Technical Report: Implementing Energy Saving Measures
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June 5, 2020Proof that the Lightbulb industry follows Keppler’s Product Lifecycle
June 5, 2020Technical Report: Implementing Energy Saving Measures
Initial Assignment Brief:
Technical Report: Implementing Energy Saving Measures
You are required to analyse the energy related time series data from two different non domestic buildings and to produce a technical report identifying the energy saving opportunities.
These will comprise of Two City Council Buildings from the list provided (a list of buildings and data are provided on blackboard).
(If you have access to any non-domestic building nearby, and sufficient half hourly data for it to demonstrate use of the analysis techniques taught in the module, then you might instead be able to analyse one city council building plus the building of your choice. This would need to be a safe building that you have agreed access to from the building owners to carry out a walk through energy survey, permission to take photographs and permission to use the data. Please contact the Module Leader for guidance).
City Council Buildings:
General information in the form of a ‘walkthrough’ survey report will also be available on the type of building, occupancy and other readily available information.
It doesn’t matter which buildings you pick, the wide choice offered is to make the process more interesting.
Based on the information available for each building you will produce a technical report describing the potential energy saving opportunities. The data is real data and may contain small gaps. This report will contain the relevant graphs etc that describe your approach and your findings.
Data will include degree day data, electricity, gas, water (only where the data are relevant to certain sites) and for at least a twelve-month period. This data will be based on half hourly data from the buildings.
You should draw conclusions from analysing the data, i.e. what features are of interest? Why? You should also take note of other information about the building to identify the most appropriate recommendations for further action.
The report should describe the analysis techniques and the results obtained for all the buildings. This report is designed for the energy manager responsible for the buildings that you have investigated. That is, it should be a technical report and give the reader confidence in your analysis techniques.
The technical report should demonstrate that you meet all of the learning outcomes listed below:
1.1 Learning outcomes
Successful completion of this coursework will demonstrate:
• Systematic understanding and critical awareness of the concept of the degree day and it use by energy managers.
• Ability to analyse time series data and identify potential energy saving opportunities using regression based analysis techniques.
• Critical evaluation of how monthly and half hourly data can analysed.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and appropriate style for a postgraduate technical report.
1.2 Notes and guidance
1. Your assignment should take the form of a technical report suitable for a building manager.
2. This should include an executive summary at the beginning of the document (typically between one half to two pages maximum) describing the measures proposed.
3. This should also include a separate section outlining the energy efficiency measures proposed (as opposed to throughout the analysis section). Please include all diagrams and graphs within the main body of the text.
4. The basis for any merits or deficiencies that you find in the analysis technique used should be logical argument proceeding from observed fact, where possible.
5. In practice, certain facts are often not at your disposal. It is important, then, that you justify any assertions that you make very carefully, and provide a balanced view (‘for’ and ‘against’) whenever absolute certainty is unavailable.
The unsubstantiated statement of personal opinion has no place in the technical report, and will be penalised during assessment. However, you may wish to highlight instances where in your judgement, with reference to the extent of current knowledge and understanding, some courses of action would appear to be desirable. For example, certain practices or policies may appear to be capable of improvement if modified to take account of empirical findings or theoretical models.
Or further research of particular types may be desirable to expand our knowledge or to reduce uncertainties.
6. All text in the submitted document excluding references and excluding appendices must consist of 3000 words or less. Images are not to be used for including extra blocks of text. State the total number of words used at the end of your essay.
7. Since larger graphics make for ease of marking and better presentation, a page limit is not included in the marking scheme, although please try not to exceed 25 pages.
8. Assessment will be based on the extent to which the learning outcomes listed above have been met, with respect to the marking scheme below.
9. Marks will be deducted for unauthorized late submission of assessed work. If you feel that you will be unable to meet the submission deadline, please raise the matter with the module leader well before the submission date.
Specific marks will be awarded according to the following items being covered in the report. (These list items for marking purposes and will be appropriately weighted):
Summary – Is a useful summary included at the beginning of the report?
Graphics presentation- are graphics presented correctly?
Text presentation – is the report appropriately written and clear? Marks will also be awarded where references are cited for clear referencing.
Benchmarking – use of benchmarking to identify building performance.
Regression – demonstrate degree day plots and analysis, are control faults present?
Cusum – demonstrate ability to produce plots and draw conclusions from these, rebase if necessary.
Half hourly – draw sensible conclusions from half-hourly plots – what time series does this represent, are control faults present?
Utilise survey data – make sure you make maximum use of the survey document which is included – many energy saving measures can be identified without looking at the energy data.
Logical progression – the report must follow a good logical progression from analysis of energy and survey data, to recommendations made.
Recommendations – marks will be awarded for recommendations for energy saving. Something is possible for every building.
Overall understanding – a mark will be awarded to reflect overall understanding of the module.
A provision in the marking scheme exists for a small amount of extra marks to be awarded for any additions which benefit the assignment which do not fall into the above list.
Specific and General Feedback after assignment was marked:
Specific feedback:
The sections of the assignment which have been included are very good but crucial sections are missing which were required as part of the assignment brief. The report as it stands is well written and presented showing good insight. Recommendations are complete and the report shows good use of survey data. A strong set of references has been included. Unfortunately the report does not merit a pass since missing sections include benchmarking, regression, Cusum analysis, and half hourly, all of which are vital parts of energy analysis techniques.
General comments to all students:
For good marks, the demonstration of regression would generally include some comments on the degree of scatter within the plots, good scaling, so that the curves are clearly visible, and when the cluster of points does not seem to represent a straight line, comments, where appropriate regarding other curve shapes, which may fit, and reveal more detail about building controls. With regard to cusum plots, it is particularly good to pick out events which are identifiable from the curves and to continue analysis or interpretation on this basis. In other words, merely producing a Cusum does demonstrate an ability to follow the method, therefore does not score is highly as a demonstration of an understanding of interpretation. Half hourly profiles when produced, are best taken from smaller snapshots of data, such as for a weeks worth of data or for a month. Plotting half hourly profiles for periods of for, example a year, can produce excessive smoothing, with consequent loss of detail. The ideal situation is to identify a cusum event, and have a look at half hourly profiles shortly before and shortly after the event, to see which changes have taken place, for example renovation works on the building, could also include maintenance of the control system, with consequent elimination of unoccupied weekend heating.
Recommendations ideally are grouped logically in terms of payback or urgency. Ideally, a numerical estimate, would be given , but a grouping with the quickest payback option coming first in the list, is a basic sound method of presentation of recommendations. Additional marks are awarded for good use of the survey data, including attention to maintenance issues, which could also affect overall energy efficiency. Recommendation of low-cost measures, and zero cost measures, such as switch off campaigns, and staff training, are always worth mentioning for all sites, since in some situations, energy savings could be higher than 10%. The logical progression between energy data analysis, analysis of the survey data, and the recommendations made, should ideally be demonstrated. This means that if the graphical results of the energy analysis techniques methods demonstrated, but a description of what these plots really mean is not included, then the causal link between analysis and recommendations is lacking, and therefore this would be an area of possible improvement.
Overall understanding of the module and the requirements of the assignment brief, is demonstrated by the inclusion of appropriate data and analysis, including, amongst other factors, report length. If minimal or no analysis has been carried out for any of the sites due to the perceived lack of data, it should be remembered that the amount of data that we have these buildings, frequently compares very favourably to the situation energy managers are often confronted with. Where floor area data is unreliable for example, an inference can be made from the floorpan sketches, or by looking at aerial images in for example Google Earth, or by using the building external photographs. Students are reminded that building envelope heat loss calculations are not explicitly required for this assignment.
See Technical Report I submitted that was submitted for the feedback above:
Technical Report:
Babington and Ellesmere Colleges Energy Audit
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A preliminary energy audit has been conducted at Babington College and Ellesmere College in Leicester. The energy usage data available for these sites does not extend past 2008 in either case. This report contains the findings of that investigation.
The recorded data for Babington College addresses the main gymnasium. The standard collection was done for electrical consumption of kWh at 30-minute intervals and weekly intervals between 2001 and 2008. The standard collection was also done for gas usage at Babington College between the years 2005 and 2008, again at the recommended intervals of 30 minutes and weekly. The data available for Ellesmere College is less reliable however simple observations inform this report. The technical data provided for Ellesmere covered both electrical and gas in the same parameters as for Babington. There are gaps in the Ellesmere data because of inoperable equipment. The electrical data covers the period between October 2004 and April 2008. The gas data collected covers the period between November 2004 and April 2008. In both cases, this data addresses consumption rates at 30-minutes intervals and weekly. The next step after this report is to obtain bids and make recommendations for renewable technologies that could be implemented on these college campuses. In the case of Ellesmere, bids need to be obtained for renovation as well as for demolition and new construction.
Babington is well on its way to an environmentally sound and sustainable campus. The main gymnasium at Babington should be bid for a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) to see if it meets payback requirements.
There exists a regulations and recommendations for schools in the United Kingdom to meet an energy efficiency obligation (EEO). In order to meet the EEO a quantitative analysis of energy usage is required as a preliminary step. After the initial analysis, other surveys should be undertaken to establish mechanisms and structural alterations that will assist schools in meeting general requirements for effective energy efficiency. Government agencies in numerous jurisdictions have undertaken measures to encourage and assist schools in improving their end-use energy efficiency. In Leicester, the City Council began passing measures and goals for energy efficiency back in 1990. Progress for Babington College has been great however; progress for Ellesmere has fallen behind even the most limited of achievements.
There are two features of EEO that both schools need to consider:
 The school administrators need to establish how much funding will be required to meet EEO goals by contacting vendors and construction companies for bids;
 The school administrators must produce, or cause to be produced, an action plan, appoint an Energy Champion (discussed later), and establish a budget in order to apply for funding. By establishing the needs of the schools in relation to the cost of improvements the correct EEO scheme will demonstrate the length of time it takes to enable recovery of the funds spent.
 When the schools invest in new appliances the purchasing agents need to make sure that they are buying A or B rated appliances. This is especially important as it relates to those that constantly run such as fridges and freezers.
Another feature of EEO that both school can implement immediately at no cost relates to non-structural energy saving behaviours:
Turning off computers, lights, and other electrical appliances when not in use. In the case of both school computers were found to be left on at full power even when the schools were in between terms and the computers were not in use at all. Additionally installing at socket switches will help in saving energy. Faculty and staff need to turn off lights when rooms are empty.
 The purchasing agents need to buy energy saving light bulbs, which on average reduce electrical usage by 80% compared to incandescent bulbs. Additionally these bulks have a lifespan 10 times greater than incandescent bulbs.
 Establishing recycling processes: Collection bins for aluminum, glass, paper, etc. should be placed at locations around the school campus. Additionally, because these are schools committed to education creating composting collection bins for vegetable, fruit, and garden matter can immediately decrease the amount of waste sent to regular rubbish collection by 30%.
1.1 Main Gymnasium Babington College
This technical report is an outline of the energy usage at Babington Community College at the main gymnasium. This outline is designed to be used with a broader research that addresses the issues of how retrofitting and other possible measure could reduce the energy usage at this school
1.2 Northernmost Block Ellesmere College
This building reveals so many problems and has such extensive deterioration and so much deferred maintenance that besides a retrofit assessment and estimate for new construction is advised.
2. Babington College
Babington College was built in the early 1980’s, and houses around 1300 pupils, and around 60 teachers. Leicester City Council owns the site.
The Building Schools for the Future Programme is working with Babington College on refurbishments. The goal of this refurbishment program is that energy saving retrofitting be completed by 2014. The sequence of buildings at Babington that will be addressed by the energy audits and are scheduled for work are the Art, Design & Technology, PE, Performing Arts, SEN, the Resource Centre, Catering and the Administration block. Externally the development of the Amphitheatre including the seating is currently taking place.
The Leicestershire Badminton Association leases the main gymnasium area for evening use at a flat fee. As a result, Babington College has the burden of paying for the rising cost of energy at the facility. This includes heating and 100 x 175 watts of lighting units (17,500 watts). The lease agreement is for a fixed term. The building suffers from noticeable dampness. There is evidence that the steel electrical conduit is rusting.
Babington College is obviously committed to contemporary sustainability ethics as can be judged by their retrofitting and new constriction program noted in the introduction of this report. This technical report about energy usage at Babington College seeks to analyze the accessible energy data and draw comparisons between Babington and other similar situations as well as industry benchmarks.
2.1 Energy usage patterns
It was fortunate that Babington staff were enthusiastic and worked hard to assemble comprehensive energy consumption data based on different intervals because not all energy users are so enthusiastic and willing to participate in audits. This data was provided in the form of excel spreadsheets available for inspection upon request. In this report, the data for gas usage will be addressed first because it relates to the boilers. The data for gas usage collected was at 30-minute intervals and weekly intervals between the years 2005 and 2008. Second, the data for electrical usage will be addressed. The data for electrical usage provided represents 30-minute intervals and weekly intervals between the years 2001 and 2008. In this report, the electrical data is cropped to make it more relevant to the goals of this energy audit.
2.2 Boiler energy consumption data
The boilers for the building are four large modulating boilers. Two boilers are the Ideal Viscount and two boilers are the Ideal Viceroy. Due to acoustic dampening it was difficult to identify the pressure jet burner ratings so the working assumption is that they operate at a rate in excess of 1,000kW rated output. The collection of data for gas usage, heating, and the boilers was more challenging because of the amount of space and variety of materials in the buildings. The varied height of the ceilings, issues with the roofline, as well as the age and variable thickness of the brick walls made analysis trickier. In general, this type of data is gathered by either 1) examining equipment operations directly and recording gas usage or 2) measuring the temperature and flow rate of water as it enters and exits the central heating system. Both measurement techniques allow for calculations and conclusions about the effectiveness of energy consumption. In this way, conclusions about the amount of the energy the boiler uses is determined. The data based on the gas usage is represented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 (Gas Weekly Usage)
Figure 1 (Gas Weekly Usage) indicate that the usage is extremely high in November, February, and March every year, however, there was a gas dip November 2007. The data available for 2008 indicates that spikes occurred in January, March, and April. Not surprisingly, this indicates that when the weather is colder the usage is higher.
2.3 Electrical consumption data
Figure 2 presents the electrical consumption for Babington Community College for 2006, 2007 and 2008. The trends indicate a pattern in usage that is consistent with weather patterns and facility occupations days. The trend exists for all years until late 2007 when there was an electrical dip and then the beginning of 2008 when usage spikes dramatically.
Figure 2 (Electrical Weekly Usage)
Comparisons of these years reveal that usage is somewhat consistent as expected however, there is a great deal of variation between 2008 and previous years. The usage is consistently high, however not as high as the record highs in 2006 and 2007.
This study would benefit from an historical analysis of the weather for these three years however as it is the amount of electricity being used is above the preferred rates for environmentally sound and energy efficient buildings.
3. Ellesmere College
Ellesmere College is a Specialist Sports College in Leicester. It is a secondary school that is designed for students ages 11-19 with learning difficulties. The enrollment cap at the college is 250 students. The college campus consists of a southern area built during the 1920s and 1930s. This area has been maintained and is moderately efficient. The northernmost area was built in the 1960s and is somewhat dilapidated. The building overheats during the summer months. The interior has been maintained however, the exterior is in need of drastic repairs and renovation. When first contacted the staff at Ellesmere were resistant to participating in an energy audit.
Location: Ellesmere College Ellesmere Road Leicester LE3 1BE
Ellesmere College is in need of retrofitting in order to
