Electrical Energy Audit as Basis for Energy Conservation at

Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba Campus

Rue Lei A. Balicaco1*, Doris H. Marquez2, Mitz Mae P. Datu3, Jaimel A. Divino4
and Oskee P. Paradeza5

Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering

Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba, Zambales, Philippines 2201
1
rabalicaco@yahoo.com, 2hilariodoris21@gmail.com, 3datumitzmae@gmail.com,
4
divinojai33@gmail.com, 5oskeeparadeza@yahoo.com

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the electrical energy consumption of RMTU Iba Campus
and to propose energy conservation practices and programs. The electrical load profile of Iba
Campus was determined, such as connected loads per building and electrical bill statements.
The data were collected through electrical load and energy consumption survey of all appliances
in each room and offices in the campus, interviewing key persons regarding daily usage of the
appliances, and gathering of electricity bills from the personnel in-charge. Through data
analysis, the monthly energy consumption in kilowatt-hours of the connected loads and the
estimated savings opportunities were calculated. Results of the study showed that the actual
energy consumption of the campus was different from the computed energy consumption of all
connected loads. Some of the reasons for this difference were varying operating hours of the
appliances in rooms and offices, lack of information for old equipment and additional plug-in
loads used in lectures, seminars, laboratory and other activities. Also, it was found that there
could be energy saving up to Php 318,667.20 per year when the operation of air conditioning
units is reduced from 8 hours to 6 hours. Based on the data collection and analysis, energy
conservation practices were established. General awareness on electrical energy consumption
should be promoted to both the students and employees of the university. Proper usage and
monitored operation of all appliances should be practiced. There should be maintenance
schedule of electrical appliances and facilities. Replacement of lighting loads into light-emitting
diodes was also recommended.

Keywords: energy consumption, electrical conservation, connected loads, energy awareness

 Introduction

Energy conservation is a most talked subject in the world today due to global warming, which is
one of the major problems the world is encountering. Energy exists in different forms namely
thermal, chemical, nuclear, electrical etc., but corresponding to V.K and Rohit Metha (2011),
electrical energy is the most important form. The demand and the cost of electricity are
continuously increasing and availability is limited. According to an article The Philippine's
Electrical Problem (2016), currently, Philippines has one of the most expensive electricity in
Southeast Asia-in 2013 and the residential consumer paid in excess of $0.25 per kilowatt-hour. If
humans consumed a large amount of electricity then it is evident that huge quantity of coal, oil,
petroleum and other fossil fuels are burned in order to produce a large amount of electrical
energy sustained by different power plants. This simply implies that as the consumption
increases the greater carbon dioxide will be produced and this will increase the risk of global
warming.

According to Clirigh, B. O. (2003, July), schools nationwide have the opportunity to save $2
billion in energy costs through the implementation of energy efficiency strategies and
technologies that exist today. Making buildings more energy efficient is one of the most effective
strategies for not only reducing costs, but also reducing greenhouse case emissions, reducing
dependence on fossil fuels, and numerous other strategic benefits associated with a more
sustainable energy supply. When deployed in a school setting, these solutions also have
significant educational and community outreach potential. Dr. Eddie Seva See et.al (2010)
showcased a study that focused Electric Energy Utilization in the Households of Albay Province,
Philippines. The research findings showed that the households in the province already observed
electrical energy conservation measures primarily to lessen electrical bill/cut down on expenses.
It was further found out that the electricity utilization-conserving practices in the households
behaved or manifested a distinguishable trend with respect to family energy consumption,
educational qualification of the household heads, and a number of children.

An energy audit identifies the areas where electrical energy is consumed and the corresponding
magnitude of the consumption. The implementation of regular energy audits is an important part
of a site's energy management system. The results of an energy audit can be used by site
operators to identify recommendations for energy efficiency improvements at a site. According
to Gousia Sultana and Harsha.H.U (2015), identification of areas of energy wastage and
estimation of energy saving potential has been made by walk-through energy audit. Also,
detailed analysis of data collected is done by suggesting cost-effective measures improve the
efficiency of energy use. Estimation of implementation costs and payback periods for each
recommended action has been made. Saving energy through simple measures can provide people
and the environment with a wide range of benefits.

The core motivation of this study focused on evaluating the energy consumption and on
proposing energy efficiency practices for Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Iba Main
Campus. This electric audit aimed to develop an implementation plan that will help the
university conserve energy. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the total connected loads
per meter and to compare the actual connected load with the total connected load.
______________________________________________________________________________
*Corresponding Author

Methods
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The methods and techniques used are data collection and analysis of data.
Data collection is made by using different methods such as observation, interviewing key
persons, and taking measurements. The following are some of the steps for data collection:
a) Visit each department, rooms, and offices at RMTU Iba campus
b) Gather information of electrical wattage consumption of each office such as Air Condition,
lighting, water dispenser and other based on nameplate and model.
c) Collection of Electricity bill from the personal in-charge
d) Interview key persons e.g. Electrician, Caretaker etc. for detail collection of usage of the
appliances.
Data analysis focuses on energy consumption per month in kWh will be calculated based on
each department. Different analysis were observed. First, evaluate the collected data from each
department and facilities with the use of statistical tool. Afterwards, evaluate reasons for the
variance between connected load and actual consumption.
To obtain the kWh per month, below formula was used based on study of Gousia Sultana and
Harsha. H. U.
Monthly total connected load in kWh= (Wattage/1000) x R x S x T (eqn 3.1)
Where:
R- Operating hours per day
S- Operating days per week
T- Operating weeks per month
To compute for the estimated monthly savings for the Air Conditioning Unit when operated only
6 hours
E.M.S= (J) (M) (O) (P) (eqn 3.2)
Where:
E.M.S= Estimated Monthly Saving
J= kWh per day
M= amount per kWh (Php. 8.4280-from ZAMECO1)
P= number of operating hours per day
O=number of operating days per month

This section provides a thorough description of all procedures, materials, and controls used in the
conduct of either quantitative or qualitative research to enable another researcher to repeat the
work. Specifically, the methods section is presented to describe the following: (1) subjects and
organisms (human, plants, animals, etc.) being studied; (2) study site (physical and biological
features) and location; (3) research design; (4) sampling design; (5) protocol for data collection;
and (6) qualitative and/or statistical procedures for data analysis.
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Materials
Each method is described in a separate section starting in a single section with a statement of the
materials used in the study. Provide information about the supplier of the materials so that
readers are able to repeat the work.
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Experimental techniques
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Describe in separate sections each key procedure and technique and the precise location used in
the study. Explain why each procedure was done and what variables were measured and why the
variables were measured.
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Statistical tools
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Describe the statistical analysis methods including the mathematical equations that were used to
analyze the results in the final Methods section.
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Results
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This section objectively presents a summary of the collected data and analysis without
interpretation, in an orderly and logical sequence using text, tables, and graphs.
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Result1
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Key results include obvious trends, important differences, similarities, correlations, maximum
values, minimum values. The author introduces each group of tables and figures in a separate
paragraph where the overall trends and data points of particular interest are noted. The placement
of a particular table or figure is indicated in the text. State the descriptive statistics such sample
size, measure of variation (standard deviation, standard error of the mean), and index of central
tendency (mean, median or mode).Include tests of significance, including null hypothesis testing,
effect sizes, confidence intervals, inferential statistics, and supplementary analyses, indicating
specific statistical data such as p-values.

Discussion
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In this section, the author evaluates and interprets the results relative to what was already known
about the subject of the investigation from previous studies, and to explain new understanding of
the problem after taking the results into consideration.
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Conclusions
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The section presents concise statements of the major findings and implications of the study.
Present general and specific conclusions in relation to the objectives.
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Acknowledgments (if applicable)
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The section provides a brief statement recognizing the contribution or effort of organizations or
individuals who are not included as authors of the research article.
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References
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American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (6th ed.). Washington D.C.
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Fisher, J. P., Jansen, J. A., Johnson, P. C., Mikos, A. G. (n.d.). Guidelines for writing a research
paper for publication. Retrieved from https://www.liebertpub.com/media/pdf/English-
Research-Article-Writing-Guide.pdf.
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The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. (n.d.). Retrieved
from http://abacus.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/writing/HTWsections.html.
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Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2004).Commentary for academic writing for graduate students:
Essential tasks and skills (2nded.). Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press/ESL.