Is it possible to achieve energy efficiency in companies?

A few years ago, when talking about energy efficiency, we referred to a concept that was largely underappreciated and highly confusing. As a result of climate change and its recognition, what seemed like a fad has become a challenge for states, individuals, and businesses. Investment in energy efficiency aims to economize on fuels, especially fossil fuels.

Why do companies focus on energy efficiency?

First, companies that commit to effective energy management not only focus on reducing costs but also achieve greater performance without compromising the level of services they need. With good planning, the measures implemented by management make it possible to maintain the level of production and comfort that any company needs.

Below, we will discuss some of the reasons why it is important for CEOs to focus on energy management.

Improves competitiveness and company processes

By optimizing energy consumption, we will become more competitive. We will offer the same services or products at lower energy costs and improve facilities and processes. Making more rational use of energy improves our brand image and can be a key element in our differentiation in the sector.

You can improve and encourage these habits among employees by not printing unnecessary documents, turning off computers when not in use, or turning off lights in empty rooms.

Be aware of your energy use

To improve energy efficiency, it is important to understand your current energy use and the potential for improvement and savings. This data will make decision-making easier.

Minimize dependence on fossil fuels

Spain is highly dependent on external energy. In fact, more than 70% of the energy we use is imported. Reducing energy costs in companies will help minimize this dependence.

It’s beneficial for the environment

Rationalizing energy use globally will make it easier to ensure a sustainable future. The less fossil fuels we use, the less polluting gases we emit into the atmosphere.

Generate long-term savings

By developing an energy management system, we will achieve continuous improvement.

What do production managers do to achieve this?

To achieve energy efficiency in industrial production, managers consider measures such as the following.

Monitor

Through monitoring, we can communicate and capture information related to energy consumption. Plant managers will collect detailed data in different areas of their plants, from individual product lines to specific machines.

Analyze

Since monitoring systems are the basis for generating and collecting energy data, subsequent analysis allows plants to make better and more informed decisions about controlling energy costs.

For this to be possible, data must flow freely and quickly from the plant to management. To achieve a unified system, it is necessary to be able to relate the overall plant activity to energy consumption.

Control

After analyzing the data, managers can develop action plans and install automated systems. Based on the energy goal, the control system will achieve different results.

Maintain

When managers know what consumes energy and manage to reduce it, their next objective is to maintain that level of consumption.

Technology allows for precise knowledge of both energy quality and consumption, which leads to greater energy efficiency in the production of industrial plants.

Do we know how to achieve energy efficiency?

If we take an industrialized plant as a reference, approximately 70% of energy consumption will come from electric motors. Therefore, ensuring their efficiency will maintain the profitability of production processes and generate savings.

The ISO 50001 standard provides the requirements and framework we need to establish, maintain, and implement an energy management system that offers sustainable savings and minimizes dependence on natural resources.

Regarding electric motors, to measure their performance, we must install them on a test bench and connect them to the load through a shaft incorporating a tachometer and a set of torque sensors to calculate mechanical power, torque, or speed. In some cases, we can measure electrical power and thus calculate their efficiency.

This methodology can involve downtime, although there are also methods that use motor and power quality analysis equipment, which eliminate external mechanical sensors, avoid downtime, and gather valuable information that, until now, was costly and complex to acquire.

This allows us to understand the long-term trend in motor performance, allowing us to better understand its condition and the performance of the entire system.

Ultimately, any company can invest in energy management and efficiency, regardless of its size. Although a small investment is required, it pays for itself in a short period of time with the savings achieved. Come to MetalMadrid19 to understand the power of transformation and industrial impact.