Burj Khalifa Goes Solar

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building, is tapping solar power to meet a bulk of the water heating requirements of its residents.

The stunning tower uses solar panels to heat 140,000 litres of water every day, which will be distributed to homes and commercial entities within the tower. The solar powered water brings energy savings equivalent to 3,200 kilo watts per day and 690MWh of energy per annum.

"Energy efficient measures, especially through use of renewable sources, are not an option but an imperative for sustainable growth. By leveraging solar power, Burj Khalifa is setting an example as well as creating a referral mark on how urban developments can effectively integrate energy-friendly initiatives," said Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties.

The solar panels of Burj Khalifa serve as solar collectors, as against photovoltaic electricity generation technology. Located on roof of The Offices, the annexure of Burj Khalifa, 378 collector panels, each 2.7 sqm in area, can heat the entire 140,000 litres of water in approximately 7 hours of day time solar radiation.

Among other key sustainable energy and water use measures, the condensation from all the air-conditioning equipment in Burj Khalifa is reclaimed to cool the potable water from Dubai Electricity & Water Authority. The condensate is then collected in an on-site irrigation tank and used for tower’s landscaping. When operational, this system will provide about 15 million gallons of supplemental water per year.

To ensure energy efficiency, Fresh Air Handling Units have been fitted with thermal wheels and, wherever possible, economizer modes. Additionally, there is extensive use of variable speed drives on the air-handling and water-circulating equipment to also add to energy efficiency. The air-conditioning and water systems also incorporate extensive energy saving control systems to reduce part load energy consumption.

Burj Khalifa’s cladding system is constructed to high standards with a high shading co-efficient and a low U-value to reduce the transfer of external heat gains. Additional energy use efficiency measures in place include automated solar shading at entrance pavilions.

Burj Khalifa also features several measures to reduce water consumption (WC) including water flow restrictors and low water volume WC installed in all public areas.

Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use tower featuring luxurious residences, commercial suites and the world’s first Armani Hotel and Armani Residences. The tower also has a rich array of luxurious amenities including four swimming pools, an exclusive residents’ lounge, health and wellness facilities, and At.mosphere, the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at Level 122. At the Top, the world’s highest observatory with an outdoor terrace, is already one of Dubai’s most popular attractions.

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