< Previous FUTURE OF FM 30 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com In today’s world, facilities managers can no longer rely on obsolete processes and legacy technologies. Maintenance backlog, poor customer satisfaction, equipment failure, and TOP TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF FM higher operating expenses, are some of the outcomes of resistance to change and an overdependence on outdated systems. With growing demands for higher efficiency, cost savings and user comfort, it is imperative that facilities managers adapt accordingly. Those looking to become value-driven partners for their clients and organisations need to adopt tools and technologies that help integrate siloed building management systems, monitor critical issues in real-time, and FM 4.0 FUTURE OF FM August 2021 31www.fm-middleeast.com leverage the huge amounts of valuable data gathered on energy and assets. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the use of technologies will assist facilities managers in abiding to the requirement of local authorities, by remote monitoring of assets; securely transfer and store data in the cloud; and make use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to act on the data collected. Dr Ryad Soobhany, assistant professor and director of MSc Research Projects from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot- Watt University Dubai, shares his recommendations on future-oriented tools and technologies that facilities managers should embrace to transform the sector as a whole. • BIG DATA AND DATA ANALYTICS Facilities management provide vast amount of data that are often underutilised. Big data can create numerous opportunities, in the form of complete energy solutions, added business value, and higher customer service satisfaction in any facility, when the data is collected judiciously. By creating a structured way to collect, process, and analyse a set of data; facilities managers can improve performance and increase functional capabilities of the facility. Facilities management can, for example, make use of data analytics to check the occupancy levels of premises to assist in auto-adjusting lighting, ventilation, and temperature, which would enable lowering of energy expenses. Managers responsible for large portfolios of buildings are often faced with challenges such as poor visibility on potential power outages or equipment failure. Prediction analysis, using data analytics and machine learning, and together with the help of integrated systems, can assist in preventing power outages or failures within a facility. • VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) AND AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) Beyond the gaming and the entertainment industries, AR and VR technologies are unveiling their use cases and applications in sectors such as education and healthcare. Integrating AR and VR technologies into common maintenance and management processes can help FMs improve operational efficiency as well trainings and tutorials. One way VR can make facilities managers more efficient is by making it possible to perform 3D modelling of their facilities. These 3D renderings enable them to fully immerse themselves in building maps, helping them to first virtually plan, design and build facilities, and then manage equipment and infrastructure. Another area where VR makes facilities managers more efficient is HVAC monitoring and maintenance. VR provides technicians a complete picture of the internal structures of their buildings which helps them plan preventive maintenance work and develop budgets proactively. AR allows facilities managers to access technical specs and data without having to carry around blueprints and other documents. Additionally, facilities managers can use their smartphones or tablets to visualise equipment temperatures and see “hidden” components buried deep within walls or underground tunnels. This X-ray like capability allows them to improve their knowledge of their facilities, for example, helping them avoid high-voltage assets, hot surfaces, high-speed machinery, and other hazardous conditions, which ultimately makes the work environment safer. AR and VR can be used in conjunction with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to provide FMs with enhanced visualisation of the facilities to access accurate information about assets and provide insights into these assets. • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND MACHINE LEARNING (ML) More than just a hype, AI possesses many capabilities that can transform the facilities management sector enormously. AI can help improve cost savings, lower energy consumption, and increase productivity. Many vital areas of FM operations such as energy, HVAC, security, and other systems can be positively impacted by ML, which is possible through reinforcement learning. ML algorithms analyse historical data to train a neural network that can react to new unseen data to predict outcomes. In other words, ML makes the most out of stored (accumulated) data which in the case of facilities management can help improve FUTURE OF FM 32 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com Dr Ryad Soobhany, assistant professor and director of MSc Research Projects from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Dubai. processes and decision-making. ML enables real-time fault detection, especially when facilities are operating at a non-optimal level. In doing so, ML helps prevent expensive downtime that can have a negative impact on any business. FMs can save more time and money by responding quickly to the anomalies in their facilities and assets, as detected and alerted by ML. • INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) IoT-integrated buildings are truly the buildings of the future. Smart devices and IoT-enabled sensors (either built-in or retrofitted) can monitor the built environment remotely from one centralised location and provide FM teams valuable insights into the operational performance of all physical assets in the building portfolio. Sensor-based automation in meeting rooms can help alert sanitation teams, who can follow the highest level of cleaning and hygiene protocols based on occupancy levels and usage. HVAC technology powered by IoT, for instance smart thermostats can help regulate room temperatures automatically, which helps reduce energy usage and improve the occupants’ experience. Additionally, IoT-enabled security devices can deliver real-time security alerts, which can improve physical security protocols. The presence of IoT means that data about a particular physical environment can be processed and transmitted at speed. When access control devices communicate with surveillance cameras and other security devices, FMs receive security alerts that they can act upon. Deploying a structure of IoT devices also allows FMs to benefit from geofencing capabilities. A geofence is in essence a geographical fence or barrier that is often employed by mobile application developers to target customers in specific locations. However, FMs who pair physical security measures with IoT devices, can leverage geofencing to create a barrier around their facilities, which allows them to tackle physical security threats head-on by detecting breaches in a more efficient manner. • ROBOTICS AND DRONES Robotic automation lend itself to facilities management to assist in performing repetitive and hazardous tasks. The emerging drone technology is improving, with the cost of acquiring and managing drones decreasing. On the other hand, the efficiency and battery life of drones have increased. Robots can be deployed in hazardous areas, such as cleaning HVAC ducts or to perform repetitive tasks like cleaning floors or power washing. Robots can be used to assist FMs in providing perimeter security for buildings or the estate. Drones can be used to perform infrastructure inspections at height, which will reduce the cost of operations and increase worker safety. Drones can be employed for cleaning of high or innovative architecture buildings, for example the cleaning of the ‘Museum of the Future’ in Dubai. • CLOUD SOLUTIONS As FMs need to keep track of a lot of things, ensuring a smooth operation is not an easy task, especially through a combination of spreadsheets, CAD printouts, or complex software systems. Instead, cloud-based facility management software (SaaS), a web- integrated approach that provides a centralised database accessible from any location, via any device (through a secure web browser), and at any time, makes it easier for FMs to effectively organise, structure, and run all elements of their operations for maximum efficiency and performance. Cloud-based facilities management software (SaaS) allows facilities managers to increase efficiency, mitigate data loss, reduced costs, and more opportunities for customisation—hence allowing businesses to streamline operations. Device agnosticism and the always-on nature of SaaS facilities management software together yield another major advantage: real-time collaboration. A facilities manager in Dubai can share reports and insights with a CFO based in London, thus allowing both to make joint decisions about how to best utilise facilities. Beyond real-time updates on specific topics, collaboration through the cloud also helps keep ideas and actions sorted and organised. Since all users are uniquely identified, their comments, actions, and contributions are properly delineated as well. Combined with tiered permissions, it is effortless to keep communication organised, streamlined, and clear. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROVIDE VAST AMOUNT OF DATA THAT ARE OFTEN UNDERUTILISED. BIG DATA CAN CREATE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES, IN THE FORM OF COMPLETE ENERGY SOLUTIONS, ADDED BUSINESS VALUE, AND HIGHER CUSTOMER SERVICE SATISFACTION IN ANY FACILITY, WHEN THE DATA IS COLLECTED JUDICIOUSLY.www.fm-middleeast.comwww.fm-middleeast.comAugust 2021 33 COMMENT TECHNOLOGY IN FM The relationship between Facil- ity Management and Tech- nology is constantly evolving and many of the barriers that existed in the past have now been removed. Cost is no longer a major issue, with technology continuing to become far more affordable and with options to suit almost every budget, from bespoke solutions to entry level cloud-based pay-as-you use packages. Similarly, issues around reliability, maintenance and skilled resources have mostly been addressed. However, different markets and re- gions have tended to embrace the tech- nologies at different rates, with notably the Middle East often being perceived as a rather slow adopter, a trend driven historically in part by its relatively low manpower costs. But that situation is changing rapidly. The region is now home to some of the most iconic and sophisticated property and infrastructure developments in the world, highlighted by the projects that form an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. And there is no question that these projects demand sophisti- cated integrated FM services that only technology driven solutions can deliver. At ISG, we were quick to realise that in order to stay competitive and main- tain our position as one of the leaders in the KSA FM market, we needed to make an on-going commitment to investing in the technologies that will enable us to deliver our services more efficiently and cost-effectively and, more importantly, that will also help us to continuously innovate and meet the demands of an increasingly sophisti- cated client base. One of our primary major technology investments was the development of the bespoke world class CAFM system that is now central to our FM business. The system is intrinsic to the day-to- day management of our FM service op- erations, while at the same time playing a strategic role in providing both us and our clients with a deeper understand- ing of the buildings and facilities we manage. We are also currently rolling-out a program to equip all our FM techni- cians with PDAs. One of the challenges of using a centralised CAFM system is ensuring that people have access to real time information and data when they need it and this is especially true for a company the size of ISG that has opera- tional projects in more than 30 towns and cities across the Kingdom. PDAs mitigate this problem and our plan is to have a fully CAFM-connected ISG field workforce. In tandem with our CAFM system John Nolan, CEO of Initial Saudi Group (ISG), discusses the role of technology in FM THERE IS A PERCEPTION THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN TEND TO REDUCE INDEPENDENT DECISION-MAKING AND STIFLE INNOVATION, WHEREAS FROM EXPERIENCE WE HAVE FOUND THE REVERSE TO BE TRUE. development, we also have a number of enabling technologies that directly im- prove service delivery and bring other benefits such as reduced environmental impact and lower headcounts. This has meant that we can remain commercially competitive without compromising service excellence and it also means that we are equipped to engage with clients that require more technology-driven solutions. Among these are a number of IoT applications for remote automation, sensing and monitoring, as well as a range of modern technology driven machines and automated equipment. Notable among these are hi tech cleaning machines that are far more efficient, environmentally friendly, and less labour intensive than traditional delivery methods. There is a perception that technol- ogy can tend to reduce independent decision-making and stifle innovation, whereas from experience we have found the reverse to be true. Technol- ogy takes away a lot of the time-con- suming drudgery inherent in the FM role and frees up valuable operational and management time. It enables us to very accurately measure, report, analyse and evaluate large quantities of data which directly helps us improve service delivery, and it allows us to look more holistically at projects and how we can explore new ways of working. Ultimately, technology is driving innovation at ISG. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will bring to the Kingdom some of the most iconic and ambitious infrastructure and construction projects the world has ever seen and we are committed to long term investment in the technology, knowledge and innovation that will enable us to meet the sophisticated FM solutions they will demand and rightly deserve. John Nolan, CEO of Initial Saudi Group (ISG). ENERGY MANAGEMENT 34 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com Energy upgrades for cooling systems are key to optimising costs and performance By Kevin Laidler, MEA sales director - Armstrong Fluid Technology SAVING BIG ON ENERGY A s we know, energy can be an expensive commodity. It’s not surprising then, that many facility managers are seeking ways to optimise the efficiency of cooling systems. Their goal is to reduce the high costs of cooling systems by improving system performance and enhancing energy efficiency. Let’s start by first understanding the risks of resisting energy updates for our cooling systems. A challenge often faced by facility managers is ‘performance drift’. When cooling systems are initially ENERGY MANAGEMENT August 2021 35www.fm-middleeast.com installed, they operate impeccably. However, over time component efficiency and systems conditions ‘drift’ away from the original design values for the system. When this happens, efficiency and performance of the entire system degrade. The fading performance of cooling systems provokes negative consequences: reduced comfort for occupants and wasteful energy usage, resulting in higher costs and more greenhouse gas emissions. On the topic of emissions, it’s benefit, but rather a requirement for projects to gain acceptance and succeed. For HVAC systems, approximately 5% of the lifetime carbon footprint can be traced to the manufacturing of components. The other 95% comes from energy usage during the operating life of the equipment. Clearly, the greatest opportunity to enhance sustainability lies in improving performance deficiencies. By improving these performance deficiencies, facilities managers are also able to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and optimise the indoor environment of their building to better support occupants. So how can you improve cost and performance of systems in your building? By reversing and preventing the loss of energy efficiency. Buildings today often operate below their optimal efficiency because facility managers lack the time or tools to collect, analyse and evaluate data from their cooling system. Without data, or the ability to analyse it, managers cannot properly optimise the systems. If we combine intelligent energy management with high-performing systems, then we can transform the way buildings operate. Energy management involves proactive performance tracking, management, and optimisation of energy consumption in a building. Upgrading of equipment to the latest smart technology can help to minimise lifecycle carbon footprint, improve occupant comfort and lower installation and operation costs. First, it is necessary to properly understand the specific energy demands of each building. Data collection is vital in this process. For example, the fluid flow rates of cooling systems are important indicators of system performance. Using pumps that accurately measure flow rate through smart technology is an effective starting point - they enable the use of flow data for system performance analysis and optimisation. With smart pumps, savings start from day one as they more effectively meet load demand. Further data analysis can reveal what additional system equipment upgrades are required. For example, important to also consider the impact of each building on the wider ecosystem of our cities. In the Middle East, sustainability is the driving force behind plans for urban development. The Dubai Master Plan 2040, for example, outlines efforts to make Dubai one of the greenest cities in the world through transformations in construction, transportation, and infrastructure. As we work towards the ‘greening’ of our cities, the integration of practices that support sustainability is no longer a value-added ENERGY MANAGEMENT 36 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com Armstrong Fluid Technology pumps. BUILDINGS TODAY OFTEN OPERATE BELOW THEIR OPTIMAL EFFICIENCY BECAUSE FACILITY MANAGERS LACK THE TIME OR TOOLS TO COLLECT, ANALYZE AND EVALUATE DATA FROM THEIR COOLING SYSTEM. analysis of accurate system flow data allows for larger equipment, such as chillers, to be potentially upgraded to smaller units to meet demand, which can result in further energy savings. Technology advancements in the last decade have been effective at delivering energy efficient upgrades that offer up to 70% cost savings compared to traditional systems. For example, demand-based operations ensure energy is consumed only on a need-based level. Parallel Sensorless pumping technology enables pump performance to adjust automatically according to system load. Innovations such as these enable pumps in cooling systems to function at optimum levels, thus using energy more intelligently and reducing our consumption of fossil fuels. Variable speed pumps are an effective solution to upgrade cooling systems and enhance energy efficiency. Design Envelope pumps are mapped to optimise system performance, but they also monitor real-time system conditions and dynamically adjust equipment operation to match system demand. The result is highly efficient cooling systems that deliver substantial energy savings compared to conventional fixed speed pumps. The Pump Manager subscription service provides deep insights into system operation to support informed decision-making. Ongoing tracking and analysis of performance can prevent performance drift and drives savings in installation, performance and maintenance costs For facilities managers, adopting smart technology can provide a number of benefits. These technologies enable remote access to system performance and data any time, any place and also give multiple stakeholders simultaneously access. In addition to reporting capabilities, they can receive operations alerts for any changes or if potential issues arise such as leaks, allowing for enhanced predictive maintenance to protect occupant comfort at all times. For communities in hot climates, district cooling systems can be more effective than standard individual air conditioning systems. By aggregating the cooling requirements of a network of buildings, district cooling can help to balance electrical loads, lower fuel costs and drive efficiency. District cooling is up to 50% more efficient than air conditioning systems in individual buildings. Building operators sometimes hesitate to upgrade their cooling system because more sophisticated systems require investment. However, the returns from using more efficient systems are worth it. Simple payback on energy upgrade projects starts from day one and is usually reached within 5 years. Energy savings can continue for the life of the system, delivering up to 40% savings on consumption related to HVAC operation. To improve energy efficiency, we must embrace innovative energy saving solutions. The world is currently experiencing a shift towards greener building practices, encouraging the development of new technologies that maintain, prevent or even reverse the loss of energy efficiency. Using cooling systems with the in-built capability to do so, is the way to can create safer, stronger and more sustainable spaces in the built environment. Kevin Laidler, MEA sales director at Armstrong Fluid Technology.www.fm-middleeast.com SUPPLIER NEWS August 2021 37 PARTNERSHIP Emirates District Cooling (Emicool), a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, and Siemens, a technology company, have announced a collaborative partnership with the intent to jointly develop various initiatives promoting energy saving measures and solutions in a bid to strengthen sustainability and drive economic and environmental benefits across Emicool facilities. The anticipated solutions will centre around innovations in sustainability and digitalisation and include the implementation of energy audits at Emicool plants to identify savings potential and explore areas of improvement across the plants. Six main areas will be explored, with Siemens’ expertise used to further Emicool’s objectives in Sustainability, Innovation & Technology, Responsible Operations & Reliable Service, Training, the Promotion of Digitalisation and Corporate Social Responsibility. Amongst the benefits will be increased energy efficiency through the optimisation of technology solutions, resulting in educational, environmental and economic benefits to the community. CEO of Emicool, Dr. Adib Moubadder, said, “Our partnership with Siemens to develop and improve our sustainability and digitalisation across the businesses, utilising the Siemen’s energy saving systems, integrating and connecting products, plants, systems and machines will enable a wealth of data to be harnessed with advanced analytics. This will ensure effective implementation of actions, improving efficiency and performance.” Emicool’s partnership with Siemens, which continues a positive existing relationship, will ensure the smooth facilitation and maintenance of services and solutions, integrated into the district cooling plant. Franco Atassi, CEO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure in the Middle East, commented: “Innovative technologies coupled with an operator with clear vision are sure to yield positive results for Emicool’s customers. We are excited to work together toward greater energy efficiency and sustainability by introducing digitalisation, optimisation and advanced programs. We look forward to helping Emicool develop and grow by adopting the latest technologies in this industry.” SECURITY Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF) is meeting the increasing surveillance demands from the regional government and private organisations with the release of a new range of AI-enabled i-PRO S-Series indoor and outdoor security cameras. i-PRO S-Series is specifically designed to support safe cities initiatives, allowing for monitoring fast-changing environments from shopping malls and parks to airports and railway stations. The versatile Full HD and HD security cameras with up to 40x zoom are the latest offerings in Panasonic’s next- generation i-PRO Extreme surveillance technology platform. This native end-to- end H.265 system is designed to maximise the performance and cost-effectiveness of video surveillance systems whilst protecting against cybersecurity threats. “AI empowered devices are being sought after, especially within the physical security industry in the region. At Panasonic, we understand the demands of the region and these new security cameras will not only help provide robust security solutions but offer deeper data analytics as well, so that decision and preventive measures can be more effectively implemented,” commented Hidetoshi Kaneko – director, System Solutions & Communications Division, PMMAF. The cameras use H.265 compression technology coupled with Panasonic’s Smart Coding technology to deliver the highest quality images at the lowest bitrates – reducing streaming and storage by approximately 75% over the H.264 industry standard. This allows companies to store more data at a lower cost and reduce bandwidth requirements. i-PRO Extreme cameras also provide a highly secure protection layer and robust authentication to guard against hacking. Moreover, the cameras come pre- bundled with the i-PRO in-house apps AI Video Motion Detection (AI-VMD) and AI Privacy Guard. Collaboration confi rms cooperation in research and development strengthening sustainability and driving economic and environmental benefi ts New range of indoor and outdoor cameras designed to support safe cities through monitoring fast-changing environments from shopping malls, parks and museums Emicool, Siemens to collaborate in an R&D capacity Panasonic introduces AI-enabled security cameras for regional market R to L: Dr. Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool, and Franco Atassi, CEO, Siemens Smart Infrastructure. i-PRO S-Series.www.fm-middleeast.com38 August 2021 SUPPLIER NEWS SALE Infor, the industry cloud company, announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its global EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) business to Hexagon AB, a global player in digital reality solutions, for approximately $2.75bn in a combination of cash and stock and form a strategic relationship with the company to better serve shared customers. The businesses will remain separate until the completion of the transaction, subject to regulatory approvals. In addition, Infor and Koch Equity Development, both subsidiaries of Koch Industries, are building strategic relationships with Hexagon. As a result of the transaction, Koch also will have an ownership stake in Hexagon, and Hexagon’s main shareholder, MSAB, has the intention of suggesting Brett Watson, President of Koch Equity Development, to the Hexagon nomination committee for nomination to the Board of Directors as soon as feasible post-closing. As the EAM market evolves from traditional asset management to Asset Performance Management (APM), customers require broader solutions to manage the entire lifecycle of their assets – from the design/build phase to the operation phase. The divestiture and strategic relationship positions Infor to: • combine its industry-leading EAM technology with Hexagon’s digital reality solutions – including sensor, software and autonomous technologies – to produce a better outcome for customers, and • further focus on its strategy of delivering industry-specific cloud ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) suites (CloudSuites) that provide customers with sustained operational advantage and to maintain a long-term view of the market. Further, several Koch companies already are valued customers of the Infor EAM solution and Hexagon’s enterprise project performance and industrial facility solutions. To unlock additional value for Koch companies across the entire lifecycle of its manufacturing assets – from initial design to day-to-day operations – Koch and Hexagon have signed a memorandum of understanding to further expand the use of Infor EAM and Hexagon’s solutions. “This is a win-win for Infor and Hexagon, as well as our customers and employees,” said Infor CEO Kevin Samuelson. “It enables Infor to double- down on providing innovative, industry- specific solutions that help address our customers’ biggest business challenges. And it enables us to partner with a company that is in a unique position to drive further digital transformation for Infor EAM customers by integrating Infor EAM’s asset management capabilities with Hexagon’s digital reality solutions and platforms.” EAM solutions provide the foundation for digital innovation in asset-intensive industries, where digital realities, or digital operational twins, provide a single source of truth and complete line-of-sight to ever-changing situations. Customers in manufacturing, power and energy, facilities, transportation and more utilise Infor EAM to monitor, track and extract the most value from their assets while mitigating risks associated with operational downtime and unnecessary, unplanned costs. Ola Rollén, Hexagon President and CEO, said, “By integrating Infor EAM’s built-in, industry-specific asset management capabilities with our digital reality solutions and platforms,” he explained, “we can improve capital asset performance in ways beyond what EAM can achieve standalone – from enhancing predictive maintenance and reducing energy usage to supporting other sustainability initiatives. Infor EAM customers and partners can expect a smooth transition with significant synergies that will produce faster growth and greater opportunities, including expansion into new verticals, as well as underserved markets such as Asia Pacific.” Infor’s EAM business and its approximately 500 employees located around the globe will operate as part of Hexagon’s Industrial Enterprise Solutions segment, but will serve all Hexagon businesses focused on asset-intensive ecosystems such as manufacturing, industrial facilities, mines, farms, autonomous mobility, buildings, infrastructure, cities & nations, and defense. Infor will be commencing consultation processes with employees and their representatives regarding the transaction where required by, and in compliance with, applicable law. Goldman Sachs & Co. and Rothschild, Inc. served as financial advisors, and Jones Day served as legal advisor to Infor and Koch. In addition, Infor and Koch Equity Development, both subsidiaries of Koch Industries, are building strategic relationships with Hexagon In addition, Infor and Koch Equity Development, both subsidiaries of Koch Industries, are building strategic relationships with Hexagon Infor to sell its EAM business to Hexagon AB for $2.75bn Kevin Samuelson, Infor CEO.www.fm-middleeast.com SUPPLIER NEWS August 2021 39 SHOWROOM In partnership with Al Yousuf Electronics, LG Electronics (LG) celebrated its continued expansion in the local marketplace, with the opening of its new enterprise-focused air solutions showroom in Dubai. Located on Sheikh Zayed Collector Road, the showroom aims to act as a base from which LG can display its latest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies and act as a consultant for current and potential customers on their specific air solutions requirements. Hongju Jeon, president, LG Electronics Gulf said: “We welcome all decisionmakers to come visit our new showroom in Dubai, where our team are on hand to understand your business challenges and objectives. For many, we recognise that this now includes instilling a confident return to public spaces, through the use of HVAC solutions which integrate not only comfort, but also thorough hygiene measures at their core.” On showcase at the new location are solutions such as LG’s DUAL Vane and Round Cassette air conditioners, each featuring the company’s inverter technology for faster cooling, quieter running and extended usability. The DUAL Vane Cassette AC utilises two individual vanes to deliver wider and more customised airflow, with fine angle control. The AC features LG’s Safe Plus Insulation – an antimicrobial treatment that is applied to internal insulation components to prevent the growth of mold and provide cleaner, fresher airflow. The DUAL Vane Cassette can also be fitted with an additional 5-step filtration air purification kit. Alternatively, owing to its design, the LG Round Cassette air conditioner proves popular for businesses operating hotels, shops and restaurants, alongside other luxurious indoor spaces where maintaining aesthetics while ensuring comfort are equal priorities. The shape of the Round Cassette AC enables it to cover a large surface area. FLEET ABB has won a contract to design, supply, test and commission a new high-power charging infrastructure for one of the world’s largest fleet of electric buses. The project will see ABB provide high power charging infrastructure for the fleet, which is expected to have 1,000 electric buses operating across the country and with a capacity to transport 50,000 passengers a day. Qatar aims to have 25% of its public bus network operating on electric by 2022, rising to 100% by 2030. As part of this plan, the state will create one of the largest e-bus networks in the world. Partnering with Mannai Trading Company, Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ and fleet operator, Mowasalat, ABB will design and deploy Heavy Vehicle Charging equipment across multiple locations in Qatar, including four bus depots, eight bus stations and 12 metro stations. The project scope also includes a three-year service level agreement. Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility division said: "As part of ABB’s 2030 sustainability strategy, we are focused on helping fleets to unlock the potential of e-mobility with state of the art and intelligent charging solutions. Our solutions are at the leading edge to help cities and regions around the world discover the value of electrification and how it can help us all transition to cleaner and greener transport solutions.” For the project, ABB will supply over 125 MW of charging capacity, 1,300 connectors for destination charging and 89 opportunity chargers, four of which will be mobile. With this charging solution, the complete Mowasalat electric bus fleet can be charged overnight at the depots and while in use without impacting regular operations, ensuring a fast and convenient charging experience for operators and passengers. ABB will also provide the data connection and interfaces to connect and integrate the charging infrastructure operation into the Mowasalat Fleet Management System for 24/7 fleet optimisation. Located on Sheikh Zayed Collector Road, the showroom aims to act as a base from which LG can display its latest heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies Qatar aims to have 25% of its public bus network operating on electric by 2022 LG highlights air solutions portfolio and technical expertise at new showroom in Dubai ABB to design, supply, test and commission Qatar’s largest electric bus infrastructure project Dr. Adib Moubadder, CEO of Emicool. Qatar aims to have 25% of its public bus network operating on electric by 2022.Next >