One‐Day Observational Energy Assessment at Lake Region Medical
On behalf of Electric Ireland, Energy Analytics carried out a one‐day observational energy assessment at Lake Region Medical’s manufacturing facility in New Ross. The objective of the assessment was to quantify and document energy consumption at the facility, while identifying opportunities for energy savings to be made. Energy Analytics then attempted to prioritise the opportunities from the greatest to the least cost effective such that an achievable action plan can be devised by the site.
Over the course of the assessment, our engineers found that production levels, time of day and outside air temperature to be the three most dominant variables that affect the energy consumption of the site. Regression analysis was then carried out for heating degree days, cooling degree days, electricity consumption and diesel consumption. This analysis revealed that heating degree days had the largest influence on energy consumption. Data on production levels throughout the year was not available for analysis, however it was evident from the site visit and discussions with the facilities team that production significantly influences the energy consumption of the site.
A high‐level description of the manufacturing process in place at the facility was documented. Confidentiality issues prevented information on the process being released, hence efforts were focused on identifying energy saving opportunities to reduce the portion of the total energy consumption associated with utilities. Each utility in place at the facility was investigated and all energy saving opportunities were documented with quantified potential savings included where possible. The significant energy users (SEUs) of the site were also defined, as it had not been done prior to the site visit.
In excess of €130,000 per annum of energy saving opportunities were identified as part of the one-day energy assessment and were submitted to be reviewed by the site to determine priorities. Recommended actions that should be progressed immediately included a full review of the BMS and Air Handling Units to find faults (as several broken dampers were observed) and to establish airflows to aid in monitoring. A move to changing the filters of the Air Handling Units based on their condition rather than time in use was also recommended, as it would result in savings in both materials and labour associated with the change out.
Other opportunities identified included: Implementing a floating condenser set point with the refrigeration service provider for chilled water generation; Review compressed air users and assess the opportunities to reduce the compressed air pressure; Discuss set back opportunities in cleanrooms with Quality Personnel; A feasibility study on installing a geothermal heat pump system to provide both heating and cooling simultaneously.