Analyzing Energy Consumption in Universities: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study investigates energy consumption in general and in universities in particular. A literature review was used as the methodology of the study to show the energy consumption purposes, major findings, research gaps, limitations, and future research about how to analyze energy consumption levels. The number of references examined was 60, with 29 references about universities and some of them are concentrating on the buildings’ consumption in the GCC area. Most of the references concentrated on investigating case studies in different countries. Analysis of the findings showed that tools such as big data analytics, machine learning, simulations, and predictive models were used. However, big data analytics was the most important one. It was found that AC systems are the most important component of energy consumption, especially in hot weather countries. The studies also showed that monitoring the consumption rates will reduce the total consumption of energy. In universities, the type of the building and the day index were found the most important factors affecting energy consumption. Factors such as number of smart devices, location, and floor space were found to have different positive and negative impacts on energy consumption from one study to another. Recommendations for future research were also presented.