Date of Graduation

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering

Committee Chair

Ashish D. Nimbarte

Committee Co-Chair

Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan

Committee Member

Thorsten Wuest

Abstract

In recent years, several real-time Energy Visualization (EV) systems have emerged in the market with specific applications for large industrial and commercial facilities and residential buildings. However, light commercial businesses have been neglected with only a few attempts for EV solutions. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a system that could provide a cost effective and flexible EV solution for light commercial businesses. The system consisted of monitoring hardware and three energy visualization dashboards. Testing and validation of the system was conducted using a focused group of participants consisting of energy managers, engineers, and other typical dashboard users through analytical (usability test) and subjective (NASA TLX) methods. The EV dashboard designed using visuals such as gauges, alternating light meters, and color changes, etc. received higher engaging and lower analytical ratings compared to the dashboard designed using visuals such as simple charts, lines, etc. The engaging dashboard received the highest “interesting and trustworthy” ratings, the lowest mental workload, and the quickest time to answer energy questions. It is expected that the system developed in this study would assist the facilities in making energy efficiency decisions instantaneously instead of waiting for a monthly utility bill. Finally, in order to guide business owners with design, development and installation of a custom-made real-time EV system, an Energy Dashboard Installation Guide program was developed. Based on the unique operational requirements of a business, this program produces a wiring diagram, list of hardware, and an approximate system cost.

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