Six Top Industrial Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reducing Tips

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Posted: Wednesday, May 11, 2016
By: Gillespie Electric, Inc.
Categories: Industrial Electric  |  Electrical Safety

Six key methods for any industry to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and cut carbon emissions

Climate change is real, and it’s a real problem. A bigger problem, perhaps, for the companies that choose to ignore it. It’s not just about squeaking by regulatory compliances. Simple changes can make a big difference in the bottom line for the companies that pay attention, and they’re missing out by ignoring the facts.

Even the companies that feel they are performing the best in energy conservation will often find additional areas where they can profit when performing a comprehensive energy audit. Lights that are left on unnecessarily in the evenings, heating the building on holidays, firing up the A/C unit two hours before the shop opens; these are all small details that add to your bottom line over time when properly addressed.

Lighting

Lighting accounts for more than 30% of total energy usage in most commercial buildings. In industry, the percentage is lower, but is still a significant part of electrical consumption. By re-lamping with LEDs, CFL and energy-saving halogen lighting, companies can save up to 80% compared to staying the course with outdated incandescent lamps. Payback times are short – typically a few months – and changes are quick and easy to execute.

Power Controls

Several power control solutions are available that can help reduce costs and energy usage in industry. Power factor correction can improve the usable power available to equipment, maximizing its efficiency. Active harmonic control removes harmonics and other noise from power lines, which saves energy and reduces wear and tear on electrical equipment. By scheduling production to off-peak times, and managing the electricity tariffs, a company can benefit from using energy when it is less expensive.

Combined Heat and Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and electrical power. CHP offers a relatively long payback period, but can be well worth the investment when there is a good use for the generated heat. When properly sized and installed, this process can significantly reduce energy costs, consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Efficient Heating & Cooling Technology

Heating and cooling typically consume 20% to 40% of a building’s energy consumption. Replacing aging and inefficient boilers and cooling units with modern versions can significantly reduce the energy use of the building. A new condensing boiler can operate at a highly-improved efficiency compared to a conventional boiler operating at 80% efficiency or less. Modern variable-speed cooling units will also typically operate 20% more efficiently than older units.

Increased Factory or Process Automation

Improved automation can account for up to 80% of potential savings in a plant. When implemented correctly, automation improves productivity, reduces downtime, minimizes maintenance requirements, and reduces energy consumption. This process can also act as the base for data collection for the metering and instrumentation required in the energy-management system.

Intelligent Lighting Controls

Implementing intelligent lighting systems can save more than 40% of energy consumption attributed to lighting. Light fittings can be individually controlled to turn them off or dim them when conditions are ideal. When utilized in conjunction with light-level and motion sensors, controls can be optimized to take full advantage of daylight savings and maximizing of off-period times. Significant additional savings may be realized through reduced maintenance.

Every industry should take a universal approach, look at every area of its building and business operations, and find where savings can be made quickly and easily.

Saving energy in your business can significantly reduce your operating costs and your impact on the environment. Understanding your energy use and taking steps to become more energy efficient can benefit your business in multiple ways. Saving energy will help your business cut its carbon emissions and reduce its costs while enhancing its image.

Tagged:Industrial Energy, Carbon Emission, Energy Efficiency, Industrial Electric, Commercial Electric, Electrical Efficiency, Intelligent Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Industrial Lighting, Combined Heat and Power, Heating Efficiency, Cooling Technology, Electrical Contractor