Proactive digital twins keep track – Vasakronan

Original article from Vasakronan can be found in Swedish here. 

A groundbreaking AI-driven technology is emerging, paving the way for proactive digital twins to oversee the monitoring of heat pump and cooling systems. This innovation offers unparalleled opportunities to detect deviations which makes it possible to predict and therefore, prevent breakdowns. A win-win for both the environment and the economy.

The Swedish company ClimaCheck has long provided its digital platform, ClimaCheck online. Which helps customers monitor their HVACR systems and take early action when performance starts to drift or issues arise.

Real-time monitoring of systems is unbeatable for identifying deviations, being proactive, and acting promptly. Rather than waiting for a system to break down before taking action, says Klas Berglöf, founder of ClimaCheck.

Vasakronan, which has collaborated with ClimaCheck for several years, has implemented monitoring in approximately 15 properties, including the Triangeln shopping centre in Malmö.

Through improved monitoring and operational optimisation, energy consumption has been almost halved. Moreover, we’ve avoided 90% of potential downtime, says Daniel Holm, Technical Management Project Manager at Vasakronan.

Real-Time Monitoring

The technology, known as Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (AFDD), is now taking the next step. The new frontier is training digital twins to manage performance monitoring entirely, to detect performance drift quickly. This advancement will be further developed with the support of researchers from RISE and Halmstad University as part of PREMA-HEAPS, a project in which Vasakronan is also participating.

The new technology means that humans will no longer need to analyse complex data to identify when systems start losing performance. AI twins will handle this in real time. Less manual work frees up time for our employees to focus on other tasks. This is the future of operations, says Daniel Holm.

ClimaCheck is active worldwide, but uptake in Sweden has been somewhat slow, particularly within the property sector.

I prefer to focus on opportunities rather than challenges, but yes, there’s a reluctance that primarily stems from revenue concerns within the supply chain. With fewer breakdowns, there’s less need for traditional service or machine replacements,” says Klas Berglöf, and adds:

For this new technology to gain widespread adoption, system owners need to realise that they can save money in the long run. This requires them to demand continuous performance monitoring from their suppliers. Vasakronan is already leading the way in this regard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enrad’s Role from the Start

Enrad, a company that sells chillers and heat pumps, is also involved in the project. The company has long integrated ClimaCheck into its machines and sees the project as an opportunity to drive demand for new technology and services.

Enrad’s machines include hardware as part of the purchase price, with customers paying a monthly subscription for the service—just like any other digital service.

We monitor performance and work predictively by analysing various KPIs and thresholds. If deviations occur, our support team is alerted. This is part of the responsibility we take for our customers, and we take it very seriously, says Andreas Bäckäng, CEO of Enrad.

Some customers are hesitant and sceptical about paying extra for this “new” type of service.

These customers simply don’t understand what they stand to gain. With our solution, we ensure they get a product that works optimally, every step of the way. We follow the machines from cradle to grave, he explains.

Andreas Bäckäng sees ClimaCheck as a vital part of Enrad’s sustainability strategy. The company has long maintained a clear environmental profile by exclusively using natural refrigerants.

Others are starting to follow suit, and it feels great to be a role model. This industry isn’t always keen on change. We aim to think innovatively, drive progress, and show that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, says Andreas Bäckäng.

Facts about PREMA-HEAPS

• Project period: September 2024 to August 2026
• Funding: Primarily financed by the Swedish Energy Agency
• Total budget: 4 million SEK (~350 000€)
• Participants: RISE, Halmstad University, ClimaCheck, Vasakronan, and Enrad
• As part of the project, ClimaCheck will be further developed. With the help of AI and digital twins, new smart technologies will be created to further optimise operations and enhance energy efficiency.

For more information contact:

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Holm – Projektledare teknikutveckling – Vasakronan – Email

or contact Klas Berglöf – Head of R&D – ClimaCheck