Background StoryThe client owns a residential building in Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, consisting of a mix of studio and deluxe apartments. The building features a conditioned floor area of 12,858 m², with a common area of 4,096 m². To ensure that the building’s cooling requirements were being met efficiently, the client sought to evaluate the difference between the design cooling load and the actual cooling load.
To achieve this, the client engaged Ark Energy to develop and execute a structured, process-driven cooling load assessment. The primary objective was to quantify the difference between the intended design load and the actual cooling demand, enabling the client to present the findings to the local District Cooling Operator as a basis for revising the Declared Load.ProblemsThroughout the assessment process, minimal challenges were encountered, as the primary focus was on load analysis using the HAP Energy Model Software
Main ObjectiveThe core objective of this initiative was to compare the signed cooling load against the simulated cooling load generated through the HAP model. This analysis was built upon collected site data, survey reports, and client-provided documentation to ensure accuracy. The final outcome would provide the client with precise thermal load estimates to support their negotiations with the District Cooling Provider.
ApproachA structured assessment plan was developed to ensure an accurate and comprehensive cooling load evaluation. The total cooling load was determined under design conditions, factoring in architectural drawings, internal and external load parameters, and worst-case scenario conditions, including:•Ambient temperature
•Fluctuations
•Occupancy levels
•Lighting and appliance schedules
Table 1 Overview of the plan conducted for the Thermal Cooling Load Assessment Project| Phase Number | Phase Description | Activities |
| 1 | Data Gathering | Collect data as per the RFI |
| 2 | Site Survey | Perform on-site survey of existing HVAC equipment and systems |
| 3 | Data Synthesis, Consolidation and Energy Modelling | Review all As-built HVAC drawings for ETS room and HVAC system, architectural drawings, asset list and chiller water consumption logs, maintenance and complaint logs to incorporate into the cooling model (IES or HAP) |
| Perform cooling load calculations |
| Compare the cooling load calculations with the original design values to re-calibrate the energy model |
| 4 | Outcome Report and Review with Exec. Team | Provide a gap analysis between the technical design assessment and the actual load calculations along with a rationale |
Source: Ark Energy AnalysisFrom the analysis done using the software, the analysis revealed that the Client/Landlord’s load was 4% less than the signed load with the District Cooling OperatorTable 2 Deviations presented from the analysis emphasizing the difference between the actual and signed cooling loads| Outlet Type | HAP Peak Cooling load (TR) | Signed Cooling Load (TR) | % Deviation from Signed Values |
| Common Areas | 195.8 | 170.1 | 15.1% |
| FAHU | 99.1 | 136.5 | -27.4% |
| Total Landlord Load | 294.9 | 306.6 | -3.8% |
Source: Ark Energy AnalysisSome of the findings present from the analysis are as follows: 
Table 2 Actual Declared Load distribution assessment reveals that the landlord’s consumption is lower than the simulated Peak and Calibrated design conditions
Source: Ark Energy AnalysisA reduction in Declared Load is warranted but must be coupled with Energy Efficiency (building retrofit), Low Delta-T rehabilitation, and energy management digitalization project