Modern hospitals in Indonesia face a dual challenge: meeting the ever-growing healthcare needs and operating efficiently with minimal environmental impact. The case study of Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH) in Hong Kong, although located in a different territory, offers valuable insights into how healthcare facilities can achieve outstanding energy efficiency and operational reliability through intelligent design and the application of cutting-edge technology. In the Indonesian context, adopting similar strategies, especially with the support of a leading Modular Chiller Distributor in Indonesia like Climanusa, is crucial for building sustainable healthcare facilities.
TSWH, a 10-story healthcare facility serving a large population, was designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy. This approach aimed to significantly reduce both operating costs and carbon emissions. One of the key pillars of its success was the intelligent design of its building envelope. With a low window-to-wall ratio of 0.295 and glazing that had a low shading coefficient of 0.31, TSWH significantly reduced heat transfer from the outside. This ratio was 55% lower, and the shading coefficient 52% lower than the baseline building model, helping to achieve an overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) that barely met the threshold stipulated in Hong Kong’s Code of Practice for OTTV in Buildings. In fact, an overall OTTV value of 16 W/m2 (1.5 W/ft2) was achieved, which was on average 55% lower than the statutory requirement. The provision of landscape gardens and greenery on podium roofs also contributed to better insulation, reaffirming the importance of holistic building design in achieving energy efficiency.
However, the true energy efficiency of a healthcare facility lies not only in its building envelope but also in its energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, building energy management system, and renewable energy system. This is where the role of centralized cooling systems becomes critically important, and TSWH’s experience demonstrates why choosing the right cooling solution matters.
The normal and essential air-conditioning supply for the entire TSWH building was provided by an air-cooled chiller plant. This system comprised four oil-free chillers, two heat recovery chillers, and two reverse cycle chillers. A packaged water-to-water heat pump was also provided for heating purposes. Crucially, a variable flow primary chilled water system was adopted to minimize energy use during part-load conditions. All primary water pumps were equipped with variable speed drives, and oil-free chillers were also equipped with variable speed drives for achieving a high integrated part load value. The results were impressive: the measured COP values of chillers under peak condition outperformed the minimum requirements as stipulated in the statutory requirements of Hong Kong, with −24% for the oil-free and heat recovery chillers and 14% for the reverse cycle chillers. This indicates that the selection of appropriate chiller types and the implementation of advanced control technologies can lead to significant energy savings. In the Indonesian context, selecting a Modular Chiller Distributor in Indonesia that can provide similar technology, with the ability to optimize performance at part-load, is a wise investment for hospitals.
Hot water energy recovery is another area where TSWH demonstrated leadership in efficiency. The hot water system was integrated with the chilled water system to maximize overall energy efficiency in view of the simultaneous demand for cooling and heating. Three tiers of heating were designed, with priority given to solar heating, waste heat from heat recovery chillers, and water-to-water heat pumps. Gas water boilers were provided for final heating to achieve safe water temperatures. This comprehensive energy-efficient approach included waste heat reclaim through the adoption of heat recovery chillers, heat pipes, and a condensate recovery system. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system was designed for irrigation purposes as well as to reduce the use of fresh water. All of these demonstrate a holistic approach to energy management that can be replicated in healthcare facilities across Indonesia.
Renewable energy systems also played a significant role at TSWH. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-heated hot water systems were designed to capture renewable energy. The PV system, connected to the electricity grid, had an installed capacity of 5.9 kW, with an annual yield of approximately −950 kWh/kW recorded in 2019. The solar hot water system formed part of the overall hot water system, comprising 40 evacuated tube solar collector panels with a total installed capacity of 90 kW. The annual energy generated by the solar hot water system measured in 2019 was 81,010 MJ (22,500 kWh). Investing in such renewable energy solutions, facilitated by partners who understand renewable energy solutions, is increasingly important for hospitals looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Beyond energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a paramount concern in healthcare facilities. To maintain a safe indoor environment and facilitate effective operational needs of the hospital, hygiene zoning at high-risk areas (i.e., isolation wards and operation theaters) was well defined. Precise pressure control was adopted to confine the spread of infection or to prevent the entry of infection to the protected area. Full fresh air supply to high-risk areas was also adopted for effective dilution of contaminants. This underscores the importance of sophisticated HVAC systems that can ensure a safe and clean environment, an aspect critically important for patient and staff health.
Operational resilience and reliability were also deeply considered in TSWH’s design. To maintain operation of essential services under power failure or maintenance scenarios, various designs were adopted. These included interconnected circuitry and backup power supply by diesel generators designed for resilience of essential air-conditioning load. Main chilled water risers interconnected with valves for alternate operation enhanced system reliability, and decentralized AHU/PAU were designed to avoid single points of failure. This flexibility and redundancy are key to ensuring uninterrupted operations in critical healthcare facilities.
Overall, TSWH’s energy performance was −25% better compared to a Hong Kong hospital built in 2005 with similar accommodation and operation patterns. An analysis revealed that its energy performance was better than 90% of other sampled Hong Kong hospitals. This achievement highlights the significant potential for energy efficiency in hospital design and operation.
Adopting the lessons from TSWH and applying them in the Indonesian context is a significant step forward. With increasing awareness of sustainability and the need for operational efficiency, hospitals in Indonesia need to seek partners who can provide not only high-quality equipment but also expertise in designing integrated, energy-efficient systems.
This is where the role of a Modular Chiller Distributor in Indonesia becomes crucial. Modular chillers offer greater flexibility in capacity, inherent redundancy, and ease of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for healthcare facilities. They can be scaled to meet fluctuating cooling demands and ensure continuous operation even if one module requires maintenance. Climanusa, as a leading solutions provider, understands the nuances of healthcare facility needs. With a proven track record in providing reliable and efficient solutions, Climanusa can assist hospitals in Indonesia in designing, implementing, and managing cooling systems that not only meet the highest energy efficiency standards but also ensure optimal indoor air quality and unparalleled operational reliability. From consultation to installation and maintenance, Climanusa can be a strategic partner in realizing efficient, sustainable, and resilient hospitals across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Tin Shui Wai Hospital stands as a testament to how meticulous design, the integration of advanced technologies, and a focus on energy efficiency can result in a high-performing healthcare facility. The lessons learned from TSWH, particularly concerning cooling systems and energy management, are highly relevant for Indonesia. Choosing the right Modular Chiller Distributor in Indonesia is a critical step towards building sustainable, energy-efficient, and reliable hospitals for the future. Climanusa is ready to be your partner on this journey.
Climanusa: Your Best Choice as a Modular Chiller Distributor in Indonesia for Efficient and Reliable Hospital Cooling Solutions.
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–A.M.G–
