Energy audit model based on a performance evaluation system

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 154; pp. 544 - 552
• Main Authors: Zanardo, Rafael Petri, Siluk, Julio Cezar Mairesse, de Souza Savian, Fernando, Schneider, Paulo Smith
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Adequacy; Analytic hierarchy process; Competition; Competitiveness; Computer simulation; Data processing; Electricity; Electricity consumption; Electricity pricing; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Energy costs; Energy efficiency; Energy management; Evaluation of organizational performance; Indicators; Modelling; Multiple criterion; Performance evaluation; Performance Indicators; Structural hierarchy; Evaluation of organizational performance; Energy efficiency; Energy conservation; Energy management; Performance Indicators; Competitiveness
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.04.179

Brazil has one of the highest electricity costs in the world, aggravating one of the lowest rates of development in energy efficiency. This context impairs the competitiveness of the Brazilian industrial sector, which consumes approximately one-third of all electricity generated in the country. The researchers aimed to propose a model to diagnose the level of energy performance in companies of the industrial sector, using concepts of evaluation of organizational performance and multicriteria approach to decision support. The model was developed based on Key Performance Indicators, organized in a hierarchical structure. Six Fundamental Points of View were listed, which were deployed in 58 Critical Success Factors, selected from the recurrences identified in the theoretical framework. The influence level of each indicator in the analysis was performed through the Analytic Hierarchy Process prioritization. In order to evaluate the interaction of performance indicators indices in the modeling, software for data processing and reporting was developed. The modeling was submitted to tests in an industry, returning in its evaluation phase an index that represents its energy performance, thus allowing the discussion of the results obtained. Subsequently, adequacy actions were proposed to simulate the possible gains of performance obtained through the adoption of strategic actions. •High cost of electricity affects competitiveness in Brazilian industrial sector.•A model is proposed to audit the level of energy performance in industries.•The model was tested in a Brazilian industry, returning industries' performance.•Simulations were made in order to improve industry's performance.