Building Energy Information Systems: State of the Technology and User Case Studies
Jessica Granderson, Mary Ann Piette, Girish Ghatikar, Phillip N. Price
Abstract
This chapter discusses the energy information systems (EIS), broadly defined as performance monitoring software, data acquisition hardware, and communication systems used to store, analyze, and display building energy data. The EIS characterization framework was developed iteratively, beginning with the features identified in prior work and a scoping of current technologies. The EIS product evaluations indicated that, overall, visualization and analytical features are distinguished by the degree to which they accommodate dynamic user-defined selections versus statically defined reporting, calculation, and plotting parameters. The EIS user is then able to take action based on this information, for example, ensuring that weekend schedules are properly implemented. The visit was based on Cascade Energy Engineering's experience that the Stockton energy champion is one of the most highly engaged EIS users, with one of the higher-performing sites. Energy costing is supported in nearly all of the EIS, and more than half have implemented model- or tariff-based calculations.