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UAE MINISTER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT SPEAKS AT COP29 November 2024 PERSPECTIVE HYBRID PLANTS AND DISTRICT COOLING Samir Mohamed, Ramboll PHOTO-FEATURE CIBSE CONFETTI CIBSE UAE Chapter conducts 6th Edition of its Awards Q&A LIQUID COOLING OF DATA CENTRES Bjorn Viedge, ALEC Data Center Solutions THE INAUGURAL CLIMATE CONTROL SAUDI AWARDS: AUTHENTICITY, CREDIBILITY, GLITZY GLAMOUR US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ REGULATION ROUNDUP STRENGTHENING THE HVAC WORKFORCE Nabil Shahin, AHRI MENA NEWS Berner Air Curtains joins Eurovent Middle East A-HEAT appoints Global Vice President CAREL appoints Group CTO ENGIE launches AMONUM Air SPECTACLE SAUDIYour pressure-proof partner for a rewarding future. The refrigeration and HVAC market faces constant pressure. It has to deal with increasing demands, standards and new challenges. That’s why Castel provides you with the latest technologies and services, supporting you in new applications and scenarios, with flexibility and competitiveness, to optimize your performance and productivity. UNDER PRESSURE, TO EXCEED ALL EXPECTATIONS. castel.itVOL. 19 NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2024 PHOTO-FEATURE CIBSE confetti CIBSE UAE Chapter conducts 6th Edition of its Awards REGULATION ROUNDUP Technician certification is indispensable to bolstering HVAC performance in the Middle East Nabil Shahin, Managing Director, AHRI MENA Q&A ‘The latest chipsets cannot be serviced by traditional air cooling’ Bjorn Viedge, General Manager, ALEC Data Center Solutions 06 08 34 30 www.ccme.news 3 REGULARS 42 Regional News 48 Global News 54 Quoteyard 04 eDItor'S note The Daba Fujairah Court and Prosecution project COVER STORY page PERSPECTIVE Why aren’t we more often considering replacing the standby chiller in District Cooling with a combination of air-cooled and absorption chillers with PV-T panels? Samir Mohamed, Head of Mechanical (Middle East), Ramboll Inaugural Climate Control SAUDI Awards Emphasis on authenticity, credibility and glitz, as always with CPI Industry's 14-year-old Awards programmeNovember 2024 4 A COMMON sentiment I hear being expressed in informal and formal discussions is that the attention span to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) had reduced substantially after the pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, when the world seemed determined to “flatten the curve” (remember that expression?), the focus on IAQ was at an unprecedented high level. It was altogether another matter that the work at combating the spread of infection ought to have started much, much earlier, in anticipation of a possible pandemic. So, what we got to see during the pandemic was a lot of helpless hand-wringing and feeble efforts to fix the problem, when the larger focus was on saving lives. Cut to the aftermath, and ASHRAE acted with speed to introduce Standard 241. With industry stalwart, Dr Bill Bahnfleth leading the way, the ASHRAE team assigned the task of writing the standard came up with an implementable solution, which Climate Control Middle East has chronicled through several articles, in particular the guest columns written by New York-based MEP consultant, Jeremy McDonald (you will find the articles at www.ccme.news). McDonald himself informally spoke, though, of how the sense of urgency towards fortifying our buildings had dissipated after the threat of COVID-19 had diminished substantially. In that context, the recent development, where the UAE Government – in the form of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – has announced the adoption of the latest ASHRAE technical specifications to enhance IAQ in government buildings across the country, is a shot in the arm. According to Government sources, the aim of the initiative is to improve public health by controlling the spread of airborne infectious agents and, overall, ensuring that indoor spaces are safe and healthy for occupation. And all this without impacting the drive for greater energy efficiency towards mitigating climate change. The Government made the announcement on the back of encouraging results that emerged from the country’s first pilot project implementing Standard 241 and Standard 62.1-2022. The Daba Fujairah Court and Prosecution project demonstrated significant results, in the forms of improved IAQ and a reduction in energy use by 35% for mechanical ventilation systems. Encouraged by the showing, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the two standards across the country. This is wonderful news! It would be even more wonderful if the emphasis on IAQ would also include the private sector soon enough and that building owners across the length and breadth of the country would take the initiative of strengthening their defences, for there is every possibility of a repeat of the horrors of 2020 that the world witnessed. This is not hollow conjecture – instigated by global warming, the Siberian permafrost is thawing. For centuries, it has harboured pathogenic microorganisms, and the thawing could cause them to awaken from their dormant state and visit unspeakable horrors on humankind. Simply put, we need to move quickly — and decisively. Jeremy McDonald Principal of Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, in New York, writes on IAQ and building tracing. 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. Nabil Shahin Managing Director, 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. 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 & Social Media Nivedita Vijayan marketing@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. The Daba Fujairah Court and Prosecution project Visit our website: climatecontrolme.com/digital Also available at UAE MINISTER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT SPEAKS AT COP29 November 2024 PERSPECTIVE HYBRID PLANTS AND DISTRICT COOLING Samir Mohamed, Ramboll PHOTO-FEATURE CIBSE CONFETTI CIBSE UAE Chapter conducts 6th Edition of its Awards Q&A LIQUID COOLING OF DATA CENTRES Bjorn Viedge, ALEC Data Center Solutions THE INAUGURAL CLIMATE CONTROL SAUDI AWARDS: AUTHENTICITY, CREDIBILITY, GLITZY GLAMOUR PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ US$ PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ REGULATION ROUNDUP STRENGTHENING THE HVAC WORKFORCE Nabil Shahin, AHRI MENA NEWS Berner Air Curtains joins Eurovent Middle East A-HEAT appoints Global Vice President CAREL appoints Group CTO ENGIE launches AMONUM Air SPECTACLE SAUDI Get the next issue of Climate Control Middle East early! Surendar Balakrishnan Editor @BSurendar_HVACR Climate Control Middle East magazine proudly supports the UAE President’s initiative of extending the ‘Year of Sustainability’ to the whole of 2024. EDITOR’S NOTENovember 2024 6 Nabil Shahin says technician certification is indispensable to bolstering HVAC performance in the Middle East I N THE Middle East, a growing HVAC industry faces a pressing gap: The availability of properly trained and certified HVAC technicians. Unlike other global regions with established standards, Middle Eastern countries largely lack regulations mandating training or certification for HVAC technicians. This gap allows unqualified individuals to enter the field, often leading to problems like poor installation, inadequate maintenance, and subpar service, all of which compromise system functionality, safety and customer satisfaction. Untrained personnel handling HVAC equipment may lack the technical understanding needed to ensure these intricate systems operate correctly. The absence of professional training often leads to issues such as decreased performance, frequent malfunctions, equipment breakdowns and expensive repairs. Problems such as incorrect refrigerant pressures or charges can prevent systems from reaching full capacity, consuming excessive power and shortening the lifespan of the equipment – issues that are less common among certified technicians. Proper refrigerant management is increasingly essential as the industry moves towards lower global-warming- potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as HFOs, which come with their own set of safety considerations, due to their flammability. Shockingly, 60% of all global refrigerants sold are used to replace leaks in existing systems rather than getting used in new equipment, underscoring the environmental implications of inadequate refrigerant handling. To minimise environmental harm, technicians need solid training in refrigerant handling, recovery, recycling and proper disposal. Correct brazing of copper and aluminum piping is another key technical skill that directly impacts system efficiency and safety. Poor brazing techniques can lead to refrigerant leaks, flow restrictions and clogs, which all contribute to reduced system effectiveness, heightened costs and shortened equipment life. In addition to improving equipment performance, training is essential for technician safety. HVAC work involves handling electrical components, pressurised systems and, in some cases, flammable refrigerants – all of which present risks, if mishandled. Trained technicians follow safety protocols that help prevent accidents such as fires, explosions or electric shocks, reducing the risk of injury or death. They also develop the skills to read and interpret technical documentation accurately, ensuring that all work aligns with manufacturer guidelines, industry norms and local codes. The absence of compulsory training and certification regulations impacts all industry stakeholders, from manufacturers and contractors to building owners and end-users. To bridge this gap, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), a recognised certification body in the HVAC industry, has developed a comprehensive programme to equip technicians with modern skills. With more than 25 years of industry experience, NATE provides certification that validates technicians’ capabilities, and the organisation’s training materials cover foundational to advanced HVAC skills. Certified technicians are also required to continue their education, ensuring that they stay updated on evolving technologies and best practices. In response to the unique demands of the Middle Eastern market, NATE, in partnership with AHRI, has created a MENA technical committee to customise its training programme for the region. This initiative adapts the training content to fit the local climate, market conditions and regulatory landscape, offering technicians tailored courses through a regional training academy. Technicians who complete the training and pass NATE’s exams will earn certification that demonstrates their readiness to meet the specific challenges of the Middle Eastern market. Organisations also have the option to train their trainers, facilitating in-house instruction. As HVAC technology advances, bringing innovations like smart controls and energy-efficient designs, the call for certified professionals becomes increasingly urgent. Middle Eastern customers expect reliable, high-quality Nabil Shahin is Managing Director of AHRI MENA. He may be reached at NShahin@ahrinet.org REGULATION ROUND-UP AHRI writes a bi-monthly column on regulation-related issues in the GCC region, exclusively for Climate Control Middle East www.ccme.news 7 Providing HVAC technicians with the right tools is equally vital. Quality tools allow technicians to diagnose problems accurately, perform effective installations and maintain systems with greater efficiency. Investing in proper equipment not only improves service quality but also enhances customer satisfaction and ensures technician safety. By adopting specialised training programmes, the Middle Eastern HVAC industry can cultivate a more skilled workforce, reduce operational inefficiencies, and improve safety and environmental outcomes. Investing in the training and certification of HVAC technicians is a strategic move that aligns with the industry’s goals for growth and sustainability across the region. service, and unqualified technicians may struggle to meet these demands, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential business losses. Encouraging certification could also benefit from re-evaluating compensation structures in the region. Compared to other parts of the world, HVAC technicians in the Middle East often earn lower wages, which diminishes the appeal of the field as a long-term career. Better pay for certified technicians or company-sponsored training could incentivise more individuals to enter the profession and pursue certification, ultimately raising service standards across the industry. CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this Q&A, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Provides Fresh Air Solutions for Conditioned Spaces Meet us at: World Trade Center, DubaiBooth#: 4A17826-29 Nov-2024November 2024 8 Liquid cooling of data centres Q & A ‘The latest chipsets cannot be serviced by traditional air cooling’www.ccme.news 9 Liquid cooling would not merely be “a nice to have” but is rather an imperative, says Bjorn Viedge , General Manager, ALEC Data Center Solutions. Excerpts from an interview he gave to Climate Control Middle East magazine... What are your thoughts on the future of liquid cooling in the Middle East? Given the region's unique climate and energy challenges, do you believe it has a promising role in data centre cooling? Researchers says that between 2023 and 2029, the data centre market in the Middle East will grow at a CAGR of 14.74%, with CAGRs of 17.55% and 16.48% in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, respectively. This investment will, undoubtedly, be directed towards keeping not just present needs but also future requirements in mind. With AI set to inject USD 320 billion into the region’s economy by 2030, there is no doubt that such compute-intensive applications will be among the primary workloads run in these data centres. This, in turn, will demand the use of the latest chipsets, which simply cannot be serviced by traditional air cooling. This means liquid cooling would not merely be “a nice to have” but is rather an imperative. So yes, given that the region’s data centre market is set to grow at such an impressive pace, and that the workloads being run in these facilities will be resource intensive, the future does indeed look bright for liquid cooling. Are you able to incorporate renewable energy to power your data centres, even if it is only partially? Do you have any Proof-of-Concept initiatives regarding renewable energy use? This really depends on the specifications of the project, and in our experience, regional data centres tend to draw power from national grids. It is, therefore, reassuring to see measures being taken by regional governments to increase the share of clean energy sources in power generation. In the UAE, for example, the government is targeting 44% of its energy production to be from renewables by 2050. That said, being a part of the ALEC Group, at ALEC Data Center Solutions we are perfectly poised to draw on the wealth of experience that ALEC Energy, a regional player in solar PV, has in this space. As an example, for a data centre project we are currently delivering in the region, we will be installing solar panels across the roof and parking facilities for the generation of power that will be used by the office facilities on the same campus. With the rapid growth in data demand, how do you ensure your data centres will handle and accommodate future needs? What do you do to ensure optimal cooling and humidity control? In this regard, do you offer re-commissioning, retro-commissioning services? While certainly a critical aspect, cooling is not the only factor in enhancing the sustainability of data centres. Facility planners must also consider the building process itself. Emerging today is the technique of prefabricated construction, also known as modular data centres. As the construction of the prefabricated modules primarily occurs offsite in dedicated fabrication facilities, standardised production methodologies can be implemented, which improve efficiencies, enhance quality and significantly reduce wastage. Given the fact that prefabricated data centres have been assembled and tested in a controlled factory environment, construction is faster, less error-prone and less labour-intensive on site. Additionally, modules can be added whenever the demand arises, meaning data centre companies need not build a large facility to accommodate future expansion. Instead, they can build quickly, as needed. All of this leads to a more efficient, more sustainable project. W HAT ADVANCED cooling technologies are you currently implementing in your data centre designs to improve energy efficiency? How do you ensure optimal cooling efficiency, especially in hot climates? There is a juxtaposition between the region’s drive towards Net Zero and its growing compute requirements. This is placing data centres at the heart of sustainability discussions. Demand for data centre services has driven them to get bigger, hotter and more expensive. A peer-reviewed study by Swedish researcher, Anders Andrae predicts that the ICT industry could use 20% of all electricity and emit up to 5.5% of the world’s carbon emissions by 2025. And in a region that already faces a looming water crisis, Middle East data centre planners should be aware that today’s data centres use up an Olympic swimming pool worth of water every two days. Enhancing the energy and operational efficiency of Middle Eastern data centres is, therefore, the need of the hour. And liquid cooling has emerged as a leading solution to this challenge. The liquid cooling solutions we at ALEC provide use a dielectric – non electrically conductive – fluid, which is far more effective in conducting and, therefore, enabling the dissipation of heat produced by hardware, compared to traditional air-based cooling systems. With this approach, data centre facilities can operate with less physical space, compared to traditional air- based solutions, while gaining energy savings of up to 50%. Meanwhile, lower maintenance costs, cheaper builds and power-usage effectiveness (PUE) scores lower than 1.03 – where 1.0 is the ideal – mean organisations can reduce the time needed to realise a full return on their investment. CPI Industry accepts no liability for the views or opinions expressed in this Q&A, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided here.Next >