Energy Audit with ICONIC Engineering Ltd

  • By Md. Abu Bakar Siddique Kibria
  • Published in Services
  • Oct 01, 2023
  • 11.23 Min
Energy Audit with ICONIC Engineering Ltd

Introduction:

In contemporary international, power performance is more important than ever earlier. As the call for strength keeps to upward push and environmental issues develop, groups throughout industries are increasingly turning to energy audits to optimize their strength intake and decrease their carbon footprint. ICONIC Engineering Ltd., a leading player in the discipline of energy audits, has been at the forefront of supporting agencies to identify and put in force energy-saving answers. In this comprehensive manual, we can explore the significance of strength audits, their benefits, and how ICONIC Engineering Ltd. Is revolutionizing the strength audit panorama.

1. Understanding Energy Audits

1.1 What is an Energy Audit?

According to ASHRAE Standard 211, ISO 50002: Energy audits, ISO 50001: Energy management systems, and the European standard EN 16247:

“Energy auditing, according to standard practices, involves a systematic assessment of energy use and efficiency in a building, facility, or industrial process. The reason for an electricity audit is to discover possibilities for power financial savings, improve strength performance, and reduce power fees.”

A strength audit is a scientific examination of an organization's strength consumption, aiming to identify regions of inefficiency and possibilities for development. It includes an in-depth analysis of energy utilization patterns, system overall performance, and constructing structures to expand a complete expertise of the manner energy is implemented within an organization.

1.2 Types of Energy Audits:

The ASHRAE Standard 211 defines three levels of energy audits, each with increasing levels of detail and complexity:

A. ASHRAE Level 1

The Level 1 audit is a simple audit that involves a basic walk-through assessment, a review of utility bills and other applicable operating data, and interviews with operations staff. This basic evaluation is designed to identify glaring energy problems.

Applicable Areas:

  1. Only for office records and staff acknowledgment.

B. ASHRAE Level 2

The Level-2 audit starts with the findings from the Level-1 audit and examines the building energy systems in detail in order to define a number of potential energy-efficiency improvements. This will include the Building Envelope, Lighting, HVAC, Domestic Hot Water, Plug Loads, Compressed Air and Process Uses, and every electrical area.

Applicable Areas:

  1. Fulfills every buyer's requirements.
  2. Fulfills energy audit report requirements for any Bangladeshi Electrical Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Organizations.
  3. Compatibility for audit reports.
  4. Bangladesh Bank’s Sustainability Issues Requirement.
  5. Fulfills any International/Non-International bank loan requirements.

C. ASHRAE Level 3

The ASHRAE Level-3 audit involves a much more detailed information collection over a period of weeks or even months. Data loggers typically are placed temporarily to keep track of the operation of pumps and motors, temperatures of affected spaces, lighting levels, switching behavior, and additional factors.

It mainly details the “Return Period Calculation” of actual investments.

Applicable Areas:

  1. Main requirements for LEED Certification.
  2. Fulfills every buyer's requirements.
  3. Fulfills energy audit report requirements for any Bangladeshi Electrical Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Organizations.
  4. Compatibility for audit reports.
  5. Bangladesh Bank’s Sustainability Issues Requirement.
  6. Fulfills any International/Non-International bank loan requirements.

If we simplify then we can say, there are three primary types of energy audits:

  1. Walk-Through Audit:
    That is an initial evaluation that provides an enormous overview of power intake and identifies capacity areas for development without precise information analysis.

  2. Detailed Audit:
    A greater entire audit regarding information series, tool evaluation, and normal performance assessment. It gives particular hints for strength-inexperienced upgrades.

  3. Advanced Audit:
    That is a pretty exact audit that uses advanced tools and strategies to provide a deep evaluation of power intake, such as simulations and modeling.

1.3 Why Are Energy Audits Important?

Energy audits offer several significant benefits to organizations:

  1. Cost Savings:
    Identifying and addressing strength inefficiencies can bring about huge cost financial savings on application payments.

  2. Reduced Environmental Impact:
    Strength-green practices lessen carbon emissions and assist companies in meeting sustainability goals.

  3. Improved Operations:
    Power audits regularly locate opportunities to optimize devices and approaches, enhancing not unusual operational performance.

2. Present Condition of ‘Energy Audit Around the World

The repute of energy audits around the world changed into normally fine, with the growing reputation of the importance of strength performance and sustainability. However, the particular situations regarding energy audits can vary by using area and the United States of America. Right here are a few key tendencies and concerns:

  1. Growing Emphasis on Energy Efficiency:
    Many countries and regions have been placing greater emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability due to concerns about climate change, energy security, and cost savings. Strength audits are a critical tool for identifying regions wherein power normal average performance enhancements may be made.

  2. Regulatory Requirements:
    Some international locations have applied rules requiring certain industries or agencies to behavior ordinary electricity audits. These regulations are often a part of broader energy management and environmental guidelines.

  3. Energy Management Systems:
    Organizations are more and more adopting energy control systems (EMS) primarily based on requirements like ISO 50001. Those structures promote non-stop improvement in electricity's overall performance and regularly include electricity auditing as a key component.

  4. Technological Advances:
    Advances in technology, together with the use of clever meters, data analytics, and constructing automation structures, have made it a lot less complex to accumulate and look at power facts, facilitating extra entire and correct power audits.

  5. Funding and Incentives:
    In a few regions, governments and utilities offer monetary incentives, rebates, or presents to encourage electricity audits and strengthen efficiency improvements in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

  6. Industry-Specific Initiatives:
    Sure industries, which include production and utilities, have properly mounted power audit practices and are constantly operating to improve strength efficiency.

  7. Awareness and Training:
    Expanded cognizance of the blessings of electricity audits and the availability of schooling applications have helped experts increase the talents and statistics required to conduct powerful electricity audits.

  8. Global Sustainability Goals:
    Global agreements just as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable development goals have precipitated international locations to do so to lessen greenhouse gas emissions, which frequently includes improving energy efficiency through audits and different measures.

3. Steps of ICONIC Engineering in terms of Energy Audit

3.1 Introduction to ICONIC Engineering Ltd.

ICONIC Engineering Ltd. is a renowned engineering firm specializing in energy audits and energy management solutions with Certified Energy Managers and certified Energy Auditors. With a proven track record and a team of experienced professionals, ICONIC Engineering Ltd. has hooked up itself as a relied-on partner for organizations searching to enhance their energy efficiency.

3.2 Key Features of ICONIC Engineering Ltd.'s Energy Audits

ICONIC Engineering Ltd. offers a range of services that set them apart in the field of energy audits:

  1. Authorized Personnel:
    ICONIC Engineering Ltd. is supervised by an experienced Energy Manager and Energy Auditor. Md. Mahmudur Rahman Sunny, the CEO of ICONIC Engineering Ltd. is a renowned Certified Energy Manager & Certified Energy Auditor in Bangladesh. Also, Md. Abu Bakar Siddique Kibria is a professional Energy Auditor who supervises the audit process. ICONIC Engineering Ltd. has a team of experts to conduct the Energy Audit.

  2. Comprehensive Data Collection:
    They appoint advanced data series techniques to gather correct statistics approximately electricity utilization and styles.
  3. Advanced Technology:
    ICONIC Engineering Ltd. utilizes state-of-the-art technology and software for energy modeling and simulations.

  4. Customized Solutions:
    Every patron's unique requirements are considered when making hints, resulting in answers that can be sensible and affordable.

  5. Experienced Team:
    The team at ICONIC Engineering Ltd. Includes specialists with a deep knowledge of electricity systems and sustainability practices.

4. The Energy Audit Process

4.1 Pre-Audit Planning
Prior to accomplishing a power audit, thorough planning is essential. This includes defining audit objectives, identifying key personnel, and collecting ancient energy facts.

4.2 On-Site Inspection
For the duration of the audit, ICONIC Engineering Ltd. Professionals perform an in-depth on-web page inspection, examining all elements of strength consumption, which includes lights, HVAC systems, insulation, and extra.

4.3 Data Analysis
Facts gathered in the course of the audit are analyzed to discover inefficiencies, patterns, and potential regions for improvement.

4.4 Recommendations
Based totally on the analysis, ICONIC Engineering Ltd. generates a complete list of pointers for energy-green upgrades and upgrades.

4.5 Implementation
Once recommendations are approved, ICONIC Engineering Ltd. assists in implementing energy-saving measures, ensuring a smooth transition.

4.6 Post-Audit Monitoring
Continuous tracking and overall performance evaluation are carried out to degree the effectiveness of carried out measures and make important changes.

5. The devices most commonly used for Energy audit by ICONIC Engineering Ltd.

5.1 Power Quality Analyzer:

ICONIC Engineering Ltd. uses the most precious analyzer from Fluke.  Fluke is a reputable manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment, including power quality analyzers, designed to monitor and assess the electrical quality of power supplies. These analyzers help in identifying and diagnosing issues related to voltage, current, harmonics, and other electrical parameters. Here are some common features and functions you might find in Fluke power quality analyzers:

  1. Voltage and Current Monitoring: Fluke power quality analyzers can accurately measure and record voltage and current waveforms over time, enabling the tracking of fluctuations, sags, swells, and harmonics in the electrical supply.

  2. Power Quality Analysis:
    These analyzers are ready to evaluate power exceptional parameters along with THD (Total Harmonic Distortion), crest element, energy component, and flicker, facilitating the identity of issues that could affect sensitive gadgets and structures.

  3. Harmonics Analysis:
    Fluke analyzers can hit upon and analyze harmonic distortions inside the electrical gadget, pinpointing harmonic frequencies that can cause issues like overheating and device malfunction.

  4. Event Recording:
    Those gadgets can record and seize voltage disturbances, transients, and distinctive events that would damage electric-powered structures, supporting the identification and answer of primary energy troubles.

  5. Waveform Capture:
    Fluke electricity first-rate analyzers can record and display voltage and present-day waveforms, making it less difficult to pick out anomalies and look into issues.

  6. Data Logging:
    Those instruments are able to log data over extended intervals, making an allowance for the analysis of tendencies and the identity of long-term period power excellent problems.

5.2 Thermal Imaging:

ICONIC Engineering Ltd. uses the precious Thermal Imager of Fluke to identify:

  1. Detection of Heat Loss
  2. Identification of Insulation Deficiencies
  3. Assessment of HVAC Systems
  4. Electrical System Inspection
  5. Monitoring and Verification
  6. Safety and Predictive Maintenance

5.3 Ultrasound Inspection:

Ultrasound analysis or inspection is the most advantageous system in Industry management. ICONIC Engineering Ltd. uses Fluke Ultrasound Leak Detector to find:

  1. Compressed air leak
  2. Gas leak
  3. Air condition gas monitoring
  4. Steam trap monitoring
  5. Mechanical fault analysis
  6. Yearly loss calculation

5.4 LUX Measurement:

Lux is the unit of measurement for illuminance, which quantifies the amount of light that falls on a surface. In a room, the lux count refers to the level of illumination or brightness in that space. It is typically measured in lux (lx), and it indicates how well a space is lit.

For sustainability & efficiency in power saving, we need to use more & more daylight and need the proper Lumen calculation to save energy.  ICONIC Engineering Ltd. uses the advanced Lux meter of Fluke.

The recommended lux levels in a room can vary depending on the room's purpose and the specific tasks that will be performed in it. Here are some general guidelines for lux levels in different types of rooms:

5.4.1. Residential Spaces:

  1. Living rooms: 100-200 lux (for general lighting)
  2. Bedrooms: 50-100 lux (for general lighting)
  3. Kitchen work areas: 300-750 lux (for tasks like cooking and food preparation)

5.4.2. Office Spaces:

  1. General office areas: 300-500 lux (for desk work and computer tasks)
  2. Conference rooms: 300-500 lux (for meetings and presentations)
  3. Reception areas: 200-300 lux (for welcoming and reading materials)

5.4.3. Commercial and Retail Spaces:

  1. Retail stores: 500-1,000 lux (higher lux levels for product displays)
  2. Restaurants: 50-200 lux (lower levels for ambiance, higher for reading menus)
  3. Supermarkets: 750-1,000 lux (for better visibility of products)

5.4.4. Industrial and Manufacturing Spaces:

  1. Manufacturing floors: 300-750 lux (depending on the precision of tasks)
  2. Warehouses: 100-300 lux (for basic navigation and tasks)

5.4.5. Healthcare and Educational Facilities:

  1. Hospitals: Varies by area, but surgical suites may require 1,000-2,000 lux or more.
  2. Classrooms: 300-500 lux (for chalkboard or whiteboard visibility)

5.4.6. Outdoor Spaces:

  1. Daylight varies widely depending on weather conditions but can range from 10,000 lux on a cloudy day to over 100,000 lux in direct sunlight.

5.5 Airflow Measurement:

Airflow measurement is the process of quantifying the volume or price of air shifting through a particular factor in a system or environment. It's a critical parameter in numerous industries and applications, along with HVAC (Heating, airflow, and air conditioning) structures, business procedures, environmental monitoring, and studies. Airflow size offers precious records for device optimization, indoor air first-class evaluation, strength efficiency evaluation, and protection monitoring.

ICONIC Engineering Ltd. measures the airflow with an advanced Fluke Anemometer, as we are the Only Authorized Distributor of FLUKE in Bangladesh.

6. The Benefits of Energy Audits

6.1 Financial Benefits

  1. Cost Savings:
    Energy audits often bring about instantaneous and long-term period fee savings on strength payments, making them wise funding.

  2. Return on Investment (ROI):
    The ROI for energy-efficient upgrades can be substantial, especially when incentives and rebates are factored in.

6.2 Environmental Benefits

  1. Reduced Carbon Footprint:
    Strength-green practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to an extra sustainable destiny.

  2. Sustainability:
    Agencies can align with sustainability desires and demonstrate their commitment to environmental duty.

6.3 Operational Benefits

  1. Improved Efficiency:
    Power-efficient equipment and tactics regularly cause progress in typical operational efficiency.

  2. Enhanced Reputation:
    Demonstrating a commitment to strength efficiency can decorate an agency's popularity among customers and stakeholders.

  3. Overcoming Challenges in Energy Audits:
    Even as electricity audits provide numerous blessings, additionally they come with demanding situations, including value, complexity, and resistance to alternate. This chapter explores strategies for overcoming those demanding situations, drawing on ICONIC Engineering Ltd.'s expertise.

  4. Preparing for the Future:
    As the sector evolves towards an extra sustainable and strength-efficient destiny, businesses that put money into energy audits and efficiency enhancements are better positioned to thrive. The location of energy audits in securing future businesses and being competitive are issues covered in this section.

7. References for Energy Audits:

Strength audits are a vital device for assessing and enhancing electricity efficiency in numerous sectors, together with business, industrial, and home. Numerous global standards provide guidelines and necessities for accomplishing energy audits. As of my ultimate know-how update in September 2021, the primary worldwide popular strength audit is ISO 50002:2014, which is a part of the ISO 50000 collection on power control.

  1. ISO 50002:2014: "Energy audits - Requirements with guidance for use" provides a framework and requirements for conducting energy audits. It outlines the thoughts, strategies, and first-rate practices for power audits and is applicable to businesses of each kind and size.

  2. ISO 50001:2018: "Energy management systems - Requirements with guidance for use" provides a systematic approach to managing energy in an organization. While it's not specifically an energy audit standard, ISO 50001 can complement the energy audit process by helping organizations establish an energy management system and continually improve their energy performance.

  3. AS/NZS 3598:2014: This Australian/New Zealand trendy affords suggestions for power audits and is broadly used in the Australasian location.

  4. EN 16247 series: The EN 16247 series of standards, developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), includes several parts that cover energy audits for different sectors, including industrial, commercial, and residential.

  5. ASHRAE Standard 211: This famous guide consists of methods for accomplishing electricity audits in commercial houses and turned into evolved by using the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

  6. ASTM E2797-18: This American Society for Checking Out and Materials (ASTM) presents pointers for assessing and improving the electricity usual performance of enterprise and multifamily residential houses.

Conclusion

As cease result, power audits are an important tool for organizations searching out to reduce charges, hold energy, and decorate their determination to sustainability. With a super team of Certified Energy Managers and certified Energy Auditor, a key player in this space is ICONIC Engineering Ltd., which offers corporations professional recommendations and solutions to assist them in apprehending their maximum potential for strong financial savings. Groups may also additionally gain financially and make contributions to an extra sustainable and strength-inexperienced international through the usage of electricity audits and the revel in of groups like ICONIC Engineering Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is an energy audit?
    An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of energy usage in a building, facility, or process. It involves analyzing energy consumption patterns, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending energy-saving measures.
  1. Why should I conduct an energy audit?
    Energy audits help reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency, lower environmental impact, and enhance the overall sustainability of your operation. They can also identify opportunities for financial incentives or rebates.
  1. What types of energy audits are there?
    There are three main types: Walk-through audits (preliminary assessments), Standard audits (more detailed analysis), and Comprehensive audits (in-depth assessments with detailed recommendations).
  1. How much does an energy audit cost?
    The cost of an energy audit varies depending on the type and scope of the audit, the size of the facility, and the location. Preliminary assessments are often less expensive than comprehensive audits.
  1. What happens during an energy audit?
    During an energy audit, an auditor examines energy bills, inspects the facility, collects data on equipment and systems, performs energy calculations, and identifies areas for improvement.
  1. What are some common findings in energy audits?
    Common findings include HVAC system inefficiencies, inadequate insulation, lighting upgrades, air leaks, inefficient appliances, and opportunities for better control systems.
  1. How long does an energy audit take to complete?
    The duration of an energy audit depends on its type and the complexity of the facility. Preliminary assessments may take a few hours, while comprehensive audits can span several days to weeks.
  1. What are energy-saving measures or recommendations?
    Energy-saving measures are actions recommended by auditors to improve energy efficiency. These can include equipment upgrades, insulation improvements, lighting retrofits, and behavior changes.
  1. Can I implement energy-saving measures on my own?
    Some measures can be implemented independently, while others may require professional assistance. It's essential to assess feasibility, costs, and safety considerations.
  1. Are there financial incentives for implementing energy-saving measures?
    Yes, many regions offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades. These incentives can help offset the costs of implementation.
  1. How long does it take to see a return on investment (ROI) from energy-saving measures?
    The ROI period varies depending on the specific measures and their costs. Some measures may yield immediate savings, while others may take several years to pay back the initial investment.
  1. How often should I conduct energy audits?
    Regular energy audits, typically every fiscal year, help ensure that energy-saving measures remain effective and identify new opportunities as equipment and technologies evolve.
  1. Can energy audits help reduce carbon emissions?
    Yes, energy audits can lead to reduced energy consumption, which, in turn, can lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability goals.
  1. Where can I find a qualified energy auditor?
    ICONIC Engineering Ltd. provides a Renowned Certified Energy Manager, Certified Energy Auditor, and whole energy auditing team to serve the purpose of energy auditing.