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Delta-T / Residential

Low Delta-T assessment for a building in Dubai

Observe how Ark Energy resolved the Delta-T issue present in a local building in Dubai

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Background Story
The client owns a premium commercial and residential skyscraper located in DIFC, Dubai, UAE, spanning a gross area of 300,871 m². The tower consists of 25 commercial floors and 48 residential floors, with a total conditioned area of 192,711 m². Given its scale and energy-intensive operations, the tower had significant potential for energy efficiency improvements through technology upgrades, equipment retrofits, and advanced energy management strategies.

To optimize energy performance, the client engaged Ark Energy to implement a Delta-T rehabilitation project, an energy retrofit initiative, and a digitalized energy management system. The objective was to reduce overall energy consumption, eliminate Delta-T surcharges, and digitalize operations and maintenance (O&M) processes. Between May 2018 and April 2019, the tower’s total energy costs amounted to 19.4 million AED, with an annual Delta-T surcharge of 2.63 million AED.

Table 1 The Tower’s  consumption profile
Client's TowerTotal Concentrated LoadConditioned Floor Area​Average Delta-TAnnual Delta-T Surcharges
RTm2oCAED
Value6,070192,7113.02,633,300
Source: Ark Energy Analysis

Figure 01The Tower’s monthly energy cost distribution during the period od 2018 to 2019, 000’AED

Source: Ark Energy Analysis
Main Objective
The primary goal of the project was to eliminate Delta-T surcharges by implementing an optimized low Delta-T solution and executing a detailed engineering design, procurement, installation, and commissioning process.
Approach
The tower was experiencing low Delta-T syndrome, leading to surcharges of up to 2.0 million AED annually. The district cooling operator had waived these surcharges on two occasions, under the condition that the building undergo a proper Delta-T rehabilitation program. To address this, Ark Energy conducted a comprehensive Delta-T study to investigate the issue and identify practical solutions for mitigation.

To develop the most effective solution for Delta-T rehabilitation, Ark Energy followed a structured six-step methodology. The first phase involved conducting a detailed engineering analysis and operational review, during which collected data was analyzed to formulate corrective measures:


In the second phase, a systematic root cause analysis was carried out to pinpoint the primary sources of the low Delta-T issue. This included a detailed site investigation, measurement, and testing process. Through this structured approach, Ark Energy identified 19 key factors contributing to low Delta-T, which were then assessed based on technical feasibility and capital constraints to determine the most viable mitigation strategies.

Table 2 A sample of the different possible causes for the Low-Delta T, with their severity presented
Total Concentrated LoadContribution to Low Delta-T Syndrome
Faulty valves/ actuatorsHigh
Poor chilled water conditionMedium
Faulty actuatorsHigh
Faulty thermostatsLow
Unbalanced CHW networkMedium
Pump controlMedium
Plant chilled water mixingMedium
AHU supply air temperature below setpointHigh
Source: Ark Energy Analysis

Ark Energy carried out a Detailed Engineering and Design, Procurement, Installation, and Commissioning activities for six (6) Delta-T solutions

The Delta-T solutions presented, in mix with other ECMS provided, resulted in the Client to aim to reduce their energy consumption by 10.7% with a payback period of 2.2 years

Table 03 The following solutions presented in the analysis
ECM #Delta-T Solution
DT 1.3HEX Maintenance
DT 2.1Smart PICVs
DT 2.2PICV-Based CHW Pump Control
DT 2.3BMS Recommissioning
DT 2.4BTU Meter Recommissioning
DT 3.2BMS/ECMS Alarm Implementation
Source: Ark Energy Analysis
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