Emirates District Cooling (Emicool), a leading district cooling service provider in the region and a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, which has been at the forefront of embarking on innovative technologies, says the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a big challenge, yet the most viable for its Business Transformation Strategy.

In 2020, Emicool launched its first AI implementation project of Siemens Demand Flow Solution at its Jadaf District Cooling Plant, generating a significant impact on energy conservation and reliability. “This prestigious project is a great example of how smart algorithms and machine-learning software can make a significant difference to both energy savings and the longevity of plants and assets. AI is playing an important role within Emicool’s District Cooling Plants as it is securing a sustainable energy supply,” said Dr Adib Moubadder, CEO, Emicool in an exclusive interview with Gulf Industry.

Emicool also started testing its command control centre (CCC) and unmanned machinery space (UMS) - associated with artificial intelligence (AI) Smart Systems, which came in handy amid the outbreak of Covid-19.

This initiative is part of Emicool’s plans to apply digital transformation to its operations and the advanced technology is designed to play a role in creating a sustainable economy in the UAE.

According to Moubadder, Phase 1 has been completed in early 2020, and has enabled Emicool in becoming more agile, efficient, and responsive by unlocking production capacity, maximising downstream value, streamlining all our processes, and adapting to shifting operational dynamics, while reliably meeting changes customer needs.

“During the outbreak, the CCC has served as a centralised control and monitoring system which improved all the predictive measures that had to be taken ahead of time to ensure business continuity,” he added. Excerpts

Moubadder: technology drives our strategy

Emicool plants have utilised technology for decades. How has the technology changed over the years? What can today’s systems do that five- or 10-year-old technology could not?

Throughout the years, our world and lives have been revolutionised by means of technology as it has brought us useful information, tools, and resources. Technology has played a critical role in Emicool’s success and has been an important tool to address most of our strategic initiatives related to sustainability goals, regulatory mandates, external threats, and growth ambitions.

The company’s pipeline of technologies has contributed to reducing carbon emissions, reducing water and energy consumption by providing efficient and environmentally friendly district cooling services that allow in maintaining cooling, without being affected by external factors, especially in the summer.

Technology has allowed Emicool to optimise its performance across three main service line drivers which are Plants, Network Distribution systems, and Energy Transfer Stations. It has enabled strict monitoring, control, and analysis that smoothened and enhanced the full process.

Five or 10 years ago, the process incorporated a lot of operational constraints that required consistent human intervention for service continuity and optimisation.    

Emicool has recently shifted operations of its district cooling plants towards Artificial Intelligence (AI). How has the transition been? And at what stage are you currently in?

As part of Emicool’s strategy in embarking on innovative technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a big challenge, yet the most viable for our Business Transformation Strategy.

Emicool has engaged with IoT and AI market leaders and consultancy firms with analytical models and platforms to optimise the district cooling process in function of demand forecast in the assigned energy transformation process including chiller plants and customer satisfaction journey.

A joint venture was established for the implementation of the latest technologies in District Cooling plant automation with advanced SCADA control systems. Additionally, implementation of underground water leak detection systems, smart remote isolation valves technology using latest communication methods with most reliable robust controls and usage of innovative technologies to control the chilled water flow, through special equipment, completing the process of switching cooling systems without interrupting the services to our valuable customers.

What role is AI playing in the management of utilities – in general and your district cooling plants – in particular?

In 2020, Emicool launched its first AI implementation project of Siemens Demand Flow Solution at its Jadaf District Cooling Plant, generating a significant impact on energy conservation and reliability. This prestigious project is a great example of how smart algorithms and machine-learning software can make a significant difference to both energy savings and the longevity of plants and assets. AI is playing an important role within Emicool’s District Cooling Plants as it is securing a sustainable energy supply, contributing to environmental protection through energy and resource conservation, while improving operational reliability leading to better customer satisfaction. 

Technology has allowed Emicool to optimise its performance

How did Emicool’s Command Control Centre fare during the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak? How did Emicool handle the disruptions and breakdowns?

Command Control Centre (CCC) initiative has been part of Emicool’s plan in applying digital transformation to its operations and the advanced technology is designed to play a sustainable role in our industry, support, and maximise energy performance. Phase 1 was completed in early 2020, and has enabled Emicool in becoming more agile, efficient, and responsive by unlocking production capacity, maximising downstream value, streamlining all our processes, and adapting to shifting operational dynamics, while reliably meeting changes customer needs.

During the outbreak, the CCC has served as a centralised control and monitoring system which improved all the predictive measures that had to be taken ahead of time to ensure business continuity. Centralising our alarm log monitoring facilitated our strategic maintenance planning throughout the year and enabled us in minimising the manpower resource utilisation across various districts.

In addition to that CCC has allowed Emicool in achieving an Unmanned Machinery Space in its Jadaf Plant during the Covid-19 outbreak and has reduced manpower deployment and interference during that period. Virtual meetings, as well as the remote access availability, have allowed the Emicool team to sustain strict communication between divisions ensuring smooth operation and service delivery to our customers.

What have been the advantages of using smart systems/ intelligent solutions at Emicool?

Using smart and intelligent systems has enabled Emicool to benefit from its contribution to the reduction in energy consumption, improvement of plants water and electrical efficiencies and employment of predictive maintenance thus leading to an overall enhancement in productivity standards as well as resource utilisation.

Incorporation of online predictive monitoring such as smart sensors of pumps and motors which was successfully introduced in the year 2020, aided our intelligent business strategy in all predictive maintenance activities thus reducing mean time failures and downtimes of live assets.

In addition to this Emicool as an intellectual property owner of ASB System Capabilities to deliver cost-effective, eco-friendly, and state of the art technology to customers, is the first company to implement online banking portal and kiosks to facilitate payment mechanism

What were the major challenges of following AI? How did you tackle them?

Phase 1 of Command Control Centre (CCC) was completed in early 2020

Various challenges were encountered following the AI implementation mainly focused on control and instrumentation with continuous fine-tuning till settling point is established along with incorporating all operational limitations and constraints to avoid any type of failure of the operating machines. Another challenge was designing and installing the field data monitoring points and ensuring verification and quality assurance of all those instruments, and coordination of numerous services.

Most of those challenges were faced with pure dedication from Emicool’s team and other parties, ensuring that all the constraints and limitations were defined at the initial stages and all fine-tuning is done during the implementation process without affecting the service delivery. Regarding the verification and quality assurance of all instruments; calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance plans were all set at the initial stage.

What have been the major milestones at Emicool during the year 2020? How was the growth and performance in terms of sales and revenue?

One of Emicool’s major milestones for the year 2020 is the first phase of EXPO District Cooling Plant completion and operation. In addition to this Emicool successfully launched its first AI and Unmanned Operational Plant in its Jadaf District Cooling Plant along with introducing the Network Water Leak Detection System which has enabled Emicool in containing any chilled water leakage in its network.

What is the company’s current capacity? What is the target for the next two years?

With 16 district cooling plants across Dubai and a total operating capacity of 355,000 TR, Emicool’s plans for expansion through a service model serving the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors within the UAE while also covering sectors outside of the UAE. As a Company, we would like to reiterate our efforts and commitment to deliver highly efficient district cooling services, according to the highest international standards and best practices.

What are the company’s expansion plans over the next two years?

Energy retrofit project in DIP, expanding smart system solution, engaging with leading AI and IoT business partner to enhance and continue deployment of latest technological solution, and working closely with smart building energy saving projects are part of the plans. Emicool has a strong Research & Development team which continually strives to create success stories, with an established IoT and R&D section focusing on optimising the company’s overall operation and maintenance model developing new avenues of revenue.

What initiatives have you taken in the recent past towards sustainability?

Sustainable solutions have been at the forefront of our operations. We constantly strive to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. The successful launch last year of our Electrical Vehicle Fleet & Green Public Parking catering to district cooling requirements across several strategic locations and the integration of renewable energy in District Cooling Plants have been some initiatives. Emicool is in the process of expanding EV (Electric Vehicles) and increasing the size of the EV and green parking EV Chargers.

Emicool develops and implements effective clean energy programs – energy efficiency and renewable energy to promote environmental and economic sustainability and to protect the health and safety of UAE residents. Emicool have awarded another solar initiative for its headquarters’ office building façade, located in DIP. As part of sustainability, Emicool has increased its alternative source of water penetration such as direct utilisation of treated sewerage effluent water in one of its plants. Implementing the smart solutions and energy projects, Emicool attained significant savings in its energy consumption translated into a reduction in carbon emissions.