Energy Management

What is Energy?

‘Energy’ in simple term can be defined as ‘the capacity of a physical system to do work’. Energy comes in different forms. Thermal (Heat), Electrical, Chemical, Nuclear energy are commonly known term to MSMEs. However, they are also known by some other terms like Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, and Gravitational Energy.

Main classification based on source:

Energy can be broadly classified as ‘Renewable (energy source that can be replenished – example Wind, solar energy ’ and ‘Non- Renewable ( energy source that can’t be replenished – example Coal )’ based on its source of availability.

Form of Energy

When we use ‘Electricity’ it is a form of energy which might have been generated by burning coal or from nuclear reaction or from  a hydroelectric plant. When we cook, we may use fire which is a form of energy created by burning coal or gas or wood.

Everyone uses Energy in various forms. We as common man use light,   motor vehicle for transport, run machines, use lift, burn gas in our day to day life etc. In industry we run machines, motors, cranes etc by using electrical energy. In Rice Mill, we usethermal energy for boiling rice. Each and every industry uses energy in one form or other.

Energy Management

Our Earth’s resources are limited. The fossil fuels namely coal, oil and natural gas which account for 95 percent of World’s energy use are getting depleted and will soon be over.  We are yet to find a viable alternative to the fossil fuels. There is a danger that the future generations will not have access to the fossil fuels.

Judicious use of energy and improving energy efficiency can go a long way in alleviating us from the impending energy crisis.  Simple housekeeping measures such as arresting leaks, switching off when not required etc can save about 10 % of energy.   Some form energy losses like transmission loss, loss due to friction etc can’t be avoided. But they can be controlled to some extent. However, energy can be used effectively if we apply our mind on where and how to use it and try to find out where we go right and where we go wrong.

Energy management is the best solution for direct and immediate reduction of energy consumption. While we are exploring various alternatives to conventional sources of energy like solar, wind and biomass energy, due attention must also be given to best utilization of energy, improvement in energy efficiencies and optimum management of energy resources.  

The main objectives of energy management are resource conservation and cost savings. The major elements of an energy management program are:

• We have to set target for how much energy reduction can be achieved by using energy at only at the point of need and extent of need in our premises.
• Energy Audit to be taken to find out where energy loss is there and find out ways to arrest the same

Some energy savings tips for Industries

• Avoid extra-load in peak time. It is way more costly.
• Turn off machines during shut downs, inspections, maintenance and when not in use.
• Regular and efficient maintenance of machines and motors prevents extra loads and saves 15 % of extra consumption and prevents break downs as well.
• Attend air and steam leakages. These leakages are extra load on boilers, compressors etc.
• Replacement of incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LEDs can save significant amount of energy.
• Replacement of old motors based on old technologies with new gen motors with technologies like VVVF drives, etc.
• Replacement of old furnaces with newer technologies such as combined cycle or heat recovery technologies.

World Bank funded BEE-GEF Project for Financing of Energy Efficiency at MSME

The project "Financing of Energy Efficiency at MSMEs" is part of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Programmatic Framework for Energy Efficiency in India with an objective to increase demand for energy efficiency investments in target micro, small and medium enterprise clusters and to build their capacity to access commercial finance.

The project aspires to address the current gap in understanding between energy auditors and bank loan officers and demonstrate a viable mechanism of synergic tie up between SMEs, energy auditors, financial consultants/ chartered accountants, local industrial or MSME associations and local bankers.

The GEF implementation agency for this project is the World Bank, and the two executing agencies are Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Govt. of India and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The project implemetation period was origionally scheduled for the period 2010-14 and the same has been extended for two years i.e. till December 2016.

The portal is at http://www.indiasavesenergy.in/ and contains very useful case studies, documentation and videos of Energy Management Programs for SMEs in various sectors.

Conclusion:      

In conclusion, we can say ‘Energy management’ is the process of monitoring, controlling, and conserving energy in home / industry / any place of use.  Energy Audit  is nothing but systematic approach for decision making in the area of energy management. EDII Organises various programs pertaining to Energy Management, Energy Conservation etc. for the benifit of MSME's.

Some useful web sites:

To know about Renewable Energy : http://www.mnre.gov.in/
Bureau of Energy Efficiency - https://www.beeindia.gov.in/
Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency : http://teda.in/
National Productivity Council http://www.npcindia.gov.in/competencies/energy-management/

Contact: 

For details please contact DD(ICT & CDP) via mail at ddcdp@editin.in