Energy Consumption Modelling and Optimisation of Electric Water Heating Systems

Energy efficiency presents a solution to the energy crisis the world is facing as it provides a win-win solution in economic development when implemented. This research focuses on the modelling and optimisation of energy consumption of electric geysers. A baseline study of the area under study was carried out through interviews and data collection by an energy and power analyser. A model was then developed using statistical methods. The results deduced that, ambient temperature proved to be the most significant independent variable that correlated with the electrical energy consumed during the analysis period. The system energy consumption was optimised using an automated energy management system developed using an Arduino kit. The optimisation system developed managed to offset 10% of energy consumed by the electric geysers. The automated energy management system assists the hosts to monitor and track how the unit operates. The system uses SMS' as a communication media and the communication goes both ways. The system hosts are able to interface with the local vicinity control mechanism of the electric water heating system.