Four Steps to Achieving Active Energy Management

An EEM system can be especially effective in a warehouse or DC because it can track all forms of energy usage (water, compressed air, gas and steam, in addition to electricity). Additionally, many EEM systems can model energy efficiency, allowing users to normalize energy consumption based on various drivers, including volume of products being handled or outside air temperature, among others. EEM systems can also benchmark facilities against each other, so best practices can be identified and shared with underperforming facilities. A system could also be used to model one utility rate against another, or quantify payback on energy efficiency measures that are implemented.

Components like electronic motor starters have become robust enough to facilitate the flow of energy information that can lead to not only critical energy decision making, but also predictive maintenance. For example, a motor starter can monitor how much power each of a motor’s phases are using; if one phase becomes unbalanced, that information can be sent to the facility’s energy management or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system via PLC, which can calculate how much power is being used. If a motor is using more power than anticipated, it could mean that the motor is simply dirty and needs to be cleaned.

Making the Decision

A strategic energy management plan should address both short-term improvements as well as future strategies to implement as energy prices fluctuate. A well considered plan should have clear actions in mind and reflect good decisions that can be somewhat independent of current energy prices.

Most of all, a strategic energy management plan should be realistic, and the best way to ensure that is to have a strong understanding of a facility ownership’s return on investment tolerance. If ownership demands a one-year payback on energy management technologies, the plan will look much different than if a three-year payback is acceptable. Having this information in hand during the initial research phase can help resources better assist in plan development. Appropriate resources can include industry associations, like the Material Handling Industry of America, the local utility and suppliers of the full gamut of energy management technologies.

David Voynow is market segment manager for material handling in the North American operating division of Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management.