HONG KONG, Dec. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sino Group, Arup and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University unveil a research project on the first in-building hydro power that makes use of unused water head in pipelines. The study has achieved encouraging preliminary results, generating hydroelectricity in a green and low-cost way while reducing carbon emissions.
Installed at Olympian City 2, the prototype is the second phase of hydro power research and the generator (output: 100Wh) represents a six-fold leap from the first phase. Under the model, water current passing through the pipe drives a novel vertical-axis turbine developed by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Water Supplies Department, which generates hydroelectricity from water pipelines. Electricity generated is stored in a battery, and can be used to power a typical lift lobby's lighting system. Assuming a typical lift lobby with 15 LED lights, each with a consumption of 6.5W, this can translate into a saving of HK$3.51 per day or HK$1,281.15 per annum for one floor. About 700 kg of carbon dioxide emission can be saved each year, which is equivalent to about 30 trees.
Professor H X Yang, Coordinator of the Renewable Energy Research Group (RERG) of the Department of Building Services Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is collaborating with Sino Group to develop this technology. He thinks that hydroelectricity has been widely considered as a green and low-cost approach to generate electricity and an added merit of this application is that it makes use of the unused water head in the potable water pipelines, making it a promising and sustainable solution without affecting the water supply to buildings.
This is the first in-building hydro power system, and the first-of-its-kind research collaboration between a commercial organisation and the academia. The results have far-reaching ramifications for R & D in Hong Kong that seeks to bring environmental benefits.
'Water moving along the pipelines carries substantial energy,' adds Dr Jimmy Tong of Arup, 'Hong Kong has a robust and sophisticated water infrastructure, it represents a wealth of source that we can tap into to generate power in a sustainable way. Hong Kong has a moderate per capital energy consumption, while energy-saving potential in high-rise buildings in urban areas is still significant. Hydro power from buildings has much potential to grow and to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based power.'
Empirical data collected from the study will form the foundation for the next generation of hydro power research. With the encouraging results, the parties have agreed to collaborate on the third phase of research on hydro power, which will make even better use of unused water pressure in pipe works of buildings to generate more output and have wider applications, including grey water.
Mr Daryl Ng, Executive Director of Sino Group, remarks, 'We are delighted to partner with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Arup on this novel concept, during which the innovation, creativity and teamwork of young researchers from Hong Kong and mainland China are keenly felt. We support initiatives that are conducive to the development of youth, education, sustainability and social innovation for the benefits of the community. We will continue to work with universities in Hong Kong and mainland China on innovative and creative solutions to make our buildings more sustainable, and to innovate for the future generations.'
'Hong Kong, like many developed and mega cities in the world, needs outside-of-the-box approaches to climate change and land fill issue, and to act quickly. As a committed corporate citizen, we strive to do our part in building a more sustainable community together. We have implemented a range of green measures at our properties, including material recycling, separation of waste at source, rolling out food waste management programmes at properties under our management, upgrading Hong Kong's first in-mall high-efficiency food decomposer to 500 kg, collaborating with the local academia on research on algae treatment to purify food waste filtrate. We are delighted that we have reduced carbon dioxide emission at our buildings by 24% from 2008 level, exceeding our target. We hope that through the collaboration, we spark more awareness and studies on these areas, and we look forward to more research that brings even greater benefits to the environment,' concludes Mr Ng.
About Sino Group
Sino Group is one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong with core business in developing residential, office, industrial and retail properties for sale and investment. The Group is also a major player in hotel investment and management, club management, property management, car park operations as well as environmental and security services. With an 11,000-strong team of dedicated professionals, Sino Group strives to consistently deliver quality properties and services that surpass the expectations of customers.
A committed corporate citizen, Sino Group has been actively participating in community services and green activities as well as art and culture events over the years. The Group focuses corporate social responsibility efforts on four areas: Sino Care, Sino Green, Sino Art and Sino Heritage. The efforts have received recognitions, including the 'Sustainability Excellence Award' by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and the Centre for Corporate Governance and Financial Policy of the Baptist University of Hong Kong as well as 'Best Investor Relations Company', 'Best Environmental Responsibility' and 'Best CSR' at the Third Asian Excellence Recognition Awards 2014. Sino Land Company Limited (083) has been a constituent member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index since September 2012 for its continual efforts in promoting sustainability.
About Arup
Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world's most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. From 91 offices in 39 countries our 11,000 designers, engineers, planners and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion.
Founded in 1946 with an enduring set of values, our unique trust ownership fosters a distinctive culture and an intellectual independence that encourages collaborative working. This is reflected in everything we do, allowing us to develop meaningful ideas, help shape agendas and deliver results that frequently surpass the expectations of our clients.
The people at Arup are driven to find a better way and to deliver better solutions for our clients. We shape a better world.
About the Renewable Energy Research Group in the Department of Building Service Engineering (BSE), PolyU
Prof. Yang is leading the Renewable Energy Research Group in the Department of Building Services Engineering to investigate how to use viable renewable energy resources in buildings including solar photovoltaics, wind power, small hydropower and ground source heat pumps.
Issued by Wasabi Creation Limited on behalf of Sino Group.
