76 research outputs found
Recommended from our members
Open Software-Architecture for Building Monitoring and Control
Information technology can increase energy efficiency by improving the control of energy-using devices and systems. Awareness of this potential is not new—ideas for applications of information technology for energy efficiency have been promoted for more than 20 years. But much of the potential gain from the application of information technology has not yet been realized. Today a combination of new requirements for the operation of the electricity system and the development of new technology has the potential to cause a rapid increase in the pace of adoption of improved controls. In this paper we discuss one promising avenue for technology advancement. First, we review some basic concepts with emphasis on open software-architecture. Then we describe the components of XBOS, a realization of this open software-architecture. XBOS has the ability to monitor and control many different sensors and devices using both wired and wireless communication and a variety of communication protocols. Finally, we illustrate the capabilities of XBOS with examples from an XBOS installation in a small commercial office building in Berkeley California
Recommended from our members
Application of Advanced Early Warning Systems with Adaptive Protection
This project developed and field-tested two methods of Adaptive Protection systems utilizing synchrophasor data. One method detects conditions of system stress that can lead to unintended relay operation, and initiates a supervisory signal to modify relay response in real time to avoid false trips. The second method detects the possibility of false trips of impedance relays as stable system swings “encroach” on the relays’ impedance zones, and produces an early warning so that relay engineers can re-evaluate relay settings. In addition, real-time synchrophasor data produced by this project was used to develop advanced visualization techniques for display of synchrophasor data to utility operators and engineers
Recommended from our members
Towards a Sustainable Energy Balance: Progressive Efficiency and the Return of Energy Conservation
We argue that a primary focus on energy efficiency may not be sufficient to slow (and ultimately reverse) the growth in total energy consumption and carbon emissions. Instead, policy makers need to return to an earlier emphasis on"conservation," with energy efficiency seen as a means rather than an end in itself. We briefly review the concept of"intensive" versus"extensive" variables (i.e., energy efficiency versus energy consumption), and why attention to both consumption and efficiency is essential for effective policy in a carbon- and oil-constrained world with increasingly brittle energy markets. To start, energy indicators and policy evaluation metrics need to reflect energy consumption as well as efficiency. We introduce the concept of"progressive efficiency," with the expected or required level of efficiency varying as a function of house size, appliance capacity, or more generally, the scale of energy services. We propose introducing progressive efficiency criteria first in consumer information programs (including appliance labeling categories) and then in voluntary rating and recognition programs such as ENERGY STAR. As acceptance grows, the concept could be extended to utility rebates, tax incentives, and ultimately to mandatory codes and standards. For these and other programs, incorporating criteria for consumption as well as efficiency offers a path for energy experts, policy-makers, and the public to begin building consensus on energy policies that recognize the limits of resources and global carrying-capacity. Ultimately, it is both necessary and, we believe, possible to manage energy consumption, not just efficiency in order to achieve a sustainable energy balance. Along the way, we may find it possible to shift expectations away from perpetual growth and toward satisfaction with sufficiency
Recommended from our members
Energy Efficiency, Information Technology, and the Electricity System
Information technology can increase energy efficiency by improving the control of energy using devices and systems. Awareness of this potential is not new—ideas for applications of information technology for energy efficiency have been promoted for more than 20 years. But much of the potential gain from the application of information technology has not yet been realized. Explanations for the slow penetration of information technologysolutions include the heterogeneity of energy users and uses, regulatory constraints, limitations of the technology, and market structure. In spite of these difficulties, there is reason for optimism going forward. This is because of a convergence of new requirements for operation of the electricity system—especially the need to make use of renewable generationthat depends on resources, like the wind and the sun, that are beyond the control of system operators—and improvements in technology—especially reductions in the costs of information technology. This creates the possibility that the old paradigm for system operation in which supply is continuously adjusted to meet demand will be replaced by a new paradigm in which supply and demand are adjusted together to optimize system performance. Implicit in this new paradigm is better control of end uses of energy, which seems certain to reduce energy consumption. In this paper I examine the evolution of the new paradigm, identifying reasons for the slowpace of adoption and obstacles that must still be overcome.AndI explain why adoption of the new paradigm is likely to lead to significant energy savings and other environmental benefits
Program Evaluation and Incentives for Administrators of Energy-Efficiency Programs: Can Evaluation Solve the Principal/Agent Problem?
This paper addresses the nexus between the evaluation of energy-efficiency programs and incentive payments based on performance for program administrators in California. The paper describes problems that arise when evaluators are asked to measure program performance by answering the counterfactual question, what would have happened in the absence of the program? Then the paper examines some ways of addressing these problems. Key conclusions are 1) program evaluation cannot precisely and accurately determine the counterfactual, there will always be substantial uncertainty, 2) given the current state of knowledge, the decision to tie all of the incentive to program outcomes is misguided, and 3) incentive programs should be regularly reviewed and revised so that they can be adapted to new conditions
Recommended from our members
Towards a Wiser Use of Intelligence: Fieldwork in the Application of Information Technology in a Commercial Building.
Information technology can increase energy efficiency by improving the control ofenergy-using devices and systems. Awareness of this potential is not new—ideas for applications of information technology for energy efficiency have been promoted for more than 20 years. Butmuch of the potential gain from the application of information technology has not yet been realized. In an earlier paper one of the authors discussed some reasons for the slow exploitation of information technology’s potential to increase energy efficiency. The earlier paper also suggested that a combination of new requirements for the operation of the electricity system andthe development of new technology could cause a rapid increase in the pace of adoption. In this paper we describe an application of these ideas to the operation of a commercial building. First, we review basic concepts with emphasis on an open software-architecture. Then we describe thecomponents of this open software-architecture and its ability, for example, to nimbly add sensors and add control algorithms within a proprietary Building Automation System (BAS). Finally, wedescribe results from this application to Sutardja Dai Hall at the University of California Berkeley. Results include demonstration of reduced peak demand by 20 -30% and continuous energy savings of 20%
Recommended from our members
IMPACT OF RECENT ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION ON THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR: THE STONE, CLAY AND GLASS INDUSTRY. FIRST INTERIM REPORT
Recommended from our members
Energy Efficiency: Choice Sets, Market Transformation, and Innovation
Markets represent both the site of important energy-related transactions and a potential venue for reshaping energy-related behaviors. Market interventions aimed explicitly or implicitly at market transformation are frequently part of utility and government energy-efficiency programs.However, these interventions are rarely grounded in knowledge of the workings of real markets.As a result, potential energy savings are foregone and program resources are wasted. We have suggested elsewhere that better theory and models are needed to support market transformation (Blumstein, Goldstone and Lutzenhiser 2000). This paper attempts to advance that agenda. The central themesareto highlight the shortcomings of the most commonly employed frameworks for understanding energy-related markets and to emphasize the need for research on actual market conditions, contexts, and players.We begin with a discussion of how common conceptualizations of the market shape our thinking about market characteristics,consumer choice sets, and approaches to market transformation initiatives. The following section discusses innovation and the role of innovation in market transformation.Thepaper concludes with recommendations for market-related research topics
- …