. Energy Audit

The study reported in this paper was conducted between October and December 2007 [3] . A number of approaches were used to investigate energy utilisation at different levels of detail. A Utility Cost Analysis and a Walk-Through Audit were the first techniques implemented to better understand day — to-day, seasonal and longer-term variations [4] . The lifestyle of the occupants was also noted to understand any particular trends in energy use.

The Walk-Through Auditing phase involved identifying all appliances, which used electricity and / or water for operation. The position, brand name, model number, power rating and all other details pertinent to the operation and characterisation of the equipment were taken and input to appropriate spreadsheets, which would enable a more thorough analysis. It was noted that there were no gas — operated appliances on site. Table 1 shows a listing of the main appliances on the premises.

Table 1.

APPLIANCE TYPE

Number of electrical equipment units by type. QUANTITY APPLIANCE TYPE

QUANTITY

Incandescent Bulbs

87

Dishwasher

2

Energy Efficient Lights

13

Freezer

1

Air Conditioners

8

Fridge-freezer

2

Electric Convection Heaters

4

Tumble Dryer

1

Cooker and Oven

2 of each

TV Sets

5

Washing Machine

1

DVD Player

2

Iron

1

Cable TV Decoder

5

Laptop, Printer, Scanner,

1 of each

Wireless Modem & Router

3

The first two phases of the energy study were followed up by a more intense evaluation of appliance usage and consumption trends. Plug-in meters were used for the low power appliances, such as audio­visual equipment, refrigerators, computers, etc., while clamp-on logger meters were used on heavier

loads, namely, the electric cooker and oven, washing machine, tumble dryer and the electrical backup heater in the solar tank. Electricity consumption of appliances in stand-by mode was also monitored in order to understand energy utilisation in a more holistic way.