Extensive underground utilities are located all over Hong Kong, supporting the everyday life of the general public round-the-clock. The complexity of underground drainage system has, however, posed numerous challenges on maintenance and repair. In view of this, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Department of Electronic Engineering of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have jointly developed a new wireless communication solution for underground utilities in the manholes. The EMSD and the CUHK have been working closely with the Drainage Services Department and Water Supplies Department to overcome limitations and to embrace challenges with innovative technologies in order to enhance the monitoring and maintenance of the utilities. We also successfully patented the solution by the end of last year.
Generally speaking, it is not an easy task to establish a wireless communication system for devices deployed in an underground environment, as Radio Frequency (RF) signals have to penetrate heavy and thick manhole covers to transmit data to nearby base stations. The data would then be sent to operators' devices through wireless network for analysis. One of the major challenges for applying wireless devices to manage underground utilities is that RF signals would be weakened when blocked by manhole covers. Another major challenge is the large power consumption of traditional wireless devices, which results in frequent manual replacement of batteries, and hence increased management cost.
Co-ordinated by the EMSD, this innovative solution works on improving the communication channel by seeking a synergy of complementing the Quadrifilar Helix Antenna (QHA) (antenna generally used for satellite communications) developed by the CUHK with the advantages of the Government-Wide Internet of Things Network (GWIN) to solve the problem of signal blockage of manhole covers. It helps increase the effectiveness of radio communication in underground environment, and reduce the power consumption of wireless devices and the frequency of batteries replacement. With numerous laboratory adjustments and on-site tests, the new device has achieved stronger antenna effectiveness and relatively higher signal reception and transmission success rate.
The innovative solution is designed to benefit various underground utilities and it can be implemented at flooding blackspots of stormwater drainage systems and freshwater piping systems. The newly developed device is capable of assisting data collection and providing near real-time monitoring of condition of utilities, ensuring their normal operation and checking leaks in the pipes, etc. With such functions, a long-term near real-time monitoring is achieved, protecting the underground utilities of the smart city.
In response to the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0, the EMSD has been actively promoting the application of innovative technology and co-operating with various government departments to support smart city initiatives, including the smart toilet pilot programme (pilot programme) in collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The smart toilet system (system) utilises Internet of Things technology to deploy various sensors in public toilets to collect data transmitted by the GWIN. The system will also analyse the data in detail, assisting client departments in improving management efficiency and service quality of the toilets.
The system has a wide range of applications and is able to collect different types of data, including usage of public toilets (e.g. user flow, occupancy status of toilet cubicles/urinals), environmental parameters (e.g. temperature, humidity, odour), operation status of equipment (e.g. hand dryers, floor fans, flushing cisterns), usage of consumables (e.g. sanitisers, liquid soap, toilet paper). Besides, some toilets are also equipped with touchless devices or QR codes to collect feedback from toilet users, enabling client departments to make necessary adjustments based on the feedback.
The pilot programme mainly covers two types of venues, including public toilets with high utilisation rate in Hong Kong (usually located near tourist spots or popular country trails), and toilets in remote areas covered by the GWIN. The construction work of the pilot programme has commenced gradually at the end of 2021, and the system has been installed first in some toilets, including Tak Wah Park Public Toilet and Chuen Lung Village Public Toilet in Tsuen Wan. The entire pilot programme will cover 17 toilets under the FEHD and the LCSD. When the system is in full operation, it will help enhance the management efficiency and service quality of the toilets, as well as the image of Hong Kong as a smart city.
In addition, the EMSD has been collecting innovative ideas on the application of the system through the E&M InnoPortal for further system optimisation.
With a view to supporting the 2021 Legislative Council General Election (2021 LCGE) Polling Day on 19 December last year, the EMSD was commissioned by the Registration and Electoral Office to formulate a series of new complementary measures using innovation and technology (I&T) for the smooth running of the election. On the polling day, the EMSD deployed approximately 1 600 staff to work in different positions at the polling stations and mobilised more than 1 500 colleagues and contractor staff to provide technical support to the election.
The EMSD was responsible for a number of election preparatory duties that had to be completed within a short period of time, including installing and testing the lighting, electrical and mechanical (E&M) and electronic equipment and infrared fever screening systems at the polling and counting stations, and co-ordinating with various divisions to organise multiple oath-taking ceremonies for over 1 000 election supporting workers, including EMSD and contractor staff. To facilitate management and emergency response, the EMSD team developed a digital management system utilising Internet of Things and mobile technologies to monitor the installation progress of each polling station in Hong Kong in real time. The team also set up an Emergency Response Centre from 18 to 20 December to monitor the work progress and make appropriate staffing arrangements in real time through digital platforms in order to provide immediate support services. In addition, as the Electronic Poll Register system was used for the first time to distribute ballot papers, the EMSD especially strengthened the monitoring of government data centres to ensure the stable operation of government cloud networks.
It was no easy task to prepare properly for a large-scale event within a limited time. It involved many challenges, and the participating colleagues must have extensive project management experience and teamwork. For instance, the installation and testing of 693 polling stations and over 600 counting stations in Hong Kong within a short period of time required the co-operation and support of multiple teams. With limited time and resources, leveraging on the use of I&T could enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Thanks to the EMSD team's response experience and capabilities, prior preparation and thorough co-ordination, as well as the proper application of I&T, the support work for the 2021 LCGE was completed smoothly and the achievements made are evident to all.
The EMSD has been committed to acting as the Innovation Facilitator for the Government to promote the development of I&T in Hong Kong. The EMSD launched the E&M InnoPortal (InnoPortal) in March 2018. With the core concepts of "Connect", "Share" and "Co-Create", it matches the E&M service needs of government departments and public organisations with the I&T solutions of start-ups, universities and research institutes, so as to jointly promote the application of research and development achievements as well as realising the I&T wishes of our client departments.
| Project | Achievement |
| Smart Fever Screening System at Boundary Control Points | Enhances the efficiency of health screening at boundary control points and reduces the risk of infection among staff |
| Smart Toilets | Enhances the quality of public services |
| Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System | Facilitates inspections of E&M installations |
| Fan Coil Unit | More energy-efficient and maintenance-friendly |
Client departments are welcome to visit the website https://inno.emsd.gov.hk/en/it-wish-list/it-wish-list-form/index.php to make an I&T wish!
The annual E&M I&T Day 2021 was successfully held at the Hong Kong Science Park from 7 to 8 December 2021. Over 250 participants from different government departments, the I&T industry, the E&M industry, tertiary institutions, public organisations, etc. attended the event. Its live broadcast also attracted about 1 000 viewers. The event was held in both physical and virtual formats. Through exhibition booths and seminars, participants shared innovative solutions in the field of smart city and smart building. Apart from inviting local universities and research and development institutions in the Greater Bay Area for sharing, the EMSD also collaborated with the representatives of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Transport Department and the Civil Aid Service to share the achievements and latest development of a number of smart city projects, including the smart toilet pilot programme, the automated parking system, the trial scheme of hiker safety initiative, etc. As the service provider and Innovation Facilitator of E&M engineering services for the Government, the EMSD will continue to work with various partners to fully support our client departments in implementing the smart city initiatives.
The EMSD Symposium 2022 organised by the EMSD concluded successfully on 20 January. With the theme "C0-innovinity" to promote carbon neutrality and collaboration in innovation, the symposium was held via video conferencing and attracted over 1 400 participants from various sectors, including local, Mainland and overseas government departments as well as public organisations, the I&T sector, the E&M trades and academics. The response was enthusiastic, where the participants pooled collective wisdom on carbon neutrality and shared innovative solutions and research and development outcomes in the fields of smart city, artificial intelligence and low-carbon energy through online exhibition zones. Mr. Michael Wong, the Secretary for Development, and Mr. Pang Yiu-hung, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, said in their opening address and welcoming speech that the Government has been actively shaping a smarter and greener Hong Kong, and the EMSD, as the Government's Innovation Facilitator, will continue to collaborate with the trades to strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.
With the advancement of the times, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has continuously improved the application of technology. The EMSD actively collaborates with the HKPF in designing and co-ordinating various projects to assist the relevant police units to enhance their command capability and operational efficiency.
The EMSD assisted the Kowloon West Regional Higher Command (Higher Command) in its 15-month system renovation project, which includes restructuring the layout of the Higher Command and its functional rooms, upgrading digital network infrastructure, enlarging a number of video walls, integrating multimedia management capabilities and providing a one-stop control platform solution for the defense system of the regional headquarters. As it was a large-scale and complex project and the Higher Command had to maintain round-the-clock operation during the works period, the EMSD worked closely with the relevant units to ensure maintenance of high professional standards and implementation of all-round co-ordination throughout the process. Finally, the project was completed on schedule and to the complete satisfaction of the client department. At the opening ceremony of the newly renovated Higher Command held on 26 November 2021, Mr. Rupert Dover, Regional Commander of Kowloon West of the HKPF thanked the EMSD team for their efforts and contributions.
The HKPF's new high-performance motorcycles were officially put into service on 6 October 2021. Mr. Siu Chak-yee, Raymond, the Commissioner of Police officiated the handover ceremony of new motorcycles to replace the old model. The EMSD was entrusted earlier by the HKPF to co-ordinate the procurement of new model of motorcycles, as well as to handle subsequent follow-ups and provide training. We eventually selected a model with higher engine emission standards than the requirement of the Environmental Protection Department, which was a challenging process.
The new motorcycles are more efficient, reliable and safer than the old model, with stable acceleration and adjustable windscreens. Superintendent of Traffic New Territories South cum Officer Commanding of Force Escort Group of the HKPF said, "The new motorcycles have excellent performance. With an improved control system and high-speed riding stability, coupled with the computer-assisted braking system, the new motorcycles can enhance frontline traffic officers' safety and confidence in performing duties." This shows that the overall performance of the new motorcycles is better and can safeguard road traffic safety more effectively.
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund actively participated in the Hospital Authority (HA)'s open tender for engineering services and was formally notified by the HA early this year that we have been successfully awarded three five-year contracts, i.e. contract for operation and maintenance services for electrical, mechanical, air-conditioning and building services, contract for maintenance services for medical equipment, as well as contract for maintenance services for operating theatre equipment.
The EMSD has been a reliable partner of the HA and has been providing maintenance services for E&M equipment in public hospitals and general out-patient clinics under the HA for many years. In the face of the epidemic, the EMSD strived to maintain the operation of relevant facilities, and at the same time actively assisted our clients to cope with service needs arising from the epidemic. We sincerely thank our clients for their trust and support, as well as our colleagues for their relentless efforts over the years. Going forward, we will continue to provide quality and cost-effective services to our clients in the future.