Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Applied Energy
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy

Cloud computing platform for real-time measurement and verification of

energy performance
Ming-Tsun Ke, Chia-Hung Yeh ⇑, Cheng-Jie Su
Department of Energy and Refrigerating Air-Conditioning Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan

h i g h l i g h t s

Application of PSO algorithm can improve the accuracy of the baseline model.

M&V cloud platform automatically calculates energy performance.

M&V cloud platform can be applied in all energy conservation measures.

Real-time operational performance can be monitored through the proposed platform.

M&V cloud platform facilitates the development of EE programs and ESCO industries.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Nations worldwide are vigorously promoting policies to improve energy efficiency. The use of measure-
Received 16 October 2016 ment and verification (M&V) procedures to quantify energy performance is an essential topic in this field.
Received in revised form 2 December 2016 Currently, energy performance M&V is accomplished via a combination of short-term on-site measure-
Accepted 8 December 2016
ments and engineering calculations. This requires extensive amounts of time and labor and can result
Available online 20 December 2016
in a discrepancy between actual energy savings and calculated results. In addition, the M&V period typ-
ically lasts for periods as long as several months or up to a year, the failure to immediately detect abnor-
Keywords:
mal energy performance not only decreases energy performance, results in the inability to make timely
Real-time energy performance
Measurement and verification
correction, and misses the best opportunity to adjust or repair equipment and systems.
Cloud computing In this study, a cloud computing platform for the real-time M&V of energy performance is developed.
Particle swarm optimization On this platform, particle swarm optimization and multivariate regression analysis are used to construct
accurate baseline models. Instantaneous and automatic calculations of the energy performance and
access to long-term, cumulative information about the energy performance are provided via a feature
that allows direct uploads of the energy consumption data. Finally, the feasibility of this real-time
M&V cloud platform is tested for a case study involving improvements to a cold storage system in a
hypermarket.
Cloud computing platform for real-time energy performance M&V is applicable to any industry and
energy conservation measure. With the M&V cloud platform, real-time and long-term energy perfor-
mances can be obtained. By tracking fluctuations in energy performance, real-time monitoring or correc-
tion of the operating performance of equipment or system can help to maintain good energy
performance. Thus, real-time energy management can be accomplished based on the above attributes.
In addition, the cloud computing platform developed in this research can improve our national M&V
level. Specifically, it helps government in promoting energy efficiency programs and the development
of energy service industries.
Ó 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction efficiency improvement is considered the fastest and most efficient

Of the numerous energy policies implemented by countries
worldwide to effectuate energy-saving carbon reduction, energy
⇑ Corresponding author at: 1, Sec. 3, Chung-hsiao E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan.
E-mail address: albertyeh0131@gmail.com (C.-H. Yeh).
method. Under the Tradable White Certificate (TWC), Clean Devel-
opment Mechanism (CDM), and Demand-Side Management (DSM),
Energy Service Companies (ESCO) and Energy-Saving Performance
Contracting (ESPC) energy performance is quantified through mea-
surement and verification (M&V) procedures. M&V procedures
have become indispensable key items in the energy efficiency field.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.12.034
0306-2619/Ó 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
498 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
Nomenclature
AEPCA Australasian energy performance contracting associa-
tion
AMI advanced metering infrastructure
ASHRAE American society of heating, refrigerating and air-
conditioning engineers
CDM clean development mechanism
CVRMSE coefficient of variation of the RMSE
DSF double skin façade
DSM demand side management
ECM energy conservation measure
EEDSM energy efficiency and demand-side management
EPC energy performance contracting
EPCPs energy performance contracting projects
ESCO energy service company
ESPC energy saving performance contracting
EVO efficiency valuation organization
FEMP federal energy management program
GAE Google app engine
GP Gaussian process
gbest group’s best position
HERO home energy rebate offer
IPMVP international performance measurement and verifica-
tion protocol
IoT Internet of Things
k iteration number
Due to the importance of M&V, various M&V guidelines have been
published to illustrate the concepts and methodologies of M&V to
let users quickly understand M&V through simple case
descriptions.
Related literatures such as the study by Bertoldi and Rezessy [1]
described the concept and main elements of TWC scheme in the
European Union (EU). In TWC, energy saving is viewed as a trad-
able commodity. Hence, proper quantification of energy saving
through M&V is regarded as an important element of TWC.
Michaelowa and Jotzo [2] used quantitative model to explore the
relations between the markets of ‘‘transaction cost and institu-
tional rigidities” and CDM. Transaction cost comprises of numerous
costs such as baseline development, monitoring costs, and verifica-
tion and certification. The reduction of transaction costs positively
impacts the CDM market. Eskom [3] described that energy effi-
ciency and demand-side management (EEDSM) projects cover a
wide range of electricity-related activities and strategies in South
Africa. The M&V can be used to provide an impartial quantification
and assessment of project impacts and savings that result from
EEDSM activities. Vine et al. [4] described standard M&V proce-
dures and contract terms that can help both end users and the
financial companies better understand performance contracting.
Gan [5] described current situations, barriers, and corresponding
removal measures of ESCO industries in China. One of the stimula-
tive measures is to build standard energy performance contracts
and M&V procedures. Bertoldi et al. [6] considered the result of
reviews and analyses of ESCO industries in the EU and the new
accession countries to formulate a long-term strategy. One of the
actions is to standardize contracts and M&V procedures; it will
help both end users and the financial community to easily under-
stand the M&V procedures. Lee et al. [7] used two questionnaire
surveys to identify the risks in energy performance contracting
projects (EPCPs). The results indicated that M&V risks are one of
the top three key risk factors. Qian and Guo [8] developed the bar-
gaining model of the shared savings contract and the basic model
of the forecast-commitment contract to analyze the uncertainty
L1 cognitive learning factor
L2 social learning factor
MCEM Monte Carlo expectation maximization algorithm
M&V measurement and verification
P energy consumption (kW)
PAdjusted pre-installation energy consumption (kW)
PMeasured post-installation energy consumption (kW)
PSO particle swarm optimization
pbest personal best position
Qe refrigeration capacity (kW)
R2 coefficient of determination
r random numbers
TOA atmosphere temperature (°C)
Teva refrigerant evaporation temperature (°C)
TWC tradable white certificate
Vmax maximum particle velocity
Vmin minimum particle velocity
w inertia weight
Xmax maximum particle position
Xmin minimum particle position
xi position of particle i
Z relative error
Z_minAvg convergence condition
of the value of EPCPs. The result showed that third-party M&V
mechanism can reduce energy savings risk. International Perfor-
mance Measurement and Verification Protocol [9] has been widely
adopted internationally. It provides M&V concepts and methodolo-
gies to determine energy and water savings for various energy con-
servation measures (ECMs) in existing and new buildings and
industrial processes. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers Guideline 14 [10] is used for
M&V of energy and demand savings in building energy manage-
ment projects and in commercial transactions between ESCOs
and end users. Australasian Energy Performance Contracting Asso-
ciation developed the best practice guide [11]. This guide provides
M&V concepts and methodologies to calculate energy and water
savings. This M&V guide can be applied in residential, commercial
and industrial buildings, and industrial processes. Federal Energy
Management Program M&V Guideline [12] contains M&V methods
and plans for quantifying the energy and water savings in
performance-based contracts.
However, different energy conservation measures require dif-
ferent methods to calculate the baseline model and energy saving
performance. Therefore, many M&V studies have been conducted.
Lee [13] suggested that long-term monitoring produces accurate
energy savings calculations for individual cases because actual
lighting conditions at individual sites may differ from client-
provided data and this difference may introduce errors in the
energy savings calculations. Dalgleish and Grobler [14] used linear
regression to construct a baseline model for conveyor belts; their
model verified that installing a motor sequencing controller on
conveyor belts reduced energy use and demand. Dong et al. [15]
used regression analysis to construct a baseline model for energy
consumption in a building. The parameters for the baseline energy
consumption were the outdoor dry-bulb temperature, relative
humidity, and global solar radiation. The accuracy of the baseline
model was verified using statistical indicators such as the coeffi-
cient of determination (R2) and the coefficient of variation of the
root-mean-square error (CVRMSE). Reddy and Claridge [16]
 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
developed the statistical indicator DEsave/Esave to evaluate the
goodness of fit of baseline models. Kissock and Eger [17] used mul-
tivariable piecewise regression models to construct baseline mod-
els. In particular, they employed actual case studies of retrofitting
to show that energy efficiency calculations require baseline adjust-
ments via variables such as production output and weather condi-
tions during the post-retrofit period. Kaiser and Pulsipher [18]
randomly selected 60 participants in the Home Energy Rebate
Offer Program (HERO) and used the International Performance
Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) Option C to exam-
ine the relationship between daily electricity consumption and
parameters such as cooling degree days, heating degree days,
dew-point temperature, and energy price, and a baseline model
was constructed using regression analysis. Ginestet and Marchio
[19] described the IPMVP methodology and its related details
and used four M&V options, labeled A through D, to calculate
energy savings gained by improvements to the air handling unit
in a conference room. This case study involved the installation of
variable-speed fans and CO2 sensors in the air handling unit. The
rate of outdoor air influx was determined from the indoor CO2 con-
centrations. Their improvements effectively reduced the energy
consumed by fans and by preheating outdoor air during the winter.
Xia and Zhang [20] used mathematical functions to define M&V
models and plans. They also used case studies to explain how
M&V models can produce optimized M&V plans. Walter et al.
[21] developed a regression model to assess the baseline energy
load model and used cross validation to quantify the uncertainty
in the baseline model predictions. This baseline regression model
and its corresponding uncertainty algorithm were validated using
the energy load data from 17 buildings. Ke et al. [22] used IPMVP
Option D to analyze energy use in an office building. Actual utility
bills were compared to simulated results to correct the model and
determine its accuracy. The effects of changes to the energy con-
sumption factors, such as window glass, outer wall material,
worker density, and lighting density, on changes to the office
building’s overall energy consumption were also examined.
Particle swarm optimization (PSO) was developed by Eberhart
and Kennedy [23]. This is a type of optimization algorithm with
the advantages of simple parameter settings, rapid convergence,
and high accuracy. PSO has been applied to numerous engineering
and scientific studies. Assareh et al. [24] used PSO and a genetic
algorithm to predict future oil demand based on population, gross
domestic product, and import/export data and found that PSO pro-
duced lower average relative errors than did the genetic algorithm.
AlRashidi and El-Naggar [25] used PSO and the least error squares
technique to predict long-term peak demand in electrical systems.
Their results were verified with historical data, and PSO was deter-
mined to be the most accurate prediction method. Satapathy et al.
[26] applied multiple regression linear models to data classifica-
tion using PSO and a least error squares technique to solve for
the regression coefficient. They found that PSO provided a more
favorable result than did the least error squares technique.
Andelković et al. [27] used Energy plus software combined with
airflow network algorithm to develop double skin façade (DSF)
model for predicting cavity air temperature and velocity to com-
pare simulation results against actual measurement values and
through statistical indicators to validate the accuracy of this model.
Research result showed that the accuracy of this DSF model can be
used to assess the thermal performance of buildings. Ascione et al.
[28] studied the energy use of net zero energy building in the first
year. The actual value of overall annual electric usage was quite
close to the model predictive value. However, discrepancies were
discovered between the actual electricity consumption and model
forecast electricity consumption in the areas of heating and
domestic hot water, lighting, ventilation, equipment and auxiliary
items. The reasons for the difference between actual electricity
499
consumption and the model forecast electricity consumption men-
tioned above were explored by recalibrating the model using
actual measured data and by verifying model accuracy through
statistical indicators. Research results indicated that the main
reasons for discrepancies were the usage pattern of the building
and the occupant’s behaviors. The author also indicated that appro-
priate monitoring of energy performance is necessary to ensure the
maintenance of high energy efficiency for buildings. Granderson
et al. [29] applied the energy use data of 537 commercial buildings
to compare and analyze the prediction accuracy, model complex-
ity, and computational time of 10 baseline energy models through
testing procedures and performance metrics. Research results indi-
cated the interval data baseline model showed great promise using
advanced metering infrastructure in collecting building energy
data to conduct energy performance test. Burkhart et al. [30]
combined the Gaussian process (GP) model and Monte Carlo
expectation maximization algorithm (MCEM) to develop a new
GP-MCEM approach. Through case verification, this GP-MCEM
approach can significantly increase the robustness and mitigate
volatility of the prediction under the input of data uncertainty. In
addition, this new method can also be applied to the situations
of limited and sparse measurement data for the reduction of
M&V data collection and sensor installation costs.
The aforementioned literature review shows that M&V baseline
models are typically constructed using regression analysis meth-
ods, along with real-time and long-term monitoring to accurately
assess the performance of energy conservation measures. Mean-
while, PSO provides more accurate predictions than the least error
squares techniques. Therefore, in this study, a cloud computing
platform for measuring and verifying real-time energy perfor-
mance is constructed according to the M&V methodology while
integrating the PSO algorithm, JAVA programming language, and
cloud computing techniques. By automatically establishing base-
line models for pre-installation and automatically calculating
real-time energy performance after post-installation, the proposed
cloud computing platform is expected to reduce the time and cost
of M&V, while improving the accuracy of energy performance cal-
culation. In addition, this platform enables accessing information
regarding fluctuations in energy performance to monitor the
operations of equipment and systems.
2. Introduction to M&V
The IPMVP was developed by the non-profit Efficiency Valua-
tion Organization (EVO) [9] and explains how to establish baseline
data and calculate energy savings. Baseline data establishment is
necessary because energy consumption in the baseline period
(i.e., pre-installation) cannot be measured by instruments after
energy conservation measures (ECM) have been implemented.
Therefore, adjustments to the baseline data are required to deter-
mine the energy consumption of the equipment and systems
during the baseline period and the energy consumption during
the reporting period (i.e., post-installation) under the same operat-
ing conditions. The energy performance can then be calculated as
shown in Fig. 1 and Eq. (1).
Savings ¼ ðBaseline-Period Use or Demand
 Reporting-Period Use or DemandÞ
 Adjustments ð1Þ
Four options, A through D, are available for M&V. Option A
(Retrofit Isolation: Key Parameter Measurement) and Option B
(Retrofit Isolation: All Parameter Measurement) are applicable
when assessing the performance of a single conservation measure.
Energy consumption parameters are measured pre-installation and
500 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507

Adjust
Build Correlation
Energy Use

Measured Data
(Old, Baseline)
Measured Data
ECM (Retrofitted)
Installation

Fig. 1. Schematic of energy performance M&V.

post-installation, and the energy performance is calculated using

statistical or engineering calculations. The difference between
Option A and Option B is that all energy consumption parameters
are measured for Option B, whereas only key parameters are mea-
sured for Option A, and the remaining parameters are measured on
the basis of historical data of actual site usage or data reported by
equipment manufacturers. Option C (Whole Facility) and Option D
(Calibrated Simulation) are used to assess energy conservation
measures in entire buildings or factories or in situations where
measurements are difficult. The difference between the two
options is that in Option C, energy savings are calculated using a
combination of energy bill analysis and statistical methods,
whereas in Option D, energy savings are initially calculated by
specialized software that simulate pre-installation and post-
installation energy consumption and then the energy bill data Fig. 2. PSO algorithm flowchart.
are used to correct the simulation models.

The PSO algorithm is illustrated in Fig. 2, and each step is

3. Introduction to PSO described below.

PSO was proposed by Kennedy and Eberhart in 1995 [23]. In
this algorithm, searches and optimization are based on individual
or group experiences and no mechanism for elimination exists.
Optimization is achieved by continually updating searches based
on the current optimal solution. In addition, PSO systems converge
to optimal solutions faster than genetic algorithms do.
The basic steps in the PSO algorithm are as follows. First, an ini-
tial population and center are randomly generated. Next, an objec-
tive function is used to calculate the fitness value of each particle
and the current best value for each particle (pbest). Each particle’s
velocity and position are then adjusted using the current best value
for the group (gbest). The best known solutions of previous itera-
tions are replaced at each new iteration by the superior solutions.
Finally, convergence occurs when the optimal solution is found.
The velocity and position of each particle are defined by Eqs. (2)
and (3).
¼ wv ki þ L1 r 1 ðpbest i  xki Þ þ L2 r2 ðgbest i  xki Þ
k k
vkþ1
i ð2Þ
(1) For each particle in the initial population, a position and
velocity in N-dimensional space are randomly generated.
(2) The fitness value for each particle is determined according to
the objective function.
(3) The fitness value is compared to the particle’s pbest, and the
particle velocity is adjusted to improve the fitness in the
next iteration.
(4) pbest is compared to gbest. If pbest is superior to gbest, then
gbest is adjusted accordingly. gbest is used to adjust all
particle velocities for the next iteration.
(5) Particle positions and velocities are updated using Eqs. (2)
and (3).
(6) The algorithm is terminated if the termination conditions,
which are typically defined as achieving a global optimal
or reaching the maximum number of iterations, are satisfied.
4. Cloud computing platform for measurement and verification
of real-time energy performance

xikþ1 ¼ xki þ v kþ1

i ; ð3Þ 4.1. Platform architecture

where vi is the velocity of particle i, xi is the position of particle i, k
is the iteration number, L1 is the cognitive learning factor, L2 is the
social learning factor, r1 and r2 are random numbers, w is the inertia
weight, pbest is the personal best position, and gbest is the group’s
best position.
The architecture of the cloud computing platform for the M&V
of real-time energy performance developed in this study is shown
in Fig. 3. The architecture is divided into three tiers: the on-site
measurement tier, the cloud computing tier, and the user tier.
These are described below.
 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507 501

Fig. 3. System architecture for the M&V cloud computing platform.

(1) On-site measurement tier
Measurements of energy consumption and other energy
parameters obtained by instruments (e.g., temperature and
humidity meters, ultrasonic flow meters, and digital amme-
ters) are transmitted to data recording devices or computers.
All collected data are then uploaded to the cloud computing
platform via the Internet.
(2) Cloud computing tier

The cloud computing tier handles creating files, receiving
data, transmitting data, filtering data, storing data, con-
ducting PSO algorithm operations, constructing baseline
equations, and calculating energy savings.

The Google App Engine (GAE) is adopted as the cloud-
based server. Computing programs and Web service
interfaces are written in Java and supplemented by tools
such as the Java development toolkit, Google Web toolkit,
and Java servlets in the Eclipse software. Web pages in
hypertext markup language (HTML) or JavaScript are
dynamically created by the server in response to user tier
requests.
(3) User tier

Cloud computing results are transmitted to user-end
computers via the Internet, allowing users to monitor
real-time energy consumption and energy performance
at any time and from any location.

The interface uses HTML supplemented by JavaScript.
Communication between HTML and JavaScript is handled
by Ajax (asynchronous JavaScript and XML) technology,
which greatly reduces the amount of data transferred
between the server and browser and allows for fast
server responses.
4.2. Software architecture
Programs developed for this study include PsoRun (server),
PsoRun (client), and the Data Upload Program. Figs. 4 and 5 show

Fig. 4. Software architecture for the M&V cloud computing platform.

502 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
Fig. 5. Software development screenshot of the M&V cloud computing platform.
the software architecture and a development screenshot, respec-
tively. The functions of each program are described as follows.
(1) PsoRun (server): Developed on the GAE platform

ProjectServiceImpl.java is the primary program called in
response to user actions. Its functions involve project
creation, project storage, project deletion, and PSO
operations.

FileUpload.java is called when users upload pre-
installation, baseline data (e.g., energy consumption and
other energy parameters) and when cloud computing
results are returned.

DataUpload.java is called to upload post-installation data
(e.g., energy consumption and other energy parameters)
for energy savings calculations.

doGet and doPost are hypertext transfer protocol
requests: doGet retrieves and transmits data from the
server in response to user requests and doPost transmits
data from the user to the server.
(2) PsoRun (client): Web page creation

ProjectList.java is the interface for project lists and can be
divided into:
– ProjectList_SavingView.java, which is the interface for
energy savings calculations, and
– ProjectList_Manage.java, which is the interface for
managing projects.
(3) Data Upload Program: Program for uploading data

This program returns data from post-installation real-
time readings (i.e., energy consumption and other energy
parameters) and uploads this data in a fixed format
to the cloud computing platform for energy savings
calculations.
4.3. Constructing the baseline model using PSO
Different energy conservation measures require different types
and numbers of energy consumption parameters. Therefore, users
 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
can determine the number of independent variables in the baseline
regression model when constructing a generic multivariate base-
line performance model using the cloud computing platform.
These models are expanded using simple quadratic equations.
For example, Eqs. (4) and (5) show a baseline regression model
using three energy consumption parameters (i.e., three indepen-
dent variables). The pre-installation energy consumption (P) and
the measurements of the three independent variables (X, Y, and
Z) are substituted into the baseline regression model, and the
PSO algorithm is adopted to determine the coefficient of each inde-
pendent variable (C0–C9).
P ¼ fðX; Y; ZÞ
P ¼ C 0 þ C 1  X þ C 2  X 2 þ C 3  Y þ C4  Y 2 þ C 5  Z þ C 6  Z2
þ C7  X  Y þ C8  Y  Z þ C9  X  Z
The cloud computing platform first filters the pre-installation
data by conducting a regression analysis and retaining data that
contain errors of less than 10% for dependent variables. Next,
PSO regression analysis is used to solve for the independent vari-
able coefficients to complete the construction of the baseline
model. The filtered data can also be saved as a comma-separated
value file for validation or research. Further, the filtered indepen-
dent variable data can serve as the upper and lower limits to filter
post-installation data returned to the user to ensure that these data
match the ranges of the baseline model and that the calculations of
the energy savings are accurate.
PSO parameters can also be set by the user. Definable parame-
ters include the number of particles, number of iterations, inertia
Fig. 6. Interface for entering the baseline model parameters into the M&V cloud computing platform.
503
weight (w), cognitive learning factor (L1), social learning factor
(L2), maximum particle velocity (Vmax), minimum particle veloc-
ity (Vmin), maximum particle position (Xmax), minimum particle
position (Xmin), random numbers (r1 and r2), and convergence
condition (Z_minAvg).
The convergence condition is the relative error of the dependent
variable (Z) in the baseline model (Eq. (6)). When the relative error
(Z) is lower than the present value, the PSO program determines
that the convergence conditions have been fulfilled and therefore
terminates the calculations. The interface for inputting the baseline
model parameters is shown in Fig. 6.
n  
depend v ariable  depend v ariablePSO   100%
ð4Þ X 
Z% ¼   ð6Þ
i
depend v ariable
ð5Þ
4.4. Energy savings calculations
Uploading post-installation data, such as real-time energy con-
sumption and other energy parameters, to the cloud computing
platform for calculations requires inputting a corresponding pre-
installation project ID and URL, as well as a data file name and file
path (Fig. 7). Entering the observed post-installation values for
energy consumption parameters into the pre-installation baseline
model yields the pre-installation energy consumption under
the same operating conditions. Subtracting the post-installation
value from the pre-installation value yields the energy perfor-
mance (Eq. (1)). To ensure the accuracy of the energy savings
calculations, the program for uploading the post-installation data
504 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
Fig. 7. Interface to upload post-installation data to the M&V cloud computing platform.
includes a data filtering function that allows the appropriate data
range to be set. Data records that are not within the preset range
are not uploaded.
The cloud computing platform calculates energy performance
information, including average energy savings (kW), total
kilowatt-hours savings (kW h), average percentage of energy
savings (%), and energy cost savings (in New Taiwan Dollars). In
addition, a time interval calculation function was specially
designed to allow users to specify a time interval for the energy
savings calculations, and fluctuations in the pre-installation
energy consumption (PAdjusted) and post-installation energy con-
sumption (PMeasured) are displayed on a graph. Users can a mouse
over the curve to see the data record associated with a specific time
point and to gain a quick view of the energy savings, as shown in
Fig. 8.
5. Case study: Energy conservation in a freezer and cold storage
system
The M&V cloud computing platform was used to examine
energy conservation for the freezer and cold storage system of a
hypermarket. The 150HP air-cooled freezer in this study has been
in use for a long time. Measurement showed that the operating
efficiency of the freezer is low and the energy consumption of its
traditional electric defrost is high. After the assessment, it was
recommended that the high-efficiency 120HP freezer be used as
replacement and hot gas bypass defrost be introduced to reduce
system energy use. According to Eqs. (4) and (5), four parameters,
refrigeration capacity (Qe), atmosphere temperature (TOA), refriger-
ant evaporation temperature (Teva), and energy consumption (P),
were selected for the baseline model (Eq. (7)). First, the project
ID, project name, and PSO parameters (Table 1) were entered
sequentially into the real-time energy performance M&V cloud
computing platform. Next, a data file containing pre-installation
energy consumption and other energy parameters was uploaded
for the calculations. When the construction of the baseline model
was complete, the message ‘‘true” was displayed for the field
‘‘computations completed” and the C0–C9 coefficients were
acquired. The R2 value for the baseline model was also displayed,
as shown in Fig. 9.
P ¼ C 0 þ C 1  T OA þ C 2  T 2OA þ C 3  Q e þ C 4  Q 2e þ C 5  T ev a
þ C 6  T 2ev a þ C 7  T OA  Q e þ C 8  Q e  T ev a þ C 9  T OA  T ev a
ð7Þ
After the post-installation data for energy consumption and
other energy parameters were uploaded to the cloud computing
platform for the real-time M&V of the energy performance, the
program indicated the energy savings accumulated over 11.5 h.
Specifically, the average energy savings was 39.56 kW, the total
kilowatt-hours saved was 534.03 kW h, the average percentage of
energy savings was 44.52%, and energy cost savings was NT
$1869(equivalent to $US 58.4 dollars, $US 1 dollar = $NT 32 dol-
lars), as shown in Fig. 10.
 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507 505

Fig. 8. Energy performance interface for the M&V cloud computing platform.

Table 1 platform for the M&V of the real-time energy performance that
PSO parameter vales. integrates the M&V methodology, PSO, and multivariate regression
Inertia weight (w) 0.4 Cognitive learning factor (L1) 2 analysis modeling was successfully constructed on the GAE cloud
Social learning factor (L2) 2 Maximum particle velocity 5 platform with real-time and automatic calculation of energy per-
(Vmax) formance. The proposed cloud computing platform features a
Minimum particle velocity 5 Maximum particle position 20
user-friendly graphical interface, while combining the PSO algo-
(Vmin) (Xmax)
Minimum particle position 20 Number of particles 300 rithm to effectively enhance the accuracy of the multivariate
(Xmin) regression baseline models.
Maximum number of 10,000 Convergence condition 0.1 The M&V cloud platform can use uploaded real-time energy
iterations (Z_minAvg)
consumption data to automatically create features of pre-
installation energy baseline model and post-installation real-time
energy performance calculation to effectively improve the M&V
6. Conclusions and future work efficiency. In addition, fluctuations in the energy savings can be
observed using the proposed platform, which allows for the mon-
Because nations worldwide have vigorously promoted energy itoring of equipment and system operations and the early detec-
efficiency programs and energy service industries, the accuracy tion of abnormal functioning. In case of any anomaly, equipment
of energy performance quantification using measurement and and system operations can be corrected in a timely manner to
verification (M&V) has become crucial. At present, energy perfor- maintain good energy performance.
mance M&V are mostly conducted by on-site short-term measure- The cloud platform for real-time energy performance M&V
ments combined with engineering calculation. It requires adopts the general form equation to establish baseline regression
substantial input of time and labor, and it may result in discrepan- models. Hence, after the independent variable figures of this base-
cies between the calculated results and actual energy saving line regression model are determined by the users and the values
performance. of all the independent variables are uploaded onto the platform,
Based on the foregoing factors, in this study by utilizing JAVA, a baseline regression model can be established and the energy
HTML, Eclipse, and other software tools, a cloud computing performance can be calculated. Thus, it can provide energy
506 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507

Fig. 9. Screenshot a baseline model being constructed for the pre-installation cold storage system.

Fig. 10. Screenshot of the post-installation energy savings for the cold storage system.
 M.-T. Ke et al. / Applied Energy 188 (2017) 497–507
performance M&V for any industry and any energy conservation
measure.
The limit of this study is that the building of baseline model was
obtained from the regression of various parameter values. There
are certain limits on data range. When calculating energy perfor-
mance, the range of values substituted for each parameter need
to be in the range of the baseline model values. This research plat-
form is equipped with data filtering function in which arbitrary
data range can be set by the user to prevent miscalculation of
energy performance. In addition, when the range of the parameter
values collected in the baseline model is extensive, there is no need
to consider the limit on this data range.
Combining the superior characteristics of the aforementioned
cloud platform, this M&V cloud platform developed in this article
can improve our national M&V level. Furthermore, it helps govern-
ment in promoting energy efficiency programs and the develop-
ment of energy service industries.
For future research direction, this M&V Cloud platform can be
combined with Internet of Things (IoT) to assist users in building
various energy performance indicators to effectively control
energy use and learn about the energy performances of various
energy conservation measures. In addition, it can be combined
with IoT to collect the energy consumption data of all kinds of
equipment or industries. Through the analysis of macroscopic data,
the energy performance benchmarks of various equipment and
industries are established.
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