Definition & Objectives of Energy Management:

 

“The judicious and effective use of energy to maximize profits (minimize costs) and enhance competitive positions”

(Cape Hart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management Fairmont press inc. 1997)

 

 

Energy Audit: Types and Methodology

As per the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, Energy Audit is defined as “the verification, monitoring and analysis of use of energy including submission of technical report containing recommendations for improving energy efficiency with cost benefit analysis and an action plan to reduce energy consumption”.

 

Energy Audit can be classified into the following two types.

i) Preliminary Audit

ii) Detailed Audit

 

Preliminary Energy Audit Methodology

Preliminary energy audit is a relatively quick exercise to:

􀂃 Establish energy consumption in the organization

􀂃 Estimate the scope for saving

􀂃 Identify the most likely

􀂃 Identify immediate (especially no-/low-cost) improvements/ savings

􀂃 Set a ‘reference point’

􀂃 Identify areas for more detailed study/measurement

􀂃 Preliminary energy audit uses existing, or easily obtained data

 

Detailed Energy Audit Methodology

A comprehensive audit provides a detailed energy project implementation plan for a facility, since it evaluates all major energy using systems.

This type of audit offers the most accurate estimate of energy savings and cost. It considers the interactive effects of all projects, accounts for the energy use of all major equipment, and includes detailed energy cost saving calculations and project cost.

In a comprehensive audit, one of the key elements is the energy balance. This is based on an inventory of energy using systems, assumptions of current operating conditions and calculations of energy use. This estimated use is then compared to utility bill charges.

Detailed energy auditing is carried out in three phases: Phase I, II and III.

Phase I - Pre Audit Phase

Phase II - Audit Phase

Phase III - Post Audit Phase