logotop2024.svg

Friday, 13/03/2026 | 12:24

Case study

Large-Space Cooling Solution Helps Achieve Up to 36% Annual Energy Savings

10:38 - 11/03/2026

vsuee

The smart large-space cooling solution developed by TOMEXCO and installed at the SPX warehouse in Vinh Long has achieved overall energy savings of up to 36% per year, equivalent to nearly 200,000 kWh annually.

To achieve this level of energy optimization, Global Mechanical and Electrical and Import-Export Joint Stock Company (TOMEXCO) has continuously improved its technological capabilities, conducting research and developing solutions tailored to different spatial environments.
With a team of skilled design engineers, highly trained production workers, and advanced modern machinery, TOMEXCO has become the first brand in Vietnam to manufacture large-scale HVLS industrial fans in accordance with European standards.
Leaders of TOMEXCO, together with its engineers, staff, and workers.
The company consistently focuses on improving product and service quality in order to deliver optimal solutions to customers at reasonable costs. In particular, as modern logistics warehouses operate continuously 24/7 in hot and humid climates, implementing an intelligent ventilation and cooling system plays a critical role in maintaining ideal temperature and humidity conditions for both workers and goods.
From this practical need, TOMEXCO researched and developed the “Smart Large-Space Cooling Solution.” The solution has been installed at the SPX Vĩnh Long warehouse, which covers an area of 20,000 m².
Sharing insights about the solution, Le Quy Vinh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TOMEXCO, stated:
“The smart large-space cooling solution at the SPX Vĩnh Long warehouse integrates multiple mechatronic devices, environmental sensors, and a centralized PLC–HMI control system to optimize cooling performance, save energy, and improve the working environment.”
Mr. Le Quy Vinh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TOMEXCO
According to information gathered from project site visits and interviews with TOMEXCO engineers, the solution includes five main components: 18 HVLS ceiling fans with a diameter of 7.3 meters, equipped with high-efficiency PMSM motors; 12 Aircooler units with a capacity of 1.5 kW each, operating in two independent lines; 10 roof exhaust fans with a capacity of 1.5 kW each; A water chiller system (18 kW) combined with a 2.2 kW circulation pump; A PLC–HMI control system integrated with environmental sensors measuring temperature, humidity, and wind speed
All devices are interconnected within a unified control architecture and operate using real-time control algorithms based on the Temperature–Humidity Index (THI) and weather conditions.
The HVLS ceiling fans play a key role in distributing cool air throughout the warehouse. With an airflow capacity of up to 13,000 m³/min per fan, the HVLS system circulates air across the entire space, eliminating hot spots and working together with the Aircooler units to create an enhanced cooling effect. The new-generation PMSM motor, which operates without a gearbox, ensures quiet operation, high energy efficiency, and long service life.
Fan speed control based on the THI index optimizes electricity consumption: When THI < 75, the fan operates at 15 Hz; When THI = 75–85, the speed increases to 19 Hz; When THI > 85, the fan reaches 22 Hz. Thanks to this strategy, the HVLS system saves over 40% of electricity compared with traditional operation at full speed.
HVLS ceiling fans use high-efficiency PMSM motors.
The Aircooler system is designed with two separate lines serving two conveyor routes. In practice, both conveyor lines operate simultaneously only about 60% of the time, meaning it is unnecessary to run all 12 cooling units at once. The PLC controller allows flexible selection of the number of operating units based on work shifts, staff locations, cargo volume, and area temperature.
During shifts when only one conveyor line operates, the system activates cooling units only where necessary to avoid energy waste. When both lines are active, only 80–90% of the equipment operates since full cooling capacity is not always required. Actual calculations show that the Aircooler solution saves approximately 28–30% of energy.
Roof exhaust fan system.
The roof exhaust fan system plays a crucial role in removing accumulated hot air beneath the warehouse roof. During the daytime (06:00–18:00), all roof fans operate continuously to exhaust hot air, reducing the cooling load for the HVLS and Aircooler systems. At night (18:00–06:00), when temperature differences decrease, only 20% of the fans operate to maintain slight negative pressure, allowing fresh air to continuously enter the warehouse. This two-mode operation saves about 40% of electricity compared with running all 10 fans continuously.
Chiller and circulating pump system.
The chiller and circulation pump system is the largest energy-consuming component in the system, making intelligent control essential. The 18 kW chiller produces chilled water at 16–18°C for the Aircooler units.
However, when THI < 65, deep cooling demand decreases significantly. In this case, the PLC automatically turns off the chiller and keeps only the 2.2 kW circulation pump running to maintain water flow to the Aircoolers, delivering comfortable humidified air to workers. When outdoor wind speed reaches ≥10 m/s during storms, both the chiller and pump are turned off because natural cooling is sufficient. The chiller is also shut down during shift breaks to prevent unnecessary operation. Calculations show that this strategy saves nearly 27% of electricity for the chilled-water system.
The PLC–HMI control system serves as the central control hub, collecting real-time data from temperature, humidity, and outdoor wind-speed sensors. Based on this data, the PLC calculates the THI index and determines the optimal control commands for each device. All operating statuses are displayed on the intuitive HMI screen, allowing staff to monitor the system without manual intervention.
The main screen interface of the HMI controller.
The automatic shutdown timer feature turns off the system during break periods, completely eliminating the risk of forgetting to turn off equipment—a common cause of energy waste in traditional warehouses.
With this feature, operators only need to configure parameters once per week or once per month according to work plans and predetermined working zones. The ventilation system will then automatically operate at the right time and in the correct locations during working shifts.
According to Le Quy Vinh, the implementation of the smart large-space cooling solution at the SPX Vĩnh Long warehouse has delivered overall annual energy savings of 36%, equivalent to nearly 200,000 kWh. In addition to reducing operational costs, the solution improves worker health through a stable working environment, increases productivity, reduces safety risks in high-temperature environments, and minimizes risks related to workers operating electrical equipment improperly.
The smart large-space cooling solution developed by TOMEXCO is considered a replicable model for large logistics warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers in Vietnam, contributing to national goals of energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and sustainable development.

More

LATEST NEWS

Large-Space Cooling Solution Helps Achieve Up to 36% Annual Energy Savings

11/03/2026

EVENTS

  • 27/10/2025

    WEBINAR 3 - ESCO Model, A key to promote energy efficiency and conservation

  • 06/10/2025

    WEBINAR 2 - Financial Support Industrial Enterprises in Energy Efficiency - Opportunities and Challenges

  • 22/09/2025

    WEBINAR 1 - Scaling Up Energy Efficiency in Vietnam

Participating Financial Institutions