Energy projects net an award

The projects were performed at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site as part of the ABB DriveSave programme. The result was a reduction in energy use at the site of almost 7400MWh a year.  
 
ABB DriveSave is a risk and reward scheme for large energy consumers that identifies and guarantees a specified level of energy savings using variable-speed drives (VSDs). It works by measuring the energy consumption of motor-driven applications and then assessing the potential savings that could be achieved by installing VSDs. ABB is then responsible for installing the quantity of VSDs necessary to achieve those savings. Should the savings be up to 10% below the target, ABB will compensate the customer. However, if the savings rise by up to 10% of the target then ABB secures a bonus.
 
ABB installed 64 VSDs at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site, ranging from 15 to 200kW, on a variety of equipment – mainly pumps and fans. After installation, the various applications’ energy consumptions were measured and the results compared to their original use. The readings showed that prior to VSD control the applications concerned had a total usage of 17,513 MWh. With VSD control, total usage has dropped to 10,136 MWh – a total saving of 7377MWh.
 
Many large organisations are split into localised areas of plant which may not have the budget for VSD installations. DriveSave aims to identify these localised opportunities and amalgamate them into one proposal so as to capitalise on the huge potential energy saving and the financial aspect.
 
By generating one blanket energy saving proposal, organisations can raise a one-off purchase order, allowing the localised budgets to potentially remain intact and be applied to other manufacturing issues.
 
John Guthrie, energy manager for ABB’s drives business, comments: “Often smaller projects are delayed due to capital expenditure restrictions. Through combining numerous smaller projects into one purchase order, ABB DriveSave cuts the time and effort involved in purchasing energy-saving projects, making each project more cost effective.”
 
DriveSave also provides end users with the peace of mind of knowing that the savings identified at the assessment stage will be delivered.
 
Guthrie continues: “DriveSave is attractive to end users because the savings guarantee means ABB shares the project risk and allows the end user to penalise ABB for under achievement and reward a bonus for over achievement."