Using Existing Meters for Web Based Real Time Energy Monitoring

CIBSE Technical Symposium, DeMontfort University, Leicester UK
6th and 7th September 2011

Collecting energy consumption data in real time can deliver substantial benefits to an organisation, both in terms of user engagement, through the use of real time building energy displays, and the ability to relate energy consumption patterns to what is happening in the building at that time, allowing the swift identification of the impact of any changes.
These benefits are often difficult to realise do to the large capital costs of meter replacement or the installation of the communications infrastructure to collect this data. Using the kWh pulse output of existing meters and the existing IT network allows this energy consumption data to be collected in a cost effective manner.
This paper reflects on the experiences of the University of Aberdeen and the recent installation of their real time metering system. This system now extends to well over 100 meters, covering a range of utilities and energy types, all logging data in real time. The “visibility” this has provided on what energy is being used, where and when, has allowed significant savings to be achieved, often with very little or no capital expenditure.
Storing energy consumption data locally has allowed this data to be made more readily accessible, to a range of building users, either through bespoke web pages or even a customised iPhone App. Embedded conversion to £’s or kg’s of CO2 allows a non technical audience to understand any information presented. The University of Aberdeen already has some “dashboard” type displays at the entrances to their buildings and are in the process of rolling these out to other buildings on campus.