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An Energy Audit is a process to evaluate where a
building or plant uses energy, and identify opportunities to reduce
consumption. There are various degrees of complexity that determine the type
of energy audit as well as the completeness.
Lu Engineers offers the following
three types of Audits.
A Level 1 Energy Audit – “The Walk-Through
Audit” is a tour of a facility to visually inspect each of the energy using
systems. It includes an evaluation of energy consumption data to analyze
energy use quantities and patterns as well as provide comparisons to
industry averages or benchmarks for similar facilities. It is the least
costly audit but can yield a preliminary estimate of savings potential and
provide a list of low cost savings opportunities through improvements in
operational and maintenance practices. The level one audit is also an
opportunity to collect information for a more detailed audit later on if the
preliminary savings potential appears to warrant an expanded scope of
auditing activities.
A Level 2 Energy Audit – “The Standard Audit”
goes on to quantify energy uses and losses through a more detailed review
and analysis of equipment, systems and operational characteristics. This
analysis may include some on-site measurement and testing to quantify energy
use and efficiency of various systems. Standard energy engineering
calculations are used to analyze efficiencies and calculate energy and cost
savings based on improvements and changes to each system. The standard audit
will also include an economic analysis of recommended conservation measures.
A Level 3 Energy Audit – “The Computer
Simulation” will include more detailed energy use by function and more
comprehensive evaluations of energy use patterns. This is accomplished
through the use of computer simulation software. We will develop a computer
simulation of building systems that will account for weather and other
variables and predict year-round energy use. Our goal is to build a base for
comparison that is consistent with the actual energy consumption of the
facility. We will then make changes to improve efficiency of various systems
and measure the effects in the model compared to the base line. This method
accounts for interactions between systems and prevents over estimation of
savings. |
