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Supplied by SAMAC Supplied by SAMAC
The journey towards implementing the ENRG blanket technology within Standard Bank ' s premises was not without challenges . Swana says the project was initiated in 2017 but encountered various delays , including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic . In the event , when the go-ahead was received , installation was swift – taking only a day to complete – followed by the more important aspect of meticulous monitoring of performance data .
“ The project ' s efficacy was evident during the hottest months of the year , where the ENRG blanket demonstrated a remarkable
The ENRG blanket , ready for laying .
The job complete .
RACA Journal I May 2024 two-degree reduction in temperature , translating to significant energy savings . Following the pilot phase ' s success , Standard Bank is poised to expand the project ' s scope , with plans to implement it across additional facilities , including the Kingsmead regional office in Durban ,” says Swana .
“ The uniqueness of this project lies in its pioneering nature within the African context . While the technology has been established in the US for over a decade , its application in South Africa , particularly within corporate buildings , represents a groundbreaking potential .”
Moreover , the ENRG blanket addresses emerging regulatory requirements , such as the need for non-electrical cooling sources and energy performance certifications . With its off-grid capabilities , the blanket enables building developers to meet stringent regulatory standards while enhancing their energy performance scores .
“ When comparing BioPCM technology to traditional insulation methods , it ' s essential to understand their distinct functionalities and applications . While insulation primarily focuses on preventing external heat from infiltrating a building , BioPCM technology takes a more comprehensive approach by managing internal heat generation .
“ Insulation effectively serves as a barrier against external heat sources , such as sunlight and ambient air temperature . However , it does not address the heat generated within the building itself , whether from occupants , equipment or other internal factors . This is where BioPCM technology comes into play – it actively manages the internal heat load to maintain optimal indoor temperatures ,” explains Swana .
One of the significant advantages of phase change technology is its ability to specify and regulate precise temperature levels within a building . Unlike insulation , which merely provides passive heat resistance , BioPCM can be tailored to maintain specific temperature setpoints . “ Whether it ' s a data centre requiring precise temperature control or a cold storage facility maintaining sub-zero temperatures , BioPCM technology offers considerable customisation ,” he adds .
Moreover , the technology operates autonomously , requiring no additional controls or sensors once installed . By leveraging building management system ( BMS ) data and user input regarding temperature preferences and occupancy levels , the technology is engineered to adapt and regulate temperature conditions accordingly . This self-regulating capability eliminates the need for complex wiring or communication with HVAC systems , making it a hassle-free solution for energy-efficient building management .
“ In the manufacturing process , BioPCM is precisely formulated and configured to meet the unique requirements of each building or space . By manufacturing the materials according to specific temperature specifications and heat loads , users can be assured of consistent and reliable performance upon installation ,” says Swana . RACA www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za