1.2.2 Upgrading of HVAC, HVAC optimisation
i. Improvement on power consumption for daily operation of air-conditioning system
To improve the power consumption of our centralised Air Handling Units (AHU) in the Academic Buildings, an initiative was implemented to advance the system's time schedule by 30 minutes earlier than the normal schedule. This initiative involved 70 AHUs and resulted in significant savings in electrical energy and chilled water consumption.
ii. Replacement of One 160kW Chilled Water Pump with New High Efficiency Chilled Water Pump
As part of our strategy to achieve a Low Carbon Campus, we prioritise the selection process and technological design of our equipment. To that end, we have replaced one 160kW Chilled Water Pump with a new, high-efficiency model. This upgrade is expected to reduce power consumption by 10% and contribute to a decrease in the overall carbon footprint on our campus.
iii. Installation of Energy Recovery Wheel (ERW) for Air Handling Units (AHU) at Academic Buildings
To enhance the cooling efficiency of our ACMV (Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation) system, we have planned the installation of Energy Recovery Wheels (ERW) in stages at the Academic Buildings. The primary purpose of ERW is to precondition outside air, resulting in cost savings and potential reductions in cooling capacity requirements.
iv.
Air balancing activities for the air-conditioning system at Academic Buildings
This commissioning procedure involves adjusting dampers in the ductwork and fine-tuning the airflow at each diffuser and grille to achieve balanced airflow. Proper air balancing ensures compliance with ventilation regulations and ASHRAE recommendations while optimising energy efficiency. The project was completed in December 2022 and recorded a 10% reduction in cooling energy consumption.
v. Installation of Energy Online Monitoring at Old Academic Buildings
Energy Online Monitoring systems track real-time energy consumption data 24/7, allowing for efficient management of building power consumption. The collected energy measurement data is transmitted to a cloud-based Integrated Building Management System (i-BMS). All UTP buildings are now equipped with energy meters linked to the i-BMS for continuous monitoring and energy analysis purposes.
