Compressed Air
Air compressors usually convert just 15% of electrical energy into compressed air energy. The other 85% is converted to heat, which is often wasted. A well-managed compressed air system can save 20% or more of the electricity used to power the system, and a heat recovery system can recover 70% of wasted heat to offset boiler use or other process heat needs.
The most likely areas of energy waste in air compressors are off load running, leakage, excess system pressure drop and inappropriate operating pressure. If a skilled technician isn’t servicing your system, it’s likely your compressor is wasting energy and costing you money.
Always get expert advice before before embarking on a major energy efficiency project.
Electric Motors
Having a management policy for your three phase motor system could save up to 15% of your business’ electricity use.
It’s often more cost effective to replace old motors than to repair and return them to service. International studies estimate that by improving the way electric motors are commissioned and maintained, businesses can reduce their electricity use by up to 15%.
Always get expert advice before before embarking on a major energy efficiency project.
Pumping & Fan Systems
Improving the efficiency of your pumping or fan system can increase your productivity and your profits.
- Level control - in some systems, you can set levels so that pumps operate only when necessary.
- Pressure switch control - if your pump system has intermittent demand, you can install a pressure switch control to turn pumps off when not needed.
- Pump size - a pump that’s the wrong size for the system can waste a lot of energy. Some systems change over time, making well-specified pumps inefficient.
- Remove unnecessary circulation - isolating loops that unnecessarily circulate heating or cooling water, reduces power consumption and thermal load.
- Remove unnecessary airflow - moving air unnecessarily is wasteful. Close dampers to isolate air extraction and supply ducts when they’re not needed.
Always get expert advice before before embarking on a major energy efficiency project.
Refrigeration
If your business has high cooling costs, efficient refrigeration can yield major savings.
Food retailers and meat processors use about two thirds of their electricity for refrigeration. In the wholesale food sector, that figure can be more than 85% of total energy use. But it’s possible to reduce energy used for cooling without compromising standards.
- Improving the way staff use refrigeration and how systems are maintained can save 15% of energy used for cooling.
- Upgrading, replacing and rationalising equipment can save 40% of energy used for cooling.
Always get expert advice before before embarking on a major energy efficiency project.
