Smart Energy Solutions to Improve Efficiency in Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is a crucial component of our nation’s economy; it’s critical for not only day-to-day operations but also in keeping the U.S. competitive in the global market.

However, being a powerhouse has its drawbacks. In order to produce the vital products and services that we depend on, the industrial sector uses 33% of the United States’ energy, and is responsible for 29% of carbon emissions, as of 2020.

It’s in everyone’s best interest that we strive to reduce energy consumption and find ways to use energy more efficiently. Scaling back our carbon footprint is a win-win not only for the environment but for our budgets, too.

How can manufacturing facilities improve energy efficiency through sustainable solutions?

Track and Assess Your Energy Usage

Prior to implementing any new practices or installing different equipment, the first step is to track your building’s energy usage. Look at recent data as well as insights from the last several months. Identify patterns and problem areas regarding the way energy is being used so that accurate analysis can be completed and changes can be made.

Monitor Real-Time Energy Usage

Next, take some time to monitor your equipment in real-time. Timely and accurate information allows you to examine how your devices are performing on a granular level and will help you track inefficiencies while preventing downtime and disruptions.

Consider Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions, which can give you the power to manage capacity, reduce risk, and increase efficiency in real-time.

Invest in Performance Optimization Services

By identifying vulnerabilities and rooting out causes of lost performance, we’ll help you uncover greater productivity and make an enormous impact on your operations.
We’re proud to offer ways in which you can lower energy costs and increase productivity. One of the best ways to do this is through our performance optimization services.

Upgrade, Enhance, and/or Replace Equipment

Once you understand the complete spectrum of your facility’s energy usage, you can look into options for optimizing energy usage and reducing inefficiencies.

Lighting: Switch to LEDs and Motion Sensor Lights

Upgrading a lightbulb may seem inconsequential, but every little bit counts, especially considering the extensive sum of lightbulbs in a typical manufacturing facility.

LED (light-emitting diode) lighting, while more expensive than other alternatives, is arguably the most cost-effective in the long-run in terms of energy savings.

According to energy.gov, LEDs last three to five times longer than a CFL and 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb. Additionally, LEDs emit very little heat. Incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat and CFLs release about 80% of their energy as heat.

With lighting solutions that emit less heat, your manufacturing facility’s HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep up with heating and cooling management.

Furthermore, motion sensor lights can do wonders for your facility’s energy conservation efforts, not only in reducing costs but also in easing the day-to-day operations of your employees.

Thermal Management Systems

We carry a full line of Vertiv cooling systems for a wide variety of applications. Here are a few examples of our thermal management and cooling solutions:

• Heat Rejection Systems: Liebert dry coolers, air-cooled condensers, and other heat rejection systems are designed to improve your efficiency, lower costs, and improve your thermal management.
• Self-contained Rack Solutions: These systems offer a unique solution by incorporating precision air conditioning into the rack. This design eliminates the need for a precision room air conditioner, increases efficiency, and is rapidly deployable. Our solutions range in size from 1/2 to 10 tons (1.6 to 40 kW).
• Small Room/In-Row Cooling Solutions: Our solutions offer superior cooling and humidity control, space-saving configurations, and a variety of mounting options like in-row cooling.

Need help selecting the right equipment? Try our Thermal Management Selection Tool to get a customized recommendation!

Get in Touch with Us to Learn More

Ready to invest in smart energy solutions for your manufacturing facility? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you optimize your efficiency and reduce operational costs!