Commissioning elegance for elegant skyscraper

SAV commissioning modules for air-conditioning systems using fan-coil units are used on 19 floors of the Swiss Re building in London. They were specified by consulting engineers Hilson Moran Partnership. Heating and cooling on these floors are provided by 4-pipe fan-coil units in the ceiling void. The floors are split into six fingers, each with an air-handling unit and six fan-coil units. The sub-groups of FCUs are linked by flexible pipework to SAV commissioning modules, also in the ceiling voids. All key components are in the module, including multi-port manifold, air vent and isolation valves. The entire case is insulated, so there is no need to vapour seal individual components. Other components include large, fine-mesh strainer, test points and commissioning valves — as well as a differential-pressure control valve to maximise the potential of systems with variable-speed pumps. Dave Gatwood, project manager for the Swiss Re building with Hilson Moran, regards the commissioning modules as a great success. ‘The SAV solution offers better and more accurate control of differential pressure and easier, faster commissioning. A sixth of every floor can be balanced and finely tuned from a single point. ‘There was an aesthetic issue, too. The interior finish is of a very high standard. During fit out and commissioning, it was only necessary to disturb the expensive ceiling tiles in the immediate vicinity of each commissioning module, which greatly reduced the risk of damage and costly replacement.’