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4.10 | Energy Management Systems |
CHARACTERISTICS
It remains common practice in industry to leave electrical equipment on between production shifts. Large energy savings can be achieved by using an energy management system–a microprocessor connected to major energy distribution lines that records and partly controls energy use–to turn off, or turn down equipment when not in use.
Most facilities have not yet installed energy management systems (EMS), in part because of their high cost. Systems can cost as much as $750,000, but can provide an energy savings of as much as 10%. A site-specific cost-benefit analysis must be performed to determine the value of installing such systems.
Current analysis has concentrated on providing guidelines for selecting appropriate systems, the development of management rules, diagnostic and fault detection techniques, and the evaluation of emulation methods.
SIZE:
Relevant for all sizes of systems. May be used with existing or applied to new systems.
FEATURES:
EMS is typically applied to the largest electrical loads, including HVAC equipment, cooling towers, pumps, water heaters and lighting. Control functions may include basic stop/start functions or more complex chiller optimization routines.
COST:
Typical cost of an energy management system in a manufacturing plant with a load of 100 million kWh/year is about $750,000; an energy savings of about 10% is typically achieved, although exact costs and savings are site-specific.
CURRENT USAGE:
Energy management systems have been implemented successfully in several countries including the United States, Argentina, Colombia, Portugal, Germany and more.
POTENTIAL USAGE:
Site-specific analyses must be conducted to determine the benefit of installing energy management systems. Systems work with distributed and direct networks.
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING ACTION
- Energy management systems may require installation of wiring and switching, which can be expensive.
- An EMS can be used on new or existing facilities and can interface with existing controls, such as pneumatic damper actuators.
- EMS automates responsibility that may have previously been performed by personnel, eliminating positions.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT
EMISSION EFFECT:
CONDITIONS FOR EMISSIONS MITIGATION:
- Where total electricity use is decreased, GHG emissions are avoided. However, if energy use shifts, there may be no difference in total emissions.
- Fully functional (automated) systems provide the greatest potential for energy (and emissions) savings.
EMISSION ESTIMATE:
Emissions are reduced in proportion to the amount of electricity use that is reduced.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS:
Must be determined on a site-specific basis.
SECONDARY EFFECTS:
Where electricity is generated by fossil fuel, there will also be positive impacts on NOx and/or SO2 reductions.
RESOURCES
CONTACTS
Electric Power Research Institute
Ken Priest, Target Manager
Grid Operations and Planning Group
Palo Alto, CA
Tel: (650) 855-2832
Fax: (650) 855-8997
Kpriest@epri.com
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