for handling and disposing of refrigerants, including safety protocols and environmental impacts.

Energy Efficiency Practices: Focused on strategies to improve energy efficiency in HVAC systems, including advanced control systems and sustainable technologies.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Provided insights into maintaining good IAQ, including the importance of ventilation, filtration, and humidity control.

Health and Safety Standards: Reviewed general workplace safety practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response procedures.

Site-Specific Training

System Specifics: Training on the unique HVAC systems present at our facilities, including specific models, components, and controls used in our operations.
Emergency Procedures: Detailed instructions on site-specific emergency response protocols, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts. Equipment Handling: Hands-on training on safely operating and maintaining specific equipment used at the site, ventilation fans.
Environmental Compliance: Site-specific training on local regulations

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 i faced with a situation involving a Building Management System (BMS) or any equipment that requires extensive repair, upgrade, or modifications, I typically follow these steps:

1. Assessment
Evaluate the Situation
Gather Data

2. Communication
Communicate with relevant stakeholders, including facility managers, engineers, and maintenance teams, to discuss findings and gather additional insights. Clearly communicate the potential impact on operations, timelines, and any immediate actions required.

3. Develop a Plan
Analyze whether repairs are sufficient or if an upgrade or modification would provide better long-term benefits. Prepare a cost-benefit analysis to justify the proposed actions, considering factors like energy savings, reliability,

4. Documentation -- Update Document all findings, decisions made, work performed, and changes to maintenance schedules to maintain accurate records for future reference.

5.Feedback Loop -
Continuous Improvement: Use insights gained from the experience to inform future maintenance strategies and training.

9.) Describe your exposure to AI and IoT in building assets where you are tasked to operate and maintain. (110)

Answer: My exposure to AI and IoT in building assets has significantly influenced my approach to operations and maintenance.

Utilized AI algorithms to analyze energy consumption patterns, leading to optimized energy use and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements. One of the sites complain that we received about fan efficiently and maintains NC level of building we have used AI that is CFD analysis to improved existing installation of fan and ducting system. Attached.

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: NO

11.) Have you recommended additional columns to O&M logs through any unique situations you might have encountered? (112)

Answer: Yes, I have recommended additional columns for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) logs based on unique situations I encountered. Here are some examples of the enhancements I suggested:

1. Energy Consumption Data
2. Equipment Performance Metrics
3. Root Cause Analysis
4. Action Taken
5. Training Notes

Supporting documents:
References:CCAUAE2416 || saurabh@maicogulf.com

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