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MiMfg Magazine
September 2017
Energy-Saving Tips for Manufacturers
By Dale Wicker • Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
Manufacturing processes require vast
amounts of energy including: heating,
cooling, lighting, office equipment and the
production line itself. So it shouldn’t come
as a surprise that energy costs continue
to be a major expense for manufacturers.
Yet, when it’s time to reduce
expenditures, businesses often will try other
cost-cutting measures first, rather than
scaling back on their energy consumption.
It’s time to alter this thinking — and focus
on energy-saving initiatives that will
significantly reduce expenses and positively
impact your bottom line. Here’s how:
Process Heating
Process heating is required to make
most consumer and industrial goods, and
it is responsible for more than one third of
the energy use within a manufacturing
facility. Manufacturers can save energy
within this area by:
• Assessing heat transfer surfaces
• Controlling exhaust gases
“
• Ensuring proper furnace installation
• Evaluating air-to-fuel ratios
• Installing waste heat recovery systems
• Reducing steam demand
• Upgrading boilers to the latest
energy-efficient models
• Utilizing alternative fuels with
higher combustion efficiency
Lighting
Since most manufacturing facilities
tend to be well-lit, it’s critical that
energy-efficient lighting is properly
installed. Lighting alternatives include:
• Using florescent or LED fixtures
• Utilizing daylight as much as possible
through skylights and clerestories
• Adjusting the levels of light and turning
off lights during the slow/off hours
By following these tips
and focusing on the
areas mentioned...
manufacturers can see
significant savings on
their next bills!
”
Consumption Periods
Electrical rates can vary based on the
time of day energy is consumed.
Manufacturers can strategically use this
factor to their advantage by adjusting
operating hours accordingly. They also
can use electricity at optimal operating
hours by avoiding “rate peak periods”
which usually occur in the afternoon
and early evening hours.
consumption and encourage the
following: turning off lights, machines,
equipment, etc., when not in use.
Getting the staff involved will also
enable them to come up with their
own strategies for reducing energy
costs, fostering the idea of continuous
improvement throughout a
manufacturing facility.
By following these tips and focusing
on the areas mentioned above, manu-
facturers can see significant savings on
their next bills!
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Dale Wicker is a member of the quality
team for The Michigan Manufacturing
Technology Center. He may be
reached at 888-414-6682 and
[email protected].
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is an
MMA Associate member. Visit online: the-center.org.
Employee Efforts
To make conservation efforts
more successful, all employees must
be on board with your plan. Emphasize
the importance of reducing energy
Get More!
Check out MMA discounts on
energy services: mimfg.org .