Entry Details
| Organization: | South Energy DWC |
| Login ID: | Islam.husain |
| Category applied for: | HVAC TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR (ENERGY EFFICIENCY) |
| Submission date: | 25-Oct-2024 |
| Submission Entry: | 1.) What transformation are you able to report as an HVAC technician?Answer: Yes, my sense of responsibility towards sustainable development extends beyond just focusing on energy efficiency. I also consider other key areas such as water use optimization and maintaining Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in my work. 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 goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C has significantly influenced my approach to HVAC system operation and maintenance (O&M). I have optimized chiller performance by identifying and rectifying issues to ensure efficient operation. During daily operations, I continuously monitor the performance of individual equipment, informing higher authorities when servicing is needed and switching to more efficient units as necessary. I maintain high standards of maintenance for all equipment, including thorough cleaning, precise calibration, timely replacement of parts, and charging refrigerants according to standards. 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 was part of the implementation team that conducted an energy management program for a building network over the past year. the key challenge was an additional 500 m3/h of excess flow in the chilled water system, which was leading to significant energy inefficiencies. As part of the team, I played an active role in identifying the root cause of this excess flow. We thoroughly inspected the entire chilled water network, including valve chambers, valve pits, and isolation valves. we found chilled water leakages, bypassed flow, and passing valves. we worked to rectify the problems by repairing the leaks, rerouting the chilled water supply, and minimizing bypass and passing. These efforts resulted in a reduction of the excess flow, decreasing it from 500 to 300 m3/h. This optimization has not only contributed to significant energy but has also reduced the building's carbon footprint. 4.) Have you resolved any perpetual design-related HVAC complaint from a tenant in the past one year? If so, how? (105)Answer: Yes, we had ongoing cooling complaints from some areas in the building, particularly on the third floor. After investigating the issue, we discovered that the Air Handling Units (AHUs) were not receiving enough chilled water flow. Upon investigation, we found that the differential pressure (DP) switch controlling the chilled water pump was in the basement. This lower-level DP switch setting caused the pump to operate at insufficient speed, failing to deliver the required flow to the higher floors. To resolve this, we disabled the basement DP switch and activated the third-floor DP switch, allowing the pump to adjust its speed based on the demand from the upper floors. This solution restored proper chilled water flow, resolved the cooling issue, and improved the system’s overall efficiency. 5.) How do you respond when asked to recharge an air conditioning system? What specific steps or procedures do you adhere to? (106)Answer: My first step is to assess whether recharging is necessary by inspecting the system for potential leaks or issues that could be causing the refrigerant loss. If a leak is identified, I follow proper procedures to repair it before proceeding with recharging. If refrigerant is still present, I first recover it using proper recovery procedures. After repairs, I perform pressure testing to ensure the system is leak-free, followed by a deep vacuum to remove moisture and air from the system. I add the exact design weight and closely monitor the pressure, temperature and amps readings throughout the process to ensure the system operates within optimal parameters. 6.) What HSE protocols do you adhere to when handling refrigerants? (107)Answer: I always focus on safety and follow the rules when working with refrigerants. I make sure to wear the PPE, work in areas with good airflow, and use accurate tools to check for leaks. I also handle and store refrigerants carefully. By doing this, I work safely with refrigerants, reduce risks, and help protect both myself and the environment. 7.) Describe general and site-specific training you have received in the past one year? (108)Answer: I received training related to the newly developed Siemens energy saving automation control system which installed at our district cooling plant. This training focused on understanding the fully automated operation of the plant, including the default parameters used to start and stop the plant. I learned about the sequence of operations and how the system responds to alarms, as well as the procedures for resetting alarms when necessary. Additionally, the training covered how to manually operate the system in case of any issues, ensuring that I am equipped to handle various operational scenarios effectively. This training has greatly enhanced my ability to manage the plant's automated processes and respond to potential challenges. 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 Building Management System (BMS), Chiller Plant Manager, or any equipment that requires extensive repair, upgrade, or modifications, my priority is to maintain the supply temperature for the client. I ensure that, if possible, alternate systems are run, or I operate within safe parameters to prevent any breakdowns. If I encounter minor faults that I can address, I properly isolate the issue, inform management, and rectify the problem to ensure continued operation. As a member of the maintenance team, I strive to repair equipment using the best methods and tools available, adhering to standard procedures and utilizing appropriate spare parts. I prioritize replacing components that have reached the end of their lifespan or exhibit recurring issues that could lead to significant breakdowns or leaks. By taking these proactive measures, I ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently. 9.) Describe your exposure to AI and IoT in building assets where you are tasked to operate and maintain. (110)Answer: I have exposure to JCI and Siemens energy-saving automation systems, which are connected to the internet and leverage IoT technology to enhance the operation and maintenance of building assets. These systems enable us to monitor and manage critical components such as condenser water pumps and cooling tower fans, which require special attention to operate efficiently under different weather conditions. The integration of IoT tools allows the system to learn from data and make informed decisions about operational parameters, optimizing plant efficiency. This capability not only improves performance but also contributes to energy savings and overall sustainability in our building management practices. 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: In the past year, none of the buildings under my responsibility have secured a Green Building certification. However, my company is deeply committed to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which is reaffirmed through the foundation of South Energy. This commitment underscores our dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency, aligning with the broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. 11.) Have you recommended additional columns to O&M logs through any unique situations you might have encountered? (112)Answer: I developed dynamic and user-friendly Plant Preventive Maintenance planner (PPM) that adapts to varying manpower and allows efficient scheduling and execution of maintenance tasks. |
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| References: | CCAUAE2416 || Muhammad.Islam@southenergy.ae |