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Energy audit at government building complex

SecureEnergy audit at government building complex

Case studies - Industrial and Commercial

Objective

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has implemented the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings and complexes. It selected a few government buildings to showcase the implementation of energy efficiency improved programmers. These offices were directed to conduct a detailed energy audit to quantify the saving potential, translate the findings in financial terms and present it as a bankable project capable of securing a loan.

Scope

We were awarded a contract to conduct an energy audit at a Government Office Building complex in India. The scope covered:

  • Review of the present electricity, fuel oil consumption
  • Review and study of the distribution system, lighting, Diesel
  • Generating (DG) sets, pumps etc.
  • Survey of Motor loads
  • Study of energy monitoring and accounting system
  • Review of present maintenance practices, replacement policies and safety practices
  • Cost benefit analysis of each conservation option
  • Preparation of Detail Project Report (DPR)

Based on the above we carried out an energy audit using our equipment, software, etc. The building is spread across a built-up area of 24,248 square meters and has six blocks. 11% of this built-up area is air conditioned. The average ambient temperature during summers is 45 C and in winters it is 12 C. On an average there are 13 ½ hours of day light per day in summer and 10 ½ hours per day in winters. The contracted electricity demand was 1000 kVA and they were having 3DG sets, each of 250 kVA.

A per year saving of over Rs 4,000,000 was expected by implementing our recommendations.

Findings

  • Large imbalance amount phases.
  • DG sets were used at low load factor.
  • They were under the wrong tariff category.
  • Their maximum demand overshot 9 times in the last year and this resulted in heavy penalties.
  • There were no central air conditioning and they were operating Window and Split Air conditioners.
  • Absence of false ceiling were contributing to increased energy consumption.
  • Illumination level were not consistent in the built up areas.
  • Institute was already using energy efficient lamps for their street lights.
  • System power factor was relatively poor.
  • Huge potential for energy saving on air conditioning existed.

Recommendations

  • Use DG sets at higher load factor
  • Migrate to different tariff category
  • Install a maximum demand controller to avoid exceeding Maximum Demand (MD), reducing penalties therefore making huge savings
  • Conduct a performance load management study
  • Enhance contract demand
  • Replace conventional desert coolers, ACs, ceiling fans with star rated equipment and conventional chokes in general lighting system with electronic ballset at T5 tubes
  • Implementation of street light controllers in main building

Possible savings by implementing the recommendations

A per year saving of over Rs 400,0000 was expected if our recommendations are implemented. For implementations of some of the recommendations a capital investment was also required. However looking at the huge saving potential, this investment will pay back in reasonable time.