Ff final servicee

SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE BUILDING & DESIGN (SABD)
Building Services ( ARC 2423 )
Project 2: Case Study and Documentation of Building
Services Systems
Case Study Building: Curve NX
TUTOR: AR. SATEERAH
GROUP MEMBERS:
GARNETTE DAYANG ROBERT 0315491
TE LI THENG (JUSTINE) 0314198
CRYSTALLINA ALECIA KAYA ANAK ANDREW 0318742
OOI ZHI-QIAN (JANE) 0313999
ABDUL MUHUSIN MAHI 0314421
ALVIN MUNGUR 0316886

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
1.0INTRODUCTION 8
1.1 Abstract 8
1.2 Acknowledgements 8
1.3 Aim & Objectives 9
1.4 Introduction to the building 10
2.0FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM 25
2.1 Introduction 25
2.2 Literature Review 25
2.2.1 Active Fire Protection System 25
2.2.1.1 Active Fire Protection 27
2.2.1.2 Water Based Systems 32
2.2.1.3 Non-Water Based Systems 37
2.2.2 Passive Fire Protection System 40
2.2.2.1 Compartmentalization 40
2.2.2.2 Pressurization System 42
2.2.2.3 Fire Evacuation 44
2.2.2.4 Control Room 48
2.2.2.5 Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) 50
2.3 Conclusion 53
3.0AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 54
3.1 Overview 54
3.2.1 Centralized Air Conditioning System 55
3.2.2 Components of Centralized Air Conditioning System 56
3.2.2.1 Air-Handling Unit 56
3.2.2.2 Fan Coil Unit 58
3.2.2.3 Cooling tower 58
3.2.3 Split Air Conditioning System 59
3.2.4 Component of Split Air Conditioning System – Indoor and
Outdoor Units 60
3.2.4.1 Evaporator (Indoor) 60
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3.2.4.2 Air Filter (Indoor and Outdoor) 61
3.2.4.3 Drain Tube (Indoor and Outdoor) 61
3.2.4.4 Cooling fan and Blowers (Indoor and Outdoor) 62
3.2.4.5 Copper Tubing (Indoor) 63
3.2.4.6 Condenser (Outdoor) 63
3.3 Case Study 64
3.3.1 Introduction to the Air-Conditioning System in Curve NX 64
3.3.2 Air-Conditioning System in Curve NX 65
3.3.2.1 District Cooling Plant 65
3.3.2.2 Link Bridge 66
3.3.2.3 Heat Exchange (HEX) 68
3.3.2.4 Air Handling Unit (AHU) 70
3.3.2.5 Chill Water Cassette Fan Coll Unit (FCU) 73
3.3.3 Split Unit System 75
3.4 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineer (ASHRAE) 78
3.5 Licensed to Malaysian Standards MS 1331:2030 (Uniform Building by
Law) 78
3.6 Licensed to Malaysian Standards MS 1525:2007 79
3.7 Conclusion 80
4.0MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM 81
4.2 Components involved in mechanical ventilation system 81
4.3 Case Study 86
4.4 Exhaust Fan 86
4.5 Pressurize Fan Duct 87
4.6 Genset Room Ventilation Sensor 89
4.7 Escape stairs pressurizing system 90
4.7.1 A pressurization system have three main components 90
4.7.2 Design methodology for escape pressurizing system 90
4.7.3 Two types of pressure system 91
4.8 Damper 92
4.9 Jet fan ventilation system 94
5.0MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM 98
5.1.1 Elevators 98
5.1.1.1 Introduction 98
5.1.1.2 Types of elevators system 99
5.1.2 Escalator 101
5.1.2.1 Introduction 101
5.1.2.2 Types of Arrangements 102
5.2 Case Study 104
5.2.1 Elevator 104
5.2.1.1 Introduction and function 104
5.2.1.2 Components of Elevator 105
5.2.1.3 Operation System 110
5.2.2 Escalator 111
5.2.2.1 Introduction and Function 111
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5.2.2.2 Component of escalator 112
5.2.2.3 Operation System 114
5.3 Observations and Analysis 114
5.3.1 Location of Elevator and Escalator 115
5.3.2 Zoning Area 119
5.3.2.1 Elevator Zoning 120
5.3.2.2 Escalator Zoning 120
5.3.3 Position and Interior of passenger elevator 120
5.4 Uniform Building by Law 122
6.0 CONCLUSION 125
7.0 REFERENCES 126
LIST OF FIGURES
2.0 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Figure 2.0: Smoke Detectors
Figure 2.1: Smoke Detector Pun
Figure 2.2: Placement of all the active fire protection system according to the
By-Laws 225.
Figure 2.3: Fire Alarm Bell Installation
Figure 2.4: Horn Loud Speaker
Figure 2.5: Security of Fire Control Room
Figure 2.7: Fire Break Glass Device
Figure 2.8: Dimension of Fire Break Glass
Figure 2.10: Pendent sprinkler
Figure 2.11: Upright sprinkler found in the car park of Curve NX
Figure 2.12: Cry Riser located at ground floor
Figure 2.13: Fire Pump Room
Figure 2.14: Water storage tank located in the fire pump room
Figure 2.15: External Hose Reel located outside Curve NX
Figure 2.16: External Fire Hydrant located outside Curve NX
Figure 2.17: One of the hose reels in Curve NX and Diagrams of hose reels
Figure 2.18: 5 classes of Fire Extinguisher
Figure 2.19: ABC Powder extinguisher in Curve NX
Figure 2.20: Steps to using an Extinguisher
Figure 2.21: One of the solenoid tripping device that holds up the fire curtain.
Figure 2.22: The fire-resistant door near the emergency stairway used in
Curve NX
Figure 2.23: The opening of the pressurization ducts in Curve NX.
Figure 2.24: The pressurization ducts near the stairway used in Curve NX.
Figure 2.25: The fire dampers used in Curve NX with its automatic spring
blades.
Figure 2.26: One of the building plan of Curve NX showing its safety escape
route.
Figure 2.27: The door to the emergency staircase in Curve NX.
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Figure 2.28: One of the emergency lights located in the walkway of Curve NX.
Figure 2.29: Curve NX building floor plan for the premises.
Figure 2.30: The signage displayed that leads the occupants to the
emergency exits of Curve NX.
Figure 2.31: The KELUAR/EXIT signage above the fire door near the
emergency stairway in Curve NX.
Figure 2.32: The assembly point prepared for the occupants in case of
emergency outside Curve NX.
Figure 2.33: The CCTVs in the control room of Curve NX.
Figure 2.34: The information shaft and fire emergency phone in the control
room.
Figure 2.35: The emergency fire phone used in Curve NX.
3.0 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Figure 3.1 Typical Refrigeration Cycle Diagram
Figure 3.2 Centralized Air Conditioning System
Figure 3.3 Sectional view of air-handling unit
Figure 3.4 Fan coil unit
Figure 3.5 Cooling Tower
Figure 3.6 Split air conditioning system
Figure 3.8 Evaporator inside indoor unit
Figure 3.9 Cycle through evaporator
Figure 3.10 Air filter inside indoor unit
Figure 3.11 Drain tube
Figure 3.12 Drain tube installation
Figure 3.13 Cooling fan motor fan indoor unit
Figure 3.14 Blower fan for outdoor unit
Figure 3.15 Copper tubing for refrigerant
Figure 3.16 Condenser
Figure 3.17 Condenser found in outdoor unit
Figure 3.18 Centralized Air-conditioning system cycle in Curve NX
Figure 3.19 Rooftop View of District cooling plant from the Curve
Figure 3.20 Top view of the Curve and Curve NX
Figure 3.21 Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled Chiller benefits
Figure 3.22 Link Bridge connecting The Curve and Curve Nx
Figure 3.23 Chill water supply (CHWS) and Chill water return (CHWR) piping
in HEX room, Curve NX
Figure 3.24 Heat Exchange pump, in HEX room, Curve NX
Figure 3.25 Heat Exchanger in HEX room, Curve NX
Figure 3.26 Heat Exchange Room located at Level 2, Curve NX
Figure 3.27 Location of Heat Exchange Room in Curve NX (Second Floor
Plan)
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Figure 3.28 AHU Room located on top of the roof of Curve NX
Figure 3.29 Supply Duct in AHU room, Curve NX
Figure 3.30 Air Handling Unit, Curve NX
Figure 3.31 Return Duct in AHU room, Curve NX
Figure 3.32 Air Handling Unit Diagram
Figure 3.33 Location of AHU room in Curve NX (Roof Plan)
Figure 3.34 Chill Water Cassette fan coil unit located at Ground Floor, Curve
NX
Figure 3.35 Close up of Chill Water Cassette fan coil unit
Figure 3.20 Total area covered using Chill Water Cassette Fan Coil Unit
(Section B-B)
Figure 3.36 Air Diffusion at 45° Angle
Figure 3.38 Indoor unit of air conditioning system at the curve NX building
Figure 3.40 Outdoor unit of air conditioning system at the curve NX building
F igure 3.42 Location of Split Air Conditioning System at the Curve NX
building (LG Floor Plan)
Figure 3.43 Location of Split Air Conditioning System at the Curve NX building
(G Floor Plan)
4.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
Figure 4.1 Exhaust fan in lift motor room
Figure 4.2 Exhaust fan in Lv switch room , Curve NX
Figure 4.3 Exhaust fans in car park basement, curve NX
figure 4.4 Exhaust fans outside fire exit door, curve NX
Figure 4.5 Pressurize Fan Duct in Basement Car Park, Curve NX.
Figure 4.6 - Shutters which control the flow of outside air into the distribution
duct
are operated by the exhaust fan thermostat.
Figure 4.8
figure 4.9 - part of a typicalventilation senser
Figure 4.10 Ventilation Silencer in Genset Room, Curve NX
Figure 4.11 silencer filter, Curve NX
Figure 4.12 – diagrammatic analysis of a typical escape pressurizing system
Figure 4.13 - Fixed pressurization system
Figure 4.14 - exhaust system
Figure 4.15
Figure 4.16 - Wiring diagram for damper unit
Figure 4.17 - Damper at level 7 in Emergency Exit Door, Curve NX.
Figure 4.18 Kruger jet fan placed in the car park basement, Curve NX
Figure 4.19 – a typical kruger jet fan
Figure 4.20 – diagramtic display of a Typical jet fan system for a car park
basement
Figure 4.21 – centrifugal induction fan, Curve NX
5.0 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Figure 5.0: show geared traction elevator component
Figure 5.1: shows gear-less traction elevator component
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Figure 5.2: shows machine room-less elevator component
Figure 5.3: shows hydraulic lift component
Figure 5.4: shows one way;continuous arrangement escalator
Figure 5.5: shows one way;interrupted arrangement escalator
Figure 5.6: shows two way;parallel arrangement escalator Figure 5.7: shows
two way;criss-cross arrangement escalator
Figure 5.8: shows freight elevator
Figure 5.9: shows passenger elevator
Figure 5.10: shows the motor room
Figure 5.11: shows component of hoistway
Figure 5.12: shows a typical lift car framework
Figure 5.13: shows a typical door-opener system works
Figure 5.14: shows type of lift door openings and lift landing
Figure 5.15: shows stacked parallel arrangement escalator used in THE
Curve NX
Figure 5.16: shows ortographic drawings of stacked parallel arrangement
escalator
Figure 5.17: shows component of escalator
Figure 5.18: shows elevation of escalator in a building
Figure 5.19: Basement 2 indicating the location of the elevators
Figure 5.21: Ground floor indicating the location of the elevators and escalator
Figure 5.22: Level 1 indicating the location of the elevators and escalator
Figure 5.23: Level 2 indicating of the location of the elevators and escalator
Figure 5.24: Level 4 indicating of the location of the elevators and escalator
Figure 5.27
Figure 5.28: shows exterior of elevator
Figure 5.29: shows interior of elevator
Figure 5.30: shows lift control buttons
Figure 5.32: shows the main control room
Figure 5.33: shows the main control room
Figure 5.31: shows lift control buttons
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 ABSTRACT
The purpose of this case study and documentation is to provide a
better understanding on the basic principles, process and equipment of
numerous building services systems through real life projects that is also
known as firsthand learning. In a group of six, we have conducted a site
visit to The Curve NX, a commercial building located at Mutiara
Damansara. Through this project, we had the privilege to explore the
integration of numerous building services systems in the building such as
mechanical transportation and ventilation system, fire protection system,
and air-conditioning system. The literature review and our own analysis
also allowed us to demonstrate our understanding of building services
systems and familiarity on the drawing conventions and standards for
different buildings services systems of The Curve NX.
1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to show our appreciation to individuals that has helped
and assisted our team to complete this case study and documentation
report, by including them in our report. Without their help, this report would
be inadequate and insufficient. First of all, we would like to take this
opportunity to thank all the lecturers that has guide us through this project.
A special thanks to Ar. Sateerah for monitoring us closely through our
progress from beginning to the end.
We would also like to thank the architect of The Curve NX, Dato Ar
Hajeedar to allow our team
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1.3 AIM & OBJECTIVES
AIM
The aim of this project is to identify and understand relevant information
related to mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning and mechanical
transportation system as well as fire protection systems. The aim is to also
understand how each building services functions including the connections
and position of different parts equipment. Further more, we need to
understand and explain the principles and systems as well as space
implications and regulations related to different building services.
OBJECTIVES
This project is to introduce students to the basic principles, process and
equipment of various building services systems through real life projects. It
also helps to expose students to the integration of various building services
system in a building and to allow students to demonstrate their understanding
of building services systems.
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1.4 INTRODUCTION TO THE BUILDING
Location
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
Curve NX, No. 18 Jalan PJU7/5
Mutiara Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Year of Establishment
2010
Architect
HAJEEDAR AND ASSOCIATES SDN
Description
The Curve NX, located at Mutiara Damansara is connected to the Curve. It is
within walking distance from a selection of world class retail establishments
namely, the Curve, IKEA Home Furnishings, IPC Shopping Centre, and Tesco
Hypermarket and accessible by bridges and walkways around the building.
The Curve NX is mainly build for the curve for its parking space. The main
leaseholder for the Curve NX is ZIDZania, which occupies the upper two
floors (level 5 and 6). In order for shoppers to shop easily, mechanical
ventilation and transportation system is provided for the convenience of the
shoppers inside the building. Fire protection system is also installed in the
building for safety purposes and to minimize the loss and injuries of shoppers
during fire.
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2.1 Introduction
Fire protection includes methods to prevent fire from turning destructive; it
also refers to minimizing the impact of uncontrolled fire in order to reduce the
risk of death, injury and property damage. Both active and passive fire
protection system is being studied here and explained in a proper manner.
They are discussed and compared to the rules and regulations set by Bomba,
referencing and in conformance to UBBL Fire Requirements and MS1210.
Finally, recommendations and improvements are also suggested.
2.2 Literature Review
Fire protection is one of the important aspect to be concerned and stressed
on by the architects and engineers during the designing and constructing
process of a building. Fire incidents are common to happen in buildings such
as centres and malls therefore a good protection installation is needed.
The purpose of providing a good fire protection installation and fire strategy in
a building, as it:
- Ensures the safety of the building users in the event of fire.
- Prevents tragic incidents to happen in the building.
- Provides understanding of day-to-day fire safety issues that may occur
in the future.
There are two types of fire protection system and they are the active fire
protection system and passive fire protection system.
Active Fire Protection require a certain amount of motion and response in
order to work. It consist of water based system. Manual control includes the
use of a fire extinguisher or a Standpipe system. Automatic control means can
include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or firefighting foam
system. Automatic suppression systems would usually be found in large
commercial kitchens or other high-risk areas.
Passive Fire Protection attempts to contain fires or slow the spread, through
use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors, limiting building damage and
providing more time to the building occupants for emergency evacuation or to
reach an area of refuge.
2.2.1 Active Fire Protection System
This system is the process of protecting a building or structure from fire with
methods that use the action of moving parts. Active Fire Systems in the form
of suppression, extinguishers, sprinkler, alarm and extract ventilation. Some
function automatically or manually but some procedures are required in order
to activate them. Using this system has some benefits such as permitting
design freedoms and encourage innovative, inclusive and sustainable
architecture. According to Nulifire (2014), the overall aim of Active Fire
System is to extinguish the fire by:
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- Early fire detection and building evacuation
- Alerting emergency services at an early stage of the fire
- Controlling the movement of smoke and fire
- Suppress and/or starve the fire of oxygen and fuel
These are the several systems in the active fire protection:
1. Fire detection systems and alarm devices
- Smoke Detectors
- Fire Alarm Bell
- Horn Loudspeaker
2. Fire Control Room
3. Fire Intercom System
- Fire Break Glass Call Point
- Manual Pull Station
- Fireman Switch
4. Water-based System
- Fire Sprinkler System
- Dry Riser
- Pumps
- Water Storage Tank
- Fire Hydrant
- Hose Reel System
5. Non-water based System
- Portable Fire Extinguisher
- Aerosol Fire Suppression System
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2.2.1.1 Active Fire Protection
Figure 2.0: Smoke Detectors
Source: http://www.mcmua.com/sw_hhw_faq_smoke_detectors.asp
The smoke detector and alarm devices are designed to notify building
occupants when a fire situation occurs. Generally they use smoke, heat or
flame detectors to discover the outbreak of fire and to warn the fire brigade
and the building occupants. Fire alarm system operates in two ways:
automatic or manual. Operations of the automatic system are the smoke and
heat detectors while the manual system is the fire break glass call point and
the manual key switch. Thus, the architect’s responsibility is essential as each
fire detectors and alarm systems are installed based on the building’s
requirements in order to protect occupants/ life, assets and property.
Smoke Detector
Figure 2.1: Smoke Detector Pun
Source: http://calfire.blogspot.my/2014/07/strict-new-smoke-detector-laws-took.html
It acts as an indicator of fire. It’s a device that detects smoke and issues a
signal to fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system. Smoke
detectors are classified into two types, which are photoelectric, and ionization
smoke detectors. It gathers information from its smoke sensing element and
converts it into digital signals. To make an alarm decision, it compares the
information to historical readings and time patterns. They are powered by a
central fire alarm system, which is driven by building power with a battery
backup.
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UBBL – Section 225 (1)
Every building shall be provided with means of detecting and extinguisher fire
and alarms together with illuminated exit signs in accordance with the
requirements as specified in the Tenth Schedule to these By-Laws.
Figure 2.2: Placement of all the active fire protection system according to the By-
Laws 225.
Fire Alarm Bell
Figure 2.3: Fire Alarm Bell Installation
Source: http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Fire-alarm-bell-compatible-with-
GST_333513671.html
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The device will then be activated from the smoke detectors and heat
detectors. It alerts people when smoke is present. The fire alarm bell operates
using electromagnet. It produces a repetitive buzzing sound when an electric
current is applied. There are two sorts of fire alarm bell: the vibrating bell and
the single-stroke bell. Vibrating bell will ring constantly until the power is cut
off whereas the single-stroke bell will not ring continuously unless the power is
turned off and back on again.
UBBL, Section 237:
- Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Schedule to these by-
laws.
- All premises and building with gross floor area excluding car park and
storage area exceeding 9290 square meters or exceeding 30.5m heights shall
be
- Provided with a two-stage alarm system with evacuation (continuous signal)
to be given immediately in the affected section of the premises while an alert
- (Intermittent signal) be given adjoining section.
- Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action
of a master control.
Horn Loud Speaker
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Figure 2.4: Horn Loud Speaker
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The horn loudspeaker acts as a fire alarm signaling device in Curve NX. They
are mostly found in the basement parking of the building. It has a large
diaphragm, which provides periodic pressure to a small entry port of a long
horn. These horns are very efficient. They can naturally produce 10 times
more sound power than a cone speaker from a given amplifier output. Thus,
horns are widely used for fire alarm signaling in order to notify the occupants
of the building in the presence of fire.
Fire Control Room
Figure 2.5: Security of Fire Control Room
UBBL, Section 238: Command and Control Centre
Every large premises or building exceeding 30.5 meters in height shall be
provided with a command and control center located on the designated floor
and shall contain a panel to monitor the public address, fire bridge
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communication, sprinkler, water flow detectors, fire detection and alarm
systems and with a direct telephone connection to the appropriate fire station
by passing the switchboard.
Fire Intercom System
Figure 2.7: Fire Break Glass Device
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Figure 2.8: Dimension of Fire Break Glass
Source: http://www.hafele.co.uk/shop/p/fire-safety-equipment/break-glass-
unit/31463/7613
Fire break glass call point is a device that allows inhabitants to raise the alarm
when an emergency fire incident occurs. The device has a fragile glass
element, which occupants can break which will trigger the alarm system.
Below are some regulations for the correct positioning of call points (The
Safety Centre,
2011):
- Call points should be located on all final exits, all storey exits. In other words,
entrances to stairwells and also consideration should be taken to locating call
point units near to any high risks or special hazards.
- Call points should be distributed in a building so that no one need travel any
more than 45 metres to reach the nearest call point.
- For high-risk areas and special hazards areas a person should have to travel
no more than 25 metres to reach the nearest manual call point.
- The mounting height of call points should be 1.4 metres above the floor level
and call points should project by 15mm from the wall which allows to be seen
from the side.
2.2.1.2 Water Based Systems
Sprinkler
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Figure 2.10: Pendent sprinkler
The type of the sprinkler commonly used in the indoor of Curve NX is the
most typical pendent sprinkler and the sprinkler system used is the wet pipe
sprinkler system, which is the most common type of fire sprinkler system.
Sprinkler installation is a first aid system for dealing with a fire in its early
stages and cannot be relied upon to deal with a large fire, which has started
in, or spread from, an unprotected part of the building (Hall, 1977, p.71).
Therefore, it is essential for sprinkler installation to cover the whole building
and not just parts that are considered to have a high fire risk.
Figure 2.11: Upright sprinkler found in the car park of Curve NX
UBBL, Section 225: Detecting & Extinguishing Fire
1. Sprinkler valves shall be located in a safe and enclosed position on the
existence wall and shall be readily accessable to the fire authority.
2. All sprinklers system shall be electricity connected to the near cut fire
station to provide immediate and automatic relay of the alarm where
activated.
Dry Riser
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Figure 2.12: Cry Riser located at ground floor
As the name implies, dry riser does not usually contain water, however it is
charged with water by the fire brigade during a fire outbreak. The fire brigade
will connect the suction side of their pumps to a water main via a fire hydrant.
The outlet sides of the pumps are connected to the dry riser inlet, or inlets at
ground level and pumps force water from the main into the riser. A dry riser,
therefore, is merely an extension of the fireman’s hose and should only be
installed where prompt attention can be relied upon from the local fire brigade,
or from trained fire-fighting personnel in the premises.
UBBL 1984, Section 290:
1. Dry rising system shall be provided in every building in which the topmost
floor is more than 18.3 meters but less than 30.5 meters above fire appliance
access level.
2. A hose connection shall be provided in each firefighting access lobby.
3. Dry risers shall be of minimum “Class C” pipes with fittings and connections
of sufficient strength to withstand 21 hours water pressure.
4. Dry risers shall be nested hydrostatically to withstand not less than 14 bars
of pressure for two hours in the presence of the Fire Authority before
acceptance.
5. All horizontal runs of the rising systems shall be pitched at the rate of 6.35
millimeters in 3.05 meters.
6. The dry riser shall be not less than 102 millimeters in diameter in buildings
in which the highest outlets is 22.875 meters or less above the fire brigade
pumping inlet.
7. 102 millimeters diameter dry risers shall be equipped with a two-way
pumping inlet and 152.4 millimeters dry risers shall be equipped with a four
way-pumping inlet.
Pumps
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Figure 2.13: Fire Pump Room
Pumps are essential to provide sufficient water supply to each riser at all
times, and if possible duplicated pumps should be provided as well. Each
pump should be connected in parallel, with their suctions permanently ‘wet’
when the tank is filled (Hall, 1997, p.83).
Water Storage Tank
Figure 2.14: Water storage tank located in the fire pump room
The location of the fire water storage tank of Curve NX is in the fire pump
room located at the ground floor. The water storage tanks are required to
provide sufficient water for the sprinkler system and the hose reel system.
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UBBL, Section 247:
1. Water storage capacity and water flow rate for the firefighting system and
installation shall be provided in accordance with the scale as set out in the
tenth schedule to these By-laws.
2. Main water storage tanks within the building, other than for the hose reel
system, shall be located at ground, first or second basement levels, with the
fire brigade pumping inlet connection accessible to fire appliances.
3. Storage tank for automatic sprinkler installation where full capacity is
provided without the need for replenishment shall be exempted from the
restrictions in their location.
External Fire Hydrant
Figure 2.15: External Hose Reel located outside Curve NX
UBBL, Section 225(2): Detecting & Extinguishing Fire
Every building shall be served at least one fire hydrant located not more than
91.5 meters from the nearest point of the fire brigade access.
UBBL, Section 225(3): Detecting & Extinguishing Fire
Depending on the size and location of the building and the provision of access
or fire appliances, additional fire hydrant shall be provided as may be required
by the fire authority.
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Figure 2.16: External Fire Hydrant located outside Curve NX
Fire hydrant is usually a connection located above ground that provides
access to water supply for firefighting purposes. If the hydrants are connected
to the water mains buried under the streets, the water supplies are mostly
pressurized. Each hydrant found in Curve NX has two outlets to which fire
hoses can be connected. Hydrants are sized to deliver a minimum flow rate of
about 250 gallons per minute in order to feed adequate water for firefighting
purposes, despite most hydrants being able to supply more than that.
Nonetheless, the type of fire hydrant used in Curve NX is the wet-barrel type.
Hose Reel System
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Figure 2.17: One of the hose reels in Curve NX and Diagrams of hose reels
Hose reel systems are installed for the occupiers of the building to use during
the early stages of fire and it involves hose reel pumps, fire water tank, hose
reels, pipe work and valves. Normally, hose reel systems serves as a initial
firefighting aid. When the hose reel is brought into use the pressure in the
pipe immediately downstream of the pump check valves will drops below the
field adjusted pressure setting of the pressure switch thereby triggering the
pump to come into operation automatically to feed a steady supply of water to
discharge through the hose (Dyno, 2012).The fire hose reel outlets should be
properly housed in glass fronted cabinet secured under lock and key (Dyno,
2012).
UBBL, Section 244(c): Hydraulic Hose Reels
Hose reel shall be located at every 45 meters (depends on the building form).
Besides, fire hose reel should be located at the strategic places in buildings,
especially nearer to firefighting access lobbies in order to provide a
reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water for fire extinguishing.
2.2.1.3 Non-Water Based Systems
Portable Fire Extinguisher
The term ‘portable fire extinguisher’ commonly covers first-aid fire fighting
appliances that can be carried by hand and from which the extinguisher agent
can be ejected, usually under pressure (Hall, 1997, p.88). At the early stages
of fire, they are very essential for extinguishing, however, they cannot be used
to deal with large fires. Portable fire extinguisher are mostly involve in
buildings having sprinklers and hose reels. It is essential for the staffs of the
building to be trained in being able to use the fire extinguisher. Fire
extinguishers are divided into five categories based on different type of fire.
According to Fire Extinguisher Malaysia (2012), the most common type of fire
extinguisher used in Malaysia is ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher and Carbon
Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher.
40

Figure 2.18: 5 classes of Fire Extinguisher
Source: http://www.fireextinguishermalaysia.com/Fire-Extinguisher-Types.html
Concurring to Hall F. (1997), there are several ways to consider in selecting
the right type of fire extinguisher, but the most important are as follows:
 It must contain the type of extinguishing agent suitable for the fire it may be
require to extinguish.
 It must not be dangerous to the user.
 It must be simple to use.
 It must be efficient and reliable.
Portable Fire Extinguisher
Figure 2.19: ABC Powder extinguisher in Curve NX
ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher
Suitable for mixed fire risk environments and are especially suited for
flammable liquid and fire involving flammable gases such as natural gas,
hydrogen, methane and etc. Safe for Class A, B and C fire, ideal for home
and vehicle use.
41

Figure 2.20: Steps to using an Extinguisher
There’s a way to teach the public to remember the simple acronym “PASS”.
Each letter actually stands for a step on how to properly use as a fire
extinguisher.
1. P - Pull the safety pin usually located around the handle of the extinguisher.
2. A - Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
3. S - Squeeze the handle to begin to discharge the extinguisher.
4. S - Sweep the extinguisher side to side while aiming at the base of the fire
until it is out.
UBBL, Section 227:
Portable Fire Extinguisher shall be provided in accordance with relevant
codes of practice and shall be sited in prominent position on exit routs to be
visible from all direction and similar extinguishers in a building shall be of the
same method of operatio
42

2.2.2 Passive Fire Protection System
Passive Fire Protection System are known as building materials that are
always present and available within the building, and it is placed and located
evenly within every floor of the building to be easily accessed by the
occupants in the building. These materials do not rely on any operation of
mechanical or electrical device in order to activate its own functions. They are
used manually by the building occupants in order to take immediate action in
case of any emergency situation.
2.2.2.1 Compartmentalization
The element that acts as a barrier that separates or divides the spaces in a
building is called compartmentalization. It is commonly strategized in every
buildings in order to prevent the rapid spread of fire from one space to
another.
Fire-Resistant Wall
This type of wall is specially designed to resist the fire in order to elongate the
time of fire spreading from one room to another, at the same time to allow a
longer span of time for the occupants to evacuate the building safely. In
Curve NX, the wall is made of concrete. This material has a lower rate of
conductivity than an ordinary wall and works effectively as a fire shield in
prevention of any further damages.
Fire Shutter
Fire Shutters is a type of steel compartment that is placed at areas that has
higher risks and potentials on channelling fire incidents to happen. These
shutters are under automatic systems and when they are activated, they will
close down the areas in order to prevent the smokes or fire from spreading to
another. These shutters work with the detectors such as the fire alarms and
smoke detectors. When the signals are delivered to these steel dividers, the
shutters will automatically shut down. To ensure maximum safety, these
shutters are built with volt-free closed circuit so that they will still close down
automatically even when the detectors does not function at the moment.
Fire Curtain
Fire curtains is another type of compartment that is usually placed above the
entrances and genset rooms in Curve NX. The fire curtains are all rolled up
with a solenoid tripping device that is connected to fire alarms and smoke
detectors. This roll-up compartment functions to slow down the advances of
fire by containing its smoke. It is made of fire resistant fibre glass material, but
its resistance is less likely to be as efficient compared to the fire shutters and
it only has fire rating of an hour. These fire-resistant curtains operates when
there are signals from the detectors. The curtains will then be released from
43

its tripping devices and roll down with their own weights and
compartmentalize those areas to protect them from smokes when that
happens.
Figure 2.20: The fire curtain that is fixed in the genset room in Curve NX.
Figure 2.21: One of the solenoid tripping device that holds up the fire curtain.
44

Fire-Resistant Door
This type of door is specially designed to reduce the spread of fire or smoke
between the compartments and enables paths for the occupants to evacuate
safely. In Curve NX, these doors are used in the technical rooms, mechanical
rooms, IT rooms, offices and fire escape zones. The doors are made of wood
coated with a layer of fire-resisting paint that has a thickness of 2mm. This is
allow better resistance towards the accumulation of heat and pressure in the
room.The door frames are also made of fire-resistant material that is the
intumescent seals that lays dormant during normal circumstances. This
material has intumescent properties that allows dramatic expansion upon
reaching a higher temperature in order to seal the gaps of the door. Door
holds in place that prevents further spreading smokes and hot gases.
Figure 2.22: The fire-resistant door near the emergency stairway used in
Curve NX
2.2.2.2 Pressurization System
Pressurization Ductwork
This type of system supply smoke and fire ventilation to protect escape routes
such as the stairways and fire-fighting shafts against the ingress of smoke
during fire incidents. This ventilation is called the pressurization duct. The
pressurization ducts are maintained by the pressure within the escape routes
being higher than that in the adjacent spaces. They contain the smoke and
heat with its sufficient pressure to prevent them from entering the escape
routes and other protected areas. With these ducts, the stairways and other
escape zones in Curve NX are well ventilated for the occupants. In case of
any fire incidents in the future, the air fans in the ducts will allow external air
to enter the stairway and escape zones, providing a steady stream of fresh air
in order to prevent the smoke from spreading into the areas and suffocate the
45

victims.
Figure 2.23: The opening of the pressurization ducts in Curve NX.
Figure 2.24: The pressurization ducts near the stairway used in Curve NX.
Fire Dampers
This PFP product is used to prevent the fire from spreading in the
pressurization ducts. During a fire incident, when the dampers senses the
extreme heat in the presence of fire, the damper blades will shut
automatically. Therefore, the ductworks will be safe from the exposure of fire.
46

Figure 2.25: The fire dampers used in Curve NX with its automatic spring blades.
2.2.2.3 Fire Evacuation
Escape Route
The fire escape act as an evacuation system. This system also consists of
fire escape route to guide the occupants to leave the building safely. Based
on escape route plan, the red highlights are the indications for the emergency
staircase and the yellow ones are for the safer escape pathways.
Figure 2.26: One of the building plan of Curve NX showing its safety escape route.
47

Emergency Staircase
The staircase is designed to provide an easy and efficient route from floor to
floor for the occupants during emergency evacuations. The design and
construction of the staircase must be strategized carefully based on UBBL
and fire protection needs. The staircase used in Curve NX is made of
reinforced concrete which is suitable to be categorised as one of the fire-
resistant elements. The stability and strength of the reinforced concrete is
able to elongate the time span of the building structure during a fire incident.
It is able to hold the pressure of great number of occupants during emergency
escape. It acts like a fire barrier from floor to floor when exposed to extreme
heat of the fire. This leads to a great prevention for the stairs from
overheating that may cause the air to become dense which could lead to
difficulty in breathing for the victims.
Figure 2.27: The door to the emergency staircase in Curve NX.
Emergency Light
The emergency light acts as a back-up lighting device that activates
automatically when the building experiences power outage. This device is
reliable during an emergency as it provides a better view of the surroundings
and routes for the occupants in terms of their safety. The term ‘Emergency
Light’ is actually named in general. It consist of escape lighting and standby
lighting. As mentioned, the escape lighting provides a better view of the
surrounding for a safer evacuation during a potential fatal situation, and these
lightings can be found near every emergency exits and in the rooms. The
disadvantage of this backup lighting provided would not exceed a duration of
an hour at its minimum. As for standby lighting, it allows normal activities in
the building to continue substantially unchanged during an emergency
outbreak. This type of lighting depends more on the use and occupancy of
the premises in the building. This lighting can be found along the walkways
on every single floor in Curve NX.
48

Figure 2.28: One of the emergency lights located in the walkway of Curve
NX.
Figure 2.29: Curve NX building floor plan for the premises.
49

Signage and Notice
These EXIT/KELUAR signage are mainly at the public areas such as the
entrances or any gathering spots in Curve NX. The boards are placed in such
a way as how the emergency pathways or escape routes are being indicated
according to the floor plans of the building. This allows the occupants to
escape safely and also allows an easier security system during an
emergency.
Figure 2.30: The signage displayed that leads the occupants to the emergency exits
of Curve NX.
Figure 2.31: The KELUAR/EXIT signage above the fire door near the emergency
stairway in Curve NX.
50

Assembly Point
The Assembly Point is where all the occupants will gather outside of Curve
NX. This ease the evacuation strategy and the condition during the
happening. The occupants will stay safe together in the assembly spots.
Figure 2.32: The assembly point prepared for the occupants in case of emergency
outside Curve NX.
2.2.2.4 Control Room
Emergency Exits and Security
Keeping an eye on every emergency exits and the surroundings is fairly
crucial as fire incidents are one of the common cases that could happen to a
building. The security on the openings and walkways in Curve NX are secure
with the help of the CCTV in the control room. This also allow to ease the fire
protection strategy and management during a fire emergency.
Figure 2.33: The CCTVs in the control room of Curve NX.
51

Emergency Communication System
In Curve NX, there are emergency fire phones that are connected directly to
the control room in case of any fire emergencies, only that it is not directly to
the fire station itself. It is strategized in such a way to allow the the person in
charge to first understand and determine if the condition is manageable
before contacting the fire station. These fire phones are placed at the gen set
rooms and fire escape landings. With this communication device, the
procedure will be much more convenient and efficient for both staff and
occupants in Curve NX.
Figure 2.34: The information shaft and fire emergency phone in the control room.
Figure 2.35: The emergency fire phone used in Curve NX.
52

2.2.2.5 Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) Requirements Licensed to
Malaysia Standards
Section 147 Construction of Separating Walls
1. Any separating wall, other than a wall separating buildings not divided
into components within the limits of size shall be constructed wholly of non-
combustible materials, excluding any surface finish to a wall.
Section 154 Emergency mode of operation in the event of main power failure
1. On failure of main power, all lifts shall return in sequence directly to the
designated floor, commencing with the fire lifts without answering any car or
landing calls and park with doors open.
2. After all lifts are parked, the lifts on emergency power shall resume
normal operation.
Section 162 Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls
1. Fire doors of the appropriate FRP shall be provided.
2. Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be
protected by a fire door having a FRP in accordance with the requirements for
that wall.
3. by a fire doors having FRP of not less than half requirement for the
surrounding wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-Laws but in no
case less than half an hour.
4. Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be
protected by fire doors having FRP of half an hour.
5. Fire doors including frames shall be constructed to a specification
which can be shown to meet the requirements for the relevant FRP when
tested in accordance with section 3 of BS 478:1951.
Section 163 Half hour and one hour doors
1. Fire doors conforming to the method of construction as stipulated
below shall be deemed to meet the requirement of the specified FRP:
a. Doors and frames constructed in accordance with one of the following
specification shall be deemed to satisfy with the requirements for the doors
having FRP of half-hour.
i. Doors may be double-swing provided they are mounted on hydraulic
floor springs and clearances at floor not exceeding 4.77 millimetres and frame
53

and meeting stiles not exceeding 3 millimetres.
Section 164 Doors closer to fire doors
1. All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulic
spring operated type in the proper sequence.
2. Double doors with rabbeted meeting stiles shall be provided with
coordinating device to ensure that leafs close in a proper sequence.
3. Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device
incorporates a heat actuated device to release the door. Heat actuated device
shall not be permitted on fire doors protecting opening to protected corridors
or protected staircase.
Section 166 Exits are accessible at all times
1. Except as permitted by By-Law 16, not less than two separate exits
shall be provided from each storey together with such additional exits may be
necessary.
2. The exits shall be so sited and the exits shall be so arranged that the
exits are within the limits of travel distance as specified in the Seventh
Schedule to these By-Laws and are readily accessible at all times.
Section 168 Staircases
1. Except as provided in By-Law 194, every upper floor shall have means
of egress via at least two separate staircases.
2. Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase
not being available for escape purposes, the remaining staircases shall
accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it
calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh Schedule to these
By-Laws.
3. The required width of a staircase shall be clear width between walls
but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to maximum of 75
millimetres.
4. The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its
length including at landings.
5. Doors giving access to staircases shall be positioned that their swing
shall at no point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.
Section 171 Horizontal Exits
1. Where appropriate, horizontal exits may be provided in lieu of other
exits.
2. Where horizontal exits are provided, protected staircases and final
exits need only be of a width to accommodate the occupancy load of the
54

larger compartment or building discharging into it so long as the total number
of exits widths is not reduced to less than half that would otherwise be
required for the whole building.
Section 172 Emergency Exit Signs
1. Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible
signs and shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other
equipment.
Section 198 Ventilation of Staircase Enclosures
1. All staircase enclosures shall be ventilated at each floor or landing
level by either permanent openings or openable windows to the open air
having a free area of not less than one square metre per floor.
Section 202 Pressurised system for staircase
1. All staircases serving buildings of more than 45.74 metres in height
where there are no adequate ventilation as required shall be provided with a
basic system of pressurization where the air capacity of the fan shall be
sufficient to maintain an air flow of not less than 60 metres per minute through
doors which are deemed to be opened.
Section 222 Fire Resistance for Walls
1. Any structure, other than an external wall, enclosing a protected shaft
shall, if each side of the wall is separately exposed to test by fire, having fire
resistance for not less than the minimum period required by this part.
2. Any compartment wall or separating wall shall, if each side of the wall
is separately exposed to text by fire, have resistance for not less than
minimum period required by this part.
55

2.3 Conclusion
This building has fulfilled most of the regulations according to the
UBBL. The fire protection systems in the building are fully equipped. All of the
fire equipment and machines in Curve NX are maintained and tested regularly
in order to ensure it works thus when there is a fire breakdown. Most of the
fire protection devices are still well maintained and in good condition. This is
to make sure that all fire protection systems can be fully activated during the
event of fire. For example, the sprinkler valve is wide opening instead of
closing, as this is the most common cause of failure in a sprinkler system. The
fire pump rooms of Curve NX is also fully equipped and well maintained as it
plays an important role in fire protection systems. Fire protection systems can
be seen everywhere in Curve NX. This will enable to avoid the fire from
spreading through the spaces in the building and to protect the property as
well as the building occupants from getting injured. According to the
mechanical engineer, the building has implemented the individual schedules,
checklist for maintaining and servicing those critical systems. As a result, both
active and passive fire protection system are essential in order to protect a
building when there is a fire breakdown. The main purpose of fire protection
system is to protect lives, assets and property. Without fire protection system,
a building will not work properly.
56

3.0 AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM
3.1 Overview
Air-conditioning often referred as A/C or AC is process of altering the
properties of air temperature and humidity to more comfortable conditions.
The aim of air conditioning is to distribute the conditioned air to occupied
space as a building or a vehicle to improve thermal comfort and indoor quality.
The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but sometimes
evaporation or free cooling is used.
Due to the tropical climate in Malaysia, the air movement and temperature,
humidity control and air purity should carefully design in a building to achieve
user’s thermal comfort. Therefore, air-conditioning system is used in the
building especially multiple level storey to remove heat from the air inside the
space and releasing the collected heat into the air outdoors. The purpose of
this ventilation is to provide fresh air for comfort and to ensure healthy indoor
air quality by diluting contaminant.
Common Component in Air-Conditioning System:
Figure 3.1 Typical Refrigeration Cycle Diagram
Source: http://www.austincc.edu/hart/howacworks.php
In the diagram above, the compressor (1) compresses the refrigerant vapour and moves it
towards the condenser. The heat of compression raises the temperature of the refrigerant
vapour causing it to be a high pressure superheated vapour. As this refrigerant moves into
the condenser (2), the condenser rejects the heat in the refrigerant, causing it to change state
and condense into a high pressure, high temp liquid.
As the refrigerant passes through the metering device (3), its temperature, pressure and state
change once again. Some of the low pressure liquid refrigerant instantly boils off forming
“flash gas”. As this mixture of liquid and gas pass through the evaporator (4) heat is absorbed
and the remaining liquid refrigerant changes it state back into a vapour. At the outlet of the
evaporator 100% of the low pressure vapour flows back through the suction line to the
compressor.
57

3.2 Literature Review
3.2.1 Centralized Air Conditioning System
Central air conditioning system offers large-commercial-space cooling, and
often offers moderate multi-zone temperature control capability. It consists of
main components such as the air-handling unit, fan coils, cooling tower,
connection ducts and heater. Chilled water is generated in a chiller at one
predetermined location and distributed to air-handling units (AHU) or fan coil
units (FCU) located through the building spaces. The air is cooled with chilled
water and is transferred through the air distribution ducts. Supply ducts and
registers such as openings in the walls, floors, or ceilings covered by grills
carry cooled air from the air conditioner to an occupied space. This cooled air
becomes warmer as it circulates through the occupied space; then it flows into
the exhaust air fan. This cycle goes on and continuously refreshes and cools
the indoor air.
Centralized systems can be categorized into three sub-systems namely:
- Chilled water system
- Air delivery system
- Heat rejection system (condenser water system)
Figure 3.2 Centralized Air conditioning system
Source: http://betterbricks.com/articles/water-distribution
58

3.2.2 Components of Centralized Air Conditioning System
3.2.2.1 Air-Handling Unit
Air-handling unit is usually associated with heating or cooling (HVAC) systems
in buildings. The air handling unit is an integrated piece of equipment
consisting of fans, heating and cooling coils, air-control dampers, filters and
silencers. Air Handling Units are often called ‘AHU’. The function of this
equipment is to collect and mix outdoor air with that returning from the
building space. The air mixture is then cooled or heated. Afterwards, it is
discharged into the building space through a duct system made up of 5ft
diameter steel tubes. These are normally very large systems moving 2500
CFM to 10,000 CFM and higher. They are mounted on the top of the roof or in
large mechanical rooms located in the building. They have an inlet damper
that allows for a small amount of outside air to be drawn in through the air
handler unit. The components of an air-handling unit are described below.
Heating/Cooling Element
Heating or cooling coils are made of copper since they have high conductivity
properties. The coils are heated or cooled accordingly by passing hot or warm
air onto them. Commercial air handlers usually consists of hot water or steam
for heating coils and chilled water for cooling coils. Boilers provide the hot
water or steam and chillers provide the chilled water. The heater can also
make use of electric heat, gas heat, or oil heat to heat the air.
Blower/Fan
The blower is used to push air through the system and ducts. It is usually a
centrifugal fan which has a fan wheel that blows air perpendicularly to the
intake direction. It makes use of centrifugal force to accelerate the air
movement. Such blower produce greater air movement but also causes noise
than axial fans. Inclined blades have higher efficiency than forward curved or
radial blades. The blower controls the flow rate of air by operating at a set
speed or variable speeds. Large commercial systems should consist of a
number of blowers.
Filter
The main purpose of the air conditioner filter is to keep the system
components clean. A good air conditioner filter can greatly increase its
efficiency. It has also been found that an air conditioner filter provides many
other benefits as well such as cleaner air, reduction in allergens, both of which
reduce the symptoms of allergies.
59

Mixing Chamber
The mixing chamber combines the specified proportions of outside air and
return air into the supply air. Mixing in outside air keeps the interior air fresh
by supplying oxygen. It is also useful for pre-cooling or pre-heating the
outside air before it passes over the coils using the return air which is closer
to the desired temperature.
Vibration Insulator
Air handler blowers, especially in large systems installation can create
disturbing amount of vibration and noise that can be transmitted through the
ducts. Vibration insulator are flexible sections often placed on both end of the
air handler and between the fan and on the rest of the air-handling unit. The
blower machine can alternatively be placed on springs to further limit vibration
and hence reduce the amount of noise created. The vibration isolators
dampen the vibration transmitted to the ducts.
Dampers
A damper is a device used to control the flow of air in a ventilation system.
The control of airflow is accomplished by varying the resistance to flow
created by the damper. Pressure relief dampers are used to release internal
excess air pressure, they usually have adjustable open pressure, which is
capable of maintaining a relatively constant pressure at various airflows and
closes upon a decrease of differential pressure. Dampers are located in the
mixing chamber to control the ratio of return air to outside air and the amount
of exhaust air.
Heat Recovery Device
A heat recovery device is a heat exchanger placed between the exhaust and
supply air streams. It creates energy savings and increased capacity by
transferring heat from the exhaust air to the supply air before it is conditioned.
Some common types are cross plate heat exchanger, thermal wheel, run
around coil, and heat pipe.
Source: http://www.thomaseng.com/air-handling-systems/
Figure 3.3 Sectional view of air-handling unit
60

3.2.2.2 Fan Coil Unit
The function of a fan-coil unit is to draw outdoor and indoor air simultaneously
and mix them as they pass over the coils of chilled water and then back into
the space. The fan coil unit usually uses a chilled water cassette fan which
utilizes chilled water as a cooling medium. The principal advantage of
installing a fan coil unit system that wholly employs water as the cooling
medium is that there is no need for the regular specific checking and
maintenance. Chilled water is pumped from heat exchanger room in the
building through chilled water piping. It is directed into chilled water cassette
fan coil unit where the fan inside the unit will blow out the colder air. Each chill
water cassette fan coil unit temperature can usually be adjusted to user
requirements.
3.2.2.3 Cooling tower
The cooling tower is used to dispose unwanted heat from a chiller. Water
circulating inside the water loop removes heat from the condenser of the heat
pumps. The cooling system comprises of collective equipment to produce and
distribute chilled water. Chilled water is produced by production plants and
distributed by water pipes to buildings equipped with energy transfer stations
(sub-stations). The chilled water then supplies some of its cooling properties
to the building’s installations.
Figure 3.4 Fan coil unit
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_coil_unit#/media/File:Fancoil_1.jpg
Figure 3.5 Cooling tower
Source: http://www.chinasuppliers.jqw.com/sp/2012/11/27/643817/Proshow-
107436.html
61

3.2.3 Split Air Conditioning System
The split air conditioning system consists of two main parts: the outdoor unit
(condenser) and the indoor unit (evaporator). The outdoor unit is fitted outside
the room on the ground or hung on walls by brackets and it houses
components such as the compressor, condenser and expansion valve. The
indoor unit contains the evaporator coil and the cooling fan. The indoor and
outdoor units are connected by refrigerant pipe that transfers the refrigerant.
Air conditioners rely on a fundamental property of gases to cool the
surrounding air. As pressure on a gas decreases, the gas expands and cools;
increasing pressure makes the temperature rise. You could also express
these phase changes as evaporation and condensation, which is how
evaporator coils and condenser coils get their names. The advantage of such
system is that it is noiseless, and hence does not disturb the activities inside
the space. It is also independent of any other systems, hence different
thermal comfort temperatures can be achieved in different rooms at the same
time; through a remote control.
Since a split system is connected through a custom designed refrigerant
piping system, the engineer has a large variety of possible solutions available
to meet architectural and physical requirements particularly for buildings with
indoor or outdoor space constraints. The most obvious benefit of a split
system unit is its quiet performance. The components of an air conditioner
that makes the most noise are the compressor and the fan that cools the
condenser. In a split system, the compressor and fan for the condenser are
located outside of the room and thus minimizing the major sources of noise.
Figure 3.6 Split air conditioning system Figure 3.7 Split air conditioning system
Source: http://www.air-conditioner-sale.com/
62

3.2.4 Component of Split Air Conditioning System – Indoor and Outdoor
Units
3.2.4.1 Evaporator (Indoor)
The air conditioner is often mistakenly thought of as a machine adding cool air
to a space, but it is more accurate to say that an air conditioning unit subtracts
heat from indoor air and transfers it outside. This heat transfer takes place in
the evaporator coils inside the indoor unit of an air conditioning system. As the
coolant inside the metal coils evaporates, it acts as a heat sink for the air that
moves across it from the blower. The coils that contain the coolant are usually
made of copper since it conducts heat readily. To maximize surface area and
provide more cooling power, the copper coils have metal fins surrounding
them. Keeping the coils clean is vital to proper heat exchange. When dust and
debris collect on coils, the particles cause an insulating layer that prevents
warm indoor air from reaching the chilled metal inside the blower.
Source:
http://www.newcombandcompany.com/2014/08/help-my-air-
cond
http://ac2015.net/posts/everest-air-conditioner-a-coil-
replacement/
Figure 3.8 Evaporator inside
indoor unit
Figure 3.9 Cycle through
evaporator
63

3.2.4.2 Air Filter (Indoor and outdoor)
The main purpose of the air conditioner filter is to keep the system
components such as the blower and evaporator coil clean. A good air
conditioner filter can greatly increase its efficiency. It has also been found that
an air conditioner filter provides many other benefits as well such as cleaner
air, reduction in allergens, both of which reduce the symptoms of allergies.
3.2.4.3 Drain Tube (Indoor to outdoor)
A drain tube is just a pipe that removes condensed water from the evaporator
coils to avoid damage to interior of the indoor unit. Cleaning of the tube must
be done occasionally to prevent it from being clogged. The water is drained
outdoors through the drain tube connected to a main drain pipe.
Figure 3.10 Air filter inside indoor unit
Source: http://truckoutlook.com/
Figure 3.11 Drain tube
Figure 3.12 Drain tube installation
Source:
http://www.newcombandcompany.c
om/2014/08/help-my-air-conditioners-
drain-pan-is-full-of-water/
64

3.2.4.4 Cooling fan and Blowers (Indoor and outdoor)
Cooling fans function as air movers. This equipment enables forced convection to
occur, thus improving the heat transfer rate. In addition to that, it makes compact
design of evaporator and condenser possible. Relying only on natural convection
would imply very large evaporator and condenser design. Without the cooling fan, the
user will have to wait a much longer time before thermal comfort is achieved.
Blowers have the exact same function as a fan. Only the construction is different.
Fans are normally used at condensing units, while blowers are used for evaporation
units.
Source: http://www.dijitalders.com/icerik/101/5423/array_komutunu_kullanar
ak_jet_motoru_tasarimi.html#.Vk9N_HYrIgs
Figure 3.13 Cooling fan motor for indoor
unit
Figure 3.14 Blower fan for outdoor
unit
65

3.2.4.5 Copper Tubing (Indoor)
Copper tubing is most often used for the cycle of refrigerant through
the refrigerant line in HVAC systems. The tubes are joined using flare connection,
compression connection, or solder. Copper offers a high level of corrosion resistance
but is very costly. Copper tubing can be bent easily to travel around obstacles in the
path of the tubing. While the work hardening of the drawing process used to size the
tubing makes the copper hard or rigid, it is carefully annealed to make it soft again.
Soft copper is the most popular choice for refrigerant lines in split-system air
conditioners.
3.2.4.6 Condenser (Outdoor)
The air conditioner's condenser apparatus is found outdoors where waste
heat can dissipate to the outdoor air as the heated gas inside it returns to its
liquid state under pressure. Like the interior coils, the exterior coils are heat
transfer areas. In this case the heat moves in the opposite direction, going
from the refrigerant coolant into the surrounding air with the help of exhaust
fans. Similar to evaporator arrays, condenser arrays typically contain copper
or other metals that easily transfer heat. Their vanes are built into the exterior
unit to facilitate cooling. The air conditioner runs more efficiently when excess
heat leaves the system quickly, so keeping the coils clean can lower the
power usage and lengthen its lifespan.
Figure 3.16 Condenser Figure 3.17 Condenser found in outdoor unit
Source: http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2014/05/electrical-rules-and-calculations-for-Air-
Conditioning-Systems.html
Source:http://admin.copperalliance.eu/images/librariesprovider3/defaulta lbum/kup
fer_innovation_video_photo-jpg-(0-01-11 -1).jpg?sfvrsn=0.42828 867861864794
Figure 3.15 Copper tubing for refrigerant
66

3.3 Case Study
3.3.1 Introduction to the Air-Conditioning System in Curve NX
Curve NX operates mainly on a centralized control system for its air-
conditioning system. There is a control room for the centralized air-
conditioning system, where this air-conditioning system will be channelled
back to a single device. They uses chill water from the district cooling plant
which situated at The Curve because Curve NX does not have its own cooling
tower. The district cooling plant is supplying chill water to the heat exchanger
through a link bridge, then pumping chilled water to AHU (air handling unit) or
FCU (fan coil unit) and lastly to the equipment that supplies cooled and
refreshing air to the occupied spaces. This system goes vice versa such that it
has a constant supply of fresh air and extract of contaminated air from
spaces. AHU is bigger and more complex than FCU, as because it is used to
ventilate the entire building whereas the latter will only be used in smaller and
local spaces only. Neither AHU nor FCU is located at the car park as these
areas do not require any chilled air supply.
Figure 3.18 Centralized Air-Conditioning System Cycle in Curve NX
67

3.3.2 Air-Conditioning System in Curve NX
3.3.2.1 District Cooling Plant
Basically, a district cooling system (DCS) distributes cooling capacity in the
form of chilled water or other medium from a central source to multiple
buildings through a network of underground pipes for use in space and
process cooling. The output of one cooling plant is enough to meet the
cooling-energy demand of dozens of building. District cooling can be run on
electricity or natural gas, and can use either regular water or seawater. Along
with electricity and water, district cooling constitute a new form of energy
service. It can also be measured in refrigeration ton which is equivalent to
12000 BTU's per hour. Refrigeration Ton is the unit measure for the amount of
heat removed. Refrigeration Ton is defined as the heat absorbed by one ton
of ice (2000 pounds) causing it to melt completely by the end of one day (24
hours). It can replace any type of air conditioning systems but primarily
serving large buildings which consume large amount of electricity, just like in
curve NX. Instead of using a Chiller, district cooling plant is used to save
electricity bill. District cooling plant is situated at the Curve.
Figure 3.20 Top View of the Curve and Curve NX
Source: https://www.google.com.my/maps/
District Cooling Plant
The Curve
Curve NX
Link Bridge
Figure 3.19 Rooftop View of District Cooling Plant from the Curve
Figure 3.20 Top View of the Curve and Curve NX
Source: https://www.google.com.my/maps/
68

3.3.2.2 Link Bridge
Curve NX is a supplementary building of The Curve, therefore it is possible for
Curve NX to purchase chill water from the district cooling plant due to its
substantial amount of chill water supply. The district cooling systems is then
involve three key components: the production plants, the distribution network
and the energy transfer stations. The chill water is delivered via a link bridge
through insulated pipelines to cool the indoor air of the building within a
district.
There are two methods involve either air-cooled chillers or water-cooled
chillers. Air-cooled chillers employ ambient air as the condensing medium and
use a fan to move the air over the coil. For a given surface and airflow, the
rate capacity of an air-cooled chiller varies with the refrigerant condensing
temperature, which function of entering dry-bulb temperature. However, Curve
NX is using the other method which is the water-cooled chiller. Water-cooled
chiller employ water as the condensing medium and use a pump to circulate
the water through the condenser and out to district cooling plant that rejects
the heat to the atmosphere.
Figure 3.21 Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled Chiller benefits
Source: http://dms.hvacpartners.com/docs/1001/Public/06/TDP_796-
054_PREVIEW.pdf
69

The cooling system operates in closed-circuit and includes at least two water
pipes; one of which carries the chilled water to the end-user, and the other
which carries it back towards the production plant. The chilled water is
pumped from the district cooling plant, through the link bridge and in to the
heat exchanger room which located at level 2 of Curve NX.
Figure 3.22 Link Bridge connecting The Curve and Curve NX
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3.3.2.3 Heat Exchange (HEX)
The heat exchanger is used to convert water temperature from approximately
2°C - 7°C, then transfer the chilled water from the high pressure pipeline
(district cooling plant) to the lower pressure internal system (AHU or FCU).
After its usage in the AHU or FCU, the warmer water returns (12°C – 18°C) to
the heat exchanger for cooling again like a cycle.
The type of heat exchanger used in NX is the plate heat exchanger. The plate
type heat exchanger is the most efficient type of HEX with its low cost,
flexibility, easy maintenance, and high thermal transfer. The HEX is
composed of multiple, thin, slightly separated plates that have very huge
surface areas and small fluid flow passages for heat transfer. This stacked-
plate arrangement normally has lower volume and cost than the shell and
tube heat exchanger. The plate-type heat exchanger has now been
increasingly practical due to the advances in gasket and brazing technology
have made.
In HVAC applications, large heat exchangers of this type are called plate-and-
frame; these heat exchangers are normally of the gasket type to allow
periodic disassembly, cleaning, and inspection, when used in open loops.
There are many types of permanently bonded plate heat exchangers, such as
dip-brazed, vacuum-brazed, and welded plate varieties, and they are often
specified for closed-loop applications such as refrigeration. Plate heat
exchangers also differ in the types of plates that are used, and in the
configurations of those plates.
Figure 3.24 Heat Exchange pump, in HEX
room, Curve NX
Figure 3.23 Chill water supply (CHWS) and
Chill water return (CHWR) piping in HEX
room, Curve NX
71

Figure 3.26 Heat Exchange Room located at Level 2, Curve NX
Figure 3.27 Location of Heat Exchange Room in Curve NX (Second Floor Plan)
Figure 3.25 Heat Exchanger in HEX room, Curve NX
72

3.3.2.4 Air Handling Unit (AHU)
Air handling units (AHUs), sometimes referred to as ‘air handlers’ from part of
the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system (HVAC) that are used to
supply and circulate air around a building, or to extract stale.
Fundamentally, an AHU system can be supplied in a range of sizes, and with
a variety of capabilities, but typically they comprise of a large insulated box
that houses a fan, heating and/or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers,
sound attenuators and dampers. In most situations, the AHU is connected to
an air distribution ductwork; alternatively, the AHU can be open to the space it
occupies.
Supplied air passing through the AHU is filtered and is either heated or
cooled, depending on specified duty and the ambient weather conditions.
Generally, air handling units will be connected to the ductwork within the
building that supplies air to and extracts air from the interior, but they can be
used to supply and extract air direct to a space, or they may be located on a
roof (rooftop units or RTU). (Designingbuildings.co.uk, 2015)
For heating or cooling, AHU may be connected to central plant such as boilers
or chillers, receiving hot or chilled water for heat exchange with the incoming
air. Alternatively, heating or cooling may be provided by electric heating
elements or direct expansion refrigeration units built into the air handler.
When AHU systems are used to extract stale air from the building, a
controlled proportion of this air may be recirculated to avoid having to
condition all supplied air. AHUs can also incorporate heat recovery
mechanisms to extract heat from the air being expelled and use it to heat
incoming supply air.
The below photo shows the AHU room located on the 7th
floor of the complex.
Figure 3.28 AHU Room located on top of the roof of Curve NX
73

Figure 3.29 Supply Duct in AHU room, Curve NX
Figure 3.30 Air Handling Unit, Curve NX Figure 3.31 Return Duct in AHU room, Curve
NX
74

Figure 3.32 Air Handling Unit Diagram
Source: http://printablecolouringpages.co.uk/?s=air+handling+unit
Figure 3.33 Location of AHU room in Curve NX (Roof Plan)
There are 4 AHUs in the Curve NX which all located at the top floor of the
building.
75

3.3.2.5 Chill Water Cassette Fan Coil Unit (FCU)
Curve NX utilizes a commercial based Chilled water cassette fan coil unit.
There is at total of 172 FCU in the building and which uses chilled water as a
cooling medium. FCU consist of only a fan and a heating or cooling element,
are located within the space they are serving, and are generally not
connected to ductwork. They may either just recirculate internal air, in which
case a separate ventilation system is required, or may introduce s proportion
of ‘fresh’ air that is mixed with the recirculated air. (Designingbuildings.co.uk,
2015)
The principal advantage of installing a fan coil unit system that solely employs
water as the cooling medium is that there is no need for the specific checking
and maintenance demanded by the F Gas regulations pertaining to those
installations that necessitate the presence of refrigerant within the building
envelope. Fan coil units are more economical to install than ducted air
handling units due to their simplicity. However, they might have bad acoustic
qualities and can create vibrations because the fan is in the occupied space.
Fan coil units are supplied with chilled water and hot water from central
boilers and chillers they are generally referred to as two pipe (either heating or
cooling) or four pipe (both heating and cooling) units. Each Chill Water
Cassette fan coil unit temperature can be adjusted to user requirements and
adjustable louvers allows efficient distribution throughout the entire building
itself.
Figure 3.20 Total area covered using Chill Water Cassette Fan Coil Unit (Section B-
B)
Figure 3.34 Chill Water Cassette fan coil unit
located at Ground Floor, Curve NX
Figure 3.35 Close up of Chill Water Cassette
fan coil unit
76

77

3.3.3 Split Unit Systems
Split units consist of two components, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The
outdoor unit is the condenser and the compressor in which the gas refrigerant is air
cooled. The outdoor unit connects to the indoor unit through copper piping and
electrical wiring. The cooler refrigerant is pumped through the connection into the
indoor unit. Then cool air is drawn through the evaporator coil within the indoor unit.
The installed fan function is to blow and distribute the chilled air into the room.
The indoor unit mainly houses components such as the evaporator, air filter, cooling
fan, copper tubing for the refrigerant and the drain tube. These components are
packed into the sleek looking design of the air conditioner. Two main areas have
been highlighted at the curve NX building where split air conditioning system is used.
Source: http://coolforce.com.sg/our-services-2/repair/parts-in-an-air-conditioner/
The outdoor unit of a split air conditioning system houses components such as the
Figure 3.38 Indoor unit of air conditioning system at the curve
NX building
Evaporator
Copper
Tubing
Drain Tube
Air Filter
Refrigerant
Condenser
Copper
Tubing
Air Filter
Blower Fan
78

condenser, blower fan, air filter and copper tubing. The air conditioner's condenser
apparatus is found outdoors where waste heat can dissipate to the outdoor air as the
heated gas inside it returns to its liquid state under pressure. Like the interior coils,
the exterior coils also transfer heat energy. Similar to evaporator arrays, the
condenser contains copper because it transfers heat easily.
Figure 3.41 Outdoor unit of air conditioning system at the curve NX
building
79

Figure 3.42 Location of Split Air Conditioning System at the Curve NX building (LG
Floor Plan)
Figure 3.43 Location of Split Air Conditioning System at the Curve NX building (G
Floor Plan)
According to MS1525
8.3.1 Zones that are expected to operate non-simultaneously for more than
750 hour per year should be serving by separate air distribution systems. As
an-alternative-off-hour controls should be provided in accordance with 8.4.4.
8.4.4 Systems that serve zones, which can be expected to operate non-
simultaneously for more than 750 hours per year, should include isolation
devices and controls to shut off the supply of cooling to each zone
independently. Isolation is not required for zones expected to operate
continuously.
80

3.4 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE – 6.3.2 Criteria.
The HVAC system must meet ALL of the following criteria:
(i) The system serves a single HVAC zone.
(ii) The equipment must meet the variable flow requirements of section
6.4.3.10
(iii) Cooling (if any) shall be provided by the unitary packaged or split-system
air conditioner that is either air-cooled or evaporative cooled with efficiency
meeting the requirements shown in Table 6.8.1A (air-conditioners). Table
6.8.1B (heat pumps) or table 6.8.1 D (packaged terminal and room air
conditioners and heat pumps) for the applicable equipment category.
(iv) The system shall have an air economizer meeting the requirements for
Section 6.5.1
(v) The system shall meet the exhaust air energy recovery requirements of
Sections 6.5.6.1
3.5 Licensed to Malaysian Standards MS 1331:2030 (Uniform Building by
Law)
UBBL – SECTION 41. (Air-conditioning)
Part lll: Space, light and ventilation
(1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is intended,
the relevant building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and
heights of rooms may be waived at the discretion of the local authority.
(2) Any application for the of the relevant by-laws shall only be considered if in
addition to the permanent air-conditioning system there is provided alternative
approved means of ventilating the air-conditioned enclosure, such that within
half an hour of the air-conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated
volume of air specified hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure
during the period when the air-conditioning system is not functioning
(3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these by-laws shall apply to
buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned.
(4) Where permanent mechanical ventilation in respect of lavatories, water-
closets, bathrooms or corridors is provided for and maintained in accordance
with the requirements of the Third Scheduled to these by-laws, the provisions
of these by-laws relating to natural ventilation and natural lighting shall not
apply to such lavatories, water-closets, bathrooms and corridors.
81

3.6 Licensed to Malaysia Standards MS 1525:2007
MS 1525: 2007
8.10 ACMV system equipment
ACMV system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split
system) factory assembled packages, means for air-circulation, air-cleaning,
air-cooling with controlled temperature and dehumidification/ the cooling
function may be either electrically or heat operated, and the refrigerant
condenser may be air, water or evaporative-cooled. Where the equipment is
provided in more than one package, the separate packages should be
designed by the manufacturer to be used together.
9.91 Energy management System (EMS)
The Energy Management System (EMS) is a subset of the building
Automation system (BAS) function. It should be considered for buildings
having area greater than 4000m2 of air-conditioned space. Generally, a
building automation system has three function:
I) Control of equipment;
II) Monitoring of equipment; and
III) Integration of equipment sub-system
9.2 Control of equipment
The purpose of the control of equipment is to save energy. This is performed
by the EMS function of the building automation system.
9.3 Monitoring of equipment
The purpose of monitoring the equipment is to improve the efficiency of the
operations by:
I) Providing centralized information of the current equipment conditions;
II) Providing historical information of equipment conditions;
III) Providing a “management by exception” function to alert the operator of
any abnormal
IV) Providing analysis tools to aid the study of the equipment operations.
9.4 Integration of equipment subsystem
Equipment subsystem are integrated for the purpose of improving:
I) Safety/security; the example, in the event of a fire, air-handling units can be
used to create
II) Indoor air quality; for example, by utilizing the smoke purging the system
for periodic air
III) Information management; by allowing information from multiple equipment
subsystems
IV) Overall system reliability; the intelligent controlling of an equipment
subsystem may be equipment conditions; and a sandwich system for smoke
control; purging to achieve good indoor air quality; be stored and reported in a
consistent formant; and configured to provide redundancy as a standby unit
for another systems without incurring additional cost.
82

3.7 Conclusion
Based on our observation, the air conditioning system in Curve NX are quite
different from other building, as the system are based on heat exchanger
system. The architect and engineer of Curve NX seems to have meet the
terms with all the existing building by-law. The use of air-conditioning system
in this building is appropriate for the function of the building. It is fully utilised
in order to conserve energy while providing thermal comfort to occupants.
As for my conclusion, by having a chill water air-conditioning system it has
high efficiency and use a low amount of power to operate the system. The
benefit of the usage on heat exchange system is easier to maintain and
operate. The placement of equipment and number of units are appropriate to
serve specific areas so that maximum comfort level can be sustained and
achieved while the building is in operation. Moreover, the spatial and zoning
arrangement of the building is superbly done as it fulfilled the aesthetic criteria
while covering the pragmatic aspect. The zoning of each floor allow the
ductwork to reach every corner of the building accordingly and proficiently.
Other than that, the use of equipment in the building has been properly
thought over and has been selected to be the most practical to serve the
specific areas.
Overall, the AC system in Curve NX has achieved optimum usage and timely
maintenance has been provided to up keep the building in a healthy
operational cycle.
83

4.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATIONSYSTEM
4.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Mechanical ventilation is the process of changing air in an enclosed space,
( where indoor air is withdrawn and replaced by fresh air continuously that is
supplied by clean external sources ) using mechanical devices such as fans.
The main function of mechanical ventilation is to expel stale air containing
water vapour, carbon dioxide, airborne chemicals and other pollutants while
drawing in outside air, presumably with lesser pollutants and water vapour.
The air is then well circulated around the house as means of a safe, cooling
device. The main benefits of proper mechanical ventilation are as follows:
1) It replenishes oxygen ( O2 ) content while removing carbon dioxide ( CO2 )
2) It prevents heat concentration from machinery, lighting and people
3) It reduces excess condensation by getting rid of moisture in the room
4) It eliminates the growth of bacteria
5) Contaminants such as smoke, dust, gases and body odors is diluted and
removed
6) Best alternative in cases of poor natural ventilation
7) Reducing the accumulation of moisture, odors, bacteria, carbodioxide,
smoke and other contaminants that can build up during occupied periods.
8)Creating air movement which improves the comfort of occupants
4.2 COMPONENTS INVOLVED IN MECHANIAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
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Types of mechanical Ventilation
← 1- A circulation system such as a ceiling fan, which creates
internal air movement, but does not introduce ‘fresh’ air.
0
← 2- A pressure system, in which ‘fresh’ outside air is blown into
the building by inlet fans, creating a higher internal pressure than the
outside air.
← 3- A vacuum system, in which ‘stale’ internal air is extracted
from the building by an exhaust fan, creating a lower pressure inside
the building than the outside air.
Spot ventilation
← 1- a balanced system that uses both inlet and extract fans,
maintaining the internal air pressure at a similar level to the outside air
and so reducing air infiltration and draughts. a balanced ventilation
system usually has two fans and two duct systems. fresh air supply
and exhaust vents can be installed in every room, but a typical
balanced ventilation system is designed to supply fresh air to
bedrooms and living rooms where occupants spend the most time. it
also exhausts air from rooms where moisture and pollutants are most
often generated
85

0
0
← 2- A local exhaust system that extracts local sources of heat or
contaminants at their source, such as cooker hoods, fume cupboards
and so on.
←
In commercial developments, mechanical ventilation is typically driven by air
handling units (AHU) connected to ductwork within the building that supplies
air to and extracts air from the interior. Typically they comprise an insulated
box that forms the housing for; filter racks or chambers, a fan (or blower), and
sometimes heating elements, cooling elements, sound attenuators and
dampers. In some situations, such as in swimming pools, air handling units
might include dehumidification
Mechanical ventilation may be controlled by a building management system
(BMS) to maximise occupant comfort and minimise energy consumption.
Regular inspection and maintenance is necessary to ensure that systems are
operating optimally and that occupants understand how systems are
operated.
86

Make-up air supply unit
Air will enter a building in an
amount to equal the flow
rate of exhaust air whether
or not provision is made for
this replacement. However,
the actual exhaust &
supplyflow rate will be less
than the design
requirements of the plant
when it is under negative air
pressure. If the building perimeter is fairly tightly constructed,
thus blocking effective infiltration of outside air. A severe
decrease of the exhaust flow rate will result and many other
problems may occur.
Experience has shown replacement air is
necessary for the following reasons:
←1) The proper operation of exhaust hoods: The lack of sufficient
make up air and a negative air pressure causes an
increase of the static pressure in which the exhaust fans
must overcome. This causes a reduction in the “cubic feet
per minute” (CFM) of air from all exhaust fans. THE
RESULT: NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE.
←2) To eliminate high velocity cross- drafts through windows and
doors: Depending on the negative pressure created,
cross-drafts may be substantial. Cross-drafts not
only interfere with the proper operation of exhaust hoods,
but also may disperse contaminated air from one
section of the building to another and can interfere
with the proper operation of process equipment such as
open top solvent degreasers.
←3) To ensure operation of natural draft stacks such as
atmospheric burner and other combustion flues: Moderate
negative pressures can result in back drafting of flues
which may cause a dangerous health hazard from the
release of combustion products, principally carbon
monoxide, into the work area.
87

TUNNEL VENTILATION SYSTEM
COMPONENTS :
Jet Fans : are installed in venous type tunnels. Jet Fans
have the advantage of not only being constructed in a
short time, but also of being easily installed in tunnels.
KHI can design and provide reliable Jet Fans.
large axial fans
In the case of particularly long tunnels when adequate
ventilation is not possible with the Jet Fans only alone,
the Large Axial Fans can be used, either alone or in
combination with the Jet Fans. KHI can design highly
efficient, low noise, sufficiently reliable and economical
Large Axial Fans. KHI has provided various types of Large Axial Fans.
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) for Road Tunnel
ESP can remove drifting SPM (Suspended Particulate
Matter) in the atmosphere of road tunnels. So that, ESP for
road tunnel improves visibility in road tunnels, cleans up
exhaust gas from them, and contributes environmental
preservation.
88

4.3 - CASE STUDY - MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM IN CURVE NX
4.4 - Exhaust Fan
Exhaust fans are used in buildings to eliminate stale,
condensed, humid and contaminated air within
occupied space, since it supplies the energy
necessary to cause air movement. Exhaust fans are
typically installed in a wall or a ceiling without duct
work. The exhaust fans in our researched building,
Curve NX are mainly installed in a wall, thus
propeller- type axial flow fans are used due to the
nature of airflow. The fans are placed where the air
circulation path is parallel to the axis of fan rotation. The rotation of the blades
causes the hot air in the room to be pulled towards the fan and sort of
absorbed. This hot air is released outside and in turn cooler and fresher air
will start to fill the room. This flow of current will also reduce stagnation of air
and is especially important and useful in rooms or areas which lack
appropriate ventilation..
Position of the exhaust fan
Exhaust fans are recommended to be placed as high as possible. The closer
it is to the ceiling the better. This is due to the fact that warm air rises upwards
and hence if the exhaust fan is lower down it will miss a significant part of the
hot air in the room and as a result it will not manage to operate as effectively.
The more hot air reaches the exhaust fan the more it will be absorbed and
eliminated from the room. Consequently, a fresher and cooler room will be
achieved more quickly and more efficiently.
figure 4.1 - Exhaust fan in lift motor room figure 4.2- exhaust fan in Lv switch
room , Curve NX
89

Figure 4.3 figure 4.4
Exhaust fans in car park basement, curve NX Exhaust fans outside fire exit door, curve NX
4.5 Pressurize Fan Duct
The purpose of a pressurize fan duct is to simply introduce fresh air into the
specified area required. The run and standby fans and control equipment
should be housed in a separate plant room or outdoors and the inlet should
be protected from smoke.
The system consists of the installation system of a fan with an electric motor
mounted in an isolated compartment. The outside air is captured through a
shutter that has a particle filter. The insufflating of air to the escape stair
occurs through the air release pipe generated by the fan. The ductwork and
Outlet Grilles, to provide distribution of air exactly where it is needed. Air is
automatically released to prevent unwanted pressure build up in the adjacent
spaces. This may be automatic vents, natural shafts or mechanical extract
systems.
Figure 4.5 Pressurize Fan Duct in Basement Car Park, Curve NX.
90

Figure 4.6 - Shutters which control the flow of outside air into the distribution duct
are operated by the exhaust fan thermostat.
91

4.6 genset room ventilation senser
Genset motors and radiators produce a large amount of noise pollution whilst
requiring airflow for cooling. To enclose the generator for noise control and
still provide sufficient airflow for cooling the genet unit and reduce noise
concurrently, the application of acoustical silencers ( refer to figures 4.8 -
4.11 ) and louvers offers superior noise reduction while accommodating the
specified CFM for motor and radiator cooling of the generator.
By housing generators in an enclosed space, this creates a challenge from
ensuring the engines are well ventilated in order for them to run efficiently.
The ventilation silencers serve the purpose of ensuring the correct level of
ventilation is achieved, whilst minimizing the effect of noise in areas adjacent
to the plant room. Moreover, it is also able to provide a suitable level of
filtration, ensuring the air entering the combustion chamber is as pure as
possible.
Figure 4.8 figure 4.9 - part of a
typicalventilation senser
Figure 4.10 figure 4.11
Ventilation Silencer in Genset Room, Curve NX, silencer filter, Curve NX
92

4.7 ESCAPE STAIRS PRESSURIZING SYSTEM
The escape stair pressurization system is a type of mechanical ventilation
system, where it maintains
Positive pressure in critical state areas to prevent smoke from entering the
stairs.
Figure 4.12 –
diagrammatic analysis of a typical escape pressurizing system
4.7.1 - A pressurization system have
three main components:
( refer to figure 4.12 )
(I) Air inlet area – air is injected into the
area that is protected
(II) Pressure Relief/damper– to prevent
overpressure in the building when doors
are closed
(III) Air Release – smoke is released
from the adjoining fire area
In commercial buildings pressurization is
normally carried through up to the final
door to the accommodation, with air release provided from the
accommodation. Stairs and lobbies are usually pressurized with air release
from the corridor. This system is expected to run in the event of fire outbreak
and so it must be triggered on by the same system that starts the automated
fire alarm system and fire fighting system. It must also be powered by a
dedicated power source that operates the fire fighting system as general
power system shuts down in the event of fire. (Odusina & Odusina, 2014)
4.7.2 - DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR ESCAPE PRESSURIZING SYSTEM
1. Assess the usage and layout of the building, the area to be pressurized and
the class of system required.
2. Assess the leakage paths (through doors, lifts, vents).
3. Calculate the required volume flow rates.
4. Calculate the area of pressure relief dampers.
5. Calculate the area of air release ventilation.
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4.7.3 - TWO TYPES OF PRESSURE SYSTEM:
1) Figure 4.13 - Fixed pressurization system 2) figure 4.14 - exhaust system
SOURCE : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141119183548-23740981-
pressurisation-system-for-fire-escape-route
94

4.8 - damper
A damper is a device used to control the flow of air in a ventilation system.
The control of airflow is significantly accomplished by varying the resistance to
flow created by the damper similarly to how a valve acts in a water system.
Pressure relief dampers are used to release internal excess air pressure in
the closed-door condition from the stairs area. They usually have
1) adjustable open pressure, which is capable of maintaining a relatively
constant pressure at various airflows and closes upon a decrease of
differential pressure.
2) This should be ducted to discharge directly to the atmosphere
independent of the wind direction. Damper are set to a start opening of
50 Pa pressure differentials.
Figure 4.15 figure 4.16 - Wiring diagram
for damper unit
A damper may be used to cut off
central air conditioning (heating or
cooling) to an unused room, or to regulate
it for room-by-room temperature and
climate control. Its operation can be
manual or automatic. Manual dampers
are turned by a handle on the outside of a
duct. Automatic dampers are used to
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regulate airflow constantly and are operated by electric or pneumatic motors,
in turn controlled by a thermostat or building automation system.
Figure 4.17 - Damper at level 7 in Emergency Exit Door, Curve NX.
ASHREA – 6.2.3.4 Ventilation System Controls (2) Damper Control
All outdoor air intake and exhaust system shall be equipped with motorized dampers that
will automatically shut when the systems or spaces served are not in use. Ventilation outdoor
air and exhaust relief dampers shall be capable of automatically shutting off during building
warm up, cool down and setback. When ventilation reduce energy cost or when ventilation
must be supplied to meet code requirements
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4.9 – jet fan ventilation system
In an enclosed car park basement or the level above, a proper ventilation
system is required to help the firefighting operations. This system also helps
to prevent carbon monoxide build up during emergency situations like fire
outrage where the jet fans propels the smoke out of the car park area. The jet
fan ventilation system is also known as the impulse ventilation system. It is
based on a number of small, strategically located high velocity jet fans
mounted directly beneath the ceiling. On detecting a fire emergency signal,
the Extraction System is automatically switched from day-to-day mode/vent
into fire mode.
Jet Thrust Fan units and main extract fans are run to full design speed
reaching full speed and maximum thrust in just a matter of seconds. In case of
a fire emergency, the system’s primary task is to limit smoke propagation
inside the car park and direct to the closest extract points, where the
contaminated air is then removed from the building. Smoke is extracted by the
main extract fans, whilst smoke control is maintained by the extracts systems.
Figure 4.18 Kruger jet fan placed in the figure 4.19 – a typical
kruger jet fan
car park basement, Curve NX
ASHRAE – 6.4.3.4 Ventilation System Controls
Enclosed Parking Garage Ventilation, Enclosed parking garage ventilation system shall
automatically detect contaminant levels and stage fans or module fan airflow 50% of levels
of design capacity provided acceptable contaminant level are maintained
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Figure 4.20 – diagramtic display of a
Typical jet fan system for a car park basement
Source : http://www.jigsawfire.com/carparks.html
Velocity profile of a jet fan
source: https://www.quora.com/What-type-of-air-ventilation-system-is-used-for-
basement-car-parks-in-malls
An axial flow fan mounted within an inlet and outlet cylindrical silencer,
tested as a complete unit, jet fans can provide up to 50N of thrust. Suitable for
most small to medium sized car parks Induction fan A centrifugal fan with an
air inlet positioned beneath the body of the fan and discharging through a
reduced size opening, induction fans can provide up to 100N of thrust. Careful
coordination is required if a sprinkler system is used. Suitable for medium to
large car parks, benefit can be achieved from the greater coverage area.
Attenuation is not provided on an indution fan.
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figure 4.21 – centrifugal induction fan, Curve NX
UBBL – SECTION 41.
Part III Space, Light and Ventilation Mechanical ventilation and Air-
conditioning.
(1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is intended,
the relevant building by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and
heights of rooms may be waived at the discretion of the local authority.
(2) Any application for the of the relevant by-laws shall only be considered if in
addition to the permanent air-conditioning system there is provided alternative
approved means of ventilating the airconditioned enclosure, such that within
half an hour of the air-conditioning system failing, not less than the stipulated
volume of air specified hereinafter shall be introduced into the enclosure
during the period when the air-conditioning system is not functioning
(3) Where permanent mechanical ventilation in respect of lavatories, water-
closets, bathrooms or corridors is provided for and maintained in accordance
with the requirements of the Third Scheduled to these by-laws, the provisions
of these by-laws relating to natural ventilation and natural lighting shall not
apply to such lavatories, water-closets, bathrooms and corridors.
(4) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these by-laws shall apply to
buildings which are mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned.
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ASHRAE – 6.3.2 Criteria.
The HVAC system must meet ALL of the following criteria:
a. The system serves a single HVAC zone.
b. The equipment must meet the variable flow requirements of section
6.4.3.10
c. Cooling (if any) shall be provided by the unitary packaged or split-system
air conditioner that is either air-cooled or evaporative cooled with efficiency
meeting the requirements shown in Table 6.8.1A (air-conditioners). Table
6.8.1B (heat pumps) or table 6.8.1 D (packaged terminal and room air
conditioners and heat pumps) for the applicable equipment category.
d. The system shall have an air economizer meeting the requirements for
Section 6.5.1
e. The system shall meet the exhaust air energy recovery requirements of
Sections 6.5.6.1
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5.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Mechanical transportation systems is an integral part of modern buildings that
is used to move goods and people both vertically and horizontally. The
common types of transportation systems found in buildings are lifts/elevators,
escalators and travolators.
5.1.1 ELEVATORS
5.1.1.2 INTRODUCTION
Elevators are known as lifts in commonwealth countries. Ever since it has
been invented. Elevators has became the lifeblood for everyone when it
comes to transporting people up and down between floors in high rise
buildings, or even commercial buildings. Elevators are generally ran by
electrical motors that drive traction cables or counterweight systems like a
hoist, a pump hydraulic fluid to rain a cylindrical piston like a jack.
An elevator specification must include:
 Elevator type, rated load and speed
 Maximum travel
 Number of landings and openings
 Type of control and supervisory system
 Details of cars and shaft doors
 Signal equipment
 Characteristics of power supply
 Finishes
Ideal performance of an elevator installation will provide:
 Minimum waiting time at any floor level
 Comfortable accelaration
 Rapid transportation
 Smooth and rapid breaking
 Accurate, automatic leveling at landings
 Rapid loading and unloading at all stops
 Quick, quiet operation of doors
 Travel direction indication
 Comfortable lightning
 Reliable emergency and security equipment
Location of lift
Positioning of lift should be at locations which provide easy means of access
for all building users for instance the central entrance lobby of offices, hotels,
apartments, etc.
Grouping of lifts is essential for user convenience.
Factors to determine the number of lifts
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 Population of the building
 Type of building occupancy
 Numbers of floors and height
 Initial Cost
 Maintenance Cost
5.1.1.2 TYPES OF ELEVATOR SYSTEM
There are a few different types of elevators in a building:
A) Traction Elevators
B) Hydraulic Elevators
A) TRACTION ELEVATORS
Traction elevators are lifted by ropes, which pass over a wheel attached to an
electric motor above the elevator shaft. They are used for mid and high-rise
applications and have much higher travel speeds than hydraulic elevators. A
counter weight makes the elevators more efficient. Traction elevators have 3
main types which are:
 Geared Traction Elevators
They have a gearbox that is attached to the motor, which drives the wheel
that moves the ropes. Geared traction elevators are capable of travel speeds
up to 152m per minute.
Figure 5.0: show geared traction elevator component
Source: http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/elevators-types-
and-classification-part.html
 Gear-less Traction Elevators
They have the wheel attached directly to the motor. Gear-less traction
elevators are capable of speed ups to 610m per minute.
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Figure 5.1: shows gear-less traction elevator component
Source:http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/elevators-
types-and-classification-part.html
 Machine Room-less Elevators
They are typically traction elevators that do not have a dedicated machine
room above the elevator shaft. The machine sits in the override space and the
controls sit above the ceiling adjacent to the elevator shaft. Machine-room-
less elevators are becoming more common; however, many maintenance
departments do not like them due to the hassle of working on a ladder as
opposed to within a room.
Figure 5.2: shows machine room-less elevator component
Source:http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/elevators-
types-and-classification-part.html
B) HYDRAULIC ELEVATORS
Hydraulic elevator systems use hydraulic principle means that it moves by the
action of steel plunger lift which is installed under the car. A piston at the
bottom of the elevator pushes the elevator up as an electric motor forces oil or
another hydraulic fluid into the piston. The elevator descends as a valve
releases the fluid from the piston. It is only suitable for low rise buildings (2-8
stories) The machine room is located at the lowest level adjacent to the
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elevator shaft. Hydraulic elevator is suitable for good lifting, lifts for hospital,
and old folk’s home.
Figure 5.3: shows hydraulic lift component
Source:http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-
equipment/elevator.htm
The advantages of Hydraulic Lifts
 Operation is simple as it has lower maintenance cost
 The load imposed is lower compared to electric traction lift, hence it
reduces structural cost
 Brake, ropes, pulleys, driving sheaves or winding gear are not necessary
 No counterweight
 Extremely accurate floor leveling can be achieved
 Acceleration and travel is very smooth
5.1.2 ESCALATOR
5.1.2.1 INTRODUCTION
An escalator is a conveyor transport designed for moving people quickly and
efficiently between floors of a building. An escalator requires no waiting time
and it is reversible to suit the main flow of traffic during peak hours. For
instance, during lunch hour when most of the staffs are going down to the
cafeteria at the lower ground floor, the escalator can be reversed so that more
people are able to descend at the same time. An escalator can normally be
found in a local department store, exhibition hall, air terminal and railway
station, where there are high density of human traffic on a daily basis.
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5.1.2.2 TYPES OF ARRANGEMENTS
There are a few types of arrangement of escalators in a buildings, such as:
A) One way traffic
B) Two way traffic
A) ONE WAY TRAFFIC
 Continuos
This arrangement is used mainly in major department stores, public buildings
and public transport buildings where transport times between several levels
should levels should be kept to a minimum. The advantage of this
arrangement is that the direction of the escalators can be adjusted to suit the
traffic flow. However, the disadvantage of this arrangement is that it requires
more space as compared to the other one way traffic arrangement, which is
the interrupted arrangement.
Figure 5.4: shows one way;continuous arrangement escalator
Source: http://syney-elevator.en.made-in-china.com/custom-detail
 Interrupted
This arrangement is widely used in shopping complexes, or a large
department store. For this arrangement, it might seemed inconvenient for the
user, but it is actually for the benefit of the owner of the department store or
building. This is because the escalators are arranged in such a way that the
users or customers are forced to walk through strategically places
merchandise displays in the building.
Figure 5.5: shows one way;interrupted arrangement escalator
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TWO WAY TRAFFIC
 Parallel
This arrangement is mostly used in department stores and public
transportation buildings that have heavy density of users and heavy traffic
flow. Also this parallel arrangement can be adjusted or reversed to suit the
traffic flow during peak hours.
Figure 5.6: shows two way;parallel arrangement escalator
 Criss-Cross
This arrangement is one of the most widely used in department stores and
shopping complexes. This is because ot allows users to travel quickly to the
upper or lower floors without any waiting time. Another advantage for this
arrangement is that the store owner can open up the view onto the shops at
the upper floor to stimulate customer interest in the goods that are on display.
Figure 5.7: shows two way;criss-cross arrangement escalator
106

5.2 CASE STUDY
5.2.1 ELEVATOR
5.2.1.1 INTRODUCTION AND FUNCTION
The type of elevator that is found in THE Curve NX is passenger elevator and
freight elevator. THE Curve NX building contains four passenger elevators
and one freight elevator.
Freight Elevator
Figure 5.8: shows freight elevator
Passenger Elevator
Figure 5.9: shows passenger elevator
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5.2.1.2 COMPONENTS OF ELEVATOR
There are five components of an elevator :
 Control System
 Electric Motor
 Hoistway
 Lift Car
CONTROL SYSTEM
Elevator control system is the system responsible for coordinating all aspects
of elevator service such as travel, speed, and accelerating, decelerating, door
opening and delay, leveling and hall lantern signals. It accepts inputs such as
button signals and produces outputs which are elevator cars moving, doors
opening, etc. The aim of the elevator control system are:
 To bring the lift car to the correct floor
 To minimize travel time
 To maximize passenger comfort by providing a smooth ride
 To accelerate, decelerate and travel within safe speed limits
ELECTRIC MOTOR
Electric motor is always placed in a motor room which is usually sited at the
top of the lift shaft containing winding gear, traction sheave, control panel,
over-speed governor and other components. This is to minimize the length of
rope and optimize the efficiency. The electric motor is responsible for moving
an elevator cab up and down between floors. As this elevator system uses as
roped mechanism, the elevator engine is connected to a sheave which the
ropes are looped around. The controller interacts with the elevator engine by
sending it a signal that specifies at which speed and in what direction the
engine should be going in.
Noise from motors and winding gear must be contained with adequate
insulation and absorbent bedding for machinery. An overhead universal beam
for raising and lowering equipment and parts during maintenance is essential.
Adequate daylighting and supplementary artificial light is required. Fan is used
to ventilate to remove excess heat from electric plant.
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Figure 5.10: shows the motor room
Source: http://www.dayshare.org/arkam_slideshare/transportation-systems-in-
buildings
HOISTWAY
Hoistway is the space enclosed by fireproof walls and elevator doors for the
travel of one or more elevators, dumbwaiters or material lifts. It includes the
pit and terminates at the underside of the overhead machinery space floor or
grating or at the underside of the roof where the hoistway does not penetrate
the roof. A simple definition for the hoistway is the shaft that encompasses the
elevator car. Generally the Hoistway serving all floors of the building but in
high-rise buildings hoistways may be banked with specific hoistways serving
only the lower floors and ther serving only middle or upper floors while
traveling in a blind hoistway until reaching the floor that it serves. A blind
hoistway has no doors on the floors that it does not serve.
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Hoistway component consist of:
Figure 5.11: shows component of hoistway
Source:http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/elevator-control-
system.html
A) Guide rails for both the car and counterweight
 Mounted on both sides of the lift shaft which is attached to the wheel of
the car
 A safety device to hold the lift from crashing down if the rope breaks.
B) Counterweight
 Load borne by the generator is balanced by the counterweight
 Connected with a wire rope of the elevator car
 Function of counterweight : - To grip the lift car
- Reduce the power of generator
- Reduce the brake to stop car lifts
C) Buffer
 To absorb the impact of the lift car when it falls
 Placed in a room called the lift pit which is located below the lowest
landing level
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LIFT CAR
Lift car is the vehicle that travels between the different elevator stops carrying
passengers and goods. It is a steel frame that is welded or bolted in
construction which proved a cradle or supported in which the car can sit. It
has sufficient strength to withstand the stress applied to it when the car has
accelerated. The main parts of the lift frame include a crosshead, uprights and
bottom channels.
There is also a platform in the lift car, which is an isolation frame that is
attached to separate passenger compartment from the vibrations. It is
supported by rubber pads that are compressed under load, so it provides info
on the load in the car, whether it is overweight or not.
The lift car would not have functioned properly without the door operator, as it
opens and closes the door in a smooth manner so that passengers can travel
from one floor to another in a comfortable and relaxed manner. This is
because the opening and closing time of the lift have a significant effect on
the lift efficiency and cycle time.
For a comfortable journey, door safety devices is compulsory to detect
passengers’ movement in and out of the lift.
Figure 5.12: shows a typical lift car framework
buildings
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LIFT DOOR AND LIFT LANDING
Lift car is equipped with its own door to prevent people from falling down an
open shaft. The choice of a car and hoistway door affects the speed and
quality of elevator service. Doors for passenger elevators are power-operared
and synchronized with the leveling controls so that the doors are fully open by
the time a car comes to complete stop at a landing.
There are two components of lift doors :
 Fitted to the lift car
 Fitted to the landing
Figure 5.13: shows a typical door-opener system works
Source:http://www.electrical-
knowhow.com/2012/04/elevator-control-system.html
Doors on the cars are operated by an electric motor, which is hooked up to
the elevator computer. The electric motor turns a wheel, which is attached to
a long metal arm. The metal arm is linked to another arm, which is attached to
the door. The door can slide back and forth on a metal rail.
When the motor turns the wheel, it rotates the first metal arm, which pulls the
second metal arm and the attached door to the left. The door is made of two
panels that close in on each other when the door opens and extend out when
the door closes. The computer turns the motor to open the doors when the car
arrives at a floor and close the doors before the car starts moving again. Many
elevators have a motion sensor system that keeps the doors from closing if
somebody is between them.
The car doors have a clutch mechanism that unlocks the outer doors at each
floor and pulls them open. This way, the outer doors will only open if there is a
112

car at that floor (or if they are forced open). This keeps the outer doors from
opening up into an empty elevator shaft.
Figure 5.14: shows type of lift door openings and lift landing
buildings
Landing doors must be incombustible, preferably of sheet steel construction
over a light steel framework of about 30mm overall thickness. They usually
slide sideways although vertical movement is used for some industrial
applications.
5.2.1.3 OPERATION SYSTEM
 Operator
In prestige buildings and hotels for the benefit of special guests
 Automatic
Response to one call from either lift car or landing. No further calls are
accepted until the car is at rest. It is only suited to light occupancy and low
rise buildings up to five floors.
 Down Collective
A call button is located at each landing entrance and a set of buttons in the
car corresponds to each floor. Landing calls are stored and answered in
sequence as the lift cat descends. In upward direction, passengers are
distributed in floor sequence by selection within the car.
 Directional (up and down) Collective
Two call buttons are provided at each intermediate landing, one for up and the
other one for down. The lowest and the highest landings only require one
button. A full set of destination buttons are provided in the car. Landing callers
simply press the direction button and the call is stored. On a downward
journey, the lift stops at all floors where downward callers are waiting or where
passengers want to go out. Likewise upward, operating in sequence in
response to stored calls.
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 Group Collective
Applied where groups or banks of lifts occur in large buildings, using an
interconnected collective stored control system. This permits the closest lift
traveling in the desired direction to respond, rather than passengers waiting
for one specific lift or having to press every lift’s button.
 Programmed control
This is an improvement of the group collective system, incorporating time-
controlled functions, where deman is known to be particularly high on some
floors at certain times. The lift cars can be programmed to be available at the
ground floor during arrival times and at upper floors during departure times.
This lends itself to routines found in office blocks, where regular hours are
worked.
5.2.2 ESCALATOR
5.2.2.1 INTRODUCTION AND FUNTION
The type of escalator in the case study building is known as the Parallel
escalators, with stacked arrangement. It is only available from the ground floor
to the 5th
floor only. The stacked parallel escalators use exposed truss and
drive elements. Combine with transparent balustrade to add considerable
visual interest to the installation.
Figure 5.15: shows stacked parallel arrangement escalator used in THE
Curve NX
STACKED PARALLEL ARRANGEMENT
This escalator design requires more floor space than the crisscross
arrangement. Thus, it used less often. The principal advantage of parallel
arrangement is its impressive appearance. The stacked arrangement must be
used with caution due to inconvenience to the rider of an enforced long walk-
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around to continue the trip. This arrangement is found most often in mass
purchased type facilities and in malls.
Figure 5.16: shows ortographic drawings of stacked parallel arrangement
escalator
Source:http://www.dayshare.org/arkam_slideshare/transportation-systems-in-
buildings
5.2.2.2 Component of escalator
Figure 5.17: shows component of escalator
Source:http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/escalators-basic-
components-part-two.html
The Escalator consists of the following components:
 Landing platform
These two platforms house the curved sections of the tracks, as well as the
gears and motors that drie the stairs. The top platform contains the motor
115

assembly and the main drive gear, while the bottom holds the step return idler
sprockets.
Floor plate:
It provides a place for the passengers to stand before they step onto the
moving stairs. This plate is flush with the finished floor and is either hinged or
removable to allow access to the machinery below.
 Truss
The truss is a hollow metal structure that bridges the lower and upper
landings. It is composed of two side sections joined together with cross
braces across the bottom and just below the top. The ends of the truss are
attached to the top and bottom landing platforms via steel or concrete
supports. The truss carries all the straight track.
Steps:
The steps themselves are solid, one piece, die-cast aluminum or steel The
steps are linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop. The
front and back edges of the steps are each connected to two wheels. The rear
wheels are set further apart to fit into the back track and the front wheels have
shorter axles to fit into the narrower front track. These are basically moving
platform on which escalator passengers ride.
 Tracks
The track system is built into the truss to guide the step chain, which
continuously pulls the steps from the bottom platform and back to the top in
an endless loop. There are actually two tracks: one for the front wheels of the
steps (called the step-wheel track) and one for the back wheels of the steps
(called the trailer-wheel track). The relative positions of these tracks cause the
steps to form a staircase as they move out from under the combplate. This
right angle bends the steps into a shape resembling a staircase.
 Handrail
The handrail provides a convenient handhold for passengers while they are
riding the escalator. In an escalator, the handrail is pulled along its track by
chain that is connected to the main drive gear by a series of pulleys. It is
constructed of four distinct sections. At the center of the handrail is a “slider”,
also known as a glider ply which is a layer of a cotton or synthetic textile.
 Balustrade
The side of an escalator extending above the steps, which includes Skirt
Guard, Interior Panel, Deck Board and Moving handrails.
 Deck board
These are used for preventing clothing from getting caught
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5.2.2.3 OPERATION SYSTEM
Escalators are often powered by constant-speed alternating current motors
(AC Motors) and move approximately 0.3m to 0.6m per second. The typical
inclination of an escalator to the horizontal level is around 30 degrees. It has a
standard rise of about 18m. Modern escalators have a single piece aluminum
or stainless steel steps that move on a system of tracks in a continuos loop
Figure 5.18: shows elevation of escalator in a building
Source:http://www.electrical-knowhow.com/2012/04/escalators-basic-
components-part-two.html
For the width of the steps in an escalator, it must be chosen and designed
wisely so that it is not excessively wide nor narrow. The steps has to have a
balanced ratio between the spaces required and the transport capacity, and
also between travel comfort and cost.
5.3 OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS
THE CURVE NX building contains four passenger elevators and one freight
elevator. Hence, in total, the entire building consist of only five lifts which can
be link from the lowest level, which is Basement 2 all the way up to the
highest floor, which is on the rooftop. The position of elevators on each floor is
located at the same area based on the shown plan. However, the placement
of the escalators only exists from the ground floor to level 5 only.
The travel speed of the elevator is 1m/s. The load capacity per lift is up to 20
people per car. Besides, the elevator brand used in the building is known as
Fujitec. These Fujitec elevators use Permanent Magnet Gearless (PMGL)
machine that is designed, engineered and manufactured at global facilities.
The Fujitec elevator reduces overall energy consumption and offers flexible
installation. The elevators used in the building are traction machines driven by
117

AC or DC electric motors. During emergency, lifts will also automatically move
to the ground floor for passengers to exit.
Elevator
A - Passenger Lift B - Passenger Lift C- Freight Lift
Escalator
C
B
A
C
B
A
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Figure 5.21: Ground floor indicating the location of the elevators and
escalator
Figure 5.22: Level 1 indicating the location of the elevators and
escalator
C
B
A
C
B
A
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Figure 5.23: Level 2 indicating of the location of the elevators and
escalator
Figure 5.24: Level 4 indicating of the location of the elevators and
escalator
C
B
A
C
B
A
120

escalator
escalator
C
B
A
C
B
A
121

5.3.2 ZONING AREA
Figure 5.27
Main Entrance
Back Entrance (loading area)
Escalator
Elevator
122

5.3.2.1 ELEVATOR ZONING
Based on our observation, the human flow of circulation and the hierarchy of the
interior space of THE Curve NX does have an influence to the location of
elevators and escalators. The placement of Freight Elevator at the back of the
building that prohibits visitors to enter whereas the placement of Passenger
Elevator is at the front of the building, near to the main entrance which is visible
to the visitors as they enter the main entrance. Hence, this enables the visitors to
find elevators easily.
5.3.2.2 ESCALATOR ZONING
Escalators are constantly moving and generally part of a horizontal and vertical
trip. Therefore, they must be placed in the main line of traffic or in the area
served, often with a dominating presence. This allows user to locate the
escalators, move easily and comfortably towards the escalator.
5.3.3 POSITION AND INTERIOR OF PASSENGER ELEVATOR
Based on the floor plan, it is observed that the passenger elevators are placed
side by side to cater for more people, hence allowing a more smooth flow of
circulation without congesting the space when visitor are ascending or
descending the building.
Figure 5.28: shows exterior of elevator
The elevator consists of guardrails that wrap around the interior perimeter of the
wall for support and safety reasons. It was noticed that the ceiling of the lift is
made out of perforated metal sheet and opaque glass to allow subtle penetration
of artificial lighting into the space The ceiling is designed as so to help hide the
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services or fixtures of the electrical and lightning system within the lift car.
Figure 5.29: shows interior of elevator
The figure 5.3.3d and figure 5.3.3e shows the lift control buttons that are placed
on the left hand side of the wall next to the interior side of the automatic sliding
door. The control buttons indicate the floors the lift is able to access to, the
opening and closing buttons as well as the emergency lock on the lift control
panel. Besides, the top part of the left wall above the control button panel shows
the indication of the maximum load capacity that can be withstand by the
elevator, which is 1365 kg or 20 persons per car, and the brand of the elevator,
known as Fujitec as well as the certified code given under the Malaysia license of
Uniform Building by law. All these indications and buttons are the main
requirement needed for every lift.
Figure 5.30: shows lift control buttons Figure 5.31: shows lift control buttons
Below figure 5.3.3f and figure 5.3.3g are images of the main control room, also
known as the LV Room that controls the electricity of all the electrical services in
the Curve NX building including the mechanical transportation services
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Figure 5.32: shows the main control room Figure 5.33: shows the
main control room
5.4 UNIFORM BUILDING BY LAW (Licensed to Malaysia Standards Ms
1331:2003)
5.4.1 Lift
1. Every lift forming part of the vertical access for disabled people should have an
unobstructed depth in front of the lift doors of not less then 1800mm.
2. It should maintain a floor level accuracy within a tolerance of 10mm throughout
the range of rated load.
3. The handrail in the lift car should not be less then 600 mm long at 1000mm
above the finished floor level and should be fixed adjacent to the control panel.
4. At least one lift car, adjacent to a public entrance that is accessible for disabled
persons should be designed as a lift for wheelchair users, complying to all the
sub-clauses of this clause, and should have space for a wheelchair to be turned
through 180° inside the lift.
5.4.2 Lift Door
Installation should provide the following:
i. The lift doors should be power operated
ii. A clear opening of not less than 1000 mm should be provided.
iii. Sensor devices should be provided to ensure that the lift car and landing
doors would not close while the opening is not obstructed, subject to the nudging
provisions which operate if the door should not be less than 5 seconds and the
125

closing speed should not exceed 0.25 m/s.
5.4.3 Lift Controls
Should comply with the following:
i. Controls should be clearly indicated and easily operated in accordance with
Clause 27 of MS 1184-2002.
ii. Call buttons should either project from or be flush with the face of the car-
operating panel. The width or diameter of the buttons should not be less than 20
mm.
iii. Floor buttons, alarm buttons or emergency telephone and door control buttons
in lift cars and lobbies should not be higher than 1400 mm above finished floor
level. The hearing impaired can use an alarm button and not the emergency
telephone. An alarm button should always be provided, and preferably of a
design, which lights up and produce sound when pressed to reassure those
trapped inside.
iv. All buttons should be designed such that the visually impaired can identify
them by touch. Buttons, which are not designed as such are best modified by
fixing embossed or braille numbers or letters next to the lift buttons.
5.4.4 Lift Indicators
Should be provided in accordance with the following:
i. ‘Lift coming’ indicators should be provided at each landing.
ii. Indicators should be provided at each lift lobby to show the position and
direction of motion of the lift car. Alternatively, an audible indicator should be
provided indicate in advance the arrival of the lift car and its direction of travel.
iii. An indicator inside the car should signal clearly the direction of travel and the
floor at which the lift car is situated.
iv. Embossed braille numbering indicating each floor level should be provided
beside the outside call button.
5.4.5 Handrails
Handrails should be:
a) Fixed not les than 840 mm or more than 900 mm from finished floor level,
extended in the case of ramp or stairway by 300 mm.
b) Fixed securely with its ends turned away or turned downwards for not less
126

than 100 mm.
ii. Call buttons should either project from or be flush with the face of the car-
operating panel. The width or diameter of the buttons should not be less than 20
mm.
iii. Floor buttons, alarm buttons or emergency telephone and door control buttons
in lift cars and lobbies should not be higher than 1400 mm above finished floor
level. The hearing impaired can use an alarm button and not the emergency
telephone. An alarm button should always be provided, and preferably of a
design, which lights up and produce sound when pressed to reassure those
trapped inside.
iv. All buttons should be designed such that the visually impaired can identify
them by touch. Buttons, which are not designed as such are best modified by
fixing embossed or braille numbers or letters next to the lift buttons.
5.4.6 Lift Pit
i. Pits must be fire-resistive as should be the partitions between elevator pits.
ii. Permanent provisions must be made to prevent accumulation of water in the
pit. Pits should be waterproofed and/or sealed.
iii. Drains and pumps must comply to the plumbing code and steps should be
taken to prevent water, gas and odors from entering the pit.
Also, according to UBBL Clause 153, a smoke detector is to provide at the lift
lobby. The lift lobby should be large enough to accommodate traffic that moves in
two directions. Referring UBBL Clause 124, a lift shall be provided for a non-
residential building, which exceeds 4 storeys and above or below the main
entrance. It is also essential for a building with less than 4 storeys to provide an
elevator for the elderly and disabled. Minimum walking distance to the lift should
not exceed 45 m and the lift should be sited in the central area of a building to
minimize the horizontal travel distance.
`
127

6.0 Conclusion
As a general conclusion, we have chosen The Curve NX building for our
case study because it provides both proficient and satisfactory service systems
for us to carry out the project properly. We were able to successfully identify all
the required services component installed in the building by doing a thorough
study on all the services systems.
Throughout this whole project, we as a team learnt that the importance of
understanding how the building services component function and how to
translate our understandings into clarification and diagrammatic form. Working in
a group also helps each other to remember and recognize work that everyone is
doing. With the help from various sources such as books and etc, we understand
and explain more of the different systems of the building with the implication of
the uniform building by-laws (UBBL).
In conclusion, we have insight now on how a functional building works in
providing the optimal safety and comfort to the occupants inside the building.
Team work of research and experience was amazing as well. We would also like
to extend our gratitude towards Ar Sateerah for her guidance throughout this
project. Thank You.
128

7.0References
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3.0 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
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130

4.0MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
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131

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