Energy efficiency in industry can be defined as the pursuit of lower consumption and energy optimization. It consists of maintaining – or even increasing – production levels while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.
The topic has become more relevant over the years, and in the industrial sector it is increasingly understood. The Power Factor, for example, which affects the cost of electricity to be paid, is described in ANEEL Resolution No. 414 of September 9, 2010:
Doing more (or at least the same thing) with less, while maintaining comfort and quality. When discussing energy, energy efficiency means generating the same amount of energy with fewer natural resources or obtaining the same service ("performing work") with less energy.
In Brazil, industrial energy consumption accounts for almost 40% of the country's total energy production. Currently, the Energy Research Company (EPE) estimates that the potential for energy efficiency in industries – that is, the volume of consumption that can be reduced while maintaining or increasing productivity – is 10.9% on average – with 11.1% in thermal energy consumption and 9.8% in electricity.
Barriers to its implementation can result from various factors. Some of these include:
- Information asymmetry : When one department has relevant information but does not share it with other departments.
- Divergence of objectives : When the company prioritizes other objectives to the detriment of energy efficiency.
- Commitment to energy issues : When the company does not emphasize the energy efficiency improvement program created and does not invest in measures to improve it.
To overcome these barriers, it is necessary to improve internal communication within the company between different sectors, establish clear goals and objectives, and foster greater commitment from leadership to adopt measures that achieve energy efficiency.
Energy waste in a plant occurs in various ways. The work to identify, understand how it happens, and prevent it is important for cost reduction and generates three results. The first and most direct result is the reduction in electricity costs; the second is the increase in the performance and durability of assets; and finally, as a consequence of the previous one, the reduction in maintenance costs.
An energy efficiency improvement plan can involve several actions, but in general, investing in equipment modernization, reducing excess reactive energy, combined with a monitoring system, can yield significant results in the medium or even short term.
Bridgemeter contributing to Energy Efficiency
The flexibility of the Bridgemeter architecture makes it suitable for various fundamental measurements in energy efficiency monitoring, enabling remote asset management with alarms, notifications, and predictive analytics.
To illustrate how Bridgemeter contributes to increased energy efficiency, we present a case study where the platform is associated with a motor widely used across various sectors.
Motor pump units monitored by Bridgemeter
By monitoring electrical current and temperature, and correlating the obtained values with other parameters of the equipment, the Bridgemeter compares and provides analyses with the operational history, identifying trends that may evolve into overheating unrelated to increased workload, and sending notifications to the client's maintenance team.
Therefore, by monitoring the engine's usage conditions, it's possible to intervene to eliminate waste, since some of the energy supplied is being lost as heat, contributing to reduced work efficiency and causing premature wear of parts and components. This waste, if not monitored, leads to increased costs, as well as the risk of unexpected downtime.
Expanding on the model described above, now applied to an industrial sanitation plant or a hospital with various motors, transformers, and other electrical equipment that are part of the infrastructure, we see the importance of the topic of Energy Efficiency, given the upward trend in electricity quotes in the country.
According to a survey conducted in 2022 by the Brazilian Association of Large Consumers and presented during the Energy Congress held by the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais, electricity costs can represent up to approximately 40% of the production cost.
“Energy waste has always been a challenge for companies. Currently, with Bridgemeter technology, it is possible to detect it and minimize its impact on both input costs and maintenance expenses, thus promoting increased efficiency in industries and other business units,” highlights Flávio De Martin, business manager at Above-Net .
As can be seen, Bridgemeter is a strategic tool that directly contributes to financial and operational issues, reducing losses, increasing energy efficiency and productivity in industry.
1 https://www.legisweb.com.br/legislacao/?id=112868
2 https://www.epe.gov.br/pt/abcdenergia/eficiencia-energetica
3 https://www.hojeemdia.com.br/economiaefinancas/energia-eletrica-representa-40-dos-gastos-das-empresas-valor-reflete-no-bolso-do-consumidor-1.909819
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