Development of Energy Data Analysis System for Energy Management in Controlled Buildings

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a data analysis model to assess energy conservation potential for controlled buildings in accordance with the Energy Conservation Promotion Act (No. 2) B.E. 2007, which required controlled buildings to assess energy conservation potential. The 3 levels of controlling system included the organizational system, service level, and equipment level. The research was conducted throughout three following steps: 1) studying the current conditions and needs for data analysis formats by surveying 367 controlled buildings; 2) developing a data analysis system using the results of the needs survey to design a data analysis system to establish consideration from experts and those responsible for controlled building energy by conducting in-depth interviews with 16 key informants; and 3) evaluating the data analysis system by testing it in 17 control buildings and assessing satisfaction using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results were analysed quantitatively using mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The results of the research found that controlled buildings appeared to raise certain demands. It was considered necessary to analyze the system at a high level (  = 81, S.D. = 1.21) at the organization level, service level, and equipment level. The issue that could be of the greatest need in controlled buildings involved the Single Line Diagram of the electrical system and the size of the total transformer. Regarding, energy consumption per area (SEC) line chart analysis and energy consumption table analysis (kilowatt-hours/year) of machinery classified by system and by building, in case of controlled buildings, it could be recommended that the data analysis system including chart of the proportion of output, sales, and a chart of energy quantity per revenue (kWh/baht) would be less needed. Results of an in-depth interview with experts in energy management and key informants who were responsible for energy in controlled buildings (Asso.) found that there should be explanations and recommendations from the data analysis results so that controlled buildings could use the data analysis results, and should use them to prepare required energy management reports. The derived information could be sent to the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Efficiency. The results of comparing the data analysis lists revealed that there were 24 additional items added to the list according to the DEPO format providing the controlled buildings more information for energy management. In addition, the satisfaction assessment results from the trial of using the data analysis system for energy management by experts and 17 controlled buildings found that there was a high level of satisfaction ( = 3.81, S.D. = 0.83) with the issues yielding highest level of satisfaction in the aspect of the comprehensiveness of the data for evaluating energy conservation potential and accuracy and appropriateness of data analysis methods whereas the aspects with the least satisfaction were the beauty, modernity, and appearance of the system.