A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environmental, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998

The demand for electricity in Sri Lanka is increasing by the rate of 10% annually and the contribution of the commercial sector for the total electricity consumption is 22% and it is expected to be 28% by the year 2013. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the current status of electricity consumption and to establish the electricity conservation potential in the commercial sector. Prioritization of electricity saving options for commercial buildings was also to be studied in the scope of user perspective energy saving. A detailed audit about existing lighting and air-conditioning system was conducted for ten buildings which included two buildings from each sub sector of hotels, hospitals, banks, office buildings, and super markets. A market survey was also carried out to gather information about best technologies and locally available equipment. Using gathered data, electrical saving potential and power demand reduction of each building was evaluated and applying evaluated data, the electrical saving potential and power demand reduction of commercial sector was predicted in this study. The major energy saving potential was found to be by the replacement of incandescent lamps and magnetic ballast in lighting systems and installation controls and replacement of inefficient chillers in air-conditioning systems of commercial sector buildings. Based on the options considered, the percentage saving of electrical energy demand varies between 11 to 15% and power demand reduction varies between 13 to 14% in commercial sector and it is estimated that the annual electrical saving potential of 500 to 750 GWh and demand reduction of 150 MW in commercial sector in the year 2013.