Fast-growing economics and increasing urbanization lead to a significant increase in energy demand in the form of electric and/or thermal energy. We spend most of our time in air-conditioned buildings, so air-conditioning systems become a main contributor of energy consumption. It is crucial in particular in Singapore due to the tropical climate condition.

Starting from 2005, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore, launched the BCA green mark scheme to drive energy efficiency and sustainable design for buildings. Air conditioning industry has to be innovative and advanced to address energy efficiency, environmentally-friendly and commercial viability. Industry players and research institutions have to collaborate technically and jointly conduct commercial feasibility for actual implementation, and future sustainable solutions. My research will be focusing on real-time chiller system optimization, district cooling systems (DCS), and data centre cooling technologies with the consideration of market need.