State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company helps shopping mall upgrade ice-storage air conditioning

Tongda Shopping Plaza, the oldest commercial complex in Yangzhong, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, is set to undergo a major air conditioning upgrade. State Grid Zhenjiang Power Supply Company has developed a customized ice-storage air conditioning renovation plan for this 32-year-old commercial complex. The project not only alleviates pressure amid peak summer electricity demand but is also expected to save over one million yuan ($141,271.62) in annual electricity costs. It is scheduled to be operational before the summer of next year.

As the first commercial complex in Yangzhong, Tongda Shopping Plaza has been a key destination for shopping and leisure since its opening in 1991. It currently employs over 600 staff and welcomes more than 300,000 consumer visits annually. However, due to aging equipment, the original air conditioning system has shown increasing shortcomings in recent years. During peak summer hours, insufficient cooling led to temperature fluctuations inside the mall, negatively impacting consumer experience. Some tenants had to purchase additional cooling fans, increasing their operational costs.

The ice-storage technology introduced by the power supply company emphasizes off-peak energy utilization. During nighttime hours when grid load is low and electricity rates are cheaper, the system produces ice and stores it in storage tanks. During daytime peak hours when the mall is crowded, the stored cooling is directly released. After the upgrade, the mall's cooling capacity during extreme heat will increase by 37 percent, maintaining a comfortable temperature consistently for up to five hours. Cooling costs during peak electricity rate hours will be reduced by 84.85 percent, with overall electricity expenses nearly 80 percent lower.

"Not only does this reduce costs for the old commercial area — it also alleviates pressure on the grid during peak hours," said the project manager. The team conducted multiple on-site surveys to analyze the mall's customer flow patterns and electricity load before finalizing the energy plan. The project is currently in the equipment selection phase, with subsequent plans to optimize the power supply lines around the commercial area. This initiative will not only rejuvenate the historic landmark but also serve as a model for the green renovation of aging commercial buildings across the city.