Pragmatic Energy Conservation in a Biotechnology Plant Through On-Site Energy Audit
摘要
Small-scale industries face significant difficulties in terms of maintaining their profit margin. At the same time, expertise to deal with energy conservation is not generally available on-site. Energy can constitute a significant portion of total expenses for any small-scale organization. Present work aims to put forth salient findings from on-site energy audit conducted in a biotechnology plant situated in Taloja MIDC near Mumbai, Maharashtra. Significant energy saving was observed in thermal insulation as well as electrical system of the plant. Two energy conservation measures are identified which require zero investment while remaining two measures have payback period of 5.42 months and 4 months only. This audit has helped the organization to reduce its energy consumption by 55.60 kVA, resulting in monetary saving of Rs. 260,881/year. Total saving proposed is Rs. 706,201/- with a necessary investment of Rs. 106,514/-. Electricity bill analysis and thermography has been deployed as an important tool for energy conservation during this audit.