Background

The Jumeirah Group, renowned for its luxury hospitality offerings across a broad portfolio of properties, operates several iconic destinations in Dubai. Among them are four properties that share a centralised cooling plant:
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1. Central Plant (including the Jumeirah Academy and Laundry)
2. Burj Al Arab
3. Wild Wadi Water Park
4. Jumeirah Beach Hotel

These four properties rely on this shared chilled water system for their cooling needs. Chilled water is generated at the central plant, circulated through the properties, and then returned for re-cooling. The objective of this project was to fairly allocate chilled water energy costs across these properties, given the shared infrastructure.

It is important to note that other Jumeirah Group properties, such as Madinat Jumeirah and the Souk, have their own independent cooling infrastructure and were not part of this specific project. However, this initiative formed a small part of a much broader implementation of Augos solutions across the Jumeirah Group’s operations, which included energy and water efficiency measurement and reporting for the entire property portfolio.

Challenge

The Jumeirah Group faced significant challenges in accurately allocating chilled water energy costs. The primary issues included:

• Variable System Efficiency: The system’s efficiency fluctuated due to changes in:some text
  • The number of chillers and circulation pumps in operation
  • Ambient temperature and humidity levels
• Non-Linear Energy Consumption: The dynamic conditions led to a non-linear relationship between chilled water generation and energy consumption.
• Complex Cost Allocation: Traditional linear methods were insufficient for capturing the complexities of this system, leading to potential inaccuracies in cost distribution.

Inefficient cost allocation could result in higher operational costs and complicate financial reconciliation between the properties.

Solution

To address these challenges, the Jumeirah Group partnered with us to implement a tailored solution using the Augos platform.

Implementation Steps

1. Advanced Measurement Deployment:
   • We installed the Augos Power Messenger to measure electricity consumption precisely.
   • The Augos Pulse Sensor was deployed to read BTU values from the chilled water system, providing accurate thermal energy data.
2. Real-Time Data Collection:
   • At the time of the deployment, we utilised 2G technology, which was standard for reliable communication in 2010. This solution provided the ability to transmit real-time data every 60 seconds to the Augos platform. The system was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to evolve with future technology advancements.
   • Today, options like LoRa, LTE, WiFi, and advanced networked communication can be seamlessly integrated, offering clients a modern and adaptable platform as infrastructure and connectivity needs grow.
3. Dynamic Calculations:
   • Energy Input Calculation: BTUs of chilled water return versus outflow were measured to calculate the actual energy used for cooling.
   • Efficiency Assessment: The solution accounted for variable Coefficient of Performance (COP) due to changing operational conditions like the number of chillers in operation and temperature fluctuations.
   • Cost Computation: We calculated the minute-by-minute kWh per BTU values, multiplied by the DEWA electricity rate to ensure precise and transparent cost allocation.
4. Accurate Cost Allocation:
   • BTU measurements were taken at each property's exit gate to determine actual consumption.
   • Energy costs were allocated based on each property’s off-take, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Outcome

• Precision in Cost Allocation: The Augos solution achieved accurate distribution of chilled water energy costs among the four properties, reflecting true usage.
• Financial Transparency: Clear and accurate data was provided to asset managers and financial controllers, enhancing budgeting and financial reconciliation processes.
• Operational Efficiency: The system enabled site-level accountability for cooling costs, promoting energy efficiency and cost-saving measures.
• Sustained Success: The solution has been operating reliably for over 10 years, demonstrating its long-term value and the Jumeirah Group’s trust in our services.

Why the Jumeirah Group Chose Us

• Innovative Problem-Solving: Our ability to look beyond standard solutions allowed us to tackle critical challenges effectively.
• Adaptive Technology Application: We demonstrated our expertise in leveraging proven technology to address complex, non-linear energy management problems.
• Comprehensive Utility Management: Our solution integrated chilled water cost allocation into a broader utility management system, which also includes energy and water measurement across the Jumeirah Group’s operations.
• Commitment to Excellence: We adhered to all regulatory standards and exceeded expectations by providing a solution that goes beyond traditional methodologies.

Conclusion

Our collaboration with the Jumeirah Group showcases our expertise in delivering advanced utility management solutions that provide accurate, reliable, and efficient energy cost allocation. By utilising the Augos platform, we addressed complex operational challenges and delivered long-term value to one of the world's leading hospitality groups. We look forward to further supporting the Jumeirah Group’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

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