IntelliMaV: A cloud computing measurement and verification 2.0 application for automated, near real-time energy savings quantification and performance deviation detection

Abstract

Energy conservation measures (ECMs) are implemented in all sectors with the objective of improving the efficiency with which energy is consumed. Measurement and verification (M&V) is required to verify the performance of every ECM to ensure its successful implementation and operation. The methodologies implemented to achieve this are currently evolving to a more dynamic state, known as measurement and verification 2.0, through the use of automated and advanced analytics. The primary barrier to the adoption of M&V 2.0 practices are the tools available to practitioners. This paper aims to populate the knowledge gap in the industrial buildings sector by presenting a novel cloud computing-based application, IntelliMaV, that applies advanced machine learning techniques on large datasets to automatically verify the performance of ECMs in near real-time. Additionally, a performance deviation detection system is incorporated, ensuring persistence of savings beyond the typical period of analysis in M&V.IntelliMaV allows M&V practitioners to quantify energy savings with minimum levels of uncertainty by applying powerful analytics to data readily available in industrial facilities. The use of a cloud computing-based architecture reduces the resources required on-site and decreases the time required to train the baseline energy model through the use of parallel processing. The robust nature of the application ensures it is applicable across the broad spectrum of ECMs in the industrial buildings sector. A case study carried out in a large biomedical manufacturing facility demonstrates the ease of use of the application and the benefits realised through its adoption. The energy savings from an ECM were calculated to be 2,353,225 kWh/yr with 25.5% uncertainty at a 90% confidence interval.