Case Study: The advancement of energy and carbon management at Gosford City Council

Smart Energy Management and Power Flow Control for Multi-Microgrids Interfacing with Utility Grid

Reducing fuel consumption has always been a major challenge to the automotive industry. Whereas first marketing aspects gave rise to innovative research, today the environmental regulations have become the main driving force behind new technologies. Historically, the research concentrated on improvements for the mechanical side of the vehicle. However, the introduction of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), where the propulsion power can also be delivered by an electric machine, definitely emphasizes the benefits of electro-mechanical solutions. With a secondary power source, the HEV can satisfy the vehicle power demand in various ways. An energy management (EM) strategy is needed to control this added freedom in a fuel-efficient way. At present, a broad range of EM strategies has been proposed in literature and several concepts have been implemented in series-production vehicles. Typically, the academic solutions focus on complex optimization techniques, arising from well defined mathematical problems. The engineering approach offers a sub-optimal strategy, based on heuristic rules. Nevertheless, both policies fail when the important vehicle characteristics for EM are not well understood. The main contribution of this thesis is to deduce a physical explanation of the EM problem for all HEV configurations, viz., the series-HEV, the parallel-HEV and the combined series/parallel-HEV. By having a good understanding of the vehicle properties of interest, it becomes possible to develop a model-based EM strategy that mimics the optimal solution, without the need for complex optimization routines, nor the necessity for having accurate predictions about the future driving cycle. The proposed causal strategy is directly suitable for on-line implementation in a vehicle. The primary goal of an EM strategy is to maximize the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. In practice, this requirement is often associated with operating the internal combustion engine (ICE) in its highest efficiency region. Nevertheless, this thesis reveals that this concept is only partially true. A better understanding of how to operate the ICE follows from two other properties: the slope of the fuel map and its fuel offset at idle speed. A formal optimization problem is formulated to prove that these properties also relate to a mathematical interpretation, and infer from the optimal solution. For all the HEV configurations mentioned above, a power-oriented vehicle model is derived. Next, a suitable EM strategy is proposed. This strategy originates from a non-causal global optimization, but through a physical understanding of the parameters of interest, it is translated into a causal on-line strategy. To cope with uncertainties in the future power demand, a feedback mechanism is added which automatically regulates the energy in the battery near a reference value. Contrary to standard control experience, this feedback control loop has a better performance if it incorporates a small bandwidth and a large tracking error. Simulation results for all HEVs demonstrate that the proposed EM strategy achieves a fuel economy which is almost equivalent to the optimal solution. Moreover, when the fuel costs for producing electric power are accurately known in advance, this strategy has the ability to further improve its performance. In practice, however, this requirement is inappropriate, since causality of the EM strategy is lost. An alternative methodology is presented to include road predictions into the causal EM strategy. By means of an electronic horizon, the prediction information is translated into a preferred reference trajectory for the energy stored in the battery. However, it will be demonstrated that the added value of having knowledge about the future driving cycle is limited, compared to the situation without prediction information. Finally, the EM concept can also be applied to the electric power net of vehicles with a traditional drive train, or micro HEVs. Here, the alternator takes the position of the electric machine. As a case-study, the EM strategy has been implemented in a Ford Mondeo vehicle. Vehicle experiments on a roller-dynamometer test-bench show that profits in fuel economy are achieved up to 2.6% for a typical driving cycle. Although the potential fuel benefits are limited for the vehicle under consideration, the return on investment is extremely high, since it requires primarily changes in the vehicle software.

The article is devoted to the issues of implementing energy-saving projects within the framework of the energy management strategy at the objects of the budget sphere. Based on the research, it was proposed to arrange the adaptation tools for managing energy-saving projects. The purpose of the study was to study the implementation of energy-saving projects within the framework of the energy management strategy at the objects of the budget sphere. Effective energy management system implementation considers not only material and financial resources but also human resources and previous experience in implementing energy-saving measures. The specified features of the energy management principles must be followed when implementing energy-saving projects at budget facilities. Attention is focused on the expediency of analyzing the stages of general energy quality management in detail, which must be considered for energy saving. Some obstacles are given that prevent energy management from creating the proper conditions for increasing energy saving at budget-sector facilities. It has been proven that developing a general strategy for implementing the energy management system at public sector facilities is essential for creating an energy-saving program. The approach to the formation of energy characteristics at the objects of the budget sphere allows the top management to present historical consumption trends, energy costs, the level of competence in energy management, a list of possible projects with an indication of the ratio of costs and benefits; study of experience and results achieved in other institutions. For this, it is necessary to strengthen the commitment of management, which is essential for the success of the energy management system. This commitment includes defining the organizational structure, setting, and approving goals, obtaining the necessary resources, and systematically spreading and supporting the energy conservation program. Modeling the organizational structure of the energy management system is based on interconnected components: the creation of an energy-saving block or zone, the creation of an energy-saving commission, and the hiring of an advisory group. Therefore, within the framework of the conducted research, it is proposed, with the use of adaptive management tools of energy-saving projects, at the beginning of the process, it is necessary to determine the priorities of different local communities and the location features of budget objects in order to ensure a fair transition in the distribution of resources between budget objects about the implementation of energy saving projects within energy management strategies. Keywords: energy diagnostics, energy-saving projects, strategy, energy management, budget objects.

This is the third in a series of three articles on enterprise energy management (EEM) systems featured in Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment. The first article described the current state-of-the-art in EEM systems and their associated benefits in controlling energy cost, quality, and reliability (see Vol. 22, #4). The second piece considered energy in terms of managing the associated cost and reliability risks to businesses (Vol. XX, #X). As the field of energy management matures, so do the tools and best practices available to ensure that the energy required by an organization is used in the most efficient way possible. In the past, energy management practices consisted primarily of replacing inefficient equipment and then using any number of methods to estimate the savings gained. Studies performed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) have shown, however, that energy savings can be dramatically increased and maintained over time by adopting and implementing consistent energy management practices and recognized measurement and verification procedures. As energy management standards and best practices begin to see widespread adoption, the information systems required to support them will play a crucial role in their implementation and success. The enterprise energy management systems described in the previous articles will not only address shorter term cost, quality, and reliability concerns, but can also provide the detailed data and analysis capabilities required to ensure that energy management strategies and conservation measures are on track throughout an organization. Organizations can apply EEM systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of current energy performance, plan and select cost-effective energy conservation measures, track performance of measures that have been implemented, and verify the savings realized. Over the last several decades, there has been increasing interest and activity in the field of energy management. A Lawrence Berkeley National Labs (LBNL) study of energy efficiency projects completed by US energy service companies over a ten-year period shows that total project spending has increased from roughly $500 million in 1990 to more than $2 billion in 2000 [1]. Energy management practice has traditionally focused exclusively on technologies that increase the energy efficiency of key energy-consuming processes and equipment. Rebuild America, a US Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency program, lists lighting and HVAC equipment upgrades among the most commonly implemented energy efficiency measures [2]. The US DOE Energy Information Administration (EIA) lists a variety of energy management activities for several industrial sectors, including waste-heat recovery and deployment of variable-speed drives [3]. Although there is little doubt that upgrading equipment and processes is a key ingredient to increased energy efficiency, there have always been concerns that traditional deployment practices have not resulted in consistent (and long-term) energy savings. While the LBNL study mentioned above notes a steady increase in energy efficiency project spending over time, it also acknowledges that there is a wide variation in typical energy savings [1]. There has been considerable effort over the last several years to define standards and best practices that increase the performance of energy efficiency projects and make the savings realized more predictable and repeatable. The International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP), for example, provides best-practice methods for measuring and verifying the results of energy efficiency projects in commercial and industrial facilities [4]. MSE 2000, an energy management standard developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology and accredited by ANSI, specifies a management infrastructure for increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs [5]. Both of these standards move beyond traditional energy efficiency practices and into the realm of more comprehensive strategic energy management practices that resemble the structure and discipline found in best-practice management systems like ISO 9000 and 14000.

PurposeIran is currently among the countries with high energy consumption levels. Based on the statistics published on the country's hydrocarbon balance sheet, the industrial sector was the largest energy user of all the sectors, followed by the household and transportation sectors. Besides, production lines account for the highest percentage of the industrial sector energy consumption. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the effects of coordinated energy management and manufacturing strategies to increase energy management performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper collected the required information on energy management and manufacturing from the experts of petrochemical companies; and oil and gas refineries and then examined their relationship. Moreover, the questionnaire tool was used to measure the independent variable.FindingsThe evaluations showed that organizations with coordinated and uncoordinated strategies do not exhibit equal energy management performance. Organizations with a coordinated combination of strategies have higher energy management performance than those with an uncoordinated combination of strategies. Combinations such as 11, 22, 33 and 44 are among the more coordinated combinations, which lead to higher performance.Originality/valueReviewing the studies in this regard revealed that limited and a handful of research papers were carried out on organizations' energy management strategies. None of the existing research has considered energy management strategies as a subsystem of an organization or specified its coordination with manufacturing strategies. However, this research has delved into this issue and our findings confirm certain assumptions of past studies and contribute to evaluating its effects on energy management performance.

Improving the energy efficiency in buildings is an important element of Canada’s federal and provincial energy policy. In Quebec, commercial and institutional property owners and managers are currently going through unprecedented governance, technological and managerial transformation. Many energy management systems and guides are proposed to provide organizations with a framework to improve energy management such that it can increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, improve the building’s energy performance while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, many questions persist, such as: how can energy management be integrated into the core organizational management and strategy of an organization? What specific energy management processes can be implemented in an organization? How can the energy function be added into the general building management system?The aims of this research were: to identify and analyze exemplary energy management practices associated with the implementation of energy management programs by the owners or managers of Quebec’s commercial and institutional buildings; to identify and produce five case studies describing the process of implementing an energy management program in building in Quebec. To achieve these aims, we started our research with a review of contemporary approaches for managing energy and a review of published literature. The theoretical framework for this study is the process studies of change in organization and management. We were inspired by the process for explaining development and change in organizations recommended by Van de Ven, A. and Poole S. (1995) and the process for studying organisational change and development recommended by Pettigrew, A., Woodman, R., & Cameron, K. (2001). Our paper differs from current studies as we applied the methodology of case studies research (Yin, 2013) with many sources of evidence. It is an opportunity for Quebec’s government as well as for the building owners and managers to learn from case examples, to better understand how to overcome energy management barriers, how to better capture benefits and identify or adopt new energy management practices in order to improve their current energy management system. Finally, this research provides guidelines for building managers in implementing energy management in a context where the improvement of energy efficiency is important but the energy cost is inexpensive and renewable.

Today, energy management is an important tool for organizations to achieve their key goals, but only by considering the role of energy management strategies, we cannot achieve scientific and precise results from energy management system. So this research aims to propose a comprehensive model of energy management strategies that is in line with organization and manufacturing strategies and increases performance of energy management. In this research, we collect information from the petrochemical companies and refineries, whose energy intensity is determined by hydrocarbon balance sheet of the country and examine them. Results show that organizations in which the type of their energy management, manufacturing, and organization strategies are coordinated have better energy management performance.

This paper investigates the application of utility theory in decision-making related to energy use behavior and management practice in the energy sector. By conducting a systematic literature review, this study aims to understand the theoretical and practical applications of utility theory in optimizing energy consumption and management strategies. The review targets a comprehensive collection of academic works that apply utility theory to various aspects of energy use behavior and management decisions, including efficiency initiatives, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable infrastructure development. A systematic literature review methodology was adopted, which encompassed a rigorous selection process to identify relevant studies, followed by a detailed analysis of how utility theory has been employed to influence energy-related decisions in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The review findings were synthesized to outline the implications for both policy and practice, highlighting the role of utility theory in guiding more efficient and sustainable energy management practices. Through this exploration, the paper provides a discussion on bridging the gap between economic theoretical models and practical energy management applications. It also offers insights into how decision-making influenced by utility theory can lead to enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability. The findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and energy managers in designing and implementing energy systems and policies that maximize utility while considering environmental and economic impacts. This paper serves to advance the theoretical framework of utility theory and its practical application in energy management, facilitating better-informed strategies that align with global sustainability goals.

The paper proposes and implements an architecture scheme of regional integrated energy management and service management system to meet the actual demands of regional comprehensive energy and service management of various types such as electricity, heat, gas and water. Combined with new technologies and new concepts such as big data, cloud platform, Internet of Things, mobile internet and smart city, the regional integrated energy management and service management system is mainly designed six functional applications. The applications include energy monitoring, energy analysis, energy management, operation and maintenance, transaction settlement, and value-added services. The application cases illustrate that the system can meet the comprehensive energy management and service requirements for energy supply side and demand side of three typical application scenarios of enterprise level, park level and regional level. The system can effectively support regional integrated energy management and service management. And it is expected to tap the potential of energy conservation, improve energy efficiency, enhance energy management level, and make the environment better.

Our planet is in the midst of an energy crisis. Our traditional energy resources (oil, gas, coal) are limited. Due to ever-increasing competition for the finite supply of traditional energy sources, costs continue to escalate. The first step to combat rising energy costs is to make the most efficient use of what you have. This article summarizes several strategies to reduce energy costs by fully utilizing energy management system (EMS) features available with current building automation systems. Experience has shown that many facilities do not fully exploit the potential energy conservation tools at their disposal. The typical site energy management strategy does little more than time-of-day scheduling. There are numerous energy conservation measures that can be employed to reduce energy consumption—EMS strategies (utilizing all energy conservation features), continuous commissioning, and measurement and verification, to name a few. Designers must look for opportunities to fully specify all the energy conservation capabilities in an EMS. Building energy managers must be educated on building systems, look for energy conservation opportunities and utilize all the features of the EMS to help drive down energy costs. Additionally as more EMS features are utilized, the energy benefits increase. The incremental cost of additional energy features is typically low which helps the financial performance of the project. To ensure EMS features get utilized in new buildings, the designer must specify in detail which features are required and the expectations. Simply stating “the system must be capable of” does not mean that the EMS feature will be used. The training should be specific to the EMS and detailed enough to properly educate the users. Building energy managers must dedicate time to understand how to use the EMS and all of its functionality. Without the proper training and education, the building energy manager may not recognize energy conservation opportunities (ECOs). This knowledge is essential to developing a site energy management strategy. When a building manager pushes the EMS to the limit, the end result is lower operating costs, increased occupant comfort, and lower maintenance costs due to planned maintenance rather than emergency maintenance.

Sustainable energy management, a paradigm and theory, having concepts, principles, and methods that are only recently fully accepted and employed is an important and comprehensive framework, part of the sustainable development, attempting to plan the energy use on the past experience and future needs. The energy management fundamental goals are to produce goods and to provide services with the minimum energy use and environmental impacts. The term energy management has different meaning to different people and in different areas. The objective of Energy Management is to achieve and maintain optimum energy procurements and uses, throughout the organization and to minimize energy costs and energy waste without affecting production levels and quality, while minimizing the environmental energy use effects. This rather broad definition covers many operations from the services, product, and equipment design through the product shipment and delivery. Waste minimization and disposal, important aspects of an energy management plan are also presenting several and important energy management opportunities and solutions. Energy savings and waste reductions constitute primary measures for the protection of the environment and, in addition, for the reduction of exchange effluxes, which are used to purchase the polluting fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas. Noticing that in most process industries, energy costs are second only to raw materials. Very often entire department is devoted to optimizing raw material choices and product slates, by using planning models, energy management, supply strategies, and optimization approaches. This chapter provides guidelines and information how to set up an energy management program. Energy efficiency is about getting the same or better services using less energy. This energy management aspect is in contrast to the energy conservation, which involves doing less with less. The critical issues for energy efficiency and energy management are to identify the services that are needed and make sure that these are being provided cost-effectively, with minimum energy use with the least environmental impacts. Irrespective of the energy cost size, the continuous process nature or the types of equipment employed, energy efficiency is a must. Understandably, though, management gives the greatest amount of attention to the largest costs. The basic principles of energy management and energy efficiency are universal but different types of facilities require different types of energy management programs. Energy management is a long-term commitment, not just something that is conducted once and then is forgotten. The term energy audit, an important tool of energy management is widely used and may have different meaning depending on the energy service companies. Energy auditing of buildings can range from a short walk-through of the facility to a detailed analysis with hourly computer simulation.

The Pueblo of Laguna lies in the Grants Uranium Belt. The Grants belt is the source of more than half of all uranium produced in the US. Currently the Pueblo has development agreements with Conoco and Anaconda. Only the Anaconda leasehold has been developed - an open pit mine and 2 underground mines. The Pueblo has several areas of concern in managing mineral development. These include monitoring and enforcing performance standards, and taxing severance of uranium from the land. Constraints on tribal regulation of energy development are discussed in Chapter 1. Energy management program needs of the Pueblo of Laguna are discussed in Chapter 2. Chapter three contains the energy management plan to be used by the Pueblo as it formulates and implements an energy development and management strategy. (DMC)

In the Netherlands, the CO2 Performance Ladder has been introduced as an energy management programme to facilitate continuous energy efficiency and carbon performance improvement in non-industrial sectors. This paper addresses the question: ‘What is the impact of the CO2 Performance Ladder on improving energy and carbon management and reducing CO2 emissions in construction and civil engineering firms’. The research was based on interviews, descriptive analysis of energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction measures and quantitative analysis of CO2 emission reductions. The research results indicate that the CO2 Performance Ladder has improved various energy management practices at administrative level, while internalization of energy management practices at lower levels in the organization has just gradually started. Companies have implemented a wide range of new energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction measures. However, most measures only affected supporting business processes instead of companies’ core processes. About 30–50 % of these measures have been identified as additional. Green electricity purchasing and the adoption of behavioural measures were particularly stimulated. The annual CO2 emission reduction rate due to energy efficiency improvement and fuel switching amounted to 3.2 %/year (2010–2013). First estimates suggest that about 1.0–1.6 %/year of these CO2 emission reductions can be attributed to the CO2 Performance Ladder. However, these figures should be handled with caution because of various uncertainties. Overall, we conclude that, driven by the potential competitive advantage in contract awarding, the CO2 Performance Ladder has been responsible for improving energy management and enhancing CO2 emission reduction among construction and civil engineering firms, which most likely would not have been achieved otherwise.

Energy utilization has been the most influential parameter in recent decades, especially in the smart city model. The energy management system has been a more attractive research problem due to its utility, ability, and applications. This paper has an objective that the article discusses innovative energy management methods for sustainability and highlights the potential for integrated smart energy sources. The discussion also touches on the understanding of energy management and production, various storage systems, and their potential future applications. This paper explores challenges in sustainable smart energy management, focusing on methodologies like smart energy systems, PV calculations, electric grid models, and energy management strategies in smart cities. The passive infrared receiver (PIR) sensor has been used in real-time energy management systems to integrate these methodologies into the city's infrastructure. The energy management design aims to coordinate electrical appliances such as fans and lights to minimize energy consumption. The article proposes new energy management and security techniques based on data sources to enhance city intelligence, adaptability, and sustainability by reducing human involvement in controlling electrical appliances in residential buildings. The proposed design and development system optimizes energy utilization more efficiently and effectively than conventional systems, meeting real-time energy management objectives.

Chapter 12 - Energy management system and strategy for a fuel cell/battery hybrid power