Energy Management by Variable Monitoring, Specific Case Industrias Elimenticias Noel S.A. Zenu Plant

摘要

Energy resource management and energy auditing are two effective methodologies which lead to a rational energy use in the different processes or systems in the industrial sector. This article introduces a methodology focused on energy management through the monitoring of variables as well as the results obtained from its application in "Industrias Alimenticias NOEL S.A., ZENU" plant in Medellin, Colombia. The aim of this methodology is to identify the main sources of energy waste, the way energy is used, and the possibilities for better energy exploitation. The analysis consisted of the periodical measurement of electricity, fuel, water, and propane gas consumption, as well as steam generation, which are then compared to production output (consumption vs. production). Through lineal regression techniques, fixed (baseline) and variable consumption are determined for the comparison. This way, unnecessary consumption and system efficiency data are obtained respectively. By implementing this technique, there have been savings of 14 percent in water, 3 percent in fuel, and 4.6 percent in electricity, based on measures that reduce energy consumption without modifying production processes. The steps for the implementat on of this kind of program, which are explained in this article, are suitable for monitoring the global energy indices. However, a recommended phase is the monitoring of the main variables in the process.