Energy efficiency: the 'holistic' approach
The plethora of information about the Climate Change Levy and energy
efficient solutions can be bewildering. So to whom do you turn for advice
in plain clear language? We take a look at a service that analyses your
energy problems and nurses you through the process
Soot blowing is essential to combustion efficiency in many industries,
yet the process has to date been largely uncontrolled and lacking in
finesse. HF Controls, working in conjunction with the Energy Centre, has
developed a control system that ensures selective cleaning of areas most
prone to soot build up, reducing cleaning requirements, extending boiler
life and improving combustion efficiency. The system comprises two PLCs,
one to memorise the cleaning cycles and 'black spots', and monitor all
functions, the other - in closed loop with an inverter - to control the
speed and position of the soot cleaning lance.
In fiercely competitive markets it is vital for all businesses to create
strategies that will take advantage of energy efficient technologies,
reduce operating costs and lessen the impact of environmental taxation.
Critically, the capital outlay to implement efficiency projects has to be
carefully controlled so that benefits are delivered promptly. But the
plethora of information about the Climate Change Levy and energy
efficient solutions can be bewildering. So to whom do you turn for advice
in plain clear language? Who can cost out options and help reduce capital
investment? Mitsubishi Electric has developed a programme to help. As an
expansion of its MelSmart integrated automation solutions concept, it has
created a specialist team within the newly formed Energy Centre, which
includes links with a number of expert partners.
The aim of the Energy Centre is to provide a single point of contact for
help and advise on a wide range of energy-related products, services and
support. These are available from Mitsubishi's in-house experts in
control, harmonics and power quality, data logging and variable speed
drives; or through the Energy Centre's specialist partners in fields such
as lighting, gas and refrigeration. Mitsubishi's 'holistic' approach
embraces all areas of energy usage, with initial surveys rating these for
speed and value of return, capital required, and so on. They can also
help overcome capital expenditure problems with solutions that can reduce
energy costs by investing little or no money, including equipment leasing.
Many plant operators recognise specific savings that can be made, but
have no budget to realise them, says Chris Cusick who runs the Energy
Centre from Mitsubishi's UK headquarters in Hatfield. Many businesses
already lease cars and buildings, so we have extended the concept into
industrial control equipment such as variable speed drives, including
their panel building and installation costs. By leasing, you are likely
to see feed-through to your bottom line in two to three months. You save
capital outlay, finance charges and it's tax efficient.
The Energy Centre provides other support services, including energy
audits and free software to calculate payback times on proposed
installations. In a nutshell, you will be talking to experts who can help
answer all your 'what if', 'how' and 'why' questions with tailored
solutions to fit your specific needs.