The September Technology Evening was presented by Evan Dent of Endress+Hauser on the subject of ‘Energy Monitoring and Targeting in Utilities – an overall strategy’.
In industry, we have come from a period where utilities were in abundance and energy was relatively cheap, to a situation where we have depleted most of our reserves and as more funds are required to expand or renew infrastructure, we see energy costs increasing. Therefore, there is definite benefit in careful management of energy usage in our processes and plants.
This is exactly what Evan’s presentation was about. Based on a paper that studied energy savings potentials in industrial processes, it presented a monitoring and targeting strategy that assists in sustainable energy savings in key processes. The strategy explained the basics of an energy policy, examples of potential savings and the three key elements of an automatic Monitoring and Targeting solution (aM+T). The concept of Energy Accountable Centres (EACs) was shown and was discussed by way of typical utility systems. Monitoring solutions are considered as a cycle combined with the strategies and the methods of targeting, benchmarking, reporting and action to realise sustainable savings.
The fact is that we need to monitor energy usage in our plants. Just changing to high efficiency lighting will not make much difference. We need to understand the big picture and have a clever programme for monitoring and targeting in place to get an understanding of what we are producing, purchasing, consuming and wasting. Examples were given of air compressors and steam usage and how such systems can be managed.
In such a programme we need to gather relevant history of energy usage and need to know the major consumers of energy. With this data specific areas can be targeted for improvement or quick resolution can be provided when problems are detected. In itself, measurement and display of relevant data will raise awareness of wastage and losses. Also required is the development and implementation of maintenance programmes and control of consumption through measurement, leak reporting, switch off in non-productive areas, prevention of unnecessary utilisation of equipment, efficient use of condensate systems and prevention of losses.
It is important to have top management involved in the planning and policy as the programme requires commitment, training and awareness. It is also important to do audits, establish energy accounting centres, decide what to monitor, do site surveys, benchmark with similar processes, have reporting systems and detect significant changes to identify problem areas. Regression analysis can be done and profile graphs used to show in real time if usage is efficient or if there is a problem and wastage is occurring.
It was an eye-opening presentation and clear that a properly constructed energy management system will save money, but only if it is set up to suit a particular plant or process and driven by someone with passion. The branch thanks Evan for his most interesting presentation.
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