7.2.5 : Energy wastage identification
Real-Time, Energy-Efficient with RENKEI Optimal Control
This methodology is the focus of the ASEAN Real-Time Utility Network Energy Efficiency Using RENKEI (R-TUNE) Consortium, led by UTM's Process Systems Engineering Centre (PROSPECT). The core of this process involves:
- Data-Driven Waste Analysis: RENKEI Control is described as a "data-driven energy digitalization tool" that enables energy users to achieve cost-effective, real-time energy efficiency. This is a critical step up from periodic audits, allowing for constant monitoring and immediate identification of anomalies or inefficiencies, thus pinpointing the moment and location of highest energy waste.
- Specialized Assessment Tools: The R-TUNE project developed an innovative assessment tool specifically to assist industries in analyzing the potential application of RENKEI Control on large, high-consumption equipment such as boilers, turbines, air compressors, and chillers. These systems are typically the areas of highest energy use and potential waste in industrial and large institutional settings.
- Predictive Optimization: The R-TUNE team also created P-Graph models for energy auditors to assess potential energy savings before implementation. This predictive modeling allows the university and its partners to mathematically review and confirm the areas of greatest potential energy saving—which directly correlates to areas of highest inherent waste—by ensuring the "priorit[ization of] the use of existing higher-efficiency equipment through optimal control, avoiding unnecessary and premature equipment replacement."
By training energy professionals (over 50 attended a February 2024 workshop) and developing this real-time, optimal control technology, UTM has a formalized, innovative, and highly effective energy review process for pinpointing and eliminating energy wastage in key systems
Source :
https://news.utm.my/2024/04/real-time-energy-efficient-with-renkei-optimal-control/
Pelan Tindakan Kelestarian 2024–2025
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Formalized Process for Energy Wastage Identification
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has established a structured, data-driven process for conducting energy reviews to systematically identify and prioritize the areas of highest energy and carbon waste, a core commitment articulated within its official Action Plan 2024-2025 1. This formalized approach is a fundamental pillar of the university's overall energy management strategy, falling under Strategic Priority Area 1: Net Zero Carbon Campus222.
UTM's process for identifying energy wastage is meticulously defined by two critical, sequential actions:
- Developing a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory to Establish a Baseline: The Action Plan mandates Action SPA1-003, which is to "Develop GHG inventory for UTM to establish baseline"3. This initiative acts as a comprehensive energy and carbon review, providing the crucial data necessary to quantify the university’s entire energy footprint and associated emissions. This baseline is the indispensable starting point for establishing clear metrics and tracking the effectiveness of future sustainability efforts4.
- Identifying and Prioritizing Key Areas for Mitigation: Building on the data collected, the subsequent step is Action SPA1-005: to "Identify key areas for mitigation, improvement and prioritize plan"5. This direct analysis uses the energy review findings to pinpoint the specific systems, facilities, or operations that are the most significant contributors to energy waste. The expected result is a "List of improvement measures"6, which ensures that the university’s resources are efficiently directed toward the areas offering the greatest potential for energy consumption reduction and maximizing impact.
By embedding these formal review and prioritization actions into its core strategy 7, UTM demonstrates a robust and systematic commitment to continuously monitoring and identifying where energy waste is highest, essential for achieving its long-term Net Zero Carbon goals8.
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