Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Jurong Port and SP Group (SP) will testbed an artificial intelligence (AI) software that can manage and optimise energy generation in a power network.

As part of the S$27 million partnership, NTU and SP have developed an AI-powered Smart Multi-Energy System (SMES) that can manage different energy sources in a network. This includes renewables such as solar power and thermal energy, where it will pick the most optimal energy mix for specific power demands in different situations.

To be testbedded at Jurong Port by end-2018, the new energy management system software will allow the port to tap on multiple energy sources, lower energy consumption and carbon emissions, and achieve cost savings.

It will be installed in computer servers managing the port’s power network, and will leverage SP’s digital energy IoT platform that monitors, analyse and optimise energy usage. This not only ensures a stable and reliable power supply with up to 10 per cent in energy savings, but also reduces overall carbon emissions by up to 15 per cent.

For example, during periods of high power load on electrical chillers that keep rooms in a building cool, the system will selectively deactivate some chillers, and tap on other sources of cooling such as chilled water from thermal storage units.

The system’s AI also uses weather data to determine the days that are less suited for solar energy (i.e. cloudy or rainy days) and identify alternative energy sources to supplement power generation.

NTU Vice President for Research Professor Lam Khin Yong, said, “Digitalisation and optimisation of energy use are increasingly seen as an opportunity to balance the energy mix and reduce emissions and costs in the industrial sector. Leveraging NTU’s strengths in translational research excellence, especially in sustainability, artificial intelligence and data science, this joint initiative offers opportunities to develop innovative solutions in managing the energy supply and enhance energy efficiency in Singapore’s industrial estates. This is also a testament to NTU’s drive in developing real-world solutions by working alongside leading industry partners.”

“As Jurong Port continues its journey towards becoming Singapore’s Next Generation Multipurpose Port, optimising energy needs in a sustainable manner is critical,” said Jurong Port Chief Executive Officer Mr Ooi Boon Hoe. “The SMES project presents Jurong Port with the ideal opportunity to experiment with energy management capabilities under the Living Lab program, enabling the efficient harnessing of various energy sources such as LNG and solar power.”

Mr Samuel Tan, Chief Digital Officer of SP Group, said, “SP Group’s digital energy experts will work closely with NTU and Jurong Port to develop an energy-saving solution that will enhance the world-class reliability and future-readiness of Singapore’s electricity network. This will enable us to continue delivering a high-quality and sustainable lifestyle for consumers.”

The testbedding at Jurong Port is supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and nine other companies, and will be monitored for its readiness to be commercialised.

The nine companies that are part of this initiative include the Energo Foundation, JTC Corporation, Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS), Evercomm Uni Tech Singapore Pte Ltd, Socomec Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Whizpace Pte Ltd, SolarGy Pte Ltd, and UnaBiz.

(0)(0)