Energy management systems are used in both the private and public sector as a means to monitor and control energy consumption. Most home and business owners are aware of the importance of conserving energy for environmental and financial reasons, and an EMS can aid in achieving this end goal. An EMS contains a network of equipment connected to lighting, HVAC and other systems that contribute to the electrical load for a number of processes.
Gathering Information:
In order to make meaningful change, you need to first understand the situation. Quantifying the current energy situation is one of the most important roles of an EMS. The system uses meters installed in strategic points to accurately measure energy consumption across various areas. This data is collected and collated continuously throughout the day to provide an accurate assessment.
Analysis:
Once the system has gathered all of the relevant information, it needs to be put into some context. Meter readings are not likely to illustrate the energy consumption situation to a layperson, so you need the data to be analyzed by an energy expert. The technician will compile the data to create an overall picture and may use graphs and projections to make it easier for the data to be interpreted. The goal of the analysis is to find the opportunities available to make energy consumption improvements and create an action plan to boost overall efficiency.
Implementation:
One the data has been collected and analyzed; it is time to take action. All the suggestions put forth during the analysis phase will need to be considered for viability before an implementation plan can be developed. The suggestions will need to be ranked according to priority and a cost benefit analysis. For example, replacing old machines with a modern alternative to perform the same function could have a significant impact on energy consumption, but this option would represent a considerable investment. Other initiatives which require a smaller initial investment such as installing insulation to reduce heat transfer in vulnerable locations may be prioritized. Home and business owners will need to assess the potential return on investment for implementing the suggested changes. They will also need to be considered in the context of practicality.
Tracking Progress:
The final stage of energy management systems is to track the progress. The process simply does not stop once any new plans have been implemented. The effectiveness of the new schemes will need to be measured to check if the implementation was correct and if modifications are required to achieve even greater improvements. The energy consumption of the building will need to be tracked to assess the progress being made. Generally, the best way to track individual impact is to stagger the implementation of projects. Implementing the new schemes in a sequence with time in between will allow an accurate assessment of which has offered the greatest return on investment.
If you are a home, an energy management system could help you to achieve considerable energy savings. This is not only better for your wallet, but can help you to reduce your carbon footprint.