In 2021, Singapore’s power sector carbon emissions reached 25.88 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. In line with Singapore’s goal of zero net emission by 2050, Hydroball has been aiming to make a substantial impact by targeting a 1% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This effort is set to translate to a remarkable 258,800 metric tons reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Singapore’s objective of fighting climate change.
To put this reduction into perspective, consider that in the United States, 1,402,438 kWh of electricity generation produces 576 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Therefore, Hydroball’s goal of reducing emissions would result in energy savings equivalent to 630,123,185 kWh, contributing significantly to a greener and more sustainable future.
Based on an independent report from a field-testing project funded by the Enterprise Challenge Unit (TEC Reference No: L00279/772), it proves that with the Hydroball ATC System installed, the chiller specific electricity consumption can be reduced by 18.4%.
HydroBall ATC Systems can lead to substantial cost savings of up to 35% on energy, water, labour and other costs for buildings and large processing plants.
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Sustainability is a core pillar of today’s global efforts and Singapore has been at the forefront of this movement, driving innovative strategies that harmonise economic growth with environmental stewardship. With businesses and utilities being significant contributors to greenhouse emissions and climate change, Singapore’s proactive stance on sustainability is highlighted by its implementation of the carbon tax.
Let’s explore the ways this policy impacts related industries and how automatic tube cleaning systems (ATCS) can help businesses reduce their operational costs and environmental footprints.
1. Economic Impact of Carbon Tax
Singapore introduced the carbon tax in 2019 and was the first Southeast Asian nation to do so. The tax, levied on large emitters of greenhouse gases, aims to incentivise businesses that reduce their carbon footprint. However, it also presents economic challenges, particularly for energy-intensive industries and utilities reliant on traditional energy sources.
One of the key impacts of the carbon tax is the increase in operational costs for businesses, driven by higher electricity and fuel expenses. This cost pressure is especially felt by utilities such as power plants and industrial facilities, which are tasked with improving energy efficiency and adopting cleaner technologies to comply with the tax regulations.
2. Role of Automatic Tube Cleaning
Automatic tube cleaning systems come into play here, offering a targeted solution to enhance energy efficiency in heat exchange processes across various industries like power generation and manufacturing. An automatic tube cleaning (ATC) system is a routine maintenance and cleaning operation performed on clogged tubes. It is a continual hydro-mechanical cleaning system that cleans the heat exchanger, shell and tube by moving softballs throughout the tubes at predetermined time intervals. The systems combat fouling, the accumulation of deposits such as scale, sediment, and biological growth on heat transfer surfaces like tubes, which significantly reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption and maintenance costs.
By employing auto tube cleaning systems, businesses can proactively minimise fouling issues, maintaining optimal heat transfer rates over extended periods. Hydroball’s ATC system employs innovative technologies such as “Non-Powered system (no prime movers, less maintenance) coupled with Dual Loop design (no mixing of hot & cold water within the condenser, reduce energy usage) and Water Resilient mechanism (no water discharge, no wastage), further enhancing operational sustainability.
The impact of automatic tube cleaning systems extends beyond immediate energy savings. By preserving equipment efficiency, businesses prolong asset lifespan and reduce capital expenditure on premature replacements or extensive repairs. Improved heat exchange efficiency also translates to reduced emissions per unit of output, mitigating the economic burden of the carbon tax while advancing sustainability goals.
3. Regulatory Compliance
In line with Singapore’s environmental regulations and carbon reduction goals, industries are compelled to take steps to meet evolving standards. These include the mandatory Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for water-cooled chilled water systems to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient chilled water operations by industrial facilities. Water-cooled heat exchangers including chillers in plants are inevitably plagued by clogging of heat exchanger surfaces. With our innovative technologies, Hydroball ATC system addresses the challenges faced by water-based cooling systems of various commercial and industrial buildings. The implementation of Hydroball’s comprehensive preventive maintenance and condenser cleaning procedure not only promotes energy efficiency but also aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with these regulatory frameworks. Businesses that embrace automatic tube cleaning systems demonstrate a commitment to sustainable operations, positioning themselves favourably during regulatory assessments and among stakeholders. Furthermore, these systems integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, offering scalable solutions adaptable to diverse industrial applications.
Collaborative initiatives between government agencies, industry associations, and technology providers further facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient practices like automatic tube cleaning. Incentive programmes, technical support, and knowledge-sharing platforms encourage businesses to invest in sustainable technologies, fostering a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship.
Singapore’s carbon tax emphasises the critical role of automatic tube cleaning systems for chiller condensers in advancing both economic and operational sustainability. Businesses that leverage these systems can reduce utility costs, decrease carbon footprints, and gain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market focused on sustainability.
If you would like to enhance your business’s energy & water efficiency and reduce operational costs as well as capital expenditures, consider Hydroball Technic’s Automatic Tube Cleaning (ATC) Systems. They are designed to optimise heat exchange, ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainable growth for your organisation. Contact us today to discover how we can empower your business to thrive in a greener future.
