BUSINESS CASE FOR: Plug Load Management

Transcription

1 BUSINESS CASE FOR: Plug Load Management

2 Plug Load Management Overview Plug Load Management Systems (PLMS) allow facility management and operations personnel to reduce operating costs by turning off plug load devices when facilities are unoccupied. By utilizing enterprise grade PLMS systems with secure connectivity for remote access, facility management personnel can achieve energy and cost savings through intelligent plug load operations. What is it? Plug load is the energy consumed by equipment plugged into an outlet. Devices that account for plug load include computers, monitors, cell phone chargers, vending machines, task lighting, projectors, TVs, coffee makers, printers, copiers, and other equipment. Because plug loads are decentralized, management and control of plug load has typically been challenging to effect meaningful control in a cost effective manner. Why is it important? According to the US Department of Energy, plug loads can account for as much as 30% of the electricity consumption in a commercial office building. With the growing number of devices (including employee owned devices such as cell phone chargers, etc.), even with the efficiency gains of electronic equipment plug load continues to grow. Additionally, as building managers have increased the efficiency of HVAC, lighting, and other building systems, plug load remains as an area that is often unaddressed by building managers. The US General Services Administration estimates that plug load management can save an average of $8,000 to $12,000 for a typical 50,000 square foot building. sustain@

3 How do Plug Load Management Systems Work? Building owners, operators, and managers seek ways to measure and control plug load as part of a holistic building energy management and sustainability process. Similar to technologies such as building automation systems for HVAC and lighting controls, plug load management systems enable facility operations personnel to monitor, measure, and control plug load. Similar to HVAC and lighting controls, PLMS enable plug load to be controlled to match facility operational and occupancy schedules. By turning off non-critical plug load during unoccupied hours, a PLMS system can be utilized to ensure that unnecessary equipment is turned off. Additionally, most PLMS have integrated measurement capabilities to provide feedback on energy consumption, as well as to enable advance actions such as proactive alerting when power levels exceed thresholds. Leveraging the economies of scale associated with networked electronics, today s plug load management systems utilize cost-effective hardware with integrated networking capabilities coupled with cloud-based intelligent analytics. This approach enables building managers to optimize their plug load operations, resulting in reduced electricity consumption and contributing to sustainability goals. sustain@

4 The Power of Energy Data The effect that data has on behavior change is undeniable, and this truth is even stronger in relation to energy data. Regarding a building's energy consumption, one would argue that there is nothing that you can tie more directly to individual behavior than Plug Load Monitoring. Plug Load solutions are the only accurate way to track energy data down to the device level. This creates a very unique opportunity to engage employees, and building occupants to be accountable for the energy they consume. If implemented effectively, this will be a far cry from the griping that comes from changing the thermostat setting, and become a collaborative effort that can change the culture of your company, and help achieve unprecedented energy savings. Sustain's Approach to Plug Load Sustain provides comprehensive plug load management solutions to enable facilities to reduce operational costs. By utilizing best-inclass, off-the-shelf enterprise hardware; Sustain s expert installation and management network, and Sustain s unique artificial intelligence layer, facilities that utilize the Sustain PLMS achieve true plug load optimization. Specifically, we look to customize a solution that focuses on the following areas. 1. Cost Savings, ROI, and Utility Incentives 2. IT Network Requirements 3. Scalability Historically there has been a lack of solutions that can meet enterprise requirements in all of the areas mentioned above. This is why it is so important to look beyond the excitement of cost savings, fast ROI, and truly understand what you are planning to implement. sustain@

5 @ Considering the scalability, setup, and long term management is just as important as picking the right technology. About The Author Scott Ameduri is Sustain s Head of Product. Scott is a project management, operations and technology veteran with a background ranging from building automation control systems, satellite and cellular communication networks, energy trading platforms, and renewable energy projects. Scott has over 20 years of experience in technology and project development. For the last 15 years, Scott has been providing solutions for commercial, industrial, and utility customers in the areas of energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy/grid integration. Scott has a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Arizona State University. Scott can be reached at scott@ sustain@