INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
SMART ENERGY SOLUTIONS PROVIDE THE PATH TO INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
By Dr Alex Mardapittas, CEO Powerstar F
ast-changing market dynamics, rapid technological
development, and increasing
costs are just some of the factors forcing businesses to rethink their energy strategies to ensure competitive sustainability. Manufacturers are increasingly realising the value in looking at the bigger picture and employing broader approaches such as implementing on-site generation and enhancing flexibility through energy storage. However, shorter-term targets of reducing energy consumption and costs are still a top priority – with half of energy managers admitting saving money remains their primary concern. Although technological developments and increased digitalisation under Industry 4.0 offer significant improvements in operational efficiency and technical capabilities, the heightened use of advanced equipment also presents its own distinct challenges, particularly relating to increased energy demands and costs for electrical consumption. The drivers behind tackling rising electricity costs are the introduction of smart energy technologies, the development of the infrastructure to support them, and the consequent optimisations of electricity usage through intelligence and connectivity of assets. Leveraging such innovative solutions is driving a new way of thinking and a competitive advantage for manufacturers, particularly those that identify as sustainable businesses.
THINKING SMARTER
Often, the starting point in tackling complex energy challenges is identifying the opportunities that can provide substantial reductions to electrical
consumption instantaneously, delivering a quick payback period and Return on Investment (ROI). Voltage optimisation for instance, can generate 8-12 per cent consumption savings through a range of low and high voltage options. By conditioning and optimising electricity supplied from the National Grid, which is typically higher than required for most equipment and appliances at around 242V, voltage optimisation (VO) reduces overall electrical consumption, the associated costs, and CO2 emissions by reducing incoming voltage to a more optimal level around 220V/225V. Bringing the voltage level closer to the design characteristics of on-site electrical equipment can also reduce wear and tear caused by overvoltage to prolong the lifespan of apparatus and reduce the risk of premature breakdown. When the remote monitoring capabilities of leading-edge VO technologies are also considered, further value can be derived. Integrated online remote monitoring capabilities not only enable savings to be monitored, but also mean key asset performance data can be accessed from anywhere with a secure internet connection. Through such data, companies can gather intelligence that can lead to measurable improvements, actionable insights, further optimisation to a site’s energy profile and long- term efficiencies. This enables a continuous process of developing and optimising a company’s energy to achieve long-term energy and sustainability goals.
SYNERGY IS KEY
In addition to VO, Industry 4.0-enabled solutions such as smart distribution transformers and battery energy storage can be equally fundamental
technologies in a modern-day energy strategy. The latest generation of smart transformers, particularly super low loss variants with amorphous cores, such as Powerstar SO-LO, can offer greater 24/7 visibility of operation and performance criteria of critical infrastructure through remote monitoring capabilities. This enables manufacturers to identify and implement preventative maintenance, in turn, negating potential issues or downtime further down the line. Equally, battery energy storage systems allow for greater control and flexibility of electricity usage. Demand side response (DSR) activities; maximisation of generation assets including renewable sources; and full Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) capabilities for power resilience ensure critical processes are protected from power failures, whilst at the same time producing carbon reductions, reducing the reliance on the Grid and delivering cost savings. These capabilities can be controlled by an energy optimisation system, which utilises intelligent optimisation and forecasting algorithms to manage activity and asset priority to deliver the greatest benefits for each site’s goals.
Whilst each technology offers its own distinct advantages in isolation – be that energy efficiency, energy flexibility, power resilience or actionable insights – it is when such solutions are connected and deployed in parallel as part of a comprehensive energy strategy that the benefits can be truly enhanced. Interested companies should approach a provider that offers a fully bespoke solution designed around the requirements of the client to maximise benefits and ROI.
Powerstar
www.powerstar.com
22 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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