AI-empowered chiller plant optimization strategies in Queensway Government Office (QGO)

Project Overview

Queensway Government Offices (QGO) is a 56-floor high-rise office building with a total area of 61,000 square meters. The building's central cooling plant previously operated with separated hydraulic circuits for two independent zones (the high zone and the low zone). Each zone used dedicated chiller sets, consisting of two 3,600 kW chillers for the low zone and two 1,800 kW chillers for the high zone. The plant consumed approximately 1.6 million kWh of electricity annually, leading to energy costs of around 1.9 million HKD. To overcome inefficiencies associated with segregated system operation, our team implemented an advanced AI-driven smart building energy management system optimizing energy usage and improving overall efficiency.

Project Highlights

Advanced Technologies and AI Models

The project employed our proprietary Smart Building Energy Management Platform, implemented on the Windows platform, to optimize the operation of existing chiller plant at QGO. This advanced platform integrates our proprietary AI algorithms and models, enabling real-time performance monitoring and optimal control of the plant. The key technology implemented is an AI-empowered dual-horizon prediction-based chiller sequencing control and chilled water supply temperature reset control strategy for the HVAC system.

Energy Efficiency and Savings

The AI-driven optimization system achieved consistent monthly energy savings of 20.0%, daily cost reductions of 2,845 HKD. The system is projected to deliver annual savings of 0.3 million kWh in energy and HKD 380K in electricity costs. (Long-term energy saving results from Apr to Dec 2024.)

Platform Visualization and User Interface

Our proprietary Windows-based visualization platform enables real-time monitoring, intuitive dashboards, and predictive maintenance, enhancing transparency and accessibility in energy management.

Acknowledgments

This innovative project was supported by the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), underscoring its significance in developing smart energy management technologies for complex buildings in high-density urban environments. Following the research phase, our company is responsible for the ongoing commercial deployment and long-term maintenance of the system, ensuring sustained operational efficiency and support.