Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Page
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Abstract------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
1.2 Acknowledgement------------------------------------------------------------------2
1.3 Project Objectives------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.4 Project Outcomes-------------------------------------------------------------------3
1.5 Project Requirements--------------------------------------------------------------3
2.0 Literature Review and Onsite Research Analysis
2.1 Chapter 1: Mechanical Ventilation and HVAC system
2.1.1 Introduction---------------------------------------------------------------5
2.1.2 Literature Review
2.1.2.1 Mechanical Ventilation--------------------------------------6
2.1.2.2 Air Conditioning---------------------------------------------8
2.1.3 Mechanical Ventilation System---------------------------------------10
2.1.3.1 Case Study Bangsar Village 1--------------------------10
2.1.4 Central Plant System/ Centralised Air Conditioning System
2.1.4.1 Case Study Bangsar Village 1--------------------------12
2.1.4.2 Bangsar Village 1 Refrigeration System Flowchart----13
2.1.5 Refrigeration Plant------------------------------------------------------14
2.1.6 Chiller---------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.1.7 Cooling Tower-----------------------------------------------------------22
2.1.8 Air Handling Unit (AHU)----------------------------------------------24
2.1.9 Fan Coil Unit------------------------------------------------------------28
2.1.10 Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------31
2.2 Chapter 2: Electrical Supply System
2.2.1 Literature Review-------------------------------------------------------33
2.2.2 Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------35
2.2.3 High Tension Room----------------------------------------------------37
2.2.4 High tension room components and devices------------------------38
2.2.5 Analysis and observation based on observation of
high tension room--------------------------------------------------------------39
2.2.6
Analysis and observation based on observation of
low voltage room--------------------------------------------------------------40
2.2.7 Genset Room-----------------------------------------------------------49
2.2.8 Requirements of UBBL 2006----------------------------------------50
2.2.9 Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------50
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1.0INTRODUCTION
Bangsar Village offering over 110,000 square feet of retail space, Bangsar Village l &ll is a
boutique shopping centre catering to high-income residents in the Telawi area. Opened in
2004, the complex houses over 70 specialty stores mainly made up out of international
fashion labels and quirky cafes.
The twin buildings are connected via a sheltered pedestrian sky-bridge which is accessible
via the first floor. A family- friendly venture, this complex is a favourite haunt of the
citys young urbanites and expatriate community. Stores stocking luxury and household
items are spread across Bangsar Villages two wings and cover just about every
brand name imaginable, although the new wing houses the brunt of its fashion apparel
selections.
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1.1 ABSTRACT
The research report will be looking into the workings of the services system in Bangsar
Village 1 such as the Mechanical Ventilation & Air Conditioning System, Electrical Supply
System, Mechanical Transportation System and Fire Protection System. The report will
aim at introducing the fundamentals of all the mentioned systems as well as an analysis
of the system that have been analyzed and synthesized to our own understanding and also
based on the regulations of buildings and its services such as Uniform Building By
Law (UBBL). Requirements and adherence will also be analyzed based on each services
respected controlling arm.
1.2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to thank Mr Yong to allow our team to visit Bangsar Village 1 building as
he brought us for a tour around the building through the prominent service rooms such as
electrical rooms, lift motor rooms, chiller room, fire fighting system room. Apart from
that, he provided us with all of the necessary information throughout the building including
statistics information and schematics drawing. We are grateful that he relentlessly explaining
the systems of each room and the machines within. Without his helps, we wont be able
to finish the project with the require information. Lastly, a special thanks we would like to
give to Mr Adib for guiding us through each tutorials and providing us with an aim to accomplish.
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Figure 2.3.2.1: The hot air is vacuumed out from the space
with the help of the mechanical fan system installation in the
building and then, the hot air is moved out from the building
while the fresh air flows into the building naturally (through
opening).
Source: www.new-learn.info
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BALANCE SYSTEM is a system consists the combination of pressure system and vacuum
system in order to supply fresh air and extract stale air at the same time using fan. The amendment
done in this system is to achieve slight pressurization of the air inside the building by using
an extract fan smaller than inlet fan, to prevent dust, draughts and noise. This combination is able
to help to provide sufficient fresh air into the space or building as well as extract the heat
efficiently
out from the building with the help of mechanical ventilation balance system.
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Two main cycles are involved in air conditioning, namely, the refrigerant cycle and the
air cycle. Refrigeration is a process that removes heat from an enclosed space in order to
lower and maintain room temperature. Heat inside a room is transferred through the
evaporator and removed to the outside air through a condenser. On the other hand, the
air cycle is a process of distributing conditioned air through ducts or chilled water pipes
into an enclosed space. Air or water can be used to absorb the heat where returning air
absorbed by the evaporator slowly removes latent heat from the enclosed space as the
internal air becomes cooler.
Basic principle behind the refrigerant cycle:
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The vacuum system is used in Bangsar Village 1 where stale and hot air is extracted by means
of fans to the building exterior. It creates an air pressure in the building that is slightly lower
than that of the outer atmosphere.
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An axial fan is installed in the Low Voltage (LV) Room, is located at the basement level
of Bangsar Village I. Axial fan can be differentiated from each other by the type of blades.
The blades force the air to flow parallel to the shaft and in linear direction. One of the
advantages of axial fans usage is to allow both direction of the wind flow, either sucking
or blowing. The axial fan installed in LV room rotates in clockwise direction and directes
the air out of the way as the fans specification is shown in Figure 2.4.1.2, which means that
the role of this axial fan is to vacuum the hot air out from this room, to optimize the room
temperature so that the electrical components in LV room can last longer.
Analysis:
Mechanical ventilation is clearly barely utilized in Bangsar village 1 except as backup systems.
This may be due to the harsh tropical climate especially in an urban setting such as Kuala Lumpur
where the building is located that negatively affects users and equipment in the building.
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The refrigeration plant or the chiller room in Bangsar Village 1 is on the basement level. It houses
the chillers, chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, control panel and automatic
temperature controller. Its location is easily accessible as it is next to the buildings major
entrance.
Equipment layout in chiller room:
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Other observations:
- Ceiling height is measured to be 4000mm with ducting suspended at an average level of
2900mm.
- Loud noise emitted by the equipments obstructed any conversation attempted in the chiller room.
Nevertheless, the loud noise is isolated in the chiller room and does not affect public spaces.
- Natural and mechanical ventilation in the chiller room is provided via an air grille and ducting:
- The chiller room is cluttered with old and unused equipment piled up near the doorway:
- The chiller room is roughly more than 5% of f the total floor area of the rooms to be airconditioned in Bangsar Village 1.
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2.1.6 Chiller
Chillers are usually the largest electricity consumers in a building. They can be water-cooled, aircooled or evaporatively cooled, typically classified according to their methods of compressing
refrigerants. Common compressors are reciprocating, screw, scroll, and centrifugal types.
Reciprocating compressors are usually for small applications up to 150 tons, whereas centrifugal
compressors are generally for large applications up to 2000 tons. The helical-rotary or screw
compressor is used in Bangsar Village 1 which is suitable for medium applications up to 1000
tons.
The three chillers used in Bangsar Village 1 are water-cooled screw chiller types which are
certified in accordance with ARI Standard 550/590 and are ASHRAE 90.1 compliant. They emit
consistent noise at levels above 80dBA when in operation. Five basic components of the chiller
used comprise of the compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve and refrigerant.
Refrigerant:
The chillers in Bangsar Village 1 use the R-132A or HFC-134a refrigerant which is proven to be
an optimal refrigerant in chiller applications these days due to its absence of chlorine and and the
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fact that it does not contribute to ozone depletion which was an issue with older types of
refrigerants.
Compressor:
The compressor in a refrigeration system functions to raise the pressure of the refrigerant vapor by
compressing it, thus causing it to heat up to as high as 200F, then pumps it to the condenser.
Compressors used in Bangsar Village 1 are twin-screw, rotary-screw types. The compressor
housing is made of cast iron, precision machined to provide minimal clearance for the rotors. The
Condenser:
Based on the external fluid, condensers can be classified as air cooled condensers, water cooled
condensers and evaporative condensers. The condensers in Bangsar Village 1 are water cooled
horizontal shell and tube types where refrigerant flows through the shell while water flows
bottom of the shell where the coldest water indirectly contacts the now liquid refrigerant and goes
through sub-cooling as the liquid refrigerant is drained from the bottom to the receiver.
Valve:
Valves used in chillers can be categorised into fixed opening types where the flow area remains
fixed and into variable opening types where the flow area changes with changing mass flow rates.
The slide valve is used in chillers for Bangsar Village 1. The valve basically functions to modulate
the flow of liquid refrigerant to the evaporator according to evaporator load requirements so as to
prevent any liquid flood backs into the compressor.
Evaporator:
An evaporator, like condenser is also a heat exchanger. In an evaporator, the refrigerant
evaporates changing from liquid to vapor and in doing so absorbs great amounts of heat from the
passing water throught indirect contact.
Evaporators are classified depending upon the heat transfer process or refrigerant flow. The ones used in
Bangsar Village 1 are shell and tube, flooded types which are water cooled where refrigerant flows
through the tubes and water flows through the shell. The refrigerant enters the shell through a float valve,
which maintains a constant level of liquid refrigerant in the shell.
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Maintenance:
- The compressor oil is replaced annually whereas its air filter is washed monthly.
- The refrigeration system shuts down at 10pm daily in Bangsar Village 1.
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Analysis:
- Piping insulation reduces heat gain into the chilled water and therefore the efficiency of the
cooling system. Chilled water piping is insulated because the water in it is below the dewpoint
temperature. Otherwise, condensate would form on it and heat gain would occur. The goal of the
insulation is to minimize heat gain into the chilled water and maintain the outer surface above the
ambient air dewpoint. Any cooling effect that is lost due to heat gain is additional load on the
chiller plant. In order to make up for the temperature rise, the chilled water setpoint must be
lowered to provide the correct supply water temperature at the load.
- Jacketing of water pipes (picture on the right) with a type
of foam prevents condensation and heat loss to the
surroundings which improves system efficiency. Water
pipes are generally galvanized iron types, expected to last
for 10 years.
- Condenser water piping is typically not insulated in Malaysian climate since there will be
negligible heat gain or loss between the surrounding daytime temperature of an average 30 C and
its water temperature of an average 32 C.
According to MS 1525 code 8.4, All piping installed to serve buildings and within buildings
should be adequately insulated to prevent excessive energy losses. Additional insulation with
vapor barriers may be required to prevent condensations under some conditions.
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At the time of visit, the water from an evaporator in Bangsar Village 1 had a leaving temperature
of 44F (6.67C) and a return temperature of 54F (12.22C). On the other hand, water from the
condenser had a leaving temperature of 96.48F (35.82C) and a return temperature of 87F
(30.56C). It is clear that the evaporators performance in Bangsar Village 1 is only slightly short
of the Malaysian standard as the chill water cooled is not cool enough by a mere difference of
0.025C on average.
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Cooling towers function to lower the water temperature in large chiller systems by removing heat
energy absorbed by the chiller into the atmosphere through evaporation. Consequently, they need
to be connected to a water tank to replace water lost by evaporation. They are usually located on
the top levels of buildings or an open space for optimum ventilation.
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Analysis:
assembled into one unit (usually a large metal box). Below are common components of an AHU:
a) Supply duct
b) Fan compartment
c) Vibration isolator (flexible joint)
d) Heating/cooling coil
e) Filter compartment
f) Mixed air duct
g) Blower
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The diagrams below illustrate the dynamics between the air conditioning system and mechanical
ventilation system where air is distributed and collected through ducting with the aid of
mechanical supply and exhaust air fans:
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AHU
7 of 8 AHUs are located on the first floor of Bangsar Village 1. The other one is located in the
basement level. This may be due to the convenience of location and the flexibility of a relatively
small building area. The total AHU room area is more than 3% of the floor area serviced by the
AHUs.
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The photos above show diffusers installed on supply air ducts from AHU. According to the
maintenance person in charge, all diffusers on walls are installed on supply air ducts in Bangsar
Village 1, but not all ceiling diffusers are installed on exhaust air
ducts.
The photo on the right is an example of a round diffuser installed
on a supply air duct in the electrical room. It is of the single duct
single zone system.
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The Fan Coil Unit (FCU) is a part of HVAC systems commonly employed in buildings with space
constraints. Unlike Air Handling Units (AHUs), FCUs do not require ducting. Two types of
motors can be installed in a FCU, either the Direct Currect (DC) motor or the Electronically
Commutated (EC) motor.
FCUs installed in Bangsar Village I employ the DC motor due to its energy efficiency. FCUs aid
in air circulation within a room by supplying and extracting air at the same time. There is a total
of 24 FCUs in Bangsar Village 1. Most of the FCUs are found at the basement of the shopping
mall.
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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI0O5xZ3liI
Analysis
Under UBBL 1984 Section 41: Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning
1) Where permanent mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is intended, the relevant building
by-laws relating to natural ventilation, natural lighting and heights of rooms may be waived at
the discretion of the local authority.
2) Any application for the waiver of the relevant by-laws shall only be considered if in addition
to the permanent air conditioning system there is provided alternative approved means of
ventilating the air-conditioned enclosure, such that within half-an-hour of the air-conditioning
system failing, not less that the stipulated volume of fresh air specified hereinafter shall be
introduced into the enclosure during the period when the air conditioning system is not
functioning.
3) The provisions of the Third Schedule to these By-laws shall apply to buildings which are
mechanically ventilated or air conditioned.
4) Where permanent mechanical ventilation in respect of lavatories, water closets, bathrooms or
corridors is provided for and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Third
schedule to these By-laws, the provisions of these By-laws relating to natural ventilation and
natural lighting shall not apply to such lavatories, water closets, bathrooms or corridors.
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2.1.10 Conclusion
The mechanical and air conditioning system in Bangsar Village 1 is fairly well designed and
maintained. Economy of space is utilized as seen in the refrigeration plant and steps were taken to
improve machinery efficiency such as for the water piping and cooling tower. Building laws are
generally conformed to and very little fault was to be found in the operating system.
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Above shows the national grid network of Malaysia, from the power station 25KV of
power is produced, but in order to transmit power supply to the whole country step-up
transformers steps up the voltage to 132KV or higher. Voltages in the national grid system have to
be maintained in a high level to prevent power loses. Step-down transformers will then step- down
the power to usable levels to the heavy industry 33KV, light industry 11KV and to homes 230V or
400V. In addition, transmission voltages that are provided by TNB networks are 500kV, 275kV
and 132kV, whilst the distribution voltages are 33kV, 11kV and 400/230 volts.
Diagram 3.1 shows the overall electrical supply system to Bangsar Village I
Substations provide necessary monitoring, protection and control of the circuits under
manual control or SCADA supervision. Substations are high- voltage system facility, it changes
AC voltages to other levels or to DC voltages. In general, elements within a substation are
primary breaking devices, transformer, switchgear, relays, meters, SCADA system, cables or bus
duct and communication cables.
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Bangsar Village receives 11KV from the TNB distribution substation nearby that supply
11/33KV. This TNB distribution substation is larger compared to the indoor TNB substation and
it has rather larger transformer, more switches and equipment. Bangsar Village I have an indoor
TNB substation that receives power from the distribution substation and steps-down to usable
voltages. This TNB substation is not accessible by the management due to high voltage that is
hazardous.
z
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2.2.2 Introduction
Bangsar Village I is a 3 storey building that has a monthly electrical bill of RM 303,000.
Electrical supply is critical in running the shopping centre; electricity is needed for many systems
such as ventilation, mechanical and other appliances (refrigerant).Below is the flow supply of
electrical supply system in Bangsar Village I.
Diagram 3.2
TNB room, High tension room, Low voltage room and Gen-set room locate side by side to
reduce occurrence of voltage loss through travel distance, due to the resistance in the transmission
cable.
gh Tension
Room
Diagram 3.3 shows
the placement
of the voltage rooms and gen-set room Scale 1:600
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Scale 1: 600
Figure 3.2:
Placement of equipment in HT room
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Figure 3.3:
Schematic diagram
Figure 3.4:
License
TNB meter measures the electricity consumption and demand of the building in (watt-hour)
meters. Figure 3.5 shows an electronic meter that is commonly used nowadays; it use current,
voltage transformer and microprocessors to record data. In addition, a check meter is added beside
the TNB meter for accurate billing of electrical demand and consumption.
Electrical battery
Battery is widely used in the industry for many purposes due to its affordability. There are
various kinds of battery but, the only limitation of it is the size and weight factor. To generate a
vast amount of power supply, larger storage space is required therefore, it is not suitable to be
used for long-term electrical supply. Battery generates electrical energy by the conversion of
chemical energy from the electrochemical cell. The electrical energy generated is called the direct
current that has electrical charges which only flows in one direction whereas alternating current
has electrical chargers that flow in reverses direction.
Batteries in high voltage room are used by the electrical protective devices and SCADA system.
Protective devices are also called as the secondary equipment, thus, in an overcurrent situation the
vacuum circuit breaker functions from the DC supply to the main power supply. Figure 3.7 shows
a DC distribution board that includes a charger which regulates and charges the battery. Figure 3.8
shows the 24VDC battery bank.
SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology that provides monitoring
and control distributed systems from a central location. This system enables the manager to
monitor and control process of electrical distribution, once there is a fault in certain sections, the
system would analyse and isolate the faulty section and remain other energised sections. It
functions as a switch capacitor and operator.
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Alternating current is supplied from TNB and is used for the heater within the units to
avoid condensation which triggers rusting and deterioration of equipment. Electrical battery
generates direct current and has to be replaced when it expires.
Vacuum circuit breaker
In order to distribute power over long distances, voltage is raised to increase the efficiency.
Through increasing voltage current is reduced correspondingly. Utilities use transformers
throughout the grid system to step down voltages down to usable levels of loads.
Bangsar village I has 2 sets of transformers. These transformers step down high voltage
current to 415V and 2000A, 4000A of power supply for bangsar village 1 in the total of two
transformer.
Transformers of Bangsar village I have to conduct maintanance service in 2 year interval.
Temperature readings are shown though the digital panel in front of the panelboard for
referrencing and recording purposes. From our observation, transformer No.2 has a higher
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Figure 3.13
There are many major cables under the floor of high tension room; the underfloor cables
are covered by the cable trench cover slab throughout the room. Sand is added as an insulator to
prevent over heating of cables.
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3.14
Figure 3.15
Figure 3.16
Air conditioned
To maintain the safety of high tension room, air conditioner was added to maintain a
cooling environment for the equipment. This is because high room temperature damages the
equipment and will cause electrical and fore hazards.
Precautions that should be taken based on observation:
Figure 3.17 broken cable trench slab and little amount of sand
From the figure 3.17 above of the broken cable trench, the underfloor cables are exposed
and are very dangerous for the maintenance staff during work. As a suggestion, broken cable
trench should be replaced and the level of sand should be added till optimum amount.
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Components in the Low voltage room include Main switchboards, bus bar coupler, air
circuit breaker, bus duct, MCCB capacitor bank, sub switchboards, distribution boards, panel
boards, earth leakage relay.
3.5.1 Low voltage room components and devices
Main Switch Boards
A switchboard divides the power distribution system into units; in general it supplies
power to panel boards throughout the building. Each switchboards are protected and controlled by
electrical disconnect switches and circuit breaker. There are 2 main switch boards in the low
voltage room. The step down transformers distribute electricity through under floor cables to their
respective switch boards. In Bangsar Village I, each switch board has its own assigned zones of
distribution. Switchboard No.1 is for is assigned to the most of the tenants in Bangsar village I
and switchboard No.2 is assigned to mostly public areas, least tenants and the generator set.
Within the switchboards has a meter that records electrical supplied to the zones. Below is
the example of a comparison between the readings of the switchboards.
Readings of main switchboards:
Switch board No.1 (Tenants)
R: 950 Y: 870 B: 783
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Switch board No.2 (Least tenants, public area facilities and generator set)
R: 1376 Y: 1400 B: 1375
Figure 3.22
The reading from switch board No. 2 is more than the readings of switch board No.1; the
sum of No 2 zones electrical usage is more than No 1 zone usage. This is because zone 2 consist
more areas of the building compared to zone 1. The main switchboards are under warranty and
maintenance services are done every two year to ensure that the switchboards are in good and safe
condition.
Figure 3.34
In the bus bar coupler panel, it has two components which are bus bar distribute and air
circuit breaker. During electric break down, bus bar coupler has to be on manually or on through
SCADA system and it acts as a standby power transmitter between the two switchboards. Below
is a functional example of a bus coupler during a shutdown of transformer No.2.
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Figure 3.37 shows overhead current transmission cable from the main switchboard No. 1 to the feeders.
Essential Main switchboard
Figure 3.38
During emergency, essential main switchboard supplies power to equipment that are essential.
Air circuit breaker
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Figure 3.40
Air circuit breaker is commonly used in the low voltage room, it functions when there is
an over current. Overcurrent can be the result of ground fault, shot circuit and over load. Air
circuit breaker interrupts the current flow and condensed air becomes the medium of the arc of
disconnected circuit. Air contains oxygen; oxygen ignites sparkles during the manual setting.
After a power breakdown, precautionary actions should be taken during turning the manual open
button on; maintenance staff would stand by the side of the panel box and keep the door open for
escape. Figure 3.41 shows an inspection tag from the manufacturer, maintenance is required to
ensure a safe environment for maintenance staff.
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Figure 3.42 above shows the schematic diagram of incoming supply from main switchboard
Capacitor bank and moulded circuit breaker (MCCB)
Figure 3.43
To improve the quality of electrical supply, moulded circuit breaker acts as a protection
device to prevent explosion of capacitor bank. During an occurrence of over current, the switch
mechanism within MCCB will open and disconnect the current. In an electrical failure, MCCB
also protects the electrical system by shutting the connection of the faulty capacitor to prevent
explosion.
Isolated switch
Figure 3.46
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The switching of electricity is the alternation between energized and de-energized states
by opening or closing of the conductor in a circuit. It can be summed as the complete interruption
or resumption of the electrical power to a device. Switching is accomplished with sets of contact
that make or break multiple contacts simultaneously. A pole term is a set of contacts that belong
to a single circuit. A throw term is a position that a switch can adopt. Figure 3.47 shows 9 sets of
triple pole switching which has to be reset manually after and overcurrent condition. In addition,
having multiple switching can be an advantage when identifying the problem of the faulty switch.
Earth leakage relay
Figure 3.48
Figure 3.50
Relays can function as an automatic switch which is also a separate electrical circuit. This
earth relay circuit has 13 components and every component have their own air circuit breaker.
There is a digital meter displaying digital data of the device. The mechanical manager of the
building has a check list on the readings from the relay device.
The setting of the meter was done by the mechanical manager, which is 0.3A in 1 sec. If the
electric power exceeds the reading the fuse in the air circuit breaker will open and cut the
electrical supply.
Panel board
Figure 3.51
A panel board functions as a distribution board, this elements is used to divide and supply
electricity with the collaboration with protective devices. It is made up of fuse links, bus bars,
switches and circuit breakers. Figure 3.51 shows the wall mounted power distribution cabinet
containing overcurrent protective devices for lighting, appliances, or power distribution branch
circuits.
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Sub- panels
Figure 3.52 above shows several sub panels of chiller plants and the public toilet
Bus duct
Figure 3.53
Main cables that are assembled with insulators in grounded enclosures, it brings the main power
into the building.
Emergency light control panel
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Emergency lighting system provides lighting to the emergency situation, escape routes,
corridors and stairways, exit doors are lighten. This lighting system important during a fire, it
ensures the visibility of escape routes and increase the speed of evacuating people out of the
building. This emergency light panel operates when there is an electrical shortage, DC current
from the battery is supplied to this control panel and the emergency light throughout the building
will be lighted up.
Cable tray system
Raceway cable-tray systems are preferred because of their accessibility and ability to
accommodate change. This kind of setting allows ease in changing cables and also facilitates the
inspection of cables. Current is supplied from the low voltage room through the cable tray system
and send it throughout Bangsar Village I shopping mall.
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Figure 3.56
Figure 3.57
Figure 3.58
Figure 3.56 shows the entrance of Low voltage room has a green
light indicating the room is under a safe condition. Furthermore, the room is air conditioned thus
the original louvered doors have to be covered with a piece of solid wood to prevent cool air from
escaping the room. Rubber mats are placed on the floor beside the main switch boards for safety
measures as above figure 3.57. It acts as a cushion that protects the maintenance crew from
becoming a conductor during leakage of high voltage current. Years before voltage rooms are not
equipped with air condition services, the rooms were heated up and stuffy when the maintenance
staffs conduct their check-ups and works. Due to mainly discomfort and damages to the
equipment, the maintenance manager decided to set up air condition services in the voltage rooms.
Figure 3.58 shows a thermometer showing temperature of low voltage room that is maintained at
24 Celsius degree, to ensure equipment is not heated up to have better efficiency.
Precautions that should be taken based on observation:
Figure 3.59
Figure 3.60
Above the figure 3.59 the cooling fan on the left was not functioning. It
should be fixed or replaced to prevent overheating of the equipment within the panel box. Used batteries
are left low voltage room figure 3.60; used batteries should be disposed properly to prevent the leakage of
the chemical within the cell
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Figure 3.61
Figure 3.62
Figure 3.63
An electrical riser room figure 3.56 has distribution equipment such as switchgears and
distribution panels that supplies electricity AC current to a particular level in a building. Electrical
riser room is located in every floor of Bangsar Village I, electricity is distributed through a series
of cable try system to the risers around the building. Figure 3.63 shows series of switching of
tenant of the shopping centre, when there is an electric fault in one of tenant electrical supply can
be shut through the switches in this riser room.
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This Gen-set has to go through a maintenance service every year to check on the efficiency
of the engines. Figure 3.67 shows the letter issued by the authority. The diesel generator is
connected to the switchboards of the low voltage room through cables as shown in figure 3.68 and
3.69.
When the Gen-set is on for emergency electrical supply, the engines of the Gen-set will
release heat and the room would be heated up. Figure 3.70 and 3.71 shows the ventilation specially
design to excrete the heated air and absorbs fresh air into the room.
Figure 3.70
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2.2.9 Conclusion
Bangsar village is a well-known shopping mall that functions well every day to ensure a
happy visit to its shoppers. From this statement, I believe that the maintenance team has done a
great job in managing the systems in this building. The electrical supply system runs efficiently
due to minor modification for the rooms such as adding air conditioning system. Furthermore,
many precautions are taken by the management to ensure a safety working environments for the
maintenance team. Maintenance of the rooms and equipment are done frequently as they have log
books record of the services. On my own opinion, bangsar village I should introduce passive
designs and photovoltaic cells to generate power in the long run to reduce the amount of the
monthly electricity bill.
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Figure 3.2.1 indicate the cargo lift at ground floor to the first floor
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2.3.3 COMPONENTS
In lift machine room, there are four major components to the hydraulic system: a tank (fluid
reservoir); a pump powered by an electric motor; a valve between the cylinder and the reservoir;
and the cylinder.
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Originally the fluid used to drive the piston was water, hence the name hydraulic; today, the fluid is
typically an oil-based "hydraulic fluid."
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The main function of the pump used in hydraulic elevator is constantly pushing fluid into the cylinder
to lift the elevator. As the fluid collects in the cylinder, it pushes the piston up, lifting the elevator car.
When the valve is opened, the pressurized fluid will take the path of least resistance and return to the
fluid reservoir. When the car approaches the correct floor, the control system sends a signal to the
electric motor to gradually shut off the pump and close the valve. With the pump off, there is no more
fluid flowing into the cylinder, but the fluid that is already in the cylinder can't flow backward
through the pump, and the valve is still closed. The piston rests on the fluid, and the car stays where it
is
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3. Control Valve
Control Valve is the device on hydraulic elevators which controls the oil flow to and from the jack.
Hydraulic elevators only perform as well as the valve. The main functions of the Valve are lets
fluid out of the system; keeps the pressure low when open; increases pressure when closed. To
lower the car, the elevator control system sends a signal to the valve. When the valve opens, the
fluid that has collected in the cylinder can flow out into the fluid reservoir. The weight of the car
and the cargo pushes down on the piston, which drives the fluid into the reservoir. The car
gradually descends. To stop the car at a lower floor, the control system closes the valve again.
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An alarm button or switch, which passengers can use to warn the premises manager that they have
been trapped in the elevator.
An elevator telephone, which can be used (in addition to the alarm) by a trapped passenger to call
for help.
Floor numbering with switch buttons to choose a floor.
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Machine room less elevators (M.R.L.) is a type of traction elevator which do not have a machine
room at the top of the hoistway, instead the traction hoisting machine is installed either on the top
side wall of the hoistway or on the bottom of the hoistway. Most machine room less elevators are
used for low to mid rise buildings. In mid-rise buildings, M.R.L. typically serves up to 20 floors.
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Figure 3.3.1 indicate the passenger lift at lower ground floor to the first floor
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2.3.6 COMPONENTS
1. Gearless Traction
All traction elevators are gearless traction. This design eliminates the need of a fixed machine
room and thus saves much buildings space.
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6. Sheave
The ropes are attached to the elevator car, and looped around a sheave. A sheave is just a pulley
with a groove around the circumference. The sheave grips the hoist ropes, so when rotate the
sheave, the ropes move too.
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7. Counterweight
Counterweights are often used in traction lifts. The conventional steel cords rope that life the cars
are also connected to the counterweight, which hangs on the other side of the sheave. The
counterweight weighs about the same as the car filled to 40-percent capacity. In other words,
when the car is 40 percent full, the counterweight and the car are perfectly balanced. The purpose
of this balance is to conserve energy.
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2.3.7 ESCALATORS
An escalator is a moving staircase which is a conveyor transport device for carrying people
between floors of a building.
Escalators have the capacity to move large numbers of people, and they can be placed in the same
physical space as one might install a staircase. They have no waiting interval (except during very
heavy traffic), they can be used to guide people toward main exits or special exhibits, and they
may be weatherproofed for outdoor use. A non-functioning escalator can function as a normal
staircase, whereas many other conveyances become useless when they break down.
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Figure 3.4.1 indicate the escalator at ground floor to the first floor
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2.3.8.3 Components
Major components:
Track- is steel angles attached to the truss on which the step rollers are guided, thus controlling
the motion of the steps.
Handrail- is driven by sheaves powered from the top sprocket assembly to provide stability to
riding passengers and support for entering and leaving passengers.
Balustrade- is designed for maximum safety of persons stepping on or off the escalators.
Control cabinet- is normally located near the drive machine, contains malfunction indicators in
addition to the drive controls.
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Steps are large and steady and are designed to prevent slipping.
Handrails and steps travel at exactly the same speed (0.51 m/s) to ensure steadiness and balance
and to aid stepping on or off the comb plates.
Balustrade is designed to prevent catching of passengers clothing. Close clearance provide safety
near the comb plates and step treads.
Step design and step levelling with the comb plates at each landing prevent tripping upon entering
or leaving the escalator. This is accomplished with 2 or 3 horizontal steps at either end of the
escalator.
Operation of an emergency stop button is wired to the controller and placed near or on the
escalator housing at both ends, stops the drive machine and applies the brake.
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2.3.9 TRAVELATOR
There are two pairs of travelator in Bangsa Village 1 what connect the basement to the ground
floor. Travelator is a slow moving conveyor mechanism that transports people across a horizontal
or inclined plane over a short to medium distance. Moving walkways can be used by standing or
walking on them. They are often installed in pairs, one for each direction.
Travelator are built in one of two basic styles:
Pallet type- a continuous series of flat metal plates join together to form a walkway and are
effectively identical to escalators in their construction. Most have a metal surface for extra traction.
Moving belt- these are generally built with mesh metal belts or rubber walking surfaces over
metal rollers. The walking surface may have a solid feel or a bouncy feel.
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Figure 3.5.1 indicate the travelator at lower ground floor to the ground floor
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2.3.9.2 COMPONENT
Travelator is manufactured in only one design: a derivative of the escalator, which uses a flattened
pallet in place of a step. In all other respects, the drive mechanism, safeties, brake, handrails- the
unit is similar to an escalators.
2.3.10 CONCLUSION
Mechanical transportation plays an important role in shopping mall like Bangsar Village 1 which
able to bring convenience to the occupants and disable people. According to Uniform Building By
Laws (UBBL), Bangsar Village concerns on the human flow inside the building which provides 1
pair of escalator, 2 pairs of travelator and 1 group of lift. Proper maintenance check-up held
regularly ensure occupants use this services comfortable and convenience.
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Active system is the manual and automatic detection and suppression of fires. For example,
the use and installation of a fire sprinkler system or finding the fire (fire alarm) and/or
extinguishing it.
2.
Active Fire Protective System is a system which will be activated by the surrounding
environment, which is in the event of fire by detecting smoke and temperature. They are
first to act in the case of fire. The focus of active system is to extinguish fire by:
a.
b.
c.
d.
of one or more rooms or floors, prevents or slows the spread of fire from the room of fire
origin to other building spaces, limiting building damage and providing more time to the
building occupants for emergency evacuation or to reach an area of refuge.
(retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_fire_protection)
2. Building services engineers are responsible for the design, installation, and operation and
monitoring of the mechanical, electrical and public health systems required for the safe,
comfortable and environmentally friendly operation of modern buildings. ... In India the
engineers are known as facilities planners. A Building Services Architect is an engineer
with experience in the integration of all Building Services.
(Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_services_engineering)
2.
The discussion of fire protection begins with basic design considerations for fire resistance.
Smoke management (for safe evacuation and for limited smoke damage) is considered next,
followed by fire-suppression systems such as sprinklers and non-water-based approaches.
(Retrieved from Walter T. Grondzik, Alison, Benjamin, John S,Chapter 24 Mechanical and Electrical Equipment For Buildings,
eleventh edition, 2010)
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Fire-hazard (Definition)
(a) any unlawful alteration to any building such as might render
escape from any part thereof in the event of a fire materially
more difficult or less easy than it would be if the alteration had
not been made;
(b) the overcrowding of any place of public entertainment or public
gathering such as might render escape from any part thereof in
the event of a fire difficult;
(c) any removal or absence from any building of any fire- fighting
equipment or fire safety installation that is required by law to be
provided in the building;
(d) the presence within or outside any building of any fire-fighting
equipment or fire safety installation or any facility, installed in
accordance with the requirement of any written law or as required
by the Fire Services Department, that is not in efficient working
order;
(e) inadequate means of exit from any part of a building to any place,
whether within or outside the building, that provides safety to
persons in the event of a fire; or
(f) any other matter or circumstance that materially increases the
likelihood of a fire or the danger to life or property that would
result from the outbreak of a fire, or that would materially hamper
the Fire Services Department in the discharge of its duties in the
event of a fire;
(LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 341FIRE SERVICES ACT 1988)
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LAWS OF MALAYSIA
Act 341
FIRE SERVICES ACT 1988
An Act to make necessary provision for the effective and efficient
functioning of the Fire Services Department, for the protection of
persons and property from fire risks and for purposes connected
therewith.
[Throughout Malaysia
1 January 1989, P.U. (B) 701/1988]
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Building services systems has an important role for building where it has stands about 20% to 40% of the
total construction cost. Figure 1 shows the example of a cost breakdown of a typical government office
building.
(Retrieved from Audit Commission Hong Kong, Architectural Services Department Installing building services systems in government
buildings, 25 October 2010, retrieved from http://www.aud.gov.hk)
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By conclusion against the research above, it is important that precise consideration should be
taken into account during building design especially regarding the fire escape route in high-rise
residential buildings to speed out evacuation time, thus, to reduce the percentage of injury and death
during fire.
It is also important to study into the human behaviour during fire. i.e Panic Behaviour, to firmly
understand the basic reaction and needs of the building user.
Hence, there were several considerations should be taken into account during design, as below:
For every fire safety design, the following fire safety objectives should be met:
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Fire triangle is the basic explanation of how does fire occurs with the present of three main
elements: fuel, oxygen and energy in the form of combustion heat, in a chemical reaction. The
absent of either one element will alter the either the rate of fire burning or even put off the fire.
Hence, to stop the fire, we need to elimate either one of the above elements.
Once the fuel is ignited, a fire will spreads across the fuel object almost instantly until it
reaches the stage where it is fully develop into uncontrollable fire. The main factors of how
fast the spread speed of fire across the surface of the material are the fuel composition,
orientation, surface to mass ratio, incident heat and air supply. The relationship of the fire and
the above elements can be explained with the following:
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Fire normally develops through a consistent stages until it reaches the highest stage where it is
become fully develop. The increase in heat release rate against time is manipulated by the variables
of incident heat, air supply and fuel. There are basic three types of growth rates in fire, slow
growing rate, medium growing rate and fast growth rate. When the burning time is prolonged,
the burning rate will be controlled or limited by the decreasing in either one of the three main
elements. Once one of them is omitted, the burning will stop. This is a gradual process which is the
decaying process of fire.
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Classes of Fire
In Europe and Australia, classes of fire are grouped into six groups as follows:
Class A:
Fires that involve flammable solids such as wood, cloth, rubber, paper,
and some types of plastics.
Class B:
Class C:
Class D:
Fires involving cooking fats and oils. The high temperature of the
Oils when on fire far exceeds that of other flammable liquids
making normal extinguishing agents ineffective
Comparison of Fire Classes Standard Between Australia, European and North America
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(Retrieved from http://www.the freedictionary.com/panic/. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright
2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.)
3. A sudden overwhelming fear that produces hysterical behaviour and that can spread quickly
through a crowd. An instance, outbreak, a period of such fear. An anxiety disorder characterized
by feelings of impending doom and physical symptoms such as trembling and hyperventilation.
(Random House Kernerman Websters College University, copyrights 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House,
Inc. All rights reserved.)
Psychological crowd as a group of people where individuals have lost their own
personality to share the same motivations and thoughts as the crowd, which is
composed of the lowest common denominator as a crowd displays a singular
inferior mentality.
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In other psychology and sociology literature also define the term panic.
Goldenson define panic as reaction involving terror, confusion and irrational
behaviour precipitated by a threatening situation.
Johnson wrote, behavior involves selfish competition uncontrolled by social
and cultural constraints, and breaking of social order, competition
unregulated by social forces.
Keating outlined four elements of panic:
a) hope to escape through dwindling resources;
b) contagious behaviour;
c) aggressive concern about one's own safety; and
d) irrational, illogical responses
Quarantelli describes panic as an acute fear reaction
marked by flight behaviour and the panic participant as no rational in his
flight behaviour. In the human behaviour literature, panic is usually
defined as some sort of irrational behaviour, and research findings
consistently show that people do not exhibit such irrational behaviour in
fires. In fact, altruistic behaviour is seen to be the norm in serious
fires.17 Human behaviour under stress is relatively controlled, rational
and adaptive.15 It is also found that cooperation rather than selfish behaviour
are predominant even among total strangers
It is important to consider panic behaviour in space planning for Fire Protection System to
minimize the risk of death due to trampling or panic.
(Case studies: Stardust Nightclub Fire, Ireland, February 13, 1981. Fahy,R.F.;Proulx, G. ,Panic and human behaviour in fire, 13th July
2009)
In other hand, proper design planning for fire protection system might actually helps to protect
the user while wrong design decisions might kills many life.
(Case Studies: Gothenburg Discotheque Fire, Sweden, October 29, 1998; Fahy,R.F.;Proulx, G. ,Panic and human behaviour in fire, 13 th
July 2009)
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Potential Hazards:
1. Human Fault
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http://www.firedetectionshop.co.uk/gent-s-quad-s4-711-st-vo-dual-optical-heat-detectorwith-voice-sounder-and-strobe-clone.html)
Data collected from Fire Protection Operation Manual at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
2.
Based on the operating manual of fire protection system of Bangsar Village Shopping Mall, it is
stated that, the smoke control system has been designed to provide emergency smoke and heat
exhaust ventilation in the event of fire to allow both safe evacuation of people and the entry of the
fire fighting services.
In case of fire, the system is designed to maintain a smoke free clear layer for 4m from floor level
unless the fire exceeds 3m X 3m with a heat output of 5MW. With the sprinkler system in operation
this fire size is not likely to be exceeded before evacuation is complete. The smoke control system
stated in the operating manual is designed for emergency use only.
The smoke control system activation is based on a Double-Knock detection system.
In an emergency event, the first line of detectors (usually smoke detector) will put the system into
standby mode. Upon confirmation of an emergency via a second line of detector (Sprinkler
activation, flow switch) the Fire Alarm Panel will then send a fire mode signal to the Master Smoke
Control Panel where the panel will then activate the smoke control equipment.
Once the system is activated, it can only be deactivated when the Fire Alarm Panel is normalized
and the RESET button on the Master Smoke Control Panel is press. This action will then reset all
the equipment to their normal condition, except the smoke extract fans. The fans can only be reset
from the Fan Starter Panel in the first floor AHU Room.
From the Master Smoke Control Panel, the individual group of equipment can be manually control
or isolated via a selector switch.
Should the control wiring be damage or disconnected prior to the activation of the signal, the
individual equipment can be activated from their respective control panel nearby. But once the
system is activated by the Fire Alarm Panel or the Master Smoke Control Panel and damage to the
control signal wiring will not reset or stop the system. They will then have to be individually reset
from their respective control panel.
In the event of power failure the compressor set retain sufficient air to close the ventilators twice
and hold them closed for a limited period. If power to the compressor is lost for a significant period
the ventilators will creep open as pneumatic pressure to build sufficiently to fully close all
ventilators.
In the event of power failure to the control panel the ventilators will go to failsafe open position.
Reset will be automatic when power is restored.
The general requirements for the fire control room are stated below:
1. Have a minimum floor area of 10m2, it can be larger depending on the equipment required.
2. Be sited near the main entrance to the buildings main lobby in a designated room.
3. Preferably by adjacent to a fire lift lobby or any other location as designated by the relevant
authority.
4. Be accessible via 2 paths of travel. One from the front entrance and the other from a public place of
fire-isolated passageway, which leads to a public space and has two-hour fire rated door.
5. Have an independent air handling system if mechanical ventilation is provided throughout the
building.
6. Be adequately illuminated to not less than 400 lux.
7. Provide the ability to communicate (e.g. via telephones and loudspeakers) with all parts of the
building, and with the fire and other emergency services.
8. Be provided with insulation from ambient building noise.
9. Be under the control of the Chief Fire Warden (or similar appointed person).
A Fire Control Room must contain the following facilities stated below:
1. Automatic fire alarm and sprinkler indicator boards with facilities for sounding and switching off
alarms and visual status indication for all relevant fire pumps, smoke control fans, air-handling
systems, generators and other required fire safety equipment installed in the building depending on
the circumstances and the system present in the building.
2. A telephone connected directly to the external exchange.
3. The control console of the Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS).
4. A blackboard or whiteboard not less than 1200mm.
5. A pin board not less than 1200mm wide x 1000mm high.
6. A ranked plan layout table of a size suitable for laying out the building plans.
7. A repeater panel of the lifts position indicator board.
8. A switch to isolate background music when required.
9. Remote switching controls for gas or electrical supplies.
10. Building security, surveillance and management systems if they are completely segregated from all
other systems.
The curtain material is a satin weave fibreglass fabric with a silver polyurethane coating on both
sides. It is 0.3-0.4mm thick and weighs approximately 550g/m2. The fabric has a Class 1 surface
spread of flame when tested to BS: 476: Part 7 and a fire propagation index I = 2.7 when tested to
BS: 476: Part 6. It is therefore rated Class 0 to the Building Regulations.
The fabric is manufactured in widths of approximately 1.5m, so curtains with a drop of greater than
1.5m will have horizontal stitched seams at 1.5m centres, using Kevlar thread.
Data collected from Fire Protection Operation Manual at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Colt Smokemaster has two modes of operation; either fully retracted or fully dropped. The curtain
will remain in the fully retracted position as long as electrical power is supplied to the motor.
The motor is constantly energised at a reduced voltage, supplying a constant torque to keep the
bottom bar retracted into the V-slot in the casing.
To drop the curtain to its operational position, power to the motor is disconnected. Gravity forces
acting upin the bottom bar will cause the curtain to drop. Drop speed is controlled by friction inside
the gearbox and DC regenerative braking applied by the electronics to the motor. The mass of the
bottom bar is set at the factory to a value with ensures that the Smokemaster will drop reliably in
temperature ranging from 0C to 60C. The curtain will continue to drop until the fabric has
completely unrolled from the roller tube.
Upon reconnection of power, the curtain will retract until the bottom bar hits an obstruction (i.e.the
V-slot in the casing). Electronics inside the drive motor monitor the current drawn by the motor,
when the bottom bar retracts into the casing V-slot, the motor stalls and current to the motor rises
sharply. The electronics sense this and apply a suitable voltage to keep the curtain retracted.
Method of operation:
The smoke curtains are controlled through a Master Power Unit (MPU) located inside the hose reel
cabinet on the corridor of every floor. On the MPU, there will be a key-switch selector.
To activate the curtains, turn the key to the right and the curtains will descend to their designed
condition. To reset the curtains, turn the key back to the normal position and the curtains will
automatically reset after 1 (one) minute.
The Master Smoke Control Panel can also remotely control the smoke curtains. To go this you will
need to turn the key-switch for the respective curtain group to the ACTIVATE position on the
Master Smoke Control Panel. Turn the key-switch to the normal position and press the RESET
button to retract the smoke curtain to their normal position.
Note: As the smoke curtains are powered to retract and held retracted by a small holding current,
Should the power supply to these panel are switched off, the smoke curtains will descend by gravity.
Failsafe Operation:
Failsafe operation is inherent in the design of Colt Smokemaster, and is similar to the general
operation. Removal of power to curtain (either accidental or deliberate) allows the curtain to fall to
its operational position. Rate of fall is not dependent upon electrical power being supplied to the
curtain; the curtains rate of fall will still comply with the requirements stated in BS 7346: Part 3.
This feature arises from the simplicity of Smokemaster design. A relatively low number of moving
parts also improves reliability.
Method of Operation:
The smoke extract fans are controlled through a Fan Starter Panel located in the Level 1, AHU
Room.
The extract fans are automatically controlled by the Master Smoke Control Panel. It can also be
manually control from the Fan Starter Panel. To do this, the selector switch on the panel must be
turned to the manual mode. Then the press the START button on the panel. To stop, press the
STOP button.
Note: Remember to return the selector switch to the automatic position when done.
The extract fans can also be manually operated from the Fire Command Centre on the Ground Floor.
There is a Remote Fan Control Panel next to the Master Smoke Control Panel that is directly hardwired to the Fan Starter Panel. This control panel will only run the fans, only the Fan Starter Panel
can stop the fans, so you must go to the level 1, AHU Room and press the STOP button to stop
the fans.
The Master Smoke Control Panel can also manually run the fans via the key-switch. But as with the
Remote Fan Control Panel, you must go to the Fans Starter Panel in the Level 1, AHU Room to
stop them, after you pressed the RESET button on the Master Smoke Control Panel.
The material used for manufacture is 100% Recycled Grade, Cold Rolled, Mill Finish Aluminium
to 3005 H14. The louvre blade is available in two material options: Aluminium or Translucent
Polycarbonate, Clear, UV protected, 9mm twinwall. The Seefire is fitted with lowloss louvers
which incorporate a weatherseal to reduce heat loss when closed. These can be omitted, if preferred.
The Seefire is available with the option of a Stoved Polyester Powder Paint Finish applied to the
principal components.
Colt Seefire Natural Louvred Ventilator. Technical Data Sheet certified to EN 12101-2: 2003
Data collected from Fire Protection Operation Manual at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall
The ventilation through an open Seeefire Ventilator is entirely dependent upon natural phenomena.
A difference created across the unit by convection, wind or fan assisted inlet will cause air to pass
through the ventilator. The rate at which this will occur depends upon the prevailing ambient
conditions.
Mechanically the mode of operation is simple, utilising levers to overcome spring tension and
frictional resistance between moving parts.
Method of Operation:
The ventilators are pressured to close and sprung to open system. Therefore, to open the ventilators
the control panel will release the compressed air in the copper tubing and pneumatic cylinder to
allow the spring to open the louvre blades.
To do this, the key-switch selector on the Ventilator Control Panel need to be turned to the
ACTIVATE position to allow the valve to release the compressed air from the copper tubing and
pneumatic cylinder. The spring then will open the ventilator. To close the ventilators, return the
key-switch selector to the normal position and the pneumatic valve will then energize the copper
tubing and pneumatic cylinder in the ventilators to close the louvre blades.
As with the rest of the smoke control system equipment, the Ventilator Control Panel can be
controlled from the Master Smoke Control Panel in the Fire Command Centre by using the keyswitch selector as for the smoke curtains and fans.
Note: Because the ventilators are pressured to close it is important that the pressure in the receiver
tank below the compressor be kept charged at all time.
3. Sprinkler System
The sprinkler system is designed to Loss Prevention Council (LPC) UK and to Local Fire Authority
Requirements. Hazard classification for the sprinkler design for this building is Ordinary Hazard.
One set of sprinkler pump are provided and each of the pump-set comprising of Duty, Standby and
Jockey pump serving to different areas of the building based on the building height. All the
sprinkler pumps are located at Fire Pump Room and status of the pump-set is monitored to the main
fire alarm panel.
Sprinkler alarm control valves are provided after each individual stage of pump-sets to serve for the
particular area in the building.
Water supply to the sprinkler system is drawn from the Sprinkler storage tank located inside the fire
pump room and incoming water supply to the sprinkler tank is directly from JBA water mains.
An isolation valve complete with monitoring switch is provided for each specific zone, any valve in
close position will be monitored back to main fire alarm panel at fire control room.
Flow switch installed after each isolation valve is to sound the alarm should sprinkler is actuated
and flow of water is discharged. All flow switches alarm status is monitored to the main fire alarm
panel at fire control room.
Sprinkler head provided for entire building are rated at 68 degree C with orifice size of 15mm
diameter.
A 4-way breeching inlet is provided neat to Bomba access for the fire brigade to pump in water to
the system in-case sprinkler tank is empty.
The sprinkler piping is fully pressurised with water by sprinkler pump to the pre-set pressure. The
system operates automatically by means of pressure switch. Any fall in the systems pressure sense
by the pressure switch will automatically start the pump-set. At a pre-set pressure level of the
pressure switches, the jockey pump will cuts to drop further, the duty pump will cuts in. In the
event of duty pump failure or unable to maintain the pressure, the standby pump set will cut in.
There is no automatic cut off for the duty standby pump and the system can only be switched off
manually.
JOCKEY
DUTY
STANDBY
Cut-in
85psi
60psi
45psi
Cut-Out
100psi
manually
manually
The system operates only when a sprinkler head breaks open either sensing element reaches the
operating temperature or other means. Water will be discharge from that particular sprinkler head.
At the same time the water alarm gong will give a continuous alarm and the pump-set operated.
Flow switches of the sprinkler zone will be energized with indications of the affected zone
indicated at the main fire alarm panel and alarm bell will be sounded.
Sprinkler used: Automatic Sprinklers Model J BULB L.P.C Series Upright. Pendent. Conventional
Technical Data:
Temperature ratings - 135F (57C), 155F (68C), 175F (79C), 200F (93C), 286F (141C),
360F (182C)
Water Working Pressure Rating 175psi (1207kPa)
Factory Tested hydrostatically to 500psi (3448kPa)
Maximum low temperature
http://www.naffco.com/product.php?prod_id=753&groups_id=434)
http://www.naffco.com/product.php?prod_id=753&groups_id=434)
Model No
Body
Inlet
Outlet
6" Flange
20 Bar
Fire sprinkler system was found in each floor of the building. It basically consist of a system water
supply system. The dimension between the two sprinkler head is 2.5m wide and 3m high, as shown
in the diagram below:
2.5m
2.5m
4.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is containing in the seamless high-pressure cylinder and pressurized to
1000psi and the pilot cylinder contain with Nitrogen gas with pressure of 550 psi. Extra precaution
should be taken to avoid exposing to Carbon Dioxide gas for extended periods of time in the event
of discharge.
The design concentration is based on 50% by volume and 60 sec. discharge time. Automatic
actuating is obtained by means of heat detectors and smoke detectors. The manual operation is by
means of mechanical pull cable. The Co2 system is maintained and controlled by the control panel.
After any discharge of Co2 gas, DO NOT ENTER THE ROOM IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT
ANY BREATHING APPARATUS. Allow gas to be dispersed from the room before entering the
room.
The panel consists of dual circuit system with volt meter, ammeter, indicators of A.C and D.C
supply, supply failure, battery failure, fuses, heat and smoke detector zone indicators, bell and
buzzer silenced and Co2 discharge indicator. This panel is designed and conforms to the
requirements of the Jabatan Bomba. The control panel operate in as 240V AC supply and a 24V DC
battery as a stand-by source. The voltmeter and ammeter is for voltage and ampere indication
respectively. Each zone consists of alarm indicator, fault indicator, isolate indicator and the selector
switch with indication of test alarm (T/A), test fault (T/F), normal (N) and circuit isolator (ISO).
A set of standby by battery with capacity for 72 hours supply is provided for in the event of any
power failure.
a.
Before the test is carried out, have the CO2 isolate switch on. We can simulate a CO2 discharge
condition by firstly switching on the 1st zone to test alarm position, that particular CO2 zone will be
illuminated and the alarm bell ring intermittently. When the 2nd CO2 zone is switched to the alarm
position, the zone illuminated, bell rings continuously and after a time delay of about 25 to 30 sec
the CO2 Actuated will light up which signifies the actuating of CO2 cylinder.
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b.
By turning the selector switch position to T/P, the internal buzzer will sound and fault indicator will
illuminate. This is a simulation of a situation break in the external wiring.
c.
In the event of alarm been actuated accidentally or faulty detectors, turn the selector switch position
ISO and press the alarm re-set button. The alarm will be silenced but internal buzzer will sound
continuously until the system is rectified and the set rotary switch to normal (N) position.
d.
Normal (N)
The position of the selector switch must always be in the normal position otherwise the system is
not in operational condition.
e.
System Healthy
The system is healthy when the monitoring system incorporated in the CO2 control panel is not
when the monitoring system incorporated in the CO2 control panel is not sensing any faults or
defects in the detectors wiring. The only indicating bulbs illuminated on the panel during normal
operation are:1.
Main On
2.
DC On
All other indication lights or alarm off.
f.
System Faulty
The system is faulty when the monitoring system incorporated in the CO2 control panel is sensing
fault or defects in the detector wiring failure of main power supply, battery supply and fault in
internal panel components.
If any faults occurs, the panel will indicates the followings
1.
Fault buzzer is sounded
2.
Fault indicator light is indicated
Before testing is carried out ensure the actuator to the CO2 cylinder have disconnected.
Test CO2 panel
1)
2)
Switch off main AC supply
check buzzer sound, change over to battery supply and record battery voltage
3)
a)
check alarm zone actuated and bell ring, fault line tested
isolated buzzer sound and bell silence
b)
CO2 discharge is actuated after time delay 30sec, warning discharge light lighted, bell rings,
exhaust fan trips
4)
Outside the Carbon Dioxide System integrated High Voltage Room. Photograph by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
When the light is Red, indicates that the room is not accessible. Photograph by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Carbon Dioxide System. Photograph by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Data collected from Fire Protection Operation Manual at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall
pump.pdf;
Esbay, streamline centrifugal pump range, publication number 1344)
6.
Manual of operation
a.
Turn on supply valve below hose reel drum
b.
Run out the rubber hose
c.
Direct the spray nozzle at the base of fire
d.
Turn on the spray nozzle at the base of fire
e.
After used, shut off the nozzle and roll back the rubber hose
f. Turn off the supply gate valves
Duty
Standby
Cut In
Cut Out
65 psi
45psi
70psi
70psi
Fire Hose Reel is located along the corridors and provided with about 40m of reinforced rubber
hose, so that maximum 800m2 of floor area are covered by one installation. A minimum delivery of
24l/min is recommended at the hose reel most distant from the source of water.
Hose Reel Specification:
The standard hose is made of reinforced PVC, marking pressure 10 bar, however Rubber hose also
available. The hose reel drum can be made to accommodate 120ft/ 36m.
7.
Two type of fire extinguisher are provided in the building. The 9kg. ABC dry powder type
extinguisher for all type of fire and the 2.2kg. Co2 gaseous type extinguisher for the electrical
switch room.
Manual of Operation
Operation of the extinguisher is as follows:
1.
Lift up extinguisher and direct discharge nozzle at fire source
2.
Disconnect safety pin from the extinguisher lever
3.
Pressed lever to discharge
2.
3.
4.
Fullness determined by weighing or hefting for self-expelling-type extinguishers,
Cartridge-operated extinguishers, and pump tanks.
5.
6.
7.
8.
3 hours back up provided throughout all general office areas and routes to fire exit. Exit lights are
maintained type. Emergency lights are non-maintained type. Lights in fire escape staircase are on
Emergency supply.
12.
The Fire Alarm Panel is manufactured in accordance to MS 1404 Part 4 (1996) and to local CIFS
requirements. The panels can come in various ranges from 2 zones to over 200 zones depending on
building requirements. Usually MIMIC comes along with the panel to show the location of the
Alarmed Zones.
Specifications:
Base and cover
Gong
Pressed steel
Size
152mm(6)
Terminals
To accommodate two 1.5mm2 cables with plug and socket
arrangement for base and bell body
Current
Consumption 150mA at 24Vdc
Sound Output
One good example can learnt from the site is that how does the management keeps the record of
the staircase condition with a staircase log book.
Assembly Place
Under UBBL 1984 Section 189: Enclosing means of escape in certain building.
1. Every staircase provided under these By-Laws in a building where the highest floor is more than
1200mm above the ground level, or in any place of assembly, or in any school when such staircase
is used as an alternative means of escape shall be enclosed throughout its length with fire resisting
materials.
2. Any necessary openings, except openings in external walls which shall not for the purpose of this
by-law include wall to air wells, in the length of such staircase shall be provided with self-closing
doors constructed of the fire resisting materials.
2. A sign reading KELUAR with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location
where the direction of the travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
3. Every exit sign shall have the word KELUAR in plainly legible letters not less than 150m high
with the principal stokes of the letters not less than 18mm wide. The lettering shall be in red against
a black background.
4. All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.
5. Illuminated signs are provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen watts each.
Human Fault
According to our research at the selected site, we found out that the potential of fire hazards around
the building as shown in the images below:
Improper management of waste photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Objects become obstacles to the path. photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Most of the potential causes are the improper management of material and waste. The improper
placement of object at fire escapes corridor and staircases also considered as one of the potential
hazard to increase the difficulty of the user to escape from the building.
Improper management of material and waste photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Placement of material that easily ignited on fully filled diesel tank. photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Blockage of fire escape path. photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Misplacement of object around Fire Hose Compartment photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping Mall.
Objects become obstacles to the fire escape path. Not enough space to pull out hose photographed by Yong Yih Tyng at Bangsar Village Shopping
Mall.
2.4.4 CONCLUSION
Fire is unavoidable and unpredictable event that it takes away precious life. Thus, at design decision
stage, designer, Architects or Engineer should take serious consideration in account of how to
reduce the risk of death by providing the user a survival route and equipment during emergency.
Fire protection system must be planned will before execute to ensure that the system is functioning
well or else it will be the waste of space, and at the worst, not able to save lives but become one of
the culprit of death in fire.
Most of the time, the causes of fire is due to human ignorance about the rules and regulation and
poor maintenance of the site. It is important to take in consideration of how to perform a well
maintenance system after the fire protection system is being designed.