A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MANAGING UNCERTAINTY IN THE MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY SAVINGS

Authors

  • Waldt Hamer North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
  • Walter Booysen North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
  • Edward Henry Mathews North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/28-3-1850

Abstract

Measurement and verification (M&V) is fundamental in determining the impact of energy efficiency (EE) interventions. However, accurately quantifying the EE savings on complex industrial systems can present several technical challenges. It is of critical importance that these challenges be practically addressed within regulatory requirements when applying for tax-based EE incentives. In this study, the key uncertainties affecting the M&V of Section 12L EE tax incentive applications are identified. A novel approach provides practical guidelines to manage and mitigate uncertainty. This approach ensures that reported savings are a fair and compliant reflection of the actual savings achieved. The presented case studies show that uncertainty can affect up to 30 per cent of reported savings. This emphasises the significant impact of uncertainty, and quantifies the benefit of compliant uncertainty management. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insight into the practical implementation of tax-based directives intended to stimulate sustainable development.

Author Biographies

Waldt Hamer, North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Author was a post-doctoral student at the North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria at the time of publication.

Dr Waldt Hamer is a holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the North-West.

Walter Booysen, North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Dr Walter Booysen is a registered professional engineer and holds a PhD in electrical engineering from the North-West University. He is currently a post-doctoral student at the North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

Edward Henry Mathews, North-West University, CRCED-Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Prof Edward Mathews is a registered professional engineer and holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the North-West University. He is currently a lecturer at the North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

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Published

2017-11-22

How to Cite

Hamer, W., Booysen, W., & Mathews, E. H. (2017). A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO MANAGING UNCERTAINTY IN THE MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY SAVINGS. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 28(3), 128–146. https://doi.org/10.7166/28-3-1850

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 3 (2017)

Section

General Articles

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