| Submission Entry: | 1.) What systemic transformation are you able to report as an O&M provider for chilled water systems?
- Is your sense of responsibility towards sustainable development radiating beyond the specific area of focus of your organisation? (Sustainable development includes energy efficiency, water use optimisation, etc.)
- Have you established or strengthened your company policy towards addressing the bigger picture (of helping in the effort to limiting global rise in temperature, etc.) and working in an interconnected manner with other stakeholders?
(51)Answer: As a leading O&M provider for chilled water systems, our company has undergone significant systemic transformations, aligning our operations with sustainable development goals that extend beyond our immediate scope. Our commitment to energy efficiency, water use optimization, and overall environmental responsibility has driven us to implement innovative solutions that not only enhance our service delivery but also contribute to the global effort of limiting temperature rise.
We've established and strengthened our company policy to prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our operations. This includes the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, such as advanced control systems that optimize chiller plant performance, resulting in substantial energy savings. Additionally, our water management practices have been enhanced through the integration of real-time monitoring and recycling systems, significantly reducing water waste and conserving vital resources.
Our approach to sustainability is holistic and interconnected. We actively collaborate with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and the communities we serve, to drive collective action toward environmental goals. This collaboration ensures that our initiatives are aligned with broader sustainability efforts and that we contribute to a larger impact.
Moreover, we've cultivated an organizational culture that embraces sustainability as a core value. Through continuous training and awareness programs, we empower our team to integrate sustainable practices into their daily operations. This cultural shift not only improves our operational efficiency but also reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that our contributions extend well beyond our immediate operations.
2.) What strategies have you adopted to achieve maximum level of system performance while respecting chiller flow, temperature limits and occupant comfort? (52)Answer: To achieve maximum system performance while respecting chiller flow, temperature limits, and occupant comfort, we’ve implemented a range of advanced strategies.
First, we utilize predictive analytics and real-time monitoring to optimize chiller plant operations, ensuring precise control over temperature and flow rates. By employing variable frequency drives (VFDs) on pumps and chillers, we maintain optimal flow while minimizing energy consumption.
We’ve also integrated adaptive control algorithms that automatically adjust settings based on real-time data, balancing system efficiency with occupant comfort. These algorithms are crucial in maintaining stable temperatures and consistent comfort levels, even during peak demand.
Furthermore, regular maintenance schedules and performance audits are conducted to ensure that all components operate within design specifications. This proactive approach not only enhances system reliability but also extends equipment lifespan, contributing to sustained high performance and energy efficiency
3.) What measures have you taken to ensure accurate cooling tower control and an optimised total system energy approach, which are seen as essential in an efficient chiller plant? (53)Answer: To ensure accurate cooling tower control and an optimized total system energy approach, we’ve implemented several key measures.
We use advanced control systems that continuously monitor and adjust cooling tower operations based on real-time data, including ambient temperature, humidity, and system load. This allows precise control of fan speeds, water flow, and temperature setpoints, ensuring optimal heat rejection with minimal energy use.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are integrated into cooling tower fans to adjust speed according to cooling demand, significantly reducing energy consumption. Additionally, our water treatment program plays a critical role by maintaining optimal thermal performance. By preventing scaling, fouling, and corrosion, the treatment ensures efficient heat transfer and protects system integrity.
Regular performance assessments and energy audits fine-tune operations, ensuring all components work harmoniously for maximum efficiency. This holistic approach optimizes energy use and water management across the entire chiller plant.
4.) What water treatment protocols have you followed to ensure that the discharge does not contaminate surface and ground waters? What do you do to prevent direct aspiration into the atmosphere, which could be inhaled by people that are exposed to the mist created by cooling tower drift? (54)Answer: We follow stringent water treatment protocols to ensure that discharge from our systems does not contaminate surface or groundwater. Our approach includes using environmentally safe chemicals and advanced filtration systems to treat water before discharge, ensuring it meets all regulatory standards for pollutants and pH levels. We also conduct regular water quality testing to monitor compliance and prevent any harmful discharge.
To prevent direct aspiration into the atmosphere and reduce the risk of inhalation from cooling tower drift, we employ drift eliminators in our cooling towers. These devices capture and minimize water droplets, significantly reducing the amount of mist released into the air. Additionally, we maintain optimal water treatment practices to minimize the formation of aerosols that could carry contaminants. Regular maintenance and monitoring ensure that our cooling towers operate safely, protecting both public health and the environment.
5.) How have you prevented a solution from becoming a problem? For instance, VFDs have been known to cause high-frequency voltage spikes in the motor windings. What do you do to anticipate such situations and other similar situations to give comprehensive and lasting solutions, as opposed to inadvertently creating vulnerabilities? (55)Answer: To prevent solutions from becoming problems, we proactively address potential risks associated with advanced technologies like VFDs. Recognizing that VFDs can cause high-frequency voltage spikes in motor windings, we implement surge protection devices and filters to mitigate these effects. This protects motor integrity and ensures long-term reliability.
We also use high-quality, insulated motor cables designed to handle the specific demands of VFDs, further reducing the risk of voltage spikes. Additionally, our systems are equipped with monitoring tools that continuously assess motor performance, allowing us to detect and address issues before they escalate.
Beyond VFDs, we apply a similar foresight across all aspects of our operations. Regular risk assessments and predictive maintenance schedules help us anticipate and resolve potential vulnerabilities. By combining advanced technology with proactive management, we ensure that our solutions are comprehensive, lasting, and free from unintended consequences.
6.) What retro-commissioning projects have you handled to improve the chiller’s kW/ton performance? (56)Answer: We have successfully managed several retro-commissioning projects aimed at improving chiller kW/ton performance. One notable project involved upgrading an aging chiller plant by implementing advanced control strategies and optimizing system operations. We installed modern control systems that allow for precise temperature and flow management, significantly improving energy efficiency.
As part of the retro-commissioning process, we also recalibrated sensors, adjusted setpoints, and optimized the sequencing of chillers and pumps to ensure they operate at peak efficiency. Additionally, we integrated variable frequency drives (VFDs) into the system, which allowed us to match chiller output to real-time cooling demand, further enhancing kW/ton performance.
These improvements were validated through rigorous performance testing, which showed a substantial reduction in energy consumption per ton of cooling. The result was a more efficient, reliable chiller plant that delivers consistent performance and significant energy savings.
7.) What steps have you taken to ensure the cleanliness of heat transfer surfaces? What improvements in plant performance are you able to report through your interventions? (57)Answer: To ensure the cleanliness of heat transfer surfaces, we’ve implemented a comprehensive maintenance and cleaning program. This includes regular inspections and the use of advanced cleaning technologies such as chemical cleaning solutions and mechanical brushes to remove scale, dirt, and biofilm from heat exchangers and cooling coils.
We employ automated monitoring systems to track the performance of heat transfer surfaces and detect early signs of fouling or degradation. This proactive approach allows us to schedule cleaning interventions before performance is significantly impacted.
Our interventions have led to notable improvements in plant performance. Clean heat transfer surfaces have enhanced heat exchange efficiency, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced operational costs. Additionally, the increased efficiency contributes to more stable system performance and extended equipment lifespan, ultimately improving overall plant reliability and effectiveness
|