Thermaflex Enables Carbon-Free Cooling for Soneva Secret

Soneva Secret aims to achieve extreme robust, sustainable, and carbon-free cooling infrastructure, by leveraging solar energy. On the most remote developed island in the Maldives, deploying a direct solar-powered cooling infrastructure capable of providing continuous comfort in every accommodation, even during nights and cloud cover period, requires smart engineering. Such as heat load calculations, chiller plant design, thermal storage sizing, optimal cooling network design and an ideal level of flexibility and pre fabrication.

Together with the client, consultant, and various suppliers, an entirely new concept was developed enabling cost effective and sustainable cooling, using floating solar fields, a central chiller plant, ice storage, and a flexible distribution network. Partnering with energy and sustainability strategy consultant XCO2, chiller plant supplier DAIKIN, and installation company YONSAN Engineering, Thermaflex provided a flexible chilled water distribution network, bridging the harvested solar energy with each individual villa and office buildings.

Our Cradle to Cradle Certified® Flexalen® 600 flexible pre-insulated piping system enabled quick installation and maintenance free chilled water network throughout the island. Flexalen pipes are flexible and lightweight, allowing easier transportation to the remote location. We also provide installation training to ensure smooth implementation.

The implementation of this new concept involved a meticulously planned and executed project process, Thermaflex provided expertise and end-to-end support from solution creation to project planning and implementation, managed by our sales manager of this project – Thomas van den Groenendaal.

The project commenced in July 2021 and concluded in March 2024. Thermaflex delivered 2,300 meters of Flexalen®600 single and double pipes, insulated tees, risers, and valves, which were shipped in 5 containers. Logistics planning played a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of materials and equipment to the site. The Flexalen operations team in the Netherlands had it covered.

Compared to conventional pipes, Flexalen pre-insulated PB-1 pipe, prefabs, and fittings, were new to the installation team, our technical expert Jelmar van Beek provided on-site training in pipe handling, electrofusion welding and cover integrity, to ensure smooth implementation. Installation was completed within the strict project timeline by an exceptional installation crew from YONSAN Engineering.

The project includes a 1,260 kW chilled and sub-zero water cooling plant, with 3,000 kWh ice storage, 510 kW chilled water distribution network, comprising 2 zones.

The solution yielded significant cost savings, both in capital and operational expenditure compared to conventional cooling infrastructure. Main contributors to the long-term return on investment are the following:

The successful implementation of a pioneering solar-powered cooling infrastructure, showcasing the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. This project not only realized the world’s first carbon-free cooling resort island, but also provided Soneva Secret with a robust, sustainable, and efficient cooling infrastructure. Central cooling solution allows many island resorts and communities to move away from Diesel power or Li Ion storage, which can be replaced by solar panels and ice storage.

This project serves as both an inspiration and blueprint for future resort developments, aiming for low carbon, low maintenance and high return cooling, with a primary focus on guest comfort and environmental responsibility. It sets a new standard where sustainability and luxury converge.