19/March

A detailed overview on energy efficiency for industry and the future of energy

A detailed overview on energy efficiency for industry and the future of energy

As the natural resources continue to perish, the need for alternative sources of energy is at an all-time high. The sources leverage the power of renewable sources of energy and make sure that an optimal amount of energy is produced in the process.

Industries consume a significant chunk of energy produced. Thus, the requirement of energy efficiency for industry holds the utmost importance. Here is a complete analysis of the steps that should be taken in the right direction for the production of the highest results.

1. Develop an Energy Management Team

The goal of energy management starts with the very fact that an energy management team needs to be in place for the production or monitoring of energy. Management, consumption, and search for alternatives represent the primary objective of the team, and hence the entire manufacturing unit should be their responsibility. In such a scenario, the team should be responsible for all the significant achievements and losses in the energy consumption of the manufacturing plant.

2. Make Sure To Conduct Audit Frequently

Establishing the team is the first step in the right direction. The achievements and the losses should be audited to keep the entire team on track. To add on top of it, make sure to involve third parties to ensure an unbiased opinion on the same. Regular audits will also help in identifying the key parameters that could be optimized for the best results in the domain.

3. Schedule Machinery Use Strategically

The very first step in the following process is to identify the machines that consume energy and use the most advanced machinery strategically for usage. Find out how much a machine uses electricity. If possible, try to avoid using the device during peak hours. Using tools in the peak hours will cost dear and hence, if possible, try to avoid using machines during the peak hours as much as possible.

Read: Detailing the Various Aspects of Energy Efficiency for Industry

4. Automate the startups and shutdowns

Startups and shutdowns play quite a crucial role in the growth of the industry and hence should not be taken lightly. Turning down the system during the holidays or period between the shifts can help in several ways and therefore, should not be avoided at all costs. This can save a substantial amount and allow manufacturers to lead the way. However, one needs to be cautious about the significant energy hike that follow during the starting up sequence. Use electric components to make sure that the maximum results are achieved by avoiding the spikes.

5. Keep a Tab on the Air Compressors

Air compressors do play an integral part in the development of energy efficiency for industries. The industries cover hectares of land, and setting up the manufacturing unit and the air conditioning systems over such vast areas is a daunting task.
On the other hand, these air compressors make sure that the maximum is achieved and hence consume a lot of energy. So, make sure to set up energy-efficient systems that are free from any faults that may be costing you money.

6. Regularly conduct a HVAC system Audit

Astounding but true, HVAC systems consume nearly 52% of the building’s total bill. The system is equipped to mark comfort and maintain the air quality on the production floor. On the other hand, variables like system performance, system design, maintenance, and method of operation make sure that the maximum results are achieved.

There are three ways to make the energy efficiency for industry smarter. They are as follows:

• Install a programmable thermostat
• In some cases, a simple repair and insulation of ducting are enough to reduce the consumption of HAVC energy by a significant number of 30 percent.
• Invest in demand-controlled ventilation, which regulates the flow of fresh air in the room.

The Next Generation Sources of Energy

The growing need of energy highlights several challenges that the entire university that it presents. These energy sources are bound to make significant changes and hence could not be avoided at all costs.

Here are some of the significant new sources of energy.

• Next Gen Nuclear Power

The Nuclear disaster during the Fukushima incident is incomparable. The following event highlights the principal strength and weaknesses of the human structures and what necessary steps should be taken to gain the maximum benefits without compromising the security.
In such a scenario, new models have been designed. One concept highlights the use of mini nuclear plants that are spread all across the continent to power cities and factories.
In such a case, energy efficiency for industries gets the maximum benefit. Another idea is to construct floating structures like that in petroleum. This will ensure safety while the cold water would be used to cool down the reactors.

• Offshore Wind

The latest advancements in the design technology make sure that each gust of wind is given paramount importance. Wind power represents a massive technology and could not be ignored at all costs.
Demark has already shown the path. The country draws one-third of its power from wind farms and is expected to increase dependency to 50% by the year 2020. The technology costs less, and unlike other sources, does not pose a threat to human life.

• Geothermal

Geothermal energy holds great potential and could represent the next paradigm of energy production. Access to the earth’s core and the enormous power is still a distant dream. However, with technology evolving every other day, the industry is expected to see a significant boom in the next few decades.
Recent developments show that the scientists have been successful in meeting the standards and have been trying to utilize dead or semi-active volcanoes to derive heat. However, that’s not the end of it. Recent research by the team of scientists ensures that just 1,000 meters below the surface of the ocean, there exists a vast amount of untapped potential.

• Space-based technologies

Space-based technologies like harvesting hydrogen is still a distant dream. However, efforts are being led on the use of materials that last long and provide sustainable solutions to the industry.
A lot many private companies have pooped up in this regarding and countries like the United States have been betting heavily on the growth of the sector.

• Solar Fuels

Solar fuels are the next biggest hit that the world will eventually work on. Breaking down water for the production of the hydrogen, which further reacts with carbon is proved to be an effective way to produce hydrocarbon.
Hydrocarbon is found extensively in fossil fuels and hence could not be ignored. By synthesizing hydrocarbons, the dependency on natural fossil fuels reduces exponentially.

• Nuclear Fusion

The most stable and the purest form of energy that can be obtained in the process is to conduct nuclear fusion to get the maximum power obtained in the process.
However, we are still decades behind the commercial use of energy. To give a major idea of how the industry is proliferating, the defense contractor Lockheed Martin has introduced a small fusion reactor design that is capable of producing 100 megawatts of power.

When it comes to energy efficiency for industry, there is a ton of factors that come into play. Modern sources of energy show a silver lining while the traditional methodologies need to show some major changes to be able to survive the rapid competition.

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