Energy Saving - How to Reduce Consumption at Work

Created On: 08-01-2015 Updated On: 25-03-2022

We understand you would be accompanied by colleagues at your workplace. However, a joint conscious effort in following some simple steps can go a long way in reducing your monthly energy bills.

COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM

  • Compressed air is a very expensive source of energy, try to reduce its use.
  • Provide clean and cool air intake to the compressors. Warm and humid air intake increases the power consumption.
  • Clean the air inlet filters regularly.
  • Minimize low load operation of compressor. Changeover to small compressor or reduce the compressor speed to match the capacity by changing the motor pulley size.
  • Keep the air delivery pressure (Cut – Off) as low as possible.
  • Misuse of compressed air such as body cleaning, agitation, floor cleaning etc. should be discouraged.
  • Pneumatic tools and pneumatic transport system consumes @ 10 times more energy. It should be replaced with either electrical or mechanical system.
  • If pressure requirements of processes are widely different, it is better to run two separate compressor systems.

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

  • Minimize heat load of air-conditioning space by providing proper insulation, roof cooling, roof/wall painting, efficient lighting etc.
  • Minimize air-conditioning volume by providing false ceiling and partitions.
  • Pre cool the inlet air with the help of exhaust air by using air to air heat exchangers.
  • Clean / de-scale the condenser and evaporators coils regularly.
  • Close the valves of idle equipment to stop unnecessary circulation of chilled water through it.
  • Ensure regular maintenance of air-condition plant.
  • Keep the cooling water temperature as low as possible.
  • Install variable speed drive for varying process loads.

BLOWERS AND FANS

  • Avoid throttling by damper control. Reduce the fan speed by changing pulley diameter to adjust the airflow as per requirement.
  • Use either two-speed motor or variable speed drive to meet different process requirements.
  • Pre cool the inlet air with the help of exhaust air by using air to air heat exchangers.
  • Minimize system resistance by improvement in duct layout.
  • Use FRP blades, which are, light in weight and consumes less power.
  • Reduce transmission losses by providing energy efficient flat belts.

PUMPING SYSTEM

  • Controlling the required flow by throttling the valve is an energy expensive method. Use properly sized pump, variable speed drive to match the pump capacity with system resistance.
  • Operate pumps at its best efficiency point.
  • Provide small sized booster pump for few areas of higher head instead of running main pump of high head capacity.
  • Select optimum pipe size to keep system resistance low.
  • Avoid recirculation of cooling water in the equipment or while equipment was in idle condition.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • Install capacitors with automatic operation to keep the power factor near unity.
  • Provide proper insulation on steam pipes and fittings.
  • Ensure to load transformer at its best efficiency point. Avoid unnecessary running of under loaded transformer.
  • Ensure proper loading on electrical motor. If load is below 50%, replace it with the properly sized motor.