ABB
yields substantial cost savings . The IEA emphasises that replacing all motors and drives with high-efficiency upgrades could potentially reduce global electricity consumption by at least 10 %. This underscores the significant impact that can be achieved by prioritising energy-efficient technologies in industrial operations .
Embracing energy efficiency through cutting-edge motor and variable speed drive ( VSD ) solutions is a crucial step in the right direction , offering a win-win scenario for both the environment and economic sustainability .
The power of energy audits While businesses are eager to enhance their energy efficiency , many struggle to know where to start . An ABB survey revealed that , while 97 % of industry leaders actively want to invest in making their operations more energyefficient , only 41 % know how to do so effectively .
This is where energy audits come in . They provide a comprehensive analysis , identifying the areas with the greatest potential for energy savings across hundreds of motor systems within a plant or facility . Armed with this invaluable information , maintenance teams can make informed decisions , targeting motors with the highest energy-saving potential , ultimately leading to reduced energy consumption and cost savings .
Data collection can be accomplished through various means : manually with an expert visiting the site , or digitally with data gathered remotely for regular energy-use updates . By using this operational data , experts can analyse the current performance of motor systems against their potential performance if upgraded or resized . This allows businesses to calculate energy savings , emissions avoidance and the anticipated return on investment ( ROI ).
Most importantly , energy audits can be conducted without disrupting normal operations . Based on the audit findings , a plan can be developed to implement efficiency improvements in the least disruptive manner . For example , upgrades can be seamlessly integrated into routine maintenance schedules , minimising downtime . By following the outcomes of energy audits , businesses can make strides towards energy efficiency , unlocking cost savings , reducing their environmental footprint and positioning themselves as industry leaders in sustainability .
Practical strategies from energy audits A common approach to improving energy efficiency in motors is to add a VSD . Drives allow operators to adjust the speed or torque of a motor in accordance with the demands of the task . By doing so , they significantly reduce energy consumption and associated costs – reducing a motor ’ s speed by just 20 % can lead to a 50 % reduction in energy use . The potential benefits are clear and , while at least half of all industrial electric motors could benefit from VSDs , only a quarter currently use them .
6 global . abb