At the risk of sounding trite, an energy-saving project is an initiative that aims to optimise the use of energy in any aspect of life. The primary goal is to decrease energy consumption while maintaining or improving equipment performance and reliability.  

Motors, cooling systems and lighting are the major consumers of energy, while the main sources of energy are electricity, water and fossil fuels. It is commonly observed that in the initial phases of a project, the estimated energy demand is usually very high. However, once the equipment is installed and operations begin, a noticeable decline in load becomes apparent, often attributed to market and weather conditions. 

Large-scale energy equipment is designed for high production, but often the energy demand varies seasonally. This leads to a mismatch between the energy supply and demand, causing waste and inefficiency. Therefore, it is important that the equipment operates at its optimal performance and consumes the minimum amount of energy needed for the production volume. The goal is to reduce the operational cost and increase the output. Energy-saving companies specialise in finding solutions for this challenge, and they offer their energy-saving contracts with a favourable Return on Investment (ROI). 

Establishing energy-saving contracts 

Energy-saving initiatives are methods to reduce the power consumption of various equipment. Every machine has a unique efficiency rating that determines how much power it uses. Energy standards, such as ISO 50001, help monitor and measure the performance and deviation of equipment based on real-time data. Initially, a comprehensive energy audit is performed to identify consumption patterns and inefficiencies. Inefficient equipment is commonly found in HVAC systems, lighting and fuel consumption. 

Energy-saving projects improve the performance of air conditioning units by applying advanced technologies like automation, VFDs and flow controls to optimise operational efficiency. They also replace conventional lighting with LED bulbs and substitute fossil fuels with renewable energy sources like solar panels. 

Automation plays a key role in ensuring efficiency for each machine. To conserve energy, various components, such as chillers, cooling towers, pumps, water flow systems, ambient conditions, AHUs and valves are integrated in an energy performance system for a more efficient operation. Automation can adjust parameters such as speed, valve positions and stop conditions while optimising energy efficiency. 

Energy efficiency projects deliver based on ROI. When executed and supervised for a duration, they achieve a significant ROI within the agreed time frame. Then, at one point in time, the energy-saving contract comes to an end – and that is the beginning of a problem, as seen in several instances. 

Curtains down, problem begins 

If an organisation does not prioritise energy efficiency, there is a risk that without a contractual obligation or incentive, it may go back to previous energy practices that are less efficient. This could result in increased energy consumption and associated costs. 

Any piece of equipment requires proper maintenance standards to run efficiently. The conventional operation modes ensure a steady and optimal indoor climate by maintaining the system at a consistent output. When the operation system malfunctions, the operator prioritises running the equipment. Commonly, operators rely on thumb rules to quickly address faults by overriding controls without considering energy performance. 

In the event of a low-pressure chiller shutdown, the conventional response involves fully opening the refrigerant flow control valve. This enables the chiller to operate continuously and keep the supply temperature as per design but with low efficiency. Another example involves the VFD pump, where a fault in auto-VFD operation is fixed by changing VFD speed for the needed flow, but the ERP way is to consider kWh, wet bulb temperature, and Cooling Tower fan speed to determine the ideal pump speed for energy saving. This performance difference happens not just in HVAC systems but also in LED lighting and solar panels that have similar effects. If we only pay attention to their operation and not their performance, we would realise that such an approach leads to huge energy losses in the long run. 

In automation, an unattended low-priority alarm could disrupt efficient auto operation. The existing team might lack the information to reset the alarm. However, they are proficient in running continuous operations. It causes the operation to switch from auto to manual. After the energy contract ends, what happens if there is no energy-saving culture? The building’s energy performance goes for a toss! 

Organisations need to recognise the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and consider it as an integral part of their overall business strategy. Whether or not an energy contract is in place, adopting a sustainable approach to energy management can lead to cost savings, environmental benefits and improved operational resilience. Continuous monitoring, periodic energy audits and a commitment to ongoing improvement are key elements in maintaining and enhancing energy efficiency over time. 

The crucialness of a CEM 

Whenever energy is transferred, generated or used, there is a chance of enhancing energy efficiency. It is essential to analyse the operational data of the equipment and compare it with the most up-to-date ISO standards. 

Sustainable energy-saving projects face a critical challenge. The operations team (CMS & BMS operator) may not have the necessary skills to maintain energy-saving operations. To bridge the gap, expert support from EMS technicians and CEM (Certified Energy Manager) engineers is crucial. Their expertise ensures smooth and sustainable operation and unlocks the substantial economic and environmental benefits, outlined in the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050. 

A Certified Energy Manager will develop ERP sheets for equipment reliability and performance, analyse data, and choose proactive and reactive maintenance strategies to manage MTBR (Mean Time Between Repair) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) metrics for energy equipment. The Energy Management System Technician is responsible for maintaining energy efficiency during problems and repairs and integrating systems effectively during troubles. Equipment efficiency depends not only on automation but also on human involvement and interest in environmental and economic goals. 

These are the key factors for achieving sustainable energy throughout the year or beyond the energy-saving contracts. This is the CEM perspective that can benefit any organisation that wants to maintain sustainable energy performance with its own team. 

The writer is a CEM. He works as a DCP Mechanic at South Energy DWC and may be contacted at his personal email address: muh.islam291@gmail.com. This article is written in his personal capacity.