**Tools and Solution for Energy Management**

Soib Taib and Anwar Al-Mofleh

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/48401

## **1. Introduction**

78 Energy Efficiency – The Innovative Ways for Smart Energy, the Future Towards Modern Utilities

2012.04.024

[24] D. Xenakis, N. Passas, and C. Verikoukis, "An energy-centric handover decision algorithm for the integrated LTE macrocell–femtocell Network", Computer Communications, Elsevier, 2012, to appear. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.comcom.

> Energy efficiency can be defined as utilizing minimum amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting and the equipment that is required to maintain conducive conditions in a building [1,2]. An important factor impacting energy efficiency is not only the building envelope but also the management of energy within the premises. The amount of energy consumed varies depending on the design of the building, the available electrical systems and how they operate. The heating and cooling systems consume the most energy in a building; however control system such as programmable thermostats and building energy management systems can significantly reduce the energy use of these systems. Some buildings also use zone heating and cooling systems, which can reduce heating and cooling in the unused areas of the building. In commercial buildings, integrated space and water cooling/ heating systems can provide the best approach to energy-efficient heating [3]. Energy audits can be conducted as a useful way of determining how energy efficient the building is and what improvements can be made to enhance its efficiency. Tests should be undertaken to ensure that the heating and cooling systems as well as equipments and lightings work effectively and efficiently.

> Building cooling and heating also produces Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, but this sector receives less attention compared to other pollution contributors such as the transportation and industry sectors. In addition to energy conservation and energy efficiency approach, a strategic plan to introduce renewable energy resources would be an advantage to any sector as it will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions as well they could be used for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems [4]. As illustrated in Figure 1, the percentage of energy consumed by various type of building is presented. It was shown that the rental and service buildings utilize the highest energy consumption. It is easier to design energy efficient features for energy management of new buildings using available tools; however existing buildings comprise approximately 99% of the building stock. Although energy efficiency initiatives for existing buildings can be demonstrated to be cost effective, there has

© 2012 Taib and Al-Mofleh, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2012 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

been limited success in convincing large organizations and building owners to undertake energy efficiency projects such as retrofits, and retro commissions [5].

Tools and Solution for Energy Management 81

**Figure 1.** Building energy efficiency (Electric Power Research Institute)

energy efficiency measures may be considered

The opposite of energy efficiency is referred to as energy intensity. The output of energy efficiency results can be physically determined, or enumerated in monetary units. The only plausible evaluation of energy efficiency is by looking at its indicators and then evaluating them by observing the results achieved targets, and relative situations among other groups. Energy efficiency number normally gives different interpretations relates to energy processes, programmers, investments, conservation properties, as well as system performances. Comparisons can be made to the past and to the projected future. This is important to ensure that the distribution of energy efficiency technologies and procedures can be systematically promoted. Evaluation and monitoring of energy efficiency practices give beneficial motivation mainly on the financial side. In many factories and buildings, overhead accounts duly increase the energy cost; therefore it saves a lot of money when total energy management is being practiced. Improvements can be adjust and implemented through accounting systems and at the end more accurately allocate energy costs within plants could be shown [8]. Diakaki et all in [9] investigate the feasibility of the application of multi objective optimization techniques to the problem of the improvement of the energy efficiency in buildings, so that the maximum possible number of alternative solutions and

An important factor that rises while doing a comparison is the use of benchmarks as representative standards against the buildings to be compared and monitored. For example, the comparison of energy consumption with a square meter of floor area to the benchmark will allow the decision maker to observe and assess the amount of energy consumed. Therefore determination for the improvements can be made to minimize the consumption within that specific area. An effective energy management of a buildings do not necessarily cost more to build as compares to normal buildings, provided they are well maintained and manages effectively. Due to the use of energy efficient tools they are set to be very reliable, comfortable and as productive as a normal building. Numerous studies have focused on improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings. As stated by Escriva [6] engineers and researchers have developed complex methods to improve energy efficiency, but buildings are often managed by non-specialized technicians who need understandable and costeffective actions to implement in their buildings. Therefore basic actions for the base improvements in energy efficiency for commercial buildings had to be stated and implemented.
