Ananya Dyuthi
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
This manuscript presents a comprehensive investigation of energy auditing techniques applied to medium-scale manufacturing plants, focusing on methodologies and tools available up to 2018. An energy audit framework is developed, encompassing preliminary data gathering, on-site measurements, data analysis, and verification phases. Key elements include energy consumption profiling, benchmark comparisons, and simulation of proposed energy conservation measures (ECMs) using software such as MATLAB/Simulink and EnergyPlus (versions ≤ 8.0). A statistical analysis quantifies baseline energy usage and the projected savings from identified ECMs. Five research objectives guide the study, aimed at improving audit accuracy, prioritizing interventions, and assessing financial viability. Simulation research demonstrates the potential for 10–25% energy savings through measures like motor system optimization, lighting retrofits, and HVAC controls. Results indicate that a Level II audit yields the most cost-effective balance between effort and insight. The conclusion discusses implementation challenges, verification protocols, and recommendations for future audit practice in similar industrial settings.
Keywords
energy audit, manufacturing plant, simulation, statistical analysis, energy conservation measures
REFERENCES
- Thollander, P., & Ottosson, M. (2010). An industrial energy‐management system in Swedish industry: Evaluation of energy performance and energy culture. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18(6), 573–580.
- Cagno, E., Trianni, A., Worrell, E., & Koh, S.-C. L. (2013). Analysis of barriers to energy efficiency and GHG emissions reduction in manufacturing SMEs. Journal of Cleaner Production, 51, 144–164.
- de Almeida, A. T., & Ferreira, P. (2015). A comprehensive review of industrial energy audits. Energy Efficiency, 8(2), 149–160.
- Portela, L., da Silva, P. P., & França, L. (2014). An empirical methodology for energy efficiency improvement in small‐to‐medium manufacturing enterprises. Energy Efficiency, 7(2), 341–361.
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2014). Technology Roadmap: Energy Efficiency in Medium and Large Industries. IEA Publications.
- Wu, Y.-C., Rosen, M. A., & Lu, F. (2012). Financial evaluation of industrial energy efficiency improvements: A real case study. Applied Energy, 89(1), 168–177.
- Majumdar, A., & Saha, S. (2016). Review of energy audit tools and methodologies for process industries. Energy Reports, 2, 44–56.
- Smith, M., & Brown, D. (2011). Implementation of energy‐audit strategies in medium‐scale textile mills. Energy and Buildings, 43(12), 3493–3502.
- Welch, J., & Thomson, C. (2012). Energy audit techniques for industrial HVAC systems in manufacturing plants. Applied Thermal Engineering, 43, 75–84.
- Zhang, Y., Li, P., & Wang, L. (2017). Application of infrared thermography to industrial energy audits: Methodology and case study. Infrared Physics & Technology, 84, 65–73.
