Why is it necessary to optimize energy consumption?
The evolution of society has demanded great technological changes, which have generated greater electricity consumption. According to the Center for Public Policy Research, it is estimated that by 2035 there will be a 43.9% increase in Mexico.
Imagine that the electricity we use at home or in companies is like the money we spend. If we use more electricity, it is like spending more money on our bill. This means that businesses need to take care of how they use electricity so that it doesn’t cost them too much.
Therefore, it is very important for companies to learn how to save energy and use electricity wisely. This way, they will be able to grow and be successful without spending too much on their electricity bill.
Now, to achieve the optimization of energy consumption, we must follow a logical order, i.e. from lowest to highest, based on the amount of investment:
- Monitoring
- Corrective Actions
- Control
- Efficient Technologies.
How to optimize energy consumption?
First of all, Monitoring is the fundamental basis on which all subsequent initiatives must be based. This activity provides information on the current situation, according to consumption patterns.
It is recommended that monitoring be carried out with digital measurement systems, since they allow the necessary analysis to support decision making.
Secondly, Corrective Actions. These are the set of initiatives to optimize consumption. Some examples are: renegotiating tariff plans by volume; making changes in production processes to optimize consumption; identifying and following up on critical loads and off-hour consumption; implementing power factor corrections to avoid penalties; and correcting electrical distortions.
Based on international experiences, Digital Monitoring and Corrective Actions can reduce electricity bills by 10% to 12% approximately, achieving returns on investment of less than one year.
Thirdly, Control and Efficient Technologies. These are the last steps in the chain and although optimization can be higher, they also require higher investments. Some examples are:
Control
- BMS or SCADA systems to control processes.
- Automated control of critical loads.
Efficient Technologies
- Starters and variable speed drives.
- High efficiency HVAC.
- Replacement of lighting fixtures with LEDs.
- Cogeneration with solar panels or wind energy.
Control and Efficient Technologies can reduce the electric bill up to 25%, achieving returns on investment of approximately 2 to 6 years.
You know the steps, now you just need to put them into practice
Now that we have identified Digital Monitoring as the cornerstone of the process, a detailed and conscientious evaluation of the solutions offered by the market is required.
It is important to emphasize that in Mexico there is a complex tariff plan, which is difficult to replicate by the monitoring systems of large manufacturers worldwide, since they offer generic templates that are implemented at a generally high cost, and that do not adapt faithfully to the needs of the client.
It is recommended to obtain a monitoring system, manufactured in Mexico and developed for the Mexican market taking into account tariffs and regulatory factors. Also, that it has local technical support, service and spare parts.
In addition, the fact that they can be customized to handle management indicators adapted to administrative systems and cost centers is a great advantage.
Learn more about the Industronic Power Monitor: MDE-IND. Explore all our energy solutions and request the product or service that fits your needs.
