Energy is one of the major inputs for the economic development of any country. In the case of the developing countries, the
energy
sector assumes a critical importance in view of the ever
increasing energy needs requiring huge investments to meet
them. With energy saving we can reduce burden on energy resources and national economy and also can save money by using
energy cost effectively. Energy saving requires optimum use of energy by minimizing losses or wastage and avoiding excess use
without compromising the quality of output and comfort of personnel’s. Energy Audit is a tool to estimate and analyze energy
consumption and its pattern with respect to factors such as time, output & floor area.
Keywords: Energy Conservation, Energy Audit, Energy Conservation Measures
I. INTRODUCTION
Energy
audit is a inspection of energy using site to find out
energy losses, wastage and inefficient apparatus or process by
collection and detailed analysis of data related to energy usage and energy flow, comparison of collected results with set up
standards to find out Energy Conservation Opportunities and suggests technically feasible energy saving measures to reduce or
eliminate energy losses and wastage. Energy audit also helps building owners and industries to reduce their billing cost and
implementing best possible and cost effective energy saving measure by analysis of payback period.
II. NEED OF ENERGY AUDIT
Energy Audit needs to be done to Identify Energy saving Opportunities in a facility or areas with excess use of Energy compared
with set up standards. Energy audit is a effective tool of energy management to use Energy Effectively and Efficiently. In other
words Energy Audit is a process or methodology to find out Power Consumption according to different areas and in various slots
of
time, Total Connected load, Maximum Demand, Power Factor, Load
Factor and most importantly It proposes economic
measures to save energy with detailed comparison of cost of energy saving and investment required in terms of payback period.
An energy audit is a study of a plant or facility to determine how and where energy is used and to identify methods for energ y
savings. The objectives of an energy analysis or audit are to identify and develop modifications that will reduce the energy use
and/or cost of operating a building.[6] The results should be presented in a format that will provide the information needed by an
owner/operator to decide if any, some, or all of the recommended modifications should be implemented. An energy analysis or Energy Audit includes the following steps: 1) Collection and analysis of historical energy use. 2) Study of the building and its operational characteristics. 3) Identification of potential solutions that will reduce the energy use and/or cost. 4) To perform an engineering and economic analysis of potential modifications. 5) Preparation of rank-ordered list of appropriate modifications. 6) Preparation of an audit report to document the analysis process and results.
III. NEED OF ENERGY CONSERVATION
The
energy conservation measures helps in saving energy and cutting
cost in electricity cost of any building. For every unit of
energy consumption our environment suffers a loss in the form of pollution and reducing conventional energy resour ces, more
generating capacity demand. Saving a unit of energy not only save money but also saves environment and energy sources.
IV. COST EFFECTIVE ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES Use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps in Dwelling Units in place of Incandescent Lighting. In Common Areas use of
Fluorescent Lighting in place of Incandescent Lighting. Use of Energy- Saving florescent lamps with Electronic Ballasts in Common Areas. Install Lighting Controls in Common Areas. Install Photo-Controls for Exterior Lighting. Adjust lighting levels with dimmer to match needs at different times of the day by using day lighting. Use natural light wherever possible. Ensure windows are clean and encourage staff to open blinds before thinking of switching on lights. Turn off non-essential lights, signs and billboards inside and outside the building. Scale back to half lighting or reduce
lights on a dimmer where possible.Turn off the lights when leaving the office/building for the day by using master switch. Ensure after-hours security and
cleaning staff are briefed on the importance of turning unnecessary lighting off.Master Switch - Inst allation of a master switch outside a room can make it easy for a person to switch off all the
appliances of a room in case someone forgets to switch off while leaving the room. This can help improving energy
efficiency.
Corridors and toilets have large potential of saving energy by use of automation tools. Motion sensors can be used there to automatically switch on the light when there is any movement and switch off the
light when there is no movement. This can greatly reduce the total load in corridors and toilets. Window AC should be replaced with Split AC in view of proper ventilation to fan for heat exchange.
Summarized Below Are Some Guidelines For Most Efficient Use Of ACs: A.
Proper Insulation: 1)Good quality insulation must be maintained in the air conditioned rooms by keeping all doors and windows closed properly so as
to prevent cool air go out and hot air come in.
Curtains: 2)Always keep curtains on windows to prevent direct sunlight inside the room to avoid heating of cooled air. This reduces AC load
significantly.
Maintenance: 3)Proper maintenance and cleaning of ACs is required at regular intervals to make it work at highest efficiency. Any dirt in filter
may reduce efficiency of ACs very significantly.
Operation: 4)The ACs should be switched on 15 minutes before actual use and should be switched off before leaving the room.
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