Knowledge-Managing Sustainable Energy Schemes — An Innovative Approach

Abstract

Abstract-Sustainable energy management systems continue to evolve, adding layers of complexity and functionality. The paper presents an innovative approach that deals with the application of complex systems formalism and contemporary knowledge management techniques for the purposes of assuring more effective delivery of sustainable energy schemes.Knowledge-Managed Sustainable Energy (KMSE) systems leverage energy knowledge assets optimally, and with greater flexibility, to enhance energy management performance. The KMSE scheme developed adopts a multi-factorial approach for sustainable energy-related knowledge acquisition, aggregation and diffusion, within managed environments.The paper presents a structured framework for developing effective KMSE systems, and discusses their applicability to a range of renewable energy management projects, with the ultimate aim of fostering continuous energy management performance improvement and sustainability.Index Terms-Energy Kiviats, energy management knowledge, interaction circles, knowledge diffusion, knowledge externalization, knowledge management, sustainable energy. I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUNDSustainable energy management systems attempt to provide long-term cost-effective management of energy provision or use. Our study focuses on the Development and Management of Sustainable Energy Schemes.We have developed a scalable scheme applicable to 1) Sub-Units (e.g. Departments) 2) Units (e.g. Organizations) 3) Super-units (e.g. Cities & Regions) Standard Energy Management approaches, such as those based on international energy management standards e.g. ISO 50001/BS EN, including those purporting to utilize knowledge-based schemes [1]- [6], are typically linear, with feedback loops often used to regulate and fine-tune the process (as shown in Fig. 1 overleaf):A new energy management approach -termed the 'Knowledge-Managed Sustainable Energy (KMSE)' technique has been developed, with the attributes shown in Fig. 2.KMSE adopts a complex systems approach to analysing, designing, monitoring and controlling energy management schemes [7]. KMSE ensures that energy knowledge assets are appropriately developed, aggregated and diffused within the Manuscript received November 17, 2013; revised May 27, 2014 unit, sub-unit or super-unit.The scheme works with two distinct phases -Hard and Soft KMSE Phases. II. "HARD" KMSE PHASEThe Hard KMSE phase involves systemic analysis of energy systems and processes.It features standardised elements based on formal technical analyses of 1) Energy sources, sinks & options for these 2) Energy conversion efficienciesThe phase requires determination of feasibility of the various energy provision and usage options availableessentially a consideration of technical, operational & financial feasibility of these items. III. "SOFT" KMSE PHASEThe Soft KMSE phases manage tacit and explicit knowledge sources within the sub-unit, unit and/or super-unit. Soft KMSE is predicated on key Knowledge management (KM) phases which are in turn based on Socialization,...