Benefits of Using RODEM® in a Crisis
The future of Chiller Service Support is Remote Access
Since RODEM® was first launched in 2014 we have now established remote access upon Chillers at sites across the UK.
The current Coronavirus crisis has seen the RODEM® system come into its own. Despite many clients effectively shutting their doors, we retain full-service access to RODEM® equipped Chillers across our portfolio of sites.
RODEM® is at the cutting edge of Machine to Machine (M2M) Internet technology, and only now are reliable, industrial grade, interactive 3G / 4G routers becoming available to the market. The latest feature external alert capability.
So we are no longer reliant upon the client notifying us of a problem, or discovering this at a routine remote service check, “RODEM® 2” alerts us to any machine going into fault via email, so we know within a few seconds of a site issue, allowing us to be proactive in assessing what’s up. We even get a follow-up email when a fault clears.
RODEM® has also proven that in a considerable majority of fault situations we can resolve the immediate issue remotely, with further site attendance simply not necessary, or where minor background issues can be dealt with at a future routine site physical visit.
After ~6 years of service, RODEM® has eliminated ~85% of physical site attendance to breakdown related call-outs, a response is generally ~15 minutes from first call or auto email alert. For most clients, physical servicing costs have reduced by up to 50%, and when the peripheral benefits are considered, RODEM® is entirely self-funding with a surplus from reduced revenue costs (energy savings from optimisation and increased uptime).
Virtual Call-out / Virtual Service Inspection
Response to a problem is rapid however we also routinely log on to the Chillers at least once each month to observe any issues and apply minor seasonal adjustments.
For each service visit, a detailed report is issued to the client.
Training with RODEM®
Our training sessions utilise our Chiller simulator to allow our staff to interact with the system and better understand how changes in a Chiller’s operation can be observed and acted upon using RODEM®.
They can also learn how to assess a Chiller, and apply adjustments.
Training then extends to observations and adjustments of live Chillers via live RODEM® units.
Servicing becomes free with RODEM®
We believe RODEM® is the most powerful service tool EVER developed for Chillers. We are pleased to be at the cutting edge of this technology for the benefit of our clients. Not all the benefits can be shown with a specific cost-saving, but here is an example of what we believe is reasonable. Typical net Service costs become negative…
| Typical twin system Chiller ~ 500kW | Without RODEM® | With RODEM® |
| Installation – Typical for two chiller site | one off cost >>> | £325 per chiller |
| Running costs – Based upon an energy usage of 46 weeks, 5 days, 12 hours, 70kW £0.14 / unit kWH | £27,048 | £27,048 |
| Direct Servicing – Reduces to 2 visits | £1,165 | £720 |
| RODEM® Monthly service checks – @ £75 / month | £0 | £900 |
| RODEM® Support fees – (equipment + SIM fee – Vodafone / O2) | £0 | £300 |
| Call-out to Chiller – 1 during the year period | £500 | £78 |
| Increased uptime ~10% – benefit estimate | £0 | -£2,705 |
| Optimisation ~5% energy costs – estimate | £0 | -£1,352 |
| Annual running cost of Chiller – excluding depreciation | £28,713 | £24,989 |
| Net direct financial benefit of RODEM® | – | £3,724 |
| Sub-total Servicing costs | £1,665 | £1,998 |
| Net Servicing costs | £1,665 | -£1,726 |
| Reduction in annual running costs | – | 13% |
| Indirect benefits of RODEM®… | ||
| Energy savings | >>> | Increased efficiency |
| Peace of mind | >>> | Increased reliability |
| Longer equipment lifespan | >>> | Increased longevity |
| We know the Chillers intimately | >>> | Increased familiarity |
Posted in the Blog blog category on April 24, 2020.
