An Energy audit is introduced for plants to ensure energy efficiency. An energy audit can be defined as a process of verification, monitoring, and analysis the use of energy – which can be a part of the Technical Report, which contains recommendations and action plan for energy optimization together with a cost benefit analysis. Prior to conducting an energy audit, the scope and level of economic evaluation should be pre-defined.
Energy Audit is conducted to determine ways to reduce energy consumption per unit of product output and/or to lower operating costs for facilities. The audit consists of three(3) phases which namely the Pre Audit Phase, Audit Phase and Post Audit Phase.
Pre Audit Phase focuses on the planning for audit process. An energy audit team is established at this stage to ensure coordination during audit activities. Details of facilities are identified thoroughly to be included in the scope of audit process. A Kick off meeting is carried out to discuss on any firsthand observation and assessment on prevailing operation levels and pre-defined practices on certain facilities.
There are a few steps in Audit Phase specified in the following:
Data collection of energy usage on facilities will be gathered. Data may include facilities drawings, electricity supply, metering, energy consumption and production details. Some qualitative method such as questionnaires/ surveys may be conducted by the auditor to the operation team. This enables the auditor to grasp a better understanding on the facilities performance.
A site survey will be conducted to identify the source of supply to the facilities. Supply facilities includes the loads (i.e Cooling tower, Chiller, Pump, AHU, Ventilation fans etc.) as well as its condition. A measurement of power consumption (i.e Nominal Current) of the loads will be collated for analysis purposes.
The result of site survey together with the collection of primary data will be utilized as a basis of analysis for energy consumption. This stage is intended to identify areas of concern. Some example analysis result can be presented in an energy analysis or energy waste/loss analysis.
The energy audit report will be presented in the following structure:
Monitoring actions and measurements will take place to ensure action plan is fulfilled. Schedule for implementation will be recorded and reviewed periodically.
There are several action plans that can be implemented to achieve
Equipment Replacement : Energy saving Cooling tower, Chiller, Pump, AHU & Ventilation fans.