Bert Delivers – Implementing Plug Load

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Implementing plug load control works best with an experienced partner.  Even though plug load energy savings is considered low hanging fruit, it represents a small piece of many performance contracts.  Therefore, ESCOs must be confident about their partners’ ability to quickly and efficiently deliver maximum energy savings before adding plug load control to a project.

At Bert, we know what we’re doing.  We follow a structured process, designed for performance contracts, that has been refined after installing 30,000 Berts in 700 buildings.  We complete most projects within 6 – 8 weeks, keeping partners and users updated every step along the way.  This post highlights our approach to implementing plug load control.

Turnkey Plug Load Implementations Ensure Success

It’s a fact. ESCOs don’t have the time or energy to manage plug load projects.  Instead they rely on partners with the resources and expertise to manage the entire implementation for them.  ESCOs require turnkey solutions from vendors with the capability to handle everything, including audits, installations and integration services.

At Bert, we see ourselves as more than just a technology company.  We take complete responsibility for the entire project, from preliminary savings through measurement and verification.  In some projects, Bert performs the IGA audit and the hardware installation.  Other times, we train and manage partners selected by the ESCO.  Either way, we do not turn the system over until every Bert is named, grouped and scheduled and the post-installation savings report is created.

Details Matter When Implementing Plug Load

Projects require attention to details. Besides documenting the location and type of each load, it’s also necessary to identify locations that lack Wi-Fi coverage or have other issues preventing the installation of plug load control hardware.  Ideally, this data is shared with partners and end users throughout the project.  For instance, installers need the audit data before going on-site so they know where to go.  Performance contractors and end users want “as-built” documents reflecting up-to-the minute progress.

Cloud-based tools make it possible to keep track of the specifics.  In addition, information such as photos of hardwired inline devices can be shared real-time. Bert’s set of robust iOS and Android audit and installation tools facilitates data sharing. Besides providing instant access to the data, the technology allows Bert  to remotely monitor audits and installations, providing immediate assistance.

Provide easy-to-understand energy savings estimates

Everyone agrees the goal is delivering actual energy savings that are equal to the IGA savings estimate.  In a perfect world, IGA estimates would be identical to the post-installation savings reports. In reality, most projects have minor equipment changes.  Therefore, ESCOs and user must be able to easily compare the IGA and the final “as-built”.

Bert makes it easy by presenting all savings data in the same format.  Whether it’s a Preliminary Savings estimate, an IGA estimate, or a post-installation M&V report, the data looks the same.

To ensure the actual savings are equal to our IGA estimate, we deliberately generate conservative IGA estimates and continue to identify additional energy savings opportunities throughout the life of the project. We are proud of our ability to consistently achieve actual energy savings that exceeds our IGA estimate in many projects.

Decide upfront if projects warrant an IGA

It’s true that implementing plug load control improves most project economics, but not all projects make sense – particularly in locations with extremely low kWh rates or in buildings where devices need to be on all day, every day.  ESCOs often prefer to do an upfront analysis before deciding whether or not to proceed with a project.

Bert’s Preliminary Savings Sheet provides ESCOs with an educated guess about potential energy savings without going on-site. We enter the building types, building sizes and building kWh rates into a proprietary modelling tool that calculates the expected number and types of plug and inline devices by building.  Based on the occupancy hours for each building, the tool estimates energy savings using standby load data from similar devices in previous Bert projects.

Assuming the numbers make sense and the project moves forward, Bert follows up with an on-site IGA.  Estimated counts are replaced with actual counts and savings are recalculated.

If you want additional information about implementing plug load control, please feel free to reference our FAQ guide or reach out to a Bert representative.

 

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Visit us at NAESCO’s 35th Annual Conference & Vendor Showcase

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We’re looking forward to our 5th straight NAESCO conference. Meet Bert CEO, Scott Yetter and Southern Area Business Development Manager, Kirk Rodgers in Orlando and learn why leading ESCOs included Bert’s industry-leading solutions in over 80 performance contracts.

Hint: It might be our rapid payback, quick deployment and proven implementation methodology.

Bert’s patented wireless solutions use the existing network to manage devices and collect building data from miscellaneous electric loads to deliver verifiable energy savings and improved building efficiency. In addition, Bert integrates these loads into BACnet/IP-based building automation systems for centralized control and administration.

Stop by to see us at Booth # 111!

NAESCO 35th Annual Conference

Conference Description

Targeted to the ESCO market, NAESCO’s premiere conference and vendor showcase focuses on key policy and business issues affecting the energy service industry. The program includes a mix of content, exhibit time and networking covering the latest innovations, technologies and services in the energy efficiency industry.

Website

http://www.naesco.org/conference-2018

Date

October 31 – November 2, 2018

Venue

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
ChampionsGate, Florida 33896

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See Bert at the 7th Annual ESC Market Transformation Conference

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We’re heading to Atlanta for the 2018 Energy Services Coalition Conference on October 4th and 5th.

Please visit us at the exhibit expo to learns why Bert’s industry-leading hardware, software and integration solutions for plug and hardwired loads improves performance contract economics. By controlling “everything else” in the building, Bert delivers big energy savings.

We hope to see you in Atlanta!

Conference Description

The 1 ½ day conference offers a broad range of topics for those involved in the guaranteed energy savings performance contracting (GESPC) community, including those managing, developing, implementing or marketing GESPC programs, products or services.

Website

Find more information or register your spot here:

http://conference2018.energyservicescoalition.org/

Date

October 4 – 5, 2018

Venue

Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
Atlanta, GA 30308

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Can I Calculate Plug Load Energy Savings Without the Exact Number of Devices or the Standby Loads?

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Yes, it’s possible to calculate potential plug load energy savings without having detailed device information using an automated savings calculator. While the estimate will be less accurate than an estimate using actual device counts and standby load data, it is often sufficient to determine whether to proceed with a detailed audit, especially given the fact most energy managers do not have the tools or enough information to confidently estimate potential savings on their own.

Rule of Thumb Estimate

Lacking specifics about devices and loads, the following rule of thumb can be used to gauge potential energy savings;

The yearly cost to power an uncontrolled kW load is roughly $1,000. Powering the load off nights and weekends saves nearly $700 each year since commercial buildings are only occupied about 30 percent of the time.

Here’s the math:

Annual Cost Uncontrolled kW MEL at $.11 kWh
Devices are on all day, every day

8,760 hours on x $.11 kWh rate = $ 963.60

Annual Savings Controlled kW MEL at $.11 kWh
Devices on weekdays and off nights and weekends

6,132 hours off x $.11 kWh rate = $ 674.52

Use Plug Load Energy Savings Calculator To Estimate Savings

A more accurate and detailed plug load energy savings estimate can be created using an automated savings calculator like Bert’s Preliminary Savings Sheet, which models the expected number of common plug loads for buildings based on the type of building and its size.  Bert uses exclusive data about the number of devices per square foot and average hourly standby loads from earlier projects to estimate savings.

Minimal building data is needed for an estimate. For example, Bert’s model only needs the following data: building types, square footages and kWh rates. These tools are an easy way to determine whether projects make sense. Estimates should include kWh and $ savings for the project as well as savings calculations broken out by device type and building.

Contact Bert for a Preliminary Savings estimate.

Audit Every Building For A More Accurate Estimate

For the most accurate savings estimate, a physical inventory of all plug and hardwired loads is necessary. Without this level of detail, it is simply not possible to accurately calculate plug load energy savings.

Record the location, quantity and device type of all MELs. Ideally, the audit data is captured electronically and automatically entered into the savings calculator. Besides improving the accuracy of the savings estimate, data can be shared between energy service companies, installation partners and the end user.

At the same time, the standby loads for each device type should be determined. Once all the data is collected, the savings model is re-run, using the actual audit counts and standby load data.

Compare Measured Overnight Load to Savings Estimate

Once control and measurement devices, such as the Bert Smart Plug and Inline Series, are installed the savings model should be run again using the ‘as-built” quantities and measured standby loads. kWh and $ savings can be compared to earlier savings estimates.

Overnight Loads Make Up 30% to 50% of Baseline Loads

Finally, compare the proportion of the Overnight Load to the Baseline Load to calculate the energy savings as a percentage of the total Baseline Load. In most projects, Overnight Load represents somewhere between 30% and 50% of the Baseline Load.

This percentage varies greatly between projects, depending on occupancy hours, kinds of devices controlled and the daytime energy usage patterns.

In buildings with heavy daytime device usage, the daytime load represents a larger proportion of the overall load, so the savings percentage will be smaller.

In buildings where devices are used fewer hours, the daytime and overnight loads are closer to the same size, meaning the savings percentage could be close to 50 percent.

As you look at the savings percentage, it’s important to note that the percentage reduction is not directly related to total kWh or $ savings. A lower percentage does not mean that a project is saving less money or fewer kWh than a project with a higher percentage. It just means that, on a relative basis, it’s likely the project with the smaller percentage has devices that are used more frequently during the week.

Breakdown of the Baseline Load

Baseline Load: kWh recorded during baseline data collection
Includes all devices and circuits that will be controlled. Devices run with no schedules, while hourly measurement data for each load is captured. Baseline Load is split into two categories for savings calculations: Daytime Load and Overnight Load.

Daytime Load: kWh while the building is occupied
This load varies from week-to-week and can differ from the load recorded during baseline data collection. Devices are scheduled on during daytime hours. Measurement data is collected.

Building operators seeking detailed information about daytime device usage should use an administrative dashboard like Bert Analysis to analyze and compare daytime energy usage.

Overnight Load: kWh while the building is empty
Also called Standby Load. This load is eliminated once devices are scheduled, meaning total kWh and $ savings are equal to the size of this load.

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Bert Provides the Missing Piece of the Energy Management Puzzle

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Welcome to Bert’s new blog, Small Things. The blog will feature topics related to the control and management of commercial plug and hardwired loads. 

Based on our conversations with ESCOs, building operators and BAS vendors, we know these loads aren’t well understood, even though they’re the largest source of energy usage in many commercial buildings. Whether it’s information about which devices use the most energy, potential energy savings, or how to implement plug load control, we’re ready to share our experiences.

The Bert Plug Load Solution for “Everything Else” in the Building

The Bert plug load solution provides the missing piece of the energy management puzzle; control and management for miscellaneous electric loads not connected to Building Automation Systems (BAS).

The BAS handles HVAC, lighting and mechanical systems, but doesn’t address loads like printers, copiers, classroom electronics, vending machines, exhaust fans, break room equipment, window AC units, electric hot water heaters or air handling units.  

Bert describes these loads – which are outside of a building’s core functions – as “everything else” in commercial buildings. Since the BAS is not able to control these loads, they typically run 24/7.

Bert controls everything else

The Bert plug load solution saves energy and provides valuable insight into building operations by managing and controlling these devices.  Bert’s wireless energy management platform collects and stores real-time granular device, measurement and temperature data for increased efficiency and comfort. The platform also includes the ability to integrate these loads into BACnet/IP building automation systems.

Data about 30,000+ Plug and Hardwired Loads

Bert controls over 30,000 plug and hardwired loads in 700 buildings in school districts, colleges, local governments, office buildings, and sporting venues. In each of these projects, Bert inventoried the number and types of plug and hardwired loads by building.  Most of the time, we also collected measurement data from each device, including specifics about energy consumption and usage patterns.

Bert continuously updates and analyzes this plug load audit data in order to refine our proprietary device density factors. This calculation is unique to Bert. In short, we crunch the numbers to calculate the average number of devices – printers, vending machines, charging carts etc. – found per square foot in a particular building type. Bert maintains density factors for elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, administrative and office buildings and sporting venues.

Small Loads Add up to Big Energy Expenses

While individual loads are small, miscellaneous electric loads (MELs) are the fastest growing source of energy usage in commercial buildings.  In addition, MELs are often the largest source of energy usage as well.

To put these loads into context:

According to the Department of Energy, devices with non-traditional end uses consumed over 7 quadrillion BTU in 2012. That’s enough dynamite to carve Mount Rushmore 135,800,000 times, according to the Department of Energy’s Direct Currents Energy Unit Calculator which uses alternative energy units to make energy consumption easier to understand.

The Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) 2015 forecasts that primary energy consumption from commercial MELs will grow 27% from 2016 to 2030 and the. contribution of commercial MELs to total building energy consumption increases from 36% in 2016, to 43% in 2030 under its business-as-usual scenario.

Standby or overnight loads associated with MELs account for more than 100 billion kWh and $ 11 billion in annual energy costs in the United States alone, according to Energy Star®. That’s the same amount of energy used in 6,116 Moon Landings.

We’d love to hear from you.  Please let us know if there are topics you’d like to see covered.

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