Assignment Automation and Energy Management
Assignment Automation and Energy Management
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Table of Contents
Automation and Energy Management.........................................................................................................3
Question 1.................................................................................................................................................3
State the objectives of an energy audit...............................................................................................3
Identification of Energy Consumption Patterns...................................................................................3
Assessment of Energy Efficiency...........................................................................................................3
Cost Reduction.......................................................................................................................................3
Recommend Energy Efficiency Improvements.....................................................................................3
Risk Management:................................................................................................................................4
Environmental Impact Mitigation........................................................................................................4
Create a breakdown of all the energy sources on site and write down your observations..................4
Breakdown of energy on site................................................................................................................6
Observations..........................................................................................................................................6
Question 2.................................................................................................................................................7
Conclusions based on the information provided.....................................................................................8
Energy Consumption Patterns..............................................................................................................8
Potential Issues.....................................................................................................................................8
Usage Trends.........................................................................................................................................8
Cost Impacts..........................................................................................................................................8
Effectiveness of Operations..................................................................................................................8
Based on these conclusions, the following actions can be taken...........................................................9
Regular maintenance of both compressors.........................................................................................9
Load balancing between compressors.................................................................................................9
Monitoring energy consumption..........................................................................................................9
Implementing predictive maintenance strategies...............................................................................9
Examining the root causes of pressurization problems.....................................................................10
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Automation and Energy Management
Question 1:
a) State the objectives of an energy audit.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are major considerations in today's world, where energy
audits are essential. These audits accomplish a variety of goals, including regulatory
compliance, cost reduction, and protecting the environment.
An energy audit's primary goal is to thoroughly examine the patterns of energy use in a
process or facility. Audits uncover inefficiencies and areas for improvement by closely
examining energy consumption across a range of systems and operations. The attainment of
multiple overarching goals is predicated on this comprehensive evaluation:
Cost Reduction:
The identification of cost-saving potential is one of the primary objectives of energy
audits. Organizations can reduce energy costs and improve their financial performance
and competitiveness by implementing the energy-saving recommendations and
inefficiencies identified during audits.
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Risk Management:
Reducing the risks related to energy supply, fluctuation in prices, and energy security is
another goal of energy audits. Audits strengthen organizational preparedness and
resistance to energy-related issues by detecting inefficiencies and suggesting risk-
reduction tactics.
In short, an energy audit aims to achieve a variety of interrelated goals that include financial,
environmental and strategic aspects. These goals are met by energy audits, which in a world
growing more complicated and energy-conscious, not only maximize energy performance but
also boost organizational success.
b) Create a breakdown of all the energy sources on site and write down your observations.
ENERGY BREAKDOWN
Oil 4%
Electricity 22%
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COST BREAKDOWN
Oil 4%
Electricity 48%
CO2 BREAKDOWN
Oil
3%
Electricity
44% Natural Gas
53%
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Breakdown of energy on site:
Electricity
Natural gas
Oil
Other fuel
Observations:
1. Electricity Consumptions:
Of all the energy sources used at the site, electricity is the one that is most
consumed. It makes up a significant portion of the quantity purchased as well as the
associated costs. For electricity, the conversion efficiency from purchased units to
kWh is one to one. Its CO2 emissions are less compared to those of natural gas,
despite the fact it contributes to the majority of costs.
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Natural gas usage:
The second-most-used energy source on the site is natural gas. The conversion rate
to kWh is substantially higher even though the quantity purchased is less than that
of electricity. In comparison to electricity, this indicates natural gas has a higher
energy density. It incurs a substantial cost, almost comparable to electricity.
Oil consumptions:
On the site, oil usage is considerably lower compared to the use of natural gas and
electricity. In contrast, it has a relatively high cost per unit compared to the other
energy sources. Both CO2 emissions and costs associated with oil consumption are
also lower compared to natural gas.
The total energy consumption on the site amounts to 12,435,200 kWh. This figure
represents the combined energy usage from electricity, natural gas, and oil.
Ultimately, the audit emphasizes the need for effective strategies to maximize energy use, with
an emphasis on lowering reliance on sources of high emissions, such as natural gas, while
possibly exploring alternatives or enhancing efficiency in electricity consumption.
Question 2:
You extract the following data from the meter reading system. What conclusion can you draw
from it? What actions would you put in place?
Compressor 1 appears to be continuously in operation during the period, according to the data
presented, but Compressor 2 is only occasionally turned on, usually in the event that
Compressor 1 experiences an issue.
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Conclusions based on the information provided:
Compressor 1 seems to have a consistent energy usage pattern over time, with
irregular fluctuations. Compressor 2 has intermittent periods of activity and minimal
energy usage, in contrast. This shows that Compressor 2 is manually turned on as
needed rather than being in use all the time.
2. Potential Issues:
Usage Trends:
Compressor 1's utilization remains steady during the course of the observation
period, with no significant ups or downs. Compressor 2 shows intermittent usage,
with days of inactivity followed by periods of increased activity. The periods when
the compressor is manually turned on to meet higher demand or make up for
problems with Compressor 1 are likely when the energy usage spikes occur.
Cost Impacts:
Compressor 2's manual activation may increase operating expenses because it will
use more energy during peak hours. It's critical to assess how much more affordable
it is to use Compressor 2 as a backup when compared to fixing any underlying
problems with Compressor 1 or implementing other changes.
Effectiveness of Operations:
Looking into the underlying reason behind Compressor 2's irregular utilization.
In order to reduce energy consumption, compressor utilization scheduling should
also be optimized based on demand trends. Furthermore, to ensure maximum
efficiency and reliability, perform routine maintenance checks on both compressors.
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Based on these conclusions, the following actions can be taken:
Since there seem to be issues with Compressor 1 regarding its pressure and usage
frequency compared to Compressor 2, it is recommended to prioritize regular
maintenance for this compressor. This can entail looking for leaks, changing or
cleaning filters, and evaluating the condition of valves and seals. Strict adherence to
the maintenance schedule is necessary to avoid unplanned downtime or higher
energy usage as a result of broken equipment.
Load balancing can be used to lessen Compressor 1's workload and ensure more
equitable use between the two compressors. This means that although both
compressors are running simultaneously, their output levels are being adjusted in
response to demand and the state of each compressor. In addition to ensuring that
the demand for compressed air is satisfied effectively and without interfering with
production processes, properly balanced loading would help prevent undue wear
and tear on either compressor.
Before they result in major damage or unplanned downtime for either compressor,
predictive maintenance techniques such as vibration analysis and oil analysis can
assist in identifying such problems. These tactics enable scheduled breakdowns and
timely repairs instead of expensive emergency repairs during production hours,
when limiting downtime becomes essential for maintaining productivity levels and
successfully satisfying customer requirements.
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5. Examining the root causes of pressurization problems:
Through the use of these measures, the organization may minimize downtime and maximize
productivity while simultaneously improving the compressed air system's cost-effectiveness,
reliability, and efficiency.