Mobile Technology for Streamlining Energy Audits

Dustin Bane, Keres / EMAT

April 23rd, 2014

Course Objectives

Different methodologies and solutions

Drivers for implementation

Advantages and benefits

Mobile technology components Application of mobile technology to

the energy audit process (with training aid)

Methodologies & Solutions

Laptop with software applications (e.g., Excel, Word);

Tablet PC with software applications

Integration of software applications

Tablet PC with custom data collection software Integrated solution – tablet -> cloud -> workstation (will be using a version of

this as a training aid)

Combine tablet and workstation

Virtual audits

Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology Energy management is very important to both the public and

private sectors, and will only get more important

Budgets continue to get squeezed, and resources are limited

Public sector / government perspective

Private sector perspective

Drivers for Implementation of Mobile Technology

Bottom line:

Everyone is looking for ways to accomplish energy management goals and objectives as cost effectively as possible – using mobile technology can help

Tablet Cloud Workstation Report

Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy Auditing

Primary benefits Reduce overall costs associated with energy auditing

Reallocate saved money to ECM projects to further reduce energy footprint and associated energy costs

More cost effectively meet energy management goals and objectives

Advantages & Benefits of Mobile Technology for Energy AuditingOther benefits

Increased process efficiency Decreased risk of data loss Decreased chance of missed data and required site return Improved capture and organization of onsite data (schedules, photos, etc.) Shorter time frame from onsite to complete analysis and report Increased audit report quality and consistency Increased consistency and accuracy of ECM calculations Improved data accessibility and security Can more easily retrieve audit data for additional analysis and reporting

Mobile Technology Components

Data collection device Laptop

Tablet – iOS, WindowsData storage

Local / portable storage device (hard drive, thumb drive)

Local network server

Cloud (web server)Workstation

Access to higher performance software applications

Primary for data analysis and reportingCombination of data collection device and workstation (e.g., MS Surface)

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Challenges without integrated mobile technology

Inefficient, obsolete data collection process

Hasn’t changed much to leverage new technology Pen and paper, notes, pictures – all on separate

mediums

Difficulty keeping everything organized causes problems when ‘back at the ranch’ (especially if multiple audits were done)

Burdensome process integrating schedules, ECMs, calculations, analysis, photos, etc. into a single, cohesive document

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Pre Survey Preparation Involves gathering data such as utility bills, floor plans, existing inventories

and pre survey questionnaires

Can leverage API’s and utility bill reading software to eliminate the tedious process of collecting utility data

Pre-load data collection device with sites, buildings, areas, rooms, operating hours, utility data, specific equipment and other relevant information

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Site Survey and Data Collection Should not rely on Internet connection

Consolidate multiple tools into single device

Especially useful if camera is integrated so that photos can be taken on the fly and immediately assigned to equipment, areas, ECMs, etc.

Software should be optimized for data collection process – intuitive and easy to use, anticipating data requirements

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Data validations can be implemented to ensure complete and valid data, and eliminate errors and omissions

In-context aids to make process more intuitive (e.g., auto-generate ECM based on inventory)

Data relationships can be captured and maintained throughout audit

Facilitate a quicker survey and data collection process

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Data Backup and Synchronization

• Cloud technology is most reliable and secure

• Best if multiple connectivity options are available so backup can be done at earliest convenience (e.g., 3G/4G/LTE, wireless)

• Synchronization and backup to cloud

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Analysis and Calculations

• ECM workbooks and utility benchmarking data can be integrated into system, making calculations and analysis for standard ECMs near-instantaneous

• Initial calculations can be made automatically but should also be able to be adjusted / customized

• Independent verification of ECM calculations is a must

• Should be able to add custom ECMs, and save for reuse

• ECM calculations should include realistic initial investment cost

• Potential to include integrated / holistic ECMs

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Reporting

• Utilize report templates based on audit type and scope

• Can be customizable for different clients or levels

• Auto-populated by data collected on site and calculations performed by the program

• Potential is for energy audit report to be nearly complete when auditors leave site

Application of Mobile Technology to Energy Audit Process

Data Sharing, Exporting and Accessibility

• All inventories, schedules, ECM tables and utility data could be immediately available for export to Excel

• Potential for export/integration with Energy Star Portfolio, modeling systems, and client systems

Summary Significant drivers exist for implementation of mobile technology for

energy audits

Numerous methodologies and options exist for implementing mobile technology, ranging from laptops with Excel and Word templates to fully integrated systems.

The benefits of implementing mobile technology can be significant.

Tablet Cloud Workstation Report

Questions

Dustin Bane, Keres/EMAT

dbane@keresnm.com301-663-4800 x480

(Booth 236)