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.
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.
Buildings
Total Area
Built-up space
Students + Staff
Residents
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.
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.
Energy Savings Potential
Financial Savings (Singapore Dollars)
Carbon Savings
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.
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.
Energy Savings Potential
Financial Savings (Singapore Dollars)
Carbon Savings
Nilesh Y. Jadhav, Program Director, EcoCampus @NTU
Contact us today to find out more about how our ICL solutions can help you.