Post on 15-Dec-2015
Mobile Technology for Streamlining Energy Audits
Dustin Bane, Keres / EMAT
April 23rd, 2014
Course Objectives
Different methodologies and solutions
Drivers for implementation
Advantages and benefits
Mobile technology components Application of mobile technology to
the energy audit process (with training aid)
Methodologies & Solutions
Laptop with software applications (e.g., Excel, Word);
Tablet PC with software applications
Integration of software applications
Tablet PC with custom data collection software Integrated solution – tablet -> cloud -> workstation (will be using a version of
this as a training aid)
Combine tablet and workstation
Virtual audits
Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology
Energy management is very important to both the public and private sectors, and will only get more important
Budgets continue to get squeezed, and resources are limited
Public sector / government perspective
Private sector perspective
Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology
Bottom line:
Everyone is looking for ways to accomplish energy management goals and objectives as cost effectively as possible – using mobile technology can help
Tablet Cloud Workstation Report
Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy Auditing
Primary benefits
Reduce overall costs associated with energy auditing
Reallocate saved money to ECM projects to further reduce energy footprint and associated energy costs
More cost effectively meet energy management goals and objectives
Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy AuditingOther benefits
Increased process efficiency Decreased risk of data loss Decreased chance of missed data and required site return Improved capture and organization of onsite data (schedules, photos, etc.) Shorter time frame from onsite to complete analysis and report Increased audit report quality and consistency Increased consistency and accuracy of ECM calculations Improved data accessibility and security Can more easily retrieve audit data for additional analysis and reporting
Mobile Technology Components
Data collection device Laptop
Tablet – iOS, WindowsData storage
Local / portable storage device (hard drive, thumb drive)
Local network server
Cloud (web server)Workstation
Access to higher performance software applications
Primary for data analysis and reporting
Combination of data collection device and workstation (e.g., MS Surface)
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Challenges without integrated mobile technology
Inefficient, obsolete data collection process
Hasn’t changed much to leverage new technology Pen and paper, notes, pictures – all on separate
mediums
Difficulty keeping everything organized causes problems when ‘back at the ranch’ (especially if multiple audits were done)
Burdensome process integrating schedules, ECMs, calculations, analysis, photos, etc. into a single, cohesive document
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Pre Survey Preparation
Involves gathering data such as utility bills, floor plans, existing inventories and pre survey questionnaires
Can leverage API’s and utility bill reading software to eliminate the tedious process of collecting utility data
Pre-load data collection device with sites, buildings, areas, rooms, operating hours, utility data, specific equipment and other relevant information
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Site Survey and Data Collection
Should not rely on Internet connection
Consolidate multiple tools into single device
Especially useful if camera is integrated so that photos can be taken on the fly and immediately assigned to equipment, areas, ECMs, etc.
Software should be optimized for data collection process – intuitive and easy to use, anticipating data requirements
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Data validations can be implemented to ensure complete and valid data, and eliminate errors and omissions
In-context aids to make process more intuitive (e.g., auto-generate ECM based on inventory)
Data relationships can be captured and maintained throughout audit
Facilitate a quicker survey and data collection process
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Data Backup and Synchronization
• Cloud technology is most reliable and secure
• Best if multiple connectivity options are available so backup can be done at earliest convenience (e.g., 3G/4G/LTE, wireless)
• Synchronization and backup to cloud
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Analysis and Calculations
• ECM workbooks and utility benchmarking data can be integrated into system, making calculations and analysis for standard ECMs near-instantaneous
• Initial calculations can be made automatically but should also be able to be adjusted / customized
• Independent verification of ECM calculations is a must
• Should be able to add custom ECMs, and save for reuse
• ECM calculations should include realistic initial investment cost
• Potential to include integrated / holistic ECMs
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Reporting
• Utilize report templates based on audit type and scope
• Can be customizable for different clients or levels
• Auto-populated by data collected on site and calculations performed by the program
• Potential is for energy audit report to be nearly complete when auditors leave site
Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process
Data Sharing, Exporting and Accessibility
• All inventories, schedules, ECM tables and utility data could be immediately available for export to Excel
• Potential for export/integration with Energy Star Portfolio, modeling systems, and client systems
Summary
Significant drivers exist for implementation of mobile technology for energy audits
Numerous methodologies and options exist for implementing mobile technology, ranging from laptops with Excel and Word templates to fully integrated systems.
The benefits of implementing mobile technology can be significant.
Tablet Cloud Workstation Report
Questions
Dustin Bane, Keres/EMAT
dbane@keresnm.com301-663-4800 x480
(Booth 236)