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Energy Audit Case Study I
This energy audit case study is a sanitized part of an energy audit, it is only one element of a comprehensive energy audit report conducted by Kelcroft E&M Limited.
Date:
September 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Type: Commercial Building
A Kelcroft energy audit conducted in Hong Kong uncovered several opportunities (EMO) to conserve energy, lower operating costs and saving money. One particular discovery, was particularly interesting and worth further review.
The Kelcroft energy audit identified a condenser water
circulation pump operating 24/7 - yes twenty four hours per
day seven days a week.
Investigation revealed that an automatic control system motor control
panel had been modified, the control portion bypassed.
Don't watch your profits go up in smoke
Staff interviews provided no clues why this happened therefore it was not possible to establish how many years this pump had been operating continuously.
Although we may never know the real reason, most likely the pump control circuit had been circumvented during maintenance activities as a temporary measure, however the work was never re-inspected to re-confirm that the control panel was properly reinstated after the works were complete.
Numerical Analysis
Energy conservation is economics driven activity - the goal to of the energy auditor is to identify
and evaluate feasible energy cost savings, and their monetary value.
In this case, a risk free corrective action would save more than
HK$30,000 per annum, with a simple payback period measured in weeks.
Customer comfort, and service standard would not be affected.
Restoring the correct operating mode extended the economic
lifespan of the pump, and associated services, helping to lower
operating expenses (OPex).
Energy Audit Case study
Energy auditing identifies energy cost and energy savings
Saving waste benefited the environment too, this corrective action would also save approximately 18,000 kg of carbon dioxide (saved emissions) every year, or equal to saving 41 standard barrels of oil energy year.
Conclusions
So what lesson can be learned - properly conducted inspections are essential to maintain systems and equipment operating at their peak efficiency. Don't overlook the small issues, all equipment large or small operating unnecessarily wastes energy and operating costs.
What next?
Next you might like to check one of the following Kelcroft links about ordering your energy audit:
1. Order your Kelcroft energy audit
3. Click here to read energy audit case study II
4. Click here to read energy audit case study III