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