As the global energy demand increases at an alarming rate, governments and other relevant entities are faced with difficult choices that will have serious ramifications in future. The future prosperity of populations is at a delicate balance owing to continued overreliance on coal, gas and other unsustainable fossil fuels. The industrial sector has proven to be crucial in steps aimed at improving energy efficiency and decreasing environmental impact. Ponder this: Industries consume about 25% of the total global energy. Since many players are yet to focus on industrial energy efficiency strategically, it is important to highlight some of the alternative solutions available.
Industrial Energy Efficiency Technologies
Combined heat and power (CHP) or co-generation is one of the most popular alternative solutions towards enhanced industrial efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. Despite the high potential of this pathway, many industries are yet to implement it. By using natural gas (or any other fuel source) to generate thermal energy and electric energy concurrently, industries can save as much as 40% of fuel. In tandem with CHP, industries can also implement energy efficient lighting, modern electric motor technology, superior sensors, energy-efficient boilers and so on.
Modern Manufacturing Technologies
There are many manufacturing sub-sectors, including chemicals, apparel, machinery and processed foods & beverages. To be in a position to maximize energy efficiency and decrease environmental impact, these sectors need innovative technologies. These technologies must not only cover energy efficiency in the processes, but also look at ways of reusing, reducing and recycling materials. Opportunities exist process heating and smart manufacturing among others. In regards to process heating, systems to consider include furnaces, evaporators, heat exchangers and so forth. Waste heat recovery is a perfect example of how industries can make their process heating more energy efficient. Smart manufacturing is characterized by capturing and processing information in a manufacturing facility in real time. Through improved prediction and optimization capability, this strategy can enhance energy efficiency significantly. Advanced manufacturing technologies related to energy efficiency continue to emerge, so there is still a lot to be implemented in this area.
Increased Use of Clean Fuel Sources
The truth of the matter is that fossil fuels are still central to industrial processes across the globe, and indeed in power generation. Although it appears a daunting undertaking, the energy industry and others must consider implementing clean energy sources as an alternative solution. This calls on stakeholders to focus efforts on decarbonizing process heat, which happens to be the biggest consumer of fossil fuels in the industries. Suggestions have also been fronted about replacing direct fossil fuels with electrification of industrial energy generation and processes. However, more research and development is necessary to identify the sectors that would benefit the most from this form of electrification.
Thermal Energy Storage
Thermal energy storage has particularly proven to be a reliable alternative solution for maximizing energy efficiency and decreasing environmental impact because it matches energy demand and supply. TES systems are engineered to store thermal energy during off peak period and supply it when it is on peak or when the user demands. When merged with solar and wind energy, this system does even better in increasing energy efficiency and safeguarding the environment. ARANER provides thermal energy storage systems, specially stratified chilled water storage. Past installations have already realized efficiency and environmental benefits, as can be proven from the Farah Hospital project in Amman Jordan.
Boosted Power Plant Performance with TIAC
Are you looking for a cost-effective method to increase power output and enhance energy efficiency in your turbine-based power plant? Gas Turbine Inlet Air Cooling is the answer. Using a hi-tech method of cooling turbine inlet air, this technology can enhance plant capacity by as much as 30%, so you do not even need to invest in a new gas turbine! Gas turbines (aero-derivative or heavy-duty), being constant volumetric airflow machines, have power output that is proportional to air mass flow and therefore to air density. Since air density decreases with higher ambient air temperatures, the result is decreased turbine output. With the ARANER TIAC System, this negative effect is cut down and the turbine will see a constant inlet air temperature, increasing power output and maintaining it constant in spite of ambient temperature changes. Some benefits of integrating our TIAC system in your power plant are:
- Safe and reliable technology
- Globally renowned TIAC provider in ARANER
- Installation performed after detailed analysis and design of all components
- Greatest guarantees you can imagine provided
- Use of natural or approved refrigerants
Conclusion
Whether it is for global competitiveness, climate change or better human experience, it makes a lot of sense for the industrial sector to use energy more efficiently. It is pleasing to see that some industries and partners are already taking the initiative and doing something, albeit in individual facilities. Since it is evident that measures at the industrial level are working, it is incumbent upon governments to step up policy measures that promote some of the technologies and solutions. ARANER is already seizing the opportunity to enhance industrial energy efficiency and decrease environmental impact through various technologies. Do you want to learn more about our energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions that are in line with industry trends? Contact us here.
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