Solutions 2009 - (Page 11) 11 ENERGY MANAGEMENT The direct cost of products is influenced greatly by what companies pay for the energy they use. Energy waste can be identified, measured and reduced by focusing on areas that can be controlled. CIS’ energy management staff can help identify, quantify, and verify the true costs of energy in each piece of equipment in a plant, where the energy wasters are and what can be done to improve it. Areas quantified in a site specific energy plan for facilities can include: • Rates and options (gas, electric, water and other fuels) • Lighting (type and illumination levels) • HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) • Controls (energy management systems and process) • Air compressors (efficiency, leaks, etc.) • Motors, fans and pumps (energy efficient analysis) • Steam systems and process heating • Waste stream disposal and alternatives Lighting analysis and turn-key project management of lighting retrofits can provide some of the quickest payback for energy costs and productivity improvements. A simple measurement and analysis process — or a much more complicated analysis, such as compressed air and steam system costs — can be performed by our energy team. The UT Center for Industrial Services (CIS) helps measure and verify energy use and creates a plan to address the waste. From rate reduction analysis to thermal imaging, CIS provides an unbiased solution that quantifies economic payback. CIS also can help with low cost alternative financing methods, federal tax credit information, Energy Star Certification and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Our energy engineering team has certified three buildings in the U.S. Green Building Council LEED EB (existing building) Certification process from federal office buildings to manufacturing plants. If you are building a new structure or retrofitting an older one, our energy consultants can work with your construction team to ensure you are using the latest technologies that save the most money in the long run and are proper applications for your facility. Thermal imaging is becoming a mandatory part of any responsible company’s arsenal in the energy safety arena. From switch gear to breaker panels to machinery connections, hotspots are indicators of electrical resistance or unbalanced electrical loads and can lead to problems if not corrected. Insurance companies currently discount premium rates for companies using this technology. Thermal imaging also is used to trace roof leaks back to the origin point. This same technology also is used to monitor machinery heat loss from process equipment allowing you to insulate or optimize your machinery to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat escaping into the plant for improved worker comfort. Center for IndustrIal servICes (888) 763-743 • W W W. C I S . T E N N E S S E E . E D U • (615) 532-8657 http://WWW.CIS.TENNESSEE.EDU
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