Hitachi Sunway Information Systems Sdn Bhd (“Hitachi Sunway”), a leading one-stop ICT services and solutions provider in ASEAN, today is pleased to share that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Penang based Penfabric Sdn. Berhad for the provision of Software driven-IoT solution – the Intelligent Chiller Energy Efficiency Control System (ICEE).
It is a unique smart optimisation solution that automates energy saving controls by applying predictive algorithm-based measures. The Internet of Things (IoT) based system provides users with the ability to make intelligent, prediction-based decisions.
Penfabric, a key member of Toray Group (Malaysia), is a manufacturer of woven fabrics for purposes of shirting, blouses, work wear, sportswear, casual wear and other non-apparel use. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toray Industries Inc., Japan, a chemical conglomerate with diversified businesses globally.
Penfabric’s Managing Director, HS Teh, said, “In a textile factory such as ours, chillers are used across multiple facilities for central air-conditioning, process manufacturing and precision cooling. It’s a very unique situation that requires precision and strategic controls as the temperatures need to be varied according to the manufacturing stages and types of fibre or fabric that are being produced.”
“This is precisely why we decided to adopt ICEE to better manage our complex temperature needs while reducing the amount and cost of energy used. It is especially important for us to be able to effectively control and manage our chillers to ensure optimal production while minimizing our impact on the environment as we take pride in being a green company with sustainable practices,” HS Teh adds.
Cheah Kok Hoong, Group CEO / Director of Hitachi Sunway says, “We are honoured to be a part of Penfabric’s journey towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Penfabric is a world class corporation and has always been an early adopter of advanced technology to improve production efficiency and optimise their equipment effectivity.”
“Temperature is a delicate issue in the textile manufacturing sector, and ICEE is a software Intelligence & IoT-based energy efficiency solution that bridges the mechanical chiller with an electrical control system, providing our customers with intelligent efficiency based on predictive algorithms. This green solution uses sensors in an operational capacity to determine the specific needs of a facility’s heat load and automatically controls and applies the ideal temperature for different phases of production,” explains Cheah.
“The real-time solution automates the chiller’s reaction to varying conditions, including weather, temperature and humidity that impact the heat load, reducing energy consumption by 15-20 percent. The ICEE is ideal in industrial facilities such as Penfabric and commercial buildings that have multiple applications such as central air-conditioning, process manufacturing and precision cooling that require strategic and fast reactive measures in place to control the temperature,” adds Cheah.
