How can energy management software identify inefficiencies in your building?

Energy Management systems are intended to capture real time data of all energy consuming components in the building. All of this data and the system is to be able to monitor potential issues with the buildings MEP or other components to identify issues that need to be addresses. For example of a 2-way control valve fails and a boiler is running all the time due to a coil demanding hot water this is something the system can see in the energy data. Looking at the data gives the facilities staff better clarity there is an issue. I honestly think BMS and EMS system working together can result in high performance buildings and reduce cost for the owner in the long term of the building occupancy.

EMS is the acronym for an energy management system which includes the hardware. Energy management software, while using the same acronym which is confusing, can be an overlay that goes on top of an existing energy management system or building automation system in order to provide additional functionality that the original manufacturer of the automation system or data acquisition system did not provide.

Ein Energiemanagement System schafft Transparenz, um Ineffizienzen zu erkennen und Maßnahmen für Energieoptimierung abzuleiten. Durch das EMS wird ein kontinuierlicher Prozess eingeführt, statt einer kurzfristigen Maßnahme.

Energy management software is a type of software that helps businesses and organizations, track monitor, and optimize their energy consumption and usage. It provides tools and features to collect and analyze energy data, identify areas of inefficiency, and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs. Energy management software can also help with energy procurement, demand, response and sustainability reporting. It is designed to help businesses make data-driven decisions and improve their overall energy efficiency and sustainability.

Eine Energiemanagement-Software sollten darüber hinaus nicht nur Daten erfassen sondern auch aggregieren, so dass aus der Menge an gemessenen Daten auch für den Nutzer, z.B. Energiemanager, auch verständliche Informationen bereitgestellt werden. Darunter fallen die verbrauchte Menge N Energie in räumlicher und zeitlicher Auflösung, d.h. für Gebäude/Maschinen oder Anlagen für beliebige Zeiträume wie Tage, Wochen, Monate oder Jahre. Darüberhinaus muss eine Energiemanagement Software auch die CO2 Emissionen ermitteln, die durch den Energieverbraucher verursacht werden. Zudem sollte mittels KI Energieverbrauchsprognosen berechnet werden und für diese die optimale Versorgung bestimmt werden, d.h. Energieeinkauf, Erzeugung und Speichernutzung.

Efficient Energy Management Systems (EMS) go beyond mere comparisons of actual versus benchmarked energy use; they delve into sophisticated analytics to unearth inefficiencies. By leveraging real-time data and advanced algorithms, it not only identifies anomalies but also provides nuanced insights into the root causes of these irregularities. This granular approach allows for precise problem diagnosis, distinguishing between faulty equipment, operational errors, and behavioral patterns. In essence, EMS becomes a strategic partner in the pursuit of energy efficiency, offering not just identification and diagnosis of inefficiencies, but also prescribing tailored solutions for sustainable and cost-effective building operations.

In my opinion, this represents the traditional method of recognition. However, in the era of AI, utilizing artificial intelligence enables us to efficiently compute load on a per-component basis and assess capabilities such as fraud management in credit cards. Additionally, we can incorporate additional factors such as season, festive events, and group activities to accurately calculate energy consumption

A baseline constructed in EMS using the historical data serves as a benchmark. EMS collects real-time data efficiently and processes it to compare it with the baseline. Using advanced data analytics techniques, it informs about any anomalies in energy systems and identifies potential inefficiencies. Energy managers can further deep dive into the asset level using EMS for root cause analysis (RCA).

With real time monitoring and analysis of historical data you can identify trends and patterns, and compare your energy performance with industry benchmark and standards so you can highlight areas that have room for improvements. The automated reports provide insights on energy consumption, trends, and areas that need attention.

EMS identifies inefficiencies by collecting and analyzing energy data from various sources, 1. monitoring energy consumption, 2. benchmarking to compare energy usage data against industry standards or historical data, and 3. audits can be performed that identify areas of inefficiency, such as equipment malfunctions, maintenance issues, or operational practices that contribute to excessive energy consumption. In some cases extreme cases, such benchmarking and auditing exercises have uncovered potential theft of fuel.

EMS helps in various ways: It allows monitoring and analysis of energy consumption patterns, so users can implement strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce waste. Also through monitoring energy performance, objectives and targets can be set and informed decisions to improve energy efficiency can be made. This may involve implementing energy-saving technologies, optimizing equipment, or modifying operational processes. A big part of what EMS does is to shed light on (pun intended) the link between people's behaviour and the consequences for energy performance, which most of us do not have any intuitive grasp of.

Durch den Plan-Do-Check-Act Zyklus eines richtigen EMS werden kontinuierlich Maßnahmen abgeleitet und durch Messsysteme Optimierungen belegt. Wichtig ist, dass es ein wiederkehrender Prozess ist, da sich jährlich die Anforderungen eines Unternehmens ändern. Auch den Energieverbrauch trotz einer zB Produktionsvergrößerung halten ist ebenso eine Effizienzverbesserung.

Ein modernes EMS sollte mittels intelligenter Algorithmen auf Anomalien hinweisen und dem Nutzer aufzeigen wo die wesentlichen Energieverbräuche und CO2 Emissionen durch Energieverbrauch anfallen. Der Nutzer sollte per Klick die Auswertungen erhalten und erfahren welche Bereiche die wesentlichen Verbraucher der letzten Periode (Stunden, Tage, Wochen, etc.) im so schnell und effizient handeln zu können um auftretende Mehrverbräuche durch Ineffizienzen, wie z.B. falsche Maschineneinstellung, Leckagen oder Defekte, zeitnah zu erkennen. Dabei sollte das EMS so ausgestaltet sein, dass der Nutzer die Daten nicht aus dem EMS in Excel laden muss so der das EMS dem Nutzer diese Hinweise direkt liefert.

Um sistema de gestão de energia eficientiza o uso por meio da monitorização contínua do consumo, identificação de desperdícios, implementação de práticas de eficiência, automação de processos, análise de dados para identificar oportunidades de melhoria e ajuste dinâmico de operações para otimizar o uso de energia com base nas demandas reais.

By using EMS, we can monitor the working condition and amount of output provided by the equipment. With this system we can also get the cost of electricity used for one product manufacturing. We can improve the plant efficiency only by monitoring and controlling the issue occurs in daily basis. So here the EMS plays important role for industries.

Another major benefit of EMS is tenant billing. Strategically placed meters allow for distribution of costs, and accurate consumption analytics for internal/external customers.

EMS macht transparent, WO, WANN, und WIEVIEL Energie verbraucht wird. Zudem kann zwischen mehreren Energieformen unterschieden werden (z.B. Strom, Wärme). Neben dem gesamten Verbrauch in einem Abrechnungszeitraum ist der Momentan-Verbrauch einsehbar und somit prinzipiell steuerbar (siehe unten, Abschnitt 7)

An EMS allows you to be in control (or get in control) of your energy consumption. It uncovers hidden waste of energy and helps to support your business cases to invest in sustainable practices. Most importantly: it allows responsible management of your facility. Not knowing where your energy is being consumed or wasted is something incredibly irresponsible in this age.

Ein wesentlicher Vorteil eines modernen EMS ist die Bereitstellung der GHG Scope 1 und 2 Emissionen die nahezu alle Unternehmen mit aktuellem ESG Reporting aber vor allem durch die kommenden CSRD Reporting Pflicht erheben und berichten müssen.

Um Sistema de Gestão de Energia (EMS) oferece benefícios ao otimizar o consumo, melhorar a eficiência energética, reduzir custos operacionais. Outro item intrínseco é a de contribuir com práticas sustentáveis.

Para um prédio comercial, um Sistema de Gestão de Energia (EMS) centralizado é frequentemente mais adequado. Isso permite monitorar e controlar de maneira eficiente vários aspectos, como iluminação, climatização e sistemas elétricos, integrando dispositivos para otimizar o consumo de energia de forma abrangente. Além disso, a capacidade de análise de dados em tempo real pode contribuir para decisões embasadas e eficazes na gestão energética.

In addition, the following factors should be considered: - the energy management system (EMS) should be compatible with any existing building automation systems (BAS); - the future requirements of the building should be considered when choosing the EMS (scalability); - if the building uses renewable energy sources or energy storage systems, they should be integrated in the EMS; - the EMS should be compliant with the required energy efficiency and energy management regulations; - the EMS should be able to monitor energy data in real time and allow to adjust control systems immediately.

Die Auswahl des richtigen EMS ist schon im Vorhinein ein wichtiger Punkt für die Wirtschaftlichkeit bzw Amortisation eines Projektes. Die Bandbreite für die Kosten eines solchen System ist sehr breit. Die Auswahl eines verkabelten Systems ist da meist schon von der Messtechnik selber her sehr teuer. Die Installationskosten durch Elektro- und HKLS-Installateure ist dann meistens auch noch ein riesengroßer Kostenfaktor, der die Messtechnikkosten noch mal weit überschreitet. Funksysteme haben hier einen Vorteil, da sie über das ganze Gebäude verteilt einfach und effizient Daten und Insights generieren können. Und das ganze um einen Bruchteil von verkabelten Systemen.

Busca un SGA que ofrezca las funciones que necesitas, como monitoreo en tiempo real, análisis predictivo, capacidad de control remoto, informes detallados, escalable, etc.

Was man nicht vergessen darf ist die Projektplanung und Datenerhebung der vorhandenen Messsysteme. Es gibt so gut wie überall bestehende Messsysteme, die man relativ einfach digitalisieren kann. Der erste Schritt ist mMn die Transparenz. Ein Unternehmen muss wissen, welche Primärströme in ein Unternehmen laufen und wie die Energie sekundärseitig verbraucht oder auch verloren wird. Das schafft man meistens nur mit Messtechnik. Diese muss effizient eingesetzt werden.

Egal welche Software verwendet wird: ein weiterer Kostenpunkt ist die Mess- und Datenübetragungstechnik zum Erheben, Wandeln und Weiterleiten der Energiedaten. Ein kosteneffizientes vorgehen funktioniert "von grob nach fein". Erst werden wichtige Knotenpunke und große Vebraucher erfasst, später (und nur bei Bedarf) wird die Auswertung schrittweise verfeinert. Die ist letztlich die Anwendung des Pareto-Prinzips bzw. der 80/20-Regel.

In addition, the energy measurement and verification (M&V) concept should follow national or international M&V standards and energy efficiency regulations, if applicable.

In Zeiten des Einsatzes von KI zur Datenanalyse und der notwendigen Ermittlung von CO2 Emissionen sollten Sie auf jeden Fall ein digitales Energiemonitoring Konzept erstellen oder nochmals überprüfen, falls Sie bereits eines haben. Sie sollten Energieüberwachung für alle genutzten Energieformen planen. Zudem ist es wichtig, dass Sie fernauslesbare Messtechnik nutzen, am besten auf Ethernetbasis, um eine hohe Datenqualität und Quantität sicherzustellen.

If you’re just getting started, start with the main supply meters and sub metering for biggest consumers in the building. Consider: 1. Granularity (interval of measurement). Typically 15 minute intervals is good enough 2. Connectivity How’s the data collected? This can range from wireless to hardwired setups. Use systems with open protocols/industry standards 3. EMS selection: Make sure it’s replaceable in the future if needed. 4. Data storage: make sure it’s stored properly and transferable. 5. Consider who’s going to use it. Investing in systems and not the people who can use it is the biggest mistake you can make!

The price signal from the utility (for when electric consumption from a utility is the avoided cost) will also be important. The price should be at the correct level, i.e., closely reflects the true cost of electric service. An artificially low utility price, e.g., due to government subsidies, acts as a disincentive to energy efficiency. The price structure should also be considered. Various tariff structures, e.g., per-kWh rates, demand & per-kWh based rates, time-of-use, etc., will definitely influence the viability of an energy efficiency initiative.

Energy management software is nothing but a tool to analyze data of your consumption pattern. Such softwares should be used by every organisation as it helped in saving alot of money. It will analyze your each activity energy usage pattern with timestamp and then find out the correct pattern or compare them with standard energy usage and find out alternative to reduce the usage. Check consumption of your each machines and use different machines with better efficiency to reduce consumption. Tool will only provide you the data, its important to analyze them and make decisions.

Energie-Management-Software zeichnet auf, WANN, WO und WIEVIEL Energie gebraucht wird. Gerade beim Strombedarf wird das WANN (≈ Last-Management) umso wichtiger, je mehr volatile erneuerbare Energien das Stromnetz speisen. Sobald das schwankende Angebot einen schwankenden Strompreis für Endkunden bedeutet, ist die Fähigkeit zum Last-Management bares Geld wert. Je flexibler Endkunden ihren momentanen Energieverbrauch durch das Zu- oder Abschalten von Verbrauchern steuern können, desto mehr Geld können sie beim Bezug von Strom sparen bzw. verdienen. (Zeitliche Puffer, physikalische Puffer und Sektorenkopplung können die Flexibilität erhöhen.)

When you start to investigate various EMS Systems, it’s a good start, to understand what you want your EMS to accomplish. An EMS can be built upon the thought of Energy Management, and any response measures you wish to perform. If your looking for something that will limit or reduce energy consumption by Load Shedding or reducing energy costs through equipment deficiencies, or inadequacies, look for a Software Package(s) where all programs can integrate and share information with each other, and bring all facets of the EMS to the product you wish to end up with. Be prepared, the more functionality you wish, the more expensive it will be.

The EMS you select is as good as the person using it. Invest in the knowledge, use the low hanging fruit savings to invest in the things that cost a bit more to achieve. Create management support and involvement. Secure savings or avoided spending into a Green investment budget and not just lower the energy budget next year ;) And finally: the world of AI is evolving rapidly. This allows us to use AI to identify patterns which are unseen by humans and allows us to quickly analyse large sets of data. Use it to your advantage