Energy Management System Definition, Principle, and Functions
Energy management system (EMS) is a system of standards and technologies that collects and analyses energy consumption data, in order to minimize the wastage of energy resources. This article discusses energy management system definition, principle and functions, as outlined below;
-Energy Management System Definition
-How An Energy Management System Works
-Functions of An Energy Management System
Energy Management System Definition
The main purpose of an energy management system is energy conservation. By providing insight into the manner in which energy is consumed, these systems serve as a guide to reduce unnecessary energy loss.
Energy management system is a system which provides an effective framework for energy consumers to minimize their rate of energy use [1].
The data collected and analyzed by an energy management system, may occur in any of various forms. This understanding leads us to yet another definition;
Energy management system is a system that collects and analyses various forms of energy data, including energy consumption, energy loss, and energy efficiency, in order to provide useful information that can be applied to ensure that energy is managed effectively.
Energy data analysis by an energy management system, may lead to any of various results, which may be presented in various formats, according to the existing need. These data presentation formats can also be used to understand energy management systems.
Energy management system is a framework which collects and analyses energy data, presenting the results in various formats including graphical and qualitative, to enable energy consumers manage their consumption rate effectively.
There are functionality-based links between energy management system and technologies like artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT).
Energy management system is an automated system equipped with artificial intelligence technology, which enables it to collect and analyze energy data effectively.
The application of energy management systems cuts across a broad range of fields. This can also be considered when defining energy management system;
An energy management system is a system used in commercial, private and public sector organizations [2], to monitor and effectively manage energy consumption.
Another important factor that is incorporated into the concept of energy management system, is safety.
Energy management system is a system that is used to ensure safety for energy consumers, as well as to minimize the rate at which energy is consumed.
The process of energy management is an important concept of its own. It can be used to define energy management systems.
An energy management system is a system which facilitates the process of energy management, which includes control, monitoring, and minimization of energy in a facility or building [3].
With regards to sustainable development and energy policy development, implementation and adherence, energy management system is a relevant concept.
Energy management system is a system designed as part of measures to develop and implement energy policies, by establishing energy-use targets, and monitoring the use of energy to ensure that these targets are met.
The growth of energy management as a field of study, is related to various aspects of technology. This can again be used when defining energy management system;
Energy management system is an assemblage of technologies that are geared toward energy conservation and energy efficiency, by the measurement and management of energy consumption.
The use of an energy management system to monitor energy usage, is done alongside the implementation of measures to improve the way by which energy is consumed.
Energy management system is a system that works to optimize the usage of energy, by minimizing wastage, and reducing energy cost [5].
In a smart house, an energy management system is generally important.
An energy management system is a centralized system that gauges and manages the rate of energy consumption by various devices in a smart house.
Finally, energy management systems can be defined based on their economic relevance in terms of resource conservation;
Energy management system is a system that works to ensure that energy consumption is an economical endeavor, by reducing the rate at which energy resources are wasted, and hence; the cost of energy.
How An Energy Management System Works
An energy management system works based on a three-stage process involving data collection, data analysis and data presentation.
1). Data Collection
In data collection, the energy management system receives data on energy usage patterns.
This data is usually provided in the form of measurements by the electricity meter.
Energy data can indicate the rate and volume of energy consumption, as well as the occurrence of power disruptions. These parameters are useful in energy management.
2). Data Analysis
In data analysis, the energy management system identifies regularities and patterns in the energy data, which it uses to classify this data.
The purpose of data analysis by energy management systems, is to simplify the data in such a way that makes it easier to interpret.
3). Data Presentation
After data has been analyzed, the energy management system presents this data in the form of a report.
Data presentation is important to provide the user with information based on the data that has been collected and analyzed by the energy management system.
Also, data presentation makes it possible to compare different energy parameters, so as to get a better understanding of the conditions of power consumption.
It is based on these reports that recommendations are made, to improve energy usage.
Functions of An Energy Management System
Functions of energy management system include software integration, real-time monitoring, data analysis, reporting, and automated billing.
These functions are discussed as follows;
1). Software Integration
The main components of an energy management system are hardware and software [4].
While the hardware includes connection equipment and meters, software includes the applications that are used to compile and analyze energy data.
Energy management software are very important because the control the entire computational process involved in energy management.
A major function of an energy management system is to seamlessly unify or integrate the hardware and software which are used in analysis of energy consumption. By integrating these components, the control of energy usage is optimized.
2). Real-time Monitoring
An energy management system monitors energy in real-time [6].
This function makes it possible for faults in the mode of energy consumption, such as spikes, to be promptly identified and addressed without delay.
Real-time monitoring also enables the energy user to track energy consumption rates and compare them to the consumption targets.
3). Data Analysis as a Function of an Energy Management System
Historical data compilation and analysis are functions of an energy management system.
Analysis of data enables the system to make comparisons between past and present energy consumption trends, as well as between energy consumption and the threshold value.
These analyses are useful in diagnosing potential energy problems.
4). Reporting
After data has been compiled and analyzed, an energy management system is capable of presenting this data in the form of a report.
This report may be compiled in any of various formats, and usually contains a summary of the energy data and the results of analysis.
Also, the reports which are typically compiled by energy management systems are customized, meaning that they are tailored to meet the needs of the user.
This increases the flexibility of the process of energy management, as it reduces the complexity which would be involved in using a more generalized result.
5). Automated Billing
In addition to analyzing data, an energy management system estimates the amount of energy consumed, as well as the corresponding cost.
By estimating the cost of energy consumed, the energy management system makes it much easier for the user to manage energy usage.
6). Analysis of Output as a Function of an Energy Management System
One of the functions of an energy management system is to analyze the performance of energy production systems, by monitoring energy output.
This is also referred to as analysis of power quality, and it helps to identify factors causing inefficient electricity supply, and outages.
Conclusion
Energy management system is a framework for evaluating energy consumption, in order to effectively manage energy.
Some other concepts which are related to energy management system include energy conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.
An energy management system works by;
1). Data Collection
2). Data Analysis
3). Data Presentation
Functions of energy management system include;
1). Software Integration
2). Real-time Monitoring
3). Data Analysis
4). Reporting
5). Automated Billing
6). Analysis of Output
References
1). Amoo, A.; Flores, F. C.; Ranalkar, S. (2016). “Home Energy Management System.” Available at: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26165.27368. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
2). Arthur, C. (2021). “What is an energy management system?”Available at: https://www.unido.org/stories/what-energy-management-system. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
3). Iwayemi, A., Wan, W., Zhou, C. (2011). “Energy Management for Intelligent Buildings”, in P. G. Kini (ed.), Energy Management Systems, IntechOpen, London. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5772/18589. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
4). Paunescu, C. I.; Zabava, T.; Toma, L.; Bulac, C.; Eremia, M. (2014). “Hardware home energy management system for monitoring the quality of energy service at small consumers.” Paper presented at the 16th International Conference on Harmonics and Quality of Power (ICHQP). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICHQP.2014.6842851. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
5). Yousafzai, A. A.; Khan, A.; Javaid, N.; Hussain, H. M. (2017). “An Optimized Home Energy Management System with Integrated Renewable Energy and Storage Resources.” Energies 10(4):549. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/en10040549. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
6). Zhang, F.; Sun, G.; Zheng, B.; Dong, L. (2021). “Design and Implementation of Energy Management System Based on Spring Boot Framework.” Information 2021, 12(11), 457; Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/info12110457. (Accessed 5 April 2022).
