Energy efficiency as a contributor to success
Climate protection, efficient use of resources, rising energy costs, new supply models, and strict environmental regulations: For all these goals, energy is a decisive competitive factor, whatever the industry. There is therefore no alternative to increasing energy efficiency. A great challenge – but also a great opportunity. Because by making plants more energy-efficient, companies can also achieve considerable cost savings.Energy efficiency in production – in reality
Energy-efficient production means more than simply reducing energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, or costs – it also involves linking energy and production data in order to analyze and optimize not only energy consumption but also the energy productivity of machines, plants, and processes. These measures provide the opportunity to achieve all-round improvements in process productivity and efficiency.
Transparent visualization of energy data
The question:
Do two similar machines consume different amounts of energy?
The answer:
Measuring devices are installed on both machines to record and evaluate the consumption data. The analysis shows that machine A requires more energy for vacuum operation and the conveyor belt requires more electrical energy.
The solution for greater efficiency:
A leakage in the vacuum system is identified and repaired. A motor with a defective bearing is identified on the conveyor belt, and it is replaced with a more efficient motor during its next maintenance.
Assessing and analyzing the energy efficiency of machines
The question:
I would like to purchase a new machine. How can I compare the consumption performance of the machines on offer and reduce energy consumption that does not contribute to added value?
The answer:
Using an appropriate solution, energy consumption can be ascribed to the individual energy operating states (off, standby, ready for operation, in operation) and evaluated and compared accordingly.
The solution for greater efficiency:
Machine suppliers can provide their customers with an energy consumption profile (standardized acceptance form) during the purchasing phase. Actual energy consumption on-site can be analyzed by means of a reference measurement. Using key energy performance indicators (EnPI) and benchmarks, all machines can be evaluated continuously and comprehensively and appropriate optimization measures can be implemented, e.g., adaptation of the standby mode.
Meeting requirements, identifying savings potential, optimizing contracts
The question:
How can I identify the savings potential in my operations, optimize my contract with the energy supplier, reduce my tax payments, and benefit from state subsidies?
The answer:
Introduce a certified energy data management system in production that reports and archives energy data in accordance with legal requirements (e.g., ISO 50001, German Renewable Energy Act).
The solution for greater efficiency:
Identifying the major energy consumers allows you to avoid energy peaks. An automated load management system can automatically shut down systems and make them available again. Forecasting the expected load profile enables you to negotiate an optimized contract with the energy supply company. Transparent energy consumption helps make personnel more aware of energy efficiency within the company, and energy efficiency measures and targets such as the annual increase in energy efficiency can be tracked and verified.