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| Energy Tips - Industrial |
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Motor Driven Equipment
Motors to power pumps, fans, blowers, air compressors and dozens of other mechanical devices are used in nearly all types of industrial production. It is estimated that motor-driven equipment accounts for 64% of the electricity consumed by U.S. industries. Accordingly, there is a great opportunity to save energy by using energy efficient motors. Energy-efficient motors can cut energy use by at least 12%. The most energy-efficient motors are equipped with controllers and variable speed drives to help the motors match output with the energy necessary for the task. Some motors have motor coils made of super-conducting materials, which greatly reduce energy loss.
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Make Use Of Waste Heat
Onsite production of electricity is a way to save on purchased electricity. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems (also called cogeneration systems) achieve higher thermal efficiencies than stand-alone power plants. There are a variety of power production technologies that can be used for CHP systems including gas turbines, combined-cycle systems, micro-turbines, fuel cells, and reciprocating engines. A CHP system can be considered for industrial facilities that produce low grade waste heat (ranging in temperature for 100o to 300o Celsius) and that has an electrical load that roughly tracks heat production.
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Efficient Steam Equipment
Over 45% of all the fuel burned by U.S. manufacturers is consumed to raise steam. A typical industrial facility can realize steam savings of 20% by improving its steam system. Simple approaches to improving energy performance include insulating steam and condensate return lines, stopping any steam leaks, and maintaining steam traps. Condensate return to the boiler is essential for energy efficiency.
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Compressed Air Equipment Savings
Many industrial facilities use compressed air systems as power sources for tools and equipment used for pressurizing, atomizing, agitating, and mixing applications. Optimizing a compressed air system can provide energy-efficiency improvements of 20-50%. Simple measures for saving energy include detecting and fixing air leaks. Installing variable-speed drives on compressors can also save energy.
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Using Sensors And Controls For System Efficiency
All industrial systems rely on sensors and controls. Advanced sensors and control systems are available that allow processes to operate at their optimal conditions, thereby saving energy. Such sensors and controls are continuously dropping in cost.
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Efficient Combustion
Combustion processes provide more than 85% of the energy used by U.S. industries. Boilers used for combustion often operate at air levels that are higher than the optimum. Periodically monitoring flue gas composition and tuning the boilers to maintain excess air at optimum levels can save energy.
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Smart Water Use
Pumping and treating the water that an industrial process needs will also use energy, as will the clean-up treatment of the water. Reducing water use will therefore also reduce energy use.
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