Energy savings

Companies, especially SMEs, need to operate as efficiently as possible to remain competititve. Energy auditing is a useful way to identify and prioritise energy-saving opportunities. First, assess current energy use in a company by taking energy meter readings and analysing consumption (record them...

A princh of this and a good measure of that... Pinch analysis reveals where energy inefficiencies were costing the company One measure introduced cut steam use by 30 kW Up to 20 % energy savings were reached thanks to all measures implemented Pharmaceuticals are typically produced in recorded...

Seriously, voltage optimisation rocks! Voltage management is an umbrella term for various technologies aimed at optimising, stabilising, regulating, or plain reducing the amount of volts needed to run equipment. The implemented measure: Optimizes the operating voltage to the required value...

A high-efficiency motor (HEM) is an electric motor than performs above mandatory minimum. New materials, better design, and better manufacturing have led to major improvements in motor efficiency overall. Savings realised by using HEMs can quickly outweigh the purchase and installation costs because...

When running at low load, electric motors are less efficient. A motor power optimiser (also known as load sensing optimisers) could save between 5 % and 15 % on electricity. Motor optimisers are solid-state devices that automatically monitor the load on an electric motor. Under low load conditions...

VSDs prove that speed really is relative after all Variable speed drives (VSDs) – also known as drive frequency converters, adjustable speed drives, or inverters – are an increasingly popular measurement and control system in industry. VSDs can adjust electricity supply to an AC induction motor...

Air source heat pumps… an absorbing proposition Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. This heat can subsequently be used to warm radiators, air convectors and water, or in other heating systems. The process lowers fuel bills, cuts carbon emissions, and requires minimal maintenance...

Insulating the pipework and valves of a hot-water and heating systems could help cut heat loss or heat gain by up to 90 %. In one or two years, the investment could be recovered, and savings made. Take an office working on a single-shift system, for example. Fitting insulation to 100 mm pipework...

The return of the condensate Steam condensate is a well-known by-product of many industries. What is less well known is that it can be a powerful source of heat that can be reused. Using this end-of-pipe steam to improve efficiency makes economic and environmental sense. A plant’s energy load and...

According to the Carbon Trust, heating can account for as much as 60 % of total energy use, yet a large proportion of the energy consumed by heating is likely to be wasted due to incorrect control settings. Notably, lowering heating temperatures by just 1º C can save 8 % on fuel consumption, and...

The case for photo-sensor controls Movement- and photo-sensors, timers and other smart technology can be used to adjust lighting to conditions outside, when you are away, and to manage overall operating hours. Photo-sensors, mounted inside or outside, monitor natural lighting conditions, and...

The case for occupancy sensor controls Movement- and photo-sensors, timers and other smart technology can be used to adjust lighting to conditions outside, when you are away, and to manage overall operating hours. Motion sensors have become one of the main techniques to cut electricity use and...