Building services 2 assignment 1

1. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
1
BUILDING SERVICES 2 (BLD 60503)
Student Name: Lee Shze Hwa
Student ID No: 0320053
Lecturer: Sr. Tan Hee Chai
Date of Submission: 21th October 2016
Assignment title: Ways of air-conditioning systems
enhance green technology.
Word Count: 2089 words

2. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
2
CONTENT
NO. PAGE
1. Introduction of Green Technology 3
2. Effectsof Air-Conditioning System 4
3. Ways air-conditioning enhance green
technology
3.1 Propane 5
3.2 Ice Bear 6
3.3 VAV System 7
3.4 Inverter Air Conditioner 8
3.5 Hydronic Radiant System 9
4. Conclusion 10
5. Bibliography 11

3. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
3
1.0 INTRODUCTION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY
The term “Green” refers to environmental friendly inventions which included energy
efficiency, recyclable and renewable resources, safety and health concerns.1 The
term “technology” refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes.2 While green technology means the technologies, methods and materials
used for generating energy are environmental friendly and preserves natural
resources. It generating the energy in a way that is less impact to the environment
compared to the traditional ways such as burn the fossil fuel to generate energy.3
Besides, green technology also called as clean technology. The objective of green
technology is to create new technologies that do not damage to our natural
environment, human and animal health. Generally, green technology separates into
technologies that deal with global warming and sustainable technologies.
Furthermore, green technology involves innovative method that enable to produce
more environmental friendly product. It uses the latest techniques to generate
energy. For example, green nanotechnology which uses green engineering and
green chemistry. Moreover, green technology also uses renewable energy from the
nature instead of using harmful resources and allow us to recycle the waste and
solve the problem of disposal.4 It promotes safety, healthy and improves environment
for all forms of life.
1 Bellis, Mary. "The Many Reasons Green Technology Is Good". About.com Money. N.p., 2016. Web.
21 Oct. 2016. Website:http://inventors.about.com/od/greeninventions/p/green_invention.htm
2 "The Definition Of Technology". Dictionary.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.Website:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/technology
3 "Green Tech". Investopedia. N.p., 2007. Web. 21 Oct.
2016.Website:http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/green_tech.asp
4 "The Main Features And Benefits Of Green Technology". Green Tech Box - Green Tech Information,
Products, Guide and Reviews. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Oct.
2016.Website:https://greentechbox.com/960/the-main-features-and-benefits-of-green-technology.html

4. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
4
2.0 EFFECTS OF AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Due to the usage of air-conditioner gradually increase, the average world
temperature of earth rises every year. Air-conditioning system require large amount
of electricity supply. The electrical energy generated from the burning of fossil fuels
which will increase the temperature of the environment and the power plant will also
discharge pollutants like mercury and carbon dioxide, CO2 to the atmosphere.5 As
the usage of air-conditioner increase, the electricity supply also increases. Hence,
more heat generated from the power plants and more pollutants dispose out to our
environment, thus it leads to global warming. Nowadays, global warming has
become a serious environment pollution as the average world temperature of the
earth increased by 1 degree Fahrenheit in the last century.6
Besides, air-conditioning system also gives a major contribution to the depletion of
ozone layer. Based on the forecast by Guus Velders and his team from Netherlands’
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the refrigerants amass in
the atmosphere will increase around 14 to 27 percent in the year 2050.7 Air-
conditioning system used refrigerants to absorb heat from internal environment and
release the heat to external environment. However, the refrigerant normally uses
such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) will depletes the stratospheric ozone layer. The
depletion of ozone layer will cause a stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation reach the
earth and cause the increase of overall earth temperature as well as cause the
health issues such as skin cancer.8
Conclusion, the air-conditioning system is the main factor that cause global warming
and ozone layer depletion because of the disposal of toxin gases to the atmosphere
and discharge of the pollutants. Therefore, green technology capitalizes to enhance
the air-conditioning system which do not bring negative effect to our environment
and provide a better and clean environment to future generation.
5 Society, National. "Buying Guide - Air Conditioner Environmental Impact - National Geographic's
Green Guide". National Geographic. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.
Website:http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/buying-guide/air-
conditioner/environmental-impact/
6 "Use Of Air Conditioners And The Greenhouse Effect". Streetdirectory.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 21
Oct.
2016.Website:http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/32364/home_accessories/use_of_air_cond
itioners_and_the_greenhouse_effect.html
7 "Climate Risks Heat Up As World Switches On To Air Conditioning". the Guardian. N.p., 2012. Web.
21 Oct. 2016.Website: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jul/10/climate-heat-world-air-
conditioning
8 Jain, Ankit. "Ozone Layer Depletion - Causes, Effects And Solutions". The 7 Continents and 5
Oceans of the World. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.Website:
http://www.7continents5oceans.com/ozone-layer-depletion-causes-effects-and-solutions

5. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
5
3.0 WAYS OF AIR-CONDITIONING ENHANCE GREEN
TECHNOLOGY
3.1 Propane
Nowadays, propane (R290) is widely used as refrigerant in air-conditioning system.
Propane is a compound of carbon and hydrogen (C3H8), it is colourless and easy to
liquefied.9 Propane provide a lower pressure to the system and able to transfer more
heat when compared to hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFs) and hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs). This shows that coefficient of performance of propane is better than the
common refrigerants, which leads to the result of 40% to 60% less refrigeration
charge. Furthermore, propane is a non-toxic substance which contribute less
environmental impact as it does not deplete the ozone layer and it significantly
reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moreover, propane also provides low
global warming potential (GWP) rating which will reduce the global warming effects.
Other than the benefit to the environment, propane is also economically. The
cheaper cost and energy efficiency of propane allows a more affordable running
costs compared to normal refrigerant.10
Besides, the propane’s operating pressures and temperatures is also suitable to the
air-conditioning equipment. Propane is a flammable substance which must take extra
care when manufacturing and require to store and transport in steel cylinders. It
consists the risk of explosion if the gas leaked and contact with a flame. Therefore,
several requirements of the air-conditioning system are required. The requirements
include the special design of expansion valves should be fitted to chillers. The chiller
must be gas-tight, well seal and install experienced worker to minimize the risk of
explosion. Second, a leak detection and control system must be fitted. When the
detection system is activated, the propane charge will pump down into liquid receiver
and the electrical supply to the chiller will cut down. Then, a ventilation fan which is
necessary to install will use to transfer the gases that leak from the compressor into
the enclosure. The electrical components that fitted directly onto the compressor
should be manufacture according to the IP54 standard or even higher rating. Fifth,
wire the motor winding thermistors separately from other electrical components.
Lastly, use the safe and high quality electrical components in the air-conditioning
system.11
9 "Propane | Chemical Compound". Encyclopedia Britannica. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.
Website: https://global.britannica.com/science/propane
10 "Hydrocarbons Refrigerants - An Eco-Friendly Alternative To The CFC/HCFC/HFC
Fluorocarbons". Secop.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016. Website:
http://www.secop.com/products/compressor-basics/hydrocarbons.html
11 "Module 99: Propane As A Refrigerant For Use In Chillers For Air Conditioning Applications |
CIBSE Journal". Cibsejournal.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016. Website:
http://www.cibsejournal.com/cpd/modules/2016-09-fgas/

6. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
6
3.2 Ice Bear
In the year 2005, Ice Energy launched the new air-conditioning system named as Ice
Bear. Ice Bear provides a clean cooling systems which is cost effective, reliable and
reduce the carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The ice batteries also improve the
resiliency of the grid. During off-peak period, Ice Bear is charged to make ice and
discharge the cool air from ice storage to the buildings during peak period up to six
hours a day. It also helps the air-conditioning to consume up to 95% less energy at
peak.12 Ice Bear unit suitable to use with rooftop or split system air-conditioning
equipment. It is 85% compatible with of all commercial air-conditioning units.
Ice Bear operated in two basic modes which are ice cooling mode and also ice
charging mode. Ice evaporator coil is used to integrate into existing air-conditioner
unit. At night, the ice charging mode of Ice Bear activated and started to freeze the
water containing in the insulated tank by the stored electrical energy. As sun rise up,
the temperature of surrounding increase and more electrical supply required by air-
conditioning to cool up the building. The electrical energy supplies to air-conditioning
shutdown and Ice Bear started to take over the job of air-conditioning unit. Ice Bear
unit will activate the ice cooling mode when it is fully charged from the previous night.
The small high efficient pump pumped the ice cool refrigerants to air-conditioner unit
through the ice evaporated coil. The ice cool refrigerants absorbed the heat from the
buildings. However, the heat was then transferred back to Ice Bear unit. The heat will
slowly melt the ice as it went through a series of copper coil. Once the ice is fully
melted, Ice Bear will pass back the cooling job to air-conditioning unit until the next
day. At night, the ice charge mode is activated and repeat the entire cycle again.13
Ice Bear is environment friendly since it does not use or produce any harmful
substance which give negative impact to our environment. It mainly uses water and
electrical energy to make ice which generate cool air for the cooling system. 14 It also
required low electrical energy due to the low power refrigerant pump used for
circulating ice-condensed refrigerant.
12
"Ice Bear® Storage Module | Department Of Energy". Energy.gov. N.p., 2016. Web. 21
Oct. 2016. Website:http://energy.gov/eere/amo/ice-bear-storage-module
13
E, 20163. (2016). Technology - ice energy. Retrieved October 21, 2016, Website:
https://www.ice-energy.com/technology/
14
Richardson, J. (2016, February 29). Intelligent ice battery for homes introduced by ice
energy. Retrieved October 21, 2016.Website:http://cleantechnica.com/2016/02/29/intelligent-
ice-battery-homes-introduced-ice-energy/

7. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
7
3.3 Variable Air Volume (VAV)
Variable Air Volume (VAV) able to control and ensure that every interior space in the
building achieve the required air flow rate at a constant temperature. It also controls
the room temperature by regulating the supply of the amount of cold air and maintain
the air quality. This method was commonly used in high rise and low rise commercial
buildings.15
The equipment involves in VAV system are the pc-tool, VAV-compact and room
controllers. It is a simple operation system. The air volume works as a closed control
loop and the differential pressure detect by the device mounted in the duct will send a
signal to VAV controller. Then, the changes of pressure influence by another rooms
will automatically compensate.16
Moreover, one of the main advantages of VAV system is energy efficient. When
compare to conventional dual duct system, VAV system able to reduce 30% of
energy costs. Besides, the installation and operation of VAV system is also
economical due to the smaller size of central air handling units and the simple
design. Third, it provides more specific temperature control and reduce the
compressor wear. Besides, VAV system also flexible in removing and installing due
to the accommodate changes in the interior layouts.
Due to the less consume of energy, it saves the electrical energy supply to the air-
conditioning system and it also allows a high quality air flow to every room in the
building which provide a comfortable environment to the occupants and higher
quality of life.
15
The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica (n.d.). Air-conditioning. In Encyclopædia
Britannica. Retrieved from https://global.britannica.com/technology/air-
conditioning#ref321633
16
Retrieved October 21, 2016, from http://www.belimo.ch/pdf/e/08-09-
16%20Room&System%20Solutions%20-%20VAV%20Basics%20PM4%20en.pdf

8. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
8
3.4 Inverter Air Conditioner
Inverter air conditioner is an air-conditioning system enhance by the inverter
technology. It used to control variable speed of the compressor and adjust the flow of
refrigerant in air-conditioning system in order to provide a desire room temperature.17
The function of inverter also acts as a frequency conversion device which able to
control the electrical current and voltage.
Besides, inverter air conditioner is more economical to operate and it generate lower
noise level compared to conventional air-conditioning units. Inverter air conditioner
converts alternating current (AC) from power supply to direct current (DC) by using
inverter circuit. After that, it converts back from DC to AC to cause the voltage and
operating frequency change and cope with the rotational speed of the compressor,
thus adjust the output of air conditioner. Furthermore, inverter air conditioner
normally operates at the low capacity. It means that inverter air conditioner
consumes less electrical energy because it does not require to stop and activate the
compressor as the ways that the conventional air conditioner operate which will use
up a lot of electrical energy. Moreover, the digital inverter compressor also improves
the energy efficiency and the cooling performance in air-conditioning system.1 Other
than that, it also gives benefit such as fast during operation, require less start up time
and suitable to use at winter country as it provide heating and cooling output.18
Our government was encouraging us to use inverter air. It provides abundance of
advantages to the environment as well as improving the green credentials of a
business.
17
Using Inverter technology to save energy for A greener environment. (2008). Retrieved
October 21, 2016, Website: https://www.modernghana.com/news/474145/using-inverter-
technology-to-save-energy-for-a-greener-envir.html
18
Posted. (2016, February 1). What is an Inverter air conditioner? Retrieved October 21,
2016, from Air Conditioning, http://www.airedalecooling.com/news/what-is-an-inverter-air-
conditioner/

9. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
9
3.5 Hydronic Radiant System
Hydronic radiant system refers to chilled ceiling or ceiling panel. It cold down the
internal temperature by exchanging the thermal energy between the internal
environment and the chilled ceiling. Both radiation and convection are used in this
radiant cooling system. The radiation can transfer up to 55% of heat, while the rest
will be transferred by convection.19
Besides, hydronic radiant system separates the work into ventilation and thermal
space conditioning. Ventilation is required to remove the moisture and maintain the
air quality by installing the inlet and exhaust for air. While at another hand, the water
will distribute throughout the thermal condition space in the ceiling. As hot air rises
up to ceiling, the heat in the hot air will be exchanged and transferred out to the
internal space by water. This result the hot air change to become cold air and the
denser cold air will sink and cold down the internal space. This system involved the
process of radiant heat transmission, conduction and convection.20
The first radiant cooled commercial building in Hyderabad, India which known as
Pocharam Campus had combined the hydronic radiant system and mechanical air-
conditioning system. This combination allows the reduce of operational cost for
mechanical air-conditioning system, increase the efficiency of total cooling system,
reduce the amount of piping and ducting, reduce the noise level of mechanical air-
conditioning system, require lass maintenance cost and cost effective in long-term.21
19 Radiant cooling and radiant heating: Radiant cooling corporation (RCC) offers a unique blend of
design, estimating and product delivery. (2013). Retrieved October 21, 2016, from
http://www.radiantcooling.org/about-us.aspx
20 Radiant system vs forced air system. (2013). Retrieved October 21, 2016, from
http://www.radiantcooling.org/radiant-system-forced-air-system.aspx
21 Retrieved October 21, 2016, from http://www.aeecenter.org/files/newsletters/esms/sastry.pdf

10. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
10
Conclusion
The ways that how air-conditioning system enhance green technology included the
use of propane as refrigerants, Ice Bear, VAV system, inverter air conditioner and
hydronic radiant system which are environmental friendly and produce no impact to
the natural resources.
Due to Malaysia’s pledge toward global GHG emission reduction, Malaysia is
required to reduce up to 40% of emissions intensity of GDP (gross domestic product)
by the year 2020 compared to year 2005. Although, our government had organized a
lot of activities to enhance green technology in construction but the distance between
the situation now and our goal is still far. Government should plan the strategic to
enhance green technology in construction such as promote and encourage citizens
to buy or use environmental friendly and energy efficiency products, encourage
citizens to use renewable energy, create awareness among the society and motivate
them to achieve our goal of 40% reduction of emission intensity of GDP in the year
2020 together.

11. SCHOOL OFARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
11
Bibliography
1. "Green Tech". Investopedia. N.p., 2007. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.Website:
http://www.green-technology.org/what.htm
2. "Green Technology Definition – What Is Green Technology
About". Deepgreenrobot.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct.
2016.Webiste:http://www.deepgreenrobot.org/green-technology-
definition.html
3. Lawrence, Alicia. "The Environmental Impact Of Air Conditioning -
Simplyeducate.Me".SimplyEducate.Me. N.p., 2014. Web. 21 Oct.
2016.Website: http://simplyeducate.me/2014/02/12/the-environmental-impact-
of-air-conditioning/
4. "Advantages Of Using Propane | Petro Home Services". Petro.com. N.p.,
2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016. Website:http://www.petro.com/propane/why-
choose-propane
5. Retrieved October 21, 2016, Website:
http://www.achrnews.com/articles/98592-variable-air-volume-systems
6. Air-conditioning systems - technologies - Inverter technologies. Retrieved
October 21, 2016, Website:
http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/air/technologies/inverter.html