“ In a cruise ship , the cabin system is the highest energy consumer , taking up about 35 % of the total HVAC energy consumption . Thus , Koja is developing energy saving options particularly for the cabin system ,” Tanninen explains .
Right now , Koja is putting the finishing touches on a HVAC retrofit concept which brings the energy-efficient ways of 2020 ’ s to much older vessels , too . Based on the company ’ s theoretical calculations , Koja expects approximately 50 % energy savings from the cabin air conditioning system , corresponding approximately to 2 – 2.5 % fuel consumption reduction in the whole ship scale – thus , having direct impact on CII .
“ We will give out more information , when our project is ready for public ,” adds Tanninen .
OPTIMIZING HVAC
Koja ’ s operating model is rooted on holistic ideology : When the entire lifecycle of a
HVAC system has been individually dimensioned and optimized , starting from the design phase , the savings do multiply over time . Since Koja is building sturdy HVAC systems for the waves , structures / components need to be tested under extreme conditions . Koja promises to support and serve at every stage of the system ’ s lifecycle .
It is not unfair to say that Koja Marine ’ s smart ventilation solutions are the soul of the ship . The top experts at Koja ’ s R & D Center design and test each HVAC solution with an eye on high performance and low carbon in realistic operational conditions .
“ Koja ’ s new product , Koja SmartAir ® concept is a HVAC automation system , complete with a user-friendly software interface . All energy consumption data is logged into the system and available for statistical use ,” explains Tanninen .
“ Koja SmartAir also features energy saving time programs that assist the customer in managing the system .”
HVAC WITH IQ
Tanninen explains that the system is anchored on “ demand-based ” ideology : there ’ s no point in focusing air flow to the ship ’ s stairways at night when everybody ’ s asleep , but once the ship docks , those stairs become crowded and air scarce . Another example : when people are asleep in their beds , they produce less CO 2
– so the HVAC system can ease up a bit .
“ Our system brings demand-based air conditioning for all areas : stairs , cabins , service and public spaces .”
Another change is the conversion of constant chilled water flow to demandbased flow system .
“ The customary three-way valve system is replaced with a two-way valve system that yields improved energy savings .” Pumps , for example , need less energy when they ’ re dealing with variable flow instead of constant flow .
FAN COIL MODE TO THE E-RESCUE !
The “ secret sauce ” in all of this is the fan coil mode for public and stairs air conditioning units . “ The system re-circulates indoor air when CO 2 levels in served space are below defined levels ; when the level is exceeded , a fresh air is provided accordingly ,” Tanninen explains the idea behind fan coil mode use .
Koja Marine has a proud tradition of excellence which is built on delivery reliability , quality and efficiency – and this is why the world ’ s largest cruise lines have come to depend upon Koja as their HVAC partner . The company ’ s experience of nearly 90 years is something that the customers really appreciate – but Tanninen admits that retrofits still pose challenges even for seasoned hands .
“ Every cabin is retrofitted with HVAC individually and this requires lots of skilled labor ,” Tanninen says , adding that Koja has built powerful networks to counter the rising demand : no project is too big for the company to handle . n
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