TIP No. 6: SHUT-DOWN F.F. EQUIPMENT & DISPOSAL

In the early years, it was often customary for the Client
(operating end-user) to prefer to exclude the
removal/disposal (of the shut-down & by-passed plant room
equipment) from a renewable energy Retrofit contract. It was
by reason of a “Trust Deficit” in all new Clean-Tech Systems.
The Client usually insisted to retain the existing (by-passed)
F.F. Equipment as “stand-by” on-site. It was considered as
re-assuring to the Client in a situation of worst-case weather
and/or an incidence of Building over-load demand. This
preferred obligation for non-disposal was also a benefit to
stake-holders for a reduced CAPEX (to achieve a
30<60month PBP) and defer costs to the next annual
accounting period for cutting-up/disposal of large sized
Basement & Rooftop Plant.

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TIP No. 5: PREQUALIFYING A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT

A Facility site-visit & walk-through can lose you half a DAY….+ plus. Don’t do it YET!! Young engineers in the Team must be trained in the discipline of “Prospect Prequalification” before all else.

 

Prior to expending Consultancy Time for a Building Survey & Review of Site Energy Data, a careful prequalifying Client Check-List is necessary for a speed “filter-out” of non-starter prospects.

 

This is an effective time-saving Strategy of prioritised criteria to “target & secure” those residual Clients that are in 99% correct alignment for project decision-making.

 

Here are the TOP FIVE pre-qualification criteria (from a list of >60) on which a minimum of 50 positive ticks are needed to proceed before any further time commitment to a  “Lead-generated” Client……. Prior to any preparatory Fee Based Survey or Reviews are considered:

1.    The Client Profile undertaking a Retrofit negotiation must be the majority Owner of the Commercial Property (or an Owner’s officially appointed Representative e.g. Architect or equivalent) AND be fully authorised as Decision Maker to engage in any Consultancy “Retrofit” Contract;

2.    A Validation of the financial viability of the Asset & Stakeholders who must be committed to remain as both the Owner(s) & Operator(s) for at least a Tenor of 7+ years from Project completion;

3.    A Validation of the MEP Plant Room Equipment  Age; Amortized Book Value (NAV) & previous 36 months of actual Occupational demand load versus OPEX;

4.     Confirmation that the Motivation, Vision & Expectations of the Owner(s) are aligned with the focus for zero emissions & Boiler shutdown by Hybrid Renewable Energy Retrofit;

5.    Assessment of the Owners’ “notional” anticipated total Budget for the comprehensive Scope of Works to meet the Owners’ Vision & Expectations……. prior to the review of Energy data or Survey of Plant & Building Condition.
*Further “Check-List” criteria to be advised soon !

 

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TIP No. 14: RESILIENCE FOR SERVICEABILITY & FUTURE PROOFING

For a long-term Client relationship of Trust, we always defer to the Client’s choice of H.P. equipment with their Vendor’s supply of Brand & Model as well as their chosen Contractor. Our counselling is limited to a “most preferred” site location for the H.P. installation with a one+ meter all surround Service Space. Also, we provide guidance on internal H.P. componentry as “modular” lift-in/lift-out for full on-site low-cost Servicing instead of any return to Factory necessity (even in the case of a Design for a multi-cascade of mini H.P.). This “Resilience by Design” also allows for long-term, low-cost on-site, product “Future-Proofing” upgrades with all main components (Evap Coil; Fan; Compressor; Condenser & Controls as an easy un-plug & modular re-connect in a wide bodied H.P. Cabinet enclosure).

 

 

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TIP No. 13: UPCYCLE FOR GOOD PRACTICE

Subject to Appraisal & Validation of item performance and durability it is “Good Practice” to upcycle within the renewable energy engineering design, as many as possible HVAC & MEP on-site existing fittings & equipment (eg. Calorifiers & Pumps etc.) even if relocating ex the plant room to a new location (as a tangible “Value-adding” benefit to the Owner or Architect for alternative floorspace usage) …..and, it reduces CAPEX (to achieve a fast 30 to<60 month PBP) for the retrofit.

 

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Tip No. 12 Rigging and Building Access

From the start, for a Retrofit site, prioritise an existing Building’s easiest passage-ways, door-widths & elevator dimensions (including elevator & floor static load limits)
This will define the LOWEST COST OPTIONS for Rigging & Access to all possible H.P. & Auxiliary equipment sizing from a 60th Level rooftop footprint or to a B3 Basement or
any in-between Plant room.

N.B. in the early 80’s the simplest Honolulu solution was a US250 dollar (15-20min.) Helicopter lift of equipment from carpark truck to a rooftop installation

 

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Tip No. 11: ITERATIONS TO >SYSTEM EFFICIENCY

For highest COP Performance, always source Max. Enthalpy inlet air into the ASHP by direct ducting from a
Building’s interior “HOT SPOTS”
A Clients Financial PBP Mandate <60months is SUPREME *But as per Design spec.: sustain each zone as positive air
pressure for zero uncontrolled F/A infiltration

 

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