courtesy  :  logicladder

energy management

What is Energy Management?

As per Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI), which is an organization with 150,000+ engineers and scientists, energy management is defined as follows-

Energy management is the proactive, organized, and systematic coordination of procurement, conversion, distribution, and use of energy to meet the requirements, taking into account environmental and economic objectives.

To make things simple, we can define Energy management as a process that involves optimization of energy use for the best possible outcomes and taking steps for its conservation. It also includes planning related to the production of energy and its storage for future usage. So, the ultimate aim of this process is not only to save the cost but also to achieve complete environmental sustainability.

Recognize that contrary to the ongoing belief, the energy management process applies not only to large buildings and industrial facilities but even to our small living units, like our kitchens or dining room. So, you can start applying the process right away from your home by switching off the electrical appliances when not in use to save your electricity bills.

Various aspects of Energy Management

Now, let’s look at various aspects of energy management i.e. how the process of energy management helps in areas like Building Facilities, Logistics, Industrial Production, Machine Maintenance, Energy Procurement Process, and your Personal Life.

1. Facility Management

Energy Management is a part of facility management.

Energy management in commercial spaces involves steps to reduce electrical energy consumption costs, but without compromising the quality of work.

As we just told you above, you can save up to 29% of the total energy costs through the implementation of energy management systems.

2. Energy Management in Logistics Operations & Transportation

Energy management in Logistics implies choosing the right means of transportation, routes, performing load optimizations, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and opting for clean fuels.

Around 15% of CO2 emissions worldwide are caused by road transportation operations. So, implementing energy management here will not only save transportation costs but also combat environmental damage and global warming.

3. Energy Management in Manufacturing Industries

A lot of energy improvement scope also lies in industries. Ensuring best energy practices in industries will save substantial costs, improve work efficiency, and will provide a safe working environment. Following measures, if undertaken can save energy inside the manufacturing plants.

• Replacing old manufacturing machines with modern energy-efficient ones,
• Proper planning of production and maintenance activities,
• Using innovative ways of energy storage devices e.g. lithium-based electromechanical devices,
• Spatial plannings.
• Using energy-efficient technologies – One of the examples of energy-efficient technology is using Infrared Radiation(IR) for heat treatment or cooking purposes. IR treatment in a food processing company may save up to 78% of its electricity costs. Also, it also doesn’t require any oil, unlike traditional cooking, and that oil also has to be replaced regularly. So, using IR can provide more savings.

4. Energy Management in Energy Procurement Process

The energy procurement process involves selling/purchasing energy units.

The poor approach and transactional decisions here may result in increased energy bills of an organization. So implying energy management here involves taking proactive and smart buying decisions to save energy costs.

5. Personal Energy Management

Personal energy management is about managing your physical activities, mental efforts, as well as your emotional state throughout the day for a happier and healthy life.

What are the steps involved in Building Energy Management?

Out of the various aspects of energy management that we described above, we’ll be primarily focusing on Energy Management inside commercial/residential buildings i.e. Building Energy Management, which is part of facility management.

Now, we’ll bring the Energy Management System here. And so, the process of energy management in buildings will involve the following four steps – Collecting the data, then analyzing it to look for energy-saving opportunities, acting upon the opportunities, and REPEAT.