Energy Efficiency Self-Assessment in Industry

Industrial companies seeking ways to reduce energy consumption often call upon external advisors to assess the energy efficiency of a plant. While this is generally a good idea, it is unwise to leave this task entirely up to the external advisor. Identification of promising opportunities for saving energy requires thorough insight into the plant’s processes and a profound knowledge of the process design. Plant engineers and operators generally have a much greater insight into their plant than external advisors.

Standard EN 50160

Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks

Standard EN 50160 should be understood as representing a compromise between the three parties which exert an influence on the power quality, i.e. network operator, network user, and manufacturer of equipment. Each of these three parties has an interest in playing their part. It is essential that electricity suppliers provide, as a minimum, a nominally adequate quality of supply.

Webinar - Technologies for the Electromagnetic Processing of Materials - Energy and Carbon savings

Date: 23 January 2013

Materials for electric busways

Busbars, busducts, and busways using copper conductors have several advantages compared to their counterparts fabricated from other materials.

The main advantages of copper arise from its high electric conductivity (low electric resistance). These characteristics make it possible to create busways with the same current carrying capacity but that are smaller and/or more energy efficient.

In addition, the use of copper results in highly durable connections that can resist strong mechanical forces.

Up to 30 percent higher earnings for companies that invest in energy efficiency

Energy conservation measures have a significant positive impact on the earnings (EBIT) and the return on equity (RoE) of European energy-intensive companies. That is a conclusion of a study in four energy-intensive sectors, conducted by 3E Energy Consultants and commissioned by the Copper Alliance. 3E developed a user friendly spreadsheet tool that calculates the impact of concrete energy efficiency measures on the short, mid and long-term financial accounts of a company.

World Energy Expenditures

US$6,000bn for energy consumers, and substantial revenues for governments

World energy expenditures have more than doubled in 20 years

More than US$6,000bn -10% of the world Gross Domestic Product (GDP)- is spent each year in the world for energy purposes (figures in US$2005ppp). This places energy second to health care expenditures in many countries; and in some cases first.

Integrated Earthing Systems (Earthing Grid)

Businesses and governments will continue to focus on efficiency and quality improvements while at the same time remaining under pressure to reduce costs. Hence, automation developed to a very high level and the Internet has become a strategic requirement. The consequent business vulnerability must obviously be recognized and risk reduced. High availability level to the IT infrastructure is a primary requirement.

Selection and sizing of conductors supplying electrical equipment that must remain functional during a fire

Cables that are exposed to fire while being expected to retain their functionality and provide power to essential equipment at another location must be appropriately selected and sized to take account of the increased electrical resistance at elevated temperature. Manufacturers offer cables and accessories that will survive a standard cellulose fire for 30, 60 or 90 minutes when correctly specified and installed.