Entry Details

Organization:SKM Airconditioning LLC
Login ID:shahalam.adam@skmaircon.com
Category applied for:MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR (CHILLED WATER SYSTEM EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS, LESS CHILLERS)
Submission date:28-Oct-2024
Submission Entry:
1.) Digitalisation and inverterisation represent two relatively recent developments, amongst others (you are at liberty to invoke as many such relevant developments as you wish). As a manufacturer or supplier of HVACR equipment, what is the true measure of impact of such developments on such aspirations/outcomes as better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (63)

Answer: As a supplier of LEO chilled water pumps, incorporating digitalization and invertization has had a significant impact on energy efficiency, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and the reliability of process cooling. Here’s how these innovations create tangible benefits:
• Energy Efficiency: With digital controls and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), our pumps adjust power output based on actual demand, eliminating unnecessary energy waste.
• For example, a conventional IE3 motor at 91% efficiency requires 32.97 kW of adjusted power to provide 30 kW of output. This results in an annual energy consumption of approximately 144,420 kWh.
• By upgrading to an IE5 motor with VFD (96% efficiency), adjusted power is only 31.25 kW. Using VFD technology to reduce the motor speed by 40% during off-peak hours lowers energy usage drastically. Over a year, the IE5 motor with VFD consumes around 105,763 kWh, saving 38,657 kWh annually, or 386,571 kWh over ten years—a 26.8% reduction in energy consumption.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): With lower energy consumption and maintenance needs, digitalization and invertization reduce TCO significantly.
• Over ten years, the operating cost of an IE3 motor would be approximately AED 433,261.8, plus AED 25,000 for maintenance, totaling AED 458,261.8.
• The IE5 motor with VFD, however, incurs only AED 317,290.5 in operating costs and AED 12,500 in maintenance, totaling AED 329,790.5. This shift yields AED 128,471.3 in TCO savings over ten years—a 28% reduction.
• Enhanced Process Cooling Reliability: For facilities like Building segment, data centers or industrial plants, where consistent cooling is critical, digitalization allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of pump performance. This reduces the risk of overheating, minimizes downtime, and extends equipment life, ensuring robust cooling even under variable loads. Additionally, the integration of IoT-enabled sensors enables predictive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of sudden failures.
• Environmental and Sustainability Benefits:
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: By cutting energy consumption by 26.8%, the carbon emissions associated with energy production are significantly reduced, supporting sustainability goals. Over ten years, the energy saved is roughly equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of about 30 passenger cars.
• Practical ROI through Digitalization:
• Data-Driven Decisions: Access to real-time and historical data allows facilities teams to optimize pump performance continuously, leading to better efficiency and reliability. Insights from digitalized monitoring make it easier to plan upgrades or adjustments, saving on operational costs and enhancing asset management.
• In real terms, these savings mean an organization can redirect funds initially allocated for excessive energy use and maintenance into other critical areas, improving both operational efficiency and environmental impact. By investing in IE5 motors with VFDs and digitalization, LEO Pumps offers chilled water pump solutions that meet modern efficiency standards, support cost-effective operation, and enhance process reliability across various industries.


2.) Aftermarket operational/lifecycle/performance data have become an integral part of continuous improvement in the HVACR industry. As a manufacturer or supplier, what is the data that you collect/track, and what is your approach to that data? How do you collect/track that data? How do you validate them? How do you use the data? And what is your approach to analysing the data in ensuring that your interpretation and subsequent data-based action are able to improve such aspirations/outcomes as better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (64)

Answer: To enhance energy efficiency and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as a pump supplier, we have developed a comprehensive system for collecting, tracking, validating, and analyzing data. Below is a detailed outline of our methodology:
• 1. Data Collection and Tracking
• LEO Chilled Water Pumps are equipped with IoT sensors that continuously monitor and collect data on key parameters. We use IoT-Enabled Sensors to collect following data
• Flow rate
• Pressure levels
• Energy consumption
• Operating temperature
• Vibration patterns
• This above data collected is then transmitted to a cloud-based platform, where it is stored and made accessible for analysis by our technical team and customers.
• Data thus collected from all sensors is synced to the building BMS system at regular intervals (e.g., every minute or hour), ensuring we have the latest performance metrics.
• Our field technicians and engineers can access real-time data through mobile applications, allowing for immediate decision-making and action.
• 2. Data Validation
• IoT sensors are calibrated automatically at regular intervals to ensure accurate readings. Calibration routines are embedded in the sensors' firmware.
• The system includes algorithms that check for anomalies or inconsistencies in the data (e.g., outlier detection). If any irregularities are detected, alerts are generated for further investigation.
• Manual Verification
• Regular Field Audits: Our field engineers conduct periodic manual checks of sensor data against handheld measurement tools (e.g., flow meters and pressure gauges) to validate the accuracy of the IoT data.
3. Data Usage
• Energy Usage Reports: We analyze collected data to create detailed reports for customers that highlight energy consumption trends, inefficiencies, and recommendations for optimization.
• Maintenance Alerts: The data helps in generating alerts for scheduled maintenance or when certain thresholds (e.g., increased vibration) are exceeded, ensuring preventive measures are taken to avoid costly downtime.
• Customer Dashboards: Customers have access to dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs), allowing them to track their pump performance in real time.
• Actionable Insights: Regularly scheduled meetings with clients include discussions on data findings, potential optimizations, and actionable recommendations.
• 4. Data Analysis and Interpretation
• From IoT real-time dashboards and predictive analytics to monitor performance we identify inefficiencies, and trigger proactive maintenance alerts. This data-driven approach enhances energy efficiency and reduces Total Cost of Ownership, resulting in operational savings and improved customer satisfaction.
For after-market support, we have a solid team of qualified technicians and engineers ready to assist. Additionally, our showrooms and trading division, located both within and outside the UAE, cater to the needs of our valued customers by providing spare parts whenever necessary.

Outcomes and Impact
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Through ongoing monitoring and analysis, we have been able to help customers achieve energy savings of up to 15% by optimizing pump operations based on real-time data.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: The combination of predictive maintenance and energy efficiency improvements results in lower operational costs, contributing to a reduced TCO for our clients.


3.) Performance of assets or facilities is so much dependent on regular upkeep and commissioning. As a manufacturer or supplier, how are you supporting asset or facility management initiatives and endeavours of owners towards achieving better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (65)

Answer: As a supplier, we support asset and facility management initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and improve Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) through comprehensive solutions and support services tailored to the lifecycle of our equipment. Here’s how we align our efforts with these goals:
• Energy-Efficient Product Design: LEO Chilled Water Pumps equipped with IE5 / VFD motors are engineered for high energy efficiency with advanced smart technology and optimized hydraulics. These designs contribute to significant energy savings, helping owners reduce operational costs over the asset’s lifecycle.
• Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: We emphasize regular, data-driven from equipped IoT sensors to maintain practices by providing detailed maintenance schedules, along with predictive analytics to forecast potential equipment failures before they happen. This helps extend equipment life, minimize downtime, and optimize performance, leading to a lower TCO.
• Smart Controls and Monitoring: LEO Chilled Water Pumps are integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS) and smart controls to facilitate real-time monitoring. Through IoT-enabled sensors and remote monitoring, facility managers can track performance metrics like energy consumption, water flow, and temperature. This allows for efficient energy use, early detection of issues, and responsive maintenance actions, reducing costs and enhancing IEQ.
• Commissioning and Re-Commissioning Services: Proper commissioning and periodic re-commissioning are essential to ensure optimal performance. We offer commissioning support and re-commissioning services to confirm that Chilled Water Pumps are installed and operating to specification. This service ensures that the asset operates efficiently over time, reducing energy wastage and extending equipment lifespan.
• Training and Knowledge Sharing: To empower facility managers and maintenance teams, we offer training sessions and knowledge resources on best practices for Chilled Water Pumps operation and maintenance. This not only optimizes Chilled Water Pumps handling but also supports efficient facility management aligned with energy efficiency.
• After-Sales Support and Spare Parts: We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including prompt availability of spare parts, to ensure that maintenance requirements are met quickly and effectively. Our Technical Aftersales teams are always available for troubleshooting, technical support, and periodic check-ups to maximize asset longevity and performance.
• Through these practices, we aim to become a partner in facility management, working closely with asset owners to achieve sustainable and cost-effective solutions


4.) Describe your HR practices as a manufacturer or supplier. Do elaborate on how you hire, train, mentor, evaluate and reward your employees towards not only capacity-building and the commercial growth of the organisation but also for them to deliver better energy efficiency, lower Total Cost of Ownership, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), fire safety, reliability, data centre integrity, robust process cooling or stronger cold chain? (You may choose one, two or more aspirations/outcomes in writing your answer, as is/are relevant to the nature of products you manufacture or supply.) (66)

Answer: As a Pump Distributor, when we hire talent, we prioritize candidates with expertise in Energy Efficient technologies, Fluid Dynamics and Sustainability. Additionally, we look for experience in cost optimization and lifecycle analysis of Mechanical Products.
• Besides Technical abilities, we look for candidates with problem solving skills, innovative potential and a mindset geared towards continuous improvement.
• We ensure to hire a diverse team with expertise in different market segments like Industrial, Residential and Agricultural, enabling the company to grow commercially while promoting Energy Efficient Solutions.
• We encourage employees to pursue certifications in areas such as energy management (e.g., LEED, Certified Energy Manager) or sustainability, which can enhance their ability to contribute to the company’s goals of energy efficiency and TCO.
• We develop career pathways that reward technical excellence and contributions to long-term value creation, not just short-term sales goals. We recognize employees who help the company grow sustainably through product development, innovative marketing, or operational efficiency.
• We organize workshops and training programs that keep employees updated on global trends in energy efficiency, TCO improvements, and advancements in pump technologies.
• We develop KPIs that assess not only financial performance but also contributions towards energy efficiency and cost optimization. For example, KPIs could include the number of energy-efficient pumps sold, client feedback on energy savings, or successful implementation of TCO strategies.
• We assign experienced mentors to new hires to provide both technical knowledge and guidance on navigating commercial growth strategies. Mentors help employees understand how their work directly impacts energy efficiency and customer savings.


5.) As a manufacturer or supplier, how are you contributing to a Circular Economy? (67)

Answer: As a Pump Distributor, we play a crucial role in contributing to a circular economy which focusses on reducing waste, reusing products and recycling materials to create a sustainable system.
• By providing regular maintenance services and promoting repair over replacement, we help extend the life of pumps. This reduces waste generation and the demand for new resources, aligning with the circular economy’s principles.
• By focusing on energy-efficient models, such as pumps with variable frequency drives (VFDs), We reduce energy consumption during the use phase. This leads to lower operating costs and minimizes the environmental impact over the product’s lifecycle.
• LEO Chilled Water Pumps reduce carbon footprint by prioritizing energy-efficient production, streamlined logistics, and eco-friendly product designs. Our commitment extends to increasing renewable energy use and collaborating with sustainable suppliers, supporting a circular economy
• We educate customers on selecting and operating pumps that consume less energy which is another significant contribution. We help clients optimize their systems for energy efficiency, lowering overall resource consumption.
• As a distributor, we influence the manufacturers we partner with. By choosing to work with manufacturers that prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly production processes, we indirectly contribute to a circular economy. These manufacturers often use recyclable materials, reduce water and energy usage, and minimize emissions.


Supporting documents:
References:CCAUAE2409 || shahalam.adam@skmaircon.com

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