Optimizing chiller performance and condenser tube cleanliness? Let’s explore the award winning and patented Hydroball Automatic Tube Cleaning System (Hydroball ATCS), transform efficiency now! Key features: (a) “Non-Powered” system; (b) “Dual Loop” design; and (c) “Water Resilient” mechanism.
The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is a high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore which is fully underground. One of the biggest challenges is to keep MRT stations cool in Singapore’s humid climate - and to not use too much energy to do it! For MRT stations located underground, this is done by installing platform screen doors and using energy-efficient systems to reduce air-conditioning energy consumption. For stations located above ground, passive cooling strategies are employed.
Besides using sustainable materials and green labelled products in MRT construction, all TEL stations also have outfitted energy-saving features such as energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and equipment including the Hydroball ATCS which automatically circulates spongeballs through the condenser tubing on pre-set time cycles to keep inner tube surfaces free from scaling and fouling; unlike the manual cleaning process that causes water wastage, downtime and increased energy.
Given how difficult it is for TEL MRT underground stations which rely heavily on air-conditioning to become energy efficient, it is a real accomplishment for the energy saved per year by the various green initiatives and products including the Hydroball ATCS (100% coverage), all of which help set a high standard for energy performance!
Upper Thomson Station (TE 08) has received BCA's Green Mark Platinum, topping among the underground stations. For a building to receive the highest rating of Green Mark Platinum, it needs to be able to achieve more than 30% energy savings!
On the other hand, the Downtown Line (DTL), where nearly 80% stations installed with Hydroball ATCS, is the recipient of the highest tier for a rail line, earning it the BCA Green Mark Gold Plus certification under the Green Mark for Rapid Transit System (RTS) framework. One of its most notable features is the air-conditioning - in a year, energy savings from the air-conditioning system can power 1,080 5-room HDB flats! Water savings are also obtained by recovering the air-conditioning's condensate water. This reaches the volume of 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Hydroball ATCS reduces the need for frequent chiller condenser maintenance given its “Non-Powered” feature (no prime movers such as pumps, compressors or divertors, hence less maintenance). During the cleaning operation, no water is discharged thereby minimizing water waste under its “Water Resilient” mechanism. Energy and water conservation are also achieved via its “Dual Loop” design where no mixing of cold and hot water within condenser, hence preserving chiller efficiency. Hydroball ATCS can lead to substantial cost savings of up to 35% on energy, water, labour and other costs for buildings.
“We would like to thank Hydroball for making our Thomson Line Project Stage 1 & 2 a great success. Hydroball and team have been professional and responsive on the ground despite the various challenges to deliver the project deliverables on time!”
“We were awarded the Shinryo Singapore Safety Excellence Award 2018.”
