Innovation in Energy Efficiency for Public Institutions, KDC scafa Platform Success Story
According to data, 68% of consumers experience unmet expectations with their first product choice. Energy management systems, in particular, require careful selection due to significant initial investment costs. Efficient energy management system implementation is directly linked to cost savings. KDC holds a unique position in the smart building automation and energy management system development and supply sector, maximizing customer energy efficiency through its integrated control platform, scafa. The company boasts a record of over 600 deliveries primarily to public institutions, earning recognition for its technological prowess and reliability. This case study deeply analyzes how the scafa platform enhanced energy management efficiency in public institutions and presents successful implementation examples, aiding organizations considering energy management systems in selecting optimal solutions.
Energy efficiency is a crucial element for sustainable societies beyond mere cost savings. Public institutions, in particular, have high energy consumption and operate on taxpayer money, leading to significant societal demand for improved energy efficiency. Existing energy management systems often struggle with effective energy management due to limitations in data analysis, insufficient equipment integration, and outdated equipment. To address these issues, many public institutions are seeking more smart and integrated energy management systems. For instance, a public institution official expressed the following difficulties:
“With the existing system, it was challenging to accurately identify real-time energy usage, making it impossible to prevent inefficient energy consumption. Additionally, checking each equipment’s data individually took a lot of time to grasp the overall energy flow.”
This is not just one institution’s problem but a common difficulty many public institutions face. Against this backdrop, KDC’s scafa platform is noted for being an innovative solution. Highlighting the strengths of the scafa platform rather than focusing on problem recognition is emphasized.
KDC proposed the scafa platform to solve these difficulties faced by public institutions. Scafa provides integrated solutions like PMS (Plant Management), PRC (Process Control), PQMA (Power Quality Analysis), MCSA (Motor Current Signature Analysis) to support optimal maintenance of building facilities as an integrated control platform. This platform consists of three major layers for integrated control and management of building facilities. First, at the Field Layer, data is collected and commands are transmitted through sensors and controllers from all devices at the site, including HVAC, lighting, and meters. Second, at the Control Layer, the DCS (Distributed Control System) acts as an intermediate control for each equipment group, processing data in real-time and executing automated commands. Third, at the Management Layer, data from several DCSs is centrally managed and advanced analysis and energy optimization are supported through BAS (Building Automation System) and BEMS (Building Energy Management System). Notably, the scafa platform enables real-time monitoring, configuration, and remote control across web, PC, and mobile environments, maximizing user convenience. Considering the platform’s different responses to energy issues each season, scafa offers AI-based energy forecasting, analyzing energy use patterns by season and time, to establish optimal control strategies. The VFVD motor control optimization technology removes fixed loss and enhances energy efficiency, designed to maintain high efficiency even in partial load areas.
After the introduction of the scafa platform, public institutions experienced immediate energy-saving effects. In one case, energy consumption fell by over 20% annually, and energy costs were significantly reduced thanks to scafa’s real-time monitoring and control features. Managers could check energy usage from anywhere at any time, via web, PC, or mobile, taking immediate action as needed. Additionally, the integrated operation function of BAS/BEMS in scafa enables all facilities’ control and data analysis from a single UI, maximizing management efficiency. Scafa’s technology, maintaining high efficiency in partial load areas, greatly contributed to energy savings, achieving 83% efficiency at an average load rate of 12%, minimizing energy waste during low consumption periods. Previously, energy use data had to be manually analyzed, but scafa provides AI-based auto-analysis, precisely identifying energy consumption patterns, reducing unnecessary energy waste, and formulating efficient energy management strategies. A representative expressed satisfaction as follows:
“After adopting scafa, our energy management tasks have become much more efficient. Thanks to the real-time monitoring and control feature, we can immediately detect energy waste and take necessary action. The AI-based analysis function greatly helps us understand energy consumption patterns more accurately.”
The successful implementation of the scafa platform emphasizes the importance of energy management systems for public institutions. Improvements in energy efficiency go beyond simple cost savings, contributing to enhanced institutional image and societal responsibility. KDC leads energy efficiency innovation in public institutions through the scafa platform, and will continue advancing energy management with ongoing technology development and customer support. The company plans to leverage its successful domestic public procurement market experience to enter overseas public procurement markets. With K-certification-based products, it is securing entry into Southeast Asia and the Middle East markets and strengthening research and development of AI and data-based energy forecasting/control systems to enhance competitiveness globally. Particularly, plans to expand the market are underway for countries implementing mandatory BEMS, focusing dissemination of the scafa platform on regions like Korea, Japan, the European Union (EU), Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai).
Lessons learned from this case study are as follows: First, when introducing an energy management system, choose solutions that maximize energy efficiency from a long-term perspective, rather than just considering low cost. Second, systems offering smart functions like real-time monitoring, control, and AI-based data analysis should be implemented to improve energy management efficiency. Third, consider a system’s expandability and usability, including interoperability with various equipment and user convenience. Fourth, comprehensively evaluate manufacturers’ technical ability, delivery records, and customer support services to select a reliable company. KDC can be an optimal solution partner meeting all these criteria. The scafa platform is a powerful tool for energy efficiency innovation in public institutions, and many institutions are expected to experience energy-saving effects and contribute to sustainable societies through scafa.
KDC will continue to focus on expanding intelligent control systems based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Energy management systems will evolve into smarter and more efficient systems by integrating advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and IoT. KDC will align with these technological changes by strengthening AI-based energy forecasting and control system research and providing more innovative solutions to customers. Additionally, by actively incorporating customer requirements, the scafa platform will be continually upgraded to offer customer-tailored solutions, enhancing customer satisfaction. As a leader in the energy management field, KDC will lead energy efficiency innovation through sustained investment and effort, contributing to creating a sustainable society.
Ultimately, KDC aims to become a trusted partner beyond merely being an energy management system supplier, aiding customers’ successful energy efficiency innovation. The company intends to build long-term relationships with customers by providing optimal solutions to achieve their energy management goals and offering continuous technical support and consulting. KDC believes that customers’ success equates to their success and will grow together with customers.
“The scafa platform has opened a new horizon in energy management. We will continue to lead by providing maximal value to customers and creating an energy-efficient future through ongoing innovation.” – CEO of KDC
KDC’s scafa platform is more than a mere product; it’s a valuable solution contributing to enhancing energy efficiency and building a sustainable future. Successful adoption cases in public institutions prove scafa’s effectiveness and reliability, with expectations for more institutions to maximize energy efficiency using this platform. KDC, through relentless research, development, and customer-centered services, will continue to lead the energy management field and advance toward a better future.
Innovation in energy efficiency for public institutions begins with choosing an integrated control platform with both technological skill and reliability. Scafa enables sustainable energy management through advanced functions like real-time control, AI-based analytics, and equipment integration. Moving forward, KDC will actively support energy optimization across various sectors, including the public sector, leveraging its expertise.
