Introduction
A method to reduce energy consumption in residential and commercial settings is simply through effective monitoring. As a Green/IT Energy Conservation Measure, the scope of this monitoring is limited to electricity. Similar systems can be used to monitor and reduce gas and water consumption.
Analysis of Monitoring Systems
Electricity is typically monitored at the incoming feed for simplicity. Electricity demand is measured and relayed to consumers instantaneously through hand-held displays and/or computers. Some products like the PowerCost monitor BLI-28000, have an appliance button that allows the user to see specific power consumption by creating a baseline. Higher models of the The Energy Detective 5000 allow for multiple monitoring locations providing more detailed information. Some monitors are located by meters, inside buildings or in breakers. The different monitoring methods result in varying installation complexities, some of which require an electrician.
Selection Criteria
In choosing the appropriate energy monitoring system a few factors must be taken into consideration. Capital costs and the effectiveness of presenting information are key determinants in calculating payback periods. Thought should be put into the location of the supplier. Unnecessary energy should be avoided by purchasing locally. Capital costs come in the form of installation and system costs, while some products also have annual fees. Since this initiative is based on changing behaviorally patterns it is very important that energy consumption information is relayed in an adequate manner. Some systems have only a hand-held device, while others allow you to view information on a computer. The best choice is a balance between costs and product features for the intended user.
| Company | Product Name | Nation | Presentation Method(s) | Presentation Score | Installation Type[1] | Installation Cost[2] | Product Cost | Annual Fee[3] | Total Cost | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ Innovations | PowerWatch | Canada | Hand-held Display, Download data via USB | 3.5 | Electrician | $33/hour | $199? | $0 | $232 | 4 |
| Crossbow | EcoWizard | Japan | Computer via wireless | 4 | Electrician | $33/hour | Not Listed | $0 | Not Listed | 3.5 |
| Blue Line Innovations | PowerCost monitor BLI-28000 | Canada | Hand-held Display | 4 | User Installed | $0 | $119 | $0 | $119 | 4 |
| pulse energy | Pulse[4] | Canada | Web based software | 5 | Electrician | $33/hour | Higher | Fee | Variable | 5 |
| Energy, Inc. | The Energy Detective 1000 | USA | Hand-held Display | 3 | Technically savvy or Electrician | $33/hour | $119.95 | $0 | $199 | 3.5 |
| Energy, Inc. | The Energy Detective 5000G | USA | Hand-held Display, Google PowerMeter | 4.5 | Technically savvy or Electrician | $33/hour | $239.95 | $0 | $239.95 | 4.5 |
All prices listed in Canadian Dollars, taxes not included [1]Installation Type: Systems that did not specify user installation were assumed to require an electrician [2]Installation Cost: Amount based on highest rate for a Canadian Electrician with 20+ years experience, data from PayScale.com [3]Annual costs: Listed cost only includes annual product fees. All systems incur small electricity costs which are negligible compared to savings. [4]Pulse energy gives quotes on specific jobs. Annual fee is for mandatory web based software. Pulse energy is best suited for large buildings.
Product of Choice
For a small business a good choice is The Energy Detective 5000G. Although the upfront costs are medium compared to its competitors it's popularity and compatibility with Google PowerMeter make it a great choice. The digital display in the 5000G series and Google PowerMeter connectivity allow all employees to see the companies power consumption. Recent technology allows this information to be viewed on smart phones and PDAs as well for portable and off site viewing. These added visuals and accessibility of information make this initiative harder to ignore, which should result in higher savings. The PowerWatch and PowerCost monitor BLI-28000 were considered as the first choice because of their close proximity to Canadian customers. The added functionally of The Energy Detective 5000G will cause more savings over the life of the product which will offset the initial increase in shipping caused emissions.
Benefits
Limitations
Energy monitoring empowers consumers. The only physical change is the installation of a system that displays energy usage; savings and the effectiveness of this ECM are based entirely on the willingness of consumers.
Energy monitoring manifests itself through different feedback methods. Direct Feedback through table-top units, computers and devices using programs like Google PowerMeter have shown the highest savings potentials. Other feedback methods such as inadvertent and indirect produce reduced savings (insert reference electricsave).
Energy monitoring is also not as effective in situations where users pay fixed utilities rates in a building. In this case, the only benefit to conservation is sustaining the environment, as there is no financial incentive. Thus savings will only come from well informed individuals.
Conservation Methods
Energy Monitoring simply makes the utilities consumer more aware of their usage. This causes a behaviorally change which leads to the implementation of Energy Conservation Measures. The simplest methods to reducing energy usage are to reduce wattage of appliances or the time they are on.
Energy Conservation Measures:
Mech425 GreenIT Project ESCO