Industrial application of energy audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Industrial application of energy audit - Essay Example 1.1 Background Energy conservation is important in all aspects of our lives. When firms produce goods to sell or provide services for customers they want to ensure that their services are competitively priced. In order for this to be possible firms have to ensure that they provide these services or produce these goods at the minimum cost possible. Energy cost is one of the main operating expenses for most firms. It is also the one that is most manageable or easiest to adjust in order to gain operating efficiencies. It is therefore important that firms find ways of minimising their energy costs in order to maximise the profitability of their operations. In order to make this possible they seek the help of energy conservation specialists/consultants who perform energy audits of facilities or equipments being used. 1.2 Types of energy audits There are two types of energy audits. ... mal consumption pattern for the items in use the bills were surveyed to determine if the KWh usage was in keeping with the manufacturer’s benchmark of the maximum energy use. The equipments were then assessed to determine if there were any defects that would result in excess energy usage. The facility was checked in terms of floor area and details were gathered on the hours of use of these equipments. The exterior and interior of the building and equipment were checked to determine what adjustments and repairs need to be done to effect energy conservation. The energy manager (proprietor/manager) was questioned to determine critical areas that require monitoring. Sub-meters were then placed in areas of particular concern and both hourly and or daily consumption data was taken for the day. An analysis was done of the results and sources of potential energy and cost savings were identified throughout the building. Some recommendations were then made for energy conservation and ma intenance measures to be put in place. 2.0 Details of the Audit Process It was determined that the preliminary audit was the most appropriate since there were no complexities in the structure of the building. However, it involved testing of equipments which are not generally done in a preliminary audit. 2.1 Pre-Site Work Obtain facility and contact details inclusive of address and telephone number (Appendix 1) Steps were taken to identify the average energy use in the industry, specifically as it relates to electricity consumption. Failing that the internet was checked to determine the energy use of specific equipment Specific energy systems and energy use were also evaluated Specific equipments used in the industry were researched to determine their annual energy (electricity) consumption