STUDY ON ENHANCING THE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY THROUGH REAL-TIME
SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS FOR ACHIEVING GREEN ICT
CAMPUS
Kesava Rao Alla
Linton University College
E-mail: alla@ieee.org
Zainuddin Hassan
College of Information Technology, University Tenaga Nasional
E-mail: zainuddin@uniten.edu.m
Soong Der Chen
Graphics and Multimedia Dept., College of Information Technology,
University Tenaga Nasional
E-mail: chensoong@uniten.edu.my
Recepción: 02/08/2019 Aceptación: 26/09/2019 Publicación: 06/11/2019
Citación sugerida:
Rao Alla, K., Hassan, Z. y Der Chen, S. (2019). Study on Enhancing the Energy
Eciency through Real-Time Smart Energy Management Systems for Achieving Green
ICT Campus. 3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. Edición Especial, Noviembre
2019, 329-347. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
Suggested citation:
Rao Alla, K., Hassan, Z. & Der Chen, S. (2019). Study on Enhancing the Energy
Eciency through Real-Time Smart Energy Management Systems for Achieving Green
ICT Campus. 3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. Speciaal Issue, November
2019, 329-347. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
330
331
ABSTRACT
Most Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are trying to achieve a Green ICT Campus
as part of its responsibility for building a sustainable environment. Ecient energy
distribution is one of the key factors to achieve the maximum benets of producing
clean and green energy. The importance of renewable energy generation and
distribution synchronized by ICT for achieving a green campus in Malaysian Higher
Education Institution (MHEI) are suggested and discussed here. This research paper
focuses on studying the current practices in energy usage in MHEI and proposing
various techniques to reduce the consumption of energy usage to achieve Green
ICT Campus through the Smart Grid including suggesting for alternate energy
production. The obtained results show that the energy consumption was reduced
to a signicant level of 30% when tested for one HEI, which plays a key role in
fullling the green computing requirements and provides a pathway to realizing a
green campus. With these ndings, it is envisaged that this system optimizes energy
usage and could be applicable for any MHEI.
KEYWORDS
Smart Grid, Energy optimization, Green ICT Campus, Green Computing.
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
330
331
1. INTRODUCTION
Mankind is completely dependent on an uninterrupted supply of energy for living
and working. It has become the key ingredient in all sectors of modern economies.
Millions of years ago, fossil fuels were formed on planet earth gradually through the
organisms that were buried in swamps. Fossil fuels continue to be consumed massively
and are expected to reach its last drop within this century based on the projected
consumption and growth rates which is as follows: It is predicted that oil will run out
in 53 years, natural gas in 54 years, and coal in 110 years from 2015 (Singh, 2017).
This study also indicated that renewable and clean energies are the only alternative
to the impending destruction of the world’s economies through climate changes that
are caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. This destruction is also leading to the
overall rise in temperature of the planet which is expected to rise by 2 degrees within
this century. It is important that the policies that are made towards renewable energy
production and climate change at national level to reach institutions and every home
to make the implementation cycle complete for the benet of our planet.
Hence, this research paper focuses on the study of the energy demands of Higher
Education Institutions in Malaysia to conserve adequate resources that are essential
in building a greener society. Higher Education Institutions are a replica of a mini
society with higher energy demands mainly due to the nature of its academic activities
like teaching and learning, research endeavors and residential energy needs. Energy
consumption of academic activities could be improved by installing smart equipment
or following smart strategies in energy production and distribution. According to
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia has more than 600 higher education
institutions in private, semi-government and public sectors and the population that is
involved with these institutions represent a substantial segment of the society (Ministry
of Higher Education Malaysia, 2017). Modern Higher Education Institutes are one
of the biggest energy consumers along with their growing demand for sophisticated
technical infrastructure. The sta, students and the total community in today’s HEI
matches a populated town and any policies and strategies implemented in HEI’s has
a direct and indirect impact on the society due to its reach and the involvement of
stakeholders (Howlett, Ferreira & Blomeld, 2016). As HEI resemble the same nature
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
332
333
in terms of operation and functionality, one Malaysian Higher Education institution
has been selected to study the real-time energy consumption and distribution methods
to optimize energy consumption.
2. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Development which embraces the needs of the existing without conceding the ability
of next generations in accomplishing their requirements was the rst broadly agreed
term on sustainable development in the history of mankind in the UN Conference on
the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972. The modern world since the industrial
revolution has needed larger amounts of energy for its growth and development.
Extraction of fossil fuels for energy and consuming the fossil fuels for growth and
development has entered new heights from the 20th century. Fossil fuels formed in
the crests of the earth since millions of years are being consumed daily for energy
production. Fossil fuel extraction, production and consumption began through
burning the coal around 4000BC in China and oil and gas from 1800AD onwards
(Ritchie & Roser, 2017). The global fuel consumption is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Fossil Fuel consumption chart.
It is surprising to see that these millions of year’s fossil fuel reserves are being consumed
within two centuries. The research analysis results show that, within another 50
years, the last drop of oil will be extracted from the earth at the present consumption
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
332
333
ratio. But there is no concrete alternative that is equal and reliable to supplant this
natural energy resource which is the fact as of today in 2017. Scientists have noticed
this imminent disaster and started warning the mankind from the Nineteenth
century (Du Pisani, 2006). The excessive urbanization and industrialization without
maintaining an equilibrium with nature are leading mankind towards destruction.
Whenever this symmetry is disturbed, there are consequences and at times, deadly
consequences. The classic example of such an excessive usage of disturbing this
ecological equipoise is visible in terms of natural disasters like unusual climatic
conditions, global warming, disturbed patterns of el-Ninos, cyclones, and typhoons.
The scientic community has alerted this inhibiting danger and there are series of
eorts by individuals, nations, social organizations and many other forms that joined
hands together to overcome this melancholy. The rst such major event was held in
1991 at Rio de Janeiro which gained a global reputation. Even though Brundtland
Commission in 1987 was set up on studying the ecological disorders, it was the Rio
declaration that provided the common guidelines and congregated the works of
individuals and nations at the forefront in bringing up the eorts together. That noble
task commenced in 1991, is still in progress and pleading our constant attention as of
today. Rio declaration investigated major aspects of sustainable development and the
causes of the environmental issues that are being faced by the mankind.
Energy generation is on one hand and the ecient distribution of the energy is on
another hand which is equally important too. Energy distribution with smart grids
and intelligent equipment that understands and performs the tasks with lesser human
interaction without causing any inconvenience to the user are required to support the
energy distribution. According to The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) data, there are instances where energy distribution losses are
recorded very high causing a daunt in the energy production. For example in India,
energy distribution losses are recorded at 19% in 2014 against the world’s average of
8.24% which is one of the highest as per the Industry standards (The Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2017). India needs to address these
challenges radically within a shorter period of time as every loss is contributed to
extra energy generation and thus extra aiction to the sustainable development.
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
334
335
2.1. HEI ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Higher Educational Institutions are more responsible in terms of generating awareness
among the society for sustainable development. The nature and involvement of
HEI’s generally provide a closer association with the society as their involvement
in research & development and consultancy activities (Cabrera & Zareipour, 2011).
HEI’s are more directly involved in developing cultural, social, ethical, economic
and environmental knowledge that will, ultimately, assist stakeholders in handling
the various issues of modern life eectively. At the same time, partnerships among
various educational institutions provide multicultural contexts in establishing
and understanding diversity, working closely with various stakeholders and the
community reects and improve their activities in relation to education for sustainable
development (Wals & Jickling, 2002).
HEI’s are expected to arrange and engage debates, research activities, using smart
equipment on sustainable development that could inuence environmental and
social outcomes (Nasibulina, 2015). There are many initiatives taken by some of the
HEI’s recently in this regard including oering courses and programs that are inbuilt
with the values of SD that need to continue to develop these skills in new forms of
learning including stakeholder interactions at various stages to produce SD ready
graduates for the benet of mankind (Vare & Scott, 2007).
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) need to engage themselves with the objective
of building a sustainable society for the benet of current and future generations
(Suryawanshi & Narkhede, 2014). While the HEI’s focus on establishing social
responsibility and accountability processes, HEI’s eventually develop processes that
could guide them towards establishing sustainable community within and outside
campuses. HEIs are organizational forms that groom employment relationship
and management responsibility from the primary levels (Ahola, Ahlqvist, Ermes,
Myllyoka & Savola, 2009). HEIs are the best places to face the challenges caused
by unsustainable development clusters in the society and could be the best tools to
inculcate the values and importance of sustainable development due to their nature
and close relationship with all the levels society including intellectuals and scholars
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
334
335
to the general public (Chai-Arayalert & Nakata, 2011). Sustainable development can
only ourish with the commitment of organisational accountability and responsibility
where the concepts, theory, and practice could be initiated and implemented as
primary test cases at HEIs. Alternate energy sources and using smart equipment to
reduce the energy demand is another option too that motivated this study. Applying
smart equipment with smart methods eventually, provide a smart solution through
education for sustainable development (Fettweis & Zimmermann, 2008).
Malaysia is an emerging economy in South Asia and dynamic accomplice in this
global awareness process for renewable energy. From the1970 onwards, Malaysia
has introduced a range of regulatory measures to balance the goals of surging socio-
economic development with sustainable environment. The annual report for the
year 2010 from the Economic Planning Unit-EPU in the Malaysian Prime Minister’s
oce stated that Malaysia is moving towards high-income society and aspiring
for developed nation status by 2020 with a knowledge-based society. At the same
time, Malaysia understands that knowledge-based and high-income society has the
responsibility of maintaining sustainable environment through the renewable energy
and reinforcing its policies towards this objective.
HEIs in Malaysia are requested to consider designing their own smart grids (SG)
by bearing in mind that some of the current options such as optimized congestion
control, reliability, and break down costs that would work best for them when they
opted for smart grids. They can customize the options that best suit their demand
based on the needs of the institution, and on the requirements and nature of the
energy source that the institution depends on. Along with that, they need to be aware
of the factors while implementing the smart grids such as initial investment, return
on investment (ROI), security matters, period of obsolescence and privacy. The
estimated energy optimization percentages by smart grid implementations across
countries such as China, India, and others are above 20% (El-hawary, 2014). Most
recently, regulators and governments are forced to control the CO2 emissions which
is moving towards producing clean and green renewable energy. This is an excellent
move which should be appreciated without skepticism. The produced green energy
needs to be connected to the distribution networks in an ecient mechanism to
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
336
337
maximize the benets (Pahwa & Venkata, 2011). In the Smart Grid Projects today,
these technologies are being adopted into electric grid applications, involving devices
at the consumer level through the transmission stage in order to make the electric
system more responsive and exible (Zhao et al., 2014).
2.2. SMART GRIDS
Alternate energy sources such as Solar, Wind or any other forms such as from Tidal
or Hydro resources availability need to be studied with the HEI’s data in terms of
energy availability and consumption. Each KWH produced for HEI could then be
connected to the main supply (Aghasian, Pourtaheri & Ahmadizadeh, 2013). The
cost of energy per MW production from highest to lowest are listed as follows with
an exception of location: thermal with coal, thermal with natural gas, bio mass,
solar thermal, nuclear, solar PV and hydroelectric and onshore wind. The Annual
Energy Outlook 2015, by the US Energy Information Administration for the year
2015 states this clearly (Webber et al., 2006). It is interesting to see all the renewable
sources are listed at the lower side and Fossil fuels are on the higher side with the
additional issue of limited availability and irreplaceability. Figure 2 shows the cost of
production in USD for the renewable energy per KW.
Figure 2. Cost of the production for Renewable Energy in USD per KW.
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
336
337
Smart grid as dened by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is “A Grid that
incorporates information and communication technology into every aspect of
electricity generation, delivery, and consumption in order to minimize environmental
impact, enhance marketability, improve reliability, eciency and service, and reduce
costs.” The main advantages of Smart Grids compared to previous traditional grids
are its exibility of allowing the consumers to play a role in optimizing the operation
and provide a greater amount of information about the grid (Wakeeld, 2011). It is
obviously the appropriate time for HEIs to plan and switch their power supply systems
to Smart Grids. Once they have started investing in the alternate energy source, they
would reap the benets it brings from the beginning as the cost of renewable energy
generation such as the cost of solar panels are showing a consistent reduction since
1990. Figure 3 shows the cost reduction over the past 27 years and a projection
for the coming decade-the graph clearly shows the great advantage of investing in
alternative energy in terms of cost of energy production per watt.
Figure 3. Solar power cost estimation over the years.
3. IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY
The proposed research is being carried out in a private University College campus
located in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The study details energy management
within a campus that is built up area of 900,000 square feet with ve academic
blocks, one administration block, two blocks consisting 50 laboratories, nine lecture
halls, and seven meeting rooms. The key factor in this study is to provide renewable
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
338
339
energy that is suitable for the institution based on their scenario and opportunities
available at its location and surroundings. Most importantly, it all depends on how
this generated power is connected through a smart grid and to the distribution grid.
To convert and maintain the campus as a green campus, a smart grid is proposed,
as shown in Figure 4. The smart grid structure shown in Figure 4 could be used as a
model Smart Grid for any HEI in Malaysia. In the proposed smart grid model, roof
top solar panels and wind turbines are incorporated. The wind speed at the campus
is recorded at an average of 5-10km/h throughout the year. This location is suitable
for solar power generation as the average daily temperature ranges between 20-35c
throughout the year that can easily produce 50W solar power (Mekhilef et al., 2012).
3.1. THE REALTIME ENERGY MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY
Higher Education Campus’ main energy consumptions are within the classrooms
and laboratories. It is therefore crucial that these areas within a campus receive
reliable and uninterrupted energy supply. The demands of the energy may vary
between academic programmes depending on the nature of the programme and the
equipment used to aid the teaching and learning processes. Technical and scientic
programmes would require more energy particularly those with the use of heavy
machinery for academic and research purposes (El-hawary, 2014).
Figure 4. Typical structure of a smart grid for a HEI in Malaysia.
It is proposed that the particular HEI campus allocates Half-hour-ahead rolling
optimization and a real-time control strategy are combined with fuzzy logic controller
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
338
339
for surging optimization in producing high-eciency energy distribution. A physical
test platform has been established and was tested in an academic laboratory (a bench
tting lab) to observe the process in the campus.
3.2. INTERNET OF THINGS IOT PROPOSAL FOR GRID
OPERATION
IoTs are also seen in the part of the total system that is operated in the smart grid
system. Controlling the entire grid is possible from a remote location with IoT.
Adjustments of power distributions from macro to micro is possible with IoT (Pahwa
& Venkata, 2011). The grid is evolving from the previous traditional one-way
system, where power ows from centralized generation stations to consumers, to a
platform that can detect, accept, manage, and control decentralized consumption
and production resources. This allows power and information to ow as needed in
multiple directions to keep the system in balance. As a result, utility executives are
trying to determine which technologies merit precious capital resources (Zhao et al.,
2014).
3.3. TIMER CONTROLLED OPERATION FOR AIRCONDITIONER
The concept of the proposed circuit structure as shown in Figure 5 is to shut o the
air conditioner every 1 hour after the unit is switched on.
Figure 5. The proposed energy saver structure of an air-conditioner.
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
340
341
Each time the air conditioner is switched back, the internal air conditioners IC board
control will delay the outdoor unit (compressor) up to approximately 15 minutes in
order to cool down the system. The user would have to switch on the air conditioner in
order to continue its usage. As air conditioners have the highest energy consumption,
this proposed method of smart timer structure in an air conditioning system would
greatly save the HEI’s energy consumption. The HEI’s main energy consumption is
for Air-conditioning which has been recorded at an average of 60% over the years.
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The two methods proposed for the ICT green campus are sensor controlled lighting
arrangement in the laboratories and a timer-controlled air conditioner. These two
techniques that were xed at a nominal cost would fetch a lucrative ROI in less
than a month while registering a commendable 40% in the laboratories, and 25%
in air-conditioning energy optimization. The present HEI campus which is used in
this study has a land area of about 200acres. The internal transport from the main
entrance can be proposed into using bicycles for the students and for the sta using
battery cars. This shows that ROI is expected within a year. There are many other
possibilities such as uorescent tubes could be replaced by LED lamps which can
optimize a 30% reduction in the energy reduction.
4.1. REAL TIME ENERGY MANAGEMENT LAYOUT
The main power consumption for the month of May 2017 was 60% due to the air
conditioning. 20% were for lighting and desk stations, while laboratories were around
11%. For the benet of this research, each lab was tted with a remote-controlled
sensor that activates whenever there is a room in use. A motion sensor is tted to
each row of tables which controls the usage depending on its occupancy. This smart
device is also able to dierentiate a real user from a passerby as the motion detector
is initiated 3 minutes after the machine is switched on. For lecture halls, the seat
occupancy is controlled by the class management team that determines the allocation
of the room and the seats inside the auditorium. The electricity consumption from the
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
340
341
pre-and post-implementation for each of the venues are calculated on a daily basis.
In the proposed study, it is assumed that in an 8-hour working day, 8 samples of data
between a 15 minutes interval is collected which will result in at least 120 minutes or
2 hours of outdoor o-duty. This would mean no electricity consumption per 1 unit
air conditioner per day. With this calculation record, the energy consumption of an
air conditioner without a timer and with a timer is shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1. HEI’s Energy Consumption of an Air Conditioners without Timer.
AIRCOND
H/P
ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION CHARGE CALCULATION FORMULA (NORMAL)
KW TARIFF
RATE/
HR
(RM)
X 8 HRS
(RM)
X 20
DAYS
(RM)
X TOTAL
(AC)
AMOUNT
(RM)
1.0 0.746 0.43 0.32 2.56 51.20 9 NOS 460.80
1.5 1.118 0.43 0.48 3.84 76.80 4 NOS 307.20
1.8 1.342 0.43 0.58 4.64 92.80 16 NOS 1,484.80
2.0 1.491 0.43 0.64 5.12 102.40 50 NOS 5,120.00
2.5 1.864 0.43 0.80 6.40 128.00 265 NOS 33,920.00
2.8 2.087 0.43 0.90 7.20 144.60 14 NOS 2,016.00
3.0 2.237 0.43 0.96 7.68 153.60 258 NOS 39,628.80
3.5 2.609 0.43 1.12 8.96 179.20 18 NOS 3,225.60
5.0 3.725 0.43 1.60 12.80 256.00 64 NOS 16,384.00
TOTAL
COST
RM
102,547.20
Table 2. HEI’s Energy Consumption of an Air Conditioners using Timer.
AIRCOND
H/P
ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION CHARGE CALCULATION FORMULA (TIMER
CIRCUIT)
KW TARIFF
RATE/
HR (RM)
X 6 HRS
(RM)
X 20
DAYS
(RM)
X TOTAL
(AC)
AMOUNT
(RM)
1.0 0.746 0.43 0.32 1.92 38.40 9 NOS 345.60
1.5 1.118 0.43 0.48 2.88 57.60 4 NOS 230.40
1.8 1.342 0.43 0.58 3.48 69.60 16 NOS 1,113.60
2.0 1.491 0.43 0.64 3.84 76.80 50 NOS 3,840.00
2.5 1.864 0.43 0.80 4.80 96.00 265 NOS 25,440.00
2.8 2.087 0.43 0.90 5.40 108.00 14 NOS 1,512.00
3.0 2.237 0.43 0.96 5.76 115.20 258 NOS 29,721.60
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
342
343
AIRCOND
H/P
ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION CHARGE CALCULATION FORMULA (TIMER
CIRCUIT)
KW TARIFF
RATE/
HR (RM)
X 6 HRS
(RM)
X 20
DAYS
(RM)
X TOTAL
(AC)
AMOUNT
(RM)
3.5 2.609 0.43 1.12 6.72 134.40 18 NOS 2,419.20
5.0 3.725 0.43 1.60 9.60 192.00 64 NOS 12,288.00
TOTAL
COST
RM
76,910.40
The Corridors are tted with two 40W Fluorescent tubes within a distance of 15ft.
Each (40x40)ft. laboratory is tted with 8 sets of uorescent tube lights. There are
two 100W pedestal industrial fans that are connected along with two units of 2.5hp
air-conditioners. Normal working hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Average operating
hours in a day are 5 hours. When a laboratory is in operation, the consumption
within the laboratory totals up to 5700W (8X80W + 2X200 + 940X2.5X2). We have
tted the sensor control circuit shown in Figure 3 with an initial cost of RM700. This
circuit is tested for an hour usage in the bench-tting workshop and it does not draw
any other energy other than lighting and air-conditioning.
From Tables 1 and 2, it is observed that a total of RM 25,636.80 can be saved. This is
equivalent to 25% of savings every month by using this idea of delaying every single
air conditioner for up to 2 hours daily in its operation. Table 3 shows the total air-
conditioners required and its costs for the entire academic operation. Table 4. Shows
the electrical items that are purchased for constructing the control module in an air
conditioner at the HEI.
Table 3. Total Air Conditioners required and its cost.
PHASE
AREA
COVERED
TOTAL
AIRCOND
COSTING in
RM
REMARKS
1 Block A1 Till A5 296 Unit 16,537.00
2 Admin Block 226 Unit 12,317.00
3 Block B1 & B2 176 Unit 9,592.00
TOTAL
698 Unit + 2
Extra
38,446.00 + RM 109.00
GRAND TOTAL 700 Unit 38,555.00
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
342
343
Table 4. Control modules cost for an Air Conditioners.
NO ITEM DESCRIPTION
ESTIMATE
PRICE (RM)
QUANTITY
TOTAL PRICE
(RM)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
60 Minute Timer Relay (jkn)
8 Pin Socket Base
Socket Railing (Alluminium)
Pvc Black Tape
Connector
48.00 /Pc
6.50 /Pc
15.00 /Meter
0.60 /Pc
1.50/Pc
700 nos
700 nos
15 pcs
50 rolls
100 pcs
33,600.00
4,550.00
225.00
30.00
150.00
Grand Total RM 38,555.00
This simple mechanism and its installation worked extremely well for a period of 1
month with an average of 25% reduction in the energy usage and its direct cost. The
graph shown in Figure 6 explains the monthly energy consumption distribution for
the entire campus.
Figure 6. The monthly energy distribution of one HEI (Linton University College).
The motion detection sensors assisted in regulating and optimizing the usage as per
classroom occupancy. This new technique proposed in the new circuit diagram has
been used to continue observations for a period of one month with full capacity,
partial capacity and within lower occupancy classrooms. The lower occupancies
have a dierence of up to 1700W (70%) reduction and medium occupancy has
3130W (45%) while the full occupancy has 600W (10%). The dierence from these
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
344
345
three scenarios make an average of 40% reduced consumption. The same circuit
setup holds good for a classroom and lecture halls with a dierence in the number
of equipment tted. When ROI was calculated for the RM700 spent, the investment
was returned within a month. The energy savings for the rest of the days in the year
and in the future, will complement its usage. Further research is however needed
especially in the areas of synchronizing with smart grid management and IoT. Such
a paradigm change needs to begin from academic institutions in order to be forged
by the society for the betterment of life and to ght against global warming.
5. CONCLUSION
Energy production and distribution are equally important and with the new
technologies on board, the distribution with the help of smart grid has become
resilient and ecient. The two methods proposed which are the timer-controlled air
conditioner and motion-sensor-controlled lighting arrangements in the laboratories
have proved that energy saving is 40% in average with the RoI within a month when
compared to the previous energy costs. Similarly, Malaysian HEIs should focus on
the possible ways to generate power, considering and incorporating the scale and
technology that is convenient and available for the institution, and to integrate them
with the distribution network with the help of smart grids that are monitored by ICT
to realize the Green ICT Campus for better, greener world.
REFERENCES
Aghasian, E., Pourtaheri, H., & Ahmadizadeh, E. (2013). An Investigation on
Current Situation of Green ICT in University Technology Malaysia-Based on
Stage of Growth and Monitoring Green Technology Standardization Criteria.
Open International Journal of Informatics (OIJI), 1(1), 18-28. Retrieved from: http://
apps.razak.utm.my/ojs/index.php/oiji/article/view/95
Ahola, J., Ahlqvist, T., Ermes, M., Myllyoka, J., & Savola, J. (2009). ICT for
Environmental Sustainability. VTT Research Notes.
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
344
345
Cabrera, D.F., & Zareipour, H. (2011). A Review of Energy Eciency Initiatives in
Post-Secondary Educational Institutes in Proceedings of the First International Conference
on Smart Grids, Green Communications and IT Energy-aware Technologies. Paper presented
at First International Conference on Smart Grids, Green Communications and
IT Energy-aware Technologies.
Chai-Arayalert, S., & Nakata, K. (2011) The Evolution of Green ICT Practice:
UK Higher Education Institutions Case Study. In Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE/
ACM International Conference on Green Computing and Communications, 220-225. Paper
presented at IEEE/ACM International Conference on Green Computing and
Communications. IEEE Computer Society.
Du Pisani, J.A. (2006). Sustainable development-historical roots
of the concept. Environmental Sciences, 3(2), 83-96. doi:https://doi.
org/10.1080/15693430600688831
El-hawary, M.E. (2014). The Smart Grid—State-of-the-art and Future Trends.
Electric Power Components and Systems, 42(3-4), 239-250. doi: https://doi.
org/10.1109/MEPCON.2016.7836856
Fettweis, G. P., & Zimmermann, E. (2008). ICT Energy Consumption-Trends
and Challenges. In Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Wireless Personal
Multimedia Communications (WPMC’08). Paper presented at 11th International
Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC’08).
Lapland, Finland.
Howlett, C., Ferreira, J.A.L., & Blomeld, J.M. (2016). Teaching Sustainable
Development in Higher Education: Building Critical Reective Thinkers through
an Interdisciplinary Approach. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher
Education, 17(3), 305-321. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2014-0102
Mekhilef, S., Safari, A., Mustaa, W.E.S., Saidur, R., Omar, R., & Younis,
M.A.A. (2012). Solar Energy in Malaysia: Current State and Prospects. Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(1), 386-396. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
rser.2011.08.003
3C Tecnología. Glosas de innovación aplicadas a la pyme. ISSN: 2254–4143
346
347
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2016). Makro Institusi Pendidikan
Tinggi, 1. Retrieved from: http://www.mohe.gov.my/en/download/awam/
statistik/2016-statistik
Nasibulina, A. (2015). Education for Sustainable Development and Environmental
Ethics. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 214, 1077-1082. doi: https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.708
Pahwa, A., & Venkata, S.S. (2011). Preparing the Workforce for Smart Distribution
Systems. In Proceedings of IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Asia (ISGT).
Presented at of IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Asia (ISGT), 1-3. Perth,
Australia.
Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2017). CO₂ and other Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved
from: https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions
Singh, S. (2017). How long will fossil fuels last? Retrieved from: https://www.business-
standard.com/article/punditry/how-long-will-fossil-fuels-last-115092201397_1.
html
Suryawanshi, K.Y., & Narkhede, S. (2014). Green ICT at Higher Education
Institution: Solution for Sustenance of ICT in Future. International Journal of
Computer Applications, 107(14), 35-38. doi: https://doi.org/10.5120/18823-0237
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. (2018)
OECD work on Climate Action. Retrieved from: http://www.oecd.org/environment/
action-on-climate-change
Vare, P., & Scott, W. (2007). Learning for a Change: Exploring the Relationship
between Education and Sustainable Development. Journal of Education for Sustainable
Development, 1(2), 191-198. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/097340820700100209
Wakeeld, M.P. (2011). Smart Distribution System Research in EPRI’s Smart Grid
Demonstration Initiative. IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting, 1-4. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1109/PES.2011.6039386
Edición Especial Special Issue Noviembre 2019
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17993/3ctecno.2019.specialissue3.329-347
346
347
Wals, A.E.J., & Jickling, B. (2002). “Sustainability” in Higher Education: From
Doublethink and Newspeak to Critical Thinking and Meaningful Learning.
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 3(3), 221-232. doi: https://
doi.org/10.1016/S0952-8733(02)00003-X
Webber, C.A., Roberson, J.A., McWhinney, M.C., Brown, R.E., Pinckard,
M.J., & Busch, J.F. (2006). After-hours Power Status of Oce Equipment in the
USA. Energy, 31, 2487-2502. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2005.11.007
Zhao, J., Wang, C., Zhao, B., Lin, F., Zhou, Q., & Wang, Y. (2014). A Review
of Active Management for Distribution Networks: Current Status and Future
Development Trends. Electric Power Components and Systems, 42(3-4), 280-293. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1080/15325008.2013.862325
