Upgrade of HVAC System at Knorr Bremse Rail Systems Budapest
Knorr Bremse Rail Systems Budapest, a prominent player in the railway transport industry, recently undertook a significant upgrade of their main office building situated at the Helsinki Street site. The building has 12 rooms and serves up to 50 people. The objective of the project was to replace their aging and unreliable HVAC system with a modern, efficient alternative that would meet the thermal requirements of their facilities while ensuring cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
The new system installed includes a Haier MRV 5 30 HP 3-pipe VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system, composed of 19 indoor units with diverse configurations such as 4-way cassettes and medium static pressure duct-type units, ranging between 2.2 and 7.1 kW in capacity. The outdoor unit is made up of two modules: one 14 HP and one 16 HP, providing reliable cooling and heating capabilities.
The total system is controlled by 17 pcs Haier HW-BA 316 AFK units and by a central control unit, HC – SA 164 DBT.
The decision to replace the old system stemmed from its aging infrastructure; the previous setup consisted of a scroll compressor chiller with fan-coils manufactured by TRANE. Over ten years old, these units faced frequent reliability issues and escalating maintenance costs. Moreover, finding spare parts for the ancient units was becoming increasingly difficult, prompting the need for upgrading to a modern and more sustainable solution.
The new Haier HVAC system was designed to handle a thermal load of approximately 70-80 kW, accommodating both heating and cooling requirements under various climatic conditions. During summer, ambient temperatures can reach 35°C with 40% relative humidity, while in winter, temperatures can drop to -13°C with 90% humidity. The indoor units were strategically installed within the false ceiling above the offices of the utility and financial departments, ensuring an unobtrusive yet effective distribution of climate control. The outdoor units are conveniently located on the roof nearby, facilitating maintenance access while minimizing noise disturbance.
Choosing Haier as our HVAC provider proved to be a judicious decision. Knorr-Bremse project leader stated:
“We appreciated Haier’s optimal balance of cost and benefit, supported by a comprehensive 6-year warranty, readily available spare parts, and a dedicated service team. The equipment's high SCOP and SEER values contributed to energy savings and operational efficiency, aligning with Knorr-Bremse’s sustainability goals.”
During the installation process the peculiarities of the building, space issues had to be considered, which the Haier system tackled successfully.
The installation company, Tom-Klíma 2005 Kft operation manager stated:
“We had to deal with the high ceiling heights, and with the placement of pipeline and valve boxes outside the offices. The installation required the use of a manlift for precise placement. Moreover, by implementing a well-structured approach to handling the outdoor units, we effectively addressed the logistical challenges and ensured that the crane lifting operations were carried out smoothly and efficiently.”
In conclusion, the successful implementation of the new MRV system at Knorr Bremse Rail Systems Budapest has significantly improved the reliability and efficiency of their HVAC infrastructure. This upgrade not only addresses the shortcomings of the previous system but also ensures the building’s thermal comfort in various climatic conditions while maintaining operational and energy efficiency for years to come.
