Energy audits (Part I). Definition, scope of action and regulations.
The present post represents the first part of a complete article in which we delve into the field of energy audits.
Introduction and definition of energy audits.
An energy audit is defined as the procedure through which it is possible to obtain reliable and objective information on the energy consumption of a certain building, in order to be able to detect what factors affect said consumption. In this way we will be able to understand how energy is being used and thus be able to identify where it may be wasting or wasting in order to establish and organize possible energy saving strategies.
An audit therefore includes a complete study of both the technical and economic factors that influence the consumption of all those installations or equipment that consume energy within the building under study.
The energy audit focuses on providing a technical report detailing the appropriate measures for the proper and rational use and management of energy. It should be taken into account that in the case of buildings for tertiary or industrial use, such improvement measures should not affect the quality of the service, or the productivity of a company, and in the case of residential use, they should not interfere with the habitability of a building. edifice.
The final objective of an audit It is, on the one hand, to provide more effective measures to rationalize energy consumption and, on the other hand, to optimize the procedures and processes of a certain activity that involves the use and consumption of energy, in such a way that it will focus on:
- Obtain information on energy billing to be able to analyze the consumption history of the resources that consume energy.
- Carry out an inventory and study and analysis of all energy-consuming machines, motors or equipment, as well as all energy installations and the building's thermal envelope using thermographic cameras to quantify, analyze and classify energy consumption.
- Based on this study, identify those areas or areas that are likely to achieve the greatest energy savings.
- Make proposals and recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
- Quantify both energy and financial savings in order to obtain return periods for the different proposed improvement measures.
- Analyze and study the rates offered by energy companies and propose recommendations.
- Propose measures for an adequate management in the use of water.
The main advantage in the case of organizations and companies is the positive impact it generates by reducing production costs and at the same time improving business competitiveness, due to the fact that, above all, a rationalization and optimization of energy consumption in production processes is achieved.
Scope of action and planning of audits:
To be able to carry out an adequate planning of the same and establish the key points to take into account when conducting the audit, the technical auditors usually resort to some type sheets in which the information on the state of the audited facilities and equipment will be reflected, in which the analysis and study of the following aspects should be covered:
- Constructive systems of the building's thermal envelope.
- Energy and electrical systems for both consumers and producers.
- Air conditioning equipment and installations.
- Ventilation and air renewal equipment and installations for commercial premises and work centers.
- Lighting equipment and installations.
- Current status of machinery, equipment and facilities in relation to compliance with current regulations as well as other environmental requirements.
Types of audits.
There are several types of energy audits which are differentiated by their scope based on factors such as the number of areas analyzed, the type and use of energy services as well as the processes analyzed, so that they are grouped into the following three levels:
Level 1: Preliminary Audit:
which corresponds to the simplest or basic type, in which a visual diagnosis of the building will be carried out on the one hand, compilation of basic data and a minimum interview, a not very detailed study on the billing of energy services as well as through the Obtaining other data on its maintenance and operation, obtaining a not very exhaustive diagnosis on the opportunities for saving and improving energy efficiency, so that its cost is usually rather low.
Level 2: Detailed audit:
In this second case, a more detailed analysis is carried out, starting from a greater amount of previous information on the construction systems and the facilities (plans, project reports, budgets and any other document), as well as the realization of a series of tests or checks, using technical measurement equipment, to obtain even more real information about the condition of the building. It can cover all energy resources or a single resource or service in a company or work center, so that its cost can be much higher depending on the parameters that define its scope.
Level 3: Special Audit:
In this case we would be talking about a level 2 audit, but carried out in greater detail, in which, in addition, the data collection with measurement equipment is detailed to the point of making a record of consumption by equipment, extending the measurements to other parameters so that more complex measurement equipment will be needed and its cost will be even higher.
Application regulations.
Technical building Code: Decree 314/2006, of March 17, of the Ministry of Housing approving the Technical Building Code (CTE) and subsequent modifications … HERE.
RITE: Royal Decree 1826/2009, of November 27, which modifies Royal Decree 1027/2007, which approves the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings (BOE no. 207 of August 29, 2007) … HERE.
Modification of the RITE: Royal Decree 238/2013, of April 5, which modifies certain articles and technical instructions of the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings, approved by Royal Decree 1027/2007, of July 20….HERE.
UNE 216501: 2009: Energy audits in buildings: Requirements….HERE. (More information in an introduction to the Regulations from HERE).
UNE EN 15193: 2008 on energy efficiency in building lighting….HERE.
REBT: Low Voltage Electrotechnical Regulation: ROYAL DECREE 842/2002. of August 2, 2002, of the Ministry of Science and Technology approving the Electrotechnical Regulation for Low Voltage. (BOE 09/18/2002)….HERE.
Modification of Regulation of technical installations in buildings: Royal Decree 238/2013: By which certain articles and technical instructions of the Regulation of Thermal Installations in Buildings are modified (R.D. 1027/2007).
Technical regulation for the distribution and use of gaseous fuels: Royal Decree 919/2006….HERE.
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Let's remember the access to the article… «Energy audits (Part II). Phases and development«.
Added February - 2016: Royal Decree 56/2016 on energy auditing for Spain was published in Spain, partially transposing the European Directive on energy efficiency 2012/27 / EU.
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Article prepared by Jose Luis Morote Salmeron (Technical Architect - Energy Manager - Google plus Profile) Access to their website HERE, in collaboration withOVACEN.
