Produced in Association with SERIES 22 / Module 01 AI and Energy Management
Artificial Intelligence & Energy Management
By Andrew Cooper, managing director of EDGE APM T
he purpose of this CPD article is to introduce the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to readers. The article will
explore what AI is, examine its current applications, and discuss its future potential, particularly in relation to supporting energy managers. The article considers the impact of AI on different sectors where energy managers might be engaged, and while it seeks to provide practical examples, it does so at a high-level. The examples provided, and AI categories and technologies covered, are not exhaustive.
An introduction to Artifi cial Intelligence (AI) AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create systems capable of performing tasks that would normally require human intelligence. These tasks include learning and adapting to new information, understanding human language, recognising patterns, solving problems, and making decisions. There are different categories of
AI, and this article considers those categories that could be most relevant to energy managers now and in the future. This includes: ● Narrow AI, which is designed to
perform a specific task such as voice recognition. ● Generative AI, which can create
new content that is similar to human- generated content. This includes images, sounds, or text, and predictive patterns. It’s often used in creative fields like music, art, and design. ● General AI or Artificial General
Intelligence (AGI), which can perform, and potentially exceed, any intellectual task that a human being can do. However, this currently remains a theoretical concept within the field of AI research. According to UK government, a number of AI companies have publicly stated their aim to build AGI and believe it may be achievable within the next twenty years. Other experts believe we may not build AGI for many decades, if ever1. An example of a technology that
For details on how to obtain your Energy Institute CPD Certificate, see ENTRY FORM and details on page 24
EIBI | JUNE 2024
uses Narrow AI is Amazon’s ‘Alexa’ and Apple’s Siri which amongst other things can control household appliances,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxD4Wv74G4Q
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY NOW! 06 DECEMBER 2024
DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS, LONDON EIBI | OCTOBER 2022 21
including building services, when connected (i.e., “Alexa/Siri change my heating temperature setpoint” etc.), but Narrow AI is also used in building services controls, and building management systems, including building energy management systems. The most well-known example of
Generative AI is ChatGPT – which generates new text. But it also has a use in energy management. For example, Generative AI algorithms can help automate maintenance tasks and identify potential problems before they develop into expensive repairs and/or interfere with operations. Generative AI can scrutinise sensor
data, historical maintenance records, and property or industrial features to recognise patterns and forecast maintenance needs. This anticipatory approach assists you in prioritising maintenance tasks, optimising resource distribution, and reducing operational costs. And generative AI has a key role to play when creating the interface(s) between smart grids and buildings, which is clearly explained in the case study 'Artificial Intelligence for Building Energy Management Systems'2.
AI and regulations AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and its growth carries risk. These risks are referenced in a short video prepared by
the International Energy Agency (IEA)3. However, the regulation of AI is not uniform across the world. In some countries, AI is subject to
specific regulations. For instance, in the European Union (EU), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has provisions that apply to AI. The GDPR requires that individuals have the right to explanation when they are subject to automated decisions, which includes decisions made by AI systems. In March 2024 the EU adopted new
regulations4 specifically for AI that would create legal requirements for high-risk AI systems, including those used in critical infrastructures, education, employment, and public administration. In other countries there is a more
laissez-faire approach to AI regulation. For example, in the United States, there are currently no federal laws specifically regulating AI. Instead, existing laws and regulations that apply to privacy, discrimination, and safety are used to govern AI systems. However, in October 2023 the White House issued an Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence5. Outside of national and international
regulatory frameworks the international standard for AI Management System is ISO/IEC 42001 Information technology - Artificial Intelligence - Management System. The standard outlines internal governance and risk management, with the aim of supporting AI development, building business confidence internally and externally, and providing a route for regulatory compliance. In February 2024 Australia announced that it had adopted the standard6.
As part of this CPD readers should watch a short video prepared by the IEA.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
