Load Control Efficiency Improvement in Educational Facilities using KNX Building Automation System

The energy efficiency of the classrooms is compromised by the occupant behavioral factors, particularly their failure to switch off appliances during breaks or after class. Educational institutions may conserve energy by implementing a Building Automation System (BAS) like KNX. KNX is an internationally recognised open standard for home and building automation that enables integrated control of lighting, HVAC, and other electrical loads. The objectives of this study are to examine the factors that influence energy consumption using both a single and multiple regression model to quantify the energy saving resulting from a retrofit project at Electrical Technology Laboratory (ETL) in Kolej Komuniti Kuala Langat (KKKL). KNX was installed as a retrofit strategy to reduce energy consumption in the building by regulating selected loads, such as lights and air conditioning. The energy savings were calculated using the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) Option B - Retrofit Isolation method. The baseline period is from 5 August 2020 until 25 September 2020. The retrofit project was performed in November 2020, and the reporting period is from 19 April 2021 until 17 May 2021. The PEL 103 Energy Logger captures baseline and post-retrofit energy consumption data. The results reveal that the multiple regression model has a higher coefficient of determination value than the single regression model, suggesting the successful outcome of the retrofit project. The energy savings from the KNX retrofit project were 1,366.422 Wh with 43.43%, and the R2 is 0.879.