NTU Singapore

Over 30% potential reduction in energy consumption and S$4.75M savings uncovered using ICL Digital Twin Technology

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IES was contracted to deliver a 3D masterplanning and visualisation model, along with virtual testing and building performance optimisation, for Nanyang Technological University (NTU)’s 250-hectare flagship Ecocampus. Delivered in two phases, the project used IES’ innovative ICL technology to provide high-level visualisation and analysis of testbed energy reduction technologies on site, before delving into detailed simulation and calibrated modelling of 21 campus buildings.

About the Campus

NTU Singapore’s goal is to reduce their energy, water and waste footprints by 35% by 2020, and in the process become the greenest campus in the world.

200+

Buildings

250 hectares

Total Area

10 million sq.ft

Built-up Space

40,000

Students + Staff

15,000

Residents

Masterplanning

Phase 1 of the project concentrated on creating a masterplanning (iCD) model of the EcoCampus, complete with energy signatures for each building on the campus.

The model was accurate to 91% for total energy consumption and 97% for chiller energy consumption. A corresponding online cloud based Community Information Model (iCIM) for communication and engagement with campus staff and students was also created and connected to the masterplanning model for automatic updates.

Testbed for New Technologies

The masterplanning model was then used as a baseline to simulate and analyse testbed technologies ranging from improved thermal performance of the building envelope, to lighting sensors, chiller optimisation and smart plugs that turn equipment off out of hours. 

IES’ detailed performance knowledge became even more essential as the project then moved into Phase 2 – the ‘implementation’ phase of the project - where the best solutions from the Phase 1 ‘testbed’ were chosen and applied.

Phase 1 Results

10%

Energy Savings Potential

S$3.9M

Financial Savings (Singapore Dollars)

8.2kt

Carbon Savings

Collect, Investigate, Compare & Invest

Using real operational data from utilities and NTU’s Building Management Systems (BMS), IES were able to assess and identify opportunities to achieve optimal performance in existing operational buildings across the campus, using its innovative Ci2 (Collect, Investigate, Compare, Invest) process.

During the ‘Collect’ and ‘Investigate’ stage, building information was gathered and operational data imported into iSCAN to investigate issues/faults across a selection of 21 buildings on the NTU campus. This brought to attention issues including: low and high CO2 levels, unstable off-coil temperatures, lower than expected return air temperatures, faulty energy consumption meters, and staff offices and meeting rooms temperature setting issues.

Calibrated Models

Virtual models were then created in the VE for each of the 21 buildings and calibrated using the operational data. These closely calibrated models established an accurate baseline for the existing buildings in operation, enabling IES to ‘Compare’ and determine potential savings for a range of technologies in the ‘Invest’ stage.

A selection of new technologies relating to building envelope, lighting and occupancy sensors, plug load management and high-performing optimised chillers were simulated using the calibrated models to determine potential savings.

Phase 2 Results

31%

Energy Savings Potential

S$4.7M

Financial Savings (Singapore Dollars)

9.6kt

Carbon Savings
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"We would recommend ICL to other companies or campuses which would like to get an overview of the energy-saving potential and also do a very systematic and rigorous analysis of the energy-saving potential with the different technologies"

Nilesh Y. Jadhav

Program Director of the EcoCampus at NTU

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