Taiwan CWA Proposes New Methodology: Using Weather Forecasts to Control HVAC for Energy Savings
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has introduced a draft methodology that leverages weather and temperature forecasts to proactively adjust central air conditioning systems. By pre-cooling during off-peak hours based on predictions, the system can reduce electricity consumption by nearly 10%.
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- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 15:33
- 🔍 Collected: April 26, 2026 at 16:01 (27 min after Published)
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To assist business units in achieving energy efficiency through air conditioning control, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has proposed a draft 'Emission Reduction Methodology' that adjusts chiller systems based on weather and temperature forecasts to reduce power usage. The draft has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment for public notice.
Large buildings such as public structures, commercial towers, and factories typically rely on central air conditioning systems. In these systems, over 50% of electricity consumption comes from chillers. However, due to a lack of real-time response to external climate changes, these systems often fail to reach optimal energy efficiency.
The methodology, titled 'Improving HVAC Chiller System Efficiency through Climate Service Modulation,' was recently sent for pre-announcement. Li Mingying, head of the Climate Simulation Section at the CWA, explained that this methodology is applicable across various sectors, provided there is at least one year of monitoring data, including nearby weather station data and the air conditioner's own operational data.
Li explained the concept: Air conditioning is closely tied to current temperature and humidity. While high temperatures usually mean turning up the AC, integrating forecast information allows the system to know in advance if the next day will be extremely hot. The chiller or ice maker can 'pre-make ice,' so that during peak hours, the load on the chiller can be reduced by using the melting ice. This follows a 'peak-shaving and valley-filling' concept.
Zhao Gongyue, CEO of the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI), noted that the methodology underwent a series of experiments at sites like the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology and Delta Electronics' Zhongli Plant. Even for a model student in carbon reduction like Delta Electronics, this plan achieved nearly 10% annual energy savings through external air intake, temperature, and humidity control adjustments.
Large buildings such as public structures, commercial towers, and factories typically rely on central air conditioning systems. In these systems, over 50% of electricity consumption comes from chillers. However, due to a lack of real-time response to external climate changes, these systems often fail to reach optimal energy efficiency.
The methodology, titled 'Improving HVAC Chiller System Efficiency through Climate Service Modulation,' was recently sent for pre-announcement. Li Mingying, head of the Climate Simulation Section at the CWA, explained that this methodology is applicable across various sectors, provided there is at least one year of monitoring data, including nearby weather station data and the air conditioner's own operational data.
Li explained the concept: Air conditioning is closely tied to current temperature and humidity. While high temperatures usually mean turning up the AC, integrating forecast information allows the system to know in advance if the next day will be extremely hot. The chiller or ice maker can 'pre-make ice,' so that during peak hours, the load on the chiller can be reduced by using the melting ice. This follows a 'peak-shaving and valley-filling' concept.
Zhao Gongyue, CEO of the International Climate Development Institute (ICDI), noted that the methodology underwent a series of experiments at sites like the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology and Delta Electronics' Zhongli Plant. Even for a model student in carbon reduction like Delta Electronics, this plan achieved nearly 10% annual energy savings through external air intake, temperature, and humidity control adjustments.