|
Building Owner
|
Tuen Mun Hospital
|
Replacement of more efficient chiller
Installation of electromagnetic clamp-on / ultrasonic devices for condensing water system
Conversion to variable speed chilled water pump
| | Building/Project Name |
Tuen Mun Hospital, Main Block
| | Systems |
HVAC - Waterside Air Conditioning System
| | Building Types |
Others - Hospital / HealthCare
|
Description of the building:
| Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) is an acute hospital with approximately 2,000 beds, established in 1990. The ten-storey TMH Main Block includes Accident & Emergency services, Day Care services, Operating Theatres, and Pharmacy, etc. The building is fully air-conditioned 24/7, supported by a central water-cooled chiller plant in the basement. |
|
|
Retrofitted initiative:
This replacement project focuses on energy efficiency, reliability, sustainability, safety, and innovation, and is the first government and hospital to use high-voltage chillers with next-generation ultra-low GWP HFO refrigerant.
The certified Platinum-rated water-cooled chillers achieve a COP of 6.37, outperforming HK's building energy code standards by 7.97%. Enhanced efficiency is achieved through a 3-stage compressor and a 2-stage economizer. Data-driven algorithms within the chiller CCMS optimize performance via real-time monitoring. Additionally, the new chillers operate quietly, maintaining noise levels below 80dBA and reducing background noise by 17dBA, thereby improving OHS working environment.
The next-generation HFO refrigerant has a GWP of 1, much lower than the current HFC refrigerant R-134a, and presents no risk of ozone depletion. It offers ultra-low GWP, near-zero ODP, is non-flammable, and operates at low pressure, improving safety for hospital use and reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
The previous N+1 configuration of the chiller plant have shortfall on backup provision during maintenance. By adding a fourth chiller, the system was upgraded to a 2N design, enabling concurrent maintenance and enhancing overall reliability and resilience in hospital operations.
Upon completion, the project demonstrated there was 26% in annual energy savings, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,950 tonnes each year.
Observed benefits other than energy saving:
- The bypass pipe addition for condensing water pumps improves serviceability and maintainability during chiller failure or pump failure.
- Modifying concrete plinths to suit new chiller installation; recycling and reuse of concrete aggregate to reduce waste and thus greenhouse gas emission.
- The new chillers and VSD pumps operate quietly (below 80dBA), reducing background noise by 17dBA, providing staff good OHS environment.
- The adoption of ultra-high performance, ultra-low GWP, near-zero ODP HFO refrigerant chillers enhances environmental sustainability and safety, serving as an exemplary retrofitting project for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Upon completion, the project demonstrated there was 26% in annual energy savings, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,950 tonnes each year.
General observations of the retrofitting project:
- The HV chiller replacement project showcases collaboration between EMSD, HA, and Trane, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and operational excellence in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through innovative engineering and sustainable practices.
- This initiative improves energy management and environmental responsibility while also serving as a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) example. It provides a model for other hospitals to enhance their energy practices and reduce their environmental impact.
Other information:
| Cost |
Saving |
| Total cost: |
HKD 74 million |
Total savings/year: |
HKD 4.33 million |
| Payback: |
5 years |
| Awards |
| Awards received by the project: |
Under Category III: Health Care Facilities (Existing)
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2024 - Chapter Level (Hong Kong Chapter): Winner
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2024 - Regional Level (Region XIII): Winner
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2025 - Society Level: Honorable Mention
|
| |
|
Replacement of more efficient chiller
Installation of electromagnetic clamp-on / ultrasonic devices for condensing water system
Conversion to variable speed chilled water pump
|
|
|
Building Owner
|
Tuen Mun Hospital
| | Building/Project Name |
Tuen Mun Hospital, Main Block
| |
Systems |
HVAC - Waterside Air Conditioning System
| |
Building Types |
Others - Hospital / HealthCare
|
Description of the building:
|
|
| Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) is an acute hospital with approximately 2,000 beds, established in 1990. The ten-storey TMH Main Block includes Accident & Emergency services, Day Care services, Operating Theatres, and Pharmacy, etc. The building is fully air-conditioned 24/7, supported by a central water-cooled chiller plant in the basement. |
|
|
Retrofitted initiative:
This replacement project focuses on energy efficiency, reliability, sustainability, safety, and innovation, and is the first government and hospital to use high-voltage chillers with next-generation ultra-low GWP HFO refrigerant.
The certified Platinum-rated water-cooled chillers achieve a COP of 6.37, outperforming HK's building energy code standards by 7.97%. Enhanced efficiency is achieved through a 3-stage compressor and a 2-stage economizer. Data-driven algorithms within the chiller CCMS optimize performance via real-time monitoring. Additionally, the new chillers operate quietly, maintaining noise levels below 80dBA and reducing background noise by 17dBA, thereby improving OHS working environment.
The next-generation HFO refrigerant has a GWP of 1, much lower than the current HFC refrigerant R-134a, and presents no risk of ozone depletion. It offers ultra-low GWP, near-zero ODP, is non-flammable, and operates at low pressure, improving safety for hospital use and reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
The previous N+1 configuration of the chiller plant have shortfall on backup provision during maintenance. By adding a fourth chiller, the system was upgraded to a 2N design, enabling concurrent maintenance and enhancing overall reliability and resilience in hospital operations.
Upon completion, the project demonstrated there was 26% in annual energy savings, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,950 tonnes each year.
Observed benefits other than energy saving:
- The bypass pipe addition for condensing water pumps improves serviceability and maintainability during chiller failure or pump failure.
- Modifying concrete plinths to suit new chiller installation; recycling and reuse of concrete aggregate to reduce waste and thus greenhouse gas emission.
- The new chillers and VSD pumps operate quietly (below 80dBA), reducing background noise by 17dBA, providing staff good OHS environment.
- The adoption of ultra-high performance, ultra-low GWP, near-zero ODP HFO refrigerant chillers enhances environmental sustainability and safety, serving as an exemplary retrofitting project for hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Upon completion, the project demonstrated there was 26% in annual energy savings, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,950 tonnes each year.
General observations of the retrofitting project:
- The HV chiller replacement project showcases collaboration between EMSD, HA, and Trane, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and operational excellence in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through innovative engineering and sustainable practices.
- This initiative improves energy management and environmental responsibility while also serving as a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) example. It provides a model for other hospitals to enhance their energy practices and reduce their environmental impact.
Other information:
| Cost |
Saving |
| Total cost: |
HKD 74 million |
Total savings/year: |
HKD 4.33 million |
| Payback: |
5 years |
| Awards |
| Awards received by the project: |
Under Category III: Health Care Facilities (Existing)
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2024 - Chapter Level (Hong Kong Chapter): Winner
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2024 - Regional Level (Region XIII): Winner
- ASHRAE Technology Award 2025 - Society Level: Honorable Mention
|
| |
|
Replacement of more efficient chiller
Installation of electromagnetic clamp-on / ultrasonic devices for condensing water system
Conversion to variable speed chilled water pump
|
|
|
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