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Tackling the efficiency gap with capacity building in industrial energy optimisation

Panel: 3. Energy management: the nuts and bolts

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Rita Werle, Impact Energy, Switzerland
Conrad U. Brunner, Impact Energy, Switzerland
Rolf Tieben, Impact Energy, Switzerland

Abstract

Electric motor systems are responsible for more than 70% of industrial electricity consumption worldwide. Audits in 25 Swiss factories analysing 4 142 motor systems have shown that many motor systems are old, inefficient, oversized, not load controlled and need to be optimised systematically. The efficiency potential of optimising existing motor systems is between 20% to 30%. [1] This optimisation has been hampered by different barriers, including a lack of know-how, competence and capacities of in-house technical staff. Within the electric motor policy in Switzerland, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for new industrial equipment and financial incentives are key elements. With the new Swiss five-year training program Industrial Energy Optimisation (IEO) training is now included in the policy framework, as an effective and cheap instrument to speed up the market transition towards more efficiency in existing factories. IEO aims to train factory engineers working in industrial plants, building a pool of skilled professionals to implement motor systems optimisation projects for the next years. IEO is the first training program of its kind in Switzerland and is unique in the sense that it combines technical knowledge and management skills with a strong practical focus. The goal of IEO is to teach the technical fundamentals of electric motors, applications (pumps, fans, air and cold compressors, conveyors, etc.) and system optimisation including the audit methodology Motor-Systems-Check (www.topmotors.ch). Plus, to train technical staff how to lead in-house energy efficiency projects and explain the necessary investments in order to convince the company management. Courses will be introduced both in the German and French part of Switzerland, in both languages. After the first training editions in the summer of 2016, possibilities for a longer training duration and introduction in other countries will be investigated. IEO is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and managed by Impact Energy, a member of the Swiss Agency for Efficient Energy Use. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of IEO, including the program design, pilot implementation and first lessons learned.

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