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Project
RPM Consulting Engineers RPM Consulting Engineers
New chilled water pipe work nearing completion at roof level .
Typical CHW supply and return to each module .
purposes as and when necessary . This function forms part of the overall BMS control philosophy .
GREEN DESIGN Not being a priority in the day , the original 1994 HVAC design did not take into account green design principals . In assessing the new design options , close consideration was applied to this aspect . What became clear was the need to reduce water and electrical consumption .
The design of the new chilled water plant was able to adequately address both the energy as well as the environmental impact requirements to the extent that substantial savings were possible . Addressing the water consumption was fairly
straightforward , with the use of air-cooled chillers . The energy side was more of a concern as this required locating the most efficient chillers ( in a modular form ), each with sufficient capacity to render the project feasible from a cost and space perspective . This selection involved the COP , EER and SEER ratings for each relevant manufacturer .
Sound levels were a further important consideration , as the relevant chiller plantrooms are located immediately above residential apartments .
Initial cost comparisons ( existing vs now ) identified a conservative saving of R4.9 million an annum in respect of electrical and water consumption , as well as operational ( Opex ) costs , allowing for a 10.5-year payback period ( 2017 tariffs ). To date , savings in excess of this are currently reported by way of the BMS .
CONCLUSION Practical completion of the entire project was achieved on 30 June 2019 , 24 months after the appointment of the successful contractor .
A project of this size , with all its logistical challenges , can only be achieved with careful planning , a good contractor and skilled project management . The project is now in its fourth year of operation and looking forward to serving the precinct for a further 20 years . RACA
“ It was subsequently agreed that the original water-cooled packaged unit arrangement would be replaced with a chilled water system .”
RPM Consulting Engineers
Chiller installation nearing completion . New electrical panel .
RPM Consulting Engineers
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RACA Journal I August 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za