As building owners across Southeast Asia and Oceania look for ways to reduce energy consumption and operating costs, Samsung is highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent air conditioning systems and connected building technologies can help modernise existing commercial properties.
Rather than undertaking extensive renovations or replacing entire building systems, Samsung's approach combines its DVM S2 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system with SmartThings Pro, enabling building operators to manage cooling, monitor energy consumption and optimise performance through connected technology.
The solutions are designed for commercial properties such as office towers, hotels, shopping centres and mixed-use developments, particularly older buildings where improving energy efficiency without major structural changes can be challenging.
Rather than undertaking extensive renovations or replacing entire building systems, Samsung's approach combines its DVM S2 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system with SmartThings Pro, enabling building operators to manage cooling, monitor energy consumption and optimise performance through connected technology.
The solutions are designed for commercial properties such as office towers, hotels, shopping centres and mixed-use developments, particularly older buildings where improving energy efficiency without major structural changes can be challenging.
Samsung DVM S2 Brings AI-Powered Cooling to Existing Buildings
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of energy consumption in commercial buildings, particularly in tropical regions where cooling is required throughout much of the year.
According to Samsung, upgrading HVAC systems can offer building owners a practical way to improve energy efficiency without the cost and disruption associated with extensive structural renovations.
At the centre of its solution is the Samsung DVM S2, a VRF air conditioning system that allows a single outdoor unit to connect to up to 64 indoor units.
This configuration helps reduce the installation footprint while allowing different spaces within a building to receive cooling according to their individual requirements.
The system also supports more than 10 types of indoor units, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 96,000 BTU/h. This provides flexibility when upgrading existing environments such as hotel guest rooms, office floors, lobbies and recreational facilities.
Samsung states that the DVM S2's sub-cooling control and smaller main liquid pipe can reduce the overall refrigerant charge by up to 30%, subject to applicable conditions.
Its integrated Active AI technology is designed to analyse operating patterns and adjust cooling performance to maintain the required temperatures and pressures more efficiently.
Rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously, the system responds to actual cooling requirements. Based on Samsung's internal testing, this can reduce compressor energy usage by up to 15%, although results vary depending on installation and operating conditions.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of energy consumption in commercial buildings, particularly in tropical regions where cooling is required throughout much of the year.
According to Samsung, upgrading HVAC systems can offer building owners a practical way to improve energy efficiency without the cost and disruption associated with extensive structural renovations.
At the centre of its solution is the Samsung DVM S2, a VRF air conditioning system that allows a single outdoor unit to connect to up to 64 indoor units.
This configuration helps reduce the installation footprint while allowing different spaces within a building to receive cooling according to their individual requirements.
The system also supports more than 10 types of indoor units, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 96,000 BTU/h. This provides flexibility when upgrading existing environments such as hotel guest rooms, office floors, lobbies and recreational facilities.
Samsung states that the DVM S2's sub-cooling control and smaller main liquid pipe can reduce the overall refrigerant charge by up to 30%, subject to applicable conditions.
Its integrated Active AI technology is designed to analyse operating patterns and adjust cooling performance to maintain the required temperatures and pressures more efficiently.
Rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously, the system responds to actual cooling requirements. Based on Samsung's internal testing, this can reduce compressor energy usage by up to 15%, although results vary depending on installation and operating conditions.
Bali Beach Hotel Sanur Demonstrates HVAC Modernisation
One example highlighted by Samsung is the Bali Beach Hotel Sanur in Indonesia, where the hotel adopted Samsung's DVM solution as part of efforts to modernise its cooling infrastructure while preserving the property's heritage character.
The system allows cooling to be tailored to different areas of the hotel, including its lobbies, spa rooms and fitness facilities, according to the requirements of each space.
By combining flexible air conditioning configurations with energy-saving technology and integrated business controls, the hotel was able to modernise its cooling system without the disruption associated with a complete mechanical overhaul.
The project illustrates how intelligent HVAC technology can support building upgrades where maintaining existing architectural features is an important consideration.
One example highlighted by Samsung is the Bali Beach Hotel Sanur in Indonesia, where the hotel adopted Samsung's DVM solution as part of efforts to modernise its cooling infrastructure while preserving the property's heritage character.
The system allows cooling to be tailored to different areas of the hotel, including its lobbies, spa rooms and fitness facilities, according to the requirements of each space.
By combining flexible air conditioning configurations with energy-saving technology and integrated business controls, the hotel was able to modernise its cooling system without the disruption associated with a complete mechanical overhaul.
The project illustrates how intelligent HVAC technology can support building upgrades where maintaining existing architectural features is an important consideration.
SmartThings Pro Enables Smarter Energy Management
Beyond the physical air conditioning equipment, Samsung is also integrating its SmartThings Pro platform to provide centralised monitoring and management of connected building systems.
Through a single dashboard, facility managers can monitor energy consumption, review equipment performance, manage automated schedules and oversee multiple properties across different locations.
The platform's AI Energy Mode is designed to optimise connected devices by considering factors such as operating conditions, occupancy, electricity tariffs and indoor comfort requirements.
For example, cooling demand can be reduced in unoccupied areas, while operating schedules can be adjusted to account for periods of higher electricity tariffs.
This allows building operators to make more informed decisions about energy usage instead of relying entirely on fixed schedules or manual adjustments.
The connected system is also designed to continue adapting as building usage patterns change, helping maintain operational efficiency beyond the initial installation.
Beyond the physical air conditioning equipment, Samsung is also integrating its SmartThings Pro platform to provide centralised monitoring and management of connected building systems.
Through a single dashboard, facility managers can monitor energy consumption, review equipment performance, manage automated schedules and oversee multiple properties across different locations.
The platform's AI Energy Mode is designed to optimise connected devices by considering factors such as operating conditions, occupancy, electricity tariffs and indoor comfort requirements.
For example, cooling demand can be reduced in unoccupied areas, while operating schedules can be adjusted to account for periods of higher electricity tariffs.
This allows building operators to make more informed decisions about energy usage instead of relying entirely on fixed schedules or manual adjustments.
The connected system is also designed to continue adapting as building usage patterns change, helping maintain operational efficiency beyond the initial installation.
Predictive Maintenance and Remote Monitoring
Another advantage of connected HVAC systems is the ability to identify potential equipment issues before they develop into more serious problems.
By combining the DVM S2 with SmartThings Pro, facility management teams can access real-time operating information, performance trends and alerts through a centralised platform.
Samsung says predictive maintenance and remote diagnostic capabilities can help identify issues such as compressor performance problems or refrigerant leaks, allowing maintenance teams to investigate faults before they result in unexpected breakdowns.
For businesses managing multiple buildings across different cities, remote monitoring can also simplify maintenance planning and reduce the need for unnecessary on-site inspections.
The approach shifts building maintenance towards a more proactive model, where decisions can be guided by equipment conditions and performance data rather than relying solely on fixed servicing intervals.
Another advantage of connected HVAC systems is the ability to identify potential equipment issues before they develop into more serious problems.
By combining the DVM S2 with SmartThings Pro, facility management teams can access real-time operating information, performance trends and alerts through a centralised platform.
Samsung says predictive maintenance and remote diagnostic capabilities can help identify issues such as compressor performance problems or refrigerant leaks, allowing maintenance teams to investigate faults before they result in unexpected breakdowns.
For businesses managing multiple buildings across different cities, remote monitoring can also simplify maintenance planning and reduce the need for unnecessary on-site inspections.
The approach shifts building maintenance towards a more proactive model, where decisions can be guided by equipment conditions and performance data rather than relying solely on fixed servicing intervals.
Connected Building Technology Expands to the Philippines
Samsung's connected building ecosystem is also being incorporated into new developments, including Grantz Forest Park, a planned mixed-use project in Cebu, the Philippines.
The development is being led by Samsung's B2B Integrated Offering Center and is expected to incorporate connected technologies for residential facility management.
Through SmartThings Pro, facility managers will be able to remotely monitor the status of building facilities, while Samsung's Building Integrated Solution (b.IoT) will support the management of HVAC, lighting and power systems.
The integration is intended to improve building energy efficiency by providing a more connected approach to managing different operational systems.
While retrofitting remains an important opportunity for existing properties, developments such as Grantz Forest Park demonstrate how connected building technologies can also be incorporated during the planning and construction stages.
Samsung's connected building ecosystem is also being incorporated into new developments, including Grantz Forest Park, a planned mixed-use project in Cebu, the Philippines.
The development is being led by Samsung's B2B Integrated Offering Center and is expected to incorporate connected technologies for residential facility management.
Through SmartThings Pro, facility managers will be able to remotely monitor the status of building facilities, while Samsung's Building Integrated Solution (b.IoT) will support the management of HVAC, lighting and power systems.
The integration is intended to improve building energy efficiency by providing a more connected approach to managing different operational systems.
While retrofitting remains an important opportunity for existing properties, developments such as Grantz Forest Park demonstrate how connected building technologies can also be incorporated during the planning and construction stages.
Making Existing Buildings More Energy Efficient
As electricity costs and sustainability requirements become increasingly important considerations for property owners, upgrading existing infrastructure is emerging as an alternative to undertaking large-scale redevelopment.
For commercial buildings across Southeast Asia and Oceania, intelligent HVAC systems offer an opportunity to improve cooling performance, manage energy consumption and streamline maintenance while retaining much of the existing building infrastructure.
Through its DVM S2 system, SmartThings Pro platform and broader connected building technologies, Samsung is positioning AI-powered building management as a way to extend the operational life of existing properties while supporting more efficient day-to-day operations.
For building owners and facility managers, the potential benefits include improved visibility over energy usage, more responsive cooling systems and greater control over maintenance requirements.
As electricity costs and sustainability requirements become increasingly important considerations for property owners, upgrading existing infrastructure is emerging as an alternative to undertaking large-scale redevelopment.
For commercial buildings across Southeast Asia and Oceania, intelligent HVAC systems offer an opportunity to improve cooling performance, manage energy consumption and streamline maintenance while retaining much of the existing building infrastructure.
Through its DVM S2 system, SmartThings Pro platform and broader connected building technologies, Samsung is positioning AI-powered building management as a way to extend the operational life of existing properties while supporting more efficient day-to-day operations.
For building owners and facility managers, the potential benefits include improved visibility over energy usage, more responsive cooling systems and greater control over maintenance requirements.
Technical notes: Samsung's stated compressor energy savings of up to 15% are based on internal testing using an AM080AXVGGH/EU outdoor unit connected to AM083NN4DBH1 and AM145NN4DBH1 indoor units, with 25 metres of piping, operating in cooling Auto mode for four hours at an external temperature of 30°C and a set temperature of 22°C. Actual results may vary depending on installation and operating conditions. The stated refrigerant reduction of up to 30% is subject to conditions.For further information about regional cooling demand, refer to the International Energy Agency's report on the future of cooling in Southeast Asia.
