UKM-AUT23-PG10+11_Layout 1 28/07/2023 09:23 Page 10
POWER
MAXIMISING EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING WITH MINIMISED ENERGY
CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT The first step towards reducing energy consumption is to conduct a comprehensive energy audit, looking at energy usage patterns, equipment efficiency and overall building efficiency. In the industrial sector, often the most energy consuming position is the process energy use, such as using high power appliances like electrical welders, machine tools, steel melting furnaces or wood drying chambers. By assessing the current energy usage and identifying areas of inefficiency, manufacturers can gain valuable insights and develop targeted energy-saving strategies. Engaging a professional energy auditor can provide expertise and recommendations tailored to the specific needs of the manufacturing facility.
INVEST IN ENERGY EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT
Replacing outdated machinery and equipment with energy-efficient alternatives can have a significant impact on reducing energy costs. According to the 2022 Energy Efficiency Survey Report by ABB, replacing the world’s 300 million industrial motor-driven systems with optimised, high-efficiency equipment could lead to a ten per cent reduction in global electricity consumption. This reduction is equivalent to more than 90 per cent of the entire European Union’s annual consumption.. Manufacturers wanting to invest in energy-
In recent years, rising energy costs have become a significant concern for manufacturers in the United Kingdom. According to a recent survey by Make UK, six in ten manufacturers believe that the severity of these rising energy costs poses a threat to their businesses. In such challenging times, it becomes crucial for manufacturers to find innovative ways to reduce energy consumption and lower their operational costs. Here, Jeremy Whittingham, industry consultant and member of the Advanced Engineering team highlights practical strategies and initiatives that can help manufacturers save energy and navigate through these difficult times.
efficient equipment should look for equipment that has best-in-class efficiency ratings, like IE3 (premium efficiency) or IE4 (super premium efficiency) for motors, or advanced technology, such as variable speed drives combined with electric motors.
IMPLEMENT SMART MANUFACTURING Embrace the concept of smart manufacturing, where advanced automation and data analytics are utilised to optimise energy consumption. Implementing sensors, controls, and monitoring systems can help identify energy waste and enable real-time
adjustments to optimise energy usage. For example, Colgate-Palmolive is using smart flow pneumatic sensors and IIoT-enabled software architecture to monitor compressed air flow in real-time to identify leaks, optimise pneumatic processes and improve air flow efficiency in its product packaging facilities - by using these technologies, the company has already seen a 15 per cent reduction in energy usage on its packaging lines. By collecting and analysing data, manufacturers can gain valuable insights into their energy usage patterns and make informed decisions.
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Autumn 2023 UKManufacturing
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