Measure, Analyze and Improve
– with the Facts at Hand
Energy analysis and optimization are powerful tools for taking control of your electrical system’s energy consumption. They provide the foundation for a more sustainable, cost-effective and reliable solution.
The process involves understanding how your facility uses energy, identifying inefficiencies and implementing measures to reduce consumption and optimize performance. By analyzing energy flows, you gain a clear, fact-based foundation for potential improvements.
What Does Energy Analysis Involve?
Energy analysis involves collecting detailed data on the electrical system’s energy use
– often using energy meters or measuring instruments installed at strategic points.
Common Parameters:
Voltage & Current – Fundamental electrical parameters.
Active Power (kW) – The power used to perform useful work.
Reactive Power (kVAR) – Power required to generate magnetic fields in equipment such as motors. Excessive reactive power can cause unnecessary losses.
Power Factor (cos φ) – Indicates how efficiently electrical power is being utilized. A low power factor means that a greater proportion of the supplied power is not being converted into useful work.
Harmonics – Measures harmonic distortion that can interfere with equipment and contribute to increased losses.
Load Profiles – Show power consumption over time, helping to identify peak demand and consumption patterns.
Temperature/Thermography – Identifies overheating and energy losses associated with issues such as poor electrical connections.
Measurements can be carried out over a few days or continuously over longer periods, depending on the facility and the objectives of the analysis.
What Does Energy Optimization Involve?
Once measurements have been completed, the data is analyzed to identify areas for improvement and optimization potential.
Key Areas:
Energy Waste – Identify equipment and systems with unnecessarily high energy consumption.
Load Profiles – Optimize when energy is used, for example in relation to hourly electricity pricing.
Power Factor – Correct a low power factor using solutions such as capacitor banks.
Harmonics – Recommend filters and other measures to improve power quality.
Practical Improvements – Technical solutions, operational changes or investments.
Examples of Measures:
Technology – Energy-efficient motors, LED lighting and control systems.
Operations – Optimized schedules, operating procedures and preventive maintenance.
Financial Analysis – Compare investment costs with expected savings and payback periods.
Benefits of Energy Analysis & Optimization
- Lower electricity costs
- Reduced environmental impact
- Improved operational reliability
- Longer equipment service life
- Improved indoor climate
- Future-ready for technologies such as solar PV and battery storage
- More stable power grid – reducing peak demand benefits the wider electricity network
- Load balancing – a more even load profile can reduce grid charges and free up capacity in the local electricity network
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