School of Architecture, Building & Design

BUILDING SERVICES 2 (BLD 60503)

Student Name

: Yong Qing Yi

Student ID No

: 0325303

Lecturer

: Mr. Tan Hee Chai

Date of Submission : 21st October 2016

Assignment title
Word Count

August 2016 semester

: Green Technology
: 2098 words

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School of Architecture, Building & Design

Content
No.

Title

1.

Content

2.

1.0 Introduction

3.

Page No.
2

1.1 Definition of Green Technology

1.2 Background of Green Technology

1.3 Sector of Green Technology

2.0 Analysis
2.1 How Air-conditioning Affect Green Technology

2.2 Ways to Enhance Green Technology

2.2.1 Chilled Water System

2.2.2 Inverter System

2.2.3 Variable Air Volume (VAV) System

2.2.4 Solar Air Conditioning System

2.2.5 Natural Refrigerant

10

4.

3.0 Conclusion

11

5.

4.0 References

12-13

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Definition of Green Technology
What is Green Technology? Green technology is the classification of substance
and ways which is improved and developed continuously to produce harmless
products. This current innovation is expected to bring changes to our living. 1
Green Technology has been selected by most countries in this past decade.
Green Technology also means the environmental friendly technology which has
been developed so that it does not harm the environment and preserve natural
raw materials. In other words, Green Technology is also known as environmental
technology or clean technology. To lessen greenhouse effect and global warming,
many countries depend on Green Technologys scientific materials to replace the
sources of energy which will harm the environment. The main purpose of
improving and implementing this technology is to discover new methods that
does not harm or diminish the worlds natural materials and also does less harm
to the nature. Being part of this Green Technology helps to keep the nature fresh
and clean by decreasing the pollutions. 2

1.2 Background of Green Technology

How did Green Technology started? The National Green Technology Policy
was brought up by the Malaysia Government on 24 th July 2009. Malaysia
Government has planned to move forward and develop green technology as one
of the main priority to enhance the environments state in future by aligning the
policies which concentrates on the four pillar, Energy, Environment, Economy
and Social. Other than the 4 pillars, the 4R concept is also important in
implementing green technology. The 4R concepts are Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
and Recover. The Government is confident that Malaysia will be one of the
leading countries in green technology by expanding green technology and
minimising the carbon emission pledged to be achieved by the year 2020. In
terms of construction industry, Malaysia had promoted the Green Building Index
that focuses on Low Carbon City Framework (LCCF) which is development with
low carbon emission. It is shown that buildings are one of the main factors of
carbon emission that contributes to global warming and greenhouse effect.
Therefore, to obtain a sustainable development, the Government sees that green
building will be the main key to achieve this target. 3

Green Technology, Green Technology What is it?, (n.d.)

http://www.green-technology.org/what.htm
2

Deep Green Robot, Green Technology Definition, (n.d.)

http://www.deepgreenrobot.org/green-technology-definition.html
3

Environmental Product Unit, Green Technology, (2016)

http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/foriegn-buyers-section/70-industry-write-up--services/555green-technology-services

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1.3 Sectors of Green Technology

There are a few sectors of green technology. Energy is one of the main
problems in this sector. Therefore, many have come up with the idea of
alternative fuels to produce energy in a greener way that does not harm the
environment. Government has also promoted environmentally preferred
purchasing. This means that they prioritise in purchasing products which are
more environmental friendly and does less harm to the environment.
Furthermore, green chemistry is also one of the main key to control the
production of chemical products from releasing intoxicated material. Not to
forget the green nanotechnology which uses the nanometre scale to control the
production of substance by applying green engineering and green chemistry.
Last but not least, green building. Green building involves the location of the
building and the selection of material to build a building. 4 Green buildings are
created to maintain the climate while remaining the tradition and culture of the
environment. This operation will be successfully run because there are
companies and organisations that will be responsible on this operation.
Throughout this operation, production of intoxicated substance will be lesser due
to energy saving and recycling material. 5

Green Technology, Green Technology What is it?, (n.d.)

http://www.green-technology.org/what.htm
5

Green Building Index, What and Why Green Buildings?, (n.d.)

http://new.greenbuildingindex.org/whatandwhy

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2.0 Analysis
2.1 How Air-Conditioning Affect Green Technology
Malaysia is a country with different climates at different month along the year. It
is usually dry season or wet season.

Diagram 1: The Average Minimum and Maximum temperatures in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Based on the source World Weather and Climate Information, Diagram 1

shows the average minimum and maximum temperatures in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. The weather in Malaysia is average high.6 Therefore, the usage of airconditioning will also be high. The usage of air conditioning helps to cool down
and improve the indoor air quality so that thermal comfort is achieved. 7
Air-conditioning affects the green technology in different ways and it is the
main key that generates global warming in Malaysia. First of all, the electricity
consumption by using air-conditions plays a big role in air pollution. The fossil
fuels burnt used to generate the power releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and
mercury into the atmosphere.
Moreover, the cooling agents used by air-conditioning units which is
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) will lead to ozone depletion and global warming.
Although it has been improved by substituting with hydrochloroflourocarbons
(HCFCs), but the increase of usage for air conditioners in most countries are also
increasing causing less effect towards the change. 8 Currently, a new technology
has been invented that uses less chlorine which is by using hydrofluorocarbon
(HFCs). It does not contribute to ozone depletion but instead, it has shown that it
excessively leads to global warming.9
6

World Weather and Climate Information, Climate Kuala Lumpur, (n.d.)

https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,KualaLumpur,Malaysia
7

Steven, Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Conditioners, (2013)

http://www.angelmeds.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-air-conditioners.html
8

National Geographic, Environmental Impact, (n.d.)

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/buying-guide/airconditioner/environmental-impact/
9

Dahl, R, Cooling Concepts, (2013)

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/778174_2

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2.2 Ways to Enhance Green Technology
2.2.1 Chilled Water System

Diagram 2: Chilled Water System Cycle10

Chilled water system uses water as a refrigerant instead of using other

refrigerant which is harmful to the environment in the coil. Diagram 2 shows the
cycle of chilled water system. It is mainly found in the commercial or industrial
building and it is hardly used in the residential. By using a chiller, it helps to chill
the water that will flow through the coils situated in air handlers. The heat in the
building will be absorbed by the water and then returned to the chiller where
removal of heat from the water takes place. The pressure to velocity and volume
is controlled by the controlling system which will control the pumps and valves in
the system. Usually, the chiller comes in different sizes depending on the
buildings usage.
Cooling towers are used in most chillers that will help to remove heat to the
atmosphere. In the chiller barrel, heat will be absorbed by the refrigerant,
condensed in the condenser barrel then transferred to another barrel for heat
removal to take place. The condensed refrigerant will be pumped back to the
evaporator barrel and the process will be repeated. 11 Chilled water is safer to be
used as it is chemically stable and non-harmful with the usage of water as
refrigerant.12 It does not release any gas that will lead to ozone depletion.

10

Airtron, Chilled Water Plant Solutions: Thermosyphon Free-Cooling, (n.d.)

http://www.airtroncanada.com/thermosyphon/
11

High Performance HVAC, Chilled Water System Basics l HVAC Cooling, (n.d.)
https://highperformancehvac.com/chilled-water-system-basics/
12

GLBT Networks, Chilled Water Cooling Systems: Advantages And Disadvantages To

Keep In Mind, (n.d.)
http://glbtnetworks.com/2015/02/18/chilled-water-cooling-systems-a-few-advantagesand-disadvantages-to-keep-in-mind/

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2.2.2 Inverter System

Diagram 3: Inverter System Cycle13

Diagram 3 shows an example of an inverter system cycle. Inverter system

basically controls temperature by an inverter that regulates the speed of the
compressor motor.14 When temperature needs to be lowered in a building, the
compressor will work at a higher speed to allow more refrigerant circulation.
Whereas, when the temperature is stable and no cooling or heating is needed,
the compressor will work at a slower speed controlling the amount of refrigerant
circulation. Compared to the non-inverter system the refrigerant circulation and
compressor works in a fixed speed.
Inverter system has more benefits compared to non-inverter system which is
it consumes lesser power with the help of the inverter regulating the speed of
the compressor motor only when needed and it is also energy efficient. This
helps to reduce the energy consumption and emission of carbon dioxide that will
harm the environment.15

13

Domain, 5.1kw Inverter Reverse Cycle Split System, (n.d.)

http://www.domainappliances.com.au/5.1kw-inverter-reverse-cycle-split-system
14

Inventor, What is the Inverter technology in air conditioners?, (n.d.)

http://www.inventorairconditioner.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions/faq-endusers/what-is-the-inverter-technology-in-air-conditioners/
15

EcoAir, Inverter Air Conditioning, (n.d.)

http://www.airconditioner.me.uk/Benefits_of_Inverter_Air_Conditioning.html

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2.2.3 Variable Air Volume System

Diagram 4: Schematic drawing of a variable-air-volume HVAC system 16

Variable Air Volume (VAV) System controls the indoor air flow by the air sensor or
temperature sensor. Diagram 4 shows a schematic drawing of a VAV System.
Multiple set points can be set to maintain the room at that particular
temperature. The thermostat will detect when more air is needed or when lesser
air is needed. When the sensor detect a lower temperature is needed or more air
is needed in a building, the controller will open the damper allowing enough
airflow into the interior. Until the set point, the damper will be closed to allow
lower airflow into the building to save energy. 17
Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems are mainly used in commercial or
institutional buildings. It is an economical and useful way to control air and
temperature. It is more energy efficient and cost savings compared to Constant
Air Volume (CAV) System because VAV System has variable fan speed whereas
CAV System only has a constant air speed. 18 It uses less energy reducing the
amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere which will also minimise
the affect towards green technology.

2.2.4 Solar Air Condition System

16

Asbury, E., Wood, J. and Kuchler, M., VAV System, (2005)

http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ea38/AE390/A5/products.htm
17

Simply VAV, Introduction to VAV, (2014)

http://www.simplyvav.com/discover/about-vav/
18

Maripuu, M. L. and Jagemar, L., Energy Savings by Changing Constant Air Volume
System (CAV) To Variable Air Volume Systems (VAV) in Existing Office Buildings, (n.d.)
http://www.energymanagement.se/attachments/documents/79/article_final_version_mlm_ljr.pdf

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Diagram 5: Schematic diagram of a solar air conditioning system

Diagram 5 shows a schematic diagram of a solar air conditioning system. 19 Solar

air condition systems main key is by using thermal energy to cool the indoor air.
This system collects thermal energy from the sun by using solar tube collectors
transmitting the energy into an absorption chiller. The heat transfer fluid (HTF)
will flow through the solar absorption chiller allowing it to generate power to
function the solar air conditioning unit. This unit is best use in hot countries like
Malaysia.
The benefit of this Solar Air Condition System is it has low maintenance and
operating cost. It does not use electricity which makes it less harmful towards
the environment and energy saving. Furthermore, it also does not consume any
chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) or any other toxic refrigerant that will contribute to
ozone depletion and affect the green technology. 20

19

Net Zero Energy Buildings, Solar Air Conditioning, (n.d.)

http://www.nzeb.in/knowledge-centre/hvac-2/solar-air-conditioning/
20

Solar Panels Plus, How Solar Cooling Works, (n.d.)

http://www.solarpanelsplus.com/all-about-solar/how-solar-cooling-works/

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2.2.5 Natural Refrigerant
The usage of natural refrigerant is near to zero global warming and more
environmental friendly. Natural refrigerant is the usage of biogeochemical cycle
that does no release harmful substance that will cause ozone depletion.
Examples of natural refrigerants are water, carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, air,
and also hydrocarbons like propane, propene, propylene and others. They are
usually easy to obtained and currently existing. Furthermore, they are cheap
compared to other harmful refrigerants. To dispose or recycle the natural
refrigerant after using is easier compare to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC),
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). However, some
natural refrigerant needs more safety precautions compared to the three harmful
refrigerants due to its characteristics that might be flammable, corrosive or
intoxicated. Safety precautions are such as skilled technician to install, safe
components or tools, suitable material used and others. 21
For refrigerant such as Propane which has natural production is more
flammable compared to other refrigerant. This is because it has higher heat
transfer. It is usually suggested to go for advises from local fire authority for the
propane chiller installation and the proper location to install it. Although it is
quite dangerous, but if it is installed with safety precautions it brings benefits to
the environment. It is more affordable and safe towards environment compared
to other refrigerant. In addition, it is also environmental friendly and does not
affect the green technology.22

21

Green Cooling Initiative, Refrigerant, (n.d.)

http://www.green-cooling-initiative.org/technology/overview/refrigerants/
22

Strong, K. and Dwyer, T., Module 99: Propane as a refrigerant for use in chillers for air
conditioning applications (2016)

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3.0 Conclusion
In a nutshell, Green Technology explains that by using scientific technology,
materials and substances are replaced to minimise the damage towards nature.
It also means developing methods to produce harmless products. Green
Technology was introduced by the Malaysia Government on 24 th July 2009 to
reduce the impact and damage towards the environment. This is to protect the
earth from getting in danger and also reducing the carbon emission that is
expected to achieve in the year of 2020. The policy implemented by the Malaysia
Government concentrates on the four pillars, Energy, Environment, Economy and
Social. In addition, Malaysia Government also focused on the 4R concept which is
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.
In a hot country like Malaysia, the usage of air conditioning unit is high
therefore chances of ozone depletion and global warming are higher. Air
conditioning unit often release carbon dioxide by the consumption of electrical
energy. Not to forget, the refrigerant used to cool the air releases
chlorofluorocarbons
(CFC),
hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFC)
and
hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) which leads to ozone depletion. Therefore, responsible
organizations have to take the initiative to improve the air conditioning systems
and enhance the green technology. Various ways that can be carried out are by
replacing the air conditioning systems with Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems,
Inverter System, Chilled Water Systems, Solar Air Conditioning Systems and
other available systems that can enhance the green technology and reduce
global warming or ozone depletion.

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4.0 References
1. Airtron, Chilled Water Plant Solutions: Thermosyphon Free-Cooling, (n.d.)
http://www.airtroncanada.com/thermosyphon/
2. Asbury, E., Wood, J. and Kuchler, M., VAV System, (2005)
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ea38/AE390/A5/products.htm
3. Dahl, R, Cooling Concepts, (2013) http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/778174_2
4. Deep Green Robot, Green Technology Definition, (n.d.)
http://www.deepgreenrobot.org/green-technology-definition.html
5. Domain, 5.1kw Inverter Reverse Cycle Split System, (n.d.)
http://www.domainappliances.com.au/5.1kw-inverter-reverse-cycle-split-system
6. EcoAir, Inverter Air Conditioning, (n.d.)
http://www.airconditioner.me.uk/Benefits_of_Inverter_Air_Conditioning.html
7. Environmental Product Unit, Green Technology, (2016)
http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/foriegn-buyers-section/70-industry-write-up--services/555green-technology-services
8. GLBT Networks, Chilled Water Cooling Systems: Advantages And Disadvantages To
Keep In Mind, (n.d.) http://glbtnetworks.com/2015/02/18/chilled-water-cooling-systemsa-few-advantages-and-disadvantages-to-keep-in-mind/
9. Green Building Index, What and Why Green Buildings?, (n.d.)
http://new.greenbuildingindex.org/whatandwhy
10. Green Cooling Initiative, Refrigerant, (n.d.) http://www.green-coolinginitiative.org/technology/overview/refrigerants/
11. Green Technology, Green Technology What is it?, (n.d.) http://www.greentechnology.org/what.htm
12. High Performance HVAC, Chilled Water System Basics l HVAC Cooling, (n.d.)
https://highperformancehvac.com/chilled-water-system-basics/
13. Inventor, What is the Inverter technology in air conditioners?, (n.d.)
http://www.inventorairconditioner.com/faq-frequently-asked-questions/faq-endusers/what-is-the-inverter-technology-in-air-conditioners/
14. Maripuu, M. L. and Jagemar, L., Energy Savings by Changing Constant Air Volume
System (CAV) To Variable Air Volume Systems (VAV) in Existing Office Buildings, (n.d.)
http://www.energymanagement.se/attachments/documents/79/article_final_version_mlm_ljr.pdf
15. National Geographic, Environmental Impact, (n.d.)
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/green-guide/buying-guide/airconditioner/environmental-impact/

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16. Net Zero Energy Buildings, Solar Air Conditioning, (n.d.)
http://www.nzeb.in/knowledge-centre/hvac-2/solar-air-conditioning/
17. Simply VAV, Introduction to VAV, (2014) http://www.simplyvav.com/discover/aboutvav/
18. Solar Panels Plus, How Solar Cooling Works, (n.d.)
http://www.solarpanelsplus.com/all-about-solar/how-solar-cooling-works/
19. Steven, Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Conditioners, (2013)
http://www.angelmeds.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-air-conditioners.html
20. Strong, K. and Dwyer, T., Module 99: Propane as a refrigerant for use in chillers for
air conditioning applications (2016)
21. World Weather and Climate Information, Climate Kuala Lumpur, (n.d.)
https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,KualaLumpur,Malaysia

August 2016 semester

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