Energy Reduction through Real-Time Electricity Monitoring
EW-201258
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate that building occupants who have access to real-time electrical data will reduce their electricity usage more significantly than occupants who have no access to usage data or are exposed only to more traditional methods of raising awareness. Technology demonstrations will take place at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Validation of this hypothesis using the enabling technology will assist the Department of Defense (DoD) in creating an environment in which soldiers, airmen, and civilians are aware of energy use in day-to-day practices, thereby motivating behavioral change that will eventually lead to institutionalized culture change.
Technology Description
The 3M Energy Analyzer consists of a patented, low-cost measuring transmitting unit (MTU), current transformers (CTs), a gateway that communicates wirelessly to an innovative visualization software platform, and an optional Zigbee wireless handheld display. The 3M Energy Analyzer aggregates data from an infinite number of single- or 3-phase monitors, allowing the user to visualize electrical energy usage, cost, and estimated carbon emissions on a real-time basis according to a number of important dimensions, including but not limited to, time of day, day of week, week of month, and building size. In addition to energy visualization, the software also contains benchmarking and competitive elements. The technology does not rely on electrical meters to collect the data and therefore may be particularly effective for buildings that do not have electrical submeters. Success will be measured by a reduction in energy consumption when compared to control groups.
Benefits
Increasing awareness through real-time electricity monitoring is expected to reduce energy usage by 5-15%. The technology to be demonstrated is significantly lower in cost than typical energy management, demand response, and building management systems that are commercially available. Additionally, no dedicated personnel are required to monitor and maintain this technology. In most installations, the simple payback period of this system is expected to be less than 3 years. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2014)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Ms. Megan Erickson
3M Company
Phone: 651-733-7831
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.