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    How to recognize from the load profile whether energy management is worthwhile

     

    The often decisive criterion when introducing energy management is amortization. The question therefore arises as to whethersavings are foreseeable in the short term or not.
    An analysis using the data from the existing transfer meter, i.e. the load profile, is the easiest way to start. This is often used to check the electricity bill or identify peak loads. But what other conclusions can be drawn?

    ENIT investigated this question together with the Chair of Information Systems Research at the University of Freiburg. To this end, a statistical analysis was carried out over 3-6 weeks for several industrial customers. The data is recorded from the usual transfer meters in high resolution at 15 second intervals. This is used to estimate the savings potential of each industrial company. Read here what else you can learn from your own data.

    1. Estimation of the savings potential of the peak load

    The savings potential of peak loads can be estimated after a short measurement. This involves investigating whether the load peaks that occur represent very unusual conditions or are close to normal operation. If a load peak is a clear outlier, there is greater potential to avoid it.
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    Savings potential of the peak load

    In the diagram, the 15-minute values are ordered and plotted according to statistical frequency. The sharper the increase on the right-hand side, the more unusual the peak load. An algorithm can be used to quantitatively estimate the savings potential.

    2. prediction of the daily profile

     

    Almost all industrial companies have a weekly or daily cycle. Intelligent algorithms can then be used to statistically evaluate the typical profile of a cycle.

    In the figure, frequently occurring power levels are shown in brown and white, while areas marked in blue never occur.

    This relative frequency is used as a prediction for energy system optimization.
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    Empirical prediction of the load

    Background: Forecasts are becoming increasingly important in the energy market. This is due to the increasing proportion of fluctuating generators. Both technical operations management and electricity trading are facing difficulties as a result. Both aim to harmonize generation and consumption. Forecasts increase security and increase margins, as decisions can be made better. They will also become essential for future business models on the balancing energy market or for flexibilization.

    3. identification of operating conditions

    Determining the operating status is of double value for companies: on the one hand, efficiency measures are identified . On the other hand, key figures are formed for controlling purposes.

    The figure illustrates the answers provided by the load profile. The level of the base load can be used to estimate the potential savings that can be made by switching off unnecessary standby consumers. Determining the amount of productive energy during normal operation enables exact key figures to be calculated (specific power consumption of the plant). The threshold for the peak load range is a necessary parameter for the correct design of load shedding systems.
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    Operating states with peak loads

    4. voltage quality

    Voltage is the decisive quality criterion for the electricity supplied. It is recorded by most transfer meters on a phase-specific basis. To ensure security of supply, it should also be recorded by industrial companies.

    The diagram shows the frequency of the voltages. The asymmetry between the phases is clearly recognizable. If it leads to problems in the company's own power grid, the electrician needs an evaluation.
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    Phase voltage at the transfer meter

    Background: Who causes "dirty" current and who causes "dirty" voltage? In simple terms, the following rule can be applied: The grid operator is responsible for "dirty" voltage. "Dirty" electricity is caused by the consumers in the industrial operation itself. Ideally, the company should check both.

    Would you like to find out more about your load profile and the associated potential?

    Book a free consultation now to talk about your potential: