A framework for energy monitoring and management system for educational institutions

Excessive utilization of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment in Higher Education Institutes (HEI) in addition to variation in occupancy patterns are the main reasons behind the ever increasing level of energy consumption in such environments. Reducing energy consumption while maintaining the comfort level of students and staff is a very challenging task. In this research we attempt to solve this dilemma by developing a framework that utilizes ICT to monitor and manage energy consumption in HEI. The system monitors electrical equipment individually and also collects environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and occupancy to optimize energy consumption. At King Saud University (KSU) we implemented the first phase of the system by using wireless sensors that measure energy consumption of any electrical device once every 10 second. Energy consumption data is then displayed to building managers, students and staff to create awareness. It was also utilized to generate situation specific advice. In addition to the unique design, the novelty of this work stems from the utilization of timetable and event management systems, which we believe was never used before in developing such systems