Identifying Energy Conservation Opportunities Through Energy Audits

• Ryan Hogan, Electrical Engineering, University of Delaware

• Keith Goossen, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware

Improving energy efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings reduces operating costs, lowers energy consumption, and promotes sustainable business practices. This project investigated the question: What are the most effective methods of reducing energy consumption through comprehensive energy audits? As part of the University of Delaware’s Mid-Atlantic Industrial Assessment Center, multiple facilities, including manufacturing plants, community buildings, and automotive dealerships, were evaluated to identify practical energy-saving opportunities. Energy audits were conducted using a combination of field measurements and equipment inspections. Data loggers were installed to monitor electrical demand and equipment operation over time, while voltage, current, and power measurements were collected from electrical equipment to identify abnormal energy usage. Lighting systems were surveyed to quantify non-LED fixtures, and HVAC equipment, refrigeration systems, compressed air systems, and electrical infrastructure were inspected to evaluate overall efficiency. Utility bills and operating schedules were also analyzed to estimate annual energy consumption and potential cost savings. The audits identified several opportunities for improvement, including LED lighting retrofits, HVAC thermostat adjustments, refrigeration upgrades, compressed air leak repairs, and reductions in unnecessary standby power consumption. Estimated annual savings were calculated for each recommendation by comparing existing operating conditions with more efficient alternatives. This research demonstrates that combining direct electrical measurements, long-term monitoring, and detailed facility inspections provides an effective approach for identifying cost-effective energy conservation measures. Future work will focus on expanding the number of audited facilities, validating projected savings after implementation, and incorporating automated monitoring techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of future energy audits.