Auditing and analysis of energy consumption of an educational building in hot and humid area

Electric energy consumption is becoming an important issue for individual as well as for governmental and private organizations. Electric companies in Saudi Arabia face hard times in meeting the increasing demand for electric power. This research investigation is trying to study the electric energy consumption for an educational building located in Rabigh city, 150 km North of Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Detailed auditing was done to the building including constructing materials used, energy consumption, cooling load and lighting. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded for several places inside the building. Thermal images for the interior zones were generated to provide information about the temperature distribution and give an idea about air or heat leak from or into the building. Based on the analysis of auditing exercise, some recommendations were suggested to reduce the electric energy consumptions which can reach up to 35.3%. The A/C units’ efficiency can also be increased by 31%. The results will be beneficial for the educational organizations and operation and maintenance staff to manage the electric usage and reduce the electric bills.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Increasing of energy consumption is a challenge to the electric companies. ► Energy auditing is a powerful tool used to conserve energy and manage it well. ► Auditing and energy consumption analysis is conducted for educational building located in SA. ► The results emphasis the important of using the detailed energy auditing to save energy. ► By utilizing some recommendations, energy can be saved up to 35.3% with payback periods of 2.7 years.