Total Reliable Efficiency (TRE) - A global approach for continuous energy improvement

By J Daura et al

During the last years all the productive sectors of the economy have been affected by a growing economic and environmental pressure. Fundamentally the productive sectors must confront every day with individual and global issues such as the followings. More and more stringent standards for environmental quality, related mainly to the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). Reach or to continue being economically competitive in the global market, which requires the reduction of production or services costs. Fulfill the requirements of quality and delivery times demanded by the customers. Continuous increase of energy prices, and the present tendency of constant increase of power consumption.

One of the best ways to manage this situation is to focus on energy efficiency, but not on the conventional approach related only to energy savings and the correlation between energy and process (intensity). It should be pointed out the reliability of the power supply, based on the criticity of the demand side (loads), even more if a continuous process is involved on the analysis. This affirmation is sustained by the fact that on this cases, an unexpected interruption of the energy supply will involve more inefficiencies (transient) than in a stationary operation.

The Total Reliable Efficiency (TRE) follows a methodology that involves energy consumption evaluation, basic process analysis and energy risk quantification, to obtain a ranking of efficiency and risk reduction measures. Measures that enables to quantify and prioritize options and generate multiyear action plans and strategies.