mar13.pdf

MARCH 2013 MCI (P) 051/02/2013
The Magazine Of
The Institution Of Engineers, Singapore
www.ies.org.sg
SINGAPORE ENGINEER
SINGAPORE ENGINEER
SINGAPORE ENGINEER
SINGAPORE ENGINEER
FEATURES:
Engineering Education • Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Acoustics Engineering
COVER STORY:
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
NUS recognised for commitment to campus infrastructure sustainability
THE
SINGAPORE ENGINEER

01
March 2013 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
FEATURES
12 ENGINEERING EDUCATION:
How young engineers will mold the future
Prof Calestous Juma, from Harvard Kennedy School, USA, summarises the current
thinking on how engineers should be trained so that they acquire the skills needed to
solve the world’s problems.
14 MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING: Cover Story:
NUS recognised for commitment to campus infrastructure
sustainability
The National University of Singapore won a Green Mark Champion Award for the
environment-friendly development of its facilities.
20 MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING:
The advantages of fabric ducting
This method of air distribution offers higher productivity during installation as well as
greater energy efficiency and comfort levels, in operation.
24 ACOUSTICS ENGINEERING:
Aeroacoustics simulations for the aerospace industry
Computer simulation techniques contribute to a better understanding of noise
generation by aircraft in flight and thereby to its reduction.
26 PROJECT APPLICATION:
Innovative solutions for the power generation industry
Engineering software facilitate the design of complex plants employing the latest technologies.
28 PROJECT APPLICATION:
Leveraging M2M technology to preserve the Amazon rainforest
The use of machine-to-machine communication technology has helped to reduce
illegal logging in Brazil.
34 INTERVIEW:
Moving towards the smart grid
Mr Willie Chan, Director of Strategy, Schneider Electric Singapore, discusses some of
the changes taking place in power generation and distribution.
REGULAR SECTIONS
02 IES UPDATE
30 PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS
36 EVENTS
38 NEWS
CONTENTS
Chief Editor
T Bhaskaran
t_b_n8@yahoo.com
Director, Marketing
Roland Ang
roland@iesnet.org.sg
Marketing & Publications Executive
Jeremy Chia
jeremy@iesnet.org.sg
CEO
Angie Ng
angie@iesnet.org.sg
Publications Manager
DesmondTeo
desmond@iesnet.org.sg
Published by
The Institution Of Engineers, Singapore
70 BukitTinggi Road
Singapore 289758
Tel: 6469 5000 Fax: 6467 1108
Cover designed by Irin Kuah
Cover image by National University
of Singapore.
The Singapore Engineer is published
monthly by The Institution of Engineers,
Singapore (IES). The publication is
distributed free-of-charge to IES members
and affiliates. Views expressed in this
publication do not necessarily reflect those
of the Editor or IES.All rights reserved. No
part of this magazine shall be reproduced,
mechanically or electronically, without the
prior consent of IES. Whilst every care is
taken to ensure accuracy of the content
at press time, IES will not be liable for any
discrepancies. Unsolicited contributions
are welcome but their inclusion in the
magazine is at the discretion of the Editor.
Design & layout by 2EZ Asia Pte Ltd
Printed by Print & Print Pte Ltd.

02 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER March 2013
Message from the President
IES COUNCIL MEMBERS
2012/2013
President
Prof Chou Siaw Kiang
Vice Presidents
Er. Chong Kee Sen
Er. Edwin Khew
Dr Kwok Wai Onn, Richard
Mr Neo Kok Beng
Er. Ong Geok Soo
Er. Ong See Ho
Honorary Secretary
Dr Boh Jaw Woei
Honorary Treasurer
Mr Kang Choon Seng
Assistant Honorary Secretary
Er. Koh BengThong
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Er. Seow Kang Seng
Immediate Past President
Er. Ho Siong Hin
Past Presidents
Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah
Er.Tan Seng Chuan
Honorary Council Member
Er. Ong Ser Huan
Council Members
Prof Chau Fook Siong
Er. Dr Chew Soon Hoe
Ms Fam Meiling
Er. Dr Ho Kwong Meng
Dr HoTeckTuak
Mr Lee Kwok Weng
Mr Lim Horng Leong
Mr Ng Sing Chan
Mr Oh Boon Chye, Jason
Er.Tan Shu Min, Emily
MrTan Boon Leng, Mark
Er.Toh Siaw Hui, Joseph
Er.Wong Fee Min,Alfred
Dr ZhouYi
IES UPDATE
The results of the United Nations Climate Change
Conference that was held in Doha, Qatar, in
December 2012, show that while international
negotiations are moving steadily in the right direction,
they are moving at too slow a pace, according to
Ms Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change. She points out that while the evolution of
preferred energy sources has moved slowly over the
centuries, from firewood, to coal and then to oil, the
increasing incidence and severity of natural disasters, which are the consequences of
climate change, have given an added urgency to the need to switch to renewable
energy and to increase energy-efficiency.
For the building and construction industry, besides improving the energy-mix and
increasing energy efficiency, there is also a need to adopt a range of measures such
as sustainable designs and materials.
Recognising the importance of sustainability in the built environment, Singapore’s
Building and ConstructionAuthority (BCA) developed the Green Building Masterplan
for greening 80% of all buildings in the republic, by 2030.
The masterplan includes initiatives such as financial incentives, capability building
programmes,and regulatory and administrative policies.These have proven successful.
From just 17 green building projects, when the BCA Green Mark scheme was
launched in 2005, there are now about 1,400 such buildings now.
At first,mainly new buildings were Green Mark-certified.Improving the sustainability of
existing buildings came later.With recent enhancements to the Green Mark Incentive
and mandatory measures in place, for existing buildings, Green Mark certification for
buildings under this category will increase.There is also a rising trend among building
tenants to go for Green Mark certification.
This year, IES will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the NUSS Kent Ridge
Guild House on Saturday, 18 May.A registration form for the AGM will be sent to all
of our corporate members soon and I look forward to seeing you there!
Prof Chou Siaw Kiang
President
The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES)

05

IES UPDATE
Creativity & Innovation showcased at IES
Design Awards 2013
by Leon Leong
Five polytechnics, 15 teams, and one objective - to win this
year’s IES Design Awards competition which was held on
22 March 2013. Teams from Singapore Poly, Ngee Ann Poly,
Republic Poly, Temasek Poly and Nanyang Poly, had to base
their innovative design creations on the theme ‘Devices of
Assistive, Rehabilitative and Therapeutic Applications’.
The organising committee’s objective for this year’s IES
Design Awards was very clear - to inculcate in the younger
generation, the importance of community service, and
encourage them to think more for the handicapped and the
less-fortunate, and help them improve their lifestyles.
The scope of the projects covered the creative design of
gadgets/equipment that would enhance the lives of the
handicapped or old folks. The students were divided into
groups, to design and fabricate a device within a stipulated
budget which was capped at S$ 2,000, that would help
handicapped or elderly people.
The judging criteria were based on the optimisation of
material and equipment, as well as value-added features to
the Homes.The judges were IES members Dr Lock Kai Sang
(Chief Judge), Dr Richard Kwok and Dr Ho Teck Tuak, from
IES, and Ms Winnie Koh, from the Home of the Aged Sick.
Due to the high level of creativity demonstrated by the students
in coming up with the innovative products, the panel of judges
had a hard time in deciding the top three winners. At the end
of the day, the top prize went to Temasek Polytechnic for its
H-Frame Walking Stick.The team impressed the judges with its
presentation, usability and cost-effectiveness.
A total of eight winners (three top prizes and five merit awards)
emerged from the 15 participating teams.
A highlight of this year’s event was the presentation by Dr Jeffrey
Nicholson, Brand Ambassador for 3M Technology, on the topic
‘The Keys to Innovation’. (His full presentation is available on
http://www.ies.org.sg/temp/keysinnovation.pdf). Dr Nicholson is
Judges seeking clarifications from one of the teams.
A team explaining and emonstrating its creative design.
Judges deliberating on the designs presented.
The winner wasTemasek Polytechnic.
Dr Nicholson sharing his thoughts on ‘The Keys to Innovation’.

07

IES UPDATE
Courtesy visits by overseas professional groups
the man behind the successful Post-It Notes. All the students
present were awed by his presentation.
Two other speakers, Dr Bernard Leong,Technology Manager of
Vistaprint, and Mr Leslie Loh, Managing Director of Red Dot
Ventures also shared interesting tips and experiences with the
students. Their lively presentations also fired up the students’
interest in innovation and entrepreneurialism. Dr Leong’s
topic ‘Start from the User - Lean Lessons Learned on Design,
Content & Experience’ can be found on http://www.slideshare.
net/bleongcw/start-fromtheuser, while Mr Loh’s presentation on
‘Learn to be a Technopreneur & Create your Tech Startup’ can
be read on http://www.ies.org.sg/temp/iesstartup.pdf.
The presentation of prizes to the top three winners will be held
during the IES Annual General Meeting at NUSS Kent Ridge
Guild House on 18 May 2013.
IES warmly welcomed a group
of delegates from The Board
of Architects, Professional
Engineers and Quantity
Surveyors, Brunei Darussalam,
on 28 February 2013, and
another group from Engineers
Australia, on 1 March 2013.
The group of delegates from
Brunei Darussalam, with Dato
Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar as the Head of Delegation,
was received by IES President Prof Chou Siaw Kiang, Vice
President Er. Chong Kee Sen, Past President Er. Ong Ser Huan,
Council Member Er. EmilyTan, and CEO Ms Angie Ng.
The meeting was held over a hearty lunch.A brief introduction of
IES and a description of the types of activities that are organised
for IES members, were provided, for the benefit of the visitors.
A discussion was also held with the delegates on IES’s efforts to
promote engineering to students and how IES contributes to
engineering education in Singapore.An invitation was extended
to the delegation to join IES at the World Engineers’ Summit
2013 (WES 2013) in September this year.
Engineers Australia National President Dr Marlene Kanga
and her delegation were received by IES Past President and
Chairman of the WES 2013 Steering Committee, Er.Tan Seng
Chuan; Chairman for WES 2013 Ambassadorial Committee, Er.
Ng Say Cheong; and IES CEO, Ms Angie Ng.
During the meeting, ways of collaboration were discussed, such
as looking at how both organisations can tap on their resources
to run courses in Singapore. Engineers Australia will be bringing
a delegation to Singapore forWES 2013 and will also be holding
their International Meeting here during that time.
Er.Tan updating the delegates onWES 2013.
Group photo taken with Dr Marlene Kanga (4th
from right) and
Er.Tan Seng Chuan (2nd
from right)
Prof Chou Siaw Kiang and Dato
Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.
Group photo taken with the delegates fromThe Board of Architects, Professional
Engineers and Quantity Surveyors, Brunei Darussalam.
Guest speaker Dr Leong receiving a token of appreciation from
Er. Seow Kang Seng, Chairman of Community Services Committee, IES.

IES UPDATE
Joint Accreditation Committee organises RE /
RTO Networking and Awards Night 2013
The Joint Accreditation Committee (JAC) of the Institution of
Engineers, Singapore (IES) and the Association of Consulting
Engineers Singapore (ACES) recently honoured Resident
Engineers (REs) and Site Supervisors (RTOs) responsible for
extraordinary achievements at construction worksites. The
second awards ceremony took place on 22 February 2013 at
the RE & RTO Networking and Awards Night,held at the Matrix
Auditorium @ Biopolis. Er. Chew Keat Chuan, Group Director,
Building Engineering Group,Building and Construction Authority
(BCA), graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour.
More than 413 REs and RTOs,and 20 guests attended the event,
at which three speakers also addressed pertinent topics in the
construction industry.The three speakers were Er. Shee Siu Ming
from BCA, who talked about supervisory duties of accredited
site supervisors; Mr Marcus Wee from the Corrupt Practices
Investigation Bureau (CPIB), who talked about corrupt practices
in the construction industry; and Mr Winston Yew from the
Ministry Of Manpower (MOM), who spoke on workplace safety
and health issues.
The participants enthusiastically engagied in questions-and-answers sessions.
From left to right, Mr Lee Kwee How (RTO), MrThiagarajan Subramanian (RE), Er.
Chew Keat Chuan, Er. Chong Kee Sen, Mdm Hoe Swee Seng (RE), Mr Koh Ah Chek
(RTO), Mr Chin SinYee (RTO), and Mr Fernando Jr Mendoza Dematera (RTO).
IES President, Prof Chou Siaw Kiang giving hisWelcome Speech.
ACES President, Er. Koh Boon Liang
giving hisWelcome Speech.
Er. Shee Siu Ming, BCA
Mr MarcusWee, CPIB MrWinstonYew, MOM
Exemplary Resident Engineer Awards
and Exemplary Site Supervisor Awards
Er. Chew Keat Chuan presented the Exemplary Resident
Engineer Awards and Exemplary Site Supervisor Awards to
three REs and four RTOs, respectively. One of the REs who won
the award was absent.The winners were commended for their
dedication and contribution towards making a difference in the
industry. Each of the winners received a S$ 300 cash cheque
and a certificate.
Set up by the JAC, the Exemplary Site Supervisor Award
recognises the exceptional dedication and contributions of
site supervisors (RTOs) in ensuring that the construction of
structural works is carried out in accordance with the building
regulations, and the significant effort and contribution made by
them towards achieving construction safety and productivity in
the projects they have handled or are handling.
One of the winners of the Exemplary Site Supervisor Award,
Mr Lee Kwee How, SeniorTechnical Officer, HCE Engineers and
Architects 61, said,“I am very happy to receive this award after
27 years in the construction line. Through these years, I have
learnt a lot from Qualified Personnel (QPs) and my colleagues
about building quality and construction safety and also from the
IES courses I attended to upgrade myself. I hope that JAC will
continue organising this award to encourage all RTOs to achieve
high standards in safety and quality”.
A winner, in the RE category, Mdm Hoe Swee Seng,Technical
Manager, Welltech Construction Pte Ltd, said, “Receiving this
award is definitely a recognition of my years of hard work. Even
so, it is important for us to remember that we have the duty
and responsibilities to ensure that all works entrusted to us are
carried out accordingly”.

IES UPDATE
11
Sustainable design combines aesthetics
and functionality
RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte)
Ltd (RSP) is providing, on a pro bono
basis, the architectural as well as the civil &
structural engineering design for the new
annexe to the IES Building at BukitTinggi.
Being built in the car park space adjacent
to the existing IES Building, the new annexe
will be a green building. It is scheduled for
completion during the first quarter of 2014.
The lower level of the new annexe will
house the IES Secretariat whilst the upper
level will accommodate a members’ area,
training rooms and an open terrace.
IES is extending land use and expanding its premises to cater to
membership growth and to better support engineers in their
contribution to Singapore’s economic and societal developments.
Design considerations
According to RSP, the main idea that has gone into the design
of the building is that it should provide a functional demarcation
between the secretariat office and the members’ area, so that
at any time of the day, the functioning of either would not affect
the other.
The development of the design then began with the creation of
two distinct zones, one for the members and the other for the
secretariat office.The secretariat is on the lower floor since its
staff meet members and visitors regularly.A primary service core
fronts the neighbouring German European Secondary School,
a 4-storey building, thereby also providing some privacy for the
annexe. Lining the service core is a rain garden on one side, and
on the inner side, a feature landscape provides a green interface
to the members area and secretariat office. On the upper storey,
an open courtyard, in the middle, provides an ideal venue for
outdoor functions. Rooms on the upper storey have flexible
partitions that allow the interior spaces to be combined,and even
for the rooms to open out into the courtyard when necessary.
The design of the new annexe has been inspired by the lush
environment of the area. It has sought to bring some elements
of the natural surroundings into the development through, for
example, a series of perforated fins adorning the facade of the
building, which create a tree-canopy-like effect from within and
from the outside.
There is also a desire for a distinct engineering expression, to
highlight the core knowledge of the institution. Accordingly,
the upper storey has been designed to also provide a deep,
cantilevered sheltered area below, for vehicular drop-off activity .
It was a considerable engineering challenge to design a large
overhang of 6 m for the sheltered drop-off, while minimising
the number of columns on plan to ensure maximum clear-span
spaces. In order to achieve this, much of the suspended floor
plates has been substituted with hollow-core slabs, in order to
keep the plates strong but light.
Further, the inclusion of an elevator in the proposed annexe
ensures barrier-free connection between the annexe and the
existing building.
All images by
RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd.
RSP’s design for the new annexe to the IES Building seeks to create a functional
demarcation between the secretariat office and the members’ area. It also
emphasises distinct engineering expression, to highlight the core knowledge of IES.
MAIN SERVICE CORE
FUNCTION
COURTYARD
CANTILEVERED
SHELTER DROP-OFF
POTENTIAL SEAMLESS
CONNECTION TO
EXISTING BUILDING
LANDSCAPE INTERFACE
MEMBERS ZONE
SECRETARIAT
OFFICE
With the new annexe, IES is extending land use and expanding its premises.

ENGINEERING EDUCATION
In a provocative article, the Economist recently asked whether
new technology had stopped driving the world economy. The
article challenged innovation pessimists by providing several
examples of technologies that mold future economies.
The most urgent question, however, is how to train a new
generation of young engineers who will be capable of combining
technical excellence with a deeper appreciation of societal
needs and values.
This was the theme of a recent meeting that brought together
educators interested in engineering at the Harvard Kennedy
School.The focus of the meeting was to identify ways in which
universities and high schools can work together to train the next
generation of engineers who can help solve the world’s most
pressing economic and environmental challenges.
It is not that the world is short of engineering solutions.
The Economist lists a few: ‘Pattern-recognition software is
increasingly good at performing the tasks of entry-level lawyers,
scanning thousands of legal documents for relevant passages.
Algorithms are used to write basic newspaper articles on
sporting outcomes and financial reports….In Japan, where
labour to care for an ageing population is scarce, innovation in
robotics is proceeding by leaps and bounds’.
The real engineering challenge may be integrating those
solutions into societies. This will involve linking education to
production and manufacturing as well as incorporating real
world experiences into engineering education.
The meeting brought together representatives from Boston
University, Harvard University, Kent School, MIT, and the
University of Hong Kong to explore how to advance engineering
education in high schools. It also included the One Laptop per
Child Association.
Training a new generation of engineers demands leadership.“It
takes getting into things early and we are ready to promote this
cause through our pre-engineering program”, said Fr Richardson
Schell, head of Kent School, which includes grades 9–12.
“Our pre-engineering program seeks to challenge students to
explore their potential for achievement by nurturing their critical
thinking, increasing scientific literacy, and enabling innovation”, he
explained. Kent School is working to create an applied learning
center that will integrate with the local community.
Kent School will conduct a one-week (June 10–14, 2013)
summer program on ‘Global Development: Grand Challenges
for Engineering’ to inspire students to explore how to leverage
the power of engineering in solving global economic challenges.
“We are delighted with the involvement of professionals from
Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, One Laptop per
Child Association, and other institutions”, Fr Schell noted.
The program will cover themes such as energy, education,
health, and nutrition. It will be conducted through lectures,
hands-on activities, field visits, and roundtable discussions with
practitioners.
The meeting was inspired by the Grand Challenges for
Engineering report produced by a committee of the US
National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The committee was
chaired by former US Secretary of Defense William Perry,
and members included leading engineers and thinkers such as
Alec Broers,Wesley Harris, Bernadine Healy, Dean Kamen, Ray
Kurzweil, Robert Langer, Jane Lubchenco, Mario Molína, Larry
Page, Robert Socolow, CraigVenter, and JackieYing.
The world is indeed forging ahead with a new age of integrated
engineering. This approach is being promoted through new
educational approaches adopted by high education institutions
such as the Olin College of Engineering. In 2013 Olin’s founding
academic leaders received NAE’s prestigious Bernard M
Gordon Prize for their pioneering ‘experiments in education
that develop effective engineering leaders’.
In recognition of the importance of the field, Chinese, US, and
UK engineering academies are co-sponsoring the Global Grand
Challenges Summit in London in March 2013. The summit
will showcase ‘leading international engineering thinkers and
innovators sharing ideas with the next generation of engineers
and policy-makers on how to solve the world’s most pressing
challenges’.
A few days after the summit,the UK RoyalAcademy of Engineering
will announce the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the
world’s largest honor of its type. The £1 million prize aims to
reward and celebrate individuals who have made ground-breaking
innovations that have global benefits to humanity.
MIT Associate Provost Professor Wesley Harris stressed to the
Harvard meeting the importance of integrating engineering
education across disciplines and leveraging the energy and
creativity of students from a variety of majors. Without such
integration, he noted, a dichotomy is created whereby some
people focus on technology for its own sake, while others
navigate an increasingly complex world without any technological
background or appreciation.
One of the challenges facing the engineering profession today is
retention. According to Dr Sujata Bhatia of the Harvard School
How young engineers will mold the future
by Prof Calestous Juma

ENGINEERING EDUCATION
13
of Engineering and Applied Sciences, students will not sustain
their interest in the rigor of engineering courses if they do not
see their role in solving practical problems.To do this, she said,
engineering must integrate with other liberal arts subjects such
as language, philosophy, ethics and literature. “Similarly, women
are more likely to study engineering if the field focuses on
solving real world problems,” she added.
Indeed, NAE President Charles Vest has rightly called for the
integration of the liberal arts with engineering.The real challenge,
according to Professor Muhammad Zaman of Boston University,
is to focus on how engineering can help solve the world’s most
pressing development challenges. “This requires integration of
fields such as medicine and engineering while taking into account
ethical considerations,” he emphasized at the meeting.
Professor Zaman has been active in promoting new biomedical
engineering courses in Africa. In his judgment, developing
countries offer unique opportunities to foster integrated
approaches to engineering education. The same applies to
starting at the pre-engineering or pre-medicine levels in high
schools.
DrWai LeungTang of the University of Hong Kong also stressed
the importance of integrating the disciplines around problem-
solving.“The training of young people must include engineering
principles, techniques, and knowledge as well as integration
with other disciplines. So engineers need a wide spectrum of
knowledge,” he noted.
OLPC’s Dr Redouane Megateli said we had come full circle.
First the world was concerned with improving education. But
to do that it had to engineer the development of new laptops
whose design criteria reflected how people learn. But with the
proliferation of access to such devices, the world is back to the
beginning: thinking about education.
“This is the rationale behind the creation of OLPC academies
around the world”, he said.
Devices will come and go,but the demand for impact assessment
will always remain. Professor Harris challenged the participants
to establish metrics for assessing the impact of new high school
pre-engineering programs.
For me the finest idea came from Dr Bhatia:“Give me a young
person who is excellent in anything and I can turn him or her
into an excellent engineer. It is about discipline.Those who have
it in any field, including athletics, can excel in any other field”.
Professor Harris noted that the focus on excellence and other
attributes should provide a basis for evaluating the impact of
new engineering programs for high school students.
“It is important to provide metrics for setting goals and assessing
impact”, he emphasized.
The training of future engineers will need to integrate diverse
disciplines so they can mold economies that promise prosperity
for all.
As the Economist aptly concluded,‘The main risk…may not be
that the pace of innovation is too slow, but that institutions have
become too rigid to accommodate truly revolutionary changes’.
According to Fr Schell, this is where learning becomes an
applied field aimed at integrating the disciplines to solve the
world’s pressing challenges. That is how young engineers can
mold the future.
(Calestous Juma is Professor of the Practice of International
Development at Harvard Kennedy School and author of The New
Harvest: Agricultural Innovation in Africa (Oxford University Press,
2011). He was a member of the Grand Challenges for Engineering
Committee of the US NationalAcademy of Engineering and serves
on the selection jury of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.
Professor Juma is currently writing a book on engineering for
global development. This article is reprinted with the permission
of the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science and
International Affairs).
Winners of the inaugural Queen
Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
announced
Five engineers who created the Internet and the World
Wide Web have together won the inaugural £ 1 million
Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their innovations
which have revolutionised the way people communicate
and enabled the development of whole new industries.
Today, a third of the world’s population use the Internet
and it is estimated to carry around 330 Petabytes of
data per year - enough to transfer every character ever
written in every book ever published 20 times over.
Engineers Robert Kahn, Vinton Cerf, Louis Pouzin, Tim
Berners-Lee and Marc Andreessen were announced as
the winners,by Lord Browne of Madingley in the presence
of HRH The Princess Royal, at the Royal Academy of
Engineering which administers the prize.
The winners will come to London in June for the formal
presentation of the prize by Her MajestyThe Queen.
The art of engineering lies in the efficient combination
of technologies to deliver the most meaningful results
for society.The international team of judges for the Prize
consider that these five outstanding engineers epitomise
this approach in the way that they designed and built the
Internet and the Web.

COVER STORY
INTRODUCTION
The National University of Singapore (NUS) strives to deliver
transformative education and high-impact research. Its campus
community, which comprises over 37,000 students and about
9,700 staff, study, work, live and play on three campuses.
NUS is committed to integrating sustainability into its
operations, planning, education, research and public service, and
aims to develop an excellent campus infrastructure through the
adoption of sustainable principles for master planning, design
and construction.
To-date, NUS has received 16 Green Mark building and district
awards, including the inaugural Green Mark District GoldPlus
Award
(in 2009) and five Green Mark Platinum Awards for Buildings.
To qualify for the Green Mark ChampionAward,building owners
need to have at least 10 projects rated Green Mark Gold and
above, including at least three projects rated GoldPlus
and at least
three projects rated Platinum.
MASTER PLANNING
NUS’s master plan is anchored in a vision of a vibrant campus
that provides an integrated sustainable living-learning experience
for its students and staff.The master plan consists of a series of
systems plans addressing building and land use,landscape structure,
access and circulation, and housing and sustainability strategies.
The sustainability strategies, in particular, recommend balancing
integrative design and efficient use of space;optimising architectural
designs for daylighting while minimising solar heat; as well as
leveraging natural ventilation for circulation and open communal
spaces. Other best practices and green features include enhancing
the natural systems through existing slope and habitat preservation,
implementing best management practices to introduce water by
filtration, and improving alternative means of access.
The master planning process emphasises respect for natural
resources by adapting to climatic conditions, and sets new
standards for building performance. By living and learning in an
environment-conscious setting, the NUS staff and students learn
to consider the impact of everyday decisions, and carry the
principles of sustainability beyond the confines of the university
campus and into their lives as global citizens.
COMMITMENT TO REDUCE CARBON
EMISSIONS
NUS has set a target of reducing its carbon emissions by 23%
below business-as-usual, by 2020. The approach is to identify
emission trends and areas of growth, and suggest spheres of
influence and activities where emission reductions and energy
efficiency increases can have the greatest impact. This, in turn,
provides a sound basis for formulating a strategic climate action
programme, particularly in the area of energy management.
UNIVERSITY TOWN - A SUSTAINABLE
CAMPUS PRECINCT
The NUS University Town (UTown) is a 19 hectare, mixed-use
residential, sports, educational and research development along
Clementi Road. It is connected to the main Kent Ridge campus
by a vehicular, bicycle and pedestrianised bridge over the Ayer
Rajah Expressway. In addition to its receiving the Green Mark
District GoldPlus
Award, UTown also has all five buildings within
its boundaries certified Green Mark Gold and above (two
Platinum, two GoldPlus
and one Gold).
NUS recognised for commitment to campus
infrastructure sustainability
In 2012, the National University of Singapore became the first educational institution in the
republic to receive the prestigious Green Mark Champion Award, conferred by the Building
and Construction Authority.
District / Building BCA Green Mark Award
UniversityTown GoldPlus
(District)
Education Resource Centre Platinum
EduSports Building Platinum
Yong Loo Lin School of Platinum
Medicine Block MD1
Ventus Platinum
KentVale 2 Staff Housing Platinum
A selection of NUS’s BCA Green Mark Award-winning projects.
“Higher education is more than imparting knowledge and life
skills. It has the potential of instilling a sense of responsibility in
the students to create a healthy environment to be enjoyed
by future generations. By building the NUS campus as a living
laboratory for sustainability, our students can learn to be better
stewards of the environment” - Mr Joseph Mullinix, Deputy
President (Administration) of NUS.
“Building and infrastructure sustainability is more than just
designing facilities to save energy and resources. To be truly
successful, it must meet the numerous expectations placed on it
by the occupants and create a perfect blend of form and function.
Through the innovative engagement of the NUS students and
staff, NUS buildings have become vibrant environments that
encourage creativity, innovation and community.At NUS, we are
committed to sustaining a green future, beyond Green Mark
buildings and infrastructure” - Prof Yong Kwet Yew, NUS Vice
President (University Campus Infrastructure).

COVER STORY
15
Nestled within a lush tropical landscape, UTown supports a
vibrant community of undergraduate and graduate students,
staff and researchers,who work,live,learn and play.It exemplifies
NUS’s holistic and integrated approach to a sustainable campus,
incorporating sustainable design principles into its master plan
and building design, as well as emphasising strategies for energy
and water efficiencies, material and waste management, and
environmental quality and protection.
This vision of a sustainable campus precinct is guided by three
key objectives - to strive towards a low carbon campus, to
encourage the growth of an ecologically biodiverse habitat, and
to create a pedagogical sustainable environment that would be
enjoyed by the campus community. There are several design
strategies that enabled NUS to achieve its objectives in the area
of sustainability.
LOW CARBON CAMPUS
• Minimising carbon emissions before construction and after
completion of the campus, through computation of carbon
sequestration.
• Designing north-south-facing buildings, to reduce exposure
of interiors to direct sunlight, and encouraging natural cross
ventilation into buildings.
• Designing a mixed mode of naturally ventilated and air-
conditioned spaces, emphasising the use of fans and natural
ventilation over air-conditioning, for most buildings.
• Specifying natural ventilation for all major circulation areas.
• Introducing an innovative ‘Pay-As-You-Use’ system for air-
conditioning in student residences, to encourage prudent use
of energy.
• Designing shaded outdoor interactive and circulation spaces
and specifying hardscape materials with high Solar Reflection
Index (SRI) and green roofs for buildings.
• Creating sheltered interconnected walkways and safe
dedicated bicycle lanes to reduce dependence on automobiles.
• Specifying efficient external task lighting for energy efficiency
and reduction of light pollution and glare.
ECOLOGICALLY BIODIVERSE HABITAT
• Conserving the natural topography and hydrology.
• Preserving the existing green buffer (leaving them ‘wild’)
around the campus, to encourage the growth of flora
and fauna.
• Extensively using a wide variety of native plant species, to
promote floral biodiversity.
• Incorporating the ‘Active Beautiful Clean’ stormwater
management system.
• Causing minimal disturbance to the site through the use of the
‘cut and fill’ construction approach.
PEDAGOGICAL SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
• Incorporating passive sustainable design principles for tropical
climates into the living and learning environment.
• Creating a shaded interconnected pedestrian pathway
network, thereby encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
• Ensuring optimal external thermal comfort in outdoor activity
areas through shading and selection of hardscape materials.
• Encouraging the adoption of a sustainable lifestyle by providing
a convenient integrated waste management infrastructure.
• Minimising exhaust heat from cooling tower/condenser units
near occupants of buildings and reducing energy costs through
use of a District Cooling Plant.
By integrating sustainability into planning, construction and
operations, UTown is expected to achieve electricity savings of
up to 3.8 million kWh and water savings of about 44,800 m3
.
More importantly, demonstration of sustainable precinct master
The curved forms of the ERC are covered by a facetted, high performance facade using double-glazed fritted glass and horizontal sunshades to achieve a highly energy-
efficient building envelope.

COVER STORY
planning and building construction serves as the basis for future
projects throughout the entire university.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS FOR TEACHING
AND LEARNING
EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE
The Education Resource Centre (ERC), a 24/7 collaborative
learning hub at the heart of UTown, exemplifies the design
principles deployed for the UTown precinct. It has been
designed around existing matureTembusu trees and the natural
topography of the site, resulting in an organic arrangement of
clusters that house the educational facilities. Its curved forms
are covered by a facetted, high performance facade using
double-glazed fritted glass and horizontal sunshades to achieve
a highly energy-efficient building envelope. Built with multiple
entrances, outdoor study areas and lush green spaces, the ERC
is a highly porous building with natural cross ventilation to all the
circulation spaces.The building has three levels with the Learning
Café terrace spilling onto the Town Green. ERC received the
Green Mark Platinum Award in 2011.
Sustainable features of ERC
Building designed around existing trees
ERC has been designed to wrap around several large and
mature trees.
Topography
Integration of the first storey ground plate with the natural
contours of the site enabled existing trees to be conserved.
Natural ventilation
The design of study areas as individual clusters scattered around
the ERC floor plate has created a network of naturally ventilated
pedestrian circulation spaces throughout the building.
Micro-climate
The cooling effect within the circulation spaces is provided by
the conserved trees which draw cool air down through open
courtyards.
Daylight maximisation
Key spaces are provided with double-glazed, low-E fritted
glass panels, to maximise visual transparency into the building.
Large sun-shading canopies and vertical green screens are used
extensively around ERC.
Green roof
Roof plantings provide additional roof insulation.
Recycled materials
Sustainable materials such as recycled timber, have been used
for construction.
Other factors
A chilled ceiling at the Study Cluster at Level 1 maximises
comfort, and the use of a total lighting management system
in all study areas enables controlled dimming/light level tuning,
scene zone control, occupancy and vacancy sensing, automatic
daylight harvesting, solar-adaptive shading and scheduling, and
personalised light control.
EDUSPORTS
EduSports, recently named the Stephen Riady Centre, is the
focal point for the student community at UTown. Under one
roof are education facilities (lecture theatres,seminar rooms and
auditorium), cultural and performing arts spaces (performance
and practice theatres,dance studios,a music library and individual
practice rooms), sports facilities (swimming pool, gymnasium,
rock climbing wall, as well as training and competition halls), an
array of dining and retail outlets and a sheltered open space which
is an attractive venue for performances, fairs and interactions.
Sprinkled throughout the building are small gathering nodes to
facilitate informal group learning opportunities.
EduSports has been designed to optimise the building envelope and mitigate heat gain and cooling loads.
ERC has been designed to wrap around several large and mature trees.

COVER STORY
17
EduSports has been designed to optimise the building envelope
and mitigate heat gain and cooling loads. Daylight spaces were
included to further reduce energy demands and provide a
comfortable, sustainable environment for the user community.
EduSports received the Green Mark Platinum Award in 2012.
Sustainable features of EduSports
Mitigating solar heat gain
Extensive self-shading has created large, naturally ventilated,
semi-exterior north-south corridors. Setbacks, overhangs,
spandrels and high-performance glazing, at selected facades,
further enhance shading and significantly reduce solar heat gain.
Highly insulated or vertical green walls, a green roof and large
pockets of greenery, further improve the performance of the
entire building envelope.
Encouraging natural ventilation
Spacing and layout have been optimised to funnel in air through
public spaces and enhance breezes. Common areas that require
a larger air velocity and lower radiant temperature, are fitted
with low-energy features such as high-volume low-speed fans,
to improve thermal comfort during ‘still air’ weather conditions.
Saving energy
The air-conditioning system utilises variable speed drives on
the Air Handling Units (AHUs), Fan Coil Units (FCUs) and
motors, ensuring energy efficiency. Motion sensors in toilets and
corridors provide further energy savings.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING FOR RESEARCH
NUS YONG LOO LIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BLOCK
The NUSYong Loo Lin School of Medicine Block (MD1) houses
both wet and dry laboratories, teaching spaces and offices.
Designed with cutting-edge research and learning facilities and
located adjacent to the National University Hospital, it allows
students, researchers and clinicians the opportunity to interact
in a seamless bed-to-bench environment. MD1 received the
Green Mark Platinum Award in 2012.
Sustainable features of MD1
Energy efficiency features
Laboratory-type facilities are energy intensive compared to
normal office settings, due to the use of a single pass ventilation
system.To achieve the energy efficiency within MD1, the façade
thermal performance has been maximised with the use of low
E-coated double glazing, shading, and an efficient chiller plant
with variable speed control for pumps and cooling towers. For
the ventilation system, the AHU is equipped with a heat pipe
and heat recovery unit that harnesses energy which is utilised
to maintain the desired temperature and relative humidity.
The resulting Envelope Thermal Transmittance Value (ETTV)
outperforms the national standards by 50%.
Similarly, energy-efficient lighting such as T5 and LED lights are
installed in the laboratories, lobbies and common areas. Motion
sensors are also deployed in laboratories and toilets to reduce
energy wastage.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS FOR
ADMINISTRATION AND HOUSING
VENTUS
Ventus comprises office, meeting and communal spaces for
the four administrative offices within the University Campus
Infrastructure cluster.The building is intended to exemplify both
sustainable and passive design, complementing its surroundings.
Ventus received the Green Mark Platinum Award in 2012.
Ventus exemplifies both sustainable and passive design, complementing its surroundings.

COVER STORY
Sustainable features of Ventus
Responding to the site
Removal of existing trees and excavation were minimised as the
building was designed around the natural site elements, using
trees as markers for the architectural form.As a result,there was
a reduction in energy consumption and water contamination
during the construction period, natural biodiversity is preserved,
and thermal comfort conditions are provided for outdoor
spaces.
Wind scoop feature
The wind scoop (integrated with the central spine of the
building) is a key feature of the design, that takes advantage
of the predominant wind for natural ventilation, through the
venturi effect. The building is shaped such that the ends have
large openings that capture high volumes of air and the middle
portion narrows and accelerates the air through.This space also
provides a thermal zone between the air-conditioned spaces
and outdoor environment, minimising the associated transitional
discomfort.
Innovative structural design
The shape of the central spine and the spacing in between the
three office blocks are tailored such that the blocks provide
shading for one another, and the central spine provides overall
shading for the circulation and activities housed within. This
translates to a significant reduction in the solar radiation profile.
KENT VALE 2
Kent Vale 2 (KV2) comprises one 25-storey and two 24-storey
residential blocks for staff,and a podium block housing communal
facilities such as swimming pool, gym and lounge. Offering a
good mix of apartment types, KV2 offers flexible on-campus
accommodation for families, couples or singles, in 3-bedroom,
2-bedroom and 1-bedroom units. The intent is to provide an
environment that encourages social interaction and cross-
cultural exchanges, whilst forging a strong sense of community.
KV2 received the Green Mark Platinum Award in 2011.
Sustainable features of Kent Vale 2
Mitigation of solar heat gain
Solar gain through the façade is minimised via optimum building
orientation;strategic sunshading provided by modular green walls,
balconies, fixed and sliding screens on the east and west facing
facades; and horizontal sunshading to all facades. Considered
positioning of ventilation openings allows for adequate light and
ventilation, without additional solar glazing systems.
Off-form concrete and construction efficiency
The entire building façade, lobbies and common areas have
concrete finishes, hence eliminating the need for external
plastering or skim coat and external painting.The module design
of the apartment blocks also encourages the use of standardised
formwork, minimising on-site wet trade works.This resulted in
a 25% improvement in productivity and significant savings on
finishing, without compromising building aesthetics.
Integrated building management system
An Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) monitors
and controls the consumption of electricity and water.
User-controlled operable windows and screens
The sliding screens deployed on the eastern and western
facades are user-controllable and offer greater reduction in solar
radiation.The onus is then shifted to the residents to optimise
the use of these screens and the air-conditioning within the
apartments, for thermal comfort.
ACTIVE LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT
A strong and active NUS management, together with the
support of its student and staff community, ensures effective
environmental stewardship that goes beyond the construction
and operation of sustainable buildings. The NUS community
is also constantly engaged in various outreach and education
programmes to bring about greater awareness of and interest
in being environmentally responsible.
NUS believes that as a leading educational institution, it should
contribute to efforts in tackling climate change and play an
active role in incorporating sustainable development concepts
in its activities and operations so as to reduce the university’s
overall environmental impact.
Kent Vale 2 comprises residential blocks for staff and a podium block housing
communal facilities.
All images by the National University of Singapore.

19

Fabric ducting is a common ACMV (Air-Conditioning &
Mechanical Ventilation) component used all over the world. It
offers great improvements in productivity as well as in energy
efficiency and thermal comfort.
The heat load calculations and equipment sizing for fabric
ducting remains the same as for traditional systems, but instead
of using metal ducts to transport the air, patented fabric is used.
The three main benefits of fabric ducting are a vast reduction
in labour costs required to install the system (achieving up to
80% reduction in man-hours), energy efficiency (generating up
to 25% savings), and better comfort.
Productivity
Fabric ducting systems are mounted on aluminium rails which
hold the fabric ducts in place.This simple and reliable mounting
system allows contractors to reduce installation times by up to
80% and the lightweight characteristics of the system allow it to
be installed on any ceiling (including false ceilings).
Energy efﬁciency
Fabric ducting systems should be custom designed with the
help of local suppliers who understand the energy efficiency
and performance goals of the project. If designed correctly,
fabric ducts can operate at significantly reduced static pressure
requirements as compared to steel ducting systems.This results
in energy savings of up to 25%, as the AHU/FCU fans do not
need to work as hard to push the air through the system.
To cite one example, fabric ducting has enabled an office in
Singapore to generate energy savings and obtain a BCA Green
The advantages of fabric ducting
by David Mackerness, General Manager, The LGM Group
As an air distribution option, it is an alternative to a steel ducting and diffuser system.
The use of fabric ducting in this factory atTuas reduced installation times by 73%.
Comparison between installation times required for conventional ducting systems and for fabric ducting systems.
27 AHUs
1 m2
of steel duct requires 0.5 man hours to install
Each diffuser requires 0.5 man hours to install
SAD = 250 m2
per AHU = 125 man hours x 27 = 3,375
RAD = 250 m2
Diffusers = 864 in total = 0.5 man hours x 864 = 432
TOTAL = 7,182 Man Hours
27 AHUs
2.5 m2
of fabric duct requires 0.5 man hours to install
Each diffuser requires 0.5 man hours to install
SAD = 180 m2
RAD = 0 m2
per AHU = 0
Diffusers = 0
TOTAL = 1,944 Man Hours
Steel Ducting and Diffusers Fabric Ducting

21
Mark Platinum rating.The original ACMV design for this office
used three FCUs and a traditional ducting and diffuser system.
During the fit-out stage, fabric ducting was retrofitted to the
existing FCUs and it reduced the fan motor power requirements
by 23%.
Better comfort
Fabric ducts are custom-made for every project,ensuring optimal
air distribution throughout the space. This allows designers to
accommodate any temperature or velocity requirements and
results in a good indoor environment.
Given the challenge of cooling a 15 m by 35 m space with side-
wall diffusers,an advertising agency opted for a custom designed
fabric ducting system. The design incorporates three different
throw lengths and angles to achieve uniform air distribution
and temperatures throughout the space with no draughts
or hotspots.
Types of fabric ducting
The technology for fabric ducting is not new. Fabric ducts have
been used in Europe and the US for the past three decades.
Most manufacturers can offer fibreglass-based, PVC-coated
ducts but these are not recommended for use in Asia as
they are not permeable and condensation may form on the
outside of the ducts, due to the humid conditions here. This
could result in dripping water which can damage equipment in
the space.
To prevent the condensation problem,fabric ducting systems for
Asian markets must be permeable.
Until recently, none of the permeable fabric ducts could
comply with the Class ‘O’ fire certification standards required
by Singapore.
Recent advances in technology have now enabled some of the
fabric ducting manufacturers, in Europe and the US, to produce
permeable ducts which meet the Class ‘O’ fire certification
standards.
And now, there are local suppliers who offer design, supply and
installation services for this type of fabric ducting, for projects in
any Asian environment.
Such ducting has already been installed in over 30 high profile
projects in Singapore.
Fabric ducting can be used in any project and there are examples
of fabric ducts being used in warehouses,sports halls,offices and
even a sound stage.
For installations that require a high indoor air quality, the ducts
can be taken down and washed.To ensure that warranties are
maintained, the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing must
be followed.
In Europe and the US, fabric duct installations have shown no
signs of deterioration or damage during the 30 years that they
have been in service.
More information on fabric ducting may be obtained from the author
(Tel: 6586 9015. Email: david.mackerness@thelgmgroup.com)
Fabric ducting has enabled this BCA Green Mark Platinum-rated office in
Singapore to generate energy savings of 23%.
Comparison between energy consumption of office with conventional ducting
systems and with fabric ducting systems.
FCU Parameters Steel Ducting Fabric
and Diffusers Ducting
Airflow 7001 7001
Static Pressure 218 195
Fan Motor Power each 2.0 1.55
No. of Fan Motors 3 3
in Operation
Total Power in Operation 6.0 4.7
Annual Operation Hour 2,730 2,730
Annual Energy 16,380 12,695
Consumption
Annual Energy Savings = 3,686 kWh
% of Annual Energy Savings = 23%

A research and development facility with fabric ducting - (1) Equipment sizing remains unchanged. (2) Cool air leaves the Air Handling Unit (AHU) / Fan Coil Unit (FCU)
and is transported along the fabric duct. (3) Once the duct is inflated and pressurised (in 5 sec to 10 sec), cool air enters the space through the permeable fabric as well
as custom designed, laser-cut holes.
1
2
3
A Green Mark Platinum-rated engine assembly plant that uses a custom designed fabric ducting system.
Fabric ducting installed in the sports hall of an international school in Singapore.
Advertising agency using side-wall mounted fabric ducting.

23

ACOUSTICS ENGINEERING
One of the greatest challenges facing the aerospace industry
is improving the aeroacoustic noise generation of its products
to meet today’s more stringent noise pollution standards. As
flow-induced noise makes a significant contribution to the overall
decibel output,it is essential to find out how aircraft design can be
optimised in order to minimise the flow-induced noise without
impairing the general performance of the air vehicle.
Sources of flow-induced noise are varied. Typically,
for commercial aircraft, they are mainly associated with
high-lift devices, landing gear, jet nozzles, and cabin and cockpit
climate control devices. For military air vehicles, structural and
aerodynamic instabilities of weapons and weapon bays are
additional issues that need to be addressed.
Case Study 1
Case Study 1 was implemented as part of Problem 4 of the First
AIAA Workshop on Benchmark problems for Airframe Noise
Computations (BANC-I), which was held in Stockholm, Sweden,
on 10 and 11 June 2010. The geometry is a simplification of
the Gulfstream G550 nose landing gear, configured as Partially-
Dressed Cavity-Closed (PDCC).Experiments on a quarter-scale
model were performed in the NASA-BART acoustic tunnel and
at the University of Florida.
The computational model contained complete component details
and resolved the geometry down into the laminar sub-layer
(nominally y+ < 1). The mesh comprised trimmed hexahedra
with extruded prisms in the normal-to-wall direction, totalling 39
million cells. In the vicinity of all the landing gear components and
wheel, uniform cubic cells of 0.75 mm were used.
In addition, a mesh coarsening exercise was performed. Two
coarse meshes were successively run, in which the cell size in
the core flow region was increased from 0.75 mm (fine) to 1.00
mm (medium mesh, resulting in 22 million cells) and 1.25 mm
(coarse mesh, 13 million cells).
First, a steady-state simulation was performed in order to
determine where volume mesh refinements were needed, as
well as calculate the mesh frequency cut-off measure to size
the cells.The applied mesh was well able to capture frequencies
up to 5 kHz in the vicinity of the landing gear components, as
shown in the accompanying images.
The results from the transient compressible simulation, using
DES and applying non-reflective treatments at the inflow and
outflow boundaries, delivered a high level of confidence that
both the mean and fluctuating flow fields were well predicted.
The total computational time for 0.25 seconds of simulated time
on the fine mesh was approximately 16000 CPU-hours on a
modern 3.0 GHz Linux platform.
This corresponds to just over 5 days on 128 CPUs. Likewise, the
coarse 13 million cell case took just under 2 days.
Aeroacoustics simulations for the aerospace industry
by Fred Mendonça & Deborah Eppel, CD-adapco
The article presents two case studies,one on the airframe noise simulation of a complex nose landing
gear, and the other on the aeroacoustics analysis of an avionic cooling rack in an Airbus cockpit.
Case Study 1:Aeroacoustics of a complex nose landing gear.
1/4-scale model of
the Partially-Dressed
Cavity-Closed (PDCC)
Gulfstream G550 nose
landing gear.
Mesh Frequency
Cut-Off estimator along
the model centre-line.
Transient Mean
Static Pressure
Coefficeint on the
Wheel.
Mean two dimensional (x-y)
turbulent kinetic energy
- STAR-CCM+ prediction (top)
and PIV results (below)
Uniform cubic cells were used in the vicinity of the
nose-gear components: 0.75 mm (left), 3.0 mm (centre),
6.0 mm (right).
(Mean) transient (DES k-ω-SST) (left) and steady-state k-ω-SST (right).

ACOUSTICS ENGINEERING
25
Case Study 2
Case Study 2 demonstrated the up-front use of the steady-
state turbulence synthesisation method to improve the
noise signature of an avionics cooling rack. The electronics
sit on shelves which are actively cooled by air channels
within the shelving, supplied by ducts which are fed from the
Environmental Control System (ECS).
Debatin’s technique [1] was used to modify the original
designs of the plenum and shelf flow restrictor. The effects of
the modifications were then assessed by quantifying the noise
reduction through CFD simulation and comparing the results
with the measured noise reduction.A DES simulation was used
for the transient flow-field predictions.Microphones were placed
in arbitrary locations in the plenum and in the shelf restrictor.
It was found that the modified plenum design significantly
reduces the volume of flow recirculation, and consequently the
shear-noise generating mechanisms.The result was a reduction
of noise levels across the full range of the human hearing
spectrum.The DES simulation succeeded in predicting the level
of noise reduction correctly (approximately 3 dB in the range
300-10,000 Hz), but over-predicted the improvement in the
lower frequency range.
The flow turbulence through the shelf restrictor was found to
be greatly reduced, resulting in a 2-5 dB reduction is noise levels
between 100 Hz and 10,000 Hz.The predicted levels of noise
reduction were excellent across this full range.
The total model size was approximately 1.5 million cells.
Calculations in steady state and transient state (DES) were
performed by a graduate intern student and completed within a
period of three months, using computer resources limited to a
maximum of eight CPUs.
Conclusion
As part of its close working relationship with the transport
industry, CD-adapco provides validated tools to predict and
design against aeroacoustical effects early in the design process.
From among a multitude of possible applications in the
aerospace industry, two industrial aeroacoustics case studies
have been briefly described in this article.
The results proved to be accurate and the study helped illustrate
how a deeper understanding of acoustical phenomena can be
gained through the use of CD-adapco’s STAR-CCM+, thereby
enabling a higher degree of engineering value to be added while
reducing costs and timescales in the CAE process.
Aeroacoustics best practices are now included in the
STAR-CCM+ online documentation.
References
[1] ‘Chasing Noise with Simulation’, Debatin, ECOMAS CFD
2006,The Netherlands, 5-8 September 2006.
[2] ‘Efficient CFD Simulation Process for Aeroacoustic Driven
Design’, Mendonça et al, presented at the II SAE Brazil
International Noise and Vibration Congress, 17-19 October
2010, Florianopolis, Brazil, SAE-2010-36-0545.
(More information about methodologies and best practices for
aeroacoustics simulations in the automotive and aerospace sectors
can be obtained from Reference [2]).
Case Study 2: Noise signature from an Airbus cockpit avionics cooling rack.
Plenum noise reduction due to modified design
(vertical grading corresponds to 2 dB).
Acoustic Pressure (Pa) at the driver’s ear location for the three different materials.
Shelf restrictor noise reduction due to modified design
(vertical grading corresponds to 1 dB).

PROJECT APPLICATION
Innovative solutions for the power
generation industry
Intergraph provides enterprise engineering software for the process, power, and marine
industries, through its integrated SmartPlant Enterprise suite.
Intergraph is a top engineering design solution provider for
the power industry globally, supplying CAD and information
management technology for over 30 years. Intergraph’s solutions
address the complete life cycle of large fossil fuel,hydroelectric,or
nuclear plants involved in generating power for commercial and
residential use.By better understanding the information about the
plant, owners can maximise their return on investment to bring a
large plant online, improve plant efficiency, and lower power plant
operating costs.Across a range of activities,from new power plant
design and construction to nuclear plant maintenance, owners
can benefit from a consolidated and managed source of asset
information, in terms of, for example, maintaining effective change
control over their valuable plant data.
Intergraph is part of Hexagon, a leading global provider of
design, measurement, and visualisation technologies that enable
customers to design, measure and position objects, and process
and present data.
The power of 3D design
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia represents a huge market for the
development and construction of power plants and related
network infrastructure to meet the rising demand for electricity,
in line with the increasing momentum of the country’s economic
growth. PT Rekadaya Electrika (Rekadaya) was established to
respond to market demand for the development of electric
power projects. The Indonesian company offers engineering,
procurement,and construction (EPC) solutions for a wide range
of power plants.
As the power sector in Indonesia continues to grow, Rekadaya
wanted to update its technology systems to keep up with an
increasing number of projects and maintain its competitive
advantage. The Indonesian EPC determined that it needed to
leverage the latest and most advanced technology to enhance
power plant design and deliver maximum engineering value.
Rekadaya chose SmartPlant 3D, Intergraph’s next-generation
3D plant design solution. The company was impressed by
SmartPlant 3D’s user-friendly and powerful interface across
all engineering disciplines, supporting concurrent engineering
by multiple users across multiple disciplines for enhanced
collaboration. SmartPlant 3D’s rule-based technology facilitates
design automation and interdisciplinary clash checking for faster
and better design.
SmartPlant 3D also includes all international standards and
codes,which is an important requirement for the power industry.
In addition, Rekadaya could use SmartPlant Review for internal
assessment of 3D models, as well as review them with clients.
SmartPlant 3D can also interface with other applications within
an integrated engineering environment. Rekadaya is already
interfacing SmartPlant 3D with CAESAR II for pipe stress
analysis,and the solution can allow for future expansion as it also
integrates with other SmartPlant Enterprise solutions across
all engineering disciplines, including materials management,
engineering and schematics, and others. This is aligned with
Rekadaya’s plans to expand the use of SmartPlant 3D and other
Intergraph solutions for additional projects.
Building the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor
Nine out of the top 10 reactor vendors in the world have chosen
Intergraph technology to design their next-generation reactors.
ITER, a global organisation comprising the European Union,
China, Russia, Japan, India, South Korea and the US, is currently
building the world’s largest and most advanced experimental
nuclear fusion reactor in Cadarache, France. ITER has selected
Intergraph’s SmartPlant Enterprise suite of solutions to handle
the assembly, commissioning, and construction of the plant, as
well as its operations and maintenance.
The construction of the site and buildings has already started,
and the contributing countries are starting to manufacture the
equipment such as super-conducting conductors.
During the plant design, construction, and completion/start-up
phase, SmartPlant Enterprise for Owner Operators will provide
pre-configured processes to support engineering and project
execution work processes, and SmartPlant Foundation will play
a key role in data synchronisation and data sharing.The project
will benefit from synchronised information and centralised
data that SmartPlant Enterprise offers, to better manage work
processes, control equipment and maintenance, coordinate
contractors and manage change. ITER aims to build an efficient
and safe plant that can provide energy to an increasingly
demanding world.
The first equipment for this major project will be delivered
on-site in 2014. The construction is to be completed in 2019
and operation is expected to commence in 2020. Once this
experimental reactor is complete, every contributing country
will have the right to build fusion plants.
Integrated engineering for nuclear power projects
Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research and Design Institute
(SNERDI) is the leading technology research and design institute
for nuclear electric power in China. SNERDI is responsible for
the engineering and design of several nuclear power plant
projects in China and overseas. This includes Westinghouse
AP1000 nuclear projects, such as the Sanmen and Haiyang

PROJECT APPLICATION
27
nuclear power plants in China, and
Chasma Unit 2 in Pakistan.
To continue driving its expertise
in nuclear power plant design and
support an increasing number of
global projects, SNERDI decided
that it needed to move away
from traditional design methods
and leverage intelligent, advanced
technology to support an integrated
design platform. The institute has
been an Intergraph customer since
1997 and it selected SmartPlant
Enterprise engineering solutions to
improve its design processes for its
global nuclear power projects.
SmartPlant Enterprise enabled
SNERDI to establish and develop
an integrated design platform to
enhance global collaboration and
meet project requirements. The
integrated engineering environment
enables SNERDI’s engineers to
perform global, concurrent engineering for multiple projects,
thereby improving the quality and efficiency of the design work
involved. For example, the integration of SmartPlant P&ID with
the 3D design platform enables SNERDI’s engineers to quickly
view the relevant P&ID data and generate the associated reports,
without having to refer to a large number of documents separately.
The integration also improves the consistency and accuracy of the
data which can be reused with other engineering applications to
minimise errors.
Other international power projects
There are several other successful applications of SmartPlant
Enterprise solutions in power generation projects all over
the world. For example, in South Korea, the Industrial Plant &
Engineering division of Hyundai Heavy Industries has selected
SmartPlant 3D and other SmartPlant Enterprise solutions
to boost productivity of power plant projects. In China, East
China Electric Power Design Institute designed the world’s
largest underground substation to supply power for Expo
2010 Shanghai, using SmartPlant 3D. In Spain, Empresarios
Agrupados is using SmartPlant Enterprise to improve the
development of combined-cycle power generation plants.
Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co Ltd,another South
Korean company, has utilised Intergraph technology to establish
an engineering standard for its power projects. In Europe,
Hitachi Power Europe has chosen SmartPlant 3D for its future
design and construction projects, to improve productivity and
intelligent collaboration.
More information can be obtained from www.intergraph.com.
Enquiry No:
SNERDI won first place in the Animation category, in the 2012 GoldenValve Awards.This animation was generated
in SmartPlant Review.The SmartPlant Review Photo Realism module was used to create high-quality images, and
combined with the SmartPlant Review Simulation andVisual Effects module to create animation parts.
SNERDI won second place in theVisually Complex category in the 2010 Golden
Valve Awards.This image depicts the layout design of the Annex Building of the
AP100-SWI subcontract project in China.
Bureau ESG won the Judges’ Choice Award for the Power Industry in the 2012
GoldenValve Awards. SmartPlant Review was used to create this image of a power
plant with transparent walls.

PROJECT APPLICATION
Leveraging M2M technology to preserve the
Amazon rainforest
Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a technology
that is quickly maturing and is being applied across diverse fields,
from healthcare to transportation to industrial production.The
strategic importance of companies connecting their non-IT
assets through M2M, which is said to be one of the top 10
technology trends for 2013, is becoming harder to ignore, as
it increases efficiency whilst reducing operational costs. At the
same time, the constant technology innovation in this field by
companies like Gemalto, to improve reliability, security and
service quality, is making M2M’s value proposition increasingly
attractive.
An interesting application of M2M technology today is in Brazil
where the technology is helping to protect the Amazon rainforest
from illegal logging and deforestation.The strong global demand
for rainforest wood combined with the enormous profitability of
illegal logging has fuelled the decimation of this precious resource
- more than 4,000 square miles of the Amazon rainforest has
been destroyed in the last two years alone with 224,000 square
miles decimated since record keeping began in 1980.
While satellite and radio monitoring have been traditionally
deployed to protect the massive area,illegal loggers have become
increasingly adept and sophisticated at avoiding detection.These
groups have abandoned clear-cutting for stealthy new logging
strategies that target small tracts with the most prized trees.As
a result, new methods of detection were needed.
The solution
Gemalto and Cargo Tracck teamed up to devise and execute
a pilot programme that leveraged on M2M technology to stop
the loggers. The discreet tracking solution, designed by Cargo
Tracck, uses Gemalto’s tiny and powerful Cinterion BGS2 M2M
module to enable cellular communications between trees and
law enforcement agencies. With the rainforest spanning such a
wide area,Radiation Data Exchange (RED) technology was used
to boost the range of wireless communications to cover even
extremely remote areas that lack mobile network coverage.
Smaller than a deck of cards, the tracking device is camouflaged
in a resin case made to blend in with the trunks of trees and was
subsequently installed in remote active harvesting areas deep
in the jungle, with night vision cameras installed in nearby trees
to capture visual evidence of illegal logging.The tracking devices
can remain in the field for over a year without recharging, thanks
to the Cinterion module’s sophisticated power management
system which provides superior power efficiency. The devices
are also rugged enough to operate reliably in rainforest heat and
moisture, while being powerful enough to track trees through
remote and dense forests.
The moment a tagged tree is harvested,officials are immediately
notified by the tracking device. Cutting-edge geo-location
algorithms allow precise tracking with unprecedented accuracy,
as location data is transmitted the moment harvested trees pass
within 20 miles of a cellular network.This allows officials to remotely
track trees and intercept illegal loggers in the act of selling timber at
sawmills, which ultimately leads to quicker prosecution.
The results
The effectiveness of this solution in reducing the deforestation of
the Amazon rainforest has been proven. According to reports,
deforestation has slowed and is now at its lowest level since
monitoring began. The Cargo Tracck devices have overcome
the challenges faced by old tracking strategies using satellites
and other methods which were unable to track activities in
no- or low- GSM coverage areas. They have also addressed
the challenges posed by the humidity and density of the forest
environment.
The Cargo Tracck solution highlights how M2M technology can
be applied to help deter crime and protect the environment.
But beyond that, it can also be used to enable secure POS
(point-of-sale) transactions; manage assets, buildings and
industrial operations
remotely; and improve
productivity of fleet
operations as well
as power specialised
industrial PDAs for
work forces. In short,
M2M opens up a
whole new world
of possibilities for
organisations and
governments to
improve processes,
productivity and
efficiency.
Enquiry No:
The CargoTracck tracking device.
The Cinterion M2M module.

29

PRODUCTS & SOLUTIONS
TA Hydronics launches the TA-FUS1ON range
TA Hydronics, a leading global provider of hydronic distribution
systems and room temperature control, has launched the
TA-FUS1ON range of control valves that combine both
control and balancing functions within a single unit. Together
with the corresponding actuator, these new solutions provide
absolute control over hydronic systems, enabling designers and
contractors to correctly size control valves, every time.
The customer’s problem
Modern demands on HVAC systems have become more
complex than ever before and research suggests that well over
50% of control valves within hydronic systems are wrongly
sized due to the fixed Kvs values proposed by control valve
manufacturers. This leads to poor control performance and
inefficiency within the system. Oversizing valves increases
investment and energy costs due to larger dimensions and
risk of poor authority and control hunting, while undersizing
increases pump heads and energy costs.
TA-FUS1ON
TA-FUS1ON combined control and balancing valves feature a
series of new innovations designed specifically to address the
needs of the industry, so as to achieve optimal authority and
facilitate control and balancing in complex hydronic systems.
Special features of TA-FUS1ON
• The TA-FUS1ON range incorporates fully adjustable Kvs
values with inherent, independent EQM characteristics,
ensuring precision sizing and optimal control performance for
onsite flexibility and maximum energy efficiency.This feature
enables easier and more accurate dimensioning of the range
- made possible by flexible Kvs values which eliminate the
common problem of undersizing or oversizing.
• The 2-in-1 valve design reduces investment cost and
installation time.
• Outstanding capabilities for measuring differential pressure,
flow, temperature, power and available differential pressure
ensure a high degree of hydronic diagnostic control over
complex HVAC systems.
• Designed to work seamlessly with TA-SCOPE and TA Select
4, TA-FUS1ON valves enable easy and precise balancing,
system monitoring,power measurement and troubleshooting.
• The TA-FUS1ON range is available in DN 32-150, with or
without an integrated Dp controller to suit the system design.
• A wide range of high performance proportional actuators
provides accurate modulating or 3-point control.
TA Hydronics
TA Hydronics is a leading global provider and expert in
hydronic distribution systems and room temperature control,
with experience in more than 100,000 construction projects
worldwide. The company helps clients optimise their HVAC
(Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems by
providing products and knowledge to deliver the right indoor
comfort at the right energy cost. TA Hydronics is part of
the international engineering group IMI plc. With a turnover
of £2.13 billion, IMI plc is listed as a member of the FTSE
100 on the London Stock Exchange. In 2011, TA Hydronics
brought together three leading brands in the world of
hydronic distribution -TA, Pneumatex, and Heimeier.
More information on the new TA-FUS1ON range can
be obtained from www.ta-fusion.com or by emailing
steven@tourandersson.com.sg
More information on TA Hydronics can be obtained from
www.tahydronics.com
Enquiry No:
The TA-FUS1ON range of control valves combine both control and balancing
functions within a single unit.

31
Expertise in green building certiﬁcations
A pioneer in the field of sustainability and energy efficiency, Kaer
has participated in the emergence and progress of the green
building initiative in Singapore.
When the Green Building Certification scheme was launched in
Singapore,all of the awards went to‘New Buildings’and very few
to ‘Existing Buildings’. All of the iconic new developments were
represented. Over the years, there has been a shift, with more
and more existing buildings going for certification. The drivers for
this were the solid business case for greening existing buildings
as well as the support given by the Building and Construction
Authority (BCA),through the Green Mark Incentive Scheme for
Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB) and the Singapore Green Building
Council’s (SGBC) product certification scheme. Kaer believes
this trend will continue and predicts that in the near future
more building tenants will jump on the bandwagon and go for
certification of the interior spaces they occupy.
KAER
Established in 1993 as Asia’s first Energy Services Company
(ESCO),Kaer (the company was originally called Supersolutions)
delivers value-added and innovative engineering solutions that
are said to improve a building’s performance with more comfort
and up to 70% in energy savings.
The company’s footprint extends throughout Asia Pacific, with
offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.With holistic views
on building performance, Kaer looks after all of its clients’ needs,
from the design stage through to management and certification.
To cater for the expected growth in Green Mark certification
of Office Interiors, Kaer has developed a specific ‘building-to-
tenant’ programme, allowing it to work with tenants of green
buildings to get certification with minimal time and cost.
Green certiﬁcation capabilities
Kaer’s regional green certification team offers clients its expertise
in Green Mark, Green Building Index, Greenship, BREEAM and
LEED standards.
The company has completed over 50 Green Mark projects in
Singapore, 15 Green Building Index projects in Malaysia, and its
green certification managers were part of the inaugural batch of
Greenship Professionals certified for Indonesia.
Regional headquarters
Kaer’s regional headquarters is located in SOLARIS at
Fusionopolis.
SOLARIS has incorporated ground-breaking design concepts
and technologies that helped it achieve a Green Mark Platinum
rating. Kaer’s office takes up the mezzanine floor which is the
incremental Gross Floor Area (GFA) awarded to SOLARIS for
achieving the Green Mark Platinum rating.
The 8,000 ft2
(743 m2
) completely ‘open plan’ area incorporates
numerous creative spaces that encourage collaboration
between teams.
The office features many energy-efficient technologies and Kaer
is continuously tweaking the M&E systems to find new ways to
bring efficiency and comfort to the staff.
In recognition of this green design, the Kaer office was amongst
the first to receive the Green Mark Platinum rating for Office
Interiors.
More information can be obtained from www.kaer.com
Enquiry No:
Shifts in BCA Green Mark certifications.
New
Buildings
Existing
Buildings
Interior
Spaces
Milestones in Kaer’s progress.
Kaer’s Green Mark Platinum-rated regional headquarters.

3M is a recognised leader in research and development (R&D),
producing thousands of innovative products for dozens of
diverse markets. The company’s core strength is the ability to
apply its more than 40 distinct technology platforms, often in
combination, to a wide array of customer needs.
3M’s technology platforms include biotechnology,displays,electronic
materials, fluorinated materials, light management, metal matrix
composites, microreplication, nanotechnology, and sensors.
3M Aluminium Conductor Composite Reinforced
3M Aluminium Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is
a lightweight, low-sag, high-capacity conductor that can carry
twice the current (or more) carried by conventional steel-
core conductors of the same diameter, on existing towers,
thereby helping utilities avoid a wide range of problems in
environmentally sensitive areas and in crowded urban settings.
The conductor’s strength and durability result from its core
composed of aluminium oxide (alumina) fibres embedded in
high-purity aluminium.The constituent materials can withstand
high temperatures without appreciable loss in strength, even
over long periods of time.
Renewable energy and energy conservation
3M Renewable Energy Division maximises the company’s
technologies, products and responsiveness in the growing
renewable energy industry. The division provides advanced
materials technologies for solar, wind and biofuel-based
energy generation as well as materials technologies for energy
conservation, such as window films for commercial, residential
and automotive applications,that also provide safety and security.
Solar Mirror Film 1100 is a silver metallised, weatherable acrylic
film that offers a number of significant advantages over tradition
glass mirrors, including higher reflectance, less weight and
improved mechanical properties. These features can increase
the output and design flexibility of concentrated solar power
systems. 3M’s cost-cutting solar film, Solar Mirror Film 1100,
outfits solar concentration troughs in turnkey renewable energy
systems.
3M Window Films Prestige Series use non-metallised
nanotechnology to create reflectivity that is actually lower than
that of glass.The spectrally-selective films reject up to 97% of
the sun’s heat-producing infrared light and 99.9% of ultraviolet
rays to ensure a cool, comfortable and protected interior
environment.
Architectural lighting and design
3M Architectural Markets brings the company’s strong tradition
of innovation into the design world to help commercial
architects, designers and building owners create attractive,
dynamic, enduring exteriors and interiors. 3M offers a wide
range of architectural finishes and decorative glass finishes, as
well as natural and artificial lighting solutions.
3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes mimic the aesthetics of
natural and other materials at a fraction of the price.
3M Lighting Solutions is on the leading edge when it comes
to energy savings, safety, ease of installation and cutting-
edge aesthetics. The 3M Sunlight Delivery System, the latest
innovation in daylighting, enables the sun’s light to be harnessed
and directed into the deepest recesses of a building.
3M innovation for a bright future
Solar Mirror Film 1100 3MWindow Films Prestige Series

33
Sustainability
In 1975, 3M became one of the first manufacturing companies
to establish a formal environmental policy.That same year, 3M
adopted its voluntary Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) programme,
based on the then-novel idea that pollution prevention is both
an environmental and competitive/financial strategy.
Sustainability at 3M grew from a commitment to both innovation
and ethical conduct. By continually increasing sustainability at the
economic,social and environmental levels,the company believes
it is building a strong, vital company today, and leaving a rich
legacy on which future generations can build.
3M is guided by three strategic principles that make sustainability
implicit in everyday practices:
• Economic success: Building lasting customer relationships by
developing differentiated, practical and ingenious solutions to
their sustainability challenge.
• Environmental protection: Providing practical solutions
and products to address environmental challenges for the
company and its customers.
• Social responsibility: Engaging key stakeholders in dialogue and
taking action to improve 3M’s sustainability performance.
Light management
3M has pioneered the use of tiny, precisely-shaped structures
to give materials new physical, chemical or optical properties.
Microreplicated prisms are used in road signs, electronic displays
and exterior building illumination to capture and reflect light
more brilliantly.
Light management combines microreplication and multilayer
optical film technologies with 3M’s historical expertise in optical
science. Extruded multilayer films reflect light of specified
wavelengths and polarisations. This technology enables better
lighting solutions through improved efficiency, colour control
and thermal management.
3M Company
3M’s culture of creative collaboration inspires a stream of
powerful technologies that make life better. The company
employs about 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in
more than 70 countries.
3M Singapore
3M Singapore is a wholly owned subsidiary of 3M Company. 3M
Singapore markets nearly all of the company’s major products.
Major product categories include industrial tapes and adhesives,
abrasives, safety and security solutions, commercial graphics,
reflective film, homecare and stationery products, and health
care solutions.
The company serves a multitude of consumer and industrial
markets and is a leader in many areas including the electronics,
oil and gas, shipbuilding, automotive aftermarket, construction,
health care, semiconductor, aerospace and consumer markets.
3M’s presence in Singapore today includes a Sales and Marketing
office, the APAC manufacturing & supply chain hub, the 3M
Woodlands Plant, the 3M Tuas Plant and the 3M R&D Centres.
In addition to serving its customers in Singapore, the company
provides sales and support services to selected export markets.
Enquiry No:
3M DI-NOC Architectural Finishes
Microreplication Multilayer films
3M Sunlight Delivery System

INTERVIEW
Moving towards the smart grid
Mr Willie Chan, Director of Strategy, Schneider Electric Singapore, highlights the
challenges arising from, and the opportunities created in, a changing power generation and
distribution scenario.
Question: How would you define
‘smart grid’?
Answer: We at Schneider Electric
definethesmartgridasacombination
of electricity and IT infrastructure
to integrate and inter-connect
all users (generators, operators,
marketers and consumers) in order
to efficiently balance demand and
supply over an increasingly complex
network.
While today’s grid functions in mainly in a top-down manner,
tomorrow’s grid will be bi-directional as electricity flows into
homes and offices as well as out of them.The smart grid is all
about creating the capability for electricity demand and supply
to interact intelligently, and integrate intermittent renewable
generation. With the smart grid, cities like Singapore will be
able to generate energy savings, reduce related emissions and
enhance the quality of service to residential, commercial and
industrial buildings.
The smart grid will also give consumers and businesses a better
understanding of their energy consumption, which allows
them to adjust their energy demand to moments when prices
and demand are at their lowest, thus creating considerable
cost savings.
We believe that the implementation of smarter grids worldwide
calls for smarter interactions.The smart grid will emerge from
smarter supply and demand as well as demand response. It
also requires smart investments, smart savings and a smart
regulatory framework.
The smart grid is about collaboration, between companies,
citizens and governments. This collaboration extends beyond
a single country, as shared concern between countries, on the
limited energy supplies, will only facilitate greater collaboration
in areas such as standardisation to integrate smart grid areas of
energy efficiency as well as renewable resources.This will create
more opportunities for businesses in the smart grid areas.
Q:Why is there so much interest in the subject all over the
world, and particularly in Asia?
A: We have witnessed three main triggers which are driving
smart grid adoption.
The first is the growing demand for electricity. As Asia’s
population continues to grow,so does the demand for electricity,
not only in cities but also on the outskirts and suburbs. And
as more and more corporations set up their operations and
headquarters in various parts of Asia, corporate demand for
electricity will also increase.
Secondly, the growing demand will increase the strain on
existing electricity distribution networks. Rapid urbanisation and
increasing industrialisation will mean that more energy has to
be generated over the same area and networks will have to
cope with increased loading especially during peak hours. New
technologies like electric vehicles which are being added to the
grid in countries like Singapore further increase this strain.
And finally, regulations on carbon dioxide emissions will require
utilities to cut down on their energy expenditure, in order
to match these requirements. Hence, the challenge becomes
twofold - supplying more energy while reducing emissions at
the same time.
As the smart grid neatly addresses all these pressing and critical
issues, it only makes sense that utilities and cities start exploring
their options in this space and that explains why there is such an
intense interest in smart grid technology.
As mentioned earlier, the smart grid will help cities do more
with less - they will be able to use energy more efficiently,
generate energy savings, reduce related emissions and enhance
the quality of service to residential, commercial and industrial
buildings.
Q:What is the progress in Asia, in this area, and what are the
main challenges and constraints in moving further forward?
A: Firstly, smart grid technology does not exactly come cheap,
and would require huge capital expenditure. This could mean
that governmental financial support is necessary for the smart
grid to take off in some countries in Asia.Additionally, under the
current economic climate, where all parties are more cautious
about spending, there will be a further reduction in the funds
available for investing in the development of the necessary
infrastructure for the smart grid.
Concerns also exist regarding the security of smart grid
infrastructure. As the smart grid involves a myriad of
communications taking place between various points, very large
amounts of data are being exchanged at any one time.There
MrWillie Chan

INTERVIEW
35
is a very real risk, in an era of cybercrime, that the data could
be tapped and exploited for criminal or even terrorist activities.
For example, criminals could tap into the grid using computer
malware like Stuxnet that is typically used to target industrial
SCADA systems.
For the smart grid to succeed, there has to be an extremely high
level of collaboration between utilities, their business partners
and end users in order to ensure efficiency and power savings.
Stakeholders require a clear understanding of their individual
roles and responsibilities, and in this context, education is
paramount. However, as we know, education is another
challenge which can be overcome only over time and through
continuous effort.
Q: What are the suggestions that you have for overcoming
these challenges and constraints?
A: Despite the number of challenges outlined above, we
believe that there is still a strong business case for smart grid
developments in this part of the world. The inevitable need
for a greater degree of automation in the transmission and
distribution space, a growing number of electric vehicles and
increasing penetration of renewable sources of energy into the
grid are all drivers which will help catalyse the penetration of
the smart grid.
As for security, consider using a DNP3 or ‘Distributed Network
Protocol’ for inter-device communication. This protocol was
developed to allow for flexible, secure communications
between devices and excels where requirements call for reliable
communication between separate devices. With DNP3, it is
possible to greatly improve security using both data encryption
and authentication.
Stakeholder engagement requires a concerted effort from the
industry, in order to succeed. In Singapore, I do see initiatives
such as the Intelligent Energy System being publicised through
the mainstream media to educate consumers about the benefits
of the smart grid - a step which I feel is crucial for the smart
grid to take off. Consumer acceptance and understanding of the
role they need to play will be key in ensuring that the smart grid
takes off.
Q: What are some of the products and technologies that
Schneider Electric is offering in the area of the smart grid?
A: Schneider Electric’s smart grid solutions are helping public
and private network operators worldwide make electric
power distribution through increasingly complex networks
more efficient and reliable for growing urban populations.With
improved network operations, they are able to help reduce
energy consumption, lower energy-related emissions and
enhance quality of service and customer satisfaction. I wish to
mention some of the solutions we have today.
Network automation and flexible distribution
The smart grid incorporates powerful remote terminal
units (RTUs) that collect and relay real-time transmission
and distribution information. Reliability at this level is vital to
subsequent smart grid performance. Schneider Electric offers
a wide variety of proven-performance telemetry solutions that
provide real-time grid information to centralised and highly
advanced supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
systems for automated network operations control.
Smart metering and demand-response
Schneider Electric’s smart metering platform helps utilities
deploy advanced metering and communications technologies
to implement options such as dynamic, time-of-use and other
pricing alternatives - all to help reduce electricity network
congestion and energy costs. The demand-response capability
is key in successfully meeting the demand and supply challenges,
and the environmental and commercial benefits, of electric
vehicles (EVs), energy storage, as well as distributed energy
resources including renewable energy integration.
Advanced distribution management systems
Our Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS)
seamlessly integrates advanced SCADA technology with
distribution management and dedicated outage management
solutions.This solution then serves as the brain of the distribution
network, performing real-time network analysis supporting
improved power efficiency throughout the network, faster
identification and resolution of outages, and most importantly,
helps the utility gain a more detailed understanding of losses
and improve real-time reconfiguration capability that minimises
those losses.
Renewables integration and management
Schneider Electric’s smart grid solutions also make distributed
energy resources (DERs) viable. These renewable energy and
energy storage components,typically supplying less than 10 MW
and located throughout the distribution network, are efficiently
and effectively integrated through the advanced software
analytics of our ADMS.
Asset management
Schneider Electric provides an enterprise geographic information
system (GIS) which is a unified set of tools that consolidates
management, maintenance and access of the electric utility
network asset data.Utilities can use this centralised asset database
to streamline planning and analysis of new construction and
make network facilities information readily available anywhere
it is needed, in the field and across the organisation for vital
decision-making.

mar13.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to mar13.pdf

Similar to mar13.pdf (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

mar13.pdf