Publication Type

PhD Dissertation

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2025

Abstract

Building energy systems, particularly Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, play a pivotal role in global sustainability efforts. Yet, traditional centralized HVAC systems continue to face major challenges: high energy consumption, significant operational costs, and limited adaptability to dynamic energy demands. These inefficiencies are compounded by the difficulty of integrating renewable energy sources into outdated system designs. As a result, substantial energy waste persists, posing obstacles to cost-effective, environmentally sustainable building operations.

This dissertation proposes a modular, pull-based energy framework to address these critical challenges. By combining the principles of modularity theory with demand-driven energy distribution, the framework enables HVAC systems to dynamically adjust energy supply based on real-time consumption needs. In contrast to conventional supply-driven approaches, this pull-based model enhances system responsiveness, reduces energy waste, and lowers operational costs. Modularity further simplifies system upgrades, standardizes components, and facilitates a decentralized maintenance strategy, all of which make retrofitting more feasible and scalable.

A key contribution of this research is the establishment of modular segmentation principles for HVAC systems. These principles clarify module interfaces, optimize component compatibility, and leverage advanced control strategies to improve both initial deployment and ongoing operational efficiency. By reducing system complexity and increasing adaptability, the modular framework not only delivers immediate energy savings but also supports long-term sustainability goals.

The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through a case study of Suning Plaza in Wuxi, China. The findings highlight significant improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental performance. The study provides strong evidence that modular, pull-based HVAC systems offer a practical and scalable solution to overcome the limitations of traditional designs. Moreover, the proposed framework supports China’s dual carbon targets—achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060—and serves as a viable model for global sustainable energy management.

Keywords

HVAC systems, energy efficiency, modular design, pull-based energy systems, retrofitting, sustainability, carbon neutrality, China

Degree Awarded

SMU-SJTU Doctor of Business Administration

Discipline

Operations and Supply Chain Management | Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering

Supervisor(s)

ZHENG, Zhichao

First Page

1

Last Page

164

Publisher

Singapore Management University

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Author

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