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NET ZERO SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS


Embracing life cycle asset management to reach Net Zero


T


he UK’s existing non-domestic building stock is currently responsible for 23% of built environment operational carbon emissions.


When you consider that approximately 80% of the building in use today will still be in use by 2050, our traditional reactive maintenance model to servicing is proving inadequate. We need to support building owners and operators with a more holistic approach to get the very best out of their HVAC systems. The building of the future isn’t defined by the features and technologies that go into them, but by what building owners, operators and occupants can get out of them. Having a broader perspective of a building’s heating,


cooling and ventilation systems ensures that every phase of its lifecycle, from design and installation through to operation, predictive maintenance, and, eventually, replacement. With the ability to have your assets managed by


software and cloud-based digital platforms, using advanced technologies to enable real-time, intelligent outcome-based results will maximise the efficiency of a system and minimising environmental impact.


Modernisation for the win


It is estimated that 87% of the improved performance needed for the UK real estate sector to meet a 1.5°C aligned pathway, will need to come from existing buildings.


One of the ways to improve performance and


reduce carbon emissions is to adopt a ‘Modernisation Approach’ and improve the asset life cycle management of systems, such as heat pumps, already installed and currently in operation. The key to any successful service modernisation


project is collaborating with the customer through five key stages.


Companies such as Carrier, have engineers who


can conduct energy audits which offer a deep dive into original system design, adjustments and changes over time, current / future load profiles, and help establish an all-important energy usage baseline. This stage is very data driven and helps to determine the summer cooling load profile and winter heating load profile, which are important for decarbonisation. Engineers then present a turnkey offering detailing


return on investment, CO2 reductions, and operational savings. Once the details are agreed, new equipment can be selected, installed and commissioned. The latest chillers, rooftop units, and heat pumps offer digital connectivity which allows for on-going diagnostics and improved performance through Abound™ HVAC Performance service platforms. One recent project involved an overhaul of an


If we’re to reach Net Zero, then we need efficient, sustainable and cost-effective HVAC systems, that’s the view of Alpesh Trivedi, Carrier service sales director, UKI & Nordics. Here, Alpesh reveals more about how a holistic approach to managing HVAC systems can help improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions


An energy audit can help establish an


all-important energy usage baseline.


Above: Alpesh Trivedi, Carrier Service Sales Director, UKI & Nordics


Top left: Upgrades in technology can boost energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.


existing HVAC system, which included the installation of multiple high-efficiency water-source heat pumps and chillers. The project demonstrated a remarkable improvement in efficiency, with projected energy savings of 0.67 million kWh per year and CO2 savings of 11,100 kg annually.


Upgrades for carbon reduction and energy optimisation


Today, more than 750,000 medium-to-large-scale existing HVAC units require technology upgrades to meet efficiency and decarbonisation targets. One of the most effective ways to optimise energy


in HVAC systems is to upgrade old equipment with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and update their controls. VFDs regulate the speed of motors to match the load requirements, significantly reducing energy consumption. Upgrading the control systems to the latest generation technology further enhances this effect by allowing the condensation setpoint to be lowered, optimising power usage. During a recent project, a VFD fan was fitting and


controls upgraded on an AquaForce 30XA (400kW) unit. The chiller provided cooling for a large industry application building and operated for 6,777 hours a year with a total annual consumption of 831,732 kWh. The customer was paying 32p per kWh for


electricity which totalled over a quarter of a million pounds per year. Following an investment to upgrade the


components, the customer was able to reduce its energy consumption to 805,568 kWh per year resulting in significant saving on its electricity bill. Carbon emissions fell by 2,092 (Kg/CO2e) per year, and the system’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) increased from 3.1 to 3.18. After just two years, the customer was able to see a return on their investment.


Digitalisation is here


We’re living in a digitally connected world, and in the HVAC sector, this technology makes it possible to build a real-time picture of how HVAC systems are running and, therefore, analyse where and when issues could occur. By integrating advanced digital tools, upgrading


critical components like VFDs, and committing to a comprehensive modernisation strategy, building owners and operators can reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and maximise equipment life span and performance. Ultimately by fully embracing life cycle asset management, building owners and operators can achieve significant energy savings, reduce CO2 emissions, and meet the decarbonisation goals they are striving for.


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