Four key steps to efficiency
May 1st 2009

As today's economic climate places a squeeze on industry, businesses face the dilemma of how to manage energy use while helping to lower carbon emissions.David Lewis from Schneider Electric explains how a holistic approach can help

Energy efficiency looks likely to remain a hot topic' for some time and with good cause, as it can reduce carbon emissions at the same time as utility bills.

Schneider Electric believes a four-step approach: Measure, Fix the basics, Automate, and Monitor and improve, enables energy efficiency and monetary gains to be made.

For a business to make improvements energy consumption needs to be analysed, so monitoring and targeting is the first step. This is the only way it can consider whether it can actually account for 90% of its energy use – a requirement of the building regulations.

Having an increased visibility of energy consumption will enable the business to reduce operational costs and manage utilities effectively. Using monitoring equipment and software will identify where energy is being consumed.

Some technologies are now recognised by the Government led Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme which enables businesses to offset the cost of energy efficient products and technologies against their tax, provided equipment is on the Energy Technology List.

There are many solutions that energy management specialists can recommend and implement. For example, PowerLogic products are suited to plants looking to monitor electricity use, to provide the information to make a purchasing decision.

This will ensure maximum efficiency and a faster payback. The PowerLogic system works by collating data specifically when it is needed, for example, monitoring energy use at different times of the day or specific days of the week.

The system can collect data simultaneously on individual processes, allowing comparisons and, in addition, the accuracy of utility billing can be verified.

After gaining the evidence, the secret then is to act on it and 'fix the basics'. During this step, sometimes referred to as passive energy efficiency, consideration must be given to the power consumption of different technologies and installations, from busbar trunking to electrical devices such as circuit breakers, contactors and low loss transformers. Power factor correction gives cost savings with a good return on investment. The quantity of electric motors, induction heaters and fluorescent lighting in industrial buildings has increased significantly, reducing the power factor and efficiency of the power supply. By using power factor correction this reduces the current drawn from the electricity supply, decreasing reactive power charging, consumption and CO2 emissions, and therefore creates a greater supply capacity through more efficient energy use.

Businesses must look holistically; an organisation must assess its own awareness levels and attitudes towards energy efficiency.

Behavioural changes can make a difference – just turning off lights when a room is unoccupied can lead to significant savings.

Setting the energy agenda and developing a supporting culture will help to ensure success and drive through the change. From this, it is possible to set realistic objectives and plan a route to greater energy efficiency.

In most cases, it is necessary to prioritise where improvements will be made, which should be based on where the greatest energy consumption is found.

Key to keeping on top of energy efficiency is controlling processes, which is possible through the third step of automation.

Making some simple changes, can lead to great rewards. For example, variable speed drives offer a more efficient management of energy intensive applications such as compressed air, pumping and ventilation systems. Also, optimising electrical installations by using integrated solutions that combine products, equipment and intelligent controllers, will deliver results and can reduce the energy consumption of a commercial or industrial facility by about 20%.

Sustained energy savings can only be realised through vigilance, which is why the final phase is called monitor and improve. Businesses must look long term and be aware of emerging technologies; integrated energy-efficient design will be the key to maintaining and improving efficiency. For example, by using lighting control or building management systems to monitor and analyse energy trends, energy consumption and therefore costs can be strictly managed.

Controlling energy efficiency can be a complex task, but by understanding the business's current situation, developing a strategy, implementing plans and constantly reviewing progress, it is possible to achieve results that deliver cost savings, eliminate waste, improve profits and provide a positive message that can be communicated to customers.

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