Sankey charts are a type of flow diagram that can be used to visualize the movement of data between different points. They are often used to show energy flows, but they can also be used to visualize other types of data, such as financial flows or material flows. In this article, we’ll discuss how to create Sankey charts to visualize energy flows and save money.
Creating a Sankey Chart
To create a Sankey chart, you’ll need a data set that contains information about the flow of energy between different sources. This data should include the source and destination of the energy, as well as the amount of energy being transferred.
Here are the steps to creating a Sankey chart:

1. Collect your data: Start by gathering data on the energy flows you want to visualize. This could be data from your own energy usage, or data from public sources such as the US Energy Information Administration.
2. Choose a tool: There are many tools available for creating Sankey charts, including popular software like Tableau, power bi, and chartio. These tools have different levels of complexity, but they all allow you to create complex flow diagrams. Some also have built-in chart types, and offer easy drag and drop functionality and quick data importing options.
3. Import your data: Once you have your data, import it into your chosen tool. Most tools have options for importing data in CSV or Excel files. If your data is already formatted as a Sankey chart, you can simply drag it into the tool and it will automatically format it for you.
4. Customize the chart: After importing your data, you can customize the chart by adjusting the width and color of the arrows, changing the labels, and adjusting the layout. Take your time to tweak the design to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for the viewer.
5. Analyze your data: Finally, you can use your Sankey chart to analyze your data. The chart should help you visualize how energy is being used and transferred between different points. You can compare the energy flows to identify areas where energy is being wasted or where additional investment could save money.

Applications of Sankey Charts for Energy Flows
Sankey charts are an excellent tool for visualizing energy flows and the overall energy usage of a building, business, or production process. Here are some of the key applications of Sankey charts in energy flows:

1. Energy efficiency: Sankey charts can be used to identify areas where energy is being wasted, and highlight inefficiencies in the energy usage of a building or business. By understanding where energy flows are concentrated and where they are lost, you can optimize the energy usage and reduce waste.
2. Energy reporting: Sankey charts can also be used to communicate to stakeholders and decision-makers the energy flows and usage within their systems. This information is critical for guiding energy policy and budgeting decisions.
3. Energy auditing: Sankey charts can be used to conduct an energy audit, which can help identify areas where energy can be conserved and saved. By analyzing the chart, you can identify opportunities to reduce energy usage and optimize energy flows. This will ultimately save you money and reduce costs.

Conclusion
Sankey charts are an essential tool for analyzing, communicating and optimizing energy flows in buildings, businesses, or production processes. By creating customized and visually compelling Sankey diagrams, organizations can better understand their energy usage, identify inefficiencies and improve energy efficiency. Not only will this reduce costs, but it can also make the overall operation of a business or production process more environmentally conscious.

SankeyMaster

SankeyMaster is your go-to tool for creating complex Sankey charts . Easily enter data and create Sankey charts that accurately reveal intricate data relationships.