4. Discussion
The comparative study, based on the criteria of concept, definition, objective, function, role of the set of correlated elements of the ISO 50001 standard or other elements of analysis, and complemented by the positioning of the EIS in relation to the elements of the EMS process, seems to show us different partitions, characterized by notions, approaches or by the field of application of the two systems, as well as in their functioning. It has also allowed us to observe a complementarity between the two systems: the EIS is directly or indirectly called upon by EMS process elements, as part of an operational implementation of the EMS.
On the other hand, it is interesting to note that the Canadian government's Public Services and Procurement defines the Energy Management Information System (EMIS) as a device providing relevant information aimed at making energy performance visible. This definition has similarities with the characteristics of an Energy Information System (EIS), although EMIS also incorporates management functionalities in the background.
Out of about twenty elements of comparison, we observed about a dozen differences in the functioning of the two systems, i.e. 60% autonomy, where the EMS can operate without the EIS. And 40% representing the dependence of the EMS on the EIS. This shows that each system has a defined role in an organization, with different predominance.
According to the Energy Information System flow in
Figure 1, we can see that the Energy Information System (EIS) is the support and communication channel between the Energy Management System (EMS), the Energy Operating System (EOS) and the outside of the body. This communication channel allows the Energy Management System (EMS) to transmit general information to the Energy Operating System (EOS) through the Energy Information System (EIS). The EIS collects, stores, and processes basic information from the EOS, receives energy information streams, and transforms them into decision information for the EMS and/or disseminates the energy information to the organization's end users or partners. Finally, the EOS produces basic information and executes the orders of the EMS. Thus, the Energy Information System (EIS) makes it possible to meet the operational needs of energy consumption among stakeholders (Energy Manager, Energy Referent, Shared Energy Advisor (SEA) and/or Decision Makers, etc.). It is linked by integration to the organization's information system and performance indicators, allowing end users to monitor or diagnose energy consumption in real time using communication tools.
The EIS also makes it possible to automatically exploit all energy data and find what is important to improve efficiency, facilitate daily management, enhance investments, reduce operating costs, monitor and optimize contracts, unite and raise awareness, evolve easily, prepare for certification, etc. It can provide an overview of energy consumption on sites and its distribution during the energy audit; because its scope extends to the organization’s heritage. This could justify the selection of Significant Energy Uses (SEU) of the organization’s assets.
As part of an energy review, the EIS can also identify the areas of potential energy savings and prioritize the potential for overall and specific improvement to complete the analysis of the Significant Energy Uses and constitute a certification area for the EMS.
The Energy Management System (EMS), according to the ISO 50001 standard, shows us a flow process of continuous improvement of energy consumption, based on a set of correlated elements of the requirements of the said standard. This flow process is defined in several phases, namely: carrying out an energy management review; defining the energy policy and planning; organizing the implementation and operation of the EMS; managing the monitoring, verification, measurement and analysis of energy solutions; also checking non-compliance, corrections, corrective and preventive actions, as well as the internal audit of the EMS.
This energy management and control helps organizations to measure their energy consumption in detail, identify levers for action through process implementation and plan improvements. This provides a structuring framework for the organization. Because energy management involves making decisions, implementing methods, modifying uses in the direction of the same energy policy, etc.
With a focus on equipment and Significant Energy Uses (SEU), the EMS can improve energy efficiency, reduce overall energy consumption and protect against rising energy prices. This increase is due to the peak electrical loads that can be observed in an energy information system. It also makes it possible to comply with legal requirements, strengthen the competitiveness of the organization and obtain certification according to the ISO 50001 standard.
The comparative study also showed us that the main similarities between the Energy Information System (EIS) and the Energy Management System (EMS) lie in the fact that both systems remain structured and structuring in an important heritage environment. Where energy management is a complex and time-consuming subject.
On the other hand, the significant differences of the two systems are found in the concepts, notions, definitions or approach of the elements of comparison described in the table numbers 1 to 5. These are the elements of comparison on the definition and objectives, on the correlated elements of the EMS and other elements of analysis of the two systems.
In summary, the Energy Information System (EIS) is of particular interest to the Energy Management System (EMS). This is because it is positioned as a system linked or complementary to the EMS, capable of performing the following functions:
To play a facilitating role in the implementation of the EMS and, above all, to identify the certification scope of the ISO 50001 standard,
Serve as a support, communication and information channel for the EMS and stakeholders,
Cover asset and energy inventory management functions,
Provide global and specific energy data for the EMS,
Facilitate energy performance diagnostics for the EMS,
Identify significant energy use,
Facilitate daily management,
Reduce operating costs.
In other words, the Energy Information System is a “Facility Management” tool or facilitator for the installation or operational implementation of the Energy Management System.