Utility Consumption Monitoring for Sustainability

Software-aided savings

Installing instrumentation across flow, temperature, pressure and other critical measurements is key for energy management systems, but these systems are not complete without a means to visualize measured values and energy data. This element is the basis for detailed evaluation, compliant with the ISO 50006 standard.

Energy management software is used to analyze measurement data and create energy reports, and the applications on the market today typically provide access to entire plant monitoring systems via an internal intranet or the Internet. The best software packages incorporate:

• Web-based secure local or remote access

• Simple operation and easy-to-use interfaces with drop-down menus

• Automatic data import from data loggers, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, production systems and building management systems

• Simple integration into existing operating data recording systems

• Modular application design for simple customization

• Simulation and calculation using multivariate mathematical functions

• Energy analysis:

• Energy consumption monitoring

• Efficiency assessment

• Target/actual energy data comparison

• Peak values identification.

• Cost analysis:

• Create diagrams and displays.

• Create and monitor budget plans.

• Cost comparison.

• Profitability calculations in terms of return on investment.

• Deviation analysis:

• Email notifications and warnings

• Limit value adjustment

• Notification prioritization.

• Reporting:

• Tailored reports via SQL Server Reporting Services

• Cumulative curve calculation and comparative displays

• Automatic report creation and sharing capabilities.

Measure to monitor Getting started can be overwhelming, but reliable instrument installation lays the foundation for effective energy management system rollouts (Figure 2). Engaging with the right experts can ease the journey from first steps to final refinements by providing end users with high-quality instrumentation, system components, software solutions and support.

• Robust instrumentation with high accuracy, reliability and repeatability

• Smart devices for data logging and transfer

• EMAS- and ISO-compliant calibration services

• Professional planning, commissioning and maintenance of energy monitoring and management systems

• Engineering and project management for single applications—e.g., boiler efficiency monitoring—and system-wide solutions

• Expert support from qualified specialists

• A wide-reaching service network.

Looking ahead

When implementing initiatives to reduce energy consumption in industrial applications, accurate measurements are essential for making informed decisions. By generating reliable utilities data, carefully evaluating it in energy management systems, and making informed process adjustments, companies can reduce operating costs, while leading the way with energyefficient practices for a sustainable future.