Unpacking Energy Flows: A Comprehensive Guide to Utilizing Sankey Diagrams in Energy Analysis
Sankey diagrams have grown to be a valuable tool for energy analysis. These diagrams provide a visual way of showing the flow of energy, material, or information in a complex, interconnected system. By illustrating how energy moves through systems, they help uncover inefficiencies, aid in decision-making, and highlight areas needing improvements in energy management.
A Sankey diagram essentially connects two points in a flow process with a line or arrow, the width of which is proportional to the quantity. For instance, in an Energy Analysis setting, the flows can be from ‘Electricity Generation’ to ‘Transport’ to ‘Residential’ as more precise as ‘Solar energy to Heat Pump to Domestic Electrical Appliances’. Such diagrams convey a sense of balance within a system, highlighting what’s lost or gained along the way to give a comprehensive picture.
Creating a Sankey Diagram Start with collecting data about each energy flow – this includes different types of energy inputs, outputs, and losses. Variables might include kilowatt hours per year, joules per month, or tons of coal burned daily, depending on the scope of the study. The first block or ‘node’ represents the input, while the last one represents the output or the end consumer. Middle nodes depict the transformations within the system.
Layout is crucial in ensuring that the diagram is comprehensible. Typically, the diagram arranges flows in a horizontal orientation with the source on the left, sink on the right, and intermediate blocks or nodes spread across the middle. This layout ensures that the viewer can easily trace the path of energy and understand the direction and importance of each step.
Interpretation once the diagram is built, it’s straightforward to analyze the system. Large arrows represent significant energy flows, while smaller arrows indicate lesser energy movements. The diagram’s width visually reflects the amount of energy transferred, making it easy to see which components consume the most energy, lose the most, or are inefficient.
In-depth analysis becomes possible by distinguishing between different types of energy flows. For instance, in an urban energy flow, you might want to differentiate between commercial, industrial, and residential consumption. In this way, individual sectors can be compared, which helps identify potential areas for conservation or improvement.
Making Data Flow Inclusive & Accessible Sankey diagrams, due to their nature, can sometimes be overwhelming, even daunting. But, they are becoming more commonly used in user-friendly tools like Tableau, Power BI, or D3.js. These platforms allow for customized visuals. Tools like software specifically designed for energy data analysis streamline the process of creating and interpreting Sankey diagrams.
Tools and resources are available online for tips on creating compelling Sankey diagrams. For instance, there are many design principles for effective diagram layout and visualization. To ensure accuracy and usability, each flow is precisely quantified and labelled, making the diagram informative and reliable.
Conclusion
Sankey diagrams are an indispensable tool for energy analysis due to their ability to illustrate energy flows in a comprehensible, visual manner. These diagrams enable a granular analysis of energy usage and transformation, allowing organizations, governments, and individuals to identify inefficiencies, opportunities for improvement, and potential gains in energy management. By leveraging analytical tools such as software designed for data visualization, users can simplify complex systems, making the energy analysis process more accessible and impactful.
