FEATURE ENERGY EFFICIENCY & LIGHTING
Energy efficiency technology know-how IS THE KEY TO COST SAVINGS
Energy efficiency is a key consideration for factory owners and managers looking to save costs, reduce the carbon footprint and meet efficiency targets. With Phase 2 of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) now underway, it will be even more important for qualifying companies to consider how they can make the compliance process a real opportunity for their business. Even for those who do not fall under the scheme, the potential of more expensive renewable energy on the horizon makes energy efficiency even more essential. Allen Boney, local product
manager, electrical and test & measurement, RS Components, says that with a variety of energy efficiency tactics and products available, from energy efficient lighting, metering solutions and thermal imaging cameras to timer controls and variable speed drives, there are a host of available solutions to help energy managers achieve measurable results and positively impact the bottom line.
ASSESSING ENERGY CONSUMPTION Energy efficient process control can yield energy bill savings of between five and 15 per cent, so the key to achieving and maximising these savings is accurate assessment of consumption. In a factory environment, there are many areas where energy wastage can occur, through both the manufacturing processes and potential issues with the building itself, such as losing heat through poor insulation. Handheld test and measurement
equipment for measuring energy usage is ideal for initial assessment and to help identify issues, while industrial thermal imaging cameras can help find other problems. These can help with reducing energy consumption and help identify substandard or worn parts and equipment. Energy efficiency should be an on-
going effort, so whilst the handheld test and measurement devices are a good initial approach, a more robust monitoring solution will be required long term. There are many IoT-ready retrofittable energy metering systems, such as the value RS Pro range. These can be integrated with existing circuits
14 MARCH 2018 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
up only when needed, negating energy wastage through equipment being accidently left on and reducing unnecessary lighting in areas not being worked in or used.
HIGHLIGHTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY The cost of LED lighting, although once quite high, has reduced over time as LED manufacturers have brought the cost down in a demand-driven competitive market. Energy efficient lighting can have a significant impact on the bottom line in a factory, so is worth considering as part of the energy efficiency efforts. LEDs use far less energy than other lighting types and the lifespan is significantly higher. When pitching LED against halogen in a
on control or distribution panels, and will deliver data on energy consumption remotely via an Ethernet connected ‘data collector’ and cloud service.
CALIBRATING ENERGY USAGE Once the energy consumption is assessed and monitoring in place, the next priority should be to look at how the energy being consumed could be reduced. Variable speed drives, for example, can control the electrical supply of a motor to ensure it is running at optimal efficiency. Just a 20 per cent reduction in motor speed can reduce the power drawn by up to 50 per cent, so savings can quickly be made in this way. Temperature control products and power factor correction controllers are also effective in energy efficiency efforts. Power factor correctors, such as those available from EPCOS and Lovato Electric, prevent too much energy being drawn for individual motors, transformers or lighting.
THE TIMER IS NOW With a range of equipment drawing energy all the time in a factory environment, installing timer controls can be a significant energy and money saving solution. As well as manufacturing equipment itself, other areas where timer controls can be implemented for effective energy reduction is lighting and HVAC. There are a variety of timer controls, sockets and delay switches available to ensure equipment is powered
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Handheld test and measurement equipment for measuring energy usage is ideal for initial assessment and to help identify issues
like-for-like scenario, cost savings can be made. The savings on electricity and those yielded through lower replacement and maintenance costs due to longer lifespan quickly outweigh the initial outlay. There is also access to consider when having to change traditional light bulbs, which do not last as long as LED, particularly in an industrial setting where access can be difficult and may have to be done when the factory is on shut-down. There is a wide range of available
options for factory owners and managers to reduce energy consumption and maintenance to maintain necessary compliance, make significant savings and minimise maintenance downtime and costs. These can be effectively implemented without compromising the business and what it produces.
www.uk.rs-online.com
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