The following will address how we utilized RETScreen to analyze the energy data that we have received from our client. Furthermore, the project implementations and outcomes are illustrated as well.
During our initial meeting with our client, we were introduced to RETscreen. RETscreen is the primary software we used in this project. It is a powerful software and is relatively easy to learn. We received the energy usage data in the form of an excel file. The file was organized for unit and format compatibility. Once ready, the file was imported into RETscreen for analysis. Energy, electricity and water consumption data were independently plotted against heating degree days (HDD) in an attempt to find a relation between the 3 scenarios. We also tried to optimize the heating degree days threshold to obtain the highest level of R^2. The last scenario was combining both electricity and gas consumption to get total consumption and plotted that data set against heating degree days. Units were kept consistent throughout the process. Electricity units were in kWh, power units were in kW, fuel consumption units were in GJ and water consumption units were in L. The following regression analyses were obtained:
Electricity Consumption vs. HDD
Fuel Consumption vs. HDD
Water Consumption vs. HDD
Total Consumption vs. HDD
The data analysis and evaluation of results were relatively straight forward compare to the application of the the result. Once we had determined the results of the data analysis, it was difficult to predict the exact outcome they will have on the building tenants when implemented. It was important for us to provide the client with results that are applicable, realistic, and easy to understand. Therefore, it was imperative that the results which we report have meaning to the client and the end users.
The project outcomes are providing the energy saving strategies in terms of cost, and reduce of energy consumption for one of BC Housing managed buildings. Provide the client with a comprehensive report on effective energy usage strategies, and building tenants with guidelines on improving the energy consumption.
Hi Team,
This post is really intriguing – but I’m having trouble understanding exactly what you are presenting. It looks like you are showing Energy consumption vs representative dates throughout the 9 month period. But the term “Heating Degree Days” is confusing. A section in the blog that included a discussion of your results would have helped explain exactly what you are illustrating. I looked at the NRCan site to find out more about RETscreen – the website takes a long time to sift through to find the kind of info that would have helped me understand more.
Perhaps this difficulty is a result of a deficit in the blog assignment? If the assignment had clearly stated that the blog audience was the public (rather than your client, for example), then perhaps you would have provided a simple summary of your inputs, outputs, and how the outputs fit into the client’s needs. Let me know what you think.
Best regards,
SN