Reducing energy costs - systematically

There can be few who doubt the need for corporate energy efficiency. Global megatrends like climate change and dwindling natural resources make it imperative to reduce energy usage, as do financial considerations – reduced energy costs mean increased profitability. To optimise energy efficiency, however, it’s necessary to collect data that will help identify areas where there is potential for savings to be made, and then to implement energy saving measures as economically as possible, while observing relevant standards.

Energy audits in line with BS EN 16247-1 are an excellent place to start and will provide support through to the certification of energy management systems in accordance with BS/ISO 50001. Acquiring this certification is important, as it offers independent proof that an organisation has adopted a positive and effective approach toward its environmental responsibilities.

Many organisations have adopted the Total Energy Management concept as the key to achieving such an approach. The concept includes a combination of hardware, software and consultancy services that are tailored to the goals of individual organisations. It supports the BS/ISO 50001 standard, and has the additional benefits of making projects more predictable and easier to implement.

Typical hardware for Total Energy Management solutions includes energy measurement modules that measure and calculate reactive, apparent and active power, as well as energy consumption and many other electrical parameters; energy meters than can measure in detail the energy consumption of production systems; energy analysers that provide information about power quality in supply networks; and energy loggers that collect and record consumption data over time.

A well-implemented Total Energy Management solution provides full transparency of energy consumption. Manufacturing energy networks can be fully monitored and analysed from the supply connection point, through sub-distribution, all the way down to individual motors and other machine elements. The solution provides data consistency at all levels and, in addition to collecting information relating to electrical parameters, it also collects other relevant process data, such as flow rates, temperatures and pressures.

Quick reaction

Information collected by the hardware is transferred to a central data server and, in the best systems this provides immediate user access, complemented by fast evaluation. This means that users can react quickly to unexpected changes in production parameters that might otherwise lead to lost production, energy inefficiencies and wasted materials.

Some systems go even further by providing facilities for remote faultfinding and maintenance, with remote access available right down to machine module level. These facilities are invaluable for ensuring that machines always run at optimum efficiency, and that the costly downtime and production losses associated with breakdowns are minimised.

Organisations have much to gain from adopting effective energy efficiency measures underpinned by Total Energy Management. Possibly the most obvious benefit is reduced operating costs, which enhance business competitiveness. The result is not only increased revenue, but also a useful level of protection against the impact of ever-increasing energy prices.

Lesser-known benefits are tax relief and state funding. Compliance with standards and directives can open up access to tax incentives and even government subsidies although, as would be expected, the exact terms and conditions vary from time to time and from country to country.

A final, but very important benefit of demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency is improved company image. Environmentally friendly production doesn’t just reduce CO₂ emissions; it is also an important and useful public relations opportunity. In the today’s world, consumers, other businesses and even prospective employees increasingly seek out those companies that have shown that they are both innovative and environmentally aware.

For individuals and businesses, energy efficiency is a vital concern – the very future of our planet depends upon it. Fortunately, leading suppliers in the automation sector, such as Weidmüller, have recognised this concern, and have responded by developing versatile and cost-effective products and solutions that help to monitor, control and optimise energy usage. Now is the time to explore these options; tomorrow may be too late.