Highlights - Launch of the Intelligent Roadmap for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port 2024-04-19
Launch of the Intelligent Roadmap for Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port
With the successive implementation of policies relating to smart city development, carbon neutrality and Northbound/Southbound Travel for Hong Kong/Mainland/Macao Vehicles, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) launched an intelligent roadmap for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port (the Port) in May 2023, actively promoting smart crossing, smart asset management and carbon neutrality at the Port by developing and applying intelligent electrical and mechanical (E&M) solutions for client departments.
Regarding smart crossing, the EMSD is now upgrading the Automatic Vehicle Clearance Support System (AVCSS) for the Port. The upgraded system can recognise licence plates of vehicles from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, allowing smooth passage for drivers in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The proof of concept for the semi-automatic operation in the first phase has been completed. The automated system upgrade in the second phase is currently in full swing and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. In addition, the EMSD has developed for clients an artificial intelligent (AI) passenger flow monitoring and image analytics system in the Passenger Clearance Building (PCB), enabling real-time monitoring of the passenger flow by management staff, thereby strengthening security and crowd control; the system, which will also be connected to the air-handling unit and district chiller plants, adjusts the chilled water flow rate as well as the supply air volume and temperature based on passenger flow data, thus realising integrated crowd control and intelligent air-conditioning control.
In terms of smart asset management, Mr William Au, Senior Engineer of the EMSD, said, "In line with the approach of prevention, we have implemented smart asset management at the Port with the use of innovation and technology (I&T)." Apart from applying Building Information Modelling technology to address day-to-day engineering issues, the on-site team has installed the Intelligent Elevator Movement Surveillance Device for two passenger elevators in the E&M Maintenance Building and the Administration Building of the Highways Department, as well as the Intelligent Digital Escalator Monitoring System for two escalators in the PCB, in order to monitor the operation of the facilities in real time, which in turn enhances their safety level. Besides, the team has pioneered the development of the Intelligent Ballast Temperature Sensing Device (i-BTSD), covering more than 20 lighting installations in the underground facilities network, which detects the temperature change of ballasts in real time through machine learning for remote monitoring of the condition of the lighting installations at high-risk locations. Self-developed by the EMSD, the above three I&T solutions have won or applied for several local and international awards as well as short-term patents. Besides, the EMSD has installed smart locks on five electrical pillar boxes, and will introduce virtual reality technology for workers to receive safety training in a virtual environment, increasing their awareness of site safety.
To promote carbon neutrality in Hong Kong, we have been developing an AI technology for the district cooling system (DCS) of the Port since August last year, which is capable of analysing and regulating the switching on and off of chiller plants as well as the distribution of chilled water to several dozen buildings at the Port. It is estimated that an average of around two million kWh of electricity can be saved annually. In the future, we plan to extend the application to seawater cooling systems and heat exchange systems to further save energy and reduce emissions. In addition, we have been progressively implementing various renewable energy solutions, including the self-developed solar power seawater treatment system, the solar power electric vehicle charging system, etc., with a view to achieving the long-term goal of zero emissions from operations.
We are proactive in implementing the third Five-year Strategic Plan of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund by providing intelligent E&M services and assisting client departments in enhancing their efficiency and energy-saving equipment, so as to promote the realisation of the vision of carbon neutrality. To further strengthen innovation collaboration between stakeholders, we have organised a series of thematic activities on the application of innovative technologies, with a view to gaining clients' involvement in I&T development, as well as facilitating the implementation of more I&T solutions.
Figure 1: The AI passenger flow monitoring and image analytics system is capable of analysing the data on inbound and outbound passenger flow in real time, thereby enhancing management efficiency.
Figure 2: The second phase of the AVCSS upgrade is in full swing and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year, further optimising the clearance process of vehicles in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA.
Figure 3: The i-BTSD enables remote monitoring of the condition of lighting installations in remote areas, bridges and tunnels, as well as confined spaces, thereby enhancing the maintenance efficiency and minimizing accidents.
Figure 4: The EMSD developed an AI system for the DCS at the Port to contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality for Hong Kong.
Figure 5. The value added I&T Solutions Seminar cum Workshop was held on 12 January 2024 at the EMSD Headquarters, and several client department were invited to join. The event includes seminar, connection workshop and visit.
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