‘Easy meter' for building energy management

• Main Author: Zheng, Jingxin.
• Other Authors: Li King Ho Holden
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/44657
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Through the 28-week Final Year Project (FYP) under A/P Yoon Yong Jin and A/P Li King Ho Holden, the student has gathered and learnt useful knowledge for building energy management. From basic studies to in-depth research into the imperative features of energy monitoring industry, the student has successfully established the wireless communication platform for energy monitoring systems in buildings. From the market research conducted, the student identified a myriad of energy challenges that households and offices face in the future. Such challenges include rising costs of electricity, the need for electricity stability and the proposition of smart grid technology in Singapore for the future. Hence, it is imperative to seek practical solutions to these escalating problems to generate significant cost savings for users and optimize the use of our world’s resources. By exploring and modifying available devices in the market, the student adopted the most feasible interface and communication platform for energy data monitoring and control. Subsequently, an actual testing and modification of an existing power meter (Kill-A-Watt) was executed, and favourable results were achieved. Energy consumption data from appliances was recorded and logged in user-friendly programmes such as Microsoft Excel. Consequently, testing was conducted on common household and office appliances to identify the highest consumers of electricity. Using this information, users can focus their research efforts in cutting electricity wastage and optimizing energy usage at the largest sources of consumption. In addition, a detailed financial analysis of the project showed a favourable payback period of about 2 years. This affirms the real-world implementation of building energy management technology in generating monetary benefits from optimizing our demand response patterns. In conclusion, the student had a memorable learning experience which allowed the practical application of his engineering skills. Furthermore, by partaking in exhibitions and competitions such as the Ideas.Inc Business challenge and NTU L.I.F.E event, the business acumen and presentation skills of the student were honed.