We
present the development of an isolation project carried out by Thermaflex in a renowned store in the city of Bogotá, Colombia.
by Thermaflex
Considered a reference, due to the value proposition it presented to the air conditioning market, together with its historic proposal for economic transformation, located at 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá, is a very dynamic economic hotbed today that presents a rapid growth in consumer markets.
It is a city that has been projected as one of the most competitive business influx centers in Latin America. Because of this, and as an important player in the sale of retail in Latin America, Falabella sought to set an example in this booming market through the construction of a new store. The objective: to minimize the use of resources obtaining a maximum benefit. Thermaflex faced this challenge.
The Falabella department store was to be built inside the "Titan Plaza" shopping center - one of the largest and most attractive shopping centers in Bogotá. Its numerous retail stores, offices, entertainment areas and unique style, as well as the multiple food courts make it a mixed real estate development with a high level of activity, as well as a meeting point within the City. As part of the Chilean retail chain's expansion and renovation plans, the Falabella project would connect the new store with the energy facilities in the mall.
A fundamental element in this objective was the building's air conditioning system. Considering Bogotá's hot and humid climate, an efficient and sustainable solution was the key to success.
Project Details
This project was pioneering because of its size and because it served a considerable network of users, among which were: a multitude of shops, restaurants, theaters, supermarkets and offices. In order to reach an optimal solution to maximize the benefit for all connected parts, an ice water system was co-created to ensure a high level of comfort and to minimize energy use.
The system was conceived with 1,700 meters of pipe in pre-insulated Flexalen polybutene (PB-1) with diameters ranging from 3/4'' to 6". This configuration sought to provide an adequate response to the 900 tons of refrigeration equipment generated. Starting the project in March 2012, both the design and implementation of the system were ready and operational in October of that same year.
Goals
Titan Plaza Shopping Center strives to offer the best shopping and/or stay experience for its many visitors/users. Importantly, it includes a high level of thermal comfort. For the development of this project it was necessary an efficient and reliable air conditioning system that allowed to operate and ensure optimal levels of comfort, but maximizing energy savings. In addition, the need for maintenance had to be sustainable and kept to a minimum.
Results
All the design, development and installation of both systems: the pre-insulated pipe system and the insulation for the ice water system could be installed quickly and efficiently, thanks to the benefits of the installed solutions, and thanks to the Latin American work team. The solution, co-created jointly with the owners and operators of the Falabella store, ensures optimal performance with the highest level of comfort.
Energy use is extraordinarily low for its many users, and this is largely attested to by the energy efficiency of the system. On top of that, the maintenance count is still at 0, which prevents any related and costly downtime for the mall, which is very active.
Project statistics
* 5,000 m² of comfortable recreation
* 1,700 linear meters of PB tubes
* 900 tons of refrigeration equipment.
