When the smartphone understands the air conditioning

Commissioning industrial air conditioning systems used to be a complex, costly and time-consuming process that required special tools and extensive manual configuration. Three inventors at Siemens – Jibo Liu, Steven Brens and Sandeep Billa – have revolutionized this process. Recognizing that efficient HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for buildings), which account for nearly a fifth of global energy consumption, depend on correct installation and optimal operation, they developed an intuitive mobile app. Their innovation simplifies commissioning, making it as easy for specialists as setting up a new smartphone. For this, they were presented with the Inventors of the Year Award 2025 in the “Outstanding Invention” category.

The iPhone moment for the HVAC industry

The story began in 2018 with a brainstorming session. The colleagues had a vision: They wanted to create an open, standardized system that is as intuitive as a smartphone. “We dreamed of an Android operating system for the HVAC industry,” recalls Jibo Liu. “We wanted to recombine existing technologies – just like Steve Jobs did with the first iPhone.” And so they got to work. Their app is able to communicate with the control unit via a Wi-Fi stick, automatically recognizing and pre-configuring components. The guided, step-by-step installation slashes initial setup time from hours or even days to under 30 minutes. Additionally, cloud service activation instantly provides dashboards, alarms and a year’s worth of trend data.

Three inventors, different roles – one common goal

Jibo Liu, with a master’s degree in microsystems engineering and a Siemens tenure since 2005, recognized the immense potential in the traditional HVAC industry. He saw that despite its 20% contribution to global energy consumption, many commercial buildings, especially in the US with their flat roofs ideal for rooftop units, lacked digital interfaces. His vision: to make these electromechanically controlled systems smart and easy to set up with the app. Steven Brens, drawing on over 25 years of experience in digital control technology, bridged development and practical application. He recalls: "Previously, you had to bring a computer to the HVAC system and configure everything manually. Today, we do that with a few clicks – directly via the app." This makes efficient system setup accessible even for smaller businesses with a limited budget. Sandeep Billa focused on the app's software architecture, ensuring an intuitive interface that anyone can use, even without specialized knowledge. Jibo Liu (Solutions Engineer, primary designer and developer of the invention)

Jibo Liu (Solutions Engineer, primary designer and developer of the invention)

More than an app

The solution is based on Siemens’ Climatix C600 control unit, which has been adapted for new applications. Cloud connectivity enables remote maintenance. An integrated fresh air system helps reduce energy consumption by up to 20 percent. “We didn’t invent anything completely new,” says Liu. “What we did was combine existing Siemens technologies in a new way, enabling us to develop a whole new solution at unprecedented speed.”

Steven Brens (Solutions Engineer, field installation and deployment)

The difference in everyday life

This invention fundamentally changes HVAC installation, making it accessible to a broader range of users. It eliminates the need for specialized field technicians for programming and configuration, since the app provides a pre-configured, simplified setup. Already receiving positive feedback and expanding in the USA, the innovation is growing in compatibility. Economically, it opens new markets for Siemens, reaching small and medium-sized businesses and emerging regions, thereby democratizing access to advanced technology.

Sustainability through simplification

“The app ensures that the systems run efficiently from the start,” says Billa. “No misconfigurations, no wasted energy. That’s good for the environment – and good for the wallet, too.” Liu sees the invention as part of a larger mission: “My work fits well with Siemens’ vision of a greener, livable world. Even small improvements count – if they are used in millions of buildings worldwide.”

Sandeep Billa (Software Developer, implementation of mobile app)

The future is smart and networked

This innovation demonstrates how digitalization can simplify processes, lower entry barriers and make modern building technology accessible to new target groups, turning what was once a niche market into an achievable reality.