Electrical Energy Efficiency Course

Lesson 1 • Efficiency Metrics and Key Performance Indicators

Defines efficiency ratios, energy intensity, and demand metrics used industry-wide. Enables consistent benchmarking across facilities and equipment types.

Lesson 2 • Energy Loss Mechanisms in Circuits

Identifies resistive, magnetic, and dielectric losses in conductors and components. Links loss types to measurable efficiency degradation.

Lesson 3 • Energy Auditing Basics

Introduces systematic audit procedures for identifying electrical waste. Connects measurement techniques to actionable efficiency opportunities.

Lesson 1 • Harmonic Mitigation Strategies

Presents passive filters, active filters, and transformer solutions for harmonic reduction. Connects mitigation choices to measurable efficiency and equipment life gains.

Lesson 2 • Harmonic Sources and Propagation

Identifies nonlinear loads as harmonic generators and explains propagation through distribution networks. Prepares students to trace harmonic sources in real systems.

Lesson 3 • Power Factor Correction Techniques

Covers capacitor banks, synchronous condensers, and active correction methods. Directly reduces reactive power demand and associated energy penalties.

Lesson 4 • Power Quality Monitoring and Reporting

Teaches continuous monitoring setup and interpretation of power quality reports. Enables proactive identification of recurring disturbances before they escalate.

Lesson 1 • Transformer Efficiency and Selection

Evaluates no-load and load losses in transformers and applies efficiency standards. Guides selection of high-efficiency units for new and retrofit projects.

Lesson 2 • Switchgear and Protection Efficiency

Addresses energy losses in switchgear, contactors, and protection devices. Introduces low-loss alternatives and maintenance practices that preserve efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Distribution Topology Optimization

Compares radial, loop, and meshed topologies for efficiency and reliability. Identifies topology changes that reduce total distribution losses.

Lesson 4 • Voltage Level Optimization

Demonstrates how raising distribution voltage reduces current and losses for the same load. Covers voltage upgrade feasibility and conservation voltage reduction.

Lesson 1 • Motor Sizing and Right-Sizing Practices

Addresses oversized motor inefficiency and presents load analysis methods for correct sizing. Reduces unnecessary no-load losses and improves power factor.

Lesson 2 • Motor System-Level Optimization

Extends optimization beyond the motor to driven equipment, couplings, and controls. Captures system-wide savings that motor-only analysis misses.

Lesson 3 • Variable Frequency Drives for Energy Savings

Covers VFD operating principles, affinity laws, and application to pumps, fans, and compressors. Quantifies energy savings achievable through speed control.

Lesson 4 • Electric Motor Efficiency Fundamentals

Explains motor losses, efficiency classes, and nameplate data interpretation. Provides the basis for comparing and selecting motors on a lifecycle cost basis.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Control Strategies

Covers occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, dimming, and scheduling controls. Demonstrates how controls multiply the savings from efficient light sources.

Lesson 2 • Lighting Technology Comparison

Compares efficacy, lifespan, and spectral quality of LED, fluorescent, and HID sources. Establishes the performance basis for technology selection decisions.

Lesson 3 • Daylighting Integration

Integrates natural light with electric lighting through photosensors and architectural design. Reduces operating hours of electric lighting without sacrificing illuminance.

Lesson 4 • Lighting Power Density Targets

Applies lighting power density (LPD) benchmarks to evaluate and redesign lighting layouts. Connects LPD compliance to energy code requirements and savings verification.

Lesson 1 • Plug Load and Process Load Management

Quantifies plug load energy waste and applies smart power strips, scheduling, and policies. Extends efficiency efforts to often-overlooked miscellaneous electrical loads.

Lesson 2 • HVAC Electrical Load Characteristics

Profiles electrical demand patterns of chillers, air handlers, and pumps in HVAC systems. Identifies the largest controllable loads for demand management strategies.

Lesson 3 • Demand Response and Load Shifting

Explains demand response programs, load curtailment, and thermal storage for peak shifting. Reduces demand charges while maintaining occupant comfort.

Lesson 4 • Compressed Air System Efficiency

Addresses compressor selection, leak reduction, and pressure optimization in compressed air systems. Compressed air is among the most energy-intensive industrial utilities.

Lesson 1 • Microgrid Design and Control

Integrates generation, storage, and loads into a controllable microgrid architecture. Maximizes on-site renewable use and resilience while minimizing grid purchases.

Lesson 2 • Combined Heat and Power Systems

Evaluates CHP prime movers, thermal recovery, and electrical efficiency gains. Demonstrates how simultaneous heat and power generation reduces total energy input.

Lesson 3 • Solar PV System Design for Efficiency

Covers PV array sizing, orientation, shading analysis, and inverter selection for maximum yield. Connects generation capacity to facility load profiles for optimal offset.

Lesson 4 • Battery Energy Storage Systems

Explains battery chemistry, sizing for peak shaving, and charge/discharge strategies. Enables demand charge reduction and backup power capability.

Lesson 1 • Energy Monitoring and Sub-Metering

Designs sub-metering architectures to isolate energy use by system, zone, or process. Provides granular data needed for ongoing performance tracking and anomaly detection.

Lesson 2 • Energy Management System Standards

Introduces ISO 50001-aligned energy management systems for systematic continuous improvement. Connects technical measures to organizational processes that sustain savings.

Lesson 3 • Strategic Energy Efficiency Roadmap

Synthesizes audit findings, M&V data, and financial analysis into a prioritized multi-year plan. Delivers an actionable roadmap aligned with organizational energy and carbon goals.

Lesson 4 • Measurement and Verification Protocols

Applies IPMVP options to verify savings from implemented efficiency measures. Ensures savings claims are defensible and bankable for financing purposes.