Energy Audit of Engineering Ladies Hostel

Abstract

This paper presents a energy audit of the Ladies Hostel at Proudadevaraya Institute of Technology (PDIT), focusing on energy consumption patterns and opportunities for improving efficiency and sustainability. The audit evaluates major energy- consuming systems, including lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical appliances, based on data collected through site inspections, utility bill analysis. Findings reveal high energy usage due to outdated lighting and inefficient appliances; transitioning to LED fixtures and optimizing natural lighting can yield substantial savings. The HVAC systems, identified as significant energy loads, are recommended for replacement with energy-efficient models and routine maintenance. Common-use appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves are outdated, prompting appliance for upgrades and energy-conscious behavior initiatives among residents. Overall, the proposed measures offer both economic and environmental benefits, aligning with broader sustainability goals, and conclude with practical recommendations for operational upgrades and awareness initiatives to foster long-term energy conservation in campus.

Introduction

This study conducts a comprehensive energy audit of the Ladies Hostel at Proudadevaraya Institute of Technology (PDIT) to analyze energy consumption, identify inefficiencies, and recommend measures for improving sustainability. Hostels consume significant energy due to continuous lighting, HVAC, and appliances.

The audit involved site inspections, data logging, and stakeholder interviews, focusing on outdated lighting (fluorescent and zero-watt bulbs), energy-intensive fans, and appliances. Analysis revealed annual consumption of about 45,236 kWh, with peak use in April (summer) and low use in December (winter), influenced by seasonal and academic calendar factors.

Key recommendations include replacing fluorescent bulbs with 20W LED T-bulbs, swapping 75W AC fans with more efficient 40W BLDC fans, and upgrading refrigerators to energy-efficient models. Implementation of these changes reduced the monthly electricity bill by ?5,469, totaling annual savings of approximately ?65,628. Additional suggestions include installing solar water heaters and rooftop photovoltaic panels to further cut costs and carbon emissions.

The audit highlights the potential for cost-effective energy savings and environmental benefits in institutional residential settings, promoting wider adoption of sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The energy audit conducted at PDIT Ladies Hostel has unveiled significant inefficiencies in power usage due to outdated appliances, poor lighting systems, and lack of energy-conscious behaviors. By identifying critical load contributors—such as conventional fans, tubelights, and high-power appliances—the audit outlined targeted upgrades that not only cut monthly energy costs from ?28,217 to ?22,784 but also projected annual savings of ?65,628. This initiative doesn\'t just reflect financial optimization; it signals a shift toward environmental stewardship through suggestions like BLDC fan installations, solar water heating, and LED lighting. Moreover, fostering resident awareness and establishing routine maintenance ensures the longevity of these improvements. Ultimately, the audit serves as a replicable model for institutional hostels seeking sustainable energy practices. The recommended measures will transform PDIT Ladies Hostel into an eco-conscious living space, harmonizing technological upgrades with behavioral change for long- term efficiency and responsible energy use

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prof. Madhvaraja K, Bhavani K, Gayathri CS, Mehak Zabeen, R Uma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.