The sole electricity supplier in South Africa, Eskom, currently has an electricity supply crisis. The supplier requires additional available electricity urgently, particularly during the evening peak period between 18:00 and 20:00. This electricity shortage is due to a steady increase in the demand for electricity, which exceeded the increase in supply capacity, and the inefficient utilisation of electricity. In order to address this problem, Eskom introduced a Demand Side Management (DSM) programme. The aim of DSM projects is to reduce the load of consumers without negatively affecting consumers. Demand Side Management is beneficial for both Eskom and the client. The client benefits from a lower electricity bill and new equipment, while Eskom benefits from a reduced power demand. Various DSM strategies are implemented in different sectors, such as mining and residential. These projects are managed by Energy Service Companies (ESCo). The ESCo is responsible for the identifying, implementing, and maintaining the DSM project. Any identified DSM project is presented to Eskom, which agrees to fund the project depending on the proposed power saving. The mining industry, which has been selected as a candidate for DSM projects, as it is a major consumer of energy with numerous DSM opportunities, is examined in this dissertation. Because compressors are major consumers of electricity on the mines, significant DSM opportunities exist on compressed air systems. The purpose of this research project is to investigate and implement sustainable DSM projects on the compressed air systems of the mining industry. The focus is on automatically controlling the underground demand for compressed air. Reducing the demand for compressed air will result in lower power consumption by the compressors. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The extensive use of fossil fuels coupled with its decreasing availability has ignited many countries to enact policies on energy usage. Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) all over the world are implementing initiatives to save energy. The South African ESCO industry must still overcome many barriers for it to be as effective as other global ESCOs. One of the stakeholders of an energy-savings intervention is the measurement and verification (M&V) team. The M&V team aims to provide objective and independent quantification of energy savings realised during an intervention. Despite the importance of the M&V function, the M&V process was shown to be inefficient, lacking in standardisation and research. The focus of this dissertation is to identify opportunities for improvement within the M&V process and to determine methods for the easy management thereof. The first two research aims are met by evaluating the process and determining the requirements for improving the process with regard to the critical areas that were identified. It is realised that the management of the M&V process could be simplified by using an information management system. This leads to the design of an information management system for the M&V process using the knowledge obtained during the evaluation. A case study is performed on one of South Africa’s largest ESCOs. The findings of the case study underline improvements regarding certain performance indicators. Moreover, the findings suggest that an information management system can support all the desired process requirements. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The extensive use of fossil fuels coupled with its decreasing availability has ignited many countries to enact policies on energy usage. Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) all over the world are implementing initiatives to save energy. The South African ESCO industry must still overcome many barriers for it to be as effective as other global ESCOs. One of the stakeholders of an energy-savings intervention is the measurement and verification (M&V) team. The M&V team aims to provide objective and independent quantification of energy savings realised during an intervention. Despite the importance of the M&V function, the M&V process was shown to be inefficient, lacking in standardisation and research. The focus of this dissertation is to identify opportunities for improvement within the M&V process and to determine methods for the easy management thereof. The first two research aims are met by evaluating the process and determining the requirements for improving the process with regard to the critical areas that were identified. It is realised that the management of the M&V process could be simplified by using an information management system. This leads to the design of an information management system for the M&V process using the knowledge obtained during the evaluation. A case study is performed on one of South Africa’s largest ESCOs. The findings of the case study underline improvements regarding certain performance indicators. Moreover, the findings suggest that an information management system can support all the desired process requirements. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The South African Electricity Supply Industry is one of the backbone industries in South Africa. During 2003, it became clear that the demand for electricity in South Africa was increasing at a rate that had not been predicted nor recognised before. This was a clear indication that Eskom, the national electricity supply utility, would have to invest in additional generating capacity before 2007. Eskom envisioned these problems and introduced a DSM programme, which is aimed at reducing the national peak power demand. In so doing, the immediate need for additional power generating capacity will be postponed. A major part of this program is the concept of electrical load shifting. In 2000 mining in South Africa consumed 29% of the total quantity of electricity generated, of which the gold-mining industry consumed more than half. Electricity is the exclusive power source for the application of vital health and safety-related requirements in gold mines. In some cases, these consume in excess of 55% of the total electricity used on a mine. Water-pumping systems are a major part of these important applications. This dissertation presents a study of certain aspects of real-time energy management on old gold mines, by focusing on electrical load shifting on underground water pumping systems. Old gold mines use old, proven and energy-intensive methods that were not designed to conserve energy. This study also researches the challenges associated with the implementation of energy management strategies on old gold mines. Research was done on three old gold mines to determine the potential for load shifting on the underground water pumping systems of old gold mines. Integrated simulations were used as the main method of establishing this potential as well as the financial savings potential for the client. The simulation results showed large amounts of load-shifting potential for all three case studies and substantial financial savings potential for the clients. Real-time, load-shifting strategies were implemented on the three systems analysed in the case studies. The results generated by these strategies showed that load shifting could be realised on these systems, and confirmed the potential calculated in the simulations. Further research into the results however showed that the old infrastructure in the old mines caused many problems and influenced the sustainability of these strategies. From this study, the conclusions were made that; (a) there exists a potential for energy management on old gold mines, (b) there exists large potential for the implementation of sustainable energy management strategies on old gold mines, and (c) it is feasible to implement energy management strategies on old gold mines. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

The energy service industry is a newly emerging industry in Taiwan, where related regulations and measures are still at an immature stage. The business operation models include being a motivator in regard to energy conservation, becoming an ESCO, or developing strategies covering both areas. The implementation will help present energy users to break through existing bottlenecks involving: funds, manpower, technology, and recycling term; change the environment where the Government is currently the main motivator; and attract private companies to participate in energy saving and carbon reduction. First, topics for in-depth interviews were established in order to obtain a better understanding of the operational environment of ESCOs in Taiwan, including any obstructions encountered during the development of the ESCO industry. Second, in-depth interviews were carried out with selected ESCOs via explorative research and quantitative methods. The interview data were analyzed and discussed. The following results were obtained regarding the domestic ESCO industry: 1. The status of current development and business opportunities is promising. 2. Factors affecting current development include the lack of regulations, subsidizing plans, third party authentication, energy-saving technologies, and financing solutions. 3. The financing difficulties include: insufficient collateral, sound financial reports, or banks¡¦ understanding of the ESCO industry. 4. The key success factors for the domestic ESCOs to enter the global ESCO market include: the accuracy of the energy-saving reports and income estimates, provision of integrated energy-saving technologies, and utilization of the small and medium business credit guarantee funds and loans. 5. Business models that best suit the development of domestic ESCOs include: sharing energy, performance guarantees, and equipment lease.

Les services d'efficacité énergétique sont en forte croissance en Europe mais leur rôle est encore limité. Afin d'évaluer leur potentiel futur en termes d'économies, nous étudions d'abord les mécanismes politiques, économiques et environnementaux ayant soutenu leur développement. Le marché des énergies de réseau presque totalement libéralisé est donc analysé et comparé à la situation antérieure. En introduisant l'incertitude dans les prix, cette nouvelle donne sensibilise davantage les utilisateurs au coût réel de l'énergie. Pour les clients qui en profitent, les « contrats de performance énergétique » limitent l'impact de ces incertitudes en garantissant financièrement un résultat. En modélisant ces contrats, d'exploitation/maintenance notamment, nous prouvons qu'ils transfèrent également les risques technique et financier vers le prestataire facilitant la réalisation des économies potentielles. Ces contrats sont relativement fréquents en matière de chauffage ou d'air comprimé mais quasiment inexistants en climatisation. Garantir sur le long terme le rendement énergétique en climatisation requiert des méthodes permettant (1) de maîtriser le process et ses performances et (2) de chiffrer précisément le potentiel et ses coûts d'obtention. Un audit énergétique est donc inévitable, pour lequel nous proposons une procédure. Les conclusions des audits menés montrent que ce potentiel se trouve principalement au niveau de la régulation et de la gestion des appareils. Ces optimisations ne sont pas toujours mises en oeuvre par manque d'incitation contractuelle et par la faiblesse des procédures d'audit. Par l'intervention d'un expert indépendant, la future inspection périodique et obligatoire des installations de climatisation doit permettre de contrôler et de limiter ces pratiques. Une méthode d'analyse en trois étapes est donc conçue pour maximiser le potentiel de cette mesure et pour pouvoir tirer pleinement profit de ce type de contrats.

The South African Electricity Supply Industry is one of the backbone industries in South Africa. During 2003, it became clear that the demand for electricity in South Africa was increasing at a rate that had not been predicted nor recognised before. This was a clear indication that Eskom, the national electricity supply utility, would have to invest in additional generating capacity before 2007. Eskom envisioned these problems and introduced a DSM programme, which is aimed at reducing the national peak power demand. In so doing, the immediate need for additional power generating capacity will be postponed. A major part of this program is the concept of electrical load shifting. In 2000 mining in South Africa consumed 29% of the total quantity of electricity generated, of which the gold-mining industry consumed more than half. Electricity is the exclusive power source for the application of vital health and safety-related requirements in gold mines. In some cases, these consume in excess of 55% of the total electricity used on a mine. Water-pumping systems are a major part of these important applications. This dissertation presents a study of certain aspects of real-time energy management on old gold mines, by focusing on electrical load shifting on underground water pumping systems. Old gold mines use old, proven and energy-intensive methods that were not designed to conserve energy. This study also researches the challenges associated with the implementation of energy management strategies on old gold mines. Research was done on three old gold mines to determine the potential for load shifting on the underground water pumping systems of old gold mines. Integrated simulations were used as the main method of establishing this potential as well as the financial savings potential for the client. The simulation results showed large amounts of load-shifting potential for all three case studies and substantial financial savings potential for the clients. Real-time, load-shifting strategies were implemented on the three systems analysed in the case studies. The results generated by these strategies showed that load shifting could be realised on these systems, and confirmed the potential calculated in the simulations. Further research into the results however showed that the old infrastructure in the old mines caused many problems and influenced the sustainability of these strategies. From this study, the conclusions were made that; (a) there exists a potential for energy management on old gold mines, (b) there exists large potential for the implementation of sustainable energy management strategies on old gold mines, and (c) it is feasible to implement energy management strategies on old gold mines. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Energy Performance Contracting is an energy saving method, when the supplier guarantees a certain minimal level of energy savings to the customer, as well as non-rising energy costs. The method was developed at the turn of 70's and 80's in the USA and has spread to dozens of countries around the world till today, although the rate of the EPC market development differs from country to country. The method is useful mostly for heating, electricity and gas cost savings by the end-users. In the Czech Republic, the method has been used since 1993. Until now, several dozens, or even hundreds of projects have been realized, mostly for public sector customers. This paper analyzes the current state of the EPC method usage around the world as well as in the Czech Republic, the key part comprises of the EPC principles description, based on data from real EPC contracts. The work is concluded by a SWOT analysis of the method and by a discussion of the following question: "Can EPC projects blockade the overall saving potential in some cases?" The key information source for most of the work were answers to questions sent to eight Czech ESCO companies representatives, as well as the outputs from guided interviews with four of them, which were taking place between January and May 2009.

Peak electricity demand in South Africa will exceed the available operational generation capacity in 2007. The state utility Eskom is addressing this challenge, inter aha, with the implementation of the Demand-side Management (DSM) initiative. The aim of DSM is to defer the building of additional power stations by modifying the end-user pattern to reduce electrical load during the morning and evening peaks. At the end of 2005 the DSM programme has only achieved 30°/o of its target. Some of the biggest problems are the lack of knowledge on how to perform ESCO audits and availability of tools and procedures to enable Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to evaluate DSM potential. Studies in South Africa have shown that 20°/o of the total municipal energy is utilised in commercial buildings. Additional investigations have shown that in the commercial sector approximately 50% of energy is used for air conditioning. Energy savings of around 30% can be realised through improved management procedures and retrofit projects of HVAC systems of existing buildings. Telecommunication companies own and operate a large portfolio of diverse buildings. It was shown that these buildings are very inefficient in terms of energy usage. Performing ESCO analyses on these building portfolios present huge savings opportunities for the building owners as well as load reduction opportunities to help meet DSM targets. ESCOs however face major problems in evaluating DSM projects on telecommunication facilities. Some of these problems are: time to perform the ESCO audits on such a large portfolio of buildings; skill levels of available personnel; lack of experience and structured audit process; availability of information; data capturing of information; determining the impact of the retrofits and calculating the savings and financial benefits of retrofits. Obtaining approval for DSM projects is also a lengthy process. Smaller ESCOs cannot afford to commit resources to ESCO investigations only to recover their investment after project approval. Having an ESCO procedure that will speed up the audit process will help the ESCO to minimise resources that need to be committed to these investigations. Having a tested and reliable ESCO procedure will also help Eskom since they will receive more and better quality DSM proposals. A new ESCO procedure for telecommunications facilities was developed. The primary requirements for the new ESCO procedure are that it should be simple, stable, fast and accurate. This procedure is evaluated against the known energy management opportunities in telecommunication facilities. Some of the benefits of the new ESCO procedure are: time taken to perform ESCO analysis on all types of buildings is drastically reduced; lower qualified personnel can be used to perform the ESCO analysis; any type of HVAC system configuration can be accommodated; new data capturing procedures ensure that only essential data is captured; integrated simulation software is used that can easy and accurately simulate the building operations and retrofits on a building; retrofit options suitable for telecommunication facilities are identified; contribution to the DSM programme is evaluated; financial evaluation of the retrofits and feasibility for DSM funding and results are integrated into a standardised reporting format. The new ESCO procedure was implemented on several case studies within the telecommunication infrastructure. Five different types of buildings were selected to implement the ESCO procedure. Each step of the procedure was evaluated and tested against the requirements of the new ESCO procedure. It was proven through implementation that the new ESCO procedure is successful in solving the unique problems in performing ESCO analyses for telecommunications facilities. Valuable insight into the problems that can occur during the ESCO process was highlighted, and recommendation for future work was presented. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.