AEE CMVP flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Routine adjustment

An adjustment to baseline energy use that accounts for expected, predictable changes in operating conditions such as weather, occupancy, or production volume, typically applied using a model.

Non-routine adjustment

An adjustment to baseline energy use for unexpected or one-time changes such as building additions, equipment replacement, or changes in facility use, handled ad hoc.

Adjusted baseline

The baseline energy use modified by both routine and non-routine adjustments to reflect current conditions, used to calculate savings.

Savings formula

Savings = (Baseline Energy − Reporting-Period Energy) ± Adjustments. This is the fundamental equation for determining energy savings.

Option A

Retrofit Isolation: Key Parameter Measurement. Some parameters are measured, others are estimated with justification. Used when some parameters are known to be stable or insignificant.

Option B

Retrofit Isolation: All Parameter Measurement. All parameters affecting energy use are measured, often with dedicated meters. More accurate but costlier than Option A.

Option C

Whole Facility. Uses whole-building utility meter data to measure total facility energy use. Best for multi-ECM projects with savings >10% of baseline.

Option D

Calibrated Simulation. Uses a calibrated energy simulation model to estimate savings when baseline data are unavailable or for new construction.

M&V cost guideline

M&V costs typically range from 1% to 10% of project cost, depending on the M&V option and project complexity, and should be proportional to savings uncertainty.

Retrofit isolation

An M&V approach that focuses on individual ECMs, isolating their energy use from the rest of the facility using dedicated meters or measurements.

Option A estimates

In Option A, parameters not measured must be estimated based on evidence such as manufacturer data, spot measurements, or engineering calculations, and documented.

Option B metering

Option B requires continuous or periodic measurement of all parameters affecting the ECM's energy use, often using dedicated meters for the ECM.

Measurement boundary

The physical or virtual boundary that defines what energy flows are included in the M&V analysis; must be consistent between baseline and reporting periods.

Whole facility approach

An M&V approach that uses whole-building utility meters to measure total facility energy use, suitable for projects with multiple ECMs and savings >10% of baseline.

Whole-building regression

A statistical model relating whole-building energy use to independent variables like weather or occupancy, used in Option C to adjust baseline and determine savings.

Option C applicability

Option C is applicable when savings are greater than about 10% of baseline whole-facility energy use and when multiple ECMs are implemented.

M&V Plan

A document that outlines the M&V approach, responsibilities, data collection, adjustments, reporting, and budget for a project, agreed upon by stakeholders.

M&V Plan elements

Key elements include project description, ECM list, M&V option selection, baseline definition, measurement boundaries, adjustment method, data management, reporting schedule, and budget.

M&V Plan timing

The M&V Plan should be developed early, ideally during project design, to ensure data collection and metering requirements are included in the project scope.

Stakeholder agreement

The M&V Plan should be agreed upon by all stakeholders (owner, ESCO, verifier) before implementation to avoid disputes over savings verification.

Savings report contents

A savings report must include baseline energy, reporting-period energy, adjustments, savings, uncertainty, and the M&V option used, with clear units and explanations.

Uncertainty reporting

Savings reports should state uncertainty at a confidence level (e.g., 90%) and explain how it was determined, including model and meter uncertainty.

Non-routine adjustment reporting

Savings reports must document any non-routine adjustments, their rationale, and their impact on reported savings.

Transparency in reporting

Savings reports should be transparent, reproducible, and include raw data or references, allowing third-party verification.

Meter accuracy class

Meters are classified by accuracy (e.g., Class 1 high accuracy, Class 2 lower); selection depends on the required precision of the M&V analysis.

Metering interval

The frequency of meter readings (e.g., 15-minute, hourly, monthly); chosen based on ECM variability and the M&V option.

Meter calibration

Regular calibration of meters ensures accuracy; calibration dates and results should be documented and included in the M&V Plan.

Temporary vs permanent metering

Temporary metering is used for short-term measurements (e.g., Option A), while permanent metering supports continuous verification (e.g., Option B or C).

Data validation

Procedures to check for gaps, outliers, and meter drift in metered data, ensuring data quality for savings calculations.

Change-point regression

A regression model that uses change-points (e.g., balance points) to represent heating and cooling energy use as a function of outdoor temperature.

CV(RMSE)

Coefficient of Variation of the Root Mean Squared Error; a goodness-of-fit metric. Values below 15% (or 10% for Option C) are often used as calibration criteria.

Model extrapolation

Using a regression model outside the range of baseline data; should be avoided, and non-routine adjustments used instead if conditions exceed baseline range.