Industrial Test Program: SIC 2400 (Wood Products): Final Follow-Up Report

摘要

Electrical energy is a small part of the cost of manufacturing wood products. Electrical costs represent approximately 2 to 3% of product selling price. A program that results in reducing electrical costs by 25% requires a major time commitment from management with a very modest impact on the income statement. It is not reasonable to expect these companies to do much conservation on their own. There is a significant amount of electrical energy available from conservation in the wood products industry. Other work estimate that 20 to 30 megawatts are available from dry kiln fan control. It is estimated there is at least that much available from controls on pneumatic conveying systems. Other miscellaneous sources should bring the total potential available to 100 megawatts. In order to take advantage of available potential conservation in the wood products industry, the industry will have to be shown on a step-by-step basis where and how the conservation measures are to be implemented. Implementation will have to be made attractive through the use of incentive programs that make economic sense to the individual mills. In dealing with a particular mill it is imperative to find or instill an attitude on the part of the plant manager that reflects belief in the concept of conservation or cost reduction by way of electrical energy use reduction. (ERA citation 12:039125)