JSutils for Computer Energy Saving and Energy Use Calculation
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 22-Oct-2008
JSUtils Compact Disk

Using EnCalcLU

Version: 1.4
Size: 391KB
Released
22-October-2008
EnCalcLU icon
JSutils software logo

What ever purpose the program is used for you need to enter two sets of meter readings taken on different dates. The program will calculate the cost between these two dates and if 'Predict' is not 0 will predict the water cost for the specified number of periods ahead based on the amount used as calculated from the readings. The prediction accuracy will improve the greater the time between the two sets of meter readings. Be warned the prediction accuracy will also be affected by seasonal variations such as weather and number of people using water.

For an overview of the data limits including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Defs buttons are clicked any relevant fields set to zero will be cleared. Hovering over the various data boxes with the mouse pointer will cause the Tool Tips to be displayed which give information as to what the box is for and what the data limits are if it is for data entry. Use the tab key to move sequentially between data input boxes (not the default cost values) or the mouse pointer to select individual boxes.

Entering invalid data will cause an error pop up to appear explaining what is wrong when Calculate is clicked.. These errors must be resolved before the calculate function will work. If an internal program error occurs data will be written to the log file if possible and an error number will be displayed. Any errors of this type should be reported since they indicate a bug.

Meter Readings
Meter readings are entered in cubic metres to one decimal place.

Currency And Date Formats
These are defined by the settings in the computers Regional Settings which can be accessed via Control Panel. Dates follow the format of the Short Date setting. There is only limited space in the date fields so short dates containing the full month will not display properly. Currency symbols reflect the settings in the Currency Tab.

Default Values And Get Last
The cost of water and sewage, the prediction period, whether the program runs on top, the prediction period size and how save works can be saved as default values by clicking on the Save Defs button. The Save Defaults button will only work for users with administrative privileges. The Reset Defs button is used to restore the saved default values. These details should be entered and saved before you first use the program. This information can be obtained from your last water bill or from the supplier. The Get Last button is used to retrieve the last date and meter reading. Each time a calculation is saved the last date and readings are saved and are available for retrieval.

Actual Period, Prediction Period And Fixed Charge Calculation
Water suppliers are not noted for the predictability of their billing dates and although the nominal period may be 6 months the dates do vary, also the billing period is unlikely to align with a real month start date. For these reasons the 6 month period calculation is a compromise which allows for an extra ten days. This is to stop fixed charges being incorrectly calculated. This does mean that if the actual period being costed is just over one year the fixed charges may still be incorrectly calculated. This possible error does not occur with predicted results. For the actual formulae used click here. The Actual and Prediction Period is in either in six month increments or monthly increments (If the Monthly box is ticked). Fixed charges are multiplied by either the Actual Period to the nearest next six month increment or the Predicted Period for predicted results. The Predicted Period is calculated from the earliest date entered. Fixed charges cover either 6 months or one month dependent on whether the monthly option is checked. For the actual formula used click here.

Logging
The main log file can be used to capture the results of calculations Each entry is date and time stamped. Any internal program errors will also be written to the log file. A start up message is written to the log file each time the program is started which shows the program version. For an example of using the program and more details about the log files look at Log Files. There is also a history log which which stores a running record of the last date and meter reading entered.