Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 2 of 3

Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 1 of 3
December 14, 2020
Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 3 of 3
January 13, 2021
Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 1 of 3
December 14, 2020
Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 3 of 3
January 13, 2021
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Improve Energy Performance: Measurement and Verification – Part 2 of 3

Continuing from our previous blog, this discussion looks at four options on measurement and verification (M&V) plans:

Option A:  Retrofit Isolation Option A applies to a single Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) with the key parameter measured.  Savings are determined by field measurement of the key performance parameter(s), which define the energy use of the ECM.  Non-key parameters are estimated.  For example, an energy-efficient pump/motor upgrade may estimate annual pump operating hours (non-key parameter) and measure the electrical motor power (key parameter).

Option B:  Retrofit Isolation Option B applies to a single ECM with all parameters measured.  Savings are determined by field measurement of all performance parameter(s), which define the energy use of the ECM.  There are no estimated parameters.  For example, load shifting or demand shifting a motor/pump.  The electrical motor power and the pump operating hours are both measured.  The hours may be measured via a proxy variable such as current flow.  A Measurement Boundary may be helpful in identifying the ECM equipment.  All significant energy use of the equipment within the boundary can then be managed and determined.  The concept of the Measurement Boundary may also be applied to the other International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) options.

Option C:  Whole site or building Option C applies to multiple ECMs for the whole site or building.  Savings are determined by measuring energy, as there is no estimation of parameters.  Measurements are often taken for at least 12 months and throughout the Baseline and Reporting Periods.  Regression analysis may be used for adjustments.

Option D:  Calibrated Simulation Option D savings may also be determined through calibrated simulation of the energy use of the whole site or building.  This may be used where no meter data exists in the baseline period, for example a new building.  Baseline energy use determined using the simulation is compared to a simulation of the reporting period.  This option usually requires considerable cost, expertise, skill and software in energy and building thermal performance modelling.

For further reading and references:

Please contact Susmet to assess your Measurement and Verification program.

Disclaimer:

This blog is part of a continuing series discussing sustainability and energy management issues. Contributions featuring achievements, techniques, products, and processes are welcome. Please feel free to contact Susmet to suggest ideas on future issues.

Whilst every effort is made to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appears in this blog, Susmet accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement.   

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