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April 2024 TABREED ANNOUNCES NEW RECORD HIGH DIVIDEND PAYMENT FOR FY2023 EMPOWER AGM APPROVES AED425 MILLION DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PERSPECTIVE CAN’T IGNORE IDEC IF PURSUING A SUSTAINABLE COOLING NARRATIVE Shakeel Ahmed Kayani, General Manager, HVAC and Power Solutions, Windmason Arabia Company REGULATION ROUNDUP APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Dalip Singh, Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA NEWS • European Parliament adopts EU methane regulation • A-Gas joins EPA’s GreenChill partnership • Ziehl-Abegg announces 2023 as the most successful year in the company's history The expert opinion is that even newly well-constructed buildings often have air leakage rates closer to 7m3/h/m2, and many buildings may not even pass the standard air leakage test www.climatecontrolme.com 3 VOL. 19 NO. 04 APRIL 2024 COVER STORY 12 page PERSPECTIVE CAN’T IGNORE IDEC IF PURSUING A SUSTAINABLE COOLING NARRATIVE Saying that the scorching temperatures and rising humidity levels in the Middle East necessitate a paradigm shift towards sustainable cooling solutions, Shakeel Ahmed Kayani, General Manager, HVAC and Power Solutions, Windmason Arabia Company, says IDEC systems offer a promising alternative, providing effective cooling while minimising environmental impact REGULATION ROUNDUP APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Saying that appliances are at the core of net-zero initiatives, Dalip Singh, Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA, presents the second in a series of three articles with a focus on Appliance Energy Efficiency Policy Package 06 08 REGULARS 20 Regional News 30 Global News 42 Quoteyard 04 eDItor'S note The expert opinion is that even newly well-constructed buildings often have air leakage rates closer to 7m3/h/m2, and many buildings may not even pass the standard air leakage test April 2024 4 A T THE time of writing this, there is simmering geopolitical tension, and we can only fervently hope it does not boil over. It may sound trite, but we need peace for the sake of humanity… and for our survival. With evidence pointing to an increase in intensity of hurricanes, owing to climate change, the world and the region simply cannot afford any derailing of efforts when it comes to ramping up on climate action through instigating better building performance. In December 2023, I experienced firsthand the fury of a tropical storm that lashed my city, Chennai, in India, and crippled every aspect of life. Stuck at the airport for 31 hours to catch a flight to Dubai and not being able to step out into the road that had become a current-filled river, was unbelievably chastening. The storm blew away, but it left a scar that a phenomenon as intense, or more intense, could inject a sense of deep anxiety and uncertainly in the psyche. The sad reality is that it is no longer hypothetical – if one were to believe scientists, more such intense storms are already upon us. Michael Wehner, who works as a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in the United States, speaks of hurricanes so strong that the wind speed exceeds 300 kilometres per hour. Now, that is seriously fast! Speaking to The Guardian, in February 2024, Wehner said: “Being caught in that sort of hurricane would be bad. Very bad.” Saying that hurricanes are becoming incredibly strong due to climate change – a superheated ocean is providing a burst of energy to what would otherwise be relatively weak hurricanes – he has proposed that the classification of them ought to be expanded to include a Category 6 storm. Just in case you are not aware, hurricanes are classified as per the Saffir-Simpson Scale, with a hurricane blowing at a speed of 119 kilometres per hour or more classified as a Category 1 event. To give a context of how intense a Category 6 event can be, Hurricane Katrina that ravaged the US state of Louisiana in 2005 was a Category 5 event. We as an industry do have a task at hand. ‘Business as usual’ simply has to blow over, and reality has to sink in that we cannot always anchor ourselves to yesterday’s technologies or mindsets. Rapid urbanisation is a reality, and we have a massive opportunity to re-profile existing buildings and to ensure we get our act right from the get-go in the case of new buildings that need to come up to meet the inevitable demand. Jeremy McDonald Principal of Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, in New York. He served as the technical consultant to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in development of an IAQ guideline for Higher Education in NY: “Covid-19 Response Guide, State University of New York”. Dan Mizesko Managing Partner/President, US Chiller Services International, writes on issues relating to chilled water systems, including operation & maintenance. Dalip Singh Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA, writes on HVACR-specific regulation issues. Dr Iyad Al-Attar Independent air filtration consultant, writes on specific science and technology issues relating to Indoor Air Quality, including airborne particles. Kandasamy Anbalagan Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants, writes on the need for upholding time-tested engineering principles, which would only serve to complement advances in technology. Omnia Halawani Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN Global, writes on MEP consultancy- related issues. Krishnan Unni Madathil Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co. Chartered Accountants, carrying out an analysis of the market, writes on business opportunities for the HVACR industry. Editor Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com Online Editor Indu Revikumar indu@cpi-industry.com Features Writer Hamna Sheikh hamna@cpi-industry.com Advertising Enquiries Frédéric Paillé +971 50 7147204 fred@cpi-industry.com Judy Wang Our representative in Asia (except India) +852 307 80 826 judywang2000@vip.126.com Deep Karani Our representative in North America +1 365 885-6849 deep.karani@cpimediagroup.com Design Head Ulysses Galgo uly@cpi-industry.com Webmaster Chris Lopez chris@cpi-industry.com Database/Subscriptions Manager Purwanti Srirejeki purwanti@cpi-industry.com Published by Founder, CPI Media Group Dominic De Sousa (1959-2015) Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé fred@cpi-industry.com EMPANELLED COLUMNISTSCo-Founder & Editorial Director Surendar Balakrishnan surendar@cpi-industry.com Head Office PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE Web: www.cpi-industry.com Printed by: Jaguar Printing Press L.L.C © Copyright 2024 CPI Industry. All rights reserved. While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. CATEGORY 6 SPELLS PERIL Visit our website: climatecontrolme.com/digital Also available at April 2024 TABREED ANNOUNCES NEW RECORD HIGH DIVIDEND PAYMENT FOR FY2023 EMPOWER AGM APPROVES AED425 MILLION DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PERSPECTIVE CAN’T IGNORE IDEC IF PURSUING A SUSTAINABLE COOLING NARRATIVE Shakeel Ahmed Kayani, General Manager, HVAC and Power Solutions, Windmason Arabia Company REGULATION ROUNDUP APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Dalip Singh, Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA NEWS • European Parliament adopts EU methane regulation • A-Gas joins EPA’s GreenChill partnership • Ziehl-Abegg announces 2023 as the most successful year in the company's history The expert opinion is that even newly well-constructed buildings often have air leakage rates closer to 7m3/h/m2, and many buildings may not even pass the standard air leakage test Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early! Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR EDITOR’S NOTE Climate Control Middle East magazine proudly supports the UAE President’s initiative of extending the ‘Year of Sustainability’ to the whole of 2024.For editorial enquiries: Surendar Balakrishnan Co-Founder & Editorial Director M: +971 50 509 2457 | E: surendar@cpi-industry.com For sponsorship enquiries: Frédéric Paillé Co-Founder and Commercial Director M: +971 50 714 7204 | E: fred@cpi-industry.com OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONPRODUCED BY 28 MAY 2024 I RIYADH KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIAApril 2024 6 I N RECENT YEARS, there has been a growing awareness of the need to adopt sustainable and energy- efficient technologies. One such technology that has gained significant attention is the IDEC (Indirect Direct Evaporative Cooling) system. The system not only provides a comfortable and healthy indoor environment but also offers energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. The Middle East presents a formidable challenge when it comes to climate control. Scorching daytime temperatures that routinely surpass 45 degrees C (113 degrees F), coupled with significant humidity levels, create an environment demanding not just effective cooling solutions but also sustainable ones. Traditional air conditioning, while undeniably efficient at combating the heat, comes at a considerable environmental cost. Let's talk about the limitations of traditional air conditioning systems and explore IDEC systems, which are gaining traction in the region with the passing of each day. The unsustainable burden of traditional air conditioning Conventional air conditioning units are notorious for their exorbitant energy Saying that the scorching temperatures and rising humidity levels in the Middle East necessitate a paradigm shift towards sustainable cooling solutions, Shakeel Ahmed Kayani of Windmason Arabia Company says IDEC systems offer a promising alternative, providing effective cooling while minimising environmental impact IDEC PERSPECTIVE consumption. During peak summer months, the demand for cooling surges, placing a tremendous strain on power grids. To meet the surge in demand, power plants often resort to increased burning of fossil fuels, further exacerbating the problem. This not only contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions but also elevates air pollution levels, detrimental to public health. Traditional air conditioners rely on refrigerants, many of which are potent greenhouse gases. Leaks and improper disposal of these gases can have a devastating impact on the environment. Studies have shown that certain refrigerants have a global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide. The looming threat of climate change The environmental consequences of traditional air conditioning are becoming increasingly concerning. The ever- growing reliance on fossil fuels for power generation directly contributes to the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing a gradual rise in global temperatures. This warming trend disrupts weather patterns, leading to extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts and floods, which we are sadly witness to. Not only that, as the atmosphere absorbs more carbon dioxide, the oceans become more acidic, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Traditional package air conditioners versus IDEC systems A direct comparison between IDEC systems and traditional package air conditioners is not entirely accurate. Package units function as heat pumps, transferring heat from the indoor environment to the outdoors. This process cools the interior but raises the outside temperature. IDEC systems operate entirely on fresh air, significantly enhancing Indoor Air Quality. They effectively convert hot outside air – potentially reaching 40-50 degrees Celsius – to significantly cooler air – around 14-18 degrees Celsius. For a more relevant comparison, consider Fresh Air Handling Units. IDEC systems excel as a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to FAHUs. In the face of mounting challenges, IDEC systems offer a beacon of hope. They leverage the natural phenomenon www.climatecontrolme.com 7 CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this column, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. evaporative cooling process. This allows for continuous dehumidification and maintains the effectiveness of the indirect cooling stage. The road to a sustainable future Embracing innovative and sustainable cooling technologies like IDEC is crucial for the future of the Middle East. Governments in the region can play a vital role by providing incentives for the adoption of IDEC systems through tax breaks or subsidies. Investing in research and development to further enhance the efficiency and applicability of IDEC technology in various climatic conditions is the way forward. Raising public awareness about the environmental impact of traditional air conditioning and the benefits of sustainable cooling solutions, like IDEC, is essential for driving wider adoption. A holistic approach to sustainable climate control extends beyond just cooling buildings. Implementing strategies like planting trees and incorporating reflective materials in building design can help reduce the urban heat island effect and lessen the overall cooling demand. Promoting energy-efficient practices in all sectors, from industrial to residential, can significantly reduce the environmental footprint associated with power generation. The scorching temperatures and rising humidity levels in the Middle East necessitate a paradigm shift towards sustainable cooling solutions. IDEC systems offer a promising alternative, providing effective cooling while minimising environmental impact. By embracing innovation, fostering public awareness and implementing broader sustainability initiatives, the region can firmly tread towards a cooler and greener future. of evaporative cooling to achieve cool air without relying heavily on electricity. They use natural process of evaporation for cooling, making them a more sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning methods. IDEC systems excel in arid regions due to their ability to effectively cool through evaporative processes. This makes them a suitable solution for areas experiencing hot and dry weather conditions. A significant advantage of IDEC systems is their focus on fresh air. They continuously introduce and circulate fresh outdoor air, promoting a healthier indoor environment. IDEC systems boast significant energy savings compared to traditional air conditioning. By using natural cooling methods and minimal electricity, the environmental impact is substantially reduced. Studies suggest energy savings of up to 83% can be achieved. IDEC systems operate without relying on harmful refrigerants. This eliminates the environmental concerns associated with their production, use and potential leaks. While a precise estimate requires specific details, studies indicate that a typical air conditioner can emit 2,000-3,000 pounds of CO 2 , annually. Replacing these systems with IDEC technology has the potential to significantly reduce these emissions on a large scale. IDEC systems also help to reduce carbon footprint by minimising reliance on traditional electrical cooling. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. A hypothetical scenario involving the installation of five million tons of IDEC systems in Riyadh could demonstrably decrease the city's annual CO 2 emissions by millions of pounds, annually. This aligns with the vision of a "Green Saudi Arabia", outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Types of IDEC systems IDEC systems operate differently depending on the level of humidity in the environment. They are divided into three types: Two-stage IDEC systems, three- stage IDEC systems and four-stage IDEC Systems… 1. Two-Stage IDEC (dry climate) ■ Stage 1 (Indirect Cooling): Outside air is drawn through a heat exchanger containing a water-cooled media. As the air passes through, it results in a significant temperature drop without increase in humidity. ■ Stage 2 (Direct Cooling): The pre-cooled air is further cooled by directly evaporating water using a mist. This adds some humidity to the air, but due to the initial dryness, it remains comfortable. 2. Three-Stage IDEC (moderate humidity of up to 30%) ■ Stage 1 (Indirect Cooling): It involves a water-cooled heat exchanger that provides pre- cooling to the ambient air. ■ Stage 2 (Indirect Cooling): It can be direct expansion (freon-based compressor) cooling stage or air-to-air heat exchanger using the return air heat recovery. ■ Stage 3: (Direct Cooling): It is the same cooling process mentioned in the two-stage system. 3. Four-Stage or Hybrid IDEC Systems (humidity up to 60% or above) While IDEC systems excel in dry and semi-arid climates, their effectiveness can be limited to regions with extreme humidity (above 60%). As humidity rises, the air's capacity to absorb moisture through evaporation decreases. This can lead to increased indoor humidity levels, and excessive moisture in the air can lead to a feeling of discomfort and potentially contribute to mould growth. The Four-Stage or Hybrid IDEC System is a solution to deal with the challenge of extreme humidity in IDEC systems. These systems incorporate compressors alongside the traditional IDEC stages. During periods of high humidity, the compressor can provide additional cooling to supplement the The writer is General Manager, HVAC and Power Solutions at Windmason Arabia Company. He may be reached at windmason07@gmail.com.April 2024 8 A PPLIANCE Energy Efficiency Package means countries and regions implementing policies, programmes or packages aimed at promoting energy-efficient appliances. These initiatives typically involve establishing energy efficiency standards for appliances, providing incentives for manufacturers and consumers to adopt more energy-efficient technologies and raising awareness about the importance of energy conservation. The policy package is defined and implemented looking at what is achievable in the short term to harness immediate opportunities readily available in the market and devise long-term objectives in order to organically save on energy consumption without raising the equipment purchase cost. Appliance Efficiency Policy Package – regulation Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) should exclude the least efficient products from the market – in line with international best practices APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FRAMEWORK Saying that appliances are at the core of net-zero initiatives, Dalip Singh presents the second in a series of three articles with a focus on Appliance Energy Efficiency Policy Package Dalip Singh is Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA. He may be reached at DSingh@ahrinet.org. REGULATION ROUNDUP EES&L while reflecting good understanding of local circumstances – and should be regularly updated. Regulations are essential for moving the market towards the best available technology, in line with achieving net-zero goals. LOOKING FOR HVACR PRODUCTS? www.climatecontroldirectory.com TO LIST YOUR COMPANY FOR FREE, VISIT: www.climatecontroldirectory.com/register FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, EMAIL: advertising@cpi-industry.com The region's comprehensive online directory for the HVACR industry (PART 2) REGULATION Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) INFORMATION Labels, High Efficiency Performance Specification, Consumer Information Campaigns INCENTIVES Rebates, Grants, Finance or tax benefits, dynamic electricity pricing www.climatecontrolme.com 9 In the UAE, the Energy Efficiency Standardization & Labelling (EESL) programme, supervised and managed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), is a good example of an effective policy. The programme deals with energy efficiency requirements and labels for products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, water heaters, dishwashers and television sets. Similarly, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has well-structured energy efficiency & labelling programmes in place for domestic and commercial products. A Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) is a specification containing a number of performance requirements for an energy-using device that effectively limits the maximum amount of energy that may be consumed by a product in performing a specified task. MEPS are a highly cost-effective way to improve equipment efficiency. How are MEPS designed? MEPS for appliances are typically established through a process that involves technical assessments, stakeholder consultations and consideration of energy efficiency goals. The following steps summarise the basic process: 1. Define Objectives: • Identifying the specific objectives of implementing MEPS: These could be reducing energy consumption/peak demand, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the use of energy-efficient technologies. 2. Stakeholder Engagement: • Engaging with stakeholders, including manufacturers, industry associations, consumer groups, environmental organisations, academia and government agencies to gather input on potential standards and address concerns or challenges. 3. Market Analysis: • Conducting market analysis, considering the types and energy consumption patterns of appliances to understand the current state of energy efficiency in the market. 4. Technical Assessment: • Performing technical assessments to determine the energy performance levels that can be achieved by available technologies in collaboration with manufacturers, research institutions and testing laboratories. 5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: • Evaluating the cost- effectiveness of implementing MEPS. Assessing the potential benefits in terms of energy savings, affordability, environmental impact and economic gains against the costs incurred by manufacturers for compliance. 6. Use of International Standards/ Harmonisation: • Considering usage of existing international standards and best practices and aligning MEPS with global standards can facilitate trade and contribute to a harmonised approach to energy efficiency. Collaboration with international organisations to promote harmonisation of MEPS helps remove trade barriers. 7. Legislative Framework: • Developing or amending legislation that establishes and enforces MEPS with defining the scope of regulations, compliance mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. 8. Gradual Implementation: • This allows manufacturers and consumers time to adapt to new requirements, starting with less stringent standards and gradually increasing them over time. 9. Monitoring and Enforcement: • Establish a monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure compliance with MEPS. This involves regular testing of appliances in the market, market surveillance and penalties for non-compliance. 10. Review and Revision: • Regularly review and, if required, revise MEPS based on technological advancements, market changes and newer energy efficiency goals. This ensures that standards remain effective and relevant over time. 11. Public Awareness: • Implementing public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances and the significance of MEPS. Informed consumers can make more sustainable choices.Next >