A technical framework analysis of digital twin control algorithms for HVAC-BMS Integration and implementation challenges for Malaysian green buildings

Norazam, Nur Muhamad Afif and Mohd Noh, Hamidun and Ishak, Mohd Hafizal and Zulkefli, Nursyazwani and Jumali, Muhammad Arif and Brown, Jeffery Jep (2025) A technical framework analysis of digital twin control algorithms for HVAC-BMS Integration and implementation challenges for Malaysian green buildings. Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE), 14 (SI): 4. pp. 60-81. ISSN e-ISSN: 2550-164X

Official URL: https://jmeche.uitm.edu.my/

Identification Number (DOI): 10.24191/jmeche.v14i1.8753

Abstract

Digital Twin technology offers transformative potential for integrating Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems with Building Management Systems (BMS) in Malaysian green buildings. While proven effective in temperate regions, its application in tropical climates presents unique challenges, including high humidity, intense solar radiation, and consistently elevated temperatures. This paper examines current trends and prospects of Digital Twin applications in HVAC-BMS integration for Malaysian green buildings, focusing on implementation status, climate-specific adaptations, and potential benefits. Using PRISMA methodology, 36 articles published between 2020 - 2024 were systematically reviewed, analysing implementation frameworks, energy optimization strategies, and security considerations. Findings reveal that Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms achieve a 35.9% improvement in coefficient of performance compared to conventional Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers, with energy consumption reductions of 23% - 30% across various building types. MPC-based Digital Twins demonstrate superior temperature control accuracy (± 0.4 C vs. ± 1.8 C) and humidity control precision (± 2.3 % RH vs. ± 7.5 % RH) compared to conventional systems. Implementation assessment reveals that GBI-certified buildings achieve significantly higher adoption rates (28%) compared to non-certified buildings (7%), with maturity levels primarily ranging from 1 to 3 on the 5-level framework. Break-even points typically occur between 2.2 - 3.1 years, with ROI averaging 120% - 150% over five years. Security implementation increased dramatically from 34% prior to 2022 to 87%.

Metadata

Item Type: Article
Creators:
Creators
Email / ID Num.
Norazam, Nur Muhamad Afif
UNSPECIFIED
Mohd Noh, Hamidun
UNSPECIFIED
Ishak, Mohd Hafizal
UNSPECIFIED
Zulkefli, Nursyazwani
UNSPECIFIED
Jumali, Muhammad Arif
UNSPECIFIED
Brown, Jeffery Jep
UNSPECIFIED
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Special industries and trades > Mechanical industries, Including electric utilities, electronic industries, and machinery
Q Science > QA Mathematics > Instruments and machines > Electronic Computers. Computer Science > Computer simulation
Divisions: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam > College of Engineering
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE)
UiTM Journal Collections: UiTM Journals > Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE)
ISSN: e-ISSN: 2550-164X
Volume: 14
Number: SI
Page Range: pp. 60-81
Keywords: Digital twin, HVAC-BMS integration, Fault detection neural networks, Tropical climate optimization, Implementation technical framework
Date: November 2025
URI: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/127042
Edit Item
Edit Item

Download

[thumbnail of 127042.pdf] Text
127042.pdf

Download (1MB)

ID Number

127042

Indexing

Altmetric
PlumX
Dimensions

Statistic

Statistic details