The importance of measuring and monitoring energy consumption.

One of the challenges facing companies seeking to improve their electrical energy footprint is to know where the stuff is used. As premises grow and new supplies are added it can be difficult to know what is metering where.

According to Schneider Electric, companies that have a knowledge and understanding of their energy consumption through energy measuring and monitoring show increased productivity, improved employee engagement, and meet significant competitive advantages.

To improve the industrial energy efficiency, energy consumed must be measured locally, in real time, and it starts with the devices and machines. The increasing smart automation within machines and factories can provide better visibility and efficiency from top floor to shop floor.

Monitor and control

Experience shows that an active approach to energy efficiency will help bring an additional 8% of savings via early detection of any discrepancies in the operation or ongoing life cycle of a machine. Operators, maintenance personnel, and production management teams can all take quick action to alleviate conditions that might be negating the machine’s energy efficiency.

Machine measurement

This basic measurement can be considered an “electrical signature” of a machine and become the benchmark for future improvements and improved machine efficiency. This can be achieved with as simple Compact NSX Micrologic circuit breaker measuring the incoming power, or by monitoring of power through a separate power meter.

Managing machine energy libraries

Using a machine energy-efficiency suite of tools provides a comprehensive methodology to monitor relevant energy indicators by combining energy and production information. Monitoring the energy consumption allows users to understand and hence optimise energy usage by initiating production plan adjustments and behaviour changes that improve the efficiency of the machines.

SoMachine, the OEM solution software from Schneider Electric, provides function blocks dedicated to the collection of energy information from the measures of central, electronic equipment such as VSDs and servo motors. Information is used by some function blocks dedicated to providing indicators that track the relevant information by correlating the energy measurements with the machine’s operating mode or unit production. This data is made usable by presenting the machine’s HMI with predefined graphic objects provided with SoMachine and Vijeo Designer.

Measuring and monitoring energy consumption is crucial to manufacturing operations seeking to improve their productivity. For manufacturers, tracking and reducing energy consumption is no longer optional, but part their Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) methodology.

 Energy optimisation differentiates OEMS

Automation and control functions are bringing a wide range of possibilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste. The active approach to energy efficiency gives end-users the possibility to optimize the energy consumption of their production investments for both immediate and long-term savings. However, there may be a cost penalty for the OEM

An energy-efficiency approach may require a new design and new technology integration by the OEM, impacting on the final cost of the machine. It is important therefore that operating costs are considered as part of the buying decision rather than simply the machine cost.

It is a differentiation opportunity for OEMs in a very competitive market, to bring new benefits to its customers, less energy consumption by unit produced, less waste, better quality, and more performance delivering a faster ROI.

999 Automation is a leading supplier of Schneider Electric energy saving systems